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*Photo via AP
The Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves began the night paying their respects to Flip Saunders, who passed away on Sunday after a battle with cancer. The Timberwolves wore shooting shirts “WE” and the Los Angeles Lakers wore shirts that said “Flip” with the same design as the Minneapolis Lakers uniforms as their tribute to both Saunders and the city of Minneapolis. Flip Saunders is the Minnesota Timberwolves all-time winningest coach and also led them to their first playoff berth in 2001.
The Timberwolves were able to beat the Lakers in an exciting nightcap 112 to 111, as Lou Williams missed a floater in the lane as time expired. Maybe this first win can help start the healing process for the Timberwolves.
How did Kobe Bryant fare in his return after sitting out all of last season?
Kobe Bryant began the night scoring 15 in the first half on 6 of 12 shooting from the field and struggled to hit shots in the second half; as he went 2 for 12 the rest of the way. Bryant finished the night with 24 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals and an assist in the Los Angeles Laker season opener.
How did the second unit fare tonight for the Los Angeles Lakers?
Nick Young and Lou Williams carried the scoring load for the Los Angeles Lakers. Williams pitched in 21 points on 6 of 14 shooting along with three rebounds, an assist, and added a block in 27 minutes. Swaggy P accounted for 14 points on 5 of 8 shooting from the field while adding two rebounds in 19 minutes off the bench.
How did number one pick Karl-Anthony Towns and number two pick D’Angelo Russell fare in their rookie debuts?
Let’s start off with number one pick Karl-Anthony Towns, who finished with a double -double of 14 points and 12 rebounds in 32 minutes. Number two pick D’Angelo Russell’s debut was not as news worthy as his counterpart, as he finished with 4 points on 2 of 7 shooting and more turnovers (three) than assists (two).
What were Julius Randle, Roy Hibbert, and Jordan Clarkson’s contributions in the season opener?
Julius Randle was able to record a double- double of 15 points and 11 rebounds in 30 minutes. Jordan Clarkson added 14 points with three rebounds and three assists of his own. Finally Roy Hibbert added in 12 points with 10 rebounds.
Who stole the show and grabbed the spotlight for the Minnesota Timberwolves?
Ricky Rubio stole the show by recording a career high 28 points and racking up 14 assists. Rubio was definitely in the gym working on his scoring this summer as he wasn’t really considered as a scoring threat in seasons past. Andrew Wiggins scored a measly nine points with Kevin Garnett providing help on the glass collecting seven rebounds. As for the bench, Kevin Martin, Zach LaVine, Shabazz Muhammad and Nemanja Bjelica led the second unit with combined 49 points.