Couldn't catch all the action from the NBA today? Fear not, here's what went down on a big day of basketball action.
Proceedings began with a mild, lower-tier clash between the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers. In what was a high scoring affair, the Cavaliers moved to 2-2 for the season winning this one by single digits.
Kevin Love lead his team and continued his hot start to the season, collecting 17 points and 20 rebounds. Through four games, the power forward now averages 16 points, 16 rebounds and 5 assists.
Highlight: Collin Sexton making Bulls centre Wendell Carter look silly on this slam.
Colin Sexton put him on a poster pic.twitter.com/iLJqiItFYC
— Pro Sports Nation (@ProSportsN) October 31, 2019
Next up, Orlando played host to the Knicks in a game that was never going to draw a lot of interest on a big night for NBA hoops. Across the board, Magic pulled away late in the fourth to notch their second win of the season.
Aaron Gordon (15 pts, 11 reb) tallied his first double-double of the season, while Nikola Vucevic (21 pts, 13 reb) enjoyed his third double-double through four games.
Highlight: AG capping off the night with a beautiful reverse dunk.
Aaron Gordon putting in his early audition for the dunk contest #Magic pic.twitter.com/sFmSUOL78U
— bzap throne (@bzapthrone) October 31, 2019
If you've looked across social media today, you would have seen videos of a wild brawl/entanglement between centers Joel Embiid and Karl Anthony-Towns during the 76ers/Timberwolves game.
Our Aussie superstar Ben Simmons flashed signs of brilliance - and a potential future in the WWE - to secure the win at home, 117 to 95. The 76ers, along with San Antonio are the only teams to remain undefeated.
Highlight: Undeniably, this 'scuffle' between two of the best big men the NBA has to offer.
KAT and Embiid GOING AT IT.
Wow. pic.twitter.com/bXjAGiB5ul
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 31, 2019
A match up of Eastern conference heavyweights saw Indiana beat Brookyln, and Boston taking care of Milwaukee. Despite a hot start from new Nets guard Kyrie Irving (averaging 38 points from four games), Brooklyn have now fallen to 1-3 for the season.
Malcolm Brogdon has thrived in fresh colours, the Pacers guard scored a near triple-double of 21 pts, 8 reb and 13 assists. For the Celtics, all of Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum and Gordon Hayward combined for 78 points.
Highlight: Walker putting the dance moves on the league's MVP on his way to 32 points.
Kemba Walker is a baaaad man. https://t.co/LzZSf1te7j
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 31, 2019
Detroit and Toronto battled it out in their first meeting of the season, the Raps moved to 4 - 1 sitting second in the East standings. 2019 Most Improved winner added in 30/5/5, while Andre Drummond (21 pts, 22 reb) continues to raise his free agency value with another dominant performance on the glass.
Highlight: New fan-favourite in Canada, the legend of Paskal Siakam.
Pascal Siakam has 30 points through three quarters as the Toronto Raptors lead the Detroit Pistons, 101-85. ๐ฅ pic.twitter.com/acrGqbt5Mc
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) October 31, 2019
In Washington, the Rockets and Wizards went on an absolute score-fest. Both teams combined for a whopping 317 team points, which included a record 43 made three-pointers! The final score, 159 - 158. Bradley Beal scored 46 points on 70% shooting from the field, but was overshadowed by a classic 59-point game from James Harden.
Highlight: Here is a whole minute of Harden highlights for your viewing pleasure.
James Harden WENT OFF for 59 PTS! ๐ณ#OneMission pic.twitter.com/qtIrUPNN3b
— NBA TV (@NBATV) October 31, 2019
In yet another close one, the Portland Trailblazers edged out Oklahoma City for their second win of the season. Hassan Whiteside collected 12pts/12rebs in just 24 minutes as he was forced to the locker room with a suspected knee injury, but it was the Damian Lillard show as he dished up a season-high 13 assists to go along with 23 points.
Highlight: New Blazer Kent Bazemore with some fancy foot work to stretch the lead early.
We know we said trick or treat but this is too tricky! pic.twitter.com/jPsFDhhvz9
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) October 31, 2019
Closing the night, Charlotte provided Sacramento with their fifth straight loss of the season, while Utah finished the daily schedule with a strong victory over a Kawhi-less Clippers team. Mike Conley finally found his shooting touch, scoring 15 points in the third term.
Highlight: A brutal one-handed fast break slam from Bojan Bogdanovic.
beware the สแดษขแดสแดแดษด pic.twitter.com/XhMPLJcLht
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) October 31, 2019
If you are Golden State Warriors fan and you've checked the box scores for today, you'll see that things are going from bad to worse. They couldn't crack into the large deficit placed by Phoenix, who despite making some solid off-season moves finished dead last in the West standings last season.
What is even worse news for the Warriors, two-time MVP Steph Curry landed awkwardly and suffered an expected broken hand. The full of extent of the injury is unknown, but it's likely Curry will miss several weeks, joining their long line of injured players which includes sharpshooter Klay Thompson.
With former number one pick Deandre Ayton suspended, it has opened the door for Australian Aron Baynes to impact games.In just 28 minutes, the Aussie center poured in 24 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks.
Highlight:ย It has to our man Baynes going off for arguably career-best night.
Trying to score on Baynes?
You're gonna have a bad time... pic.twitter.com/NqIabiUipq
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 31, 2019