The Oklahoma City Thunder started the NBA season with a surprise 102-87 victory over the Denver Nuggets, thanks to strong performances by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren. Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished second behind Nikola Jokic in MVP voting last season, scored 28 points while Holmgren added 25 points, a career-high 14 rebounds, four blocks, and two steals. The Thunder stymied the reigning champions, once leading by as many as 20 points, while the visitors only struggled on offense to shoot as high as 35.4% from the field.
Jokic finished with a triple-double, but Denver scored only 15 shots on 54 attempts in the second half after Oklahoma City took over, while he chipped in with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists. On both ends, Holmgren’s versatility was a factor as he blocked a Jokic shot before racing downcourt for a dunk; it was one of many plays that showcased the Thunder’s relentless energy. “I’m just trying to make winning plays,” Holmgren said afterward.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks opened their account with a 120-109 win over the San Antonio Spurs through their newest acquisition, Klay Thompson. The four-time NBA champion contributed 22 points in his Mavs debut to add depth with Luka Doncic, who chipped in with 28 points and 10 rebounds. “Couldn’t ask for a better start… just a small step for where we want to go,” Thompson said after his first outing with Dallas. The Mavericks are banking on the experience that Thompson will bring to push them past a season-ending loss in the NBA Finals to Boston a season ago.
San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama, trying to get off to an even better start than his Rookie of the Year season a year ago, had a poor shooting night with 17 points on just five of 18 shots. The Spurs committed 19 turnovers that the Mavericks turned into 17 points. Even veteran Chris Paul, who the Spurs signed in the offseason to add some veteran leadership to the club, was subdued with just three points and eight assists.
In other action, the Boston Celtics won their second in a row, beating the Washington Wizards 122-102. The Celtics pulled away after a slow start with a late first-half run. Jaylen Brown celebrated his 28th birthday by scoring 27 points, while Jayson Tatum added 25 points and 11 rebounds. Boston’s Derrick White had 19 as they cruised to victory and showed why they are considered once again a title contender.
