NBA new season: first win for the Raptors

By Guillaume Mahot

Last night was the official launch of the brand new NBA season with both Los Angeles teams, Toronto and New Orleans opening hostilities for this 2019/2020 new vintage. In the Californian derby, the Clippers grasped victory (112-102). In the meantime, the last champions defeated New Orleans after prolongations 130-122.

Without Kawhi Leonard, challenging the Lakers on the other side of the continent, the Raptors led by Cameroonian forward Pascal Siakam had to play their first extended game right from the first confrontation to get a first win at home. After a 117-117 in the end of the fourth quarter, the Canadian franchise was supported by their usual leaders to make Pelicans leave Ontario with a defeat. Last MIP Siakam had 34 points and 18 rebounds, already achieving a great performance, while his point guard Kyle Lowry added up 22 unities.

[bctt tweet=”Meaningful, tweetable article.”]

Fred VanVleet, present in the starting lineup with English Nigerian OG Anunoby (both players used to sit on the bench when Leonard and Green were part of the team), put 34 points, record in career. The 11 points from Anunoby and the 13 points from Spanish Congolese center Serge Ibaka contributed as well in a game that began with the ring ceremony to reward the 2019 champion’s title, a present that was offered by the NBA commissioner Adam Silver for the occasion.

New Orleans, without rookie Zion Williamson, injured for a couple of weeks, relied on former Lakers Brandon Ingram (22 points) and Josh Hart (15 points) to try to make a difference…That did not happen. Anyway, this beginning of season, like any other one, will be a laboratory for many squads that need to create a good alchemy and incorporate new elements who can be very numerous. In New Orleans, you can take for instance Ingram, Favors, Redick, Ball, Hart…

Next round this evening with an appealing Philadelphia-Boston in the East.

Africa Global News Publication