New Orleans 123, Cleveland 101
The New Orleans Pelicans, victimized by freak injuries and even more freakish play for much of the last three seasons, have spent a lot of time rolling the boulder up the hill.
Boston 96, Miami 90
Kyrie Irving shrugged off early shooting woes when it mattered most.
Oklahoma City 101, Chicago 69
As much point production as the Oklahoma City Thunder have at their disposal, Russell Westbrook chooses to put more emphasis on how his team performs defensively.
Memphis 103, Houston 89
On opening night at FedEx Forum, fans booed forward Chandler Parsons. They were upset that he averaged only 6.2 points last year in just 34 games, his first season in Memphis after signing a four-year, $94 million contract.
Philadelphia 112, Dallas 110
Rising stars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons continue to put the league on notice as each scored 23 points to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 112-110 road win against the Dallas Mavericks Saturday night at American Airlines Center.
Utah 96, L.A. Lakers 81
Indecisiveness on offense characterized Donovan Mitchell's approach during his first few NBA games, and the rookie guard hated it. The Utah Jazz guard was putting too much extra thought into whether he should pass or shoot.
Portland 114, Phoenix 107
The Phoenix Suns have come a long way since Oct. 18, when they were walloped by Portland 124-76 at Talking Stick Resort Arena -- but not quite far enough to pull out a win over the Trail Blazers.
Detroit 95, L.A. Clippers 87
Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers knew his team wouldn't go unbeaten all season, but he didn't expect they'd go down so easily.