Only four games around the NBA on Friday, so let’s get to all of them:
Bucks Without Giannis Stun Warriors
The Milwaukee Bucks (4-1) stunned the Golden State Warriors (4-2), 120-110, at Fiserv Forum even without main man Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Stepping up in the Greek Freak’s absence was Ryan Rollins, who set a career high for the second straight game with 32 big points for the Bucks on five triples. He also had 8 assists. Offseason acquisitions Myles Turner and Cole Anthony also showed out, with the former chipping in 17 points and 7 rebounds and the latter adding 16 off the bench.
Steph Curry led the Warriors with 27 points, followed by 24 from Jonathan Kuminga and 23 from Jimmy Butler.
Spurs Overcome Heat for Historic Start
Victor Wembanyama had another spectacular all-around tour de force in leading the San Antonio Spurs (5-0) to a 107-101 triumph against the Miami Heat (3-2) at Frost Bank Center.
Wemby finished with 27 points, 18 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 blocks, and 1 steal to lead San Antonio to its best five-game start in franchise history—the first time ever it started 5-0. Sophomore Stephon Castle continued to be Robin to Wemby’s Batman as he put up 21 points, 6 boards, and 8 dimes, while Devin Vassell added 17 markers and 9 caroms.
Bam Adebayo fired 31 points on top of 10 rebounds and 3 assists in his big-man battle with Wembanyama, while Andrew Wiggins continued his strong play for the Heat with 24 points and 6 boards.
Thunder Smother Wizards, Hike Record to 6-0
The Oklahoma City Thunder (6-0) are rolling to start the season, notching their sixth straight win with a 127-108 rout of the Washington Wizards (1-4) at Paycom Center.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander flashed MVP form once again, putting up 31 points and 7 assists while attempting just six free throws. Isaiah Joe and Ajay Mitchell came off the bench to add 20 apiece on seven combined triples.
CJ McCollum topped the Wizards with 19 points, while Bilal Coulibaly added 16.
Magic Snap Skid with Victory Over Hornets
The Orlando Magic (1-4) snapped a four-game slide with a 123-107 triumph over the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center.
Franz Wagner had a team-high 21 points to lead the Magic, who got 20 apiece from Paolo Banchero and Anthony Black. Banchero added 9 rebounds and 9 assists, while Black had 2 steals and 2 blocks.
Collin Sexton led the Hornets with 19 off the bench but also committed 3 of Charlotte’s 21 turnovers. LaMelo Ball scattered 17 points and 13 assists but had 3 turnovers and was just 1-for-9 from the arc.
