The Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers, two play-in teams from last season, bannered Tuesday’s NBA action, and they did not disappoint, going down the wire for an exciting 109-105 finish in favor of the Suns in The Valley. But, aside from this marquee matchup, a lot went on elsewhere in yet another fruitful game day early in the 2024–25 NBA Season.
Paolo Banchero Nets First 50-Piece of the 2024–25 NBA Season
The first 50-point game of the 2024–25 NBA Season came early, courtesy of the Orlando Magic’s Paolo Banchero, whose 50 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists helped the Magic outlast the Indiana Pacers, 119-116, at the Kia Center in Orlando.
With his 50-piece, Banchero became the first Magic to score at least 50 since March 10, 2004, when Tracy McGrady dropped a franchise-high 62 against the Washington Wizards. Banchero is also now the second youngest forward to breach the half-century mark after LeBron James, who scored 50 back in 2006 at the age of 21.
Curiously, last season’s first 50-point game happened on the same date—October 29—when Zach Lavine scored a career-high 51 versus the Detroit Pistons.
Utah Jazz Sophomore Taylor Hendricks Breaks Leg, Is Out of the Season
Hendricks, the ninth overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, has been ruled out of the season after suffering a gruesome leg injury in the Jazz’s 110-102 loss to the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center in Texas.
The freak accident occurred at the 5:59 mark of the third quarter, when Hendricks collapsed without any contact near the Jazz baseline and his lower right leg turned gruesomely to the outside. The initial diagnosis is that the 20-year-old suffered a fractured right fibula and dislocated ankle. He will be reevaluated when the team goes back to Utah.
Hendricks had just become a starter for the Jazz this season after averaging 7.3 points and 4.6 rebounds as a rookie.
Steven Adams Returns to Action, Helps Rockets Beat Spurs
Steven Adams made a triumphant return to the big league on Tuesday, playing 13-something minutes and chipping in 6 points and 3 boards to help the Rockets to a 106-101 win over the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center in Texas.
Adams, who was traded to the Rockets this offseason, had been out of commission since January 2023 after right knee surgery. He also missed Houston’s first three games of this season due to a left calf strain.
With the Kiwi’s return, the young Rockets get another veteran presence to steady their youthful core led by Fil-Am Jalen Green and big man Alperen Sengun.
