Western Conference Recap: Zion Williamson Explodes In Opener Against Memphis Grizzlies

Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans highlight the Western Conference with a victory over the Memphis Grizzlies

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The New Orleans Pelicans moved to 1-0 on the young season with a 111-104 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Zion Williamson was the star of the show. He scored 23 points, along with seven rebounds and three assists. Williamson recorded multiple highlight-reel dunks.

Guard Desmond Bane led the way for Memphis in the absence of star Ja Morant. He recorded 31 points, five assists, five rebounds, and two steals. Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. thrived with five blocks but only scored eight points.

-The Sacramento Kings hope to pick up right where they left off last season, defeating the Utah Jazz 130-114. Veteran Harrison Barnes was the leading scorer for the Kings with 33. Meanwhile, All-Star Domantas Sabonis added 22 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists.

The Jazz struggled defensively, but guard Jordan Clarkson scored 24 points on 50 percent shooting. All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen recorded 19 points and 10 rebounds.

-The regular-season debut for San Antonio Spurs No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama was a disappointment for his standards until the fourth quarter. The Dallas Mavericks get the victory 126-119, led by Luka Doncic’s 30-point triple double. Wembanyama concluded the game with nine points in the fourth.

-With the Los Angeles Clippers All-Star duo healthy, they defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 123-111. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George combined for 50 points and 12 assists.

The Blazers backcourt played efficient games but couldn’t handle the star power of Los Angeles. Malcolm Brogdon scored 20 points, while Anfernee Simons added 18.

-The Minnesota Timberwolves lose to the Toronto Raptors in a narrow 97-94 defeat. Rising star Anthony Edwards scored 26 points along with 14 rebounds on poor efficiency. The star frontcourt of Karl Anthony-Towns and Rudy Gobert recorded double-doubles.

Defense was key to the Raptors success in this game. OG Anunoby and Scottie Barnes recorded multiple steals and blocks. While guard Dennis Schroder scored 22 points on 47.1 percent shooting.

-The Oklahoma City Thunder take down the Chicago Bulls 124-104 in a blowout victory. For the Thunder, superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showed up in the opener. He recorded 31 points and 10 assists on 66.7 percent shooting. Stars Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams added 16 points each.

Chicago’s stars Zach Lavine and Demar DeRozan were mentioned in trade rumors this offseason. However, nothing amounted to the talk. The Bulls appear to be headed towards another mediocre season following the disappointing loss.

-The Orlando Magic cruised past the Houston Rockets in a 116-86 victory. Orlando’s Cole Anthony led the team, scoring 20 points along with eight rebounds. Former No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero added 12 points, five rebounds, and five assists.

Outside of center Alpren Sengun, who recorded 14 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, Houston struggled. Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet scored 14 points. Meanwhile, young stars Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Amen Thompson struggled.

Eastern Conference Recap: Kristaps Porzingis And Jayson Tatum Lead Boston Celtics To Victory Over New York Knicks

Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Inside the Heat.

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