In National Basketball Association action Wednesday, the Boston Celtics opened their season with a 114-100 overtime win over the New York Knicks, spoiling Larry Brown's debut as New York's coach. Brown had spent the last two seasons coaching the Detroit Pistons.
In Orlando, the Indiana Pacers Ron Artest took the court for the first time in almost a year ago, and was roundly booed by the Orlando fans. But he shook off the chilly reception and scored 16 points to help the Pacers to a 90-78 victory over the Magic in the season opener for both teams. Artest was suspended last year after he charged into the stands and attacked a fan after being hit in the face by a beverage cup during an altercation in Detroit.
Meanwhile, Kobe Bryant hit the game winning shot in overtime to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 99-97 win over the Denver Nuggets. The game marked the return to the Lakers of head coach Phil Jackson.
Elsewhere in the NBA Wednesday it was:
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Washington Wizards 99 |
Toronto Raptors 96 |
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Cleveland Cavaliers 109 |
New Orleans Hornets 97 |
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Milwaukee Bucks 110 |
New York Nets 96 |
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Miami Heat 97 |
Memphis Grizzlies 78 |
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Minnesota Timberwolves 90 |
Portland Trailblazers 86 |
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Detroit Pistons 108 |
Philadelphia 76ers 88 |
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Houston Rockets 98 |
Sacramento Kings 89 |
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Chicago Bulls 109 |
Carolina Bobcats 105 |
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Utah Jazz 93 |
Dallas Mavericks 82 |
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Los Angeles Clippers 101 |
Seattle Supersonics 93 |
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Golden State Warriors 122 |
Atlanta Hawks 97 |