Westbrook gets win in Wizards debut
Point guard acquired from Rockets plays 17 minutes vs. the Pistons
Russell Westbrook made his debut for Washington and finished with eight points in 17 minutes as the Wizards beat the Pistons 99-96 on Saturday.
Thomas Bryant scored 22 and Bradley Beal added 15 for the Wizards.
Jerami Grant and Derrick Rose each scored 14 for the Pistons. Josh Jackson had 13 points, and Detroit got 11 apiece from Blake Griffin, Killian Hayes and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk.
In the first half, Detroit committed 15 turnovers that led to 17 points for Washington, but had just five miscues in the second. The Wizards led by 14 at halftime.
The Pistons tied it at 89-all on Mykhailiuk’s dunk, and the
Wizards called timeout before Jerome Robinson and Troy Brown Jr. each hit a 3 to push the Washington’s lead to 95-89.
Washington, which was missing forward Rui Hachimura due to an eye irritation, scored 40 points in the paint.
Magic 120, Hornets 117: Nikola Vucevic finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds, Cole Anthony scored 19 points and Aaron Gordon had 20 to lead Orlando. Markelle Fultz and Evan Fournier each added 11 points. Devonte’ Graham scored 25 points and Terry
Rozier chipped in with 24 points for the Hornets. Charlotte forward Gordon Hayward missed the game with a finger fracture and hopes to be ready for the season opener.
Hawks 117, Grizzlies 116: Danilo Gallinari led the Hawks with 19 points. Cam Reddish added 18 and John Collins 15. Trae Young finished with 12 points on 4-for-12 shooting. Dillon Brooks, shaking off a knee injury that had him listed as questionable before the game, scored 14 of his 17 points in the first half for Memphis. Shenendehowa graduate Kevin Huerter chipped in 16 points off the bench for Atlanta.