Irving scores 50, but Nets fall in OT
Kyrie Irving scored 50 points on 17-for-34 shooting (7-for-14 from three-point range) in a recordsetting Nets debut, but lost his balance and missed a potential winning shot that allowed the Timberwolves to pull out a 127-126 victory in overtime Wednesday night in New York.
After signing with the Nets in July, Irving broke Kiki Vandeweghe’s record for most points by a player in his first game with a team. Vandeweghe scored 47 for Portland in 1984 after playing his first four seasons with Denver.
Karl-Anthony Towns had 36 points and 14 rebounds for the Timberwolves, and Andrew Wiggins finished with 21 points, including the go-ahead basket with 1:19 remaining.
♦ Andre Drummond matched his career high with 32 points and added 23 rebounds, while Luke Kennard (30 points) made three three-pointers in the final six minutes to help the Pistons pull away for a 119-110 victory against the host Pacers.
♦ Jimmy Butler missed the Heat’s 120-101 victory against the visiting Grizzlies for “personal reasons.” Butler was with the team for the morning shootaround, and told the team that he wasn’t going to be able to play around midafternoon. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra says “everything’s fine” and that there is no reason for concern.
♦ Joel Embiid had 15 points and 13 rebounds, while Ben Simmons scored 24 points, and the 76ers beat the visiting Celtics 107-93. Kemba Walker scored 12 points on 4-for-18 shooting in his Celtics debut, while Al Horford had 16 in his first game with the 76ers.
♦ Nikola Jokic had 20 points and 13 rebounds despite sitting much of the first half because of foul trouble, and the Nuggets spoiled the opening game of Portland’s 50th season with a 108-100 victory.