Suns bag first win
DEVIN BOOKER scored 22 points, including two free throws with 9.8 seconds to play, and the Phoenix Suns beat the Sacramento Kings 117-115 on Monday night for their first win of the season in their first game under interim coach Jay Triano. Phoenix fired coach Earl Watson on Sunday and guard Eric Bledsoe was sent home Monday morning after he sent out a tweet over the weekend that left the impression he no longer wanted to play for the Suns.
Despite the tumultuous stretch for the franchise, Phoenix shot 54.5 per cent from the field and held on after Sacramento rallied in the final period. Marquese Chriss scored 19 points, and Mike James finished with 18.
The Kings have dropped three of four to begin the season. Garrett Temple scored 23 points for Sacramento, and rookie De’Aaron Fox had 19.
BUCKS 103, HORNETS 94
Giannis Antetokounmpo had 32 points and 14 rebounds, and the Bucks scored the final nine points in the win.
Antetokounmpo was 13 for 21 from the field and six for eight at the line. He also had six assists and blocked two shots.
Khris Middleton added 20 points for Milwaukee, who played their third game in four days, all at home.
Charlotte, who missed their last seven shots after the score was tied at 94, was led by Frank Kaminsky’s 18 points. Jeremy Lamb added 17 points, Kemba Walker had 15 and Dwight Howard grabbed 22 rebounds — three shy of the team record.
76ERS 97, PISTONS 86
Ben Simmons had a triple-double in his fourth NBA game, Joel Embiid scored 30 points and Philadelphia got their first win of the season.
Simmons had 21 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists, showing off the skill and versatility that made him the No. 1 pick in the 2016 draft before he missed all of last season with a foot injury.
Detroit, who rallied from a 21point deficit to beat the New York Knicks on Saturday night, fell behind by 21 again in the second quarter against the 76ers. The Pistons chipped away and were within three in the fourth, but Philadelphia held on.
Andre Drummond had 14 points and 14 rebounds for the Pistons.
WIZARDS 109, NUGGETS 104
Bradley Beal scored 20 points, helping the undefeated Wizards to another victory.
All five Washington starters scored in double figures. John Wall had 19 points on 3-of-13 shooting and finished with 12 assists. Otto Porter Jr. added 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Denver centre Nikola Jokic broke out of a scoring slump with 29 points. His running layup early in the first quarter ended a string of six straight quarters without a point. The Wizards finished 26 of 28 from the free-throw line.
Other Results: Grizzles 98, Rockets 90; Warriors 133, Mavericks 103; Heat 104, Hawks 93; Spurs 101, Raptors 97.