Huerter struggles, not Hawks
Shen grad does not score, but Atlanta wins its opener
Trae Young had 38 points and nine assists and the Atlanta Hawks opened the season with a 117-100 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night.
John Collins added 20 points and 10 rebounds, and Jabari Parker had 18 points. Vince Carter checked in for Atlanta with 6:52 left in the first quarter, becoming the first player to see action in 22 NBA seasons.
Shenendehowa graduate Kevin Huerter, who has had knee issues, played 14 minutes for the Hawks, going 0-for-3 from the field (two 3-pointers) and committing five fouls and three turnovers, although he had four rebounds and five assists.
Derrick Rose led Detroit with 27 points, and Andre Drummond had 21 points and 12 rebounds. On Wednesday night in Indiana, Drummond had 32 points and 23 rebounds in Detroit ’s season-opening victory.
Bucks 117, Rockets 111: Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 30 points before fouling out and his supporting cast held on to lead Milwaukee to a victory over Houston. Antetokounmpo, the MVP last season, fouled out with about five minutes remaining. The Bucks led by six when Antetokounmpo fouled out. He walked to coach Mike Budenholzer and implored him to challenge the call, but he’d already used his one challenge per game that coaches get this season and couldn’t do anything to help his superstar. Russell Westbrook had 24 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists in his return to the Rockets. James Harden added 19 points, 14 assists and seven rebounds. He was 2-for-13 from the field, 1-for-8 on 3s and made 14 free throws without a miss. Suspension: Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton has been suspended for 25 games without pay by the NBA for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-drug Program by testing positive for a diuretic. The NBA announced the suspension Thursday night. The first overall pick last year out of Arizona, Ayton averaged 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds as a rookie. He had 18 points and 11 rebounds Wednesday night in the Suns’ season-opening home victory over Sacramento.