Kawhi Leonard scored 30 points and San Antonio spoiled the regular season opener at Sacramento’s new downtown arena with a 102-94 victory on Thursday in NBA action.
LaMarcus Aldridge added 16 points as the Spurs clamped down on defense in the second half led by Leonard’s strong play to win their second straight game to open the season. San Antonio spoiled Kevin Durant’s home debut for Golden State on Tuesday before sending Kings fans home unhappy on what began as a celebratory night in Sacramento.
The arena was raucous pre-game for its first game that counts as there was plenty of emotion from fans who remembered how close the franchise was to moving to Seattle before Vivek Ranadive bought the team in 2013 and reached a deal to build the arena.
Hawks 114, Wizards 99
ATLANTA (AP) — Dwight Howard dominated the boards in his Atlanta debut, Paul Millsap scored 28 points and Tim Hardaway Jr. ignited the new look Hawks in a victory over Washington.
Howard grabbed 19 rebounds to go along with 11 points, just what the Hawks expected from their new center, and it certainly wasn’t unusual for three-time All-Star Millsap to lead the way in scoring.
But Hardaway’s performance was totally unexpected given the way he struggled in his first season with the Hawks, when he was largely confined to the bench and even forced to spend time in the DLeague.
Clippers 114, T-Blazers 106
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Blake Griffin had 27 points and 13 rebounds to lead Los Angeles.
It was a contentious game that had fans booing the officials after two flagrant fouls on Portland players in the fourth quarter. Chris Paul hit a 3- pointer that gave the Clippers a 102-90 lead with 4:07 left and the crowd headed for the exits.
Damian Lillard’s layup got the Blazers within 107- 102 with 35.9 seconds left but the rally fell short.
It was the season opener for the Clippers, the last team in the Western Conference to start the season. Portland opened at home on Tuesday with a 113-104 victory over the Utah Jazz.
Paul also finished with 27 points for the Clippers. Lillard led the Blazers with 29 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out late.
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