By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Giannis Antetokounmpo tipped off his 2019-20 NBA regular season run with 30 points to go along with 13 rebounds and 11 assists, tallied 1 block and 1 steal as well. The Greek Freak fouled out with five minutes to go, but the Milwaukee Bucks maintained their lead for the 117-111 win against the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center. “They did an amazing job,” said Antetokounmpo referring to his teammates, “Moving the ball, knocking down shots.”
Ersan Ilyasova put up 13 points and grabbed 11 boards in 20 minutes of work from the bench on Thursday, Dragan Bender and Thanasis Antetokounmpo were inactive. For the Rockets, Clint Capela finished with 13 points, 12 rebounds, 3 rejections and 1 steal, teammate Thabo Sefolosha took down 5 boards but did not make a bucket in 10 minutes. Fellow European Isaiah Hartenstein was left out.
The Los Angeles Clippers spoiled the Golden State Warriors’ opener at the Chase Center with a 141-122 victory. Croatian Ivica Zubac posted a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double, also rejected a couple of shots and dished 1 assist. Warrior’s Alen Smailagic was not part of the 12-man squad.
Earlier the Atlanta Haws beat the Detroit Pistons, 117-100, at the Little Caesars Arena behind Trae Young’s 38 points. Ukrainian Alex Len started and contributed to the win the opener with 4 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 dime and 1 block. On the hosts, Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk did not play and Sekou Doumbouya (concussion) was inactive.