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By Johnny Askounis / [email protected]
The Los Angeles Clippers lost an early 22-point lead but still outscored the Los Angeles Lakers, 116-109, on Tuesday night. Paul George made 26 of his 33 points, the game-high in the second half of the opening night contest of the 2020-21 NBA regular season.
In his Clippers debut, Serge Ibaka produced 15 points, six rebounds and a block as a starting center. Frenchman Nicolas Batum also started with three points, six assists, six rebounds and two steals. Croatian Ivica Zubac added 11 points, six rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block from the bench. Kawhi Leonard had 26 points in the victory in response to the defending champions’ brief ring ceremony before the game.
A couple of European starters for the Lakers too. German Dennis Schroder posted a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds and also posted eight assists. However, Marc Gasol did not attempt a shot in 12 minutes, he was limited to a rebound and an assist on the night. LeBron James finished with 22 points, the best for the team.
Previously, the Brooklyn Nets took home victory, 125-99, against the Golden State Warriors in the first game of the 2020-21 season. Kevin Durant returned to action after a long injury layoff and scored 22 points against his former team. Kyrie Irving scored 26 points and Caris LeVert scored 20.
France’s Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot made a five-point contribution and also grabbed two rebounds in seven minutes. Latvian Rodions Kurucs threw three points and one rebound.
On the losing end, Stephen Curry posted a double-double of 20 points and 10 assists. Serbian Alen Smailagic (knee) was ruled out for the first match. Two-way Nico Mannion was out too.
Photo credit: Los Angeles Clippers
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