Battle of the Rookies: Cunningham overcomes Jalen Green in Pistons win

Numbers one and two draft picks of the 2021 class, Cade Cunningham and Jalen Green, faced off for the first time in the NBA as the Houston Rockets played host to the Detroit Pistons at the Toyota Center.

The Pistons picked up a 112-104 win, with Jerami Grant leading the scoring with 35 points, five rebounds and three assists for them as they picked up only their second win of the season to improve to 2-8. The Rockets, on the other hand, are now 1-9

It was the first time that rivals Cade Cunningham and Jalen Green came across each other on the court. Jalen Green had started the rivalry by saying that he felt he should have been the #1 pick on draft night, and backed up his statement with an impressive start to the season while Cunningham recovered from an injured ankle.

The pair did not disappoint, but it was the actual number one pick that emerged victoriously. Cunningham contributed 20 points, four rebounds and three assists for his side, and Jalen Green led the scoring for the Rockets with 23 points, five rebounds and two assists.

Los Angeles Lakers defeated Miami Heat 120-117 in OT. Russell Westbrook contributed his now-trademark triple-double for the Lakers with 25 points, 12 rebounds and 14 assists. Anthony Davis contributed 24 points and 13 rebounds for the Lakers.

Golden State Warriors picked up a 123-110 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in their NBA clash. Andrew Wiggins led the scoring for the Warriors with 35 points, and Steph Curry recorded 25 points. The Warriors are now 10-1 since the start of the season.

Phoenix Suns picked up a 119-109 win over the Portland Trail Blazers in their NBA match. Frank Kaminsky came off the bench to record 31 points, seven rebounds and three assists for the Suns, and Chris Paul contributed 21 points.

In the absence of the suspended Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets managed to defeat the Indiana Pacers 101-98 and improve to 7-4. Will Barton led the scoring with 30 points, six rebounds and three assists.

San Antonio Spurs defeated the Sacramento Kings 136-117. Dejounte Murray led the scoring for the Spurs with 26 points, six rebounds and seven assists in the game.

Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 108-100 to condemn the Pelicans to an eleventh loss in twelve games this season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort combined for 51 points for the Thunder in the game.

Chicago Bulls defeated the Dallas Mavericks 117-107. Zach LaVine contributed 23 points with three rebounds and three assists, and Lonzo Ball contributed 21 points with six rebounds and six assists for the Bulls.

Charlotte Hornets picked up a 118-108 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Kelly Oubre Jr led the scoring for the Hornets with 37 points, five rebounds and an assist.

The Boston Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors 104-88. Jayson Tatum contributed a double-double for the Celtics with 22 points and 12 rebounds. Dennis Schroder also contributed 20 points in the win.

Milwaukee Bucks picked up a 112-100 win over the New York Knicks at the Madison Square Garden. Giannis Antetokounmpo contributed 15 points and 15 rebounds, and Pat Connaughton contributed 23 points.

Brooklyn Nets defeated the Orlando Magic 123-90 in another of their away games. Kevin Durant contributed 30 points, and James Harden recorded a triple-double of 17 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.

Washington Wizards picked up a 97-94 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers away from home. Montrezl Harrell recorded 22 points and 11 rebounds, and Kyle Kuzma contributed 22 points for the Wizards.