Melo becomes ninth highest scorer in NBA history as Lakers end losing streak
Hornets, Warriors continue perfect starts to the season
Carmelo Anthony came off the bench and became the ninth highest scorer in NBA history as he recorded 28 points for the Los Angeles Lakers in their 121-118 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, ending a run of nine straight defeats.
Having seen the addition of experienced players such as Russell Westbrook, Anthony, Dwight Howard and several others during the off-season, it was a given that the Lakers would compete favourably for the NBA title.
That was not to be the case, however, as the Lakers lost eleven consecutive matches, with their frustration spilling onto the court with Howard and Anthony Davis having to be pulled apart as they lost to the Phoenix Suns in their second match of the season.
While their starters underwhelmed, the bench came to the rescue as Anthony finished with 28 points to become the ninth highest scorer in NBA history, overtaking Moses Malone on the list of scorers. Ja Morant finished with 40 points for the Memphis Grizzlies in the match.
Golden State Warriors improved to 3-0 for the season after picking up a 119-107 win over the Sacramento Kings in their match. Steph Curry recorded a double-double for the Warriors as he finished with 27 points and 10 assists.
Jayson Tatum inspired the Boston Celtics to a first win of the season as they bettered the Houston Rockets 107-97. Tatum contributed 31 points for the Celtics, with teenage rookie Jalen Green dropping 30 points for the Rockets.
Seth Curry contributed 28 points as the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 115-103 to improve to 2-1 for the season.
Cole Anthony recorded a double-double for the Orlando Magic as they defeated the New York Knicks 110-104 for their first win of the season. The 21-year-old contributed 29 points and 16 rebounds for the Magic.
Miles Bridges led the scoring for the Charlotte Hornets as they handed the Brooklyn Nets a second defeat of the season by a 111-95 scoreline. Bridges finished the match with 32 points to help improve the Hornets’ record to 3-0.