NBA Recap: No. 1 pick Banchero makes history on NBA debut, Bulls down Heat

2022 NBA Draft class number one pick Paolo Banchero made history on his NBA debut for the Orlando Magic despite ending up on the losing side of a 113-109 game against the Detroit Pistons.

Banchero became only the third number one pick since 1969 to record 25+ points, 5+ rebounds and 5+ assists on his NBA debut. The other two to achieve this were Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James. Banchero led his side in scoring with 27 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Cade Cunningham, the number one pick of 2021, finished with a double-double for the Pistons with 18 points and 10 assists.

Zion Williamson marked his NBA return with a dominant performance for the New Orleans Pelicans as they defeated the Brooklyn Nets  130-108 in their season opener. He scored 25 points for his team, and Brandon Ingram added 28 points of his own. Kevin Durant led the scoring in the game with 32 points.

The Chicago Bulls claimed a 116-108 win over the Miami Heat in their NBA season opener in Miami. DeMar DeRozan led the scoring with 37 points and Nikola Vucevic contributed 15 points and 17 rebounds in the game. Jimmy Butler scored 24 points for the Heat.

The Toronto Raptors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 108-105 in their NBA season opener. Pascal Siakam scored 23 points and 11 rebounds for the Raptors and 2022 Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes scored 15 points. Precious Achiuwa also contributed 10 points for the Raptors. Donovan Mitchell led the scoring in the game with 31 points in his Cavaliers debut.

The Washington Wizards defeated the Indiana Pacers 114-107 in their NBA season opener in Indiana. Bradley Beal led the scoring for the Wizards with 23 points, and Kyle Kuzma scored 22 points and 13 rebounds. Tyrese Haliburton scored 26 points for the Pacers.

The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Houston Rockets 117-107 in their NBA clash. John Collins led the scoring with 24 points for the Hawks, and Trae Young contributed 23 points and 13 assists for the side. Rookie Jabari Smith Jr scored 17 points for the Rockets on his NBA debut.

Ja Morant started the season in good form for the Memphis Grizzlies in their 115-112 OT win over the New York Knicks. Morant contributed 34 points for his side as Julius Randle recorded 24 points and 11 rebounds for the Knicks.

The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 115-108 in their NBA clash. Rudy Gobert led the scoring for the Timberwolves on his NBA debut with 23 points and 16 rebounds. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the scoring in the game with 32 points for the Thunder.

The Charlotte Hornets picked up a 129-102 win over the San Antonio Spurs in their season opener. Terry Rozier led the scoring with 24 points and Gordon Hayward scored 20. Keldon Johnson also scored 20 points and 11 rebounds for the Spurs.

The Utah Jazz defeated the Denver Nuggets 123-102 in their season opener in Utah. Colin Sexton led the scoring for his new side with 20 points ad Lauri Markkanen recorded 17 points in the game. Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic scored 27 points for the Nuggets.

The Phoenix Suns defeated the Dallas Mavericks 107-105 in their season opener. Devin Booker led the scoring for his side with 28 points and DeAndre Ayton scored 18 points and 10 rebounds. Luka Doncic scored 35 points for the Mavericks in the game.

The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Sacramento Kings 115-108 in their NBA season opener. Jerami Grant led the scoring for Portland with 23 points and Anfernee Simons scored 22 points. De’Aaron Fox scored 33 points for the Kings in the clash.