The Wrap-Up: The Day The NBA Returned

After a 107 day absence, basketball fans were able to rejoice last night with the return of the NBA.

And up until 2013/14 NBA Champions are crowned, UKAmericanSportsFans.com will be staying awake each and every night to watch the games (including Sixers-Bobcats), providing a recap each morning so that you can catch up when you wake up for work.

The new season tipped-off with the title-challenging Indiana Pacers hosting the tanking/investing-in-youth Orlando Magic, with the Pacers overcoming the spirited visitors, 97-87. Paul George led all scorers with 24 points, while Danny Granger’s deputy, Lance Stephenson, had 19. Roy Hibbert recorded seven blocked shots on the night. The Magic’s Andrew Nicholson shone brightest for the losers with 18 points.

The Miami Heat collected their 2012/13 championship rings and ensured there was no repeat of the blow-out opening night defeat to the Bulls that they suffered back in 2006, by putting their stamp on their rivals, winning 107-95. The Heat had seven players in double-digit points and made 11-20 from deep, while for the Bulls, Derrick Rose’s long awaited return saw him struggle to 12 points on 4 of 15 shooting.

On paper the Battle of LA looked like an easy Clippers win, with their star-studded line-up going against a Lakers team that had limped into the new season without Kobe Bryant. But despite double-doubles from both DeAndre Jordan and Chris Paul, it wasn’t enough as the Lakers grabbed the win, 116-103. Pau Gasol had 15 points and 13 rebounds while former D-Leaguer, Xavier Henry, top scored with 22.

Blake Griffin had this nice throw down to entertain LA: