NBA opening night, filled with historical moments

THE much-anticipated National Basketball Association (NBA) season has officially begun, as the league had their opening night, which was filled with several historical moments from both of the opening games. 

The Boston Celtics made history after their ring ceremony and hanging their 18th championship banner when they met and defeated the revamped New York Knicks, 132-109. 

Los Angeles Lakers, meanwhile, made history by fielding LeBron James and LeBron “Bronny” James Jr. at the same time, the NBA’s first father-son tandem, winning 110-103 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Celtics with a statement win

The Boston Celtics did not let their ring night be spoiled as they stomped their way into the season with a statement victory over the New York Knicks, letting it rain from beyond the arc throughout the game. 

The Celtics tied the NBA’s record for most threes in a single game with 29, which was set by the Milwaukee Bucks in a victory over the Miami Heat in December 2020. 

Jayson Tatum hit a three-pointer on his first possession of the season. It was the first of ten three-pointers in the first quarter, and the Celtics never looked back after taking an early 43-24 lead.

Tatum led the squad in scoring, with 37 points, 10 assists, and four rebounds. Derrick White finished with 24 points and four assists, while 2023-2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown had 23 points and seven rebounds. 

The Celtics were also able to hang their 18th banner, making them the winningest NBA franchise in history, after breaking a tie with the Los Angeles Lakers for 17th place previous year.

LakeShow night

The Los Angeles Lakers finally had an opportunity to snap their six-opening game losing record, as they dominated the Minnesota Timberwolves to earn their first victory of the season. 

JJ Redick’s first NBA win as a coach didn’t take long, as he helped the Lakers win their first opening day game since 2016. Nonetheless, the day’s highlight was the father-son duo of LeBron and Bronny.

At the four-minute mark of the second quarter, history was made as the father-son duo took the floor to a standing ovation and cheers from all throughout the arena. Indeed, etched in sports history books.

“It’s always been family over everything. For me, I lost a lot of time because of this league, committing to this league. Being on the road at times, missing a lot of his [Bronny] things, Bryce’s things, Zhuri’s things,” said James.

“So to be able to have this moment, where I’m working still and I can work alongside my son, is one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever got from the man above, and I’m gonna take full advantage of it.”

Bronny finished the game scoreless after two attempts in two minutes of action. Even still, witnessing this historical feat was a watershed moment for the James family and the entire world.

Meanwhile, Anthony Davis went berserk against everyone who guarded him below the shaded area, recording his first double-double of the season with 36 points and 16 rebounds along with four assists, and three blocks. 

Rui Hachimura had an impressive opening day performance with 18 points, five rebounds, and an assist, while LeBron James added 16 points, five rebounds, and four assists for the Lakers’ victory.