As expected, Jimmy Butler was serenaded with a chorus of boos during introductions at Target Center.
Timberwolves fans continued to boo Butler every time he touched the ball in the first quarter, until he stole a pass and fed Taj Gibson for a dunk. The crowd immediately roared, as if the fans forgot who they were upset with because the play happened so fast.
The four-time All-Star had plenty more highlight-reel dunks and steals from there. Soon enough, some “MVP! MVP! MVP!” chants broke out as the Wolves went on a 52-23 run into the second quarter.
Butler, who requested a trade from Minnesota exactly one month ago, finished with a team-high 33 points, seven rebounds and three assists in the Wolves’ 131-123 victory over the Cavaliers.
Jerebko’s shot at redemption
Less than three months after getting waived by the Jazz, Jonas Jerebko tipped in a shot against his former team with 0.3 seconds remaining to lift the Warriors to a 124-123 victory over the Jazz.
Upon further review, it appears Rudy Gobert played a key role in the deciding bucket.
Oh no. Rudy Gobert pushed Jonas Jerebko into that rebound…. pic.twitter.com/7xcbXODend
— Justin Jett (@JustinJett_) October 20, 2018
Pelicans pushing the pace
Anthony Davis and Nikola Mirotic combined for 61 points as the Pelicans posted their highest single-game point total in franchise history in a 149-129 win over the Kings. New Orleans improved to 2-0 for the first time since the 2011-12 season and became the first team since Phoenix (3/16/10) to score 149 points in regulation.
New Orleans becomes just the fifth team in #NBA history to score at least 270 points in the first two games of the season, joining Boston (62-63), San Francisco (62-63), and San Antonio (78-79, 90-91). #DoItBig
— Pelicans PR (@PelicansPR) October 20, 2018
How high-scoring a night was it in the NBA? There were nine games, and 16 teams scored 100 points. Of those 16, 10 teams eclipsed 117.
Raptors fans already chanting ‘MVP’ for Kawhi
Kawhi Leonard had 31 points and 10 rebounds, and the Raptors pulled away from the Celtics 113-101 in an early matchup between Eastern Conference contenders.
Leonard played so well that he managed to get some very early MVP chants from the Raptors faithful while at the free-throw line.
https://twitter.com/TheRenderNBA/status/1053461335378444289
Leonard said he appreciated the sentiment, if not the timing.
“It’s a little too early,” he said. “I appreciate the support. I know they’re excited about us winning the game tonight.”
Who he play for?
Garrett Temple averaged 5.6 points during eight seasons with the Rockets, Kings, Spurs, Bucks, Hornets and Wizards. So perhaps we can forgive Charles Barkley for not knowing Temple’s current team.
One night after being featured on Inside The NBA’s annual game show, Temple erupted for 30 points as Memphis rolled past Atlanta 131-117.
Temple, picked up in a July trade from the Sacramento Kings, missed only one of his 11 shots, making 5 of 6 from 3-point range. You can bet the Hawks know who Temple plays for.
Tonight's @BassProShops game goes to…
**drum roll**
Watch pic.twitter.com/tSwnZm5dns
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) October 20, 2018
Breakout player alert
Caris LeVert’s driving layup with a second left gave him a career-high 28 points as the Nets earned their first victory of the season, 107-105 over the Knicks.
LeVert’s previous best output was the 27 points he scored Wednesday night.
Give @CarisLeVert the . He'll hit the game-winner.#WeGoHard pic.twitter.com/UNhHTSYCi2
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) October 20, 2018
Stat of the night
Giannis Antetokounmpo joins Kevin Garnett (2004-05) as the only players in NBA history to post at least 25 points, 15 rebounds and five assists in each of their team’s first two games of the season.
Gratuitous trampoline dunk of the night
The Bucks christened Fiserv Forum with a convincing 118-101 victory over the Pacers. Surprisingly, the dunk of the night was not this contested throwdown from Antetokounmpo.
Give it up for the Rim Rockers. It’s not every day you see a 360, double-clutch, between-the-legs windmill jam. Now that’s entertainment!
