Reuters/ Field Level Media
Fred VanVleet scored a career-best 34 points, including a crucial 3-pointer in overtime, as the NBA champion Toronto Raptors opened the season with a 130-122 victory over the visiting New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night.
Toronto’s Pascal Siakam also scored 34 points and grabbed 18 rebounds before fouling out with 50.1 seconds left in regulation.
The Raptors, who were presented with their championship rings in a ceremony before the game, tied the game at 117 on Kyle Lowry’s two free throws with 29.2 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, forcing overtime.
Lowry added 22 points, Serge Ibaka had 13 points and OG Anunoby 11 for Toronto.
Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 22 points. JJ Redick added 16 points, and Josh Hart had 15 points and 10 rebounds. Nicolo Melli had 14 points and Jrue Holiday 13 for New Orleans, which is without first overall draft pick Zion Williams (knee surgery).
Marc Gasol’s layup and free throw put the Raptors ahead 122-120 in overtime, but Holiday tied the game.
Lowry’s two free throws with 2:06 left in OT restored Toronto’s two-point lead. VanVleet then hit a corner 3-pointer, and the Raptors led 127-122 with 1:28 to play. Lowry added a 3-pointer with 56.7
Leonard scores 30 as Clippers handle Lakers
Kawhi Leonard scored 30 points, leading the host Los Angeles Clippers to a 112-102 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in the season-opener on Tuesday night at the Staples Center.
Lou Williams added 21 points and Montrezl Harrell delivered 17 points and seven rebounds off the bench for the Clippers. They helped the Clippers’ bench outscore the Lakers’ reserves 60-19.
Danny Green led the Lakers with 28 points by hitting 10 of his 14 field-goal attempts, including 7 of 9 on 3-pointers. Anthony Davis scored 25 points and pulled down 10 boards, while LeBron James had 18 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
A 19-7 run to open the fourth helped the Clippers clinch the win and hold off the Lakers down the stretch.
The two clubs won’t meet again until Christmas Day.
