Orlando's final minutes against the Trail Blazers on Friday night might have gone differently for the Magic in years past. While Orlando led by as many as 13 points in the fourth quarter, Portland closed the gap in the waning moments. In the end, the Magic won their second straight game to open the season, holding off the Blazers 102-97.
Paul George scored 27 points and Kawhi Leonard added 23 to lead five players in double figures as the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Portland Trail Blazers 123-111 in their season opener Wednesday night. The Clippers had Leonard and George together for just 38 games last season, when both were derailed by injuries and the team lost in the first round of the playoffs.
Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets will raise their championship banner on opening night — with LeBron James in the building to witness, no less. After that, no more mention of last season’s run that produced the franchise's first NBA title. Big picture: Milwaukee, Boston, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix and Golden State, who are among the favorites to challenge for their crown.
Center Deandre Ayton made a promise to Portland Trail Blazers fans as the team embarks on a season of uncertainty. Ayton came to the Trail Blazers in the three-team trade that sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks. He was all smiles as he was introduced this week, mugging for cameras and looking forward to a fresh start after five years with the Phoenix Suns. “New beginning,” Ayton said.