The Toronto Raptors won the first game with their two new additions after swapping players with the New York Knicks in the NBA.
On Monday (01/01/2024/local time), the team led by basketball world champion Dennis Schröder defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 124:121 (67:55). With a record of 13 wins and 20 defeats, the team from Canada remains outside the playoff ranks of the North American professional league.
Schröder started the game from the bench again, with RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, signed by New York, in the starting lineup. Toronto-born Barrett received a warm welcome from Raptors fans in his debut, scoring 19 points and hitting two key free throws in the final seconds. The Raptors held their own as they didn’t allow a basket from the field in the final four and a half minutes. Schröder scored twelve points and eight assists.
Anunoby wins with a new club
The New York Knicks also won their first game with OG Anunoby, who they had signed from the Raptors. Anunoby put up 17 points in his debut in the 112:106 (61:49) home win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, the best team in the Western Conference. The German center Hartenstein was versatile with seven points, nine rebounds, three assists, three steals and three blocks.
Daniel Theis achieved his third win in a row with the Los Angeles Clippers. Thanks to a strong second half, the Clippers defeated the Miami Heat 121:104 (59:58). Theis had six points and the Clippers maintained fourth place in the Western Conference.
Mavericks suffer bitter bankruptcy
The Dallas Mavericks lost to the Utah Jazz 90:127 (55:62) and suffered their worst defeat of the season. In the final quarter the guests only scored eleven points. Luka Doncic was the Mavericks’ top scorer with 19 points, Kyrie Irving (14 points) returned after recovering from a heel injury and a twelve-game break. National basketball player Maxi Kleber missed his 26th game in a row due to a toe injury.
2024-01-02 06:20:03
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