A Night of Legends and Rising Stars: LeBron and Bronny’s Historic Game, Celtics’ Dominance, and McBride’s Breakthrough on NBA Opening Night

The NBA officially returned with an impressive opening night on October 22, 2024. With only two games played, what happened on the court brought emotions and excitement not only to fans but also to fantasy basketball managers. The event featured not only historic 3-point shooting but also standout performances from emerging stars.

Celtics and Knicks: Record-Breaking Night in Boston

The first game between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks saw Boston not only raise their 18th championship banner but also make history with a 132-109 victory over the Knicks. Jayson Tatum stole the show with 37 points, including 8 three-pointers, and 10 assists, helping the Celtics tie the NBA record with 29 successful three-pointers. His teammates, Derrick White and Jaylen Brown, also contributed 24 and 23 points respectively.

Although the Knicks were down by as much as 35 points, they had a few bright moments. Jalen Brunson scored 22 points, while newcomer Karl-Anthony Towns managed 12 points and 7 rebounds in just 23 minutes of play.

Miles McBride – Fantasy Basketball’s New Rising Star

One of the most notable highlights of the opening night was Miles “Deuce” McBride, who surprised everyone with a strong 22-point performance, including 4 three-pointers, in just 25 minutes on the floor. McBride, currently rostered in only 10% of fantasy basketball leagues, has quickly become a hot target for fantasy managers.

Not only did McBride shine in the first half when the Knicks struggled, but he also showcased his resilience by keeping the team energized. For those playing fantasy basketball, McBride is a must-add player, especially with the likelihood of consistent 25-minute game time.

Lakers and Timberwolves: Historic Milestone for LeBron and Bronny James

The second game of the night featured a historic matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves, where NBA history was made once again. LeBron James and his son Bronny James became the first father-son duo to play together in an official NBA game, bringing pride to the Lakers and their fans. The Lakers secured a 110-103 victory, with Anthony Davis dominating the court with 36 points, 16 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves also impressed with 27 points, but his team couldn’t hold off the Lakers’ power. One of Minnesota’s key bench players, Donte DiVincenzo, scored 13 points, proving his importance in the lineup.

Fantasy Basketball Surprises from Opening Night

Anthony Davis shone brightly, showing his excellent defensive skills, which boosted his value in fantasy basketball. In addition, the Lakers’ rookie Dalton Knecht, although only playing 15 minutes, showed great potential and could become a fantasy-relevant player if his playing time increases.

Also notable is Rui Hachimura, who aggressively attacked the basket and confidently found his spots, finishing the game with 18 points in 35 minutes of play. Hachimura, currently rostered in only 53% of fantasy leagues, has proven to be a solid pick and a valuable asset in lower-tier leagues.