Lakers open with 96-76 win over Trail Blazers
Wednesday, October 29, 2008 10:25 AM PDT
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kobe Bryant had 23 points, 11 rebounds and five assists Tuesday night to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 96-76 season-opening victory over the Portland Trail Blazers and spoiled Greg Oden’s debut, which was cut short by another injury.
Bryant orchestrated a well-balanced offense for the Lakers, who also played tenacious defense.
Oden’s highly anticipated NBA debut didn’t last long; the 20-year-old center left the game late in the first half with an injured right foot after taking four shots and going scoreless. He had five rebounds, one turnover, blocked one shot and picked up two fouls while playing 12:51.
The injury was diagnosed as a sprain and X-rays were negative. Oden will undergo an MRI on Wednesday.
Bulls 108, Bucks 95
CHICAGO (AP) — Luol Deng and Ben Gordon provided enough big shots to lead the Bulls to a victory over former coach Scott Skiles and Milwaukee. Deng scored 21 points and Gordon added 18 to offset Michael Redd’s 30.
Derrick Rose, the No. 1 draft pick out of Memphis and a Chicago native, wowed fans with his quickness and strength but mixed in enough mistakes to remind them he is a work in progress. He finished with 11 points, nine assists and four turnovers.
Deng shot 8-for-13 after signing a six-year contract in the offseason, and Gordon scored 10 in the fourth quarter, making new coach Vinny Del Negro’s debut a successful one.
