The Zion-less Pels opened the season in Toronto with a heroic but ultimately doomed effort against the defending champion Raptors, falling 130-122 in overtime. The offense was fast and fluid, as the team had 30 total assists on the night while being led by new addition Brandon Ingram’s 22 points, five rebound, and five assists. Italian league addition Niko Melli showed off his range knocking down four of five threes, and vet JJ Redick did what we all expected him to do, going four of six from deep as well. Rookie Nickel Alexander-Walker had a rough night, only hitting one of his ten shots, but he did end the game with the team’s second-highest plus-minus.
Defensively they were a bit of a mess, allowing forward Pascal Siakam and guard Fred VanVleet to drop 34 points each. Kyle Lowery also performed, dropping 22 points and six dimes.
The Pel’s next game is their home opener Friday against the Mavs. According to SeatGeek, those ticket prices have dropped over 15 percent since the news broke of Zion Williamson’s extended absence.
Number 2 LSU takes on their third top ten ranked team of the year Saturday as the Tigers invite the Tigers to Baton Rouge. Quarterback Joe Burrow says they know how to prepare for a big game
Burrow has already set the single-season school record for touchdown passes with 29. He’s completed an eye-popping 79-percent of his passes and his 2,484 passing yards ranks second in the NCAA behind Washington State’s Anthony Gordon.
We’ll find out soon if Saints quarterback Drew Brees is well enough to play this Sunday against Arizona. New Orleans returns to practice this week.
Former Grambling star and Pro Football Hall of Famer Willie Brown has passed away at the age of 78. Brown played for the Raiders for 12-seasons and a 75-yard interception return for a touchdown Super Bowl 11 is an iconic play in NFL history.