NBA scores: Celtics cash in on Gian-miss, 76ers trump Westbrook wizardry, Raptors stunned

NBA season well and truly kicked off on Wednesday, with an action-packed 12 games being played all across country. While fans were missed at arenas, re was short of action as re were some close results, some surprise performances as most of franchise played ir first game of season. Here's all NBA scores, results, key moments and highlights from basketball action on Wednesday (Thursday IST). 

Also Read: James Harden, Rockets Teammates Experience Rising Tension After 2020-21 Season Begins

NBA scores: table NBA results and highlights

Bucks vs Celtics: Celtics bask in Jay-Jay triumph, Gian-miss hurts Bucks 

Giannis Antetokounmpo missed a potential game-tying Free Throw as Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown romped to an exhilarating 121-122 win over Bucks on Wednesday. Greek Freak was at his usual best scoring 35 points with 13 rebounds and two assists but missed all-important free-throw which proved to be only difference between two sides at TD Park. Bucks, however, won't be disheartened with ir performance as ir Big 3 of Giannis, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday, all delivered, but t eugh to snatch win.

Also Read: Russell Westbrook Becomes First Wizards Player To Debut With Triple-double Despite Loss

For Celtics, Tatum and Brown combined for 63 points on night, with Tristan Thompson and Jeff Teague chipping in to seal win. Tatum, in particular, was impressive as it was his game-winner that sealed win for Boston, ending with seven rebounds, two assists and 30 points. Celtics took a dominating lead in second and third quarter, and while Bucks gained 16 points on ir opponents in final quarter, it just wasn't eugh for m to take home win. 

Wizards vs 76ers: Westbrook drops Simmons, but Sixers rise to win 

Russell Westbrook was unstoppable on his Washington Wizards debut, ending with a  scintillating triple-double on Wednesday. One of highlights from his performance was him dropping Ben Simmons to ground with a neat skill during a step-back jumper. However, Simmons had last laugh as 76ers clinched a 113-107 win with a dominant fourth quarter.

Also Read: Did Giannis Antetokounmpo Reject To Train With LeBron James For Jam 2?

Philadelphia were trailing by 10 points at beginning of last quarter, but Joel Embiid and Shake Milton ensured that gained a sizeable lead over Wizards en route ir victory. Embiid had 14 rebounds, two assists and 29 points on night, with Shake Milton (19) and Ben Simmons (16) easing burden on his shoulders. Westbrook, on or hand, had 21 pints with 11 rebounds and 15 assists, and Bradley Beal benefited from his presence, who scored a game-highest 31 points. 

Pelicans vs Raptors: Pelicans, Ingram too hot to handle as Raptors stunned in second half  

Fans did t see it coming, neir did Toronto Raptors. At end of second quarter, Raptors had a seven-point lead with Pascal Siakam leading ir charge. However, what followed was a barr by Brandon Ingram, as Pelicans quickly gained a 16-point advant in third quarter, seizing advant heading into fourth quarter, where y again brushed aside a hapless defence to win game 113-99.

Ingram was unstoppable in second half and he finished game with 24 points, nine rebounds and 11 assists, with JJ Redick (23 points), Lonzo Ball (16) and Eric Bledsoe (18) all chipping in handsomely. Siakam ended with 20 points on night with Kyle Lowry scoring 18, as Raptors lost ir opening night game for first time since 2012. 

Also Read: LaMelo Ball Goes Scoreless Off Bench During Hornets' NBA Debut Vs Cavaliers

Orlando Magic vs Heat: Evan Fournier's late surge pours cold water on Heat's opening night 

Evan Fournier gave Orlando Magic lead with a late 3-pointer, converted a three-point play in final minute and scored 25 points in Magic’s 113-107 victory over Miami Heat. Orlando were trailing by four points heading into final quarter by Fournier ensured that his side went home with a win on opening. Heat would be disappointed with defeat, but will surely positives from performances of usual suspects Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic. 

Cavaliers vs Hornets: Collin Sexton's Garland couldn't be more Rozier 

Cavaliers backcourt was on fire on Wednesday night as Collin Sexton and Darius Garland ensured that Cleveland won ir opening fixture against Hornets 121-114. Sexton was star of night, scoring 27 points, with two rebounds and five assists, with Garland chipping in with 22 points. Hornets will be disappointed to t take win, especially after a stunning individual game for Terry Rozier. guard eventually ended with 42 points, with Gordon Hayward scoring 28 on his Hornets debut. 

Nuggets vs Kings: Bubby Hield winner steals show as Denver fall short despite Jokic triple-double 

Sacramento Kings delivered in clutch moments during game which eventually proved to be decisive difference in ir clash against Denver Nuggets. Having trailed in both quarters before half-time, Kings roared back with a 12-point lead, before Nuggets forced over-time as scores were tied at 112. Nikola Jokic looked unstoppable for Nuggets, but it was Buddy Hield who put paid to his plans, tipping in Harrison Barnes miss at buzzer to seal a stunning 124-122 win. Jokic ended with 29 points, 15 rebounds and 14 assists and was well supported Michael Porter Jr, who amassed 24 points. Hield ended with 22 points on night, with Barnes and De'Aaron Fox scoring 21 each. 

NBA results: Or results from Wednesday night's action 

• Memphis Grizzlies 119-131 San Antonio Spurs 
• Chicago Bulls 104- 124 Atlanta Hawks
• Minnesota Timberwolves 111-101 Detroit Pistons
• Indiana Pacers 121-107 New York Knicks
• Portland Trail Blazers 100-120 Utah Jazz
• Phoenix Suns 106-102 Dallas Mavericks

(Im Courtesy: Pelicans, Celtics, Wizards Twitter)