Day 7 of the delayed/cancelled NBA simulation season as it was originally scheduled:
The Cavaliers got their first win of the year behind top pick Kyrie Irving, the Spurs roster plays a complete game, and the Lakers push their record to 5-0.
Toronto Raptors 89, Dallas Mavericks 96
Dallas had just three players score in double figures, but when one of them is Dirk Nowitzki balance matters a lot less. Dirk scored 23 points with 6 rebounds and 3 steals. Jason Kidd had 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 11 assists adding to the long list of triple-doubles in his career. Andrea Bargnani scored 14 points, but shot just 5-18 from the field with 3 turnovers. Jose Calderon had the opposite game for Toronto scoring 16 points with 8 assists on 6-7 shooting from the field.
New Jersey Nets 101, Milwaukee Bucks 108
Stephen Jackson has turned into a nice addition for the Bucks providing some actual offense from the wing. He scored a game-high 29 points with 5 rebounds and 8 assists. Brandon Jennings chipped in with 18 points and 6 assists. Brook Lopez had a nice game with 17 poitns and 11 rebounds and 2 blocks. Deron Williams scored 16 points, but shot just 5-13 from the field. He did have 15 assists to make up for his poor shooting night.
Denver Nuggets 103, Cleveland Cavaliers 104
Cleveland got their first win of the year going down to the wire against the Nuggets. The Cavaliers got killed on the boards giving up 15 offensive rebounds losing the rebounding margin by 12. They managed to win by taking care of the ball turning it over 7 fewer times than Denver. Rookie Kyrie Irving led the way with 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists. Omri Casspi provided the energy off the bench with 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. Rookie Jordan Hamilton had a big game for Denver scoring 21 points with 10 rebounds.
Sacramento Kings 95, Los Angeles Lakers 112
The Lakers have started the season a perfect 5-0. Kobe Bryant again led the way with 27 points despite shooting just 8-21 from the field. Pau Gasol was the force inside with 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Metta World Peace had one of his occasional good games shooting a perfect 7-7 from the field for 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists against his former team. Sacramento was paced by 20 points from both Marcus Thornton and Tyreke Evans. Jimmer Fredette scored in double figures for the first time in his career with 10 points and 3 rebounds.
Golden State Warriors 103, San Antonio Spurs 109
The Spurs won with a real team effort in this game. Only three players scored in double figures led by Manu Ginobili’s 24, but all 12 players scored. Tim Duncan only had 8 points and 5 rebounds because he wasn’t needed on this night. Rookie Kawhi Leonard continued his strong play with 18 points and 6 rebounds. David Lee had 26 points (on 24 shots) with 6 rebounds, and Monta Ellis had 21 points (on 22 shots). The Warriors were killed by the inefficiency of their two star players.
