The Detroit Pistons had a tough time celebrating in Mexico City against a weakened Dallas in the first game of the NBA season outside the US or Canada – 122:110.
JB Bickerstaff's team made a big comeback in the final quarter, and the Mavericks put up a strong fight thanks to the recovered D'Angelo Russell and Cooper Flagg, the first pick in this year's draft.
Detroit was led to the triumph by Jalen Duran with 33 points and 11 rebounds, Cade Cunningham with 21 points, six rebounds and 18 assists, Duncan Robinson with 18, Ausar Thompson with 15, Tobias Harris with 11 and Isaiah Stewart with ten.
Javonte Green, who still plays under the Montenegrin flag, also scored seven points for the Pistons.
The losing team was led by D'Angelo Russell with 31 points, Cooper Flagg with 16 points and eight rebounds, Max Christie with 13, Brandon Williams with 12 and Klay Thompson with 11 points.
Although there was speculation before the Milwaukee game that Janis Adeokunbo was having problems with a knee injury, the Greek scored 26 points against Sacramento. Nevertheless, the visitors won in an uncertain game.
Indiana also celebrated its first win of the season in Game 6 with a fourth-quarter turnaround. Aaron Nesmith and Cameroonian Pascal Siakam (27 points) led the team against Golden State.
The results:
Milwaukee – Sacramento 133:135 (Antetukunbo 26 – Lavin 31)
Charlotte – Minnesota 105:122 (Bridges 30 – Randle 30)
Indiana – Golden State 114:109 (Nasmith 31 – Curry 24)
Washington – Orlando 94:125 (George 17 – Bankero 28)
Boston – Houston 101:128 (Sherman 17 – Durant 26)
Detroit – Dallas 122:110 (Duren 33 – Russell 31)
Bonus video:
