UNDATED (AP) — The Charlotte Hornets are 3-0 for the first time in franchise history.
Miles Bridges had 32 points and nine rebounds, Ish Smith added 11 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter of the Hornets’ 111-95 win at Brooklyn. LaMelo Ball had 18 points, six rebounds and five assists to help Charlotte drop the Nets to 1-2.
Kevin Durant scored 38 points for the Nets.
There was a demonstration outside Barclays Center before the Nets’ home opener. Supporters of Nets guard Kyrie Irving chanted “Let Kyrie play! Let Kyrie play!”
A small group even broke through barriers and got all the way to the front entrance of the building, forcing arena officials to briefly close the doors while fans were trying to get in.
Irving is not with the Nets because of his refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Checking out Sunday’s other NBA action:
— Seth Curry delivered 23 of his 28 points in the first quarter to help the 76ers beat the Thunder, 115-103. Joel Embiid added 22 points and nine rebounds for Philadelphia.
— Terrence Ross scored all 22 of his points in the fourth quarter as the Magic dealt the Knicks their first loss of the season, 110-104. Cole Anthony recorded his first career double-double with 29 points and a career-high 16 rebounds.
— Carmelo Anthony furnished 28 points and Anthony Davis had 22 in the Lakers’ first win of the season, 121-118 versus the Grizzlies. Memphis star Ja Morant poured in 40 points but missed a potential game-tying free throw with 2.5 seconds left.
— The Warriors are 3-0 after Stephen Curry contributed 27 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds to a 119-107 decision over the Kings. Jordan Poole added 22 points and Curry became the first player in team history with 5,000 assists.
— The Celtics avoided their first 0-3 start in seven years as Jayson Tatum had 31 points and nine rebounds in their 107-97 victory against Houston. Al Horford added 11 of his 17 points in the third period and finished with 10 rebounds.
