Giannis Antetokounmpo starred in a win for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA on Friday, while the Houston Rockets edged the Dallas Mavericks.
Antetokounmpo's double-double of 36 points and 15 rebounds helped the Bucks past the Boston Celtics 119-112.
The reigning NBA MVP went 14-of-20 from the field in the Bucks' victory.
Marcus Smart scored 23 points off the bench for Boston, while Jaylen Brown contributed 22 points.
@Giannis_An34 propels the @Bucks with 36 PTS, 15 REB, 7 AST in their first game back! #WholeNewGame #FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/84CurBdiLr
— NBA (@NBA) August 1, 2020
James Harden starred with 49 points in the Rockets' 153-149 overtime win against the Dallas Mavericks.
Kristaps Porzingis (39 points and 16 rebounds) led the Mavericks, but they fell short.
Fantastic Fournier, Portland trio shine
Evan Fournier went 10-of-15 for 24 points in the Orlando Magic's 128-118 win over the Brooklyn Nets.
The Portland Trail Blazers overcame the Memphis Grizzlies 140-135 after overtime thanks to CJ McCollum (33 points), Damian Lillard (29) and Carmelo Anthony (21).
Terrible Tatum
Jayson Tatum struggled badly in the Celtics' loss. The forward went two-of-18 from the field for just five points in 32 minutes.
Harden's hot start
Harden made a fast start with 23 points in the first quarter for the Rockets.
23 PTS (6-6 FGM)
— NBA (@NBA) August 1, 2020
2 3PM, 3 AST
The Beard was feeling it in Q1! #WholeNewGame on ESPN pic.twitter.com/wcIPMIvmyb
Friday's results
Orlando Magic 128-118 Brooklyn Nets
Portland Trail Blazers 140-135 Memphis Grizzlies
Phoenix Suns 125-112 Washington Wizards
Milwaukee Bucks 119-112 Boston Celtics
San Antonio Spurs 129-120 Sacramento Kings
Houston Rockets 153-149 Dallas Mavericks
Lakers face Raptors
In another battle between two championship contenders, the Los Angeles Lakers (50-14) face the Toronto Raptors (46-18) on Saturday.