The 2024-2025 NBA season kicked off last night with two highly anticipated matchups.
The Boston Celtics took on the New York Knicks while LeBron and the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Minnesota Timberwolves. Many think the Knicks overachieved last year as they not only made the playoffs but went all the way to the Semifinal round taking on the Indiana Pacers. Even though the Knicks lost that series, NBA fans and analysts alike consider the Knicks to be the only team in the Eastern Conference capable of beating the Celtics come playoff time this season.
The second game on this historic opening night for the NBA featured two mega stars in Anthony Edwards and LeBron James. Last year, the Timberwolves advanced to the Western Conference Finals only to lose to the Dallas Mavericks. The Lakers would also make the playoffs as the 7th seed but would go on to lose to Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. While LeBron James has been the face of the NBA for quite some time now, many are already crowning Anthony Edwards the new face of the league.
Jayson Tatum vs Jalen Brunson. LeBron James vs Anthony Edwards.
Here is everything you need to know about the 2024-2025 NBA Opening Night:
Banner No. 18
Before tip off, the Boston Celtics were celebrating their 18th NBA Championship title in style. Appearances made by past Celtics champions included Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Bob Cousey and Cedric Maxwell. These Celtics legends came to see this current Celtics team receive their championship rings, as they were coming off one of the most dominant seasons any NBA team has ever had.
Celtics Dominate Knicks
The Celtics defeated the Knicks 132-109, and while that score demonstrates how dominant the Celtics were, the game was even less competitive than the final score would make it seem. At the end of the first quarter, the Celtics were up 43-24 and the Knicks never recovered. Boston was lights out from 3 point range and ended the game with 29 shots made from behind the arc. They only needed 1 more 3-pointer to break the NBA record for threes made in a game. The Celtics then went 0-13 from behind the arc to close out the game and the record could only be tied not beaten.
On the other side of the court were the Knicks, who either did not bring their A game or were just that much worse than the defending champions. Jalen Brunson, starting guard for the Knicks and their best player, looked like half the player he was to end the season last year. Brunson simply could not get going.
And with the new addition of Mikal Bridges going cold from 3-point range, the Knicks looked like they missed their former teammate Donte DiVincenzo. Karl Anthony Towns did not play up to his expectations either, only finishing the game with 12 points. The good news for the Knicks is that this is their first game of the season and they will, without a doubt, play better and be ready for a deep playoff run. For the Eastern Conference, NBA opening night belonged to the 18-time Finals winning Boston Celtics.
Out west, LeBron James was making history of his own, alongside his son Bronny James Jr.
Historic Accomplishments Run In The Family
Along with being an all time great basketball player, LeBron James is one of the most well known celebrities in the world. Now stepping into the spotlight is his son, Bronny James.
Bronny was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2024 NBA Draft, and of course the team that drafted him was the Lakers. Coincidence? Most definitely not. It has been no secret that LeBron wanted to play with his son in the NBA and that dream finally came true on opening night. Late in the 2nd quarter LeBron James and his son Bronny checked into the game together making NBA history.
Lakers Hold Off Timberwolves For First Win
The entire NBA was getting their popcorn ready to see LeBron and Anthony Edwards go head to head and they did not disappoint. Edwards would end up with 27 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Julius Randle, former Knicks power forward, played his first game for his new organization and finished the game with 16 points and 9 rebounds. Their efforts would not be enough as the Lakers would fend off the Timberwolves winning the game 110-103. Anthony Davis was the best player on the court with 36 points and 16 rebounds.
Will these teams meet again in the playoffs? We will have to wait and see but in the meantime here is when these teams will meet again:
Timberwolves vs Lakers on 12/2/24
Knicks vs Celtics on 2/8/25
