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NBA highlights on Oct. 24: Lakers claim first win on Melo's record night
Updated 22:46, 25-Oct-2021
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Carmelo Anthony (#7) of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on in the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, U.S., October 24, 2021. /CFP

Carmelo Anthony (#7) of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on in the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, U.S., October 24, 2021. /CFP

The Los Angeles Lakers finally achieved their first win of the 2021-22 NBA regular season after edging over the Memphis Grizzlies 121-118 at Staples Center on Sunday,

Carmelo Anthony led the purple and gold in both scoring (28) and 3-pointers (6-8). The 37-year-old surpassed Moses Malone (27,409 points) to rank ninth (27,423 points) on the NBA all-time points leaders table. Anthony's next target is Shaquille O'Neal who scored 28,596 points in his career in the regular season.

"I'm still here doing it. I think that's what I'm honestly excited about. I'm here in year 19 still doing what I'm able to do. Still passionate about the game. Still passionate about coming to work every day and getting better. And what a better night to reach ninth than with a win, the way that we needed a win tonight," said Anthony of his milestone night.

Carmelo Anthony (#7) of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots in the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center, October 24, 2021. /CFP

Carmelo Anthony (#7) of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots in the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center, October 24, 2021. /CFP

Anthony played longer in the power forward position in Sunday's game. That sent a message: the Lakers were going smaller on the court because that hurt their offense the least.

Russell Westbrook tried some new tricks too and one of them was to set screen for LeBron James. In this way, Westbrook did not have to shoot pull-ups two meters away from his defender and he could maximize the power of his passing ability. He had 13 points, seven rebounds, 13 assists, four steals and nine turnovers.

Ja Morant (#12) of the Memphis Grizzlies drives toward the rim in the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center, October 24, 2021. /CFP

Ja Morant (#12) of the Memphis Grizzlies drives toward the rim in the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center, October 24, 2021. /CFP

Despite the loss, the Grizzlies should be glad to see Ja Morant play like a top 5 star on Sunday night. The 22-year-old was unstoppable charging the Lakers' rim whether it's Anthony Davis, Deandre Jordan or Dwight Howard standing between him and the hoop. That was partly because Morant going hot from downtown (5-7), but also because he has brilliant combination of athleticism, finishing skills and reading of the situation.

Morant scored 40 points, 10 assists, three steals and six turnovers against the Lakers. He was only one free throw away from tying the game for the Grizzlies in the last two seconds.

"Somebody like Ja he's going to continue to get better. His game will continue to elevate. He is the future of this NBA. He shows that every single night what he's able to bring to the game," said Anthony about Morant.

James Harden (#13) of the Brooklyn nets sits on the floor in the game against the Charlotte Hornets at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn borough, New York City, New York, U.S., October 24, 2021. /CFP

James Harden (#13) of the Brooklyn nets sits on the floor in the game against the Charlotte Hornets at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn borough, New York City, New York, U.S., October 24, 2021. /CFP

Tough days for Brooklyn Nets and James Harden

The Brooklyn Nets suffered their second loss of the first three games in the season after they were beaten by the Charlotte Hornets 111-95 at the Barclays Center on Sunday.

Kevin Durant again became the best-performing player on the floor for the Nets, putting down 38 points at 70.8-percent field goal (FG) rate. Nonetheless, when he looked at his teammates, he would feel nothing but desperate because only one of them reached double-digit points: James Harden went 6-16 in FGs and 2-8 in triples to get 15 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and eight turnovers.

When the league decided to make harder foul rules, few though Harden would suffer the most from the changes because he managed to adapt so well to the previous rule changes. But Harden's underperformance since the start of the season told a different story. His biggest problem is that he has to dribble a lot more than others to find his pace of shooting 3-pointers. The rule changes made it safer for defenders to pressure him instead of having to worry about committing fouls. Without enough individual offense threat, Harden's passing was a lot less lethal.

Miles Bridges (#0) of the Charlotte Hornets drives in the game against the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center, October 24, 2021. /CFP

Miles Bridges (#0) of the Charlotte Hornets drives in the game against the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center, October 24, 2021. /CFP

The Hornets watched another of their forwards explode, Miles Bridges who went 9-16 from the floor to get 32 points and nine rebounds. The team's small-ball squad beat the Nets' version in speed, defensive switch and penetration. Unlike the Nets which had to watch Joe Harris bullied by everyone defensively, the Hornets had enough power and size in the forward positions.

Other games on Sunday (away teams come first):

Orlando Magic 110-104 New York Knicks

Boston Celtics 107-97 Houston Rockets

Philadelphia 76ers 115-103 Oklahoma City Thunder

Golden State Warriors 119-107 Sacramento Kings

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