Basketball

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Rudy Gobert stood out on both ends of the floor — on a night when the Minnesota Timberwolves needed a big lift from their new big man.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Jerami Grant converted a three-point play with 50.4 seconds to play to give Portland the lead and the Trail Blazers spoiled Mike Brown's coaching debut in Sacramento with a 113-108 win over the Kings on Wednesday night.

CHARLOTTE, N.C.

Toronto's all-star guard Fred VanVleet addressed delighted fans before tip-off at Wednesday's season opener, telling them: "Let's have some fun." The Raptors made sure they did.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Ja Morant had 34 points and nine assists, and the Memphis Grizzlies beat the New York Knicks 115-112 in overtime on Wednesday night in the season opener for both teams.

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — With All-Star guard LaMelo Ball out with a sprained left ankle, Terry Rozier stepped up with 24 points and six others scored in double figures as the Charlotte Hornets routed the San Antonio Spurs 129-102 on Wednesday night.

ATLANTA (AP) — Dejounte Murray and Trae Young hardly looked like they were playing their first game together.

NEW YORK (AP) — Zion Williamson resumed his assault on backboards and basketball players, leaving both at the mercy of his skills and strength. “It’s like he didn’t miss a beat,” New Orleans coach Willie Green said.

MIAMI (AP) — DeMar DeRozan picked up where he left off last season.

DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Pistons are excited about their future thanks to some young, dynamic players. Bojan Bogdanovic provides a reason to hope the present is promising, too.