Around the NBA

Around the NBA

Thursday’s games

Raptors 117, Bulls 101

TORONTO

Jonas Valanciunas had 23 points and 15 rebounds, C.J. Miles scored 22 points in his Toronto debut and the Raptors beat the short-handed Chicago Bulls in the season opener for both teams. Norman Powell added 15 points, Delon Wright had 13, and Kyle Lowry 12. The Raptors, who intend to shoot more 3-pointers and move the ball more this season, were 13 of 29 from long range and had 26 assists on 39 baskets. Lowry had nine assists, and DeMar DeRozan and Wright each had five. Miles was 6 for 9 from 3-point range and had five rebounds. Playmaking proved an effective avenue for DeRozan on a night when he made just two of nine field goals and did not attempt a 3-pointer. DeRozan finished with 11 points, going 7 for 8 at the free throw line, and had six rebounds. Chicago center Robin Lopez scored 18 points, rookie Lauri Markkanen had 17 in his NBA debut, and Justin Holiday added 15. Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg said forward Nikola Mirotic is doing OK but is still sore two days after suffering facial fractures and a concussion in a practice fight with teammate Bobby Portis. Chicago suspended Portis for eight games following the altercation. Mirotic is expected to be out from four to six weeks. Ahead 25-23 after the first quarter, Toronto widened the gap by starting the second with a 22-2 run. Miles scored 11 points in the second, including three 3-pointers, and Toronto outscored Chicago 33-14 to take a 58-37 lead at halftime.

Thunder 105, Knicks 84

OKLAHOMA CITY

Russell Westbrook had a triple-double and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the New York Knicks in their first regular-season game with All-Star additions Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. Westbrook, the NBA MVP last season when he averaged a triple-double, had with 21 points, 16 assists and 10 rebounds. Paul George, who was acquired in an offseason trade with the Indiana Pacers, led the Thunder with 28 points. Anthony, who was traded from the Knicks to the Thunder right before training camp began, had 22 points against his former team.

Associated Press