Often regarded as the basketball realm’s “best time of the year,” given the renewed optimism of all 30 NBA teams, 2024-25’s Opening Night gave the title-contending Minnesota Timberwolves plenty to feel ambitious about. Rotating inside in preparation of delivering a familiar message of his own, Anthony Davis came bearing bad news on October 22, 2024: even on Opening Day, the paint and rim remained closed for business. On high alert, and committed to safeguarding a 14-point edge, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar produced a quite memorable example, eyeballing both Anthony Edwards’ far-corner stance, and Rudy Gobert’s unguarded rim-run. Timing a perfect jump, the three-time block champion meets Gobert at the summit, emphatically denying entry. An all-time defender, even without a Defensive Player of the Year on his résumé, Davis’ two-way exhibit was certainly of caliber, as he accumulated 36 points (on 11-of-23 shooting), 16 rebounds, four assists, one steal, three blocks, and a 3-pointer. Following his example, the Lakers, also debuting a new head coach, rode said momentum to a seven-point triumph over a Western Conference elite. · Oct 23, 2024