The Basketball Diaries-Around the Association

Cleveland Cavaliers 97 Washington Wizards 94

Just like every game in their playoff series last summer, this one came down to the final seconds. LeBron James outshined Gilbert Arenas in this game, scoring 26 points with 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Arenas took his nickname, Agent Zero, a little too seriously in the first half as he was held scoreless until the third quarter. After a few good hands of online poker during halftime, Arenas finished up with only 7 points, but did manage 11 assists. Larry Hughes led the Cavs in scoring with 27 points.

New York Knicks 118 Memphis Grizzlies 117 3OT

Hooray for Isiah Thomas coaching! The Knicks won in their new coach's debut, but it took three overtimes to do it. Of course, the Knicks had to blow a 19 point 4th quarter lead first. Quentin Richardson led the Knicks with 31 points and 9 boards, while going 5/5 from three-point range, and hitting the game winning free throws. Isiah's first round draft pick, Reynaldo Balkman played 8 minutes with 4 rebounds, 4 fouls and no points. Memphis' first round pick Rudy Gay scored 21 points with 8 rebounds and 4 blocks.

Phoenix Suns 112 Los Angeles Clippers 104

The Suns rebounded pretty well from their opening night loss to the Lakers. Shawn Marion had 27 points and 10 rebounds, while Steve Nash scored 20 points with 11 assists. The best news for the Suns though was Amare Stoudemire, who contributed 15 points after missing all of last season due to microfracture surgery in his knee. Elton Brand was basically a one man show for the Clippers with 28 and 13, but he didn't get enough help from his teammates.

Elsewhere...

• Orlando Magic 109 Chicago Bulls 94
• Philadelphia 76ers 88 Atlanta Hawks 75
• Indiana Pacers 106 Charlotte Bobcats 99
• N.O./Ok City Hornets 91 Boston Celtics 87
• New Jersey Nets 102 Toronto Raptors 92
• Milwaukee Bucks 105 Detroit Pistons 97
• Minnesota Timberwolves 92 Sacramento Kings 83
• Utah Jazz 107 Houston Rockets 97
• Portland Trail Blazers 110 Seattle Supersonics 106
• Los Angeles Lakers 110 Golden State Warriors 98