Achiuwa, Anunoby Help Toronto Raptors Sink Boston Celtics In NBA

Toronto Raptors’ Nigerian duo of Precious Achiuwa and OG Anunoby made a world of difference for their team in a USA National Basketball Association (NBA) league fixture against Boston Celtics, BSNSports.com.ng reports. However, while Achiuwa and Anunoby were both resplendent in the encounter, it was Scottie Barnes that stole the spotlight, after netting 25 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in his second NBA game. Megasportsarena.com reports that Gary Trent Jr added 20 points, as The Raptors spoiled the home opener of The Celtics with a 115-83 win, during which Barnes shot 11-for-17 from the field in 35 minutes. Achiuwa added 15 points and 15 boards, Anunoby scored 14, Chris Boucher had 11 and VanVleet finished with 11 points and nine assists. They all combined in giving victory to The Raptors, who have begun the season without star Pascal Siakam as he recovers from off-season shoulder surgery. Al Horford had 11 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks in his season debut after being reacquired by the Celtics in an off-season trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder Toronto led 51-47 at half-time and used a big third quarter to pull away, outscoring the hosts 32-17. Horford’s jumper at 10:08 of the fourth brought Boston within 15 points, but The Celtics got no closer. Same night in the NBA, Zach LaVine scored 32 points and Lonzo Ball had a triple-double against his former team, as Chicago Bulls routed New Orleans Pelicans. Ball had 17 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds. DeMar DeRozan added 26 points and Nikola Vucevic and Javonte Green scored 10 points each. Chicago never trailed and led the rest of the way after breaking from an 8-8 tie. Brandon Ingram scored 26, Devonte’ Graham had 21, Jonas Valancuinas added 18 and Nickeil Alexander-Walker 15 for the Pelicans. Ingram added eight rebounds and eight assists.