Sports Thread #2 for 10/28/08: The NBA is Back

Photo from Jim Rogash/NBAE/Getty Images

Paul Pierce was certainly emotion tonight, as the Boston Celtics' kicked off their title defense and the 2008-09 NBA season with a gritty 90-85 win over LeBron and the Cavs. Pierce was probably the only player in mid-season form in the opening night contest, as he dropped 27 points. King James had 22 points in an understandably sloppy game to start the season. But may no mistake, the night's real highlight was the raising of the banner and the rings bestowed to this version of the Celtic club.

Out west, Portland Trail Blazer fans had their hearts almost come out when they saw Greg Oden pick up an injury right off the bat in their loss to the Lakers, 96-76. In his first professional game after missing last season because of his right knee, the 2007 No.1. pick felt pain in his right foot, and left the game late in the first half. It was the ugliest sign in a not so good opening night for the upstart Blazers, who have a lot of high expectations rest on their shoulders this year. MVP Kobe Bryant picked off where he left off last season, dropping 23 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.

And in Chi town, it was a great opening for Derrick Rose and the Bulls, as this year's No.1 pick had 11 points and nine assists (along with four turnovers) in their 108-95 win over the Bucks. Michael Redd became the league's leading scorer for the first night of the year with 30 points.