The NBA enjoyed a historic Opening Night to begin the 2024/2025 season, with the Boston Celtics putting on a show before LeBron and Bronny James made history.
The Celtics tied the NBA record for most three-point shots made in a single game as they destroyed the New York Knicks in the first game of the season. After raising their 18th championship banner at TD Garden, they hosted a new-look Knicks team with Championship aspirations of their own.
An offensive masterclass led by Jayson Tatum scoring 37 points saw them quickly humble the Knicks. The Celtics went in 74-55 ahead at halftime and eventually won 132-109, making 29 shots from deep to tie the record set by the Milwaukee Bucks back in 2020.
Tatum, showing off a new-look jump shot, went 8-11 from beyond the line. But there was a tinge of disappointment they did not break the record, having tied the 29 mark with eight minutes left before missing their last 13 shots from deep from that moment on.
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After the Celtics had started the season in scintillating fashion, the Los Angeles Lakers hosted the Minnesota Timberwolves on a historic night at the Crypto.com Arena. LeBron James and son Bronny became the first father-son duo to ever play together in an NBA game.
Bronny, drafted in the second round by the franchise in the off-season, checked into the game with his dad with four minutes remaining in the first half. They were greeted by rapturous applause in an iconic moment.
Eventually, the Lakers won the game 110-103. Anthony Davis was the star performer, ending with 36 points for the Lakers.
Here’s the tale of a dramatic Opening Night from start to finish told in 22 striking images.
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1 of 22Brown’s bold fashion choice
Jaylen Brown arrived at TD Garden in a striking jacket. The Boston Celtics star was wearing a piece commemorating the city and its 18 championships, including the most recent they won last season. (
Image:David L. Nemec/NBAE via Getty Images)
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2 of 22Bridges arrives for debut
Mikael Bridges was part of some blockbuster moves from the New York Knicks in the offseason. After making the short move across the city from the Brooklyn Nets, he arrived at TD Garden to play his first game for his new team. (
Image:David L. Nemec/NBAE via Getty Images)
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3 of 22Night of celebration
It was a night of celebration for the Celtics in Boston. The franchise raised its 18th championship banner ahead of the game while players received their championship rings in an on-court ceremony. (
Image:Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
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4 of 22Bronny and LeBron arrive
Bronny James (left) and LeBron James (right) arrived at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles shortly after the first game of Opening Night tipped off in Boston. Both arrived knowing they could be the first-ever father-son duo to play together in an NBA game after Bronny was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round this off-season. (
Image:Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
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5 of 22KAT starts hot…then fades
Karl-Anthony Towns, another big offseason acquisition, was also playing his first game for the New York Knicks. He got off to a fast start but his impact soon waned as the Celtics dominated on offense and the Knicks struggled to get stops. (
Image:Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
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6 of 22Tatum proving a point
Jayson Tatum was left far from happy by his minor role in the Team USA team at the Paris Olympics this off-season. While he might have emerged with a gold medal, he is entering the new season with a chip on his shoulder and a point to prove. On Opening Night, he certainly sent a message. He ended up with 37 points and 10 assists.
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