There were some positives for Cleveland sports on Wednesday, despite the Indians losing a heartbreaking Game 7 of the World Series. With the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks both losing on Wednesday, the Cleveland Cavaliers are the lone unbeaten in the Eastern Conference. A major reason in the Hawks' first loss of the season was Los Angeles Lakers second-year guard and former Buckeye D'Angelo Russell. Let's take a look at the second edition of Buckeyes in the NBA.
Russell scores 23 in Lakers win over Atlanta
D'Angelo Russell continued his breakout season on Wednesday in a big-time performance against the previously unbeaten Atlanta Hawks. Russell led all Lakers scorers with 23 points in a 123-116 win, adding four rebounds, eight assists and three blocks. Through five games, Russell is averaging 16.6 points, three rebounds and nearly five assists per contest. With the win, LA improves to 2-3 on the season.
Conley's 20 points pushes Grizzlies past winless Pelicans
Mike Conley and the Memphis Grizzlies remained undefeated at home on Wednesday, taking down the winless New Orleans Pelicans 89-83. Conley was a major reason for Memphis' win, going for 20 points and three assists. Conley's 20 points were better than the entire starting five for New Orleans, who combined for 19 points (ouch). With the win, Memphis improves to 3-2, while adds to an impressive start to the season, as the former Buckeye point guard is averaging a career-best 19.8 points per game, in addition to 5.8 assists per contest.
The Best of the Rest
- Portland Trail Blazers forward Evan Turner had a solid outing off the bench on Wednesday, posting 11 points, 10 rebounds and three assists in a 118-115 loss to the previously winless Phoenix Suns. Through five games off the bench, Turner is averaging 8.6 points and five rebounds per contest.
- Sacramento Kings power forward Kosta Koufos went for six points and nine rebounds off the bench in a 108-96 loss to the Miami Heat on Tuesday. Koufos is averaging 4.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per game so far this season.
- Toronto Raptors forward Jared Sullinger continues to be out with a left foot injury. Sullinger needed surgery to address a stress reaction in his left foot prior to the season, in which Toronto expects him to be out until early-to-mid January. Sullinger is the fifth and final member of former Buckeyes in the NBA.
