The Spurs hold off the Mavericks at the buzzer

Bryant, probably the NBA’s most uncensored player these days, said he thought the exchange was “fantastic.”

It’s been a full season since Howard decided to leave Los Angeles as a free agent, but the old feelings between the former Laker and Bryant look like they remain. While Bryant took on questions about Howard’s elbows, the Houston big man remained silent on the brief back-and-forth. Even after prodding from the media, he wouldn’t open up.

Davis was a force on both ends for New Orleans, showing a more polished game on offense and his usual combination of mobility and verticality on the other side of the floor. The numbers speak for themselves, and signal a player who could be ready for a monster third season in the NBA.

Fans will surely focus on the huge point, rebound and block totals, for good reason. Davis fell just short of recording a triple-double, but still had an opening night that’s practically unprecedented in league history. The last time someone posted a 26-15-9-3 line was Hakeem Olajuwon, 24 years ago. It’s been more than 30 years since someone recorded more blocks in a team’s season opener. At age 21, Davis is quickly establishing himself as a player capable of doing some pretty special things.

Happy NBA opening night.

Anthony Davis is going to be incredible to watch in his third season. The Pelicans blitzed the Orlando Magic on opening night on Tuesday, and Davis was dominant at both ends of the floor. He finished one block short of a triple-double, ending the game with 26 points, 17 rebounds and nine blocks.

Davis had several thunder dunks on offense, but his performance on the other end of the court might be even more impressive. Good luck scoring over this dude:

Either Dirk Nowitzki clipped Tim Duncan here or Oscar season is baaaaaack:

I don’t think Boris Diaw even did anything to drop Dirk Nowitzki here. Probably just a wet spot. But still ...

Boris is using that wet spot as a weapon now. Or Dirk just needs better treads on his sneakers:

There are only a handful of players that have arms long enough to make this play. Anthony Davis is one.

On second thought: perhaps the only one.

“From Good to Great”. Shots fired at anyone who has ever won a mere four championships.