2008-09 NBA Season Begins!

The 2008-09 season officially started Tuesday night earlier than usual. Three games were on the schedule, featuring King James, rookie phenom Greg Oden, Kobe Bryant's Lakers and the Champion Boston Celtics. Here's a look at quick recaps of each of the games from Tuesday night...

Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

In the opening game of the 2008-09 season, Cleveland traveled to the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston for a rematch of last year's Eastern Conference finals. After raising their 17th Championship banners to the rafters, the Celtics took to the courts against King James and his Cavs. The Celtics were able to hold off the Cavs 90-85 for their first win of the new season. Paul Pierce scored 27 points and Lebron scored 22 in the losing effort. James missed on a driving layup with 41 seconds to go, as well as 2 free throws in the final 11 seconds.

Read more about the Celtics win and championship banner presentation.


Milwaukee Bucks vs. Chicago Bulls
In a game not televised nationally, the Bulls and Bucks clashed in a Central division battle. It was the return of coach Scott Skiles to Chicago as he brought his new team, the Bucks into the building. The #1 pick Derrick Rose had some highlight plays and some that he'd like to forget. Michael Redd went off for 30 points. Luckily, Luol Deng and Ben Gordon were able to score 21 and 18 respectively to lead Chicago to a 108-95 victory. The rookie Rose finished with 11 points and 9 assists as well as 4 turnovers.

LA Lakers vs Portland Trailblazers

In the night's final game, the Lakers spoiled the season debut of Greg Oden with the Blazers, stomping them by a final score of 95-76. Kobe had 23 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists to lead his squad to a 1-0 start. Portland showed brief life in the 4th, but it wasn't enough to make a comeback. Oden was shutout, scoring 0 points in the game due to injury. Oden sprained his foot prior to the second half, and X-Rays were inconclusive. As of the 4th quarter, Oden was still in the team locker room at Staples Center. Other notable first game goose eggs were put up by the likes of Steve Nash, Yao Ming and belive it or not, Kobe Bryant.

Read more about the Bulls vs. Bucks here.

Notes: NBA TV is offering a free preview of its NBA TV channels through November 4th, so catch games there while you can!

There will be a new interactive component for games this season on Tuesday nights, where Fans can go to NBA.com and vote for which game they want to see on NBA TV! Next Tuesday's (Nov. 4) choices are Phoenix at New Jersey, Boston at Houston or Dallas at San Antonio.

Tomorrow night the Oklahoma City Thunder make their debut as the Milwaukee Bucks travel to OKC!