NBA: San Antonio Spurs get some rest and a win over the New Orleans Pelicans

Kawhi Leonard had 20 points and the San Antonio Spurs held Anthony Davis in check to easily defeat the New Orleans Pelicans, 98-79, on Saturday night in their home opener.

The Spurs won their first season opener in 20 years without Tim Duncan, who retired in the off-season. San Antonio also played without the other two of its Big Three as Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili sat out to rest in the first night of back-to-back games.

“Everybody goes through this,” Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich said of resting his veterans because of the schedule. “This is our third game in five nights. Tomorrow’s going to be four games in six nights. It’s ridiculous. [The Pelicans] played at 8:30 last night and they have to play a back-to-back tonight. Seems like you could figure that out.”

Davis was held to 18 points after scoring 50 and 45 points in the first two games.

Boston 104, at Charlotte 98: Avery Bradley had 31 points on a career-high eight three-pointers, and the Celtics shot 75% from the field in the fourth quarter. Bradley made eight of 11 from beyond the arc and had 11 rebounds.

at New York 111, Memphis 104: Kristaps Porzingis had 21 points, Carmelo Anthony scored 20 and the Knicks won their home opener.

at Cleveland 105, Orlando 99: LeBron James scored 23 points, Kyrie Irving had 20 and the Cavaliers beat the Magic for the 15th straight time.

at Chicago 118, Indiana 101: Doug McDermott had 23 points, Jimmy Butler scored 16 on six-for-nine shooting and Rajon Rondo had 13 assists to lead the Bulls to their second win to open the season.

at Milwaukee 110, Brooklyn 108: John Henson’s tip-in at the buzzer gave the Bucks the victory. Rashad Vaughn scored a career-high 22 points, including six three-pointers, and Giannis Antetokounmpo had 21 points and 11 rebounds.

Atlanta 104, at Philadelphia 72: Paul Millsap scored 17 points to lead five Hawks in double figures.

Portland 115, at Denver 113 (OT): Damian Lillard scored 37 points, including the winning shot for the Trail Blazers, who erased an eight-point deficit in the final minute of regulation.

at Sacramento 106, Minnesota 103: DeMarcus Cousins scored 29 points and Rudy Gay had 28, including a jumper that broke a 100-100 tie and put the Kings ahead to stay with 1:55 to play.