The Buckeyes had 3 different players make their season debut on the NBAs opening night. On this past Wednesday D'Angelo Russell, (14-15) Mike Conley JR, (06-07) Keita Bates-Diop (14-18) all made appearances on the NBAs premier. While Jae'Sean Tate (14-18) missed the opener due to a minor ankle injury, Duane Washington JR (18-21) and Malaki Branham (21-22) did not play by coaches decision.
D'Angelo Russell
Russell put up 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists to start his 2022-2023 campaign. The 9th year vet shot 7/16 from the field and 2/6 from three. He started the game and played 34 minutes while helping lead The Timberwolves to a 115-108 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder even with all stars Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards struggling.
Mike Conley JR
Conley JR started his 16th NBA season with a blowout 123-102 win over the Denver Nuggets. Even at the age of 35 Conley got the starting nod at PG while playing the second most minutes on the team with 32 minutes. Conley had 13 points on 3/8 shooting and was 2/4 from 3 point land. Conley dished out 8 assists to just 3 turnovers and also collected 2 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block.
Keita Bates-Diop
Bates-Diop was the 3rd and final Buckeye to appear in a game last night with former teamate Jae'Sean Tate being out with an ankle injury. Diop played just 5 minutes in a 129-102 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. He had 2 points and made his only field goal attempt.