Boston Crushes Charlotte by 39 as Saturday Slate Opens

Boston’s 119-80 demolition of Charlotte on Friday was the night’s biggest statement: the Celtics improved to 7-2, own a +87 point differential and sit fifth in the power index. Cleveland beat Philadelphia 119-95, Atlanta edged Washington 139-132, Dallas topped Utah 112-100, Oklahoma City beat Memphis 128-97, Toronto defeated Milwaukee 121-107, Minnesota beat New Orleans 115-109, San Antonio topped Sacramento 124-109 and the Lakers beat Portland 124-118. Today’s marquee matchup sends No. 1 San Antonio (7-2) to No. 8 Portland (6-2), with Victor Wembanyama bringing 262 points and 38 blocks through nine games. Saturday’s slate also features Denver at Indiana, Brooklyn at Atlanta, New York at Cleveland, Washington at Oklahoma City, Orlando at Golden State and Houston at Phoenix.