Pistons 98, Knicks 95

Carmelo Anthony Cannot Pick Up Slack With J. R. Smith Suspended

By MAX COHEN

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

Detroit’s Josh Smith, left, driving on Cole Aldrich. The Knicks, struggling on offense, allowed the Pistons to earn their first win.

With Smith suspended for one game, the Knicks needed a big night from Anthony, but he had only 13 points against the previously winless Pistons.

Timberwolves 98, Nets 91

Minnesota’s Gorgui Dieng (5) battling the Nets’ Mason Plumlee. Dieng is one of seven Timberwolves aged 25 or younger.

Coach Inspires Timberwolves by Pointing to Nets Veteran

By ANDREW KEH

The Timberwolves, who are rebuilding, took their work in progress to Brooklyn, where they faced the former Minnesota star Kevin Garnett.

Roundup

Al Jefferson, center, scored a season-high 28 points and had 10 rebounds in Charlotte's win over Miami.

Charlotte Hornets End Skid Against Miami Heat

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Kemba Walker had 16 points and 7 assists, and Charlotte beat visiting Miami to end a 16-game regular-season losing streak against the Heat.

It's the Economy

Will the LeBron James Stimulus Be Good for Cleveland?

By BINYAMIN APPELBAUM

Some locals are hoping King James’s return will revive the city’s economy, but experts say these predictions are wildly inflated and unlikely to last.

Sports of The Times

Mason Plumlee (1) trying to slow the Thunder’s Reggie Jackson on Monday night. With a 116-85 win, the Nets improved to 2-1.

In Rapidly Changing World, Nets Strive for an Important Constant

By WILLIAM C. RHODEN

With an owner who talks like an investor and an old-school coach who is trying to modernize, the Nets have set their sights on winning.

Wizards 98, Knicks 83

Carmelo Anthony shooting in the first half. He scored 18 points but watched the game’s final minutes from the bench.

Knicks’ Offense Runs Aground Against Wizards, and a Promising Start Follows Suit

By SCOTT CACCIOLA

The Knicks were ready for John Wall, the Wizards’ star point guard, but an offensive dry spell in the third quarter spelled doom.

Advertising

The Charlotte Hornets’ mascot, Hugo, is part of a promotional effort to distribute 1,000 purple basketball nets around the city.

An Emotional Response to Charlotte Hornets’ Name Change

By ANDREW ADAM NEWMAN

Nothing resembles a bouncing ball so much as the 26-year history of professional basketball in Charlotte, N.C.

Nets 116, Thunder 85

In his first game since breaking his foot last year, Nets center Brook Lopez blocked a shot by the Thunder’s Steven Adams.

Nets Follow a Bit of Levity With a Serious Drubbing of the Thunder

By ANDREW KEH

Mikhail D. Prokhorov offered up some jokes, one about the departure of the former Nets coach Jason Kidd, and then his team, with Brook Lopez back for the home opener, routed Oklahoma City.

Carmelo Anthony on Sunday. This season, he is shooting 54.5 percent in the fourth quarter.

So Far, Knicks Are Succeeding With Less Carmelo Anthony

By SCOTT CACCIOLA

At 2-1, the Knicks are over .500 for the first time in more than a year, and they have been able to keep Anthony, their top scorer, from playing too many minutes.

James Harden of the Rockets guarded by the Lakers’ Jeremy Lin.

Previewing the N.B.A.’s Game of the Week: Spurs at Rockets

By JONAH BROMWICH

After beginning the season 3-0, Houston will face its first real test on Thursday when it hosts the league’s defending champion, San Antonio.

News From A.P. and Reuters »

Editors' Picks

A field at Lloyd Barbee Montessori, a Milwaukee public school, reflects the poor state of many of the city’s playing surfaces and recreation centers.

Sports of The Times

An Arena Fairy Tale With Blurred Morals

By MICHAEL POWELL

The Bucks have joined the list of professional sports teams that have sought public financing to build arenas or stadiums, even as Milwaukee’s schools and recreation centers face money problems.

The Knicks acquired Jim Cleamons (35) as a free agent in October 1978, which, in turn, led to Walt Frazier (11) being shipped to Cleveland.

On Pro Basketball

Reminder of Knicks’ Dysfunction Is Again Hoping to Solve It

By HARVEY ARATON

Jim Cleamons, a current assistant and former Knicks player, has ties to Phil Jackson, the team president, and an awkward history with Walt Frazier, the TV analyst.

O’Neal earned more than $21 million last year through his business and TV work, his management team said.

Looming Even Larger Off the Court

By SCOTT CACCIOLA

Shaquille O’Neal, the former N.B.A. All-Star, has earned millions by promoting a wide variety of products, such as jewelry and soda.

LeBron James during a Cleveland exhibition. Owners’ claims of penury “will not fly with us” after huge television deals, he said.

On Pro Basketball

Owners Can’t Line Their Pockets Now and Cry Poverty Later, LeBron James Says

By HARVEY ARATON

With the N.B.A. announcing $24 billion worth of television contract deals, James threw down the gauntlet on future collective bargaining negotiations.

Kevin Garnett in December. He is set to begin his final season on his current contract.

With Purpose and Perspective, Nets’ Kevin Garnett Enters His 20th Season

By ANDREW KEH

Garnett, 38, the only player left in the N.B.A. from the 1995 draft class, is expected to be a part of the Nets’ starting lineup this season, which may or may not be his last.