Trouble in Detroit and other NBA takeaways

The much-anticipated NBA season kicked off Tuesday night, and it has not disappointed, unless you’re a Thunder or Lakers fan. There was a lot going on and below are some of the highlights now that every team has at least one game under its belt.

Trouble brewing in Detroit

Just one night into his tenure with the Pistons, coach Stan Van Gundy and Brandon Jennings are already at odds. Jennings played just 20 minutes in Detroit’s 89-79 loss to the Nuggets in Denver. D.J. Augustin got the majority of the minutes, Van Gundy said, because he was playing better. Jennings said it was “a little surprising” to see his lack of playing time. 

“Never happened before in my career. But hey, it is what it is. We’ve just got to keep pushing through it,” Jennings told the Detroit Free Press.

It happened again Thursday night when Jennings played even less — 16 minutes — in a loss to the Timberwolves.

Steve Ballmer’s debut

The new Clippers owner had his first regular season game and was just as crazed as anticipated.

He got to see his team hold off the Thunder, 83-80, in a decidedly ugly contest. But most importantly, the former Microsoft CEO got tot meet Fergie.

Kemba ruins Jason Kidd’s debut

The former Nets coach looked well on his way to a big season-opening victory, his Bucks all over the Hornets, before Kemba Walker happened. The Bronx product and former UConn star led Charlotte back from a 15-point deficit, forced overtime with a 3-pointer and hit the game-winning jumper in the extra session with five seconds left. Michael Jordan loved it. Walker’s New York City backcourt mate, Lance Stephenson, struggled offensively, shooting 3-of-12 for just seven points, but had 13 rebounds and eight assists.

Heat move on with life after LeBron

So much for a LeBron James hangover. The King is in Cleveland, but Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade are still in Miami, and they led the Heat to an impressive 107-95 win over the Wizards, who are without star shooting guard Bradley Beal (left wrist fracture). Bosh dominated with 26 points, 15 rebounds and four assists.

Paul Who? Hibbert leads Pacers

For one night, the Pacers didn’t miss Paul George and Lance Stephenson. That’s because Roy Hibbert resembled the elite center he was expected to be last season, not the soft inconsistent big man he sometimes lapsed into. The former Hoya had 22 points, eight rebounds and seven blocks as Indiana, with no-name guards C.J. Miles and Donald Sloan starting, topped the woeful 76ers, 103-91.