THE FLATS – Three former Yellow Jackets – Jose Alvarado, Josh Okogie and Thaddeus Young – are on NBA rosters as the 2023-24 season begins … Okogie has strong opening night for Suns … Alvarado out two more weeks … Ben Lammers’ team in Spain is undefeated … more in this week’s #ProJackets Report.
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JOSH OKOGIE STRONG OPENING NIGHT FOR SUNS
Josh Okogie, made a clutch three-pointer and scored 17 points to help the Phoenix Suns defeat the Golden State Warriors 108-104 on opening night at the Chase Centre in San Fransisco on Wednesday.
With the absence of newly acquired All-Star guard Bradley Beal, Okogie was handed a place in the starting lineup alongside Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Jusuf Nurkic and Greyson Allen.
The Suns needed a win to start the season on a bright note and Okogie, in 32 minutes on the court, stood out as one of the best players on the night with his end-to-end hustle, also contributing 17 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Booker had a game-high 32 points eight assists and six rebounds. Durant recorded a double-double scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists while Nurkic also produced a double-double in the win, contributing 14 points, 14 rebounds, and three assists.
Josh Okogie was everywhere. He did everything.
He won the Suns this basketball game. pic.twitter.com/2NecfrFxq5
— Suns Are Better (@SunsAreBetter) October 25, 2023
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OKOGIE DRAWS FIRST FLOPPING FINE FROM NBA
It didn’t take the Phoenix Suns’ Josh Okogie long to pick up a fine in the 2023-24 NBA season.
The guard was fined $2,000 for flopping following an official league review for his actions during the waning minutes of the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center on Tuesday night.
The Suns were on a break around the 3:30 mark of the fourth quarter and Okogie was filling the middle of the court.
He took a light, two-handed shove from Warriors center Kevon Looney, who was coming down to play defense. Okogie fell to the ground.
A video of it can be found online. The Suns’ guard was the only player fined following opening night, according to the NBA league office.
Josh Okogie was assessed a postgame flopping fine of $2,000 on this play from last night’s Suns-Warriors game, per @NBAOfficial.pic.twitter.com/NVQWMtINO5
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 25, 2023
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JOSE ALVARADO MEDICAL UPDATE
From NBA.com
New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado, who suffered a right ankle sprain during an offseason workout, recently reported discomfort in his injured ankle during his return to play program. He was re-evaluated yesterday by Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte, North Carolina. Alvarado will continue his rehabilitation program and will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
“Be in the conversation with sixth man of the year.”
Jose Alvarado shares his goal for this upcoming season
Hear more from Pelicans Camp⤵️https://t.co/XWDtRPGPGX@PelicansNBA | @NBA | @SiriusXMSports pic.twitter.com/10edzdpBq4
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) October 21, 2023
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BEN LAMMERS’ NEW SPANISH TEAM UNDEFEATED
Gran Canaria, the reigning champion of EuroCup, comfortably secured another victory, defeating JL Boug en Bresse with a final score of 84 – 76.
Despite easing up a bit towards the end, they maintained their unbeaten streak after four rounds into the season.
Alongside Paris Basketball, who managed to escape the challenge from the London Lions on Tuesday (24/10), Gran Canaria stands as the only team with a perfect 4-0 record.
Ben Lammers played a pivotal role in Gran Canaria’s success, contributing 17 points and seven rebounds.
🔥 ¡Victoria para seguir líderes de nuestro grupo en la BKT Eurocup!
▪ @ElaboradoAqui te trae el TOP 5 del encuentro de ayer con Ben Lammers como gran protagonista.
🇮🇨 #VamosGranca | #ElaboradoAquí pic.twitter.com/mX0IxFw1h7
— Dreamland Gran Canaria (@GranCanariaCB) October 26, 2023