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Damian Lillard, Victor Wembanyama among notable debuts across NBA

See how players on new teams and the rookie class performed in their 2023-24 regular-season debuts.

From NBA.com Staff

Victor Wembanyama scores nine points in the final seven minutes and finishes with 15 points and five rebounds in his NBA debut.

The 2023-24 NBA season is officially underway! Keep track of the players who switched teams this offseason as they debut with new squads and the 2023 rookies begin their NBA journeys. 

Thursday, Oct. 26:

Bucks 118, 76ers 117

Team debuts

  • Damian Lillard (MIL): 39 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists
  • Kelly Oubre Jr. (PHI): 27 points (5-6 3PT FG), 4 rebounds

Wednesday, Oct. 25: 

Magic 116, Rockets 86

Team debuts 

  • Fred VanVleet (HOU): 14 points (4-6 3PT FG), 5 assists
  • Dillon Brooks (HOU): 14 points, (4-6 3PT FG) 4 rebounds

Rookie debuts

  • No. 4 pick Amen Thompson (HOU): 8 points, 5 rebounds

Celtics 108 vs. Knicks 104 

Team debuts 

  • Kristaps Porzingis (BOS): 30 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks
  • Jrue Holiday (BOS): 9 points, 4 rebounds, 3 blocks

Kristaps Porzingis made a tie-breaking 3-pointer with 1:29 left and scored 30 points in a strong Celtics debut.

Pacers 143, Wizards 120

Team debuts 

  • Jordan Poole (WAS): 18 points, 5 assists
  • Tyus Jones (WAS): 16 points, 6 assists
  • Bruce Brown (IND): 24 points (6-8 3PT FG)
  • Obi Toppin (IND): 11 points, 4 rebounds
  • Danilo Gallinari (WAS): 16 points in 17 minutes

Hornets 116, Hawks 110

Rookie debuts

  • No. 2 pick Brandon Miller (CHA): 13 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists

Raptors 97, Timberwolves 94

Team debuts 

  • Dennis Schroder (TOR): 22 points (4-8 3PT FG), 7 assists

Heat 103, Pistons 102

Team debuts 

  • Thomas Bryant (MIA): 8 points, 6 rebounds

Rookie debuts

  • No. 5 pick Ausar Thompson (DET): 4 points, 7 rebounds, 5 blocks

Cavaliers 114, Nets 113

Team debuts

  • Max Strus (CLE): 27 points (7-13 3PT FG), 12 rebounds

Max Strus drills seven 3-pointers, the most ever in a Cavaliers debut.

Pelicans 111, Grizzlies 104

Team debuts

  • Marcus Smart (MEM): 17 points, 3 assists, 2 steals

Thunder 124, Bulls 104

Team debuts

  • Torrey Craig (CHI): 11 points (3-4 3PT FG), 7 rebounds

Rookie debuts

  • No. 2 pick (2022) Chet Holmgren (OKC): 11 points, 4 rebounds
  • No. 10 pick Cason Wallace (OKC): 13 points (3-3 3PT FG)

Kings 130 vs. Jazz 114

Team debuts

  • John Collins (UTA): 15 points, 11 rebounds

Mavericks vs. Spurs 

Team debuts

  • Grant Williams (DAL): 17 points, 6 rebounds

Rookie debuts

  • No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama (SAS): 15 points (3-5 3PT FG), 5 rebounds
  • No. 12 pick Dereck Lively II (DAL): 16 points, 10 rebounds

Blazers vs. Clippers 

Team debuts

  • Deandre Ayton (POR): 4 points, 12 rebounds, 3 steals
  • Robert Williams III (POR): 10 points (5-7 FG), 7 rebounds
  • Malcolm Brogdon (POR): 20 points (8-16 FG), 5 assists

Rookie debuts

  • No. 3 pick Scoot Henderson (POR): 11 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists

Tuesday, Oct. 24: 

Nuggets 119, Lakers 107

Team debuts

  • Taurean Prince (LAL): 18 points (6-8 FG), 3 rebounds
  • Christian Wood (LAL): 7 points (3-4 FG), 4 rebounds

Suns 108, Warriors 104

Team debuts

  • Jusuf Nurkic (PHX): 14 points (5-8 FG), 14 rebounds
  • Chris Paul (GSW): 14 points, 9 assists

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