Patty Mills has stood up for San Antonio in the absence of rested superstar Tony Parker, leading the Spurs to a 98-79 home NBA victory over New Orleans.
The Australian guard scored 18 points and was four of seven on three-pointers, including one at the close of the first half which gave San Antonio a 55-45 lead.
"I thought the play at the end of the first half was a big play," said Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry.
"Instead of a seven-point game, it's a 10-point game.
"Patty makes a three-pointer. We never really got him picked up.
"You can't make those kind of mistakes."
Fellow Australian Matthew Dellavedova was also a key figure in Milwaukee's 110-108 victory over Brooklyn.
Dellavedova had 14 points, nine assists and three steals.
The champion Cleveland Cavaliers had too much class for Orlando, beating the Magic 105-99.
LeBron James scored 23 points for the Cavs while Kyrie Irving chipped in with 20.
The New York Knicks defeated Memphis 111-104 in their home opener at Madison Square Garden.
In Chicago, the Bulls belted Indiana 118-101 with Doug McDermott scoring 23 points.
Elsewhere, Avery Bradley had 31 points on a career-high eight three-pointers to help the Boston Celtics to a 104-98 win over the Charlotte Hornets.
Bradley also had 11 rebounds as the Celtics shot 75 per cent from the field in the fourth quarter.
Earlier on Saturday, Atlanta hammered Philadelphia 104-72.
