NBA debut to remember

So if this is what tanking for Andrew Wiggins looks like …

Philadelphia rookie point guard Michael Carter-Williams made an unforgettable NBA debut in Wednesday's stunning upset that ended mighty Miami's 15-game regular-season winning streak. Here's what the No. 11 pick in last summer's draft did by the numbers with a performance that approached an incomprehensible quadruple-double:

• 22 points: Most by a 76ers player in his first NBA game since Allen Iverson scored 30 against Milwaukee in November 1996.

• 12 assists: Second most by a player in his first NBA game, behind only Buffalo's Ernie DiGregorio's 14 in 1973-74.

• Nine steals: A record for an NBA debut. They also tied a franchise record held.

"I couldn't think of a better way to start your NBA career," Heat superstar LeBron James told reporters afterward.

You're not at Butler anymore

Boston Celtics coach Brad Stevens officially graduated from college to the NBA with Wednesday's season-opening loss at Toronto, which will be the first of many in a transition that he contractually has six years to make.

"Believe me, Brad Stevens is a smart guy," Raptors coach Dwane Casey said. "He'll learn the NBA coming from college. It took me a while to learn the difference coming from assistant coach in college to the pros. It seems like 30 years ago, but you do learn the nuances and the personality of the NBA. If you're a college coach and you have time, you'll figure it out."

Remember ...

You heard it here first, folks (OK, well maybe not). Charles Barkley on the season ahead: "Paul George is the next big superstar in the NBA."