James was the top draft pick

The Cavaliers lost 106-92 to the Kings in Sacramento as 18-year-old James made his first start after becoming the top overall pick in the draft.

James has already made $100m in endorsements, and put in a performance worthy of the hype.

But the Kings ran away with the match in the fourth quarter.

"I think I could have helped my team a little bit more down the stretch," James said.

"We thought we had a chance to steal one on the West Cost. It didn't work out our way."

Kevin Garnett had 25 points, 21 rebounds and six assists as the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Milwaukee Bucks 95-89.

Newcomers Sam Cassell (18 points), Latrell Sprewell (15 points) and Michael Olowokandi (11 points, nine rebounds) helped out Garnett, as did reserve Gary Trent (14 points).

Both Michael Redd and Desmond Mason had 16 points for Milwaukee.

The Bucks were playing their first game under rookie coach Terry Porter.

Paul Pierce scored 23 points and Boston made up for the absence of Antoine Walker by placing six scorers in double figures as the Celtics beat Miami 98-75.

The Celtics got 15 points each from Vin Baker and Eric Williams, 12 each from Mike James and Raef LaFrentz and 10 from Tony Battie.

Eddie Jones had 22 points and eight rebounds for Miami.

Vince Carter scored 25 of his 39 points in the second half as Toronto beat New Jersey 90-87.

Carter, who played only 43 games last season because of injuries, almost single-handedly gave new Raptors coach Kevin O'Neill his first win.

Carter shot 15-for-30 from the field and 9-for-10 from the foul line for the Raptors.