NBA Preseason: Lakers lose with LeBron and Westbrook – Luka Doncic is again strong

The Dallas Mavericks have clinched their second preseason victory, Luka Doncic conjures up both before and during the game. Isaiah Hartenstein convinces for the Clippers, the Bulls mop the floor with the Pelicans, the Lakers also lose with LeBron James and Russell Westbrook and the Nets beat the Bucks.

Cleveland Cavaliers (1-2) – Indiana Pacers (1-1) 100:109 (BOXSCORE)

• At the start of the preseason in New York a few days ago, the Pacers starters had to struggle with teething problems, but they now collectively brushed them aside. Malcolm Brogdon in particular had a creamy day, his 27 points out of the field at 12/14 gave Indiana the first win of the pre-season.
• Domantas Sabonis contributed a double-double (14 and 10 rebounds), and Myles Turner (11 and 9) and Chris Duarte (11) also scored double-digit points. Indiana also dominated the boards (50:30 rebounds). In the third quarter, the Pacers took a double-digit lead with the starters and never gave up this lead.
• The Cavs starters, on the other hand, remained largely looking for their rhythm for 48 minutes. Collin Sexton was already the best scorer from the top five with 10 points, but only scored 4/15 from the field. In three preseason games he is 14/41 FG. The home side’s best man was Ricky Rubio with 14 points in 18 minutes, Lauri Markkanen got 11 and 7 rebounds.

Brooklyn Nets (2-0) – Milwaukee Bucks (0-2) 119:115 (BOXSCORE)

• The rematch of the Eastern Conference semifinals had little in common with playoff basketball, the Bucks did without their Big Three (Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday) as well as numerous role players (including Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis), the Nets were missing as expected Kyrie Irving. For this Kevin Durant and James Harden celebrated their preseason debut.
• While the latter held back a little with 8 points (1/6 threesome), 4 rebounds and 4 assists in 24 minutes, KD (18 in 23 minutes) presented itself in solid form, even if the efficiency was not quite there yet (5 / 14 FG). In addition, Joe Harris scored 15 points and LaMarcus Aldridge 12. In the final minutes, however, rookie Cameron Thomas (7, 3/10 FG) ensured the Nets’ victory with several clutch buckets, similar to the one in the Summer League.
• Jordan Nwora’s 30 points (11/21 FG, 6/10 threesome) weren’t enough for the guests to win. In addition, Sandro Mamukelashvili (20 and 11 rebounds) and Elijah Bryant (21 and 8) were in a really good mood. Thanks to this trio, Milwaukee kept up well with the Nets even with the third row, Thanasis Antetokounmpo also had his moments (12 and 6).