One more week until the start of the 2023/24 NBA season: In the preseason, Zion Williamson and Jayson Tatum in particular are in impressive early form – but the Wagner brothers don’t have to hide either. Dennis Schröder clinches his next victory with the Toronto Raptors and Damian Lillard has to accept the first setback after his acclaimed arrival in Milwaukee.
NBA preseason: Zion Williamson dominates for the New Orleans Pelicans against the Orlando Magic with the Wagner brothers
Zion Williamson put on a highlight show against the Orlando Magic. 16 minutes were enough for the top pick of the 2019 NBA Draft for 16 points (6/8 FG), 5 (!) Steals, 3 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 blocks. Especially in transition, Zion delivered a dunk festival as usual in the 104:92 victory.
On the Magic side, the Wagner brothers in particular stood up to the Pels star. Franz Wagner was the Magic’s top scorer with 19 points, was extremely efficient from the field (8/11 FG, 3/6 3PT) and collected 5 rebounds. Similar to Zion, Moritz Wagner also put up 16 points in 16 minutes (7/10 FG), although not in one highlight play after the other.
“I think today was a day where sometimes we had a few free throws or good threes that we didn’t take and went back into the zone where everyone was. But when we find a rhythm, when we’re more together “We’ll definitely get it under control. But I think it’s great to see that we want to share the ball,” explained Franz Wagner.
Brandom Ingram scored the most points for the Pelicans (18, 8/16 FG). It was New Orleans’ first win of the preseason, while Orlando suffered its first loss.
NBA preseason: Damian Lillard disappoints in the second game for the Milwaukee Bucks
Blowout for the Milwaukee Bucks in Damian Lillard’s second game! The Bucks clearly lost out against the Oklahoma City Thunder with 101:124. Lillard in particular had extreme problems getting into the game and in the end only contributed 5 meager points (2/11 FG). Especially from outside, nothing fell at all for the seven-time All-Star (0/5 3PT). Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 18 points (8/12 FG) and grabbed 10 rebounds, the Bucks’ top scorer was Malik Beasley with 20 points (7/13 FG, 6/11 3PT).
On the talented Oklahoma team, the scoring burden was spread across several shoulders. Chet Holmgren confirmed his strong form in the preseason and put up 18 points (7/8 FG), Jaylin Williams also impressed with 18 points (6/10 FG) and the Australian Josh Giddey with 19 points (9/12 FG) as top scorers , including 7 rebounds and 5 assists. The victory was based on a very strong shooting performance: The Thunder hit almost 50 percent of their threes on 18 of their 39 attempts.
NBA Preseason: Dennis Schröder and the Toronto Raptors also win against the Bulls
Next win for the Toronto Raptors and German point guard Dennis Schröder. The team from Canada also won the Chicago Bulls, with Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes particularly playing a part. The Raptors’ wing duo each scored 22 points. Dennis Schröder contributed a total of 12 points (4/10 FG), 4 rebounds and 4 assists in the 106:102 win.
For the Bulls, Zach LaVine in particular resisted the defeat and scored 25 points (10/19 FG). Nikola Vucevic also posted a double-double with 20 points (8/13 FG) and 10 rebounds. Chicago only got to the free throw line eleven times as a whole team, and Prime Rockets James Harden just had a tired smile on his face.
NBA Preseason: Dunk of the Night – Andre Drummond
Steal against Raptors rookie Gradey Dick and Andre Drummond’s lane was more than just free for a dunk. There are actually no easier points for a player of his size – actually… Because the Bulls center suffered a crushing defeat in the fight with the ring! With clearly not enough height, Drummond couldn’t get the ball through the net.
It was much more successful das Alley-Oop-Play der Boston Celtics: After a jump ball, Payton Pritchard set up newcomer Kristaps Porzingis, who completed the beautiful move with a dunk without any problems – Take Notes, Andre Drummond!
NBA preseason: Jayson Tatum is in impressive form
Jayson Tatum seems more than ready for the NBA season that’s about to start! In the 123:110 win over the New York Knicks, JT excelled with 28 points (9/15 FG), 8 rebounds and 4 assists. At halftime, Boston already had 78 points in the TD Garden, and in addition to Tatum, newcomer Kristaps Porzingis also impressed with 20 points (8/13 FG) and 8 rebounds. The Latvian received immediate praise from Tatum: “He’s obviously a very talented player. He makes the game easier for me and everyone else.”
For the Knicks, Quentin Grimes in particular caught fire with seven three-pointers and 22 points, while the German Isaiah Hartenstein had 13 points (6/11 FG). But the truth is also: The team from the Big Apple did without Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, Josh Hart and Immanuel Quickley.
NBA Preseason: All games of the night at a glance
Orlando Magic (2-1) – New Orleans Pelicans (1-3) 92:104 BOXSCORE
Boston Celtics (3-1) – New York Knicks (1-2) 123:110 BOXSCORE
Chicago Bulls (1-3) – Toronto Raptors (3-0) 102:106 BOXSCORE
Minnesota Timberwolves (4-0) – Maccabi Ra’anana 138:111
Oklahoma City Thunder (2-2) – Milwaukee Bucks (2-2) 124:101 BOXSCORE
Los Angeles Clippers (2–1) – Denver Nuggets (2–2) 116:103 BOXSCORE
2023-10-18 05:45:00
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