Dirk Nowitzki returns to the Dallas Mavericks as a center in the Starting Five.The Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors will be able to take home even without the occasional star.And the Memphis grizzlies show an unexpected offensive fireworks display.
Only one day after Maxi Kleber’s strong performance, the Dallas Mavericks beat the hour of the designated starters in the final test before the start of the regular season.While Kleber had to watch the game from the bench, Jubilar Dirk Nowitzki started as a nominee center and with 14 points (4/11 FG), 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks and 2 steals in 26 minutes delivered an all-round appealing performance.
However, the leading role in the Texans was taken over by another player: Harrison Barnes took an impressive 19 throws from the field and crowned himself the top scorer of the game with 24 points.Dennis Smith Jr.received the trust of coach Rick Carlisle and as a starter, he only slipped past a double double (10 points, 9 assists).
However, it was not enough for a victory at the end of the preseason.The Charlotte Hornets convinced with a balanced team performance, seven players scored double-digit points.The game remained tight until the middle of the last quarter, before Johnny O’ Bryant III led the hosts to a clear victory with eleven points in four minutes.
At the reigning Eastern Conference Champion, the second and third guards were given the opportunity to recommend themselves for the rotation in their last appearance before the start of the season.Coach Ty Lue gave LeBron James and Kevin Love a break, Derrick Rose and Tristan Thompson also played just a few minutes.
In the absence of Rose and injured Isaiah Thomas, experienced Jose Calderon took the responsibility offensively, scoring seven of his ten throws (18 points) and handing out five assists.Newcomer Dwyane Wade also showed a strong performance with 15 points in just twelve minutes.In addition, the young Big Man Ante Zizic (10 points, 4/4 FG) was also able to recommend himself for a place in the rotation.
So it was enough to win against a team from Orlando, which was almost in the squad.In his new role as a full-time power forward, however, Aaron Gordon was able to convince the Magic team.The 22-year-old scored three of his five distance throws (total 9/15 FG) and was the top scorer of the game with 21 points.
The New York Knicks end the pre-season without a single sense of achievement.Without the troubled Kristaps Porzingis, the team from the Big Apple showed defensive weaknesses – not surprisingly – and allowed the Washington Wizards to leave the field with a score of 53 percent.
At least offensively, however, the new arrivals in particular provided some bright spots.Enes Kanter scored 15 points (6/8 FG) and seven rebounds, Tim Hardaway Jr. (23 points, 4/8 3FG) and Doug McDermott (21 points, 4/6 3FG) came from a distance.What is more important, however, is that the 22-year-old Porzingis should be ready for the start of the regular season after his hip problems.
The same applies to Wizards star John Wall, who took another breather against the Knicks.In his absence, Bradley Beal (24 points, 7/13 FG) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (21 points, 9/13 FG) led Washington to their fourth victory in the fifth preseason game.
Page 1: Nowitzki starts as center, Cavs exist dress rehearsal
Page 2: Clapping for the Bulls, Rockets lose without Chris Paul
Page 3: Sixers dismantle Miami, Antetokounmpo strong
Page 4: Lakers defeat Clippers, Warriors even without KD confidently