By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Danilo Gallinari poured a game-high 19 points for the Atlanta Hawks in the win, 117-116, versus the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedExForum Saturday. The experienced Italian forward dialed in a three in his first possession right off the bench and went on for 6/12 field goals in 26 minutes. He also pulled down five rebounds.
Serbian teammate Bogdan Bogdanovic ended up with ten points, seven assists, and two rebounds in 27 minutes. The only European starter, Swiss center Clint Capela completed his healthy preseason run on four points, seven rebounds, three assists, and one steal.
On the losing end, Lithuanian Jonas Valanciunas, member of the starting unit, got five points, nine rebounds, and four blocks in 22 minutes. French Killian Tillie remained sidelined due to a right hamstring injury.
The Orlando Magic nearly dropped a 23-point lead but topped the Charlotte Hornets, 120-117. Among the top performers, Montenegrin Nikola Vucevic posting an 18-point, 12-rebound double-double. Fellow starter, French swingman Evan Fournier logged in 11 points.
The Washington Wizards held on for the win, 99-96, against the Detroit Pistons at the Capital One Arena. It was the preseason finale for both sides and for the NBA in general, but also the debut for Davis Bertans. The Latvian sharpshooter lasted 11 minutes for 1/7 threes and three points.
Israeli Deni Avdija started for nine points, ten rebounds, three steals, and two assists. Germans Isaac Bonga and Moritz Wagner came off the bench, but only the former scored with one point to his name. Latvian Anzejs Pasecniks did not play.
The similar Euro-packed Pistons started Killian Hayes. The 19-year-old French guard registered 11 points. Ukrainian Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk also went for 11 points, but French Sekou Doumbouya did not get on the board in 14 minutes. Lithuanian Deividas Sirvydis and Bosnian Dzanan Musa were left out.
Photo Credit: Atlanta Hawks