By Antigoni Zachari / info@eurohoops.net
Alperen Sengun did justice to coach Stephen Silas’ choice to pick him as a starter against the San Antonio Spurs in the pre-season finale. And although the Rockets fell short (126-98), Sengun had one of his best performances to date with the franchise.
The Turkish big posted a double-double with 15 points, 12 rebounds in 25 minutes on the court and was one of the key contributors of the game.
However, Spurs‘ Derrick White and Dejounte Murray both enjoyed 20-point performances and made it hard for their visitors from the get-go, as they finished their pre-season on a good note (3-2).
The Chicago Bulls remained undefeated after taking down Memphis Grizzlies 118-105, thanks to the efforts of Nikola Vucevic, who was among the top scorers of the showdown with 23 points, 8 rebounds.
Zach LaVine also shined with 31 points for the Bulls, while Jaren Jackson Jr. had 29 points, 7 rebounds to lead Memphis, which ends its pre-season 3-3.
Giannis Antetokounmpo went off for a double-double with 26 points and 10 rebounds even though reigning champions Milwaukee Bucks fell to the Dallas Mavericks 114-103.
The Bucks completed their preseason 1-4, while Dallas has yet to slip a game (4-0). Despite lacking Luka Doncic, who was sidelined for Friday’s matchup, the Euros has a strong presence in the game.
Forward Maxi Kleber had 9 points, 5 rebounds in 14 minutes, while big man Boban Marjanovic posted 8 points, 4 rebounds in 13 minutes coming from the bench.
Nemanja Bjelica produced 12 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists in 21 minutes coming from the bench as the Golden State Warriors concluded their preseason with a 119-97 win against Portland Trail Blazers to stay perfect.
Jusuf Nurkic had a double-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds along with 3 assists for the Blazers that have yet to pick up a win in this preseason.
The Cleveland Cavaliers picked up their second victory in the pre-season after beating Indiana Pacers 110-94 on Friday. Cedi Osman was the leading scorer for the Cavs with 14 points in just 15 minutes while coming from the bench.
On the other end of the court, Donatas Sabonis had 10 points, 6 rebounds for the Pacers that fell to a 2-2 record.
NBA preseason October 15 results:
Boston Celtics – Miami Heat 100-121
Philadelphia 76ers – Detroit Pistons 108-112
Cleveland Cavaliers – Indiana Pacers 110-94
Washington Wizards – New York Knicks 113-115
Memphis Grizzlies – Chicago Bulls 105-118
Dallas Mavericks – Milwaukee Bucks 114-103
Houston Rockets – San Antonio Spurs 98 – 126
Portland Trail Blazers – Golden State Warriors 97-119