By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
After sitting out the 2024 NBA Preseason contest opposite the San Antonio Spurs, Lauri Markkanen bounced back in style, leading the Utah Jazz to a win, 117-114, over the Sacramento Kings in Delta Center on Tuesday.
The Finnish forward connected 4/10 field goals, including three triples, ending up with 21 points to go with four rebounds and one block over 32 minutes.
On the wrong end, Lithuanian Domantas Sabonis tallied a 29-point, 17-rebound double-double alongside eight assists and two steals in 36 minutes. Lasting 14 minutes, Ukrainian Alex Len logged three points, two assists, and two rebounds.
Pacome Dadiet shines in debut
Overshadowed by a serious shoulder injury to Landry Shamet, the New York Knicks took down the Charlotte Hornets, 111-105. British O.G. Anunoby was rested, but French rookie Pacome Dadiet shined in his preseason debut, packing 16 points, all in the second quarter. He added five rebounds and one steal in 28 minutes. German Ariel Hukporti put in eight points, five rebounds, one block, and one assist.
On the losing end of the exhibition in Madison Square Garden, French Tidjane Salaun finished with 13 points and eight rebounds. Fellow French teammate Moussa Diabate had five points, four rebounds, and two steals. Serbian Vasilije Micic did not play.
In Toyota Center, the Houston Rockets beat the New Orleans Pelicans, 118-98. Turkish Alperen Sengun chipped in 12 points, six rebounds, and three assists. For the Pels, German Daniel Theis had four points, one block, and one assist.