By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Houston Rockets concluded their exhibition schedule with a commanding 116–89 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center on Thursday. The matchup served as the NBA Preseason 2026 closer for both franchises, allowing coaches a final look at their rotations before the games count in the 2026–27 Regular Season.
Turkish starting center Alperen Sengun set the tone from the opening tip. In 24 minutes of action, he filled the box score with 14 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and a steal, elevating the interior defense while facilitating the offense.
The bench sustained the momentum, led by a perimeter barrage from Bogdan Bogdanovic. The Serbian guard caught fire from deep, converting five three-pointers to finish with 15 points, six rebounds, an assist, and a steal in 16 minutes. Swiss Clint Capela provided steady minutes in relief, chipping in two points, three rebounds, a block, and an assist.
Oklahoma City also leaned into their European depth during the finale. Belgian Ajay Mitchell and German Isaiah Hartenstein both started. The 24-year-old guard logged 24 minutes, finishing with seven points, three rebounds, an assist, and a steal. The 28-year-old big battled inside for 19 minutes, securing eight rebounds to go along with six points and an assist.
Off the bench, Spanish Aday Mara grabbed nine rebounds while adding six points, two assists, and a block in 21 minutes. German Christoph Tilly also saw floor time, distributing two assists and grabbing a rebound in seven minutes. Serbian Nikola Topic did not play as he continues to recover from injury.
Knicks outlast Raptors
Madison Square Garden hosted a closely contested battle as the New York Knicks edged the Toronto Raptors 122–120 to close their exhibition schedule.
For the defending champions, British OG Anunoby and French Mohamed Diawara both received starting nods. The 29-year-old wing played 31 minutes, disrupting passing lanes to collect three steals alongside six points, five rebounds, and three assists. The 21-year-old forward matched him with six points, three rebounds, and an assist in 20 minutes of action. French reserve Pacome Dadiet provided a quick lift, scoring six points in 11 minutes.
On the wrong end, Austrian starter Jakob Poeltl went for seven points, four rebounds, two assists, a block, and a steal in 25 minutes of play for the team coached by Serbian Darko Rajakovic.
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