By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
James Harden went for 44 points leading the Houston Rockets to the 144-133 victory versus the Miami Heat at the AmericanAirlines Arena, while Kendrick Nunn poured 40 points for the losing side. As for European contribution, Clint Capela posted a 20-point, 13-rebound double-double and Thabo Sefolosha added 2 points, but Isaiah Hartenstein did not score. Goran Dragic posted 7 points, 7 assists and 3 rebounds for the home team on Friday evening.
In-form OG Anunoby scored a team-high 18 points for the Toronto Raptors in the 123-107 win over the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center in other 2019 NBA preseason action. Fellow European starter Marc Gasol posted 11 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists, and Serge Ibaka notched a 15-point, 11-rebound double-double from the bench. For the hosts, Dzanan Musa had 7 points and Rodions Kurucs 5 to go along with his 6 boards.
Marco Belinelli finished with 9 points, Jakob Poeltl had 6 points to go along with his 9 rebounds and Luka Samanic did not get on the board for the San Antonio Spurs in the 104-91 win over the Memphis Grizzlies at the AT&T Center. On the losing side, Marko Guduric wrapped up his preseason with 2 points, 4 rebounds and 2 dimes, while injured Jonas Valanciunas remained sidelined.
Moritz Wagner posted 14 points before picking up an injury, Davis Bertans added 8 points and Isaac Bonga ended up with 2 points to go along with his 5 boards and 5 assists for the Washington Wizards in the 112-93 victory versus the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. Furkan Korkmaz started for the hosts but only made 2/9 from the field for 5 points.
The Golden State Warriors beat the Los Angeles Lakers, 124-103, at the Chase Center behind Stephen Curry’s 32 points. Lone Warriors Old Continent representative Alen Smailagic did not play. The opposing team featured Kostas Antetokounmpo’s 7 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 5 blocks.
Nicolo Melli had 7 points for the New Orleans Pelicans that defeated the New York Knicks, 117-116, at the Madison Square Garden. European teammate Kavell Bigby-Williams remained on the bench, so did Frank Ntilikina and Ignas Brazdeikis of the opposing side.
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