In the game that opened the 2021 preseason at the Oklahoma City Thunder pavilion, all eyes were on rookies Josh Giddey (pick 6) and James Bouknight (pick 11). Both, with great success, did not disappoint in their first minutes as professionals.
The point guard formed in Australia was the maximum exponent of the Thunder with 18 points in the defeat against the de North Carolina by 113 to 97. He also contributed 7 rebounds and 3 assists with a magnificent 8 of 12 in field goals.
“It has been great. And I’ve heard very well from the Thunder fans. It’s good for them to get back in the stands just like it’s good for us to get back on the slopes, ”admitted Giddey.
For his part, the excellent scorer Bouknight started from the second unit to become the top scorer of the night with 20 goals and a 7/12 at the launch.
“We are learning a lot about our team, both individually and collectively. Who fits with whom, who play well together. We will learn about young people from this very night and we are seeing different rotations, “Borrego told The Charlotte Observer. “So yes. We have evaluated everything tonight, and we will continue to do so in these preseason games, “he explained.
The Hornets’ offense was led by LaMelo Ball with 15 points, 6 rebounds and 5 basket passes. Four teammates also reached double-digit scoring: Miles Bridges (13); Terry Rozier III (11); PJ Washington 14) and Jalen McDaniels (12).
In OKC, in addition to Giddey, Lunguentz Dort and Aleksej Pokusevski added 11 goals each; and the Two-way Player Aaron Wiggins scored 12 points.
(Cover photo: Joe Scarnici / Getty Images)
