The Atlanta Hawks closed their second friendly game with another loss (0-2). Nate McMillan’s men lost to the young Cavaliers 96-99, with Cam Reddish and Collin Sexton being the top scorers with 20 and 19 points respectively.
However, the couple formed by Sharife Cooper and John Collins left us the play of the night. Both starred in a fantastic connection that ended with the power forward sinking it into the rival rim.
Cooper, 2nd round of the 2021 Draft, had 9 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists; and Collins contributed 14 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks in just 25 minutes.
In the Cavs, their starters had substantial minutes, and in addition to the aforementioned Sexton, point guard / guard Darius Garland stood out with 15 points and 7 basket passes, and Jarrett Allen and Isaac Okoro each had 12 points. For his part, rookie Evan Mobley finished with 8 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists.
Dallas, to the rhythm of Doncic
The Dallas Mavericks made their debut in this 2021 preseason with a victory over the Utah Jazz by 101-111. Luka Doncic put the points and the rhythm of the game in the Texans with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists in just 16 minutes.
Additionally, backups Boban Marjanovic, Carlik Jones and Jalen Brunson also contributed double-digit scorers with 14, 13 and 10 points respectively.
In those of Salt Lake City, Jared Butler, a 2nd round of the 2021 Draft, exploded with 22 points and 4 assists, including a 9/18 shooting from the field and a 3/7 in triples in half an hour of play.
2-0 for the Warriors
Steve Kerr’s Golden State Warriors won their second straight win by beating the Nuggets by a close 116-118. Jordan Poole repeated starting, being the top scorer of his team with 17 points.
Also added double-digit scorers Otto Porter Jr. with 15 points starting as reserve; Stephen Curry (14) and Nemanja Bjelica (13).
In Mike Malone’s team, MVP Nikola Jokic reaped a double-double (17 points and 10 rebounds) in 16 minutes; and Aaron Gordon seconded him with 16 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists.
NOLA’s first win
Rookie Trey Murphy III led the New Orleans Pelicans’ first win 86-104 against the Orlando Magic who presented a different quintet than the first day. The rookie selected with the 17th pick in the 2021 Draft shone with 20 points and 6 rebounds, including a magnificent 6/9 on 3s.
Starter Nickeil Alexander-Walker had 19 points; and the Lithuanian center left samples of what he can contribute this year with 13 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks.
In Florida, Wendell Carter Jr. was the most prominent with 13 points and 11 rebounds as a backup; followed by Cole Anthony and Terrence Ross with 12 and 11 points respectively. Rookie Jalen Suggs was only 1/7 in shooting from the field after 9 points and 4 rebounds in his first game against the Boston Celtics.
Attention to the Fox-Mitchell couple
Rookie Davion Mitchell is leaving a very good feeling in these early stages with the Sacramento Kings, and everything points to a starting job. Against the Clippers he touched thirty minutes to obtain 13 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists with a perfect 3/3 in triples.
The Kings beat the Angels 113-98 to go 2-0 this preseason. His star De’Aaron Fox was the most outstanding with 23 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists with a 7/10 on the pitch.
On the Clippers, the rookie Brandon Boston Jr. caught all the spotlight with 20 points and 7 rebounds, albeit 6/19 at the pitch.
(Cover photo: Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images)