NBA Preseason: Franz Wagner off to a good start

Franz Wagner took part in this year’s preseason for the Orlando Magic for the first time and immediately left a good impression. The Los Angeles Lakers are without a win, as is the Brooklyn Nets.

Atlanta Hawks (1-0) – Milwaukee Bucks (1-1) 123:113 (BOXSCORE)

• The Atlanta Hawks won the first of two games in Abu Dhabi against the Bucks. The new guard duo of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray already harmonized splendidly. Young was unsuccessful in four attempts from a distance, but still scored 22 points (8/19 FG). Murray did even better, flirting with a triple-double in just over 30 minutes on his Hawks debut (25 points, 9/13 FG, 8 rebounds, 9 assists).
• In general, things went like clockwork for Atlanta. Head coach Nate McMillan’s team converted 54 percent from the field and scored excellently, especially from the middle distance. The performance was rounded off by good performances from De’Andre Hunter (17), John Collins (16, 7/10) and backup guard Aaron Holiday (16).
• Jener Holiday met his big brother Jrue, who had to be content with 12 points (5/10 FG) and 7 assists. Giannis Antetokounmpo (19, 6/16 FG, 7 rebounds), on the other hand, was still looking for his groove, but was still the top scorer in his colors. Coming off the bench, Jevon Carter (17, 5/6 threes) and Serge Ibaka (15) drew attention.

Brooklyn Nets (0-2) – Miami Heat (1-1) 80:109 (BOXSCORE)

• This time the Nets played without Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant (22 points, 8/12 FG) was promptly missing another scorer on the field. At the break, the hosts were almost 20 points behind, in the third quarter the starting five still played a small stint, but bit their teeth on the heat defense.
• With the exception of KD, only Cam Thomas (13) and Markieff Morris (10) scored double digits. The performance of Ben Simmons, who had 4 points (2/3 FG), 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 6 turnovers in 25 minutes, was particularly disappointing. The Aussie didn’t attempt a three again, as a team the Nets hung up 5/28 from Downtown, only Royce O’Neale (6) sank more than a three.
• Miami didn’t score much better (11/36), but eight players ended the game in double digits. Jimmy Butler (2, 1/4) was not one of them, Bam Adebayo (17, 6/11 FG, 5/10 FT) was the visitors’ top scorer. First-round pick Nikola Jovic attracted attention with 10 points and 5 assists, while rotation players like Tyler Herro, Caleb Martin, Victor Oladipo and Gabe Vincent were injured.

Oklahoma City Thunder (2-1) – Adelaide 36ers (1-1) 131:98 (BOXSCORE)

• The Australians had won in Phoenix just a few days ago, but this time there was no match against the Thunder. Although they rested a few players after the defeat against Dallas the day before, players like Tre Mann were able to shine. The guard hit eight of his ten three-pointers in three quarters for 26 points, matching Lindy Waters III (23, 6/9 three-pointers) Mann.
• In total, the Thunder netted 20 triples. Josh Giddey (10) did not participate in the three-way party, Aaron Wiggins (12) hit two long-range shots. Second-round pick Jaylin Williams filled the box score with 4 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists.
• And Adelaide? They were already behind after the first quarter at 16:35 and were only able to win in the final section. Craig Randall II was the dominant man on offense with 27 points (11/21 FG, 7 assists), while Robert Franks (20) and Antonius Cleveland (19) also scored in double digits.