With a few days left before the NBA’s 202-21 season opens, it’s easy to dismiss the prognosis in anticipation of the real thing. But, the franchise is very fond of reminding us, so you can’t skip the step. The rest of the preseason games are essential for young players (especially without the Summer League) to gain experience and build chemistry with new fellow players.
We saw a bit of both on Thursday, the No. 3 overall pick Lamollo Ball continued to impress with his flash and swapping in court. According to the chemistry, the Rockets were seen signing their new free-agent, Christian Wood, in court with their failed superstar, James Harden. Perhaps surprisingly, things are going very well.
Here’s a look at Thursday’s scores with some ideas for the night’s action.
NBA Preseason Scores for Thursday, December 17th
- Charlotte Hornets 123, land Relando Magic 115
- Detroit Pistons 97, and Washington Washington Wizards 86
- Houston Rockets 128, San Antonio Spurs 106
- Memphis Grizzlies 128, Atlanta Hawks 106
- Minnesota Timberwolves 129, Dallas Mavericks 127 (OT)
- Golden State Warriors 113, Sacramento Kings 109
- Utah Jazz 125, Los Angeles Clippers 105
Makes lame rain
In his first two Prison games, we’ll get a good look at Lamelo’s impressive passing ability and entertaining style of play, but there’s one thing he didn’t really do – make shots. The ball shoots 3-for-15 from the field in its first two NBA appearances, including a 2-for-9 from a 3-point range, but it turned out Thursday night against Magic. The shooting felt more comfortable in the shootout, making it 4-of-93-pointers to 18 points – a combined six more in his first two prison games.
The ball’s effort was enough to draw former Miami hit superstar and femur Dwayne’s attention to Wade’s future. Not bad for your third favorite game.
It doesn’t have the most traditional shooting mechanics so it’s bound to be a bit of a rope, but making 3s can significantly increase the ball’s ceiling given its playmaking ability. It was also a good sign for Hornets fans that the ball ends around the rim a few times on Thursday, as they used skill and English to find the bank angle in crowded places. It’s a long way from the finished product, but what Charlotte sees from the ball is this favorite.
Strictly heated, and so do the trade rumors
James Harden showed sensible corrosion in his first prison action after showing up to Rockets Camp on Tuesday and not being in the best shape of his life. It’s not yet the offensive machine we’ve grown accustomed to in many previous overs, but Harden looked better in Thursday’s win over the Spurs. He put up 20 points, nine assists and seven rebounds in 27 minutes, which would go from the 8-for-14 and 3-point range to 3 — 6 off the field. He paired himself with his new partner Christian Wood and went through the middle leg pocket of his patent.
It will be very awkward if Superman starts a regular season with the Rockets, considering he has already made it known that he wants out of Houston and the team has reported More options on the table After recent discussions. We’ve seen players like Anthony Davis try to play through the demands of a steady trade and he quickly becomes ugly, but Harden denies he’s the best player in the game if he’s on the court.
Get curry cooking
His wife Ayesha may be the cook in the family, but Steve Curry heated things up in a hurry on Thursday night. After a 2-for-11 start from the 3-point range, Curry was suddenly 6-for-13 in the blink of an eye, as he moved up to 29th in the second straight game and scored 16 points in the third quarter.
Curry Clay will take off most of the offensive load with Thompson this season, and it will be interesting to see how hot it can be on any given night. Warriors announcer Bob Fitzgerald predicted that Curry would set a single-game NBA record for both 3-pointers and 3-pointers this season, and you can see why. Depending on how much he has been released on Steve Care’s offense, Curry could get his second scoring title.
Meet Houston, Christian
Since he hid in the Detroit Pistons team last season, fans of the two casual quilt rockets couldn’t understand why Christian Wood gave him a 4 41 million contract this season. On Thursday, Wood’s tantalizing side and unique set of skills was on full display in his Prison Opener, as he put up 27 points, 10 rebounds, a block and a steal in less than 24 minutes.
Wood also hit two-pointers, demonstrating a feudal stroke that allowed him to shoot from deep deep last season. The Rockets abandoned the center position completely towards the end of last season, but Wood could be the perfect compromise. It has the size and length to secure the edge, but it also has guard skills and can aggressively space the floor. It will be fun to watch him work with Harden, though it lasts a long time.
Ja vs Tray is a pleasure
It was just a preseason game, but the league’s two best young point guards – Trey Young and Ja Morant – went head to head, as it was impossible to watch the Hawks-Grizzlies matchup without a smile on your face on Thursday. Young finished with 15 points and six assists in 26 minutes, but struggled in the shooting from deep deep (2-for-8). Morant got his best performance tonight, giving up 18 points and 13 assists in 27 minutes.
With Morent only 21 years old and Young 22, the league will be in great hands for an incomprehensible future. We’ve seen dynamic young guards before, but they must be seen programming in terms of both in order to move forward with their scoring ability.
