Dennis Schröder and the Brooklyn Nets kicked off the preseason with a 106-115 defeat. However, the German World Cup captain put in a good performance. The same applied to top pick Zaccharie Risacher, who donned the Atlanta Hawks jersey for the first time.
Schröder only played in the first half against the L.A. Clippers at Oceanside, California, but the German still managed to score ten points (4/7 FG), make five assists and record two steals as a starter on the one. Ben Simmons was also in the starting five, but was used in the frontcourt. The Australian was unimpressive, but at least took a jump shot, which he missed, though. Simmons ended up with two points (1/5 FG) and three rebounds.
Kawhi Leonard sat out for the Clippers, while the other starters also left the court after the break. James Harden was the top scorer with 14 points (6/9) in the first half, but also turned over the ball six times in 16 minutes.
It was the Suns’ second preseason game in East Lansing, Michigan, and Kevin Durant scored 21 points (8/12) in just 19 minutes. The starters also played in the third quarter and led by as many as 20 points when new coach Mike Budenholzer brought on his reserves. For Detroit, Jalen Duren (17) and Jaden Ivey (16) were the top scorers, while Cade Cunningham (3, 1/6, 8 assists) was out of rhythm.
Top pick Zaccharie Risacher had a good debut for Atlanta
For Chicago, Josh Giddey (11, 7 rebounds, 3 assists) made a solid debut, but the three-pointer did not want to drop (0/3). Things went better for Coby White (21), while for Cleveland Evan Mobley (19, 9/14) scored the most points. Chicago’s lottery pick Matas Buzelis came off the bench to score ten points in 21 minutes.
In the debut of top pick Zaccharie Risacher, the Atlanta Hawks defeated Indiana 131-130, with Seth Lundry scoring the game-winner on the buzzer. Risacher was only used as a sixth man, but scored 18 points (7/9 FG, 3/4 three-pointers) with strong shooting percentages. Jalen Johnson (19, 10 rebounds) recorded a double-double in 22 minutes, while the Pacers only used their starters in the first half. The visitors won those 24 minutes 63-58.
LaMelo Ball once again made a good impression for Charlotte, scoring 24 points (6/12 from three) in 23 minutes. In addition, number six pick Tidjane Salaün (15, 5/9 FG, 8 rebounds) impressed again with four three-pointers. For Miami, stars Jimmy Butler (11) and Bam Adebayo (13) only played in the first half.