Preseason NBA: Franz Wagner starts well

Franz Wagner first took part in this year’s preseason for Orlando Magic and immediately left a good impression. The Los Angeles Lakers are winless, as are 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 have already harmonized beautifully. Young was unsuccessful in four long-range attempts, but still scored 22 points (8/19 FG). Murray even better, flirting with a triple double in just over 30 minutes on his debut with the Hawks (25 points, 9/13 FG, 8 rebounds, 9 assists).
• In general, things went like clockwork for Atlanta. Coach Nate McMillan’s team converted 54% from the field and scored excellently, especially from middle distance. The performance was complemented by good performances from De’Andre Hunter (17), John Collins (16, 7/10) and backup guard Aaron Holiday (16).
• Jener Holiday met his older brother Jrue, who had to settle for 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 pace, but he was still the top scorer with his colors. Leaving the bench, Jevon Carter (17, 5/6 three) and Serge Ibaka (15) attracted attention.

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

• This time around the Nets played without Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant (22 points, 8/12 FG) promptly missed another scorer on the field. At half-time the hosts were almost 20 points behind, in the third quarter the top five still played a small stint, but they ate their teeth in defense of the heat.
• With the exception of KD, only Cam Thomas (13) and Markieff Morris (10) scored double digits. Particularly disappointing was Ben Simmons’ performance, who scored 4 points (2/3 FG), 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 6 turnovers in 25 minutes. The Aussie did not attempt a three again, as a Nets team 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 finished the game in double figures. Jimmy Butler (2, 1/4) was not one of them, Bam Adebayo (17, 6/11 FG, 5/10 FT) was the guests’ 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 got 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 against the Thunder there was no match. Although they rested some players after losing to Dallas the day before, players like Tre Mann were able to shine. The guard scored eight of his ten three-quarter three-pointers for 26 points, equaling Lindy Waters III (23, 6/9 three-pointer) Mann.
• In total, the Thunder scored 20 triples. Josh Giddey (10) did not attend the three-way party, Aaron Wiggins (12) shot two long range shots. Round two choice Jaylin Williams filled the area score with 4 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists.
• And Adelaide? They were already behind after the first quarter at 16:35 and only managed to win in the last section. Craig Randall II was the dominant man in attack with 27 points (11/21 FG, 7 assists), while Robert Franks (20) and Antonius Cleveland (19) also scored in double figures.