By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Denver Nuggets connected 21 triples on the way to the 113-107 overtime victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder in their preseason finale on Thursday.
Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic did not play due to an ankle injury. Slovenian teammate, Vlatko Cancar was among the players standing out with 12 points behind 4/10 field goals and four rebounds at BOK Center. Serbian Aleksej Pokusevski fired a team-high 22 points plus eight rebounds, three assists, and one steal to go along with his fair share of spectacular plays for the losing side. The friendly game additionally featured an Argentinian showdown with Thunder’s Gabriel Deck at nine points and 11 rebounds opposite Nuggets’ Facundo Campazzo held to two points and two assists.
The Atlanta Hawks completed their own preseason schedule without Italian Danilo Gallinari but with a comfortable win, 127-92, opposite the Miami Heat. Swiss Clint Capela posted a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double, Serbian Bogdan Bogdanovic had eight points and French Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot six points. Turkish Omer Yurtseven did not suit up for the shorthanded Heat.
The Sacramento Kings went to 4-0 forcing the Los Angeles Lakers to 0-6 thanks to the 116-112 victory in the last preseason game for both California franchises. Ukrainian Alex Len registered two points for the winners. French Joel Ayayi did not score but managed to combine four rebounds with one assist in 3:24.
Elsewhere, the Brooklyn Nets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 107-101, in the final tune-up match for both sides. Former FC Barcelona player, Leandro Bolmaro logged two points, two assists, and one steal for the Wolves.
Thursday results:
Atlanta Hawks – Miami Heat 127-92
Brooklyn Nets – Minnesota Timberwolves 107-101
Oklahoma City Thunder – Denver Nuggets 107-113 OT (102-102)
Sacramento Kings – Los Angeles Lakers 116-112
Photo Credit: Getty Images