By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Giannis Antetokounmpo concluded his amazing 2019 NBA preseason with 26 points, 14 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 steals and 2 dimes to his name in 27 minutes. The Milwaukee Bucks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves, 118-96, at the Fiserv Forum. Ersan Ilyasova scored 10 points to go along with his 7 boards, but Dragan Bender remained scoreless in 3 minutes and Thanasis Antetokounmpo did not play.
In other Thursday action, Kristaps Porzingis posted an 18-point, 13-rebound double-double, while Luka Doncic sank four shots beyond the arc en route for 15 points to go along with his 13 boards for the Dallas Mavericks in the 102-87 win versus the Los Angeles Clippers at Vancouver’s Rogers Arena. Maxi Kleber added 5 points, Boban Marjanovic 4 points and 7 boards. Ivica Zubac made 2 points for the losing side.
Nikola Jokic put up 11 points in his preseason closer, fellow Europeans Juan Hernangomez and Vlatko Cancar combined for 9 from the bench and the Denver Nuggets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, 110-104, at the Pepsi Center. From the losing side, Mario Hezonja scored a game-high 18 points, also tallied 6 assists and 5 boards, Jaylen Hoard had 2 points and 4 rebounds with injured Pau Gasol and Jusuf Nurkic out.
The Chicago Bulls went by the Atlanta Hawks, 111-93, at the United Center. European contribution saw Tomas Satoransky at 5 points, Lauri Markkanen at 4 points with 11 rebounds, Adam Mokoka at 4 points as well and Ryan Arcidiacono without points but with 4 dimes and a pair of rebounds. Alex Len notched 4 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists in losing effort.
The Miami Heat still have one friendly to go, but beat the Orlando Magic, 107-98, at the Amway Center with Goran Dragic posting 5 points and 3 assists. Nikola Vucevic had 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block in 25 minutes for the hosts, while Evan Fournier scored a game-high 16 points behind 5/8 from the field.