The NBA is officially back as preseason got underway with 10 teams in action.
From DeMarcus Cousins and John Wall making their debut for the Houston Rockets to rookies Killian Hayes, Obi Toppin, and Cole Anthony suiting up for their initial games, there was plenty of action on the first day of NBA preseason.
With their pre-season off to a strong start, the New York Knicks secured a 90-84 win against the Detroit Pistons, but it was rookie Obi Toppin who spoke the show. He showed plenty of energy and athleticism in the frontcourt taking on defenders and attacking the rim with confidence.
Hawks’ Trae Young left Nikola Vuceivc stunned as he threaded the ball between his legs to Clint Capella for an easy score.
Free-agent signing Dwayne Bacon made a quick start on his first game for the Orlando Magic, with a dynamic performance in the first quarter en route to their 116-112 win against the Atlanta Hawks.
The Rockets got their first look at the two big additions of John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins, who made their return to the court after lengthy injury layoffs. Wall ended with 13 points, nine assists, five rebounds, and two steals in 19 minutes, while Cousins finished with 14 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 15 minutes connecting on 3-of-4 from beyond the three-point arc.
Montrezl Harrell impressed in his first outing for the Lakers. He finished with 13 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 31 minutes on the court. Wesley Matthews added eight points and five rebounds, while Dennis Schroder contributed 10 points.
