Unlike in the previous two games, Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball showed a glimpse of their potential in tonight’s NBA preseason games.
Green Bay Packers Victorious in New Orleans, Defeat the Saints, 37-30
It would lead to their Minnesota Timberwolves and Charlotte Hornets posting first wins od the preseason, presenting a massive improvement on the field.
Edwards Replace D’Angelo Russell
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Stiff Kirk Cousins, Defeat Minnesota Vikings, 26-14
The Timberwolves played without D’Angelo Russell, which was a chance for this year’s No.1 draft pick to step up and prove his worth. In T-Wolves 129-127 win over the Dallas Mavericks, Edwards scored 17 points, with three boards and assists, with a bit lower shooting percentage, 5-for-15.
What was noticeable is that in those 26 minutes he spent on the floor, the former Georgia Bulldog guard was far more relaxed on both ends. He was excellent in the opening quarter, stopping Luka Doncic on several occasions, while delivering three three-pointers.
Minnesota erased a 15-point deficit to come back and win this one in overtime. Karl-Anthony Towns had 20 points and seven boards. Jarret Culver came off the bench to score 18, while Malik Beasley had 18 and 11 boards.
On the other side, Doncic scored 20, Tim Hardaway 18, and Maxi Kleber 14. Boban Marjanovic missed a three-pointer for the win. Mavs scored 20 threes, with an exceptional percentage, 45.5%, but still managed to lose the match.
LaMelo Hurting Magic From Deep
Carson Wentz and the Philadelphia Eagles Rally to Beat New York Giants, 22-21
Charlotte Hornets beat Orlando Magic, 123-115, with LaMalo Ball having an impact on the offensive side of the court. In 26 minutes off the bench, the 19-year old point guard scored 18 points, had five assists, and shot 4-form-9 from a distance.
He would often find himself alone in the corner, drilling catch-and-shoot threes without any problem. When needed, LaMelo was increasing the rhythm on the court, with him leading the breakaways, and setting up easy points to his teammates.
That helped the Hornets in posting their first win after the offseason, 123-115. Terry Rozier scored 20 points with 7 rebounds, Devonte Graham had 18 with six assists. Miles Bridges added 17. Charlotte made 18 three-pointers in 41 attempts, with 32 assists.
Nikola Vucevic was the best among the Magic with 27 points and 12 rebounds, having 12 field goals in 20 tries. The big man from Montenegro dominated the paint, but without any help from his teammates. Markelle Fultz contributed with 14 points and 6 rebounds and assists each, while Terrence Ross and Cole Anthony scored 13 apiece, both off the bench.
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