NBA tests smart basketballs
On Oct. 5 the NBA announced it will pilot a Wilson-developed “smart” basketball with a Bluetooth sensor and league-issued wrist wearables in select preseason/exhibition games. The devices will collect data for research and help communicate with the replay center for reviews, scoring changes and clock issues; the league said the data won’t affect in-game calls and the wearable pilot won’t extend into the regular season.
Source: The Associated Press
Giannis posts 9 and 7 in Heat debut
In a Canada preseason game over the weekend, Giannis Antetokounmpo made his first appearance in a Miami uniform and was efficient: he went 3-for-3 and finished with nine points and seven assists in 14 minutes as the Heat rolled past Toronto 129-105. Tim Hardaway Jr. led Miami with 14; seven Heat players reached double figures, the team said.
Source: NBA.com (Starting 5)
Wagler sinks preseason game-winner
Rookie Keaton Wagler provided the highlight in Los Angeles’ preseason opener, drilling a step-back jumper with about 12 seconds left to lift the Clippers past the Warriors. Wagler finished with 15 points (nine in the fourth), added six rebounds and two steals, and the early show of poise grabbed attention in LA’s 104-101 win, SI reported.
Source: Sports Illustrated
Grizzlies beat Hawks 132-123
Memphis opened its preseason with a 132-123 road win over Atlanta on Oct. 5. Rookie Cameron Boozer impressed, finishing with 11 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals in 18 minutes while the Grizzlies rotated everyone except Zach Edey; Isaiah Stewart exited early with an ankle issue, Sports Illustrated reported.
Source: Sports Illustrated
Pistons edge Suns 109-107
Detroit opened its exhibition slate with a 109-107 comeback over Phoenix on Oct. 5. Cade Cunningham led the way for the Pistons with 10 points in 16 minutes; Phoenix’s Devin Booker paced the Suns with 13. The matchup saw Detroit hold off a halftime deficit to secure the narrow win, NBC Sports wrote.
Source: NBC Sports
LaMelo posts 11 in Timberwolves debut
LaMelo Ball made an unofficial Timberwolves debut in Monday’s exhibition and played 17 minutes, finishing with 11 points, four rebounds and three assists while combining well with Anthony Edwards (14 points). The early chemistry looked promising in Minnesota’s opener, and NBC Sports noted Ball committed just one turnover in his stint.
Source: NBC Sports