With the preseason entering its final adjustment period, teams are starting to stretch their starting lineups for testing, making the strengths and weaknesses of new combinations clearer. Today's focus is on the Timberwolves' new backcourt firepower, the Nets' continued offensive surge, and the Hawks' rotation depth matchup against the Thunder that went down to the wire.
Anthony Edwards was on fire, leading the Timberwolves to a 122-104 victory over the Knicks.
The Timberwolves defeated the Knicks 122-104 on the road, with Anthony Edwards scoring 26 points and hitting 5 three-pointers. The significance of this game lies not only in the point difference, but also in the gradual formation of the offensive profile of the Timberwolves' new backcourt duo.
When Edwards takes on the primary scoring burden, and LaMelo Ball drives transitions and creates passing angles, the Timberwolves' offensive pace and spacing noticeably improve. However, the real test will still be on the defensive end: how the two high-usage guards maintain discipline in off-ball defense, screen switching, and transition defense will determine whether this combination can function effectively in the long run during the regular season.
The Nets defeated the Wizards 131-122; offensive chemistry was the biggest takeaway.
The Nets defeated the Wizards 131-122, improving their preseason record to 3-0. Michael Porter Jr. scored a game-high 22 points, while Julius Randle contributed 14 points and 9 assists.
The key to the Nets' success in this game wasn't just scoring over 100 points, but also Randle's playmaking role. When he can initiate offense from the high post or with the ball, Porter Jr. gets more comfortable catch-and-shoot opportunities and mismatch scoring chances. The team's strong performance in the first quarter (611 TP3T) and their subsequent lead without letting up demonstrate a certain consistency in their offensive execution.
However, the Wizards' numerous opportunities on the perimeter also serve as a reminder to the Nets that if they want to translate their preseason offensive advantage into regular season competitiveness, they must simultaneously improve their perimeter defense and turnover control.
The Hawks held on to crucial possessions in the final quarter, narrowly defeating the Thunder 113-110.
The Hawks defeated the Thunder 113-110. The lead changed hands multiple times in the final quarter, but the Hawks ultimately held on for the win. A notable aspect of this game was the Hawks' bench depth: 10 of their 12 players played at least 10 minutes. Jock Landale led the team with 17 points, and eight other teammates scored in double figures.
For the Hawks, this preseason victory, with its diverse contributions, is more meaningful than a single star player's outburst. The coaching staff is identifying which role players can provide defensive, rebounding, or perimeter support in the regular season; the Thunder, on the other hand, need to examine their late-game mistakes and execution, as the difference between the two teams lies in just one or two crucial possessions.
Ace Bailey's defensive performance deserves special mention in the Jazz's victory over the Spurs.
The Jazz defeated the Spurs 119-109, improving their preseason record to 2-1, while the Spurs suffered their third consecutive loss. Beyond the win or loss, Ace Bailey's defensive performance was a major focus of post-game discussion.
For rebuilding teams, the ability of rookies or young players to stay on the court defensively is often more valuable than short-term scoring. If Bailey can continue to demonstrate his help defense awareness, matchup flexibility, and rebounding involvement, he has the potential to become a reliable rotation member for the Jazz more quickly. The Spurs, on the other hand, need to improve their third-quarter offensive and defensive lapses in the remaining preseason games.
The Trail Blazers defeated the London Lions 119-66, completing the expected strength test.
The Trail Blazers defeated the London Lions 119-66, improving their preseason record to 2-0. While the scores of these interleague games have limited relevance, they provide NBA teams with a good opportunity to practice defensive rotations, transition offense, and bench combinations.
The Trail Blazers' next game against the Kings will be a more indicative test: their ability to maintain rebounding dominance, reduce turnovers, and consistently score from beyond the arc against a similar opponent will be more noteworthy than this big win.
Tomorrow's schedule and key points for watching the games
The following are the main events on the morning of October 14th, Taiwan time:
7:00 AM | Cavaliers vs. Magic
The two teams will face off again in a short period of time, making it a good time to observe whether the Magic can adjust their defense after their loss in the last game, and whether the Cavaliers' James Harden will increase his playing time and continue to test his pick-and-roll plays with the inside players.
7:00 AM | Nick vs. Raptors
The Knicks just suffered a crushing defeat, and tomorrow's key against the Raptors will be whether their starting lineup can get into a rhythm more quickly. The Raptors, on the other hand, can use fast breaks and matchups on their forwards to test the Knicks' transition defense and rebounding.
8:00 AM | Pacers vs. Thunder
With the Thunder playing consecutive games, their stamina and rotation options will be uncertain. This game will be interesting to see if the Thunder can correct their ball-handling issues in the final quarter, and how the Pacers can create open shots in fast breaks.
10:00 AM | Warriors vs. Lakers
The Warriors and Lakers face off in Las Vegas, making it the most talked-about matchup of tomorrow. The key to the preseason game isn't how long the stars play, but whether the bench players can maintain the rhythm, and who can become the second playmaker in the second half of the game for the new lineups.
10:00 AM | Trailblazers vs. Kings
After completing their interleague warm-up, the Trail Blazers will immediately face an opponent closer to the intensity of the regular season. This game will test whether their defensive intensity can withstand the Kings' ball-handling penetration and perimeter passing.
Today's NBA preseason results
| Battle | Ratio |
|---|---|
| Portland Trail Blazers vs. London Lions | 119-66 |
| Brooklyn Nets vs. Washington Wizards | 131-122 |
| Atlanta Hawks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder | 113-110 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves vs. New York Knicks | 122-104 |
| Utah Jazz vs. San Antonio Spurs | 119-109 |
