Several NBA teams finished preseason play on Friday night including the Miami Heat, who lost their final tune-up as they prepare to defend their NBA championship starting next week.
Friday’s NBA preseason scores: Rookie Anthony Davis leads Hornets past Heat
The final night of NBA preseason play included nine games with the regular season ready to tip in a few days.
Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE
The New Orleans Hornets beat the Heat by a score of 98-89 behind an impressive showing from rookie Anthony Davis. The overall top pick in the draft logged a double-double against the champs with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Chris Bosh had a double-double of his own for the Heat with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while LeBron James scored 19 points in the losing effort. Both teams finished preseason play with a 4-4 record.
In other action, the Chicago Bulls were strong from start to finish as they beat the Indiana Pacers, 97-90. Point guard Nate Robinson helped lead the way for the Bulls with 21 points and eight assists, filling in admirably at the point for Kirk Hinrich and Derrick Rose.
The Houston Rockets finished preseason with a 5-2 record after beating the Orlando Magic, 108-92. Point guard Jeremy Lin scored 13 points and dished out five assists for the Rockets.
In Detroit, the Pistons ran past the Atlanta Hawks for a 104-88 win. Center Greg Monroe scored 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds while rookie Andre Drummond came off the bench to pitch in his own double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
The Toronto Raptors finished the preseason with a 6-1 record after beating the Memphis Grizzlies 120-106. Andrea Bargnani score 21 points and point guard Kyle Lowry added 18 points and seven assists to lead the Raptors, while the Grizzlies rested several key players.
In Green Bay, the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves made themselves feel at home with a 100-76 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Chase Buddinger scored 20 points to lead the Wolves while center Nikola Pekovic added 19 points. Brandon Jennings led the Bucks with 19 points.
The Charlotte Bobcats finished the preseason with a 1-7 record after losing on the road to the Dallas Mavericks, 99-82. Dallas guard O.J. Mayo just missed a triple- double with 13 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. Shawn Marion also added 24 points and 12 rebounds for the Mavs.
The San Antonio Spurs wrapped up preseason play with a 100-85 win over the Washington Wizards. Tim Duncan looked ready for regular season action with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Washington center Earl Barron finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds in the losing cause.
Finally, the Phoenix Suns took care of business at home, beating the Denver Nuggets, 88-72. The Nuggets played without Andre Iguodala and Phoenix forward Michael Beasley took advantage, scoring 29 points with 10 rebounds to pace the Suns.
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