James Harden Debuts Strong as Cleveland Dominates Orlando in Preseason Action
James Harden returned to the floor with 24 points in 26 minutes to help lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 119-105 victory over the Orlando Magic, basketsession.com reported. Harden shot 7/10 from the field and capitalized on drawing fouls during his first preseason appearance for the franchise.
Cleveland seized control early, winning the opening quarter and maintaining their advantage throughout the night. Evan Mobley contributed 14 points and 7 rebonds, while Jaylon Tyson added 13 points following solid performances in earlier outings. Mario Hezonja also chipped in 13 points, 5 rebonds, and 2 interceptions in his return to the NBA after spending six seasons playing in Europe, working his way into Kenny Atkinson’s rotation.
On the opposing side, Orlando struggled to find offensive consistency. Paolo Banchero endured a difficult evening, managing just 10 points on 1/10 shooting alongside 7 rebonds. The Magic lacked the necessary shooting accuracy to challenge a sharp Cavaliers squad that looked far more cohesive than in their previous outing against Boston.
Charlotte Overwhelms Milwaukee After a Second-Quarter Surge
Charlotte bounced back from a lopsided loss against Brooklyn by defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 105-90, powered by a fast-paced transition offense and a pivotal 13-0 run in the second quarter that created a 15-point halftime cushion.
Brandon Miller overcame an uncertain pre-game injury status to play 23 minutes, recording 18 points. Naz Reid added 16 points with strong interior work, while French prospect Tidjane Salaün contributed to the team’s momentum by sinking a three-pointer in the opening period.
Milwaukee relied on Tyler Herro, who led his side with 18 points and 7 rebonds. Ryan Rollins and Kyle Kuzma each tallied 12 points, but the Bucks faltered defensively and struggled from beyond the arc. Kevin Porter Jr. finished with 6 points on 1/6 shooting, highlighting the ongoing adjustments facing coach Taylor Jenkins as he builds chemistry within a revamped roster.
Denver Overcomes Chicago in a High-Scoring Offensive Battle
Denver secured a 133-128 victory over the Chicago Bulls following a dramatic comeback from a halftime deficit.
Chicago controlled the first two quarters through quick ball movement and aggressive scoring, putting up 41 points in the second period to claim a 68-59 lead at the break behind Josh Giddey and the team’s younger rotation pieces.
The Nuggets responded decisively in the third quarter by outscoring Chicago 40-26. Nikola Jokic directed the offensive surge, utilizing his traditional court vision and playmaking to shift the momentum. Although Chicago pushed back late in the game, Denver held firm to secure their second win of the preseason. Leonard Miller continued to showcase his scoring potential for a depleted Chicago frontcourt, though defensive vulnerabilities remain an area for improvement.
Kyrie Irving Returns as Dallas Defeats Houston in Macao
Dallas rebounded from a prior loss to Houston on Chinese soil by defeating the Rockets 132-115 during their matchup in Macao.
The headline development for the Mavericks was the return of Kyrie Irving, who logged 22 minutes and scored 17 points on 6/13 shooting, including two three-pointers, after missing 19 months due to a serious knee injury. Cooper Flagg added 14 points and 7 assists, and PJ Washington contributed 10 points during the first half in his return to the floor. French player Zaccharie Risacher earned another start, mixing promising flashes with quieter stretches.
Houston committed 21 turnovers and struggled with perimeter shooting. Marcus Smart paced the Rockets with 20 points in his debut with the team. Both squads split their two-game series in China ahead of their official regular-season rematch scheduled for October 21.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Preseason Slate
What were the exact final scores from the night’s four NBA preseason games?
Cleveland defeated Orlando 119-105, Charlotte topped Milwaukee 105-90, Denver edged Chicago 133-128, and Dallas beat Houston 132-115.
How long was Kyrie Irving sidelined prior to his return in Macao?
Kyrie Irving missed 19 months of action due to a severe knee injury before returning to play 22 minutes against Houston.
When do the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks face each other in the regular season?
The two teams are scheduled to meet on October 21 for the opening night of the regular season, following their two-game preseason series in China.