On Friday, several NBA teams kicked off their 2024-25 seasons with their first preseason games, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
In the early matchup, the defending champion Boston Celtics showcased their dominance by defeating the Denver Nuggets, the champions from 2022. The Celtics displayed a strong team performance, indicating that they are ready to defend their title. The Utah Jazz also impressed fans by defeating the New Zealand Breakers, continuing to build momentum as a team on the rise.
However, the late game drew the most attention, featuring a showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves. This game was particularly noteworthy as it marked the quasi-NBA debut of Bronny James, the son of Lakers superstar LeBron James. Fans and analysts were eager to see how Bronny would perform alongside established stars in the league.
In terms of rookies, Minnesota’s No. 8 pick, Rob Dillingham, and Dalton Knecht, who fell down the draft board, emerged as key players during the game. Dillingham had an impressive night, scoring 21 points on 20 shots, trailing only Josh Minott as the team’s leading scorer. His performance included four assists and a solid shooting display, hitting 9 of 20 overall while sinking half of his six three-point attempts. Despite not being projected as the starting point guard this season, Dillingham is expected to be a critical contributor off the bench and is seen as a vital part of the Wolves’ future.
Knecht, on the other hand, had a more understated but efficient performance, scoring 16 points on 7-for-13 shooting in just 24 minutes of play. His ability to score effectively will be crucial for the Lakers, especially alongside aging stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Dalton Knecht’s performance indicates that he could become a key secondary scorer for the Lakers, providing much-needed support as the team looks to compete at a high level this season.
The Timberwolves maintained a steady lead throughout the game, eventually cruising to a 124-107 victory over JJ Redick’s squad. Minnesota’s balanced scoring and strong defensive play allowed them to control the tempo and secure the win.
As for the rest of the preseason, all eyes will be on the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers, who are set to make their preseason debuts on Saturday at 6 p.m. With several teams looking to establish themselves early, the excitement for the upcoming season continues to build as fans anticipate more thrilling matchups and standout performances.