The Raptors and Cavaliers faced off against Real Madrid and Siena Montepaschi Siena, respectively, and won both games. They did so, however, without much help from beyond the arc. Andrea Bargnani, for example, played in excess of 30 minutes, but missed four of his five three point attempts. He still managed 14 points, if nothing else (4 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals). Here’s what else happened on Monday night in the realm of basketball:
Klay Thompson – He didn’t play a Spanish team, but he still missed four of his five shots from downtown, although he did put up 11 points.
Al Jefferson – There are big expectations for Al, and it’s only the preseason, but let’s see how he did. 2 blocks? That’s good. 1-8 shooting? That’s bad. 3 rebounds? That’s worse.
David Lee – If I was David’s mother, I would call him my sweet, beautiful boy. I’m not, though, so I’ll just think it. He scored 19 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists in over 36 minutes. Just what you would expect from Lee. Let’s see it in the regular season.
Brandon Rush – As his dramatic return marches onward, he put up 14 points, including 2 of 6 from three point land. He only 2 rebounds, but he also managed 2 blocks.
Festus Ezeli – As the starting Center, 4 blocks, 7 rebounds, 6 points. Mama mia! And he’s not even Italian!
DeMar DeRozan – I want him to play with an eyepatch and cigar. Don’t ask me why; he has the look for it. Anyway, he went 6-13 with 18 points and 6 rebounds.
John Lucas III – Off the bench, he went 7-10, including 2 threes for 16 total points. If he had two threes, wouldn’t he be John Lucas VI?
Ed Davis – 10 rebounds in 18 minutes. Hachi machi.
Kyrie Irving – Hit only 1 of 7, but made 8 of 9 from the free throw line to reach 10 points. Maybe he had kinetosis during the game.
Anderson Varejao – 8 rebounds (3 offensive), 1 block, 6 points. Maybe he can manage more than five shots the next time out.
