2021-22 NBA Preseason: Top performers, biggest storylines, highlights, scores from Day 2

NBA.com Staff

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2021-22 NBA Preseason: Top performers, biggest storylines, highlights, scores from Day 2 image

The first multi-game slate of the 2021-22 NBA preseason and there was no shortage of action. We've got you covered with the final scores, top performers, biggest storylines and more from Day 2. 

Notable performers

Scottie Barnes (TOR): 13 PTS, 9 REBS, 6 ASTS, 2 STLS, 2 BLKS

Andre Drummond (PHI): 19 PTS, 14 REBS, 4 BLKS, 3 ASTS

Tyler Herro (MIA): 26 PTS, 4 REBS, 4 ASTS

James Bouknight (CHA): 20 PTS, 4 REBS, 3 STLS, 2 ASTS

Jordan Poole (GSW): 30 PTS, 5 REBS, 5 ASTS, 2 BLKS

Biggest storylines

Rookies ball out

In the first game of the jam-packed nine-game slate, rookie Scottie Barnes impressed for the Toronto Raptors. 

As the night progressed, he was the first of a host of first-year players to impress in their first preseason action. 

Magic rookie Jalen Suggs struggled with his shooting but contributed across the board with nine points, four rebounds, three assists and two blocks. For the Hornets, James Bouknight caught the eye with 20 points, four rebounds, three steals and two assists in 20 minutes of action. 

Spurs' rookie Joshua Primo scored 17 points on a near-perfect 7-of-8 shooting in 17 minutes of action. 

Trae Young leaves game early

It was a short preseason opener for Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young. 

Minutes into the second half, he exited the game with what the team called a 'right quad contusion'. He didn't return to the game and finished with 14 points and three assists in 18 minutes of playing time. 

Postgame, while head coach Nate McMillan said he had no update on his point guard, Young shared that his quad is in pain and it has a little bit of swelling but he'll be alright.

Red-hot Tyler Herro

Although Tyler Herro's numbers were up in the 2020-21 season, they were below the expectations coming off his performance in the 2020 bubble. 

In his first competitive action of the new season - the preseason opener - Herro delivered on all his talk during training camp by catching fire against the Atlanta Hawks.

Game-winner in Boston

It's just preseason but the NBA's got game-winners to deliver on the first day back with a full slate of games.

Romeo Langford's game-winning 3, with 14.2 seconds remaining, gave the Celtics a 98-97 victory. 

Top Highlights

Watch out! Karl-Anthony Towns providing some highlights in the preseason opener.

Strength over contact & the floater game. Jayson Tatum making facets with different facets of his arsenal.

We know Anthony Edwards can elevate and dunk but in the preseason opener, he showcased his hoops for a block.

UNCLE JEFF! 

Terrence Mann puts on the nifty moves in the paint.

En route to dropping a game-high 30, Jordan Poole also add a buzzer-beater to his name. 

Final Box Scores

Toronto Raptors 123, Philadelphia 76ers 107

Boston Celtics 98, Orlando Magic 97

Miami Heat 125, Atlanta Hawks 99

Minnesota Timberwolves 117, New Orleans Pelicans 114

Charlotte Hornets 113, Oklahoma City Thunder 97

San Antonio Spurs 111, Utah Jazz 85

Golden State Warriors 121, Portland Trail Blazers 107

Sacramento Kings 117, Phoenix Suns 106

LA Clippers 103, Denver Nuggets 102

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NBA.com Staff

NBA.com Staff Photo