Kawhi Leonard was back in Canada, where last season he won a championship.
NBA general managers think he's going to win another one this season.
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Kawhi Leonard was back in Canada, where last season he won a championship.
Los Angeles was tabbed as the favorite by 46 percent of the GMs who responded. A big reason was Leonard, who not only ended LeBron James' streak as top small forward that dated to the 2005 poll, but was also voted the league's most impactful offseason addition, best defender and best perimeter defender.
HEAT 107, MAGIC 98
Evan Fournier had 16 points and Mo Bamba and Nikola Vucevic scored 14 points each for the Magic (3-3).
Zach LaVine added 23 points on 8-of-11 shooting for the Bulls (2-3). Otto Porter Jr. scored 15.
They voted the Los Angeles Clippers as the favorites Thursday in the NBA.com GM survey , believing Leonard and Paul George are the missing pieces for a team that's never even been beyond the second round.
Los Angeles Clippers' Kawhi Leonard participates in a shootaround ahead of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Thursday Oct. 17, 2019. (Darryl DyckThe Canadian Press via AP)
Los Angeles was tabbed as the favorite by 46 percent of the GMs who responded. A big reason was Leonard, who not only ended LeBron James' streak as top small forward that dated to the 2005 poll, but was also voted the league's most impactful offseason addition, best defender and best perimeter defender.
Leonard proved what a difference he can make last season. He led the Toronto Raptors to their first championship in June, triggering celebrations all over Canada. He returned to play in front of the country's fans in the Clippers' preseason finale against the Dallas Mavericks in Vancouver, British Columbia.
"They should be excited," Clippers coach Doc Rivers said before the game. "He did something very special for this country. So that'll be a lot of fun for him, for sure."
Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine dunks as Atlanta Hawks forward Bruno Fernando (24) stands nearby during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019, in Chicago. (AP PhotoDavid Banks)
HEAT 107, MAGIC 98
Jimmy Butler had 23 points, six rebounds and six assists to help visiting Miami beat Orlando.
Duncan Robinson made four 3-pointers and added 17 points for the Heat (4-0). Kelly Olynyk added 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting in his preseason debut. Olynyk missed time due to a bruised right knee he suffered during his time with the Canadian national team in August.
Denver Nuggets guard Monte Morris looks to an official during the first half of the team's NBA preseason basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Denver, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019. (AP PhotoJoe Mahoney)
Evan Fournier had 16 points and Mo Bamba and Nikola Vucevic scored 14 points each for the Magic (3-3).
BULLS 111, HAWKS 93
No. 7 overall pick Coby White scored 29 points in 23 minutes, making 10 of 14 from the field and 6 of 8 from the 3-point range for Chicago.
Minnesota Timberwolves' Karl-Anthony Towns (32) goes up for a dunk between Milwaukee Bucks' Wesley Matthews, left, and Brook Lopez, right during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019, in Milwaukee. (AP PhotoAaron Gash)
Zach LaVine added 23 points on 8-of-11 shooting for the Bulls (2-3). Otto Porter Jr. scored 15.
Jabari Parker had 15 points and Jordan Sibert scored 14 for the visiting Hawks (1-4).
BUCKS 118, TIMBERWOLVES 96
Minnesota Timberwolves' Karl-Anthony Towns (32) passes behind his back against Milwaukee Bucks' Brook Lopez during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019, in Milwaukee. (AP PhotoAaron Gash)
Giannis Antetokounmpo had 26 points and 14 rebounds and host Milwaukee finished its preseason undefeated.
Khris Middleton added 18 points and seven assists and Robin Lopez scored 14 points for the Bucks (5-0).
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves (2-3) with 16 points. Robert Covington had 13 points and 11 rebounds.
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