2021-22 NBA Preseason: Top performers, biggest storylines, highlights, scores from Day 9

Author Photo
Kane Pitman
and others
• 4 min read
Davion Mitchell, Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns had big nights in day 9 of preseason action

Day 9 of the NBA preseason was a busy one with seven games on the card. 

If you missed any of the action, we've got you covered with all the best plays, scores, stats and storylines from each game. 

Notable performers

Miles Bridges (CHA): 22 PTS, 10 REB, 6 AST

Kevin Durant (BKN): 23 PTS, 7 REB, 9-13 FG

Furkan Korkmaz (PHI): 27 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST

Ja Morant (MEM): 24 PTS, 2 REB, 5 AST

Rudy Gobert (UTA): 19 PTS, 19 REB, 2 BLK

Anfernee Simons (POR): 24 PTS, 2 REB, 1 AST

D'Angelo Russell (MIN): 19 PTS, 7 REB, 9 AST

Biggest storylines

Heat and Hornets play out preseason thriller

On a night of blowouts, the ending to Miami and Charlotte provided some rare preseason desperation.

Bodies were flying all over the floor as both teams attempted to secure the loose ball. Eventually Miami came up with it, as Javonte Smart drove to the basket and finished through contact. Smart would make the lone free-throw, giving Miami the 104-103 lead.

It was an impressive rally late by the Heat, who rattled of a 13-0 run across the final 3:37 of play to steal the win. 

Bam Adebayo top scored with 18 points in 26 minutes, while Kyle Lowry chipped in with 15 points and five assists.

Korkmaz takes down Nets

The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Brooklyn Nets at home behind a huge night from sharpshoot Furkan Korkmaz.

Korkmaz led all scorers with 27 points, finishing 11-for-19 from the floor. Sixers superstar Joel Embiid played only eight minutes, although head coach Doc Rivers didn't allude to any health concerns in the postgame.

"I just didn’t like the game. That was enough. He looked great," Rivers said.

Embiid did score 14 points in those eight minutes, which would appear to back up Rivers' point.

For Brooklyn, Kevin Durant and James Harden continued to ramp up with each topping 25 minutes. Durant finished with 23 points, while Harden added 21.

Wolves maintain undefeated preseason

Minnesota had no troubles handling the LA Clippers, running away with a 128-100 win on the road.

The Clippers were without Paul George, Reggie Jackson and Marcus Morris Sr. for the contest, while the Wolves were largely at full strength.

Karl-Anthony Towns (17 points), Anthony Edwards (17 points) and D'Angelo Russell (19 points) all contributed in the win. 

LA would be encouraged by the play of Luke Kennard, with the guard struggling to crack the rotation last season. Kennard led all scores for the Clippers with 18 points on 4-for-9 shooting from long range.

Rookie watch

Sacramento Kings rookie Davion Mitchell turned heads at Summer League and has continued his strong play into the preseason.

Mitchell dropped 20 points on 12 shots, including a 6-for-9 mark from long range.

Who has Mitchell in their sights for Rookie of the Year honours?

Top Highlights

Joel Embiid is comin' through!

Ja Morant sees five defenders in front of him and blows by them all for the neat finish.

Malachi Flynn from halfcourt!!

Gobert stuffs the shot inside during his big night.

Keon Johnson throws down the one handed stuff.

Final scores

Houston Rockets 92, Toronto Raptors 107

Charlotte Hornets 103, Miami Heat 104

Brooklyn Nets 104, Philadelphia 76ers 115

Detroit Pistons 92, Memphis Grizzlies 127

New Orleans Pelicans 96, Utah Jazz 127

Sacramento Kings 107, Portland Trail Blazers 93

Minnesota Timberwolves 128, LA Clippers 100

The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA or its clubs.

Author(s)
Kane Pitman Photo
Kane Pitman