NBA preseason: Houston Rockets rout Thunder, Knicks edge Raptors by two

Two preseason games were played in the NBA, North America's professional basketball league: the Houston Rockets comfortably beat the Oklahoma City Thunder, while the New York Knicks won by two points against the Toronto Raptors. Preseason results do not count in the regular-season standings.

Houston dominant against the Thunder

The Rockets won 116-89 on their home floor. They led for 93% of the game, and at one point their advantage reached 29 points. The Thunder's biggest lead was just two points. The visitors made only five of 36 three-point attempts (14%), while Houston hit 17 of 53.

Houston also had the edge elsewhere: 34 assists to 19, eight turnovers to 17, and 13 steals to three. On fast breaks the Rockets scored 22 points to the Thunder's 15.

Bogdan Bogdanovic led Houston with 15 points, Alperen Sengun scored 14, and Amen Thompson and Tari Eason each had 12. Kevin Durant added 11 points in 16 minutes. For the Thunder, Jalen Williams was top with 18 points and seven rebounds, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 17 points in 26 minutes.

Knicks win in Toronto

The New York Knicks won 122-120 on the road. New York led for 79% of the game and at one point was ten points ahead, but Toronto kept the contest close until the end. The hosts made 27 of 38 free throws, while the Knicks made 21 of 27.

The Knicks had 43 rebounds to 39 and 35 assists to 27. Jalen Brunson was New York's top scorer with 20 points. Karl-Anthony Towns scored 13 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and handed out nine assists, finishing one assist short of a triple-double (ten in three statistical categories in a single game).

For Toronto, Scottie Barnes was the best performer with 23 points and four blocks. RJ Barrett scored 21 points, and Immanuel Quickley had 18 points and seven assists.