2021-22 NBA Preseason: Top performers, biggest storylines, highlights, scores from Day 7

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Benyam Kidane
and others
• 5 min read
Derrick Rose (New York Knicks), Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors), John Collins (Atlanta Hawks)

Day 7 of the NBA preseason saw just three games on deck, with the Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks all picking up wins. 

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

Jayson Tatum (BOS):  20 PTS, 9 REB, 7 AST, 1 STL

Precious Achiuwa (TOR): 13 PTS, 13 REB, 2 AST, 3 STL

Montrezl Harrell (WAS): 18 PTS, 10 REB, 1, AST, 1 STL, 2 BLK

Derrick Rose (NYK):  15 PTS, 8 AST, 4 REB, 2 STL

John Collins (ATL):  16 PTS, 12 REB, 1 STL

Biggest storylines

Celtics and Raptors go down to the wire

Jayson Tatum already looks like he's in mid-season form, dropping a near triple-double of 20 points, nine rebounds and seven assists to help the Celtics escape against the Raptors and stay perfect in preseason. 

Meanwhile, Al Horford made his first start in a Celtics uniform in two-and-a-half years, but he looked right at home with a solid outing on both ends. 

Boston started with two big men, with Robert Williams at center and Horford was productive at the four, stretching the floor well as he went a perfect 4-of-4 from beyond the arc, finishing with 16 points, three rebounds and two assists in 24 minutes. 

For the Raptors, youngsters Scottie Barnes and Precious Achiuwa impressed in the narrow loss with the No.4 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft showcasing his playmaking skills, dropping a game-high eight assists to go with nine points and five rebounds, while Achiuwa recorded a 13-point, 13-rebound double-double starting as their small-ball five. 


Cooper continues to shine for Atlanta

John Collins led the Hawks to their first preseason win with a 16-point, 12-rebound double-double, but it was the play of rookie Sharife Cooper that made the difference. 

The No. 48 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft stepped up in the fourth quarter with some big-time plays down the stretch, taking control of the game in the closing stages. He finished with 10 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals.

"I thought he did a good job of organising the team and running the team down the stretch," Hawks head coach Nate McMillan said postgame.

"He made some big plays and good decisions with the basketball in that fourth quarter. He was really the difference in this game. I love the energy that he's bringing. He's scrappy and he's playing scrappy basketball out there. He's trying to make a statement. He's stepping up and he's not pacing himself." 

Vintage D-Rose

The Knicks made it rain from beyond the arc against the Wizards, connecting on 46.2 percent of their attempts (24-of-52), led by RJ Barrett (4-of-8) and Kevin Knox (4-of-6).

Amidst the excitement of their young players, 33-year-old veteran Derrick Rose stole the show with a productive 19-minute cameo off the bench, recording 15 points and eight assists, going a perfect 3-of-3 from the 3-pint line. 


 

Top Highlights

Scottie Barnes getting it done on both ends for the Raptors.


Anunoby's been in the weight room!


Throw it up and obi Toppin will do the rest.


Montrezl Harrell getting it done on defence!


Yves Pons says NOPE


John Konchar soars in for the HUGE putback jam.


Final scores

Boston Celtics 113, Toronto Raptors 111

New York Knicks 117, Washington Wizards 99

Atlanta Hawks 91, Memphis Grizzlies 87

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Author(s)
Benyam Kidane Photo
Benyam Kidane

Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor for The Sporting News.