Scrimmage Game #1: Milwaukee Bucks 113, San Antonio Spurs 92

The top-ranked Milwaukee Bucks showed little rust in their return to the court as they simply pounded the San Antonio Spurs. The Bucks used a second-half surge to pull away, including a 38-point third quarter.

Reigning league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo appeared to be in classic form, scoring a game-high 22 points on 9-for-13 shooting in just 21 minutes through his patented bully ball. Backing him up, as usual, was co-All-Star Khris Middleton, who had 16 points, five assists, and two steals. With Eric Bledsoe still in quarantine, big man Brook Lopez filled the void and scored 17.

Lonnie Walker led all Spurs in scoring with 14, while other youngsters – Dejounte Murray (13), Derrick White (11), and Keldon Johnson (11) – also reached double-figures. Star swingman DeMar Derozan had eight points in 20 minutes. Long-time assistant Becky Hammon was San Antonio’s acting coach for the contest as Gregg Popovich sat back.

Scrimmage Game #2: Indiana Pacers 91, Portland Trail Blazers 88

The Indiana Pacers opened their Disney games by showing composure. They were on their way to squandering double-digit lead in the last three minutes but survived thanks to a well-timed defensive stop.

Indy’s defense held Portland to just 41.3% shooting, which included going 5-for-26 from three, and complimented the effort with a balanced offensive attack. Four guys scored in double figures despite all four playing below 20 minutes. Second unit standout Justin Holiday chipped in a game-high 16 points and shot 4-for-6 from beyond the arc. Malcolm Brogdon, meanwhile, fresh-off being cleared from coronavirus, took the court and guided Indy with 11 points and four assists.

The Blazers played slow and looked as if they’re still feeling things out, with Damian Lillard acting as a facilitator and shying away from his usual scoring barrage. He dished out seven assists but was only 1-for-5 for four points across 20 minutes. Reserve Mario Hezonja was Rip City’s leading scorer for the day, with 15.

After 486 days, Jusuf Nurkic finally made his return from a major leg injury. He tallied 14 points and eight boards.

Scrimmage Game #3: Dallas Mavericks 108, Los Angeles Lakers 104

The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers engaged in a game of spurts, and it was the Mavs who came out on top.

LeBron James and Anthony Davis only played the first half of the game. They each scored 12 points and combined to shoot 9-for-13 from the floor. Through their guidance, the Lake Show went to the break holding a 55-44 lead.

With the two Laker superstars sitting out the third and fourth quarters, though, the Mavericks revved up and fired away 64 points in the half. Plenty of guys played well, most notably Seth Curry, who channelled the aura of his older brother, Stephen. Seth had 23 points and was a perfect 8-for-8 from the floor, six of which were from downtown.

Luka Doncic (14 pts, 5 rebs, 6 ast) and Boban Marjanovic (17 pts, 13 rebs) both filled the stat sheet with their usual numbers.

Scrimmage Games #4: Phoenix Suns 101, Utah Jazz 88

The Phoenix Suns easily edged out the Utah Jazz in the final game of Day 2. It was a confidence booster for the Suns, who are on an uphill battle in the season’s official restart.

Even without two starters – Ricky Rubio (recovering from COVID-19) and Kelly Oubre (knee) – Phoenix was able to jump into a commanding first half. They scored 28 points in the first quarter, continued it in the ensuing period, and went to the break with and 50-39 lead.

The Suns used that momentum to be in cruise control for the second half, where they had no problem maintaining the established cushion. Six Suns scored in double figures, as led by Mikal Bridges’s 14. Stars Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton each had 13 points.

The Jazz shot 50.8% from the floor but it proved to be useless as their defense allowed the Suns to shoot 51.4%. The tepid offense in the opening quarter also made things a bit rough.

The guard play was solid, though, with Donovan Mitchell having 17 points and four assists, Mike Conley adding 12, and Jordan Clarkson coming off the bench to contribute 14 points.