NBA Preseason Day 12: Kyrie Irving stars in Celtics' Preseason finale; Joel Embiid explodes in limited minutes

Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving

Boston Celtics 108-100 Charlotte Hornets

His previous game against the Philadelphia 76ers what he showed off was his ability to score quickly. And in the team's preseason finale against the Charlotte Hornets, Kyrie Irving did more than just score. He scored 16 points on an efficient 63.6% shooting from the field while also distributing the ball well by recording 10 assists - his first double-double as a Celtic.

Irving pushed Boston to the win, ensuring the franchise wraps up its preseason with an undefeated campaign (4-0). Other notable contributors for the Celtics were Al Horford (15 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists) and Gordon Hayward (13 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists).

For the Hornets, who were also playing their preseason finale, the highest scorer was rookie Malik Monk. He put up 21 points on 7-of-18 shooting while also recording 6 rebounds and 3 assists - his best game in the preseason for the team.

Philadelphia 76ers 133-114 Brooklyn Nets

Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid

After months of not knowing his status, and then signing his contract extension with the team, Joel Embiid showed up and dominated the game in his limited minutes on the floor. He played just 15 minutes but put up 22 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists as the 76ers recorded their first win of the preseason. The franchise is not done though. They play their preseason finale against the Miami Heat on the 14th of October.

Despite Embiid's huge numbers, it was an all-round effort by the Sixers that led to the win. Dario Saric led the scoring charts with 26 points while rookie Ben Simmons did a little bit of everything - 9 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals. Philly's 2017 No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz didn't feature in this game.

On the other hand, for Brooklyn, their offseason acquisition of D'Angelo Russell is proving to be useful. The 21-year old point guard has put up efficient scoring numbers on three of the four preseason games so far. The Nets are done with their preseason and will now tip-off the regular season on the road against the Indiana Pacers.

Houston Rockets 101-89 Memphis Grizzlies

All the big names played limited minutes for the Rockets. James Harden and Chris Paul combined for 27 points and 15 assists as Houston comfortably beat Memphis to finish their preseason with a 4-0 record.

Andrew Harrison was the biggest contributor for the Grizzlies with his 17 points, 6 rebounds, 5 steals and 2 rebounds. Memphis are yet to play their preseason finale, which will be up against the New Orleans Pelicans on October 13th.

Washington Wizards 115-117 Miami Heat

It's only the preseason but the game-winners have already started coming.

John Wall (WSH): 16 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds

James Johnson (MIA): 12 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists

Portland Trail Blazers 113-104 Phoenix Suns

Meyers Leonard (POR): 17 points, 8 rebounds

John Jackson (PHX): 22 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists

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