The Golden State Warriors are literally on the other side of the world this week playing two preseason games against the Washington Wizards in Japan. The Dubs are actually playing two preseason games in this global exhibition of NBA talent this week as the league flexes its global appeal. The Dubs won the first game 96-87 and it was second year big man James Wiseman who shone most brightly.
James Wiseman tallied 20 points and 9 rebounds to lead the Golden State Warriors to victory in Game 1 of the NBA Japan Games. His 20 points led all scorers on both benches, and he notched 6 dunks. One of those dunks was an alley-oop from Stephen Curry on a perfectly executed pick and roll and another was a posterization of Kristaps Porzingis on the baseline. You can check out all of his highlights in the video below.
With Steve Kerr announcing pregame that Klay Thompson would not play in either of the two games in Japan, Jordan Poole took Thompson’s place in the starting lineup, joining Stephen Curry, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green and Kevon Looney. The starters did not get too much run in the opener. Curry recorded six points, three rebounds and two assists in 13 minutes of action. Kevon Looney, who played in all 104 games last season, recorded four points and seven rebounds on Friday, including grabbing a game-high-tying three offensive rebounds.