The Toronto team, which lost in a mutual duel two days ago, was superior this time at home with 119:118 (46:27, 20:40, 31:19, 22:32), causing the champion team “Celtics” the first defeat in five test games.
It has already been reported that Porzingis is continuing the rehabilitation process after foot surgery, and his return to the court is expected in December.
Jayson Tatum scored 24 points, Derrick White scored 23 points, and Jaylen Brown scored 19.
Grady Dick stood out for the winners with 27 points, but Scotty Barnes was close to a “triple double” with 26 points, nine steals and ten assists.
In another test match, the Lithuanian Domants Sabonis stood out with a great performance, however, the Sacramento “Kings” team represented by him recognized the superiority of the Utah “Jazz” 114:117 (30:31, 26:27, 27:29, 31:30).
Sabonis finished with 29 points, 17 rebounds, eight assists and two steals. De’Aaron Fox scored 22 points for the Kings, and Keegan Murray scored 21.
Kijonte Džoržas was the top scorer in the home team with 24 points, while Lauri Markanens scored 21 points.
The new NBA season will start on October 22. The regular championship matches will last until April 13, after which the play-off matches will begin, with the champions being determined in June.
Last season, the Boston “Celtics” represented by the Latvian Kristaps Porzingis became the NBA champion team, which beat the Dallas “Mavericks” team 4-1 in the final series.