Canadians in NBA: Thompson & Bennett contribute to Winning Cause
North Pole Hoops continues coverage of young Canadians in the NBA. On Thursday, Oct. 17, Tristan Thompson, Anthony Bennett and the Cleveland Cavaliers took to the court in pre-season action against the Detroit Pistons. The Cavs won 96-84.
Tristan Thompson & Anthony Bennett
Seven Cavaliers finished the game scoring in double digits, and that included the two young Canadians on the squad. Tristan Thompson started at power forward, playing just over 25 minutes. He scored 11 points on 5-13 shooting, going 1-2 from the charity stripe. Thompson also grabbed seven rebounds, while blocking one shot.
Bennett played just under 21 minutes on Thursday, after news was released of the Brampton native suffering from asthma and sleep apnea. Cavs coach Mike Brown revealed Bennett’s conditions before the game against the Pistons. It has been reported Bennett has had some breathing issues during workouts and during preseason games. This has been attributed to him not being able to work out as much this summer after undergoing shoulder surgery in May.
Despite the news, Bennett was able to contribute to the winning cause, scoring 12 points. He shot 4-7 from the field, hitting both his shots from the free throw line and nailing 2-3 three-pointers. Bennett also collected four rebounds, and committed only one foul. That’s good news for the Cavs after Bennett fouled out against the Charlotte Bobcats on Tuesday.
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Cory Joseph
The San Antonio Spurs beat the Atlanta Hawks 106-104, but Joseph received the “DNP, coach’s decision.” No word on why Joseph wasn’t in the lineup Thursday night.
Looking ahead
On Friday, Oct. 18, NPH will continue to track the Canadians playing in NBA pre-season games. Andrew Nicholson and Kris Joseph will be in action as the Orlando Magic play the Memphis Grizzlies. Robert Sacre might see some time on the court as the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors tip-off from Shanghai, China.
