New Orleans' Anthony Davis returned sooner than expected from a sprained ankle and had 33 points and 13 rebounds in the Pelicans' 114-111 overtime loss at Orlando on Thursday (Friday Manila time).
Davis was hurt October 12 during a preseason game against Houston in China and the Pelicans said he was expected back in 10 days to two weeks, a timeline that could have meant missing the regular-season opener next Wednesday.
But Davis made it back in about a week, dominating right from the start of the game. He scored 16 points in 9 minutes of the first quarter as the Pelicans raced to a 38-22 lead. It would grow to 23 later in the game before Orlando rallied, then pulled it out in OT after rookie Buddy Hield missed a chance to win it for New Orleans before the regulation buzzer.
Terrence Jones added 20 points for the Pelicans, who finished preseason 1-4.
Evan Fournier scored 22 points as the Magic avoided a winless preseason. Serge Ibaka added 18.
Hawks 97, Bulls 81
In Omaha, Nebraska, Dwight Howard had 16 points and 15 rebounds in a strong finish to his first preseason with Atlanta, who comfortably beat Chicago.
Kyle Korver also scored 16 points as Atlanta finished 5-2.
Jimmy Butler scored 16 points as Chicago wrapped up exhibition play at 3-4.
Hornets 96, Heat 88
In Charlotte, North Carolina, Kemba Walker had 17 points Charlotte beat Miami in a match of teams who met in the first round of last season's playoffs.
Frank Kaminsky added 16 points for the Hornets, who close their preseason schedule Friday against Minnesota.
Rodney McGruder scored 16 points as the Heat, who beat the Hornets in seven games last spring, went largely with reserves.
Knicks 116, Nets 111
In New York, Carmelo Anthony scored 21 points to lead New York over Brooklyn for the second time this preseason.
Brooklyn played its starters into the final minutes and nearly came back, cutting the Knicks' lead to three before turning it over in the closing seconds.
Jeremy Lin, who sat out the first meeting against his former team, led the Nets with 24 points and 10 assists.