What happened: Marcus Smart led all scorers with 20 points in his preseason debut at the NBA China Games 2026. The guard connected on four 3-pointers across 24 minutes of action, adding five rebounds and four assists.

Why it matters: The performance provided a first look at his on-court role following his free-agent signing in July. His offensive output and workload offer an early indication of his integration into the rotation ahead of the 2026-27 season.

What to watch: His minutes and conditioning will continue to be monitored throughout the remainder of the preseason schedule.