Our NBA legionnaire

Pöltl: Victory in comeback after more than seven months

The Toronto Raptors defeat the Washington Wizards.(Bild: AP/Christinne Muschi)

The Toronto Raptors won the first of five test games before the new season in the National Basketball Association (NBA) on Sunday (local time). Jakob Pöltl and his colleagues defeated the Washington Wizards by a commanding 125:98 at the end of a training camp in Montreal.

The center from Vienna wore the Canadians' kit again after more than seven months. He had suffered a finger injury on March 3, which ended his last season prematurely.

In his comeback in front of 21,900 fans in Montreal, the homegrown NBA pioneer finished with six points, seven rebounds, three assists and a block. He played 20:36 minutes. The Raptors' top scorer was RJ Barrett with 17 points.

Another clash with the Wizards will take place in Washington on Friday. On October 13 (away) and 15 (only home game of the preseason), the Raptors will face the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics. On the 18th of the month, the Canadians host the Brooklyn Nets.

Ninth NBA season
The regular season in the world's strongest basketball league begins for the Raptors on October 23 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Pöltl is entering his ninth NBA season.