Spurs Defeat Suns in OT, 121-119
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Phoenix Suns in overtime, 121-119, at Arena Ciudad de Mexico on Saturday
While there was only one lead change through the first three quarters, it took an overtime session to determine a winner. In fact, there were five lead changes alone in the fourth quarter, with neither team leading by more than 11 points for the entirety of the game. Kelly Oubre Jr hit a three-pointer with 2.6 seconds left in regulation to send the game into overtime. There were then four lead changes in the extra session, with Patty Mills hitting a game-winning jumper with 0.3 seconds left to grab the victory for the Spurs. Bench production was the only major difference in the stat sheet, with San Antonio's bench outscoring Phoenix's bench, 63-31.
The Spurs (10-15) were led by Mills, who provided 26 points, five rebounds and two steals off the bench. LaMarcus Aldridge led the starters with 18 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. DeMar DeRozan tallied 18 points, six rebounds and three assists while Dejounte Murray generated 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals.
The Suns (11-14) were led by Ricky Rubio, who amassed 25 points, three rebounds and 13 assists. Frank Kaminsky accumulated 22 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Dario Saric totaled 19 points, 17 rebounds and four assists while Oubre finished with 17 points and eight boards. Aron Baynes led the bench with 13 points, eight rebounds and two blocks.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Phoenix playing host to the Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonio facing the soaring Houston Rockets on the road.
While there was only one lead change through the first three quarters, it took an overtime session to determine a winner. In fact, there were five lead changes alone in the fourth quarter, with neither team leading by more than 11 points for the entirety of the game. Kelly Oubre Jr hit a three-pointer with 2.6 seconds left in regulation to send the game into overtime. There were then four lead changes in the extra session, with Patty Mills hitting a game-winning jumper with 0.3 seconds left to grab the victory for the Spurs. Bench production was the only major difference in the stat sheet, with San Antonio's bench outscoring Phoenix's bench, 63-31.
The Spurs (10-15) were led by Mills, who provided 26 points, five rebounds and two steals off the bench. LaMarcus Aldridge led the starters with 18 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. DeMar DeRozan tallied 18 points, six rebounds and three assists while Dejounte Murray generated 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals.
The Suns (11-14) were led by Ricky Rubio, who amassed 25 points, three rebounds and 13 assists. Frank Kaminsky accumulated 22 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Dario Saric totaled 19 points, 17 rebounds and four assists while Oubre finished with 17 points and eight boards. Aron Baynes led the bench with 13 points, eight rebounds and two blocks.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Phoenix playing host to the Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonio facing the soaring Houston Rockets on the road.
Raptors Edge Nets, 110-102
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 110-102, at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday night.
The Raptors (17-8) came into the contest looking to overcome a poor stretch of recent play, and they got off to a strong start in that regard by taking a 38-31 lead through the first 12 minutes. The Nets (13-12) reduced their deficit to five entering halftime, but Toronto'a advantage was back up to seven heading into the final period. Both teams then turned their defenses up a notch in the fourth quarter, but Brooklyn wasn't able to make any further inroads and took the eight-point road loss.
Spencer Dinwiddie paced the Nets with 24 points, adding eight assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Garrett Temple produced 16 points, four rebounds and two assists. Taurean Prince generated a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists, one steal and one block. Joe Harris went for 13 points, four assists and three boards.
Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 30 points, 11 boards, five assists, three steals and three blocks. Norman Powell followed with 25 points, four boards, one assist and two blocks. Marc Gasol posted a 17-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included two assists, two blocks and one steal. Serge Ibaka turned in 12 points, 12 rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks.
The Nets return home and face the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday evening, while the Raptors remain home and face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night.
The Raptors (17-8) came into the contest looking to overcome a poor stretch of recent play, and they got off to a strong start in that regard by taking a 38-31 lead through the first 12 minutes. The Nets (13-12) reduced their deficit to five entering halftime, but Toronto'a advantage was back up to seven heading into the final period. Both teams then turned their defenses up a notch in the fourth quarter, but Brooklyn wasn't able to make any further inroads and took the eight-point road loss.
Spencer Dinwiddie paced the Nets with 24 points, adding eight assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Garrett Temple produced 16 points, four rebounds and two assists. Taurean Prince generated a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists, one steal and one block. Joe Harris went for 13 points, four assists and three boards.
Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 30 points, 11 boards, five assists, three steals and three blocks. Norman Powell followed with 25 points, four boards, one assist and two blocks. Marc Gasol posted a 17-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included two assists, two blocks and one steal. Serge Ibaka turned in 12 points, 12 rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks.
The Nets return home and face the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday evening, while the Raptors remain home and face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night.
Bulls Stun Clippers In Chicago
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls defeated the visiting Los Angeles Clippers, 109-106, at United Center on Saturday evening.
The Clippers got out to a good start on the road, with a 29-24 lead after on quarter. They pulled ahead by 14, with four m minutes left in the second, but the Bulls rallied back to make it a two-point game by halftime. The Bulls carried the momentum into the third quarter, where they pulled ahead early and held on to take a five-point lead into the final frame. The Clippers fought back and tied it a 91, five minutes into the fourth. The teams traded buckets down the stretch, but it was the Bulls who got the last laugh, thanks to a three-point play on a layup and free throw by Zach LaVine with five seconds on the clock. The loss marks the end of a four-game wining streak for the Clippers, while the Bulls move to 6-10 at home.
Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 31 points on 11-of-21 shooting, in 36 minutes. Lauri Markkanen added 13 points, 17 rebounds, four assists, a block and a steal, while Thaddeus Young added 17 points, four rebounds and three assists. The Bulls shot 47 percent from the field, including 14-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile, Montrezl Harrell led the Clippers with 30 points and seven rebounds, in 33 minutes off the bench. Paul George followed up with 27 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals, in 31 minutes. Landry Shamet added 11 points and four rebounds, while Patrick Patterson added 11 points and six rebounds.
The Clippers (20-8) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Suns on Tuesday. The Bulls (10-18) take on the Thunder in OKC on Monday.
The Clippers got out to a good start on the road, with a 29-24 lead after on quarter. They pulled ahead by 14, with four m minutes left in the second, but the Bulls rallied back to make it a two-point game by halftime. The Bulls carried the momentum into the third quarter, where they pulled ahead early and held on to take a five-point lead into the final frame. The Clippers fought back and tied it a 91, five minutes into the fourth. The teams traded buckets down the stretch, but it was the Bulls who got the last laugh, thanks to a three-point play on a layup and free throw by Zach LaVine with five seconds on the clock. The loss marks the end of a four-game wining streak for the Clippers, while the Bulls move to 6-10 at home.
Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 31 points on 11-of-21 shooting, in 36 minutes. Lauri Markkanen added 13 points, 17 rebounds, four assists, a block and a steal, while Thaddeus Young added 17 points, four rebounds and three assists. The Bulls shot 47 percent from the field, including 14-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile, Montrezl Harrell led the Clippers with 30 points and seven rebounds, in 33 minutes off the bench. Paul George followed up with 27 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals, in 31 minutes. Landry Shamet added 11 points and four rebounds, while Patrick Patterson added 11 points and six rebounds.
The Clippers (20-8) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Suns on Tuesday. The Bulls (10-18) take on the Thunder in OKC on Monday.
Grizzlies Topple Wizards, 128-111
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Washington Wizards, 128-111, at FedEx Forum on Saturday night.
The Grizzlies (9-17) and Wizards (7-17) checked into the contest as two of the fastest-paced and highest-scoring teams in the league, so a first half that featured 123 total points wasn't of much surprise. However, 69 of those points were scored by Memphis, meaning they had a comfortable 15-point cushion going into halftime. The hosts added another five points to their advantage in the third, allowing them to cruise to a comfortable victory. As their final point tally implies, the Grizzlies had the hot hand, shooting 57.1 percent from the field, including 40.7 percent from distance.
Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 29 points, adding 10 rebounds, four assists and four steals. Troy Brown, Jr. furnished 16 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Ish Smith and Admiral Schofield managed matching 14- point tallies while dishing out four and three assists, respectively. Rui Hachimura supplied 10 points and four rebounds.
Dillon Brooks paced the Grizzlies with 27 points and complemented them with three assists, two rebounds and three steals. Brandon Clarke followed with 25 points and four boards. Ja Morant registered 18 points, five assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Jaren Jackson Jr. compiled 16 points, four boards, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Solomon Hill collected 12 points, three rebounds and three assists.
The Wizards continue on the road and tangle with the Detroit Pistons on Monday night, while the Grizzlies remain home and host the Miami Heat on Monday night as well.
The Grizzlies (9-17) and Wizards (7-17) checked into the contest as two of the fastest-paced and highest-scoring teams in the league, so a first half that featured 123 total points wasn't of much surprise. However, 69 of those points were scored by Memphis, meaning they had a comfortable 15-point cushion going into halftime. The hosts added another five points to their advantage in the third, allowing them to cruise to a comfortable victory. As their final point tally implies, the Grizzlies had the hot hand, shooting 57.1 percent from the field, including 40.7 percent from distance.
Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 29 points, adding 10 rebounds, four assists and four steals. Troy Brown, Jr. furnished 16 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Ish Smith and Admiral Schofield managed matching 14- point tallies while dishing out four and three assists, respectively. Rui Hachimura supplied 10 points and four rebounds.
Dillon Brooks paced the Grizzlies with 27 points and complemented them with three assists, two rebounds and three steals. Brandon Clarke followed with 25 points and four boards. Ja Morant registered 18 points, five assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Jaren Jackson Jr. compiled 16 points, four boards, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Solomon Hill collected 12 points, three rebounds and three assists.
The Wizards continue on the road and tangle with the Detroit Pistons on Monday night, while the Grizzlies remain home and host the Miami Heat on Monday night as well.
Heat Defeat Mavericks in OT, 121-118
The Miami Heat defeated the host Dallas Mavericks in overtime, 121-118, at American Airlines Center on Saturday.
While Miami rode a 73-50 first half to a 23-point halftime lead, Dallas fought all the way back to send the game into overtime. In fact, the Mavericks outscored the Heat, 62-39, in the second half, grabbing their first lead with just 4:15 remaining in the fourth quarter. From there, there were six lead changes in the final 10 minutes, with Miami scoring the final seven points of overtime to prevail. Free-throw shooting was critical, with the Heat connecting on 27-of-32 and the Mavericks hitting just 11-of-17. They also doubled them up in steals, 8-4.
The Heat (18-7) were led by Jimmy Butler. who tallied 27 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Bam Adebayo picked up a triple-double, accumulating 18 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and two blocks. Kendrick Nunn generated 13 points, six rebounds and four assists while Tyler Herro led the bench with 19 points, six rebounds and two assists.
The Mavericks (17-7) had to play most of this game without Luka Doncic, who rolled his ankle in the opening minutes and did not return. Tim Hardaway Jr led the team in his absence, amassing 28 points, five rebounds and three assists. Kristaps Porzingis accrued 22 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Jalen Brunson led the bench with 18 points, seven rebounds and eight assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Dallas traveling to face the streaking Milwaukee Bucks and Miami playing the Memphis Grizzlies on the road as well.
While Miami rode a 73-50 first half to a 23-point halftime lead, Dallas fought all the way back to send the game into overtime. In fact, the Mavericks outscored the Heat, 62-39, in the second half, grabbing their first lead with just 4:15 remaining in the fourth quarter. From there, there were six lead changes in the final 10 minutes, with Miami scoring the final seven points of overtime to prevail. Free-throw shooting was critical, with the Heat connecting on 27-of-32 and the Mavericks hitting just 11-of-17. They also doubled them up in steals, 8-4.
The Heat (18-7) were led by Jimmy Butler. who tallied 27 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Bam Adebayo picked up a triple-double, accumulating 18 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and two blocks. Kendrick Nunn generated 13 points, six rebounds and four assists while Tyler Herro led the bench with 19 points, six rebounds and two assists.
The Mavericks (17-7) had to play most of this game without Luka Doncic, who rolled his ankle in the opening minutes and did not return. Tim Hardaway Jr led the team in his absence, amassing 28 points, five rebounds and three assists. Kristaps Porzingis accrued 22 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Jalen Brunson led the bench with 18 points, seven rebounds and eight assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Dallas traveling to face the streaking Milwaukee Bucks and Miami playing the Memphis Grizzlies on the road as well.
Giannis Leads Bucks To 18th Consecutive Win
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, 125-108, at Fiserv Forum on Saturday evening.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to their 18th consecutive win, as he poured in 29 points on 12-of-20 shooting. The Bucks got out to a great start on the road, as they led through the entire first quarter and took a six-point lead into the second. The turned it up a notch in the second and outscored the Cavs 43-31 in the quarter to take a 69-51 lead into halftime. The Cavs had no answer in the third, as the Bucks pushed their lead to 28, late in the quarter. The Cavaliers kept fighting through the fourth but could get close enough to the Bucks, as they cruised to their 13th home win.
The Bucks shot 54 percent from the field, including 14-of-37 from long range. Khris Middleton added 24 points, six assists, two rebounds and a steal, while Donte DiVincenzo tallied 15 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals. George Hill and Ersan Ilyasova tallied 11 points each, off the bench.
Meanwhile, Kevin Porter Jr. was the high-point man for the Cavaliers, with 15 points on 4-of-9 shooting, in 25 minutes off the bench. Kevin Love finished with 12 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Jordan Clarkson added 13 points, three assists and two steals. The Cavs shot 46 percent from the field, including 15-of-35 from long range.
The Cavs (6-20) will look to bounce back as they take on the Raptors in Toronto on Monday. The Bucks (24-3) play host to the Mavericks on Monday.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to their 18th consecutive win, as he poured in 29 points on 12-of-20 shooting. The Bucks got out to a great start on the road, as they led through the entire first quarter and took a six-point lead into the second. The turned it up a notch in the second and outscored the Cavs 43-31 in the quarter to take a 69-51 lead into halftime. The Cavs had no answer in the third, as the Bucks pushed their lead to 28, late in the quarter. The Cavaliers kept fighting through the fourth but could get close enough to the Bucks, as they cruised to their 13th home win.
The Bucks shot 54 percent from the field, including 14-of-37 from long range. Khris Middleton added 24 points, six assists, two rebounds and a steal, while Donte DiVincenzo tallied 15 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals. George Hill and Ersan Ilyasova tallied 11 points each, off the bench.
Meanwhile, Kevin Porter Jr. was the high-point man for the Cavaliers, with 15 points on 4-of-9 shooting, in 25 minutes off the bench. Kevin Love finished with 12 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Jordan Clarkson added 13 points, three assists and two steals. The Cavs shot 46 percent from the field, including 15-of-35 from long range.
The Cavs (6-20) will look to bounce back as they take on the Raptors in Toronto on Monday. The Bucks (24-3) play host to the Mavericks on Monday.
Nuggets Defeat Thunder, 110-102
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 110-102, at Pepsi Center on Saturday.
While this wasn't necessarily a wire-to-wire win for Denver, they held the lead for the final 45 minutes of play. They did that by outscoring the Thunder, 57-39, in the first and third quarters, leading by at least five points for the final 18 minutes of action. The Nuggets shot 51 percent from the field in their victory while out-rebounding the Thunder, 44-37. They also out-assisted Oklahoma City, 30-22.
The Thunder (11-14) were led by Steven Adams, who tallied 18 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander totaled 16 points, four rebounds and three assists. Chris Paul collected 15 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and four steals. Dennis Schroder led the bench with 22 points, five rebounds and four assists.
The Nuggets (16-8) got a triple-double from Nikola Jokic, who collected 28 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists on 11-of-14 from the field. Will Barton accrued 18 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Jamal Murray amassed 14 points, four rebounds and seven assists while Jerami Grant totaled 13 points and five boards in a start for Paul Millsap.
On deck for Denver is another home game against the New York Knicks on Sunday. As for Oklahoma City, they return to action on Monday at home against the Chicago Bulls.
While this wasn't necessarily a wire-to-wire win for Denver, they held the lead for the final 45 minutes of play. They did that by outscoring the Thunder, 57-39, in the first and third quarters, leading by at least five points for the final 18 minutes of action. The Nuggets shot 51 percent from the field in their victory while out-rebounding the Thunder, 44-37. They also out-assisted Oklahoma City, 30-22.
The Thunder (11-14) were led by Steven Adams, who tallied 18 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander totaled 16 points, four rebounds and three assists. Chris Paul collected 15 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and four steals. Dennis Schroder led the bench with 22 points, five rebounds and four assists.
The Nuggets (16-8) got a triple-double from Nikola Jokic, who collected 28 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists on 11-of-14 from the field. Will Barton accrued 18 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Jamal Murray amassed 14 points, four rebounds and seven assists while Jerami Grant totaled 13 points and five boards in a start for Paul Millsap.
On deck for Denver is another home game against the New York Knicks on Sunday. As for Oklahoma City, they return to action on Monday at home against the Chicago Bulls.
Pistons Conquer Short-Handed Rockets, 115-107
The Detroit Pistons defeated the Houston Rockets, 115-107, at Toyota Center on Saturday night.
The Pistons (11-15) seemingly caught a break when it was announced Russell Westbrook would sit out Saturday's game for rest purposes, but the Rockets (17-9) initially shook off his absence and took a 32-30 lead through one quarter. The game would start to turn in the second, however, as Detroit erased that deficit and built a 10-point advantage going into halftime. After adding three more points to their edge in the third while impressively holding Houston to 20 points during the period, the visitors kept their foot on the gas in the fourth and withstood occasional flourishes from their hosts to notch the road win.
Luke Kennard paced the Pistons with 22 points, adding seven rebounds, three assists and one block. Derrick Rose generated a 20-point, 12-assist double-double that also included four rebounds. Bruce Brown checked in with 16 points, 10 boards, six assists, four steals and one block. Markieff Morris and Tony Snell each poured in 15 points while pulling down eight and five rebounds, respectively. Christian Wood helped handle power forward duties after Blake Griffin exited early with knee soreness and posted 11 points and 13 rebounds.
James Harden led the Rockets with 39 points while also contributing seven assists, six rebounds and one steal. Chris Clemons delivered 17 points, four boards, two steals and one block. Austin Rivers furnished 14 points, five rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Ben McLemore poured in 13 points, while Clint Capela contributed a 12-point, 19-rebound double-double that also included one assist, three blocks and one steal.
The Pistons head back home to tangle with the Washington Wizards on Monday night, while the Rockets remain home and face the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night.
The Pistons (11-15) seemingly caught a break when it was announced Russell Westbrook would sit out Saturday's game for rest purposes, but the Rockets (17-9) initially shook off his absence and took a 32-30 lead through one quarter. The game would start to turn in the second, however, as Detroit erased that deficit and built a 10-point advantage going into halftime. After adding three more points to their edge in the third while impressively holding Houston to 20 points during the period, the visitors kept their foot on the gas in the fourth and withstood occasional flourishes from their hosts to notch the road win.
Luke Kennard paced the Pistons with 22 points, adding seven rebounds, three assists and one block. Derrick Rose generated a 20-point, 12-assist double-double that also included four rebounds. Bruce Brown checked in with 16 points, 10 boards, six assists, four steals and one block. Markieff Morris and Tony Snell each poured in 15 points while pulling down eight and five rebounds, respectively. Christian Wood helped handle power forward duties after Blake Griffin exited early with knee soreness and posted 11 points and 13 rebounds.
James Harden led the Rockets with 39 points while also contributing seven assists, six rebounds and one steal. Chris Clemons delivered 17 points, four boards, two steals and one block. Austin Rivers furnished 14 points, five rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Ben McLemore poured in 13 points, while Clint Capela contributed a 12-point, 19-rebound double-double that also included one assist, three blocks and one steal.
The Pistons head back home to tangle with the Washington Wizards on Monday night, while the Rockets remain home and face the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night.