Wizards End Slump, Win Away At Detroit
The Washington Wizards defeated the Detroit Pistons, 133-119, at Little Caesars Arena on Monday evening.
The Wizards (8-17) entered this game having lost their first two games of a three-game road trip, but they bounced back here and secured a win over a Pistons (11-16) team that was unable to settle early on and paid a steep prize for their lack of concentration while missing their two best players in Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin. The Wizards quickly jumped to a 43-31 lead following the first quarter, and they would never lose that advantage. Even though the Pistons won the second and third quarters, 30-24 and 30-29 respectively, they still entered the final 12 minutes of action down by five points. Washington closed things out down the stretch, however, and a 37-28 lead in the final quarter was more than enough to win here. With the win, Washington improved to 4-11 on the road while the Pistons fell to 7-7 at home.
Bradley Beal was Washington’s top scoring threat since he ended with 35 points and 10 assists while shooting 12-24 from the field. Isaiah Thomas thrived as a starter, and he finished with 23 points and six dimes. Davis Bertans had another strong game off the bench, and ended with 17 points. Ish Smith had 10 points with seven assists, while Troy Brown Jr. had 10 points and six rebounds.
Markieff Morris and Derrick Rose led the way for the Pistons as both ended with 22 points, but the former MVP winner did it adding eight assists and six rebounds while coming off the bench. Bruce Brown had 20 points, and Luke Kennard had 14 points, six boards and six dimes. Tony Snell had 10 points and Christian Wood added 12 points as a substitute.
The Wizards (8-17) entered this game having lost their first two games of a three-game road trip, but they bounced back here and secured a win over a Pistons (11-16) team that was unable to settle early on and paid a steep prize for their lack of concentration while missing their two best players in Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin. The Wizards quickly jumped to a 43-31 lead following the first quarter, and they would never lose that advantage. Even though the Pistons won the second and third quarters, 30-24 and 30-29 respectively, they still entered the final 12 minutes of action down by five points. Washington closed things out down the stretch, however, and a 37-28 lead in the final quarter was more than enough to win here. With the win, Washington improved to 4-11 on the road while the Pistons fell to 7-7 at home.
Bradley Beal was Washington’s top scoring threat since he ended with 35 points and 10 assists while shooting 12-24 from the field. Isaiah Thomas thrived as a starter, and he finished with 23 points and six dimes. Davis Bertans had another strong game off the bench, and ended with 17 points. Ish Smith had 10 points with seven assists, while Troy Brown Jr. had 10 points and six rebounds.
Markieff Morris and Derrick Rose led the way for the Pistons as both ended with 22 points, but the former MVP winner did it adding eight assists and six rebounds while coming off the bench. Bruce Brown had 20 points, and Luke Kennard had 14 points, six boards and six dimes. Tony Snell had 10 points and Christian Wood added 12 points as a substitute.
Raptors Dominate Visiting Cavaliers
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, 133-113, at Scotiabank Arena on Monday evening.
The Raptors got out to a great start at home, as they took a 37-29 lead after one quarter. The Raptors maintained a comfortable lead through the second, as they outscored the Cavs by four in the quarter, to take a 12-point lead into halftime. The Cavs had no answers in the third, as the Raptors pushed ahead to take a 20-point lead into the final frame. The Cavs kept fighting through the fourth, but they could not shake the Raptors, as the Raptors ran away with their second straight win. This marks the second straight loss for the Cavs.
Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 33 points, four rebounds and four assists, in 35 minutes. Norman Powell followed up with 26 points, six rebounds, five assists, four steals and a block, while Kyle Lowry added 20 points, 11 assists and four rebounds. The Raptors shot 58 percent from the field, including 16-of-32 from long range.
Meanwhile, Collin Sexton led the Cavs with 25 points, five rebounds and four assists, in 31 minutes. Darius Garland finished with 20 points, five assists, two rebounds and two steals, while Tristan Thompson added 18 points, eight rebounds and three assists. The Cavs shot 49 percent from the field, including 12-of-35 from long range.
The Cavs (6-21) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Hornets on Wednesday. The Raptors (18-8) take on the Pistons in Detroit on Wednesday.
The Raptors got out to a great start at home, as they took a 37-29 lead after one quarter. The Raptors maintained a comfortable lead through the second, as they outscored the Cavs by four in the quarter, to take a 12-point lead into halftime. The Cavs had no answers in the third, as the Raptors pushed ahead to take a 20-point lead into the final frame. The Cavs kept fighting through the fourth, but they could not shake the Raptors, as the Raptors ran away with their second straight win. This marks the second straight loss for the Cavs.
Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 33 points, four rebounds and four assists, in 35 minutes. Norman Powell followed up with 26 points, six rebounds, five assists, four steals and a block, while Kyle Lowry added 20 points, 11 assists and four rebounds. The Raptors shot 58 percent from the field, including 16-of-32 from long range.
Meanwhile, Collin Sexton led the Cavs with 25 points, five rebounds and four assists, in 31 minutes. Darius Garland finished with 20 points, five assists, two rebounds and two steals, while Tristan Thompson added 18 points, eight rebounds and three assists. The Cavs shot 49 percent from the field, including 12-of-35 from long range.
The Cavs (6-21) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Hornets on Wednesday. The Raptors (18-8) take on the Pistons in Detroit on Wednesday.
Rockets Best Spurs, 109-107
The Houston Rockets defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 109-107, at Toyota Center on Monday night.
The two teams had played an overtime thriller the first time they'd met this season, so competitive matchup was likely once again Monday. However, the first half was anything but, as the Spurs (10-16) jumped out to a 72-53 halftime lead. The Rockets (18-9) came out of intermission a different team, erasing all but six points from their deficit during the third quarter. The final period saw Houston go on an 18-8 run over the first 7:14 to take a 101-97 lead, and they ultimately sealed the victory courtesy of a pair of James Harden free throws with 16.2 seconds remaining.
LaMarcus Aldridge led the Spurs with a 19-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included four assists, two blocks and one steal. Bryn Forbes poured in 18 points. Dejounte Murray and Derrick White produced matching 16-point, three-assist tallies while pulling down five and six rebounds, respectively. Rudy Gay and DeMar DeRozan compiled 12 points apiece, with Gay pulling down 12 rebounds as well.
Russell Westbrook paced the Rockets with 31 points, complementing them with 10 rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. James Harden totaled 28 points, eight boards, seven assists, one steal and one block. Ben McLemore registered 17 points. Clint Capela delivered a 15-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included five assists, three blocks and one steal. P.J. Tucker mustered nine points and also pulled down 11 boards.
The Spurs return home and face off with the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night, while the Rockets pay a visit to the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night as well.
The two teams had played an overtime thriller the first time they'd met this season, so competitive matchup was likely once again Monday. However, the first half was anything but, as the Spurs (10-16) jumped out to a 72-53 halftime lead. The Rockets (18-9) came out of intermission a different team, erasing all but six points from their deficit during the third quarter. The final period saw Houston go on an 18-8 run over the first 7:14 to take a 101-97 lead, and they ultimately sealed the victory courtesy of a pair of James Harden free throws with 16.2 seconds remaining.
LaMarcus Aldridge led the Spurs with a 19-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included four assists, two blocks and one steal. Bryn Forbes poured in 18 points. Dejounte Murray and Derrick White produced matching 16-point, three-assist tallies while pulling down five and six rebounds, respectively. Rudy Gay and DeMar DeRozan compiled 12 points apiece, with Gay pulling down 12 rebounds as well.
Russell Westbrook paced the Rockets with 31 points, complementing them with 10 rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. James Harden totaled 28 points, eight boards, seven assists, one steal and one block. Ben McLemore registered 17 points. Clint Capela delivered a 15-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included five assists, three blocks and one steal. P.J. Tucker mustered nine points and also pulled down 11 boards.
The Spurs return home and face off with the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night, while the Rockets pay a visit to the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night as well.
Mavs End Bucks' 18-Game Win Streak
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the host Milwaukee Bucks, 120-116, at Fiserv Forum on Monday evening.
Despite playing without their leading scorer, Luka Doncic, the Mavs got out to a great start on the road, with a 36-22 lead after one quarter. The Bucks responded in the second and outscored the visitors by 11 points in the quarter, to cut it to a three-point game by halftime. The Bucks took a brief lead early in the third but the Mavs rallied back ahead and held the lead for the final seven minutes of the quarter to take an 11-point lead into the fourth. The Mavs stayed in control to start the fourth and led by 15, with just over three minutes to go in the quarter. The Bucks would not go down without a fight, as they outscored the Mavs 21-10 the rest of the way, but ultimately fell short for their second home loss of the season and the end of their 18-game winning streak.
Kristaps Porzingis led the Mavs with 26 points on 9-of-19 shooting, 12 rebounds, four assists and two blocks, in 32 minutes. Seth Curry tallied 26 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Dorian Finney-Smith finished with 15 points and eight rebounds. The Mavs shot 47 percent from the field, including 16-of-41 from long range.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 48 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, in 34 minutes. George Hill added 10 points, three assists, two steals and two rebounds, while Ersan Ilyasova chipped in 11 points, six rebounds and two assists, off the bench.
The Bucks (24-4) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Lakers on Thursday. The Mavericks (18-8) play host to the Celtics on Wednesday.
Despite playing without their leading scorer, Luka Doncic, the Mavs got out to a great start on the road, with a 36-22 lead after one quarter. The Bucks responded in the second and outscored the visitors by 11 points in the quarter, to cut it to a three-point game by halftime. The Bucks took a brief lead early in the third but the Mavs rallied back ahead and held the lead for the final seven minutes of the quarter to take an 11-point lead into the fourth. The Mavs stayed in control to start the fourth and led by 15, with just over three minutes to go in the quarter. The Bucks would not go down without a fight, as they outscored the Mavs 21-10 the rest of the way, but ultimately fell short for their second home loss of the season and the end of their 18-game winning streak.
Kristaps Porzingis led the Mavs with 26 points on 9-of-19 shooting, 12 rebounds, four assists and two blocks, in 32 minutes. Seth Curry tallied 26 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Dorian Finney-Smith finished with 15 points and eight rebounds. The Mavs shot 47 percent from the field, including 16-of-41 from long range.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 48 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, in 34 minutes. George Hill added 10 points, three assists, two steals and two rebounds, while Ersan Ilyasova chipped in 11 points, six rebounds and two assists, off the bench.
The Bucks (24-4) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Lakers on Thursday. The Mavericks (18-8) play host to the Celtics on Wednesday.
Thunder Edges Bulls, 109-106
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Chicago Bulls, 109-106, at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Monday night.
The Bulls (10-19) have proven far from an effective road team this season, but that was far from evident during a standout first quarter during which they outscored the Thunder (12-14) by a 37-16 margin. Oklahoma City was much better in the middle periods, however, shaving eight points off their original 21-point deficit going into the final quarter. They continued to progressively chip away at Chicago's advantage, and after the visitors had made a late comeback from a four-point deficit to knot the game at 106, OKC clinched the win with a trio of free throws by Steven Adams (one) and Chris Paul (two).
Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 39 points, adding three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Lauri Markkanen provided 13 points, three boards, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Wendell Carter, Jr. and Ryan Arcidiacono generated matching 12-point tallies, with Carter also pulling down nine rebounds. Tomas Satoransky furnished 11 points, six rebounds and six assists.
Paul paced the Thunder with 30 points and complemented them with 10 rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Danilo Gallinari delivered 22 points, six boards, four assists and two steals. Dennis Schroder turned in 18 points, five assists, four rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Terrance Ferguson supplied 12 points, while Adams mustered nine points but also pulled down 11 rebounds.
The Bulls remain on the road and face off with the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night, while the Thunder remain home and face the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night.
The Bulls (10-19) have proven far from an effective road team this season, but that was far from evident during a standout first quarter during which they outscored the Thunder (12-14) by a 37-16 margin. Oklahoma City was much better in the middle periods, however, shaving eight points off their original 21-point deficit going into the final quarter. They continued to progressively chip away at Chicago's advantage, and after the visitors had made a late comeback from a four-point deficit to knot the game at 106, OKC clinched the win with a trio of free throws by Steven Adams (one) and Chris Paul (two).
Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 39 points, adding three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Lauri Markkanen provided 13 points, three boards, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Wendell Carter, Jr. and Ryan Arcidiacono generated matching 12-point tallies, with Carter also pulling down nine rebounds. Tomas Satoransky furnished 11 points, six rebounds and six assists.
Paul paced the Thunder with 30 points and complemented them with 10 rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Danilo Gallinari delivered 22 points, six boards, four assists and two steals. Dennis Schroder turned in 18 points, five assists, four rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Terrance Ferguson supplied 12 points, while Adams mustered nine points but also pulled down 11 rebounds.
The Bulls remain on the road and face off with the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night, while the Thunder remain home and face the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night.
Grizzlies Defeat Heat, 118-111
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Miami Heat, 118-111, at FedEx Forum on Monday.
This marked Miami's first loss against a team below .500, with Memphis leading for all but a few minutes. In fact, they led by 15 points at the half and finished the game on a 14-4 run to prevail. Offensive rebounding was huge, with the Grizzlies winning that battle, 15-8. In addition, Memphis shot 51 percent from the field while holding Miami to fewer than 47 percent. They also out-assisted the Heat, 27-21.
The Heat (19-8) were led by Jimmy Butler, who tallied 25 points, four rebounds and eight assists. Kendrick Nunn amassed 18 points, two rebounds and three assists. Bam Adebayo generated 14 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, three steals and three blocks. Tyler Herro led the bench with 22 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Grizzlies (10-17) were led by Jonas Valanciunas, who totaled 21 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. Ja Morant accumulated 20 points, one rebound and 10 assists. Jaren Jackson Jr tallied 15 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals while De'Anthony Melton led the bench with 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Miami traveling to face the Philadelphia 76ers and Memphis facing the Oklahoma City Thunder on the road too.
This marked Miami's first loss against a team below .500, with Memphis leading for all but a few minutes. In fact, they led by 15 points at the half and finished the game on a 14-4 run to prevail. Offensive rebounding was huge, with the Grizzlies winning that battle, 15-8. In addition, Memphis shot 51 percent from the field while holding Miami to fewer than 47 percent. They also out-assisted the Heat, 27-21.
The Heat (19-8) were led by Jimmy Butler, who tallied 25 points, four rebounds and eight assists. Kendrick Nunn amassed 18 points, two rebounds and three assists. Bam Adebayo generated 14 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, three steals and three blocks. Tyler Herro led the bench with 22 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Grizzlies (10-17) were led by Jonas Valanciunas, who totaled 21 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. Ja Morant accumulated 20 points, one rebound and 10 assists. Jaren Jackson Jr tallied 15 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals while De'Anthony Melton led the bench with 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Miami traveling to face the Philadelphia 76ers and Memphis facing the Oklahoma City Thunder on the road too.
Trail Blazers Defeat Suns, 111-110
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the host Phoenix Suns, 111-110, at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Monday.
While Phoenix held the lead for the entirety of the first half, this game came down to the final shot. In fact, Damian Lillard hit an and-one with 26 seconds left to turn a two-point deficit into a one-point lead. Ricky Rubio did have a chance to win at the buzzer but missed his three-pointer. That led to 10 lead changes in the second half alone, despite there being none in the first half. The Portland starters dominated, outscoring the Phoenix starters, 101-76. The Trail Blazers rim protection as critical, recording nine blocks to the Suns five.
The Trail Blazers (11-16) were led by C.J. McCollum, who tallied 30 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Lillard finished with 27 points and five assists. Carmelo Anthony amassed 23 points, eight rebounds, two steals and three blocks. Hassan Whiteside collected 10 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks.
The Suns (11-15) were led by Kelly Oubre Jr, who generated 24 points, two assists and three steals. Dario Saric totaled 17 points and seven boards. Frank Kaminsky accumulated 17 points, five rebounds and five assists while Ricky Rubio provided 10 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists. Aron Baynes and Cameron Johnson each scored 13 points apiece off the bench.
On deck for Phoenix is a road matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday. As for Portland, they host the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday for their next outing.
While Phoenix held the lead for the entirety of the first half, this game came down to the final shot. In fact, Damian Lillard hit an and-one with 26 seconds left to turn a two-point deficit into a one-point lead. Ricky Rubio did have a chance to win at the buzzer but missed his three-pointer. That led to 10 lead changes in the second half alone, despite there being none in the first half. The Portland starters dominated, outscoring the Phoenix starters, 101-76. The Trail Blazers rim protection as critical, recording nine blocks to the Suns five.
The Trail Blazers (11-16) were led by C.J. McCollum, who tallied 30 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Lillard finished with 27 points and five assists. Carmelo Anthony amassed 23 points, eight rebounds, two steals and three blocks. Hassan Whiteside collected 10 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks.
The Suns (11-15) were led by Kelly Oubre Jr, who generated 24 points, two assists and three steals. Dario Saric totaled 17 points and seven boards. Frank Kaminsky accumulated 17 points, five rebounds and five assists while Ricky Rubio provided 10 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists. Aron Baynes and Cameron Johnson each scored 13 points apiece off the bench.
On deck for Phoenix is a road matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday. As for Portland, they host the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday for their next outing.