Pacers Defeat Lakers, 105-102
The Indiana Pacers defeated the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, 105-102, at Banker's Life Fieldhouse on Tuesday.
Los Angeles came into this matchup with an NBA-best 14-game road winning streak but that was snapped here. It was close throughout though, with as there were seven ties and five lead changes with neither team leading by more than 10 points. Los Angeles had an opportunity to tie at the buzzer with a three but missed. The key for Indiana was three-point shooting, with the Pacers hitting 10-of-25 and the Lakers connecting on just 8-of-31. In addition, Los Angeles went just 8-of-17 from the free-throw line.
The Lakers (24-4) were led by LeBron James, who tallied 20 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. JaVale McGee amassed 10 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Dwight Howard led the bench with 20 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Rajon Rondo accrued seven points, five rebounds and seven assists but missed the game-tying three at the buzzer.
The Pacers (19-9) were led by Domantas Sabonis, who collected 26 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Myles Turner totaled 16 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Malcolm Brogdon generated 14 points, five rebounds and six assists while Aaron Holiday led the bench with 11 points, two rebounds and four assists.
On deck for Los Angeles is a road game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday. As for Indiana, they return to action on Friday playing host to the Sacramento Kings.
Los Angeles came into this matchup with an NBA-best 14-game road winning streak but that was snapped here. It was close throughout though, with as there were seven ties and five lead changes with neither team leading by more than 10 points. Los Angeles had an opportunity to tie at the buzzer with a three but missed. The key for Indiana was three-point shooting, with the Pacers hitting 10-of-25 and the Lakers connecting on just 8-of-31. In addition, Los Angeles went just 8-of-17 from the free-throw line.
The Lakers (24-4) were led by LeBron James, who tallied 20 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. JaVale McGee amassed 10 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Dwight Howard led the bench with 20 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Rajon Rondo accrued seven points, five rebounds and seven assists but missed the game-tying three at the buzzer.
The Pacers (19-9) were led by Domantas Sabonis, who collected 26 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Myles Turner totaled 16 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Malcolm Brogdon generated 14 points, five rebounds and six assists while Aaron Holiday led the bench with 11 points, two rebounds and four assists.
On deck for Los Angeles is a road game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday. As for Indiana, they return to action on Friday playing host to the Sacramento Kings.
Hornets Close Things Out, Defeat Kings At Home
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Sacramento Kings, 110-102, at Spectrum Center on Tuesday evening.
The Kings (12-15) entered this game coming off a win Sunday at Golden State, while the Hornets (13-17) were coming off a 2-1 road trip, so both teams carried some decent momentum going forward. Charlotte grabbed the lead early on, however, and they quickly jumped to a 26-21 lead following the first quarter. Charlotte also won the second quarter by a 27-26 score, but Sacramento didn't sit back and tried to flip the script with a 32-27 third quarter. The final 12 minutes were as tight as they could get since Charlotte entered the final frame with only a one-point lead, but the Hornets closed things out with a 30-23 score that didn't leave doubts. With the win, Charlotte moved to 7-8 at home while the Kings fell to 6-10 away from home.
Seven of nine Sacramento players scored in double digits, but De’Aaron Fox led the way with a strong 19-point, eight-assist performance in 30 minutes off the bench. Marvin Bagley III chipped in with 14 points and seven boards off the bench, while Harrison Barnes and Buddy Hield each had 14 points. Nenad Bjelica contributed 12 points, five boards and three assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic had 10 points as well.
Malik Monk was Charlotte’s best player since he had 23 points, 10 rebounds and four assists while playing 27 minutes off the bench. Devonte’ Graham had 15 points, seven assists and four boards, while Cody Zeller came just one rebound away from a triple-double thanks to 17 points and nine rebounds. Marvin Williams had 16 points, and Bismack Biyombo chipped in with 10 points and 12 rebounds.
The Kings (12-15) entered this game coming off a win Sunday at Golden State, while the Hornets (13-17) were coming off a 2-1 road trip, so both teams carried some decent momentum going forward. Charlotte grabbed the lead early on, however, and they quickly jumped to a 26-21 lead following the first quarter. Charlotte also won the second quarter by a 27-26 score, but Sacramento didn't sit back and tried to flip the script with a 32-27 third quarter. The final 12 minutes were as tight as they could get since Charlotte entered the final frame with only a one-point lead, but the Hornets closed things out with a 30-23 score that didn't leave doubts. With the win, Charlotte moved to 7-8 at home while the Kings fell to 6-10 away from home.
Seven of nine Sacramento players scored in double digits, but De’Aaron Fox led the way with a strong 19-point, eight-assist performance in 30 minutes off the bench. Marvin Bagley III chipped in with 14 points and seven boards off the bench, while Harrison Barnes and Buddy Hield each had 14 points. Nenad Bjelica contributed 12 points, five boards and three assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic had 10 points as well.
Malik Monk was Charlotte’s best player since he had 23 points, 10 rebounds and four assists while playing 27 minutes off the bench. Devonte’ Graham had 15 points, seven assists and four boards, while Cody Zeller came just one rebound away from a triple-double thanks to 17 points and nine rebounds. Marvin Williams had 16 points, and Bismack Biyombo chipped in with 10 points and 12 rebounds.
Knicks Crush Sliding Hawks
By Dan Bruno
The New York Knicks defeated the visiting Atlanta Hawks, 143-120, at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday evening.
The Knicks got out to a great start at home, as they jumped to a 41-27 lead after one quarter. They kept the momentum going in the second and increased their lead to 24 points by halftime. The Hawks put up a fight in the third but could not cut into the deficit, as they were outscored by one point in the quarter and trailed by 15, heading into the final frame. The Knicks stayed in control through the fourth and cruised to their third win in their last four games, and their fourth home win of the season. This marks the fifth loss in a row for the Hawks.
R.J. Barrett led the Knicks with 27 points on 10-of-13 shooting, in 28 minutes. Marcus Morris Sr. added 22 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Mitchell Robinson added 22 points, 13 rebounds, two blocks and a steal, in 29 minutes off the bench. The Knicks shot 56 percent from the field, including 13-of-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, Trae Young led the Hawks with 42 points, eight assists and four rebounds, in 41 minutes. De'Andre Hunter followed up with 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Vince Carter added 15 points on 5-of-9 shooting, including 4-of-7 from long range, in 24 minutes off the bench. The Hawks shot 46 percent from the field, including 15-of-43 from deep.
The Hawks (6-22) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Jazz on Thursday. The Knicks (7-21) take on the Heat in Miami on Friday.
The Knicks got out to a great start at home, as they jumped to a 41-27 lead after one quarter. They kept the momentum going in the second and increased their lead to 24 points by halftime. The Hawks put up a fight in the third but could not cut into the deficit, as they were outscored by one point in the quarter and trailed by 15, heading into the final frame. The Knicks stayed in control through the fourth and cruised to their third win in their last four games, and their fourth home win of the season. This marks the fifth loss in a row for the Hawks.
R.J. Barrett led the Knicks with 27 points on 10-of-13 shooting, in 28 minutes. Marcus Morris Sr. added 22 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Mitchell Robinson added 22 points, 13 rebounds, two blocks and a steal, in 29 minutes off the bench. The Knicks shot 56 percent from the field, including 13-of-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, Trae Young led the Hawks with 42 points, eight assists and four rebounds, in 41 minutes. De'Andre Hunter followed up with 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Vince Carter added 15 points on 5-of-9 shooting, including 4-of-7 from long range, in 24 minutes off the bench. The Hawks shot 46 percent from the field, including 15-of-43 from deep.
The Hawks (6-22) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Jazz on Thursday. The Knicks (7-21) take on the Heat in Miami on Friday.
Nets Finish Strong For Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the host New Orleans Pelicans, 108-101, at Smoothie King Center on Tuesday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start as the score was tied at 21, heading into the second. The Pelicans opened up an eight-point lead mid way through the second, but the Nets closed the quarter on a 15-0 run, to take a seven-point lead into halftime. The Pelicans came out strong in the third quarter and quickly closed the gap. They kept pushing and took a three-point lead into the final frame. The scored stayed tight through the fourth, with the Nets hitting a game-tying three, with 45 seconds left, sending the game to overtime. The Nets carried the momentum into the extra period, as they took the lead on their first shot and carried it the rest of the way to their second consecutive win. This marks the 13th straight loss for the Pelicans.
Spencer Dinwiddie led the Nets with 31 points, seven assists, two rebounds and a steal, in 38 minutes. Joe Harris followed up with 24 points, six rebounds, three assists and a block, while Jarrett Allen totalled 12 points, 14 rebounds and six blocks. The Nets shot 42 percent from the field, including 11-of-39 from long range.
Meanwhile, Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 22 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks, in 41 minutes. Jrue Holiday added 21 points, six assists five rebounds, two blocks and a steal, while Lonzo Ball finished with 10 points, eight rebounds and four assists. The Pelicans shot 34 percent from the field, including 11-of-40 from deep.
The Pelicans (6-22) will look to bounce back as they take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Wednesday. The Nets (15-12) take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Thursday.
The contest got out to a competitive start as the score was tied at 21, heading into the second. The Pelicans opened up an eight-point lead mid way through the second, but the Nets closed the quarter on a 15-0 run, to take a seven-point lead into halftime. The Pelicans came out strong in the third quarter and quickly closed the gap. They kept pushing and took a three-point lead into the final frame. The scored stayed tight through the fourth, with the Nets hitting a game-tying three, with 45 seconds left, sending the game to overtime. The Nets carried the momentum into the extra period, as they took the lead on their first shot and carried it the rest of the way to their second consecutive win. This marks the 13th straight loss for the Pelicans.
Spencer Dinwiddie led the Nets with 31 points, seven assists, two rebounds and a steal, in 38 minutes. Joe Harris followed up with 24 points, six rebounds, three assists and a block, while Jarrett Allen totalled 12 points, 14 rebounds and six blocks. The Nets shot 42 percent from the field, including 11-of-39 from long range.
Meanwhile, Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 22 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks, in 41 minutes. Jrue Holiday added 21 points, six assists five rebounds, two blocks and a steal, while Lonzo Ball finished with 10 points, eight rebounds and four assists. The Pelicans shot 34 percent from the field, including 11-of-40 from deep.
The Pelicans (6-22) will look to bounce back as they take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Wednesday. The Nets (15-12) take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Thursday.
Jazz Bests Magic, 109-102
The Utah Jazz defeated the Orlando Magic, 109-102, at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Tuesday night.
The Jazz (16-10) had been a dominant home team all season, so it wasn't any surprise to see them jump out to a 58-47 halftime lead over the Magic (12-15). Utah and Orlando then matched each other bucket for bucket in the third, and while the visitors enjoyed their best stretch of offense over the final 12 minutes, the hosts still toughed out the narrow home win.
D.J. Augustin led the way for the Magic with 22 points, adding four rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Evan Fournier supplied 19 points, four assists and one rebound. Markelle Fultz followed with 14 points, four boards, two assists and two steals. Nikola Vucevic generated a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included four assists. Michael Carter-Williams turned in 10 points, three rebounds, one assist and three steals.
Bojan Bogdanovic paced the Jazz with 30 points, complementing them with five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Donovan Mitchell matched Bogdanovic's scoring and also dished out four assists and pulled down three rebounds. Joe Ingles contributed a 16-point, 12-rebound double-double that included two assists and two blocks. Rudy Gobert pitched in 12 points and hauled in 19 rebounds. Royce O'Neale supplied 11 points and six rebounds.
The Magic remain on the road and tangle with the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night, while the Jazz visit the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night.
The Jazz (16-10) had been a dominant home team all season, so it wasn't any surprise to see them jump out to a 58-47 halftime lead over the Magic (12-15). Utah and Orlando then matched each other bucket for bucket in the third, and while the visitors enjoyed their best stretch of offense over the final 12 minutes, the hosts still toughed out the narrow home win.
D.J. Augustin led the way for the Magic with 22 points, adding four rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Evan Fournier supplied 19 points, four assists and one rebound. Markelle Fultz followed with 14 points, four boards, two assists and two steals. Nikola Vucevic generated a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included four assists. Michael Carter-Williams turned in 10 points, three rebounds, one assist and three steals.
Bojan Bogdanovic paced the Jazz with 30 points, complementing them with five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Donovan Mitchell matched Bogdanovic's scoring and also dished out four assists and pulled down three rebounds. Joe Ingles contributed a 16-point, 12-rebound double-double that included two assists and two blocks. Rudy Gobert pitched in 12 points and hauled in 19 rebounds. Royce O'Neale supplied 11 points and six rebounds.
The Magic remain on the road and tangle with the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night, while the Jazz visit the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night.
Clippers Roll Suns, 120-99
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns, 120-99, at Staples Center on Tuesday.
A 31-23 first quarter really set the tone in this game, with Los Angeles leading for the final three quarters. In fact, the Clippers rode a 36-25 third quarter to an easy win, leading by at least 14 points for the entirety of the fourth quarter. The key for Los Angeles was their defense, holding Phoenix to 40 percent from the field and 29 percent from three-point range while forcing 19 turnovers. The Clippers also shot 50 percent from the field and 43 percent from long range.
The Suns (11-16) were led by Kelly Oubre Jr, who tallied 19 points, four rebounds, three steals and two blocks. DeAndre Ayton amassed 18 points, 12 rebounds and three assists in his return from a 25-game suspension. Ricky Rubio generated four points, five rebounds and eight assists while Frank Kaminsky led the bench with 12 points, nine rebounds and five assists.
The Clippers (21-8) now own a 14-1 home record which is the best mark in the NBA. Paul George led the way here, accruing 24 points, three rebounds and three steals. Kawhi Leonard finished with 20 points, six rebounds and two assists. Lou Williams led the bench with 20 points and eight assists while Montrezl Harrell totaled 15 points, five rebounds and three assists.
On deck for Los Angeles is a home matchup against the Houston Rockets on Thursday. As for Phoenix. they travel to face the Oklahoma City Thunder for their next fixture on Friday.
A 31-23 first quarter really set the tone in this game, with Los Angeles leading for the final three quarters. In fact, the Clippers rode a 36-25 third quarter to an easy win, leading by at least 14 points for the entirety of the fourth quarter. The key for Los Angeles was their defense, holding Phoenix to 40 percent from the field and 29 percent from three-point range while forcing 19 turnovers. The Clippers also shot 50 percent from the field and 43 percent from long range.
The Suns (11-16) were led by Kelly Oubre Jr, who tallied 19 points, four rebounds, three steals and two blocks. DeAndre Ayton amassed 18 points, 12 rebounds and three assists in his return from a 25-game suspension. Ricky Rubio generated four points, five rebounds and eight assists while Frank Kaminsky led the bench with 12 points, nine rebounds and five assists.
The Clippers (21-8) now own a 14-1 home record which is the best mark in the NBA. Paul George led the way here, accruing 24 points, three rebounds and three steals. Kawhi Leonard finished with 20 points, six rebounds and two assists. Lou Williams led the bench with 20 points and eight assists while Montrezl Harrell totaled 15 points, five rebounds and three assists.
On deck for Los Angeles is a home matchup against the Houston Rockets on Thursday. As for Phoenix. they travel to face the Oklahoma City Thunder for their next fixture on Friday.