76ers Topple Warriors, 115-104
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Golden State Warriors, 115-104, at Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday night.
The 76ers (31-17) came into the contest as double-digit favorites, with the fact they were getting Joel Embiid (finger) back from a nine-game absence only bolstering their case. However, the presumably overmatched Warriors (10-38) were the hotter team early, ending the first quarter with a slim one-point lead and entering halftime trailing by only five points. Golden State wouldn't go away, either, shaving off a point from their deficit entering the final period. However, a 9-0 run by Philadelphia to open the fourth quarter finally gave them some separation for the hard-fought home victory.
D'Angelo Russell led the way for the Warriors with 28 points, complementing them with seven assists, five rebounds and two steals. Glenn Robinson III furnished 20 points, five boards, three assists and one steal. Marquese Chriss delivered 15 points, five rebounds and two assists. Alec Burks poured in 12 points and added six rebounds off the bench, while Draymond Green mustered nine points, 12 assists, nine rebounds, three blocks and one steal.
Embiid paced the 76ers with 24 points, supplementing them with 10 rebounds, one assist and one block. Raul Neto supplied 19 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Ben Simmons registered 17 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal. Tobias Harris compiled 14 points, seven boards and four assists. Al Horford delivered a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included eight assists and one steal. Shake Milton finished with 11 points.
The Warriors next pay a visit to the Boston Celtics on Thursday night, while the 76ers travel to face the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night as well.
The 76ers (31-17) came into the contest as double-digit favorites, with the fact they were getting Joel Embiid (finger) back from a nine-game absence only bolstering their case. However, the presumably overmatched Warriors (10-38) were the hotter team early, ending the first quarter with a slim one-point lead and entering halftime trailing by only five points. Golden State wouldn't go away, either, shaving off a point from their deficit entering the final period. However, a 9-0 run by Philadelphia to open the fourth quarter finally gave them some separation for the hard-fought home victory.
D'Angelo Russell led the way for the Warriors with 28 points, complementing them with seven assists, five rebounds and two steals. Glenn Robinson III furnished 20 points, five boards, three assists and one steal. Marquese Chriss delivered 15 points, five rebounds and two assists. Alec Burks poured in 12 points and added six rebounds off the bench, while Draymond Green mustered nine points, 12 assists, nine rebounds, three blocks and one steal.
Embiid paced the 76ers with 24 points, supplementing them with 10 rebounds, one assist and one block. Raul Neto supplied 19 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Ben Simmons registered 17 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal. Tobias Harris compiled 14 points, seven boards and four assists. Al Horford delivered a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included eight assists and one steal. Shake Milton finished with 11 points.
The Warriors next pay a visit to the Boston Celtics on Thursday night, while the 76ers travel to face the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night as well.
Hornets Come From Behind, Secure Win Over Knicks
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the New York Knicks, 97-92, at Spectrum Center on Tuesday evening.
The Hornets (16-31) got off to a slow start against the Knicks (13-34) and in fact, they were down by nine points once the first quarter came to an end with a 26-15 score. However, the Hornets managed to turn things around after the second quarter and they shortened the gap with a 32-24 score in the second quarter. The Knicks enjoyed a one-point lead entering the third quarter, but the Hornets flipped the score with a 21-16 third-quarter score that put them up by four points with only 12 minutes of action left on the clock. The Knicks attempted to turn things around, but Charlotte sealed the deal and denied New York with a 29-26 win in the final 12 minutes of action. The Hornets shot 38.6 percent from the field and improved to 8-15 at home, while the Knicks fell to 6-18 on the road despite shooting 44.2 percent from the field.
Terry Rozier led the way for Charlote thanks to a 30-point, 10-rebound performance, while Miles Bridges chipped in with 15 points. Cody Zeller had a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds. Malik Monk had 13 points, two rebounds and two assists, while Willy Hernangomez chipped in with 12 points and 10 boards off the bench. Devonte' Graham only had five points while shooting 1-8 from the field.
Julius Randle was the top scoring threat for the Knicks since he ended with 24 points, five rebounds and two assists. Marcus Morris Sr. chipped in with 23 points and four rebounds, while Elfrid Payton contributed 10 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. No other Knicks player scored in double digits, but every single New York that stepped on the hardwood scored a minimum of two points.
The Hornets (16-31) got off to a slow start against the Knicks (13-34) and in fact, they were down by nine points once the first quarter came to an end with a 26-15 score. However, the Hornets managed to turn things around after the second quarter and they shortened the gap with a 32-24 score in the second quarter. The Knicks enjoyed a one-point lead entering the third quarter, but the Hornets flipped the score with a 21-16 third-quarter score that put them up by four points with only 12 minutes of action left on the clock. The Knicks attempted to turn things around, but Charlotte sealed the deal and denied New York with a 29-26 win in the final 12 minutes of action. The Hornets shot 38.6 percent from the field and improved to 8-15 at home, while the Knicks fell to 6-18 on the road despite shooting 44.2 percent from the field.
Terry Rozier led the way for Charlote thanks to a 30-point, 10-rebound performance, while Miles Bridges chipped in with 15 points. Cody Zeller had a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds. Malik Monk had 13 points, two rebounds and two assists, while Willy Hernangomez chipped in with 12 points and 10 boards off the bench. Devonte' Graham only had five points while shooting 1-8 from the field.
Julius Randle was the top scoring threat for the Knicks since he ended with 24 points, five rebounds and two assists. Marcus Morris Sr. chipped in with 23 points and four rebounds, while Elfrid Payton contributed 10 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. No other Knicks player scored in double digits, but every single New York that stepped on the hardwood scored a minimum of two points.
Pelicans Blast Cavaliers, 125-110
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 125-110, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Tuesday night.
The Pelicans (19-29) came into the contest trying to ride some recent momentum, and they opened the game displaying the same strong caliber of play that had given them that lift. New Orleans racked up 40 first-quarter points, and they added another 34 in the second to take a nine-point lead into halftime. The visitors then proceeded to tighten up their defense in the third, limiting the Cavaliers (13-35) to 25 points in the period while forging a commanding 14-point lead they wouldn't relinquish.
Jrue Holiday paced the Pelicans with 28 points, complementing them with eight assists, two rebounds, four blocks and three steals. Brandon Ingram supplied 24 points, six assists, two steals and one rebound. JJ Redick furnished 15 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Zion Williamson provided 14 points, nine rebounds and one assist. Nicolo Melli turned in 11 points, four boards and one assist. Derrick Favors and Frank Jackson posted matching nine-point tallies, with Favors also pulling down seven rebounds.
Collin Sexton led the Cavaliers with 24 points, supplementing them with four assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Kevin Porter, Jr. delivered 21 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Larry Nance, Jr. generated a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included seven assists and two steals. Cedi Osman generated nine points, four rebounds, four assists and one block.
The Pelicans will return home and take on the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night, while the Cavaliers remain home to face the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night.
The Pelicans (19-29) came into the contest trying to ride some recent momentum, and they opened the game displaying the same strong caliber of play that had given them that lift. New Orleans racked up 40 first-quarter points, and they added another 34 in the second to take a nine-point lead into halftime. The visitors then proceeded to tighten up their defense in the third, limiting the Cavaliers (13-35) to 25 points in the period while forging a commanding 14-point lead they wouldn't relinquish.
Jrue Holiday paced the Pelicans with 28 points, complementing them with eight assists, two rebounds, four blocks and three steals. Brandon Ingram supplied 24 points, six assists, two steals and one rebound. JJ Redick furnished 15 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Zion Williamson provided 14 points, nine rebounds and one assist. Nicolo Melli turned in 11 points, four boards and one assist. Derrick Favors and Frank Jackson posted matching nine-point tallies, with Favors also pulling down seven rebounds.
Collin Sexton led the Cavaliers with 24 points, supplementing them with four assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Kevin Porter, Jr. delivered 21 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Larry Nance, Jr. generated a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included seven assists and two steals. Cedi Osman generated nine points, four rebounds, four assists and one block.
The Pelicans will return home and take on the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night, while the Cavaliers remain home to face the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night.
Raptors Thump Hawks For Eighth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Atlanta Hawks, 130-114, at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday night.
The Raptors got out to a great start at home, with a 33-23 lead after one quarter. The Hawks picked up the pace in the second but could not cut into the lead, as the Raptors stayed in front and took an 11-point lead into halftime. Both teams came out strong in the third, but the Raptors stayed in control and pushed their lead to 14, heading into the final frame. The Raptors started the fourth on a tear and rallied to a 28-point lead, from which they would cruise the rest of the way to their eighth straight win.
Serge Ibaka led the Raptors with 24 points, 10 rebounds and two steals, in 27 minutes off the bench. Pascal Siakam added 24 points, nine rebounds, two assists and a block, while Kyle Lowry finished with 12 points, 11 assists, eight rebounds and a steal. The Raptors shot 50 percent from the field, including 13-of-43 from long range.
Meanwhile, John Collins led the Hawks with 28 points, 12 rebounds and a block, in 33 minutes. Trae Young added 18 points, 13 assists and two rebounds, while Cam Reddish finished with 18 points, six rebounds, a steal and a block. The Hawks shot 45 percent from the field, including 12-of-47 from long range.
The Hawks (12-36) will look to bounce back as they play host to the 76ers on Thursday. The Raptors (33-14) head to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers on Thursday.
The Raptors got out to a great start at home, with a 33-23 lead after one quarter. The Hawks picked up the pace in the second but could not cut into the lead, as the Raptors stayed in front and took an 11-point lead into halftime. Both teams came out strong in the third, but the Raptors stayed in control and pushed their lead to 14, heading into the final frame. The Raptors started the fourth on a tear and rallied to a 28-point lead, from which they would cruise the rest of the way to their eighth straight win.
Serge Ibaka led the Raptors with 24 points, 10 rebounds and two steals, in 27 minutes off the bench. Pascal Siakam added 24 points, nine rebounds, two assists and a block, while Kyle Lowry finished with 12 points, 11 assists, eight rebounds and a steal. The Raptors shot 50 percent from the field, including 13-of-43 from long range.
Meanwhile, John Collins led the Hawks with 28 points, 12 rebounds and a block, in 33 minutes. Trae Young added 18 points, 13 assists and two rebounds, while Cam Reddish finished with 18 points, six rebounds, a steal and a block. The Hawks shot 45 percent from the field, including 12-of-47 from long range.
The Hawks (12-36) will look to bounce back as they play host to the 76ers on Thursday. The Raptors (33-14) head to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers on Thursday.
Celtics Hold On For Impressive Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The Boston Celtics defeated the host Miami Heat, 109-101, at American Airlines Arena on Tuesday evening.
The Celtics got out to a great start on the road, with a 36-28 lead after one quarter. The game slowed down in the second, but the Heat were able to gain some ground and trim it to a five-point game by halftime. The Celtics came out strong in the third and managed to stay one step ahead through the entire quarter, while the Heat kept the pressure on and cut it to a four-point game heading into the final frame. The Celtics rallied to an 11-point lead early in the fourth and maintained the lead the rest of the way, to earn the impressive road win.
Gordon Hayward led the Celtics with 29 points, nine rebounds, two assists and a block, in 38 minutes. Jaylen Brown added 25 points, five assists, three rebounds and a block, while Kemba Walker tallied 16 points, eight assists, four rebounds and a steal. The Celtics shot 47 percent from the field, including 13-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, Goran Dragic led the Heat with 23 points, four assists, two rebounds and two steals, in 30 minutes. Jimmy Butler finished with 20 points, six rebounds, two assists and three steals, while Bam Adebayo added 16 points, 10 rebounds, a steal and a block. The Heat shot 37 percent from the field, including 9-of-37 from long range.
The Heat (32-15) will look to bounce back as they take on the Magic in Orlando on Saturday. The Celtics (31-15) play host to the Warriors on Thursday.
The Celtics got out to a great start on the road, with a 36-28 lead after one quarter. The game slowed down in the second, but the Heat were able to gain some ground and trim it to a five-point game by halftime. The Celtics came out strong in the third and managed to stay one step ahead through the entire quarter, while the Heat kept the pressure on and cut it to a four-point game heading into the final frame. The Celtics rallied to an 11-point lead early in the fourth and maintained the lead the rest of the way, to earn the impressive road win.
Gordon Hayward led the Celtics with 29 points, nine rebounds, two assists and a block, in 38 minutes. Jaylen Brown added 25 points, five assists, three rebounds and a block, while Kemba Walker tallied 16 points, eight assists, four rebounds and a steal. The Celtics shot 47 percent from the field, including 13-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, Goran Dragic led the Heat with 23 points, four assists, two rebounds and two steals, in 30 minutes. Jimmy Butler finished with 20 points, six rebounds, two assists and three steals, while Bam Adebayo added 16 points, 10 rebounds, a steal and a block. The Heat shot 37 percent from the field, including 9-of-37 from long range.
The Heat (32-15) will look to bounce back as they take on the Magic in Orlando on Saturday. The Celtics (31-15) play host to the Warriors on Thursday.
Middleton Drops 51 To Lead Milwaukee
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Washington Wizards, 151-131, at Fiserv Forum on Tuesday night.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo (shoulder) sidelined, Kris Middleton poured in 51 points to lead Milwaukee to its ninth straight win. The Bucks got out to a blistering start at home, with a 42-28 lead after one quarter. The offensive onslaught continued in the second, where the Bucks put up another 46 points, to take an 88-63 lead into halftime. The Wizards came out motivated in the third quarter and stunned the Bucks, outscoring them 41-29 in the quarter, to cut it to a 13-point game heading into the fourth. The Bucks got back on track in the fourth and did not take any chances, as they poured in 34 points, to ensure the home win.
Middleton shot 16-of-26 from the field and added 10 rebounds and six assists, in 36 minutes of action. Eric Bledsoe added 34 points, 10 assists, six rebounds and a steal, while Donte DiVincenzo chipped in 16 points, seven rebounds and two assists. The Bucks shot 56 percent from the field, including 19-of-37 from long range.
Meanwhile, Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 47 points, six assists, a steal and a block, in 38 minutes. Thomas Bryant tallied 18 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, a block and a steal, while Isaiah Thomas added 16 points, three rebounds and two assists. The Wizards shot 47 percent from the field, including 14-of-32 from long range.
The Wizards (15-31) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Hornets on Thursday. The Bucks (41-6) play host to the Nuggets on Friday.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo (shoulder) sidelined, Kris Middleton poured in 51 points to lead Milwaukee to its ninth straight win. The Bucks got out to a blistering start at home, with a 42-28 lead after one quarter. The offensive onslaught continued in the second, where the Bucks put up another 46 points, to take an 88-63 lead into halftime. The Wizards came out motivated in the third quarter and stunned the Bucks, outscoring them 41-29 in the quarter, to cut it to a 13-point game heading into the fourth. The Bucks got back on track in the fourth and did not take any chances, as they poured in 34 points, to ensure the home win.
Middleton shot 16-of-26 from the field and added 10 rebounds and six assists, in 36 minutes of action. Eric Bledsoe added 34 points, 10 assists, six rebounds and a steal, while Donte DiVincenzo chipped in 16 points, seven rebounds and two assists. The Bucks shot 56 percent from the field, including 19-of-37 from long range.
Meanwhile, Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 47 points, six assists, a steal and a block, in 38 minutes. Thomas Bryant tallied 18 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, a block and a steal, while Isaiah Thomas added 16 points, three rebounds and two assists. The Wizards shot 47 percent from the field, including 14-of-32 from long range.
The Wizards (15-31) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Hornets on Thursday. The Bucks (41-6) play host to the Nuggets on Friday.
Grizzlies Defeat Nuggets, 104-96
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Denver Nuggets, 104-96, at FedEx Forum on Tuesday.
A 31-18 first quarter really set the tone for the Grizzlies in this game, holding the lead for the final three quarters. In fact, they led by at least five points for those final three quarters, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. Memphis ended up shooting 56 percent from the field while holding Denver to just 37 percent shooting. They also ended up out-assisting them, 32-23, while recording 12 steals and 11 blocks. The Nuggets had just nine steals and four blocks while committing 19 turnovers.
The Nuggets (32-15) were led by Nikola Jokic, who tallied 25 points, 13 rebounds and five assists. Jerami Grant totaled 21 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Will Barton collected nine points, seven rebounds and five assists while Monte Morris led the bench with nine points, five rebounds and six assists.
The Grizzlies (23-24) were led by Dillon Brooks and his 24 points and three assists. Jonas Valanciunas had 23 points, 12 rebounds and three assists. Ja Morant generated 14 points, six rebounds, seven assists and four steals. Jaren Jackson Jr had just 10 points and two rebounds but swatted away seven blocks.
On deck for Memphis is a road matchup versus the New York Knicks on Wednesday. As for Denver, they return to action on Thursday when they go home to face the Utah Jazz.
A 31-18 first quarter really set the tone for the Grizzlies in this game, holding the lead for the final three quarters. In fact, they led by at least five points for those final three quarters, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. Memphis ended up shooting 56 percent from the field while holding Denver to just 37 percent shooting. They also ended up out-assisting them, 32-23, while recording 12 steals and 11 blocks. The Nuggets had just nine steals and four blocks while committing 19 turnovers.
The Nuggets (32-15) were led by Nikola Jokic, who tallied 25 points, 13 rebounds and five assists. Jerami Grant totaled 21 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Will Barton collected nine points, seven rebounds and five assists while Monte Morris led the bench with nine points, five rebounds and six assists.
The Grizzlies (23-24) were led by Dillon Brooks and his 24 points and three assists. Jonas Valanciunas had 23 points, 12 rebounds and three assists. Ja Morant generated 14 points, six rebounds, seven assists and four steals. Jaren Jackson Jr had just 10 points and two rebounds but swatted away seven blocks.
On deck for Memphis is a road matchup versus the New York Knicks on Wednesday. As for Denver, they return to action on Thursday when they go home to face the Utah Jazz.
Suns Roll Mavericks, 133-104
The Phoenix Suns defeated the host Dallas Mavericks, 133-104, at American Airlines Center on Tuesday.
A 32-19 first quarter really set the tone for Phoenix in this game, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, they rode a 48-22 third quarter to a 31-point lead, leading by at least 28 points for the whole of the fourth quarter. The Suns shot 59 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while holding the Mavericks to 45 percent from the field and 21 percent from long range. In addition, Phoenix out-rebounded Dallas, 39-33, while out-assisting them, 34-19.
The Suns (20-27) were led by Devin Booker and his 32 points, six rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Deandre Ayton generated 31 points and nine rebounds. Kelly Oubre Jr totaled 19 points and six boards. Ricky Rubio collected six points, six rebounds, seven assists and two steals while Mikal Bridges had 13 points and six assists.
The Mavericks (29-18) only had one starter reach double figures in scoring, with Luka Doncic tallying 21 points, six rebounds and two assists. J.J. Barea led the bench with 15 points, two rebounds and seven assists. Jalen Brunson also had 15 points. No other player had more than nine points, five rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Phoenix returning home to face the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas making a short trip to face the Houston Rockets.
A 32-19 first quarter really set the tone for Phoenix in this game, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, they rode a 48-22 third quarter to a 31-point lead, leading by at least 28 points for the whole of the fourth quarter. The Suns shot 59 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while holding the Mavericks to 45 percent from the field and 21 percent from long range. In addition, Phoenix out-rebounded Dallas, 39-33, while out-assisting them, 34-19.
The Suns (20-27) were led by Devin Booker and his 32 points, six rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Deandre Ayton generated 31 points and nine rebounds. Kelly Oubre Jr totaled 19 points and six boards. Ricky Rubio collected six points, six rebounds, seven assists and two steals while Mikal Bridges had 13 points and six assists.
The Mavericks (29-18) only had one starter reach double figures in scoring, with Luka Doncic tallying 21 points, six rebounds and two assists. J.J. Barea led the bench with 15 points, two rebounds and seven assists. Jalen Brunson also had 15 points. No other player had more than nine points, five rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Phoenix returning home to face the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas making a short trip to face the Houston Rockets.
No recap has been written for this game yet. Please check back later.