Pacers Enjoy Strong Start, Defeat Magic
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Orlando Magic, 111-106, at Amway Center on Friday evening.
The Pacers (24-27) have been a disappointing team this season but managed to start a two-game winning run with this victory over the Magic (17-35), a team that's now riding a four-game skid. Indiana quickly jumped out to a 33-30 lead in the first quarter, but they pulled away for good with a 31-21 score in the second quarter. Orlando tried to respond in the second quarter and made it a five-point game following a 27-19 score in the third quarter, but Orlando couldn't complete the comeback in the final 12 minutes. The Pacers held on in the final minutes and ran away with the win in what was a tightly-contested affair. Neither team impressed on the offensive end of the court, though. While the Pacers shot 41.3 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three-point range, the Magic made 42.2 percent of their shots but only nailed 25 percent of their long-range attempts.
Aaron Holiday came off the bench to lead the Pacers in this game, as he finished with 20 points and three assists across 23 minutes off the bench. Domantas Sabonis might have scored just 16 points, but he was dominant on the glass with 15 rebounds -- he also added six assists and two blocks. Malcolm Brogdon notched 11 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Caris LeVert also had 11 points and Edmond Sumner notched 12 points. Doug McDermott had 19 points off the bench.
Terrence Ross led the Magic offensively with 24 points off the bench while also adding four rebounds. Mo Bamba ended with 14 points and six rebounds, while James Ennis III also chipped in with 14 points. No other Orlando player had 10 points since the offense struggled all game long.
The Pacers (24-27) have been a disappointing team this season but managed to start a two-game winning run with this victory over the Magic (17-35), a team that's now riding a four-game skid. Indiana quickly jumped out to a 33-30 lead in the first quarter, but they pulled away for good with a 31-21 score in the second quarter. Orlando tried to respond in the second quarter and made it a five-point game following a 27-19 score in the third quarter, but Orlando couldn't complete the comeback in the final 12 minutes. The Pacers held on in the final minutes and ran away with the win in what was a tightly-contested affair. Neither team impressed on the offensive end of the court, though. While the Pacers shot 41.3 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three-point range, the Magic made 42.2 percent of their shots but only nailed 25 percent of their long-range attempts.
Aaron Holiday came off the bench to lead the Pacers in this game, as he finished with 20 points and three assists across 23 minutes off the bench. Domantas Sabonis might have scored just 16 points, but he was dominant on the glass with 15 rebounds -- he also added six assists and two blocks. Malcolm Brogdon notched 11 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Caris LeVert also had 11 points and Edmond Sumner notched 12 points. Doug McDermott had 19 points off the bench.
Terrence Ross led the Magic offensively with 24 points off the bench while also adding four rebounds. Mo Bamba ended with 14 points and six rebounds, while James Ennis III also chipped in with 14 points. No other Orlando player had 10 points since the offense struggled all game long.
Celtics Outlast Timberwolves Following Overtime
The Boston Celtics defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in overtime, 145-136, at TD Garden on Friday evening.
The Celtics (27-26) and the Timberwolves (13-40) played a tight contest that needed five extra minutes to find a winner, but Boston ended coming out on top after overtime to move over the .500 threshold while the Timberwolves have reached the 40-loss tally far quicker than what they would've liked it. Boston got off to a slow start in this game, though, and the Timberwolves jumped out to a 39-25 lead in the first quarter but the Celtics responded with a series of strong performances -- Brad Stevens' team won the three remaining quarters by 32-27, 35-31 and 32-27, respectively. The game needed five extra minutes to find a winner, but Boston was far sharper than Minnesota and outscored the Timberwolves by a 21-12 score to run away with the win. Boston shot 54 percent from the field and 45.2 percent from three-point range in the win, while Minnesota made 49 percent of their shots and 35.7 percent of their three-point shots.
Jayson Tatum delivered one of the best performances of his career Friday, as he carried the Celtics offensively with a 53-point performance that also included 10 rebounds and four assists. Jaylen Brown contributed 26 points and five rebounds, while Marcus Smart chipped in with 24 points, eight assists and six rebounds. Kemba Walker had 17 points but also added nine assists and seven boards. These four players carried Boston offensively.
Karl-Anthony Towns was the best player for Minnesota since he ended with 30 points while adding 12 rebounds, seven assists and a steal. Anthony Edwards notched 24 points, five rebounds and five assists, while D'Angelo Russell came off the bench and supplied 26 points with eight assists and four rebounds across 29 minutes. Josh Okogie notched 16 points and Jalen McDaniels added 11 points too.
The Celtics (27-26) and the Timberwolves (13-40) played a tight contest that needed five extra minutes to find a winner, but Boston ended coming out on top after overtime to move over the .500 threshold while the Timberwolves have reached the 40-loss tally far quicker than what they would've liked it. Boston got off to a slow start in this game, though, and the Timberwolves jumped out to a 39-25 lead in the first quarter but the Celtics responded with a series of strong performances -- Brad Stevens' team won the three remaining quarters by 32-27, 35-31 and 32-27, respectively. The game needed five extra minutes to find a winner, but Boston was far sharper than Minnesota and outscored the Timberwolves by a 21-12 score to run away with the win. Boston shot 54 percent from the field and 45.2 percent from three-point range in the win, while Minnesota made 49 percent of their shots and 35.7 percent of their three-point shots.
Jayson Tatum delivered one of the best performances of his career Friday, as he carried the Celtics offensively with a 53-point performance that also included 10 rebounds and four assists. Jaylen Brown contributed 26 points and five rebounds, while Marcus Smart chipped in with 24 points, eight assists and six rebounds. Kemba Walker had 17 points but also added nine assists and seven boards. These four players carried Boston offensively.
Karl-Anthony Towns was the best player for Minnesota since he ended with 30 points while adding 12 rebounds, seven assists and a steal. Anthony Edwards notched 24 points, five rebounds and five assists, while D'Angelo Russell came off the bench and supplied 26 points with eight assists and four rebounds across 29 minutes. Josh Okogie notched 16 points and Jalen McDaniels added 11 points too.
Knicks Outlast Grizzlies, 133-129, in OT
The New York Knicks defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 133-129, in overtime at Madison Square Garden on Friday night.
The Grizzlies (26-24), already hot coming in, couldn't have asked for a better start to the contest as they opened up a 12-point lead through one quarter. The Knicks (26-27) seemed to stir after the early deficit, making a three-point dent into Memphis' advantage before halftime and whittling another two points away heading into the fourth quarter. New York progressively fought back until forging a pair of ties in the closing minute of regulation, the second one on an R.J. Barrett driving layup with 8.8 seconds left. In the extra period, the home squad finished on a 19-12 run over the final 4:26 and led by five before a late Dillon Brooks three-pointer made the final margin a point closer.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 26 points, adding six assists, four rebounds and one block. Brooks finished with 23 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas posted a 20-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included two assists, three blocks and one steal. Desmond Bane furnished 16 points, five rebounds and two assists. Kyle Anderson supplied 15 points, six rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Grayson Allen offered 10 points, four assists and one steal.
Barrett and Immanuel Quickley co-led the Knicks with matching 20-point, two-assist tallies while pulling down five and four rebounds, respectively. Derrick Rose and Alec Burks followed with 19 points apiece, along with five and four rebounds, respectively. Julius Randle generated a 15-point, 11-assist, 10-rebound triple-double that also included one steal. Elfrid Payton poured in 12 points.
The Grizzlies head back home to host the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night, while the Knicks remain home and host the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night as well.
The Grizzlies (26-24), already hot coming in, couldn't have asked for a better start to the contest as they opened up a 12-point lead through one quarter. The Knicks (26-27) seemed to stir after the early deficit, making a three-point dent into Memphis' advantage before halftime and whittling another two points away heading into the fourth quarter. New York progressively fought back until forging a pair of ties in the closing minute of regulation, the second one on an R.J. Barrett driving layup with 8.8 seconds left. In the extra period, the home squad finished on a 19-12 run over the final 4:26 and led by five before a late Dillon Brooks three-pointer made the final margin a point closer.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 26 points, adding six assists, four rebounds and one block. Brooks finished with 23 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas posted a 20-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included two assists, three blocks and one steal. Desmond Bane furnished 16 points, five rebounds and two assists. Kyle Anderson supplied 15 points, six rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Grayson Allen offered 10 points, four assists and one steal.
Barrett and Immanuel Quickley co-led the Knicks with matching 20-point, two-assist tallies while pulling down five and four rebounds, respectively. Derrick Rose and Alec Burks followed with 19 points apiece, along with five and four rebounds, respectively. Julius Randle generated a 15-point, 11-assist, 10-rebound triple-double that also included one steal. Elfrid Payton poured in 12 points.
The Grizzlies head back home to host the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night, while the Knicks remain home and host the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night as well.
Hawks Mount Massive Comeback, Defeat Bulls
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Chicago Bulls, 120-108, at State Farm Arena on Friday evening.
The Hawks (28-25) and the Bulls (22-29) played a tight game that saw one team mount a huge comeback, as the Hawks overcame a slow start in the first half but ran the Chicago out of the building in the second half to come away with the win here. Chicago jumped out a 33-25 lead in the first quarter and they bolstered that advantage with a 33-28 score in the second quarter, but the Hawks managed to find a way to turn things around in the second half after tightening things up on both ends of the court. Atlanta limited the Bulls to just 18 points in the third quarter while scoring 33 points, and they bolstered that advantage even further in the fourth quarter -- the 34-24 score closed things out and allowed Atlanta to earn a huge comeback win.
Trae Young posted a strong performance and paced the Hawks with 42 points while also adding nine assists, eight rebounds and four turnovers. Clint Capela mustered another double-double and finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Kevin Huerter (11 points, five assists, two rebounds and two steals) and Bogdan Bogdanovic (10 points, four rebounds and two assists) also finished with double-digit point tallies. Danilo Gallinari finished with 20 points and six rebounds off the bench.
Zach LaVine finished with 39 points in the first half and delivered one of the best scoring performances of the season after finishing with 50 points, and he also posted eight rebounds and five assists. Nikola Vucevic also had a decent performance with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Coby White had 11 points and four assists off the bench.
The Hawks (28-25) and the Bulls (22-29) played a tight game that saw one team mount a huge comeback, as the Hawks overcame a slow start in the first half but ran the Chicago out of the building in the second half to come away with the win here. Chicago jumped out a 33-25 lead in the first quarter and they bolstered that advantage with a 33-28 score in the second quarter, but the Hawks managed to find a way to turn things around in the second half after tightening things up on both ends of the court. Atlanta limited the Bulls to just 18 points in the third quarter while scoring 33 points, and they bolstered that advantage even further in the fourth quarter -- the 34-24 score closed things out and allowed Atlanta to earn a huge comeback win.
Trae Young posted a strong performance and paced the Hawks with 42 points while also adding nine assists, eight rebounds and four turnovers. Clint Capela mustered another double-double and finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Kevin Huerter (11 points, five assists, two rebounds and two steals) and Bogdan Bogdanovic (10 points, four rebounds and two assists) also finished with double-digit point tallies. Danilo Gallinari finished with 20 points and six rebounds off the bench.
Zach LaVine finished with 39 points in the first half and delivered one of the best scoring performances of the season after finishing with 50 points, and he also posted eight rebounds and five assists. Nikola Vucevic also had a decent performance with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Coby White had 11 points and four assists off the bench.
Pelicans Hold Off Sixers In New Orleans
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the visiting Philadelphia 76ers, 101-94, at Smoothie King Center on Friday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start as the Pelicans held a, 23-22, lead after one quarter. The contest stayed tight through the second and the score was tied at 50, heading into halftime. The Pelicans picked up the pace in the third quarter, where they outscored the visitors by eight points, to take the advantage into the final frame. The Sixers gathered themselves and kept it close through the fourth, but the Pelicans maintained the upper hand and closed out the home win, ending a two-game slide.
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 37 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists, in 35 minutes. Brandon Ingram totaled 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Willy Hernangomez tallied 10 points, 10 rebounds and a block. The Pelicans shot 43 percent from the field, including 4-of-22 from long range.
Meanwhile, Tobias Harris led the 76ers with 23 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 34 minutes. Joel Embiid finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and two blocks, while Ben Simmons tallied 10 points, nine rebounds, six assists, five steals and a block. The Sixers shot 41 percent from the field, including 11-of-31 from long range.
The Sixers (35-17) will look to bounce back as they take on the Thunder in OKC in on Saturday. The Pelicans (23-29) take on the Cavs in Cleveland on Sunday.
The contest got out to a competitive start as the Pelicans held a, 23-22, lead after one quarter. The contest stayed tight through the second and the score was tied at 50, heading into halftime. The Pelicans picked up the pace in the third quarter, where they outscored the visitors by eight points, to take the advantage into the final frame. The Sixers gathered themselves and kept it close through the fourth, but the Pelicans maintained the upper hand and closed out the home win, ending a two-game slide.
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 37 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists, in 35 minutes. Brandon Ingram totaled 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Willy Hernangomez tallied 10 points, 10 rebounds and a block. The Pelicans shot 43 percent from the field, including 4-of-22 from long range.
Meanwhile, Tobias Harris led the 76ers with 23 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 34 minutes. Joel Embiid finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and two blocks, while Ben Simmons tallied 10 points, nine rebounds, six assists, five steals and a block. The Sixers shot 41 percent from the field, including 11-of-31 from long range.
The Sixers (35-17) will look to bounce back as they take on the Thunder in OKC in on Saturday. The Pelicans (23-29) take on the Cavs in Cleveland on Sunday.
No recap has been written for this game yet. Please check back later.
Nuggets Get By Spurs, 121-119
The Denver Nuggets defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 121-119, at Ball Arena on Friday night.
The Nuggets (34-18) started the contest seemingly on their way to a second win over the Spurs (24-26) in 48 hours, as they owned a 10-point advantage after one. Denver had added another three points to its advantage by the start of the fourth quarter, but San Antonio battled back to get within one point with 10.7 seconds remaining before both Dejounte Murray and DeMar DeRozan missed tip shots within the last second that would have sent the contest to overtime.
White led the Spurs with 25 points, adding three assists, one rebound, three steals and one block. DeRozan generated a 24-point, 12-assist double-double that also included three rebounds and one steal. Keldon Johnson furnished 15 points, four boards and two assists. Rudy Gay matched Johnson's scoring and also compiled six rebounds and one assist. Jakob Poeltl managed 13 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Murray registered 12 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals.
Nikola Jokic paced the Nuggets with a 26-point, 14-assist, 13-rebound triple-double that also included one steal. Michael Porter generated a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists, one steal and one block. Monte Morris poured in 21 points. Will Barton delivered 17 points, five assists, one rebound and one steal. Aaron Gordon posted 11 points.
The Spurs remain on the road and head back to Texas to tangle with the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night, while the Nuggets host the Boston Celtics on Sunday afternoon.
The Nuggets (34-18) started the contest seemingly on their way to a second win over the Spurs (24-26) in 48 hours, as they owned a 10-point advantage after one. Denver had added another three points to its advantage by the start of the fourth quarter, but San Antonio battled back to get within one point with 10.7 seconds remaining before both Dejounte Murray and DeMar DeRozan missed tip shots within the last second that would have sent the contest to overtime.
White led the Spurs with 25 points, adding three assists, one rebound, three steals and one block. DeRozan generated a 24-point, 12-assist double-double that also included three rebounds and one steal. Keldon Johnson furnished 15 points, four boards and two assists. Rudy Gay matched Johnson's scoring and also compiled six rebounds and one assist. Jakob Poeltl managed 13 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Murray registered 12 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals.
Nikola Jokic paced the Nuggets with a 26-point, 14-assist, 13-rebound triple-double that also included one steal. Michael Porter generated a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists, one steal and one block. Monte Morris poured in 21 points. Will Barton delivered 17 points, five assists, one rebound and one steal. Aaron Gordon posted 11 points.
The Spurs remain on the road and head back to Texas to tangle with the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night, while the Nuggets host the Boston Celtics on Sunday afternoon.
Hornets Notch Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the host Milwaukee Bucks, 127-119, at Fiserv Forum on Friday evening.
The Hornets got out to a good start on the road with a, 32-27, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second and pushed their lead to 11 points by halftime. The Bucks had no answers in the third, as the Hornets added another eight points to their lead, making it a 19-point game heading into the final quarter. The Bucks gave it a final gasp in the fourth and poured in 38 points, but it was still not enough, as they fell for their third straight loss, while it marks the second straight win for the Hornets.
Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 26 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks, in 37 minutes. Devonte' Graham added 20 points, five assists and two rebounds, while Terry Rozier tallied 20 points on 8-of-17 shooting. The Hornets shot 48 percent from the field, including 19-of-50 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jordan Nwora led the Bucks with 24 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 32 minutes. Bobby Portis totaled 10 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks, while Jeff Teague finished with 19 points, six assists, two rebounds and a steal. The Bucks shot 44 percent from the field, including 14-of-38 from long range.
The Bucks (32-20) will look to bounce back as they take on the Magic in Orlando on Sunday. The Hornets (27-24) play host to the Hawks on Sunday.
The Hornets got out to a good start on the road with a, 32-27, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second and pushed their lead to 11 points by halftime. The Bucks had no answers in the third, as the Hornets added another eight points to their lead, making it a 19-point game heading into the final quarter. The Bucks gave it a final gasp in the fourth and poured in 38 points, but it was still not enough, as they fell for their third straight loss, while it marks the second straight win for the Hornets.
Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 26 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks, in 37 minutes. Devonte' Graham added 20 points, five assists and two rebounds, while Terry Rozier tallied 20 points on 8-of-17 shooting. The Hornets shot 48 percent from the field, including 19-of-50 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jordan Nwora led the Bucks with 24 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 32 minutes. Bobby Portis totaled 10 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks, while Jeff Teague finished with 19 points, six assists, two rebounds and a steal. The Bucks shot 44 percent from the field, including 14-of-38 from long range.
The Bucks (32-20) will look to bounce back as they take on the Magic in Orlando on Sunday. The Hornets (27-24) play host to the Hawks on Sunday.
Wizards Defeat Warriors, 110-107
The Washington Wizards defeated the host Golden State Warriors, 110-107, at Chase Center on Friday.
While Golden State led by three points with 12 seconds remaining, Washington scored the final six points to prevail. A four-point play by Bradley Beal with 6.1 seconds left was the key moment, turning that three-point deficit into a one-point lead. Golden State went on to commit a turnover and miss a prayer at the buzzer to give Washington the win. The Wizards ended up out-rebounding the Warriors, 47-41, while out-assisting them, 30-27. In addition, Washington went 19-of-24 from the free-throw line while Golden State hit just 14-of-21.
The Wizards (19-32) got another triple-double from Russell Westbrook, collecting 19 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists. Rui Hachimura amassed 22 points and five rebounds. Beal had 20 points, three rebounds and six assists, scoring all six of those final points. Robin Lopez led the bench with 20 points, eight rebounds and two assists.
The Warriors (24-28) were led by Stephen Curry and his 32 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Kelly Oubre Jr had 23 points, six rebounds and two assists. James Wiseman totaled 18 points and six boards. Draymond Green accrued five points, five rebounds, eight assists and three steals while Andrew Wiggins finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals.
These teams both play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, with Golden State playing host to the Houston Rockets and Washington remaining on the road to face the Phoenix Suns.
While Golden State led by three points with 12 seconds remaining, Washington scored the final six points to prevail. A four-point play by Bradley Beal with 6.1 seconds left was the key moment, turning that three-point deficit into a one-point lead. Golden State went on to commit a turnover and miss a prayer at the buzzer to give Washington the win. The Wizards ended up out-rebounding the Warriors, 47-41, while out-assisting them, 30-27. In addition, Washington went 19-of-24 from the free-throw line while Golden State hit just 14-of-21.
The Wizards (19-32) got another triple-double from Russell Westbrook, collecting 19 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists. Rui Hachimura amassed 22 points and five rebounds. Beal had 20 points, three rebounds and six assists, scoring all six of those final points. Robin Lopez led the bench with 20 points, eight rebounds and two assists.
The Warriors (24-28) were led by Stephen Curry and his 32 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Kelly Oubre Jr had 23 points, six rebounds and two assists. James Wiseman totaled 18 points and six boards. Draymond Green accrued five points, five rebounds, eight assists and three steals while Andrew Wiggins finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals.
These teams both play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, with Golden State playing host to the Houston Rockets and Washington remaining on the road to face the Phoenix Suns.
Clippers Defeat Rockets, 126-109
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 126-109, at Staples Center on Friday.
While Houston led by 10 points after the first quarter, Los Angeles outscored them by 27 points across the final three quarters to cruise to a blowout victory. In fact, they rode a 41-10 second quarter to a 21-point halftime lead, leading by at least five points for the final 28 minutes of play. The Clippers shot 55 percent from the field, 51 percent from three-point range and 85 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Rockets to 47 percent from the field, 32 percent from long range and 70 percent from the free-throw line. In addition, Los Angeles had 31 assists to nine turnovers while Houston had 28 assists to 14 turnovers.
The Rockets (14-38) were led by Christian Wood and his 23 points, three rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Jae'Sean Tate amassed 18 points and two rebounds. Kevin Porter collected 14 points, six rebounds and 13 assists. Kelly Olynyk totaled 13 points, 11 rebounds and three assists while Sterling Brown led the bench with 15 points and four boards.
The Clippers (36-18) were led by Kawhi Leonard, tallying 31 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Reggie Jackson accrued 26 points, four rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Ivica Zubac totaled 10 points and seven boards. Nicolas Batum led the bench with 17 points while Terence Mann provided 16 points, three rebounds, nine assists and two steals.
Houston has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, traveling to face the Golden State Warriors. As for Los Angeles, they host the Detroit Pistons on Sunday for their next outing.
While Houston led by 10 points after the first quarter, Los Angeles outscored them by 27 points across the final three quarters to cruise to a blowout victory. In fact, they rode a 41-10 second quarter to a 21-point halftime lead, leading by at least five points for the final 28 minutes of play. The Clippers shot 55 percent from the field, 51 percent from three-point range and 85 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Rockets to 47 percent from the field, 32 percent from long range and 70 percent from the free-throw line. In addition, Los Angeles had 31 assists to nine turnovers while Houston had 28 assists to 14 turnovers.
The Rockets (14-38) were led by Christian Wood and his 23 points, three rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Jae'Sean Tate amassed 18 points and two rebounds. Kevin Porter collected 14 points, six rebounds and 13 assists. Kelly Olynyk totaled 13 points, 11 rebounds and three assists while Sterling Brown led the bench with 15 points and four boards.
The Clippers (36-18) were led by Kawhi Leonard, tallying 31 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Reggie Jackson accrued 26 points, four rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Ivica Zubac totaled 10 points and seven boards. Nicolas Batum led the bench with 17 points while Terence Mann provided 16 points, three rebounds, nine assists and two steals.
Houston has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, traveling to face the Golden State Warriors. As for Los Angeles, they host the Detroit Pistons on Sunday for their next outing.