Sixers Dominate, Secure Win Over Mavericks
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 113-95, at American Airlines Center on Monday night.
The 76ers (37-17) moved 20 games over the .500 threshold with a dominant performance on the road against the Mavericks (29-24), as Philadelphia dominated the game from start to finish. The Sixers jumped out to a 30-26 lead in the first quarter and looked in complete control of the contest in the rest of the first half as well, winning the second quarter by a 30-22 score. The Sixers didn't step the foot off the game in the second half, and a 28-21 score in the third quarter allowed Philadelphia to hold a 19-point advantage heading into the final 12 minutes of the contest. Dallas won the final quarter by a 26-25 score, but that wasn't enough to make a comeback and the Sixers won with absolute ease, further enhancing their notion of looking like one of the best teams in the Association.
Joel Embiid was the best player for the Sixers in this game, and he ended with a 36-point output while adding seven rebounds, two assists and a steal. Tobias Harris chipped in with 10 points, four boards and four dimes, while Ben Simmons filled the stat sheet with eight points, seven assists, six rebounds and a steal. Furkan Korkman had 20 points off the bench, while Shake Milton chipped in with 10 points and five dimes as a substitute.
Luka Doncic was the absolute leader for the Mavericks since he ended with 32 points while adding four rebounds, a steal, a block and four assists. Jalen Brunson notched 15 points with six rebounds and two assists, while Dorian Finney-Smith mustered 12 points and 11 rebounds. No other player scored in double digits throughout the game.
The 76ers (37-17) moved 20 games over the .500 threshold with a dominant performance on the road against the Mavericks (29-24), as Philadelphia dominated the game from start to finish. The Sixers jumped out to a 30-26 lead in the first quarter and looked in complete control of the contest in the rest of the first half as well, winning the second quarter by a 30-22 score. The Sixers didn't step the foot off the game in the second half, and a 28-21 score in the third quarter allowed Philadelphia to hold a 19-point advantage heading into the final 12 minutes of the contest. Dallas won the final quarter by a 26-25 score, but that wasn't enough to make a comeback and the Sixers won with absolute ease, further enhancing their notion of looking like one of the best teams in the Association.
Joel Embiid was the best player for the Sixers in this game, and he ended with a 36-point output while adding seven rebounds, two assists and a steal. Tobias Harris chipped in with 10 points, four boards and four dimes, while Ben Simmons filled the stat sheet with eight points, seven assists, six rebounds and a steal. Furkan Korkman had 20 points off the bench, while Shake Milton chipped in with 10 points and five dimes as a substitute.
Luka Doncic was the absolute leader for the Mavericks since he ended with 32 points while adding four rebounds, a steal, a block and four assists. Jalen Brunson notched 15 points with six rebounds and two assists, while Dorian Finney-Smith mustered 12 points and 11 rebounds. No other player scored in double digits throughout the game.
Knicks Topple Lakers, 111-96
The New York Knicks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 111-96, at Madison Square Garden on Monday night.
The Lakers (33-21) got some good news before tip-off when Kyle Kuzma (calf) was announced as available, and they also got their on-court work off to a positive start by building a two-point lead through the first 12 minutes. However, the Knicks (27-28) started clawing back immediately thereafter and had built a three-point lead by halftime. New York then played its best all-around stretch of basketball coming out of intermission, outscoring Los Angeles by a 26-16 margin during the third period to take an insurmountable 16-point advantage.
Dennis Schroder paced the Lakers with 21 points, adding six assists and three rebounds. Markieff Morris supplied 17 points, four assists, two rebounds and one block. Kuzma provided 14 points, four rebounds and two blocks. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope offered 12 points, four rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Talen Horton-Tucker turned in 10 points.
Julius Randle led the Knicks with 34 points, complementing them with 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Elfrid Payton registered 20 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Derrick Rose delivered 14 points, three rebounds, two assists and one block, while Reggie Bullock furnished 12 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals.
The Lakers remain on the road and visit the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night, while the Knicks also pack their bags and face the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.
The Lakers (33-21) got some good news before tip-off when Kyle Kuzma (calf) was announced as available, and they also got their on-court work off to a positive start by building a two-point lead through the first 12 minutes. However, the Knicks (27-28) started clawing back immediately thereafter and had built a three-point lead by halftime. New York then played its best all-around stretch of basketball coming out of intermission, outscoring Los Angeles by a 26-16 margin during the third period to take an insurmountable 16-point advantage.
Dennis Schroder paced the Lakers with 21 points, adding six assists and three rebounds. Markieff Morris supplied 17 points, four assists, two rebounds and one block. Kuzma provided 14 points, four rebounds and two blocks. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope offered 12 points, four rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Talen Horton-Tucker turned in 10 points.
Julius Randle led the Knicks with 34 points, complementing them with 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Elfrid Payton registered 20 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Derrick Rose delivered 14 points, three rebounds, two assists and one block, while Reggie Bullock furnished 12 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals.
The Lakers remain on the road and visit the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night, while the Knicks also pack their bags and face the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.
Wolves vs Nets postponed
Game postponed.
Spurs Throttle Magic, 120-97
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Orlando Magic, 120-97, at Amway Center on Monday night.
The Spurs (26-25) came into the contest likely encouraged by their narrow upset of the Dallas Mavericks 24 hours earlier, and they played like it during a first half in which they outscored the host Magic (17-37) by an expansive 60-37 margin. San Antonio then put an exclamation point on their rout by adding another five points to its advantage during the third quarter, allowing them to rest starters and cruise comfortably through the final period.
DeMar DeRozan led the way for the Spurs with 19 points, complementing them with six assists and two rebounds. Dejounte Murray totaled 17 points, six assists, five rebounds and one steal. Derrick White compiled 15 points, four assists and two rebounds. Rudy Gay and Lonnie Walker produced matching 12-point tallies, with Gay also pulling down six rebounds. Drew Eubanks posted a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist, two blocks and one steal.
R.J. Hampton paced the Magic with 16 points, adding eight rebounds. Wendell Carter managed 15 points, eight rebounds, four assists and one steal. Dwayne Bacon provided 14 points, three rebounds and two assists. Cole Anthony finished with 12 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal.
The Spurs remain on the road and travel across the state to Tampa to take on the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night, while the Magic visit the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night as well.
The Spurs (26-25) came into the contest likely encouraged by their narrow upset of the Dallas Mavericks 24 hours earlier, and they played like it during a first half in which they outscored the host Magic (17-37) by an expansive 60-37 margin. San Antonio then put an exclamation point on their rout by adding another five points to its advantage during the third quarter, allowing them to rest starters and cruise comfortably through the final period.
DeMar DeRozan led the way for the Spurs with 19 points, complementing them with six assists and two rebounds. Dejounte Murray totaled 17 points, six assists, five rebounds and one steal. Derrick White compiled 15 points, four assists and two rebounds. Rudy Gay and Lonnie Walker produced matching 12-point tallies, with Gay also pulling down six rebounds. Drew Eubanks posted a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist, two blocks and one steal.
R.J. Hampton paced the Magic with 16 points, adding eight rebounds. Wendell Carter managed 15 points, eight rebounds, four assists and one steal. Dwayne Bacon provided 14 points, three rebounds and two assists. Cole Anthony finished with 12 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal.
The Spurs remain on the road and travel across the state to Tampa to take on the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night, while the Magic visit the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night as well.
Pelicans Close Out Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings, 117-110, at Smoothie King Center on Monday evening.
The Pelicans got out to a great start at home with a, 31-19, lead after one quarter. They kept the pressure on in the second, where they outscored the visitors by 11 points, to push their lead to 23, by halftime. The Kings came out stronger in the third and chipped away to make it a 12-point game heading into the final frame. The pace picked up in the fourth, and the Kings managed to get it down to a five-point game with just under three minutes left. However, the Pelicans remained composed and held on to close out their third straight win, while this marks the seventh straight loss for the Kings.
Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 34 points, seven assists, six rebounds, two blocks and a steal, in 33 minutes. Zion Williamson totaled 30 points, six rebounds, four assists and a block, while Steven Adams logged six points, 16 rebounds and a steal. The Pelicans shot 54 percent from the field, including 6-of-19 from deep.
Meanwhile, De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 43 points, six rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 38 minutes. Harrison Barnes followed up with 16 points, 11 rebounds, three steals and a block, while Maurice Harkless chipped in 15 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals. The Kings shot 43 percent from the field, including 10-of-35 from long range.
The Kings (22-32) will look to end the slide as they play host to the Wizards on Tuesday. The Pelicans (25-29) play host to the Knicks on Wednesday.
The Pelicans got out to a great start at home with a, 31-19, lead after one quarter. They kept the pressure on in the second, where they outscored the visitors by 11 points, to push their lead to 23, by halftime. The Kings came out stronger in the third and chipped away to make it a 12-point game heading into the final frame. The pace picked up in the fourth, and the Kings managed to get it down to a five-point game with just under three minutes left. However, the Pelicans remained composed and held on to close out their third straight win, while this marks the seventh straight loss for the Kings.
Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 34 points, seven assists, six rebounds, two blocks and a steal, in 33 minutes. Zion Williamson totaled 30 points, six rebounds, four assists and a block, while Steven Adams logged six points, 16 rebounds and a steal. The Pelicans shot 54 percent from the field, including 6-of-19 from deep.
Meanwhile, De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 43 points, six rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 38 minutes. Harrison Barnes followed up with 16 points, 11 rebounds, three steals and a block, while Maurice Harkless chipped in 15 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals. The Kings shot 43 percent from the field, including 10-of-35 from long range.
The Kings (22-32) will look to end the slide as they play host to the Wizards on Tuesday. The Pelicans (25-29) play host to the Knicks on Wednesday.
Wizards Hold On For Impressive Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The Washington Wizards defeated the host Utah Jazz, 125-121, at Vivint Arena on Monday evening.
The Jazz got out to a great start at home, with a, 42-33, lead after one quarter. The Wizards responded in the second and outscored the hosts, 37-23, in the quarter, to take a five-point lead by halftime. The score stayed tight to start the third, but the Wizards pulled ahead late in the quarter and took a 10-point lead into the final frame. The Wizards kept the momentum going and pushed their lead to a game-high 19 points, early in the fourth. The Jazz fought all the way back to make it a two-point game with 12 seconds left, but the Wizards came up clutch to close out the impressive road win.
Bradley Beal was the high-point man for the Wizards, with 34 points on 14-of-31 shooting, in 36 minutes. Russell Westbrook logged a triple-double, with 25 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists, while Daniel Gafford added 15 points, four rebounds and a steal. The Wizards shot 52 percent from the field, including 9-of-19 from deep.
Meanwhile, Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 42 points, six assists, three rebounds and a steal, in 38 minutes. Bojan Bogdanovic followed up with 33 points on 10-of-18 shooting, while Joe Ingles finished with 18 points, six assists, four rebounds and a block. The Jazz shot 48 percent from the field, including 15-of-36 form long range.
The Jazz (40-14) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Thunder on Tuesday. The Wizards (20-33) take on the Kings in Sacramento on Wednesday.
The Jazz got out to a great start at home, with a, 42-33, lead after one quarter. The Wizards responded in the second and outscored the hosts, 37-23, in the quarter, to take a five-point lead by halftime. The score stayed tight to start the third, but the Wizards pulled ahead late in the quarter and took a 10-point lead into the final frame. The Wizards kept the momentum going and pushed their lead to a game-high 19 points, early in the fourth. The Jazz fought all the way back to make it a two-point game with 12 seconds left, but the Wizards came up clutch to close out the impressive road win.
Bradley Beal was the high-point man for the Wizards, with 34 points on 14-of-31 shooting, in 36 minutes. Russell Westbrook logged a triple-double, with 25 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists, while Daniel Gafford added 15 points, four rebounds and a steal. The Wizards shot 52 percent from the field, including 9-of-19 from deep.
Meanwhile, Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 42 points, six assists, three rebounds and a steal, in 38 minutes. Bojan Bogdanovic followed up with 33 points on 10-of-18 shooting, while Joe Ingles finished with 18 points, six assists, four rebounds and a block. The Jazz shot 48 percent from the field, including 15-of-36 form long range.
The Jazz (40-14) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Thunder on Tuesday. The Wizards (20-33) take on the Kings in Sacramento on Wednesday.
Grizzlies Defeat Bulls, 101-90
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls, 101-90, at FedEx Forum on Monday.
The 11-point final margin is not a good indicator of how this game went, with neither team ever leading by more than 12 points. In fact, there were nine ties and 13 lead changes in total, with the Grizzlies riding a 31-16 fourth quarter to that lopsided final score. Memphis shot 47 percent from the field, 32 percent from three-point range and 86 percent from the free-throw line while holding Chicago to 42 percent from the field, 16 percent from long range and 77 percent from the charity stripe. In addition, the Grizzlies, out-rebounded the Bulls, 51-40.
The Bulls (22-31) were led by Zach LaVine and his 21 points, four rebounds, nine assists and two blocks. Nikola Vucevic had 17 points, 10 rebounds and five steals. Thaddeus Young was the only other starter with more than two points, scoring 20 points on 10-of-15 from the field. Daniel Theis led the bench with 18 points, four rebounds and two assists.
The Grizzlies (27-25) were led by Jonas Valanciunas, tallying 26 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Dillon Brooks totaled 17 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Grayson Allen accrued 14 points, six rebounds and two assists. Ja Morant collected 13 points and 10 assists while Kyle Anderson generated five points, five rebounds, six assists and four steals.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Memphis playing host to the Dallas Mavericks and Chicago returning home to face the new-look Orlando Magic.
The 11-point final margin is not a good indicator of how this game went, with neither team ever leading by more than 12 points. In fact, there were nine ties and 13 lead changes in total, with the Grizzlies riding a 31-16 fourth quarter to that lopsided final score. Memphis shot 47 percent from the field, 32 percent from three-point range and 86 percent from the free-throw line while holding Chicago to 42 percent from the field, 16 percent from long range and 77 percent from the charity stripe. In addition, the Grizzlies, out-rebounded the Bulls, 51-40.
The Bulls (22-31) were led by Zach LaVine and his 21 points, four rebounds, nine assists and two blocks. Nikola Vucevic had 17 points, 10 rebounds and five steals. Thaddeus Young was the only other starter with more than two points, scoring 20 points on 10-of-15 from the field. Daniel Theis led the bench with 18 points, four rebounds and two assists.
The Grizzlies (27-25) were led by Jonas Valanciunas, tallying 26 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Dillon Brooks totaled 17 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Grayson Allen accrued 14 points, six rebounds and two assists. Ja Morant collected 13 points and 10 assists while Kyle Anderson generated five points, five rebounds, six assists and four steals.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Memphis playing host to the Dallas Mavericks and Chicago returning home to face the new-look Orlando Magic.
Warriors Defeat Nuggets, 116-107
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Denver Nuggets, 116-107, at Chase Center on Monday.
While there were six ties and eight lead changes in the first 27 minutes of this game, Golden State rode a 43-22 third quarter to their victory. In fact, the Nuggets never got within seven after that dominant quarter. The Warriors shot 18-of-44 from three-point range while holding the Nuggets to just 8-of-26. In addition, Golden State forced 19 turnovers from Denver.
The Nuggets (35-19) were led by Nikola Jokic and his 27 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists. Michael Porter Jr accrued 24 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Jamal Murray had 17 points, four rebounds and four assists before departing with a knee injury late. Aaron Gordon accrued nine points, six rebounds and three assists.
The Warriors (26-28) got a gem from Stephen Curry, collecting 53 points, six rebounds and four assists on 14-of-24 from the field. Draymond Green tallied 18 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and four steals. Andrew Wiggins had 17 points while Kent Bazemore compiled 14 points, three rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Denver returning home to face the Miami Heat and Golden State traveling to play the Oklahoma City Thunder.
While there were six ties and eight lead changes in the first 27 minutes of this game, Golden State rode a 43-22 third quarter to their victory. In fact, the Nuggets never got within seven after that dominant quarter. The Warriors shot 18-of-44 from three-point range while holding the Nuggets to just 8-of-26. In addition, Golden State forced 19 turnovers from Denver.
The Nuggets (35-19) were led by Nikola Jokic and his 27 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists. Michael Porter Jr accrued 24 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Jamal Murray had 17 points, four rebounds and four assists before departing with a knee injury late. Aaron Gordon accrued nine points, six rebounds and three assists.
The Warriors (26-28) got a gem from Stephen Curry, collecting 53 points, six rebounds and four assists on 14-of-24 from the field. Draymond Green tallied 18 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and four steals. Andrew Wiggins had 17 points while Kent Bazemore compiled 14 points, three rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Denver returning home to face the Miami Heat and Golden State traveling to play the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Suns Defeat Rockets, 126-120
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 126-120, at Phoenix Suns Arena Monday.
This was a tale of two halves but an 81-58 first half carried Phoenix to their win. Houston actually outscored Houston in the second half, 62-45, but never got within five points for the final 30 minutes of play. The Suns shot 25-of-45 from three-point range while the Rockets connected on 17-of-42. In addition, Phoenix recorded 14 steals while winning the turnover battle, 21-13.
The Rockets (14-40) were led by Christian Wood and his 25 points, 15 rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kevin Porter accumulated 22 points, five rebounds, 14 assists and two steals. Kelly Olynyk had 16 points and eight boards while John Wall compiled 13 points, two rebounds and eight assists. Jae'Sean Tate finished with 10 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals.
The Suns (38-15) were led by Jae Crowder, amassing 26 points, two rebounds and two assists on 8-of-12 from three-point range. Devin Booker collected 24 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Deandre Ayton totaled 18 points, eight rebounds and three steals while Chris Paul generated nine points, four rebounds and 10 assists.
Phoenix has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Tuesday, staying home to face the Miami Heat. As for Houston, they return home to play the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday for their next outing.
This was a tale of two halves but an 81-58 first half carried Phoenix to their win. Houston actually outscored Houston in the second half, 62-45, but never got within five points for the final 30 minutes of play. The Suns shot 25-of-45 from three-point range while the Rockets connected on 17-of-42. In addition, Phoenix recorded 14 steals while winning the turnover battle, 21-13.
The Rockets (14-40) were led by Christian Wood and his 25 points, 15 rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kevin Porter accumulated 22 points, five rebounds, 14 assists and two steals. Kelly Olynyk had 16 points and eight boards while John Wall compiled 13 points, two rebounds and eight assists. Jae'Sean Tate finished with 10 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals.
The Suns (38-15) were led by Jae Crowder, amassing 26 points, two rebounds and two assists on 8-of-12 from three-point range. Devin Booker collected 24 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Deandre Ayton totaled 18 points, eight rebounds and three steals while Chris Paul generated nine points, four rebounds and 10 assists.
Phoenix has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Tuesday, staying home to face the Miami Heat. As for Houston, they return home to play the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday for their next outing.