Nets Cruise To Comfortable Win Over Timberwolves
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 127-97, at Target Center on Tuesday.
The Nets (37-17) moved 20 games over the .500 threshold and while they were quite depleted here, that wasn't a problem to record a comfortable 30-point victory over a struggling team such as the Timberwolves (14-41). Brooklyn quickly got control of the contest and grabbed the lead by eight points following the first quarter (33-25), and they made it a 21-point game by halftime after winning the second quarter by a comfortable 13-point margin (40-27). Brooklyn didn't step the foot off the gas in the third quarter, and they boosted their lead to 30 points after a 31-22 score in that stretch. The game was all but over before the final 12 minutes and the final quarter ended with a 23-23 tie, sealing a massive win for Brooklyn in a game that was originally scheduled to be played Monday but got postponed just hours before tip-off.
Kevin Durant and Joe Harris carried the Nets, as they were the only two players that surpassed the 20-point mark in this one -- while Durant chipped in with a team-high 31 points while recording four rebounds and four assists, Harris contributed 23 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. DeAndre Jordan had 13 points and seven rebounds off the bench, while Landry Shamet had 19 points, five boards and five dimes off the bench as well. The Nets shot 50.5 percent from the field and 41.7 percent from three-point range in the win.
Anthony Edwards carried the Timberwolves offensively in this one, and he finished with 27 points, eight rebounds and two assists across 33 minutes. No other Minnesota starter scored in double digits, and in fact, the only other Minnesota player that scored in double digits was D'Angelo Russell, who ended with 15 points off the bench. The Timberwolves shot 34.5 percent from the field and 26.5 percent from three-point range in the loss.
The Nets (37-17) moved 20 games over the .500 threshold and while they were quite depleted here, that wasn't a problem to record a comfortable 30-point victory over a struggling team such as the Timberwolves (14-41). Brooklyn quickly got control of the contest and grabbed the lead by eight points following the first quarter (33-25), and they made it a 21-point game by halftime after winning the second quarter by a comfortable 13-point margin (40-27). Brooklyn didn't step the foot off the gas in the third quarter, and they boosted their lead to 30 points after a 31-22 score in that stretch. The game was all but over before the final 12 minutes and the final quarter ended with a 23-23 tie, sealing a massive win for Brooklyn in a game that was originally scheduled to be played Monday but got postponed just hours before tip-off.
Kevin Durant and Joe Harris carried the Nets, as they were the only two players that surpassed the 20-point mark in this one -- while Durant chipped in with a team-high 31 points while recording four rebounds and four assists, Harris contributed 23 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. DeAndre Jordan had 13 points and seven rebounds off the bench, while Landry Shamet had 19 points, five boards and five dimes off the bench as well. The Nets shot 50.5 percent from the field and 41.7 percent from three-point range in the win.
Anthony Edwards carried the Timberwolves offensively in this one, and he finished with 27 points, eight rebounds and two assists across 33 minutes. No other Minnesota starter scored in double digits, and in fact, the only other Minnesota player that scored in double digits was D'Angelo Russell, who ended with 15 points off the bench. The Timberwolves shot 34.5 percent from the field and 26.5 percent from three-point range in the loss.
Clippers Secure Road Win Over Pacers
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Indiana Pacers, 126-115, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Tuesday evening.
The Clippers (38-18) moved 20 games over the .500 threshold with a big win over the Pacers (25-28) on Tuesday, but Los Angeles had to overcome a slow start to get past their rivals in this one. The Pacers jumped out to a three-point lead in the first quarter, but the Clippers were able to turn things around and build a two-point edge by halftime (67-65). Since then, though, the Clippers controlled the game and never let the lead slip away to a point that their win would get complicated. Los Angeles won the final two quarters as well, 33-32 and 26-18, respectively, to seal a comfortable victory that didn't look as comfortable when the game started. The Clippers shot 53.9 percent from the field and 46.4 percent from three-point range, while the Pacers shot 45.8 percent from the field but a meager 22.5 percent from three-point range.
The Clippers didn't have Kawhi Leonard but Paul George stepped up and finished with 36 points, eight assists and seven rebounds while also adding two steals. Marcus Morris had 22 points and seven rebounds while also adding three assists. Ivica Zubac notched 14 points and seven rebounds, while Luke Kennard chipped in with 10 points. Nicolas Batum (14 points) and Terrence Mann (10 points) contributed off the bench as well.
Malcolm Brogdon carried the Pacers in this game, as he finished with 29 points, five rebounds and four assists. Caris LeVert had a strong game as well since he chipped in with 26 points, six rebounds, six assists, three blocks and two steals. Domantas Sabonis contributed 20 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and a steal. TJ. McConnell added 13 points and four boards as well.
The Clippers (38-18) moved 20 games over the .500 threshold with a big win over the Pacers (25-28) on Tuesday, but Los Angeles had to overcome a slow start to get past their rivals in this one. The Pacers jumped out to a three-point lead in the first quarter, but the Clippers were able to turn things around and build a two-point edge by halftime (67-65). Since then, though, the Clippers controlled the game and never let the lead slip away to a point that their win would get complicated. Los Angeles won the final two quarters as well, 33-32 and 26-18, respectively, to seal a comfortable victory that didn't look as comfortable when the game started. The Clippers shot 53.9 percent from the field and 46.4 percent from three-point range, while the Pacers shot 45.8 percent from the field but a meager 22.5 percent from three-point range.
The Clippers didn't have Kawhi Leonard but Paul George stepped up and finished with 36 points, eight assists and seven rebounds while also adding two steals. Marcus Morris had 22 points and seven rebounds while also adding three assists. Ivica Zubac notched 14 points and seven rebounds, while Luke Kennard chipped in with 10 points. Nicolas Batum (14 points) and Terrence Mann (10 points) contributed off the bench as well.
Malcolm Brogdon carried the Pacers in this game, as he finished with 29 points, five rebounds and four assists. Caris LeVert had a strong game as well since he chipped in with 26 points, six rebounds, six assists, three blocks and two steals. Domantas Sabonis contributed 20 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and a steal. TJ. McConnell added 13 points and four boards as well.
Hawks Upend Raptors, 108-103
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Toronto Raptors, 108-103, at Amalie Arena on Tuesday night.
The Hawks (30-25) got unfavorable news prior to tip-off when it was announced Trae Young would miss a second straight contest due to a calf injury. However, Atlanta looked like it wouldn't miss a beat early, building a 12-point lead over the Raptors (21-34) by halftime courtesy of a big second quarter. Each team then matched it each bucket for bucket in the third, and the visitors looked to be on their way to a relatively comfortable win until Toronto mounted a furious rally that closed the gap to 105-103 with 19.8 seconds remaining after a Malachi Flynn 30-footer found the net. Nevertheless, Brandon Goodwin, Young's fill-in for the second straight game, sunk three of four late free-throw attempts to preserve the victory.
Bogdan Bogdanovic led the way for the Hawks with 23 points, complementing them with six rebounds, four assists and one steal. Clint Capela generated a 19-point, 21-rebound double-double that also included one assist and one block. Goodwin supplied 18 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kevin Huerter furnished 17 points, four assists and one steal.
Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with 30 points, supplementing them with seven assists, six rebounds and two blocks. Flynn turned in 22 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. OG Anunoby managed 15 points, six rebounds and one steal. Khem Birch produced 13 points, seven rebounds and two steals.
The Hawks head back home to host the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night.
The Hawks (30-25) got unfavorable news prior to tip-off when it was announced Trae Young would miss a second straight contest due to a calf injury. However, Atlanta looked like it wouldn't miss a beat early, building a 12-point lead over the Raptors (21-34) by halftime courtesy of a big second quarter. Each team then matched it each bucket for bucket in the third, and the visitors looked to be on their way to a relatively comfortable win until Toronto mounted a furious rally that closed the gap to 105-103 with 19.8 seconds remaining after a Malachi Flynn 30-footer found the net. Nevertheless, Brandon Goodwin, Young's fill-in for the second straight game, sunk three of four late free-throw attempts to preserve the victory.
Bogdan Bogdanovic led the way for the Hawks with 23 points, complementing them with six rebounds, four assists and one steal. Clint Capela generated a 19-point, 21-rebound double-double that also included one assist and one block. Goodwin supplied 18 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kevin Huerter furnished 17 points, four assists and one steal.
Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with 30 points, supplementing them with seven assists, six rebounds and two blocks. Flynn turned in 22 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. OG Anunoby managed 15 points, six rebounds and one steal. Khem Birch produced 13 points, seven rebounds and two steals.
The Hawks head back home to host the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night.
Lakers Get Past Hornets, 101-93
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 101-93, at Spectrum Center on Tuesday night.
The Lakers (35-21) came into the contest look to bounce back from a double-digit loss to the Knicks on Monday night, and they got off to a strong start by building a 25-22 lead through one. The Hornets (27-26) shaved just one point from their deficit prior to halftime, and Los Angeles then helped itself with strong play on both ends of the floor during a third quarter in which they added eight points to their advantage. Charlotte continued to fight until late, getting within a point with 1:54 remaining before the defending champions closed on a 9-2 run.
Kyle Kuzma led the Lakers with 24 points, adding four rebounds and one assist. Dennis Schroder offered 19 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals. Alex Caruso delivered 13 points, six assists, two rebounds and one steal. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope compiled nine points, three rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
Devonte' Graham paced the Hornets with 19 points, complementing them with six assists, one rebound and one steal. Caleb Martin generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that included five assists and one steal. Jalen McDaniels finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, one assist and two steals. Miles Bridges furnished 13 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Bismack Biyombo managed 10 points, 12 rebounds, one assist and one block.
The Lakers head back home to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night, while the Hornets remain home and host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night.
The Lakers (35-21) came into the contest look to bounce back from a double-digit loss to the Knicks on Monday night, and they got off to a strong start by building a 25-22 lead through one. The Hornets (27-26) shaved just one point from their deficit prior to halftime, and Los Angeles then helped itself with strong play on both ends of the floor during a third quarter in which they added eight points to their advantage. Charlotte continued to fight until late, getting within a point with 1:54 remaining before the defending champions closed on a 9-2 run.
Kyle Kuzma led the Lakers with 24 points, adding four rebounds and one assist. Dennis Schroder offered 19 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals. Alex Caruso delivered 13 points, six assists, two rebounds and one steal. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope compiled nine points, three rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
Devonte' Graham paced the Hornets with 19 points, complementing them with six assists, one rebound and one steal. Caleb Martin generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that included five assists and one steal. Jalen McDaniels finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, one assist and two steals. Miles Bridges furnished 13 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Bismack Biyombo managed 10 points, 12 rebounds, one assist and one block.
The Lakers head back home to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night, while the Hornets remain home and host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night.
Jazz Hold On For Confident Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 106-96, at Vivint Arena on Tuesday evening.
The Thunder got out to a great start on the road with a, 31-22, lead after one quarter. The Jazz responded in the second quarter, as they outscored the visitors by 11 points, to take a two-point lead into halftime. They picked up the pace in the third and outscored the Thunder, 33-16, in the quarter, to push their lead to 19 points heading into the final frame. The Thunder kept up the fight and chipped away through the fourth, but it was too little, too late, as they fell for a seventh straight loss.
Six players scored in double digits for the Jazz, led by Bojan Bogdanovic, who totaled 23 points and seven rebounds, in 35 minutes. Rudy Gobert totaled 13 points, 14 rebounds and seven blocks, while Mike Conley tallied 15 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Jazz shot 41 percent from the field, including 17-of-47 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luguentz Dort poured in 42 points, seven rebounds, four steals and three assists, in 36 minutes. Moses Brown logged 12 points, 15 rebounds, two steals and a block, while Ty Jerome chipped in 14 points, two rebounds and two assists. The Thunder shot 38 percent from the field, including 14-of-34 from long range.
The Thunder (20-34) will look to end the slide as they play host to the Warriors on Wednesday. The Jazz (41-14) play host to the Pacers on Friday.
The Thunder got out to a great start on the road with a, 31-22, lead after one quarter. The Jazz responded in the second quarter, as they outscored the visitors by 11 points, to take a two-point lead into halftime. They picked up the pace in the third and outscored the Thunder, 33-16, in the quarter, to push their lead to 19 points heading into the final frame. The Thunder kept up the fight and chipped away through the fourth, but it was too little, too late, as they fell for a seventh straight loss.
Six players scored in double digits for the Jazz, led by Bojan Bogdanovic, who totaled 23 points and seven rebounds, in 35 minutes. Rudy Gobert totaled 13 points, 14 rebounds and seven blocks, while Mike Conley tallied 15 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Jazz shot 41 percent from the field, including 17-of-47 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luguentz Dort poured in 42 points, seven rebounds, four steals and three assists, in 36 minutes. Moses Brown logged 12 points, 15 rebounds, two steals and a block, while Ty Jerome chipped in 14 points, two rebounds and two assists. The Thunder shot 38 percent from the field, including 14-of-34 from long range.
The Thunder (20-34) will look to end the slide as they play host to the Warriors on Wednesday. The Jazz (41-14) play host to the Pacers on Friday.
Suns Defeat Heat, 106-86
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Miami Heat, 106-86, at Phoenix Suns Arena on Tuesday.
A 34-26 first quarter in the advantage of Miami was the only time they were in this game, with Phoenix riding a 30-16 second quarter to a six-point halftime lead. They then outscored the Heat in the second half, 50-36. The Suns bench came up huge, outscoring the Heat's bench, 65-24. In addition, Phoenix out-rebounded Miami, 48-36. They did that while holding the Heat to 38 percent from the field and 21 percent from three-point range.
The Heat (28-26) were led by Jimmy Butler and his 18 points, four rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Duncan Robinson amassed 15 points, two rebounds and two assists. Bam Adebayo collected 11 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals. Goran Dragic led the bench with 12 points, six rebounds and four assists.
The Suns (39-15) were led by Deandre Ayton and his 19 points, 13 rebounds and two steals. Devin Booker tallied 12 points, three rebounds and three assists Cameron Johnson led the bench with 15 points, five rebounds and two assists. Cameron Payne also provided 14 points, five rebounds and seven assists off the bench as well.
Miami has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Wednesday, playing the Denver Nuggets on the road. As for Phoenix, they stay home to face the Sacramento Kings on Thursday for their next outing.
A 34-26 first quarter in the advantage of Miami was the only time they were in this game, with Phoenix riding a 30-16 second quarter to a six-point halftime lead. They then outscored the Heat in the second half, 50-36. The Suns bench came up huge, outscoring the Heat's bench, 65-24. In addition, Phoenix out-rebounded Miami, 48-36. They did that while holding the Heat to 38 percent from the field and 21 percent from three-point range.
The Heat (28-26) were led by Jimmy Butler and his 18 points, four rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Duncan Robinson amassed 15 points, two rebounds and two assists. Bam Adebayo collected 11 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals. Goran Dragic led the bench with 12 points, six rebounds and four assists.
The Suns (39-15) were led by Deandre Ayton and his 19 points, 13 rebounds and two steals. Devin Booker tallied 12 points, three rebounds and three assists Cameron Johnson led the bench with 15 points, five rebounds and two assists. Cameron Payne also provided 14 points, five rebounds and seven assists off the bench as well.
Miami has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Wednesday, playing the Denver Nuggets on the road. As for Phoenix, they stay home to face the Sacramento Kings on Thursday for their next outing.
Celtics Defeat Trail Blazers, 116-115
The Boston Celtics defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 116-115, at Moda Center on Tuesday.
This game came down to the final shot, taking eight ties and 24 lead changes to determine a winner. In fact, neither team ever had a double-digit lead with A 35-27 third quarter really carried the Celtics to their win, holding the lead for all but 21 seconds in the fourth quarter. The Trail Blazers had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer but it was a full-court shot. The Celtics outscored the Trail Blazers in the paint, 50-28. In addition, Boston had just nine turnovers while forcing 14 from Portland. The Celtics starters also outscored the Trail Blazers starters by 26 points.
The Celtics (29-26) were led by Jayson Tatum and his 32 points, nine rebounds and five assists on 10-of-17 shooting. Jaylen Brown amassed 24 points, four rebounds and two assists. Kemba Walker tallied 21 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Robert Williams generated 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
The Trail Blazers (31-23) were led by Damian Lillard, collecting 28 points, five rebounds and 10 assists. Norman Powell had 20 points, four rebounds and three assists. C.J. McCollum compiled 16 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Jusuf Nurkic provided eight points, nine rebounds, seven assists and three steals while Carmelo Anthony led the bench with 25 points.
Boston returns to action on Thursday, staying on the road to face the Los Angeles Clippers. As for Portland, they travel to face the San Antonio Spurs on Friday for their next outing.
This game came down to the final shot, taking eight ties and 24 lead changes to determine a winner. In fact, neither team ever had a double-digit lead with A 35-27 third quarter really carried the Celtics to their win, holding the lead for all but 21 seconds in the fourth quarter. The Trail Blazers had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer but it was a full-court shot. The Celtics outscored the Trail Blazers in the paint, 50-28. In addition, Boston had just nine turnovers while forcing 14 from Portland. The Celtics starters also outscored the Trail Blazers starters by 26 points.
The Celtics (29-26) were led by Jayson Tatum and his 32 points, nine rebounds and five assists on 10-of-17 shooting. Jaylen Brown amassed 24 points, four rebounds and two assists. Kemba Walker tallied 21 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Robert Williams generated 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
The Trail Blazers (31-23) were led by Damian Lillard, collecting 28 points, five rebounds and 10 assists. Norman Powell had 20 points, four rebounds and three assists. C.J. McCollum compiled 16 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Jusuf Nurkic provided eight points, nine rebounds, seven assists and three steals while Carmelo Anthony led the bench with 25 points.
Boston returns to action on Thursday, staying on the road to face the Los Angeles Clippers. As for Portland, they travel to face the San Antonio Spurs on Friday for their next outing.