Bucks Close Out Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the host Minnesota Timberwolves, 130-105, at Target Center on Wednesday afternoon.
Despite missing Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks got out to a good start on the road with a, 24-19, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second, where they outscored the hosts, 37-25, to push their lead to 17, by halftime. The Bucks did not let up in the third quarter, as they poured in 45 points and pushed the deficit to 27 points, heading into the final frame. The Timberwolves had no answers in the fourth, as they fell for their second straight loss, while this marks the second straight win for the Bucks.
Khris Middleton led the Bucks with 27 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and a steal, in 25 minutes. Brook Lopez added 18 points, eight rebounds, two steals and two blocks, while Jrue Holiday tallied 15 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals. The Bucks shot 46 percent from the field, including 19-of-40 from deep.
Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 24 points, three assists and three steals, in 30 minutes. Junacho Hernangomez added 18 points, two rebounds, a steal and a block, while Naz Reid totaled nine points, 15 rebounds, three blocks, two steals and two assists. The Timberwolves shot 37 percent from the field, including 15-of-41 from long range.
The Timberwolves (14-42) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Heat on Friday. The Bucks (34-20) take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Thursday.
Despite missing Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks got out to a good start on the road with a, 24-19, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second, where they outscored the hosts, 37-25, to push their lead to 17, by halftime. The Bucks did not let up in the third quarter, as they poured in 45 points and pushed the deficit to 27 points, heading into the final frame. The Timberwolves had no answers in the fourth, as they fell for their second straight loss, while this marks the second straight win for the Bucks.
Khris Middleton led the Bucks with 27 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and a steal, in 25 minutes. Brook Lopez added 18 points, eight rebounds, two steals and two blocks, while Jrue Holiday tallied 15 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals. The Bucks shot 46 percent from the field, including 19-of-40 from deep.
Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 24 points, three assists and three steals, in 30 minutes. Junacho Hernangomez added 18 points, two rebounds, a steal and a block, while Naz Reid totaled nine points, 15 rebounds, three blocks, two steals and two assists. The Timberwolves shot 37 percent from the field, including 15-of-41 from long range.
The Timberwolves (14-42) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Heat on Friday. The Bucks (34-20) take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Thursday.
Sixers Defeat Nets In Key Eastern Conference Matchup
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 123-117, at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday.
The 76ers (38-17) and the Nets (37-18) are the top teams in the Eastern Conference and this game held massive playoff implications in terms of the tiebreaker, but the Sixers came through when it mattered the most and they escaped with a tight win that now puts them in complete control of the Eastern Conference standings. Philadelphia jumped out to a 32-28 lead following the first quarter and extended that lead just before the break, cruising their way to a seven-point edge following a 33-30 second-quarter score. The Sixers made it a 10-point game after three quarters and seemed set to win comfortably, but the Nets, who were without Kevin Durant and James Harden, attempted a fourth-quarter comeback. However, Brooklyn's rally fell short (33-29) and Philadelphia ended winning by six points in front of a small 4,094 crowd at Wells Fargo Center.
Joel Embiid led the way for the Sixers with a strong 39-point, 13-rebound performance while also adding two assists and two blocks, and Tobias Harris was the Sixers' second-best scorer thanks to his 26-point outing -- he also added five rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal. Ben Simmons had 17 points and nine assists while grabbing four boards and recording three steals, and Shake Milton delivered a strong effort off the bench with 15 points and four dimes.
Kyrie Irving had to carry with Brooklyn's offense and he responded -- the star point guard had 37 points, nine assists, three rebounds and two steals. Jeff Green had 15 points, while DeAndre Jordan mustered 12 points, 14 rebounds and five assists. Landry Shamet contributed 17 points and Bruce Brown added 14 points coming off the bench.
The 76ers (38-17) and the Nets (37-18) are the top teams in the Eastern Conference and this game held massive playoff implications in terms of the tiebreaker, but the Sixers came through when it mattered the most and they escaped with a tight win that now puts them in complete control of the Eastern Conference standings. Philadelphia jumped out to a 32-28 lead following the first quarter and extended that lead just before the break, cruising their way to a seven-point edge following a 33-30 second-quarter score. The Sixers made it a 10-point game after three quarters and seemed set to win comfortably, but the Nets, who were without Kevin Durant and James Harden, attempted a fourth-quarter comeback. However, Brooklyn's rally fell short (33-29) and Philadelphia ended winning by six points in front of a small 4,094 crowd at Wells Fargo Center.
Joel Embiid led the way for the Sixers with a strong 39-point, 13-rebound performance while also adding two assists and two blocks, and Tobias Harris was the Sixers' second-best scorer thanks to his 26-point outing -- he also added five rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal. Ben Simmons had 17 points and nine assists while grabbing four boards and recording three steals, and Shake Milton delivered a strong effort off the bench with 15 points and four dimes.
Kyrie Irving had to carry with Brooklyn's offense and he responded -- the star point guard had 37 points, nine assists, three rebounds and two steals. Jeff Green had 15 points, while DeAndre Jordan mustered 12 points, 14 rebounds and five assists. Landry Shamet contributed 17 points and Bruce Brown added 14 points coming off the bench.
Cavaliers Handle Hornets, 103-90
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 103-90, at Spectrum Center on Wednesday night.
The Cavaliers (20-34) came into the contest once again missing Collin Sexton due to a groin injury, but they were efficient on both ends of the floor while building a 27-23 lead over the Hornets (27-27) through one. Cleveland kept the defensive pressure on in the second quarter by limiting Charlotte to just 18 points to take an eight-point lead into intermission. The solid work on both ends of the floor continued in the second half, leading to an uncharacteristically comfortable road victory.
Taurean Prince led the Cavaliers with 25 points, adding four rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Kevin Love and Darius Garland generated matching 17-point tallies, with Love pulling down 11 rebounds and Garland dishing out seven assists. Jarrett Allen furnished 15 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one block.
Terry Rozier paced the Hornets with 22 points, complementing them with eight assists, seven rebounds, four steals and one block. Miles Bridges delivered 20 points, seven rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Devonte' Graham managed 15 points, seven assists and one rebound. Cody Zeller totaled 10 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Jalen McDaniels and Brad Wanamaker turned in matching nine-point, two-assist tallies.
The Cavaliers return home and host the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night, while the Hornets visit the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night.
The Cavaliers (20-34) came into the contest once again missing Collin Sexton due to a groin injury, but they were efficient on both ends of the floor while building a 27-23 lead over the Hornets (27-27) through one. Cleveland kept the defensive pressure on in the second quarter by limiting Charlotte to just 18 points to take an eight-point lead into intermission. The solid work on both ends of the floor continued in the second half, leading to an uncharacteristically comfortable road victory.
Taurean Prince led the Cavaliers with 25 points, adding four rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Kevin Love and Darius Garland generated matching 17-point tallies, with Love pulling down 11 rebounds and Garland dishing out seven assists. Jarrett Allen furnished 15 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one block.
Terry Rozier paced the Hornets with 22 points, complementing them with eight assists, seven rebounds, four steals and one block. Miles Bridges delivered 20 points, seven rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Devonte' Graham managed 15 points, seven assists and one rebound. Cody Zeller totaled 10 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Jalen McDaniels and Brad Wanamaker turned in matching nine-point, two-assist tallies.
The Cavaliers return home and host the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night, while the Hornets visit the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night.
Raptors Get Past Spurs, 117-112
The Toronto Raptors defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 117-112, at Amalie Arena on Wednesday night.
The Spurs (26-27) checked into Wednesday's game trying to build on some recent momentum, as they'd managed back-to-back wins after an extended stretch of losing. San Antonio got off to a good start in that regard by forging a two-point lead through one quarter, but the Raptors (21-35) had erased their modest deficit and built their own one-point advantage by intermission. The second half was similarly competitive until the final buzzer, with Toronto able to hold on with the aid of a pair of Malachi Flynn free throws after the visitors got within three with just 15.4 seconds left.
Derrick White led the Spurs with 25 points, adding five assists and three rebounds. Patty Mills followed with 23 points, three rebounds and one assist. DeMar DeRozan supplied 19 points, 11 assists, four rebounds and one steal. Dejounte Murray registered 11 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals. Keldon Johnson mustered 10 points.
OG Anunoby paced the Raptors with 22 points, complementing them with four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Pascal Siakam generated a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included six assists, two steals and one block. Flynn finished with 16 points, seven assists, four rebounds and two steals. Khem Birch furnished 14 points, six boards, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Chris Boucher generated a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included one assist and one steal. Yuta Watanabe totaled 11 points, four rebounds, one assist and one block.
The Spurs return home to host the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the Orlando Magic on Friday night.
The Spurs (26-27) checked into Wednesday's game trying to build on some recent momentum, as they'd managed back-to-back wins after an extended stretch of losing. San Antonio got off to a good start in that regard by forging a two-point lead through one quarter, but the Raptors (21-35) had erased their modest deficit and built their own one-point advantage by intermission. The second half was similarly competitive until the final buzzer, with Toronto able to hold on with the aid of a pair of Malachi Flynn free throws after the visitors got within three with just 15.4 seconds left.
Derrick White led the Spurs with 25 points, adding five assists and three rebounds. Patty Mills followed with 23 points, three rebounds and one assist. DeMar DeRozan supplied 19 points, 11 assists, four rebounds and one steal. Dejounte Murray registered 11 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals. Keldon Johnson mustered 10 points.
OG Anunoby paced the Raptors with 22 points, complementing them with four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Pascal Siakam generated a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included six assists, two steals and one block. Flynn finished with 16 points, seven assists, four rebounds and two steals. Khem Birch furnished 14 points, six boards, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Chris Boucher generated a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included one assist and one steal. Yuta Watanabe totaled 11 points, four rebounds, one assist and one block.
The Spurs return home to host the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the Orlando Magic on Friday night.
Knicks Cruise To Victory Over Pelicans
The New York Knicks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 116-106, at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday evening.
The Knicks (29-27) entered this game on a three-game winning streak and extended that sizzling to four contests without defeat in a game where they dominated the Pelicans (25-30) with absolute ease. New York and New Orleans played a tight contest in the first quarter, as evidenced by the 26-26 tie following the first 12 minutes of action, but the Knicks began to show what they really wanted in the second quarter -- where they escaped with a one-point lead. The Knicks outscored the Pelicans by a 40-37 score in the third and held a slim four-point advantage heading into the final 12 minutes of the contest, but New York limited New Orleans to just 17 fourth-quarter points to run away with the victory. The Knicks shot 45.4 percent from the field and an impressive 51.5 percent from deep, while the Pelicans shot 45.5 percent from the field and a meager 21.4 percent from deep.
Julius Randle led the Knicks in this one, as he finished with 32 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Reggie Bullock chipped in with 16 points and four boards. Elfrid Payton had 11 points and Taj Gibson chipped in with 10 boards despite scoring just eight points. R.J. Barrett had a disappointing performance with only six points (2-10 FG) but Alec Burks picked things up off the bench with a 21-point, seven-rebound effort.
Brandon Ingram contributed 28 points and seven assists to lead the Pelicans in this loss, while Zion Williamson contributed 25 points, eight boards, seven dimes and two blocks. Naji Marshall had 14 points and nine rebounds, while Steven Adams posted a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds. James Johnson contributed 13 points and five boards while coming off the bench.
The Knicks (29-27) entered this game on a three-game winning streak and extended that sizzling to four contests without defeat in a game where they dominated the Pelicans (25-30) with absolute ease. New York and New Orleans played a tight contest in the first quarter, as evidenced by the 26-26 tie following the first 12 minutes of action, but the Knicks began to show what they really wanted in the second quarter -- where they escaped with a one-point lead. The Knicks outscored the Pelicans by a 40-37 score in the third and held a slim four-point advantage heading into the final 12 minutes of the contest, but New York limited New Orleans to just 17 fourth-quarter points to run away with the victory. The Knicks shot 45.4 percent from the field and an impressive 51.5 percent from deep, while the Pelicans shot 45.5 percent from the field and a meager 21.4 percent from deep.
Julius Randle led the Knicks in this one, as he finished with 32 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Reggie Bullock chipped in with 16 points and four boards. Elfrid Payton had 11 points and Taj Gibson chipped in with 10 boards despite scoring just eight points. R.J. Barrett had a disappointing performance with only six points (2-10 FG) but Alec Burks picked things up off the bench with a 21-point, seven-rebound effort.
Brandon Ingram contributed 28 points and seven assists to lead the Pelicans in this loss, while Zion Williamson contributed 25 points, eight boards, seven dimes and two blocks. Naji Marshall had 14 points and nine rebounds, while Steven Adams posted a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds. James Johnson contributed 13 points and five boards while coming off the bench.
Magic Upsets Bulls, 115-106
The Orlando Magic defeated the Chicago Bulls, 115-106, at United Center on Wednesday night.
The Magic (18-37) unsurprisingly came into the night as road underdogs but played nothing like it in an opening period where they jumped out to a 32-22 lead. However, the Bulls (22-32) nearly flipped the script on the visitors prior to halftime, outscoring Orlando by a 31-22 margin to trail by just one at intermission. The tide of the game would change yet again in the third quarter and in a particularly remarkable way, as the Magic outscored Chicago, 39-19, to take a seemingly commanding 21-point advantage into the final period. The hosts would claw back to get within seven points on multiple occasions in the latter stages of the fourth quarter, but a pair of Michael Carter-Williams free throws sealed the upset victory.
James Ennis led the Magic with 22 points, complementing them with four rebounds, three assists and one block. Wendell Carter, Jr. delivered a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double that included four assists, two steals and one block. Carter-Williams and Gary Harris generated matching 15-point tallies while recording eight rebounds and six assists, respectively. Terrence Ross managed 11 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. Cole Anthony totaled 10 points, five assists and three rebounds.
Zach LaVine paced the Bulls with 30 points, supplementing them with seven assists, five rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Nikola Vucevic posted a 29-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one assist, two blocks and one steal. Daniel Theis supplied 16 points, six rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.
The Magic remain on the road but head back to their home state to take on the Toronto Raptors on Friday night, while the Bulls remain home and host the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night as well.
The Magic (18-37) unsurprisingly came into the night as road underdogs but played nothing like it in an opening period where they jumped out to a 32-22 lead. However, the Bulls (22-32) nearly flipped the script on the visitors prior to halftime, outscoring Orlando by a 31-22 margin to trail by just one at intermission. The tide of the game would change yet again in the third quarter and in a particularly remarkable way, as the Magic outscored Chicago, 39-19, to take a seemingly commanding 21-point advantage into the final period. The hosts would claw back to get within seven points on multiple occasions in the latter stages of the fourth quarter, but a pair of Michael Carter-Williams free throws sealed the upset victory.
James Ennis led the Magic with 22 points, complementing them with four rebounds, three assists and one block. Wendell Carter, Jr. delivered a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double that included four assists, two steals and one block. Carter-Williams and Gary Harris generated matching 15-point tallies while recording eight rebounds and six assists, respectively. Terrence Ross managed 11 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. Cole Anthony totaled 10 points, five assists and three rebounds.
Zach LaVine paced the Bulls with 30 points, supplementing them with seven assists, five rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Nikola Vucevic posted a 29-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one assist, two blocks and one steal. Daniel Theis supplied 16 points, six rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.
The Magic remain on the road but head back to their home state to take on the Toronto Raptors on Friday night, while the Bulls remain home and host the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night as well.
Clippers Mount Huge Comeback, Defeat Pistons
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Detroit Pistons, 100-98, at Little Ceasars Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Clippers (39-18) had to work harder than expected to get past the Pistons (16-39) in a game where they didn't have Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Marcus Morris, as they had to mount a fourth-quarter comeback to secure the victory on the road. The Clippers grabbed the lead in the first quarter with a 30-27 score and made it a four-point game by halftime when they also won the second quarter by a 23-22 score, but Detroit turned things around in the third quarter and grabbed a four-point lead following a 28-20 third-quarter score. The Clippers were down until late in the fourth quarter, but they turned things around just before it was too late and ended flipping things around to earn a two-point victory on the road.
Reggie Jackson carried the Clippers offensively in this game and finished with 29 points and six rebounds, while both Ivica Zubac and Luke Kennard posted double-doubles -- Zubac had 18 points and 13 rebounds while Kennard registered 17 points and 10 boards. Terrence Mann mustered nine points and four boards, while DeMarcus Cousins had eight points and three rebounds off the bench. Rajon Rondo delivered six points and four assists off the bench as well.
Jerami Grant carried the Pistons in this one with a 28-point performance that also included three rebounds and two assists, while Saddiq Bey notched 17 points and five boards. Mason Plumlee filled the stat sheet and came close to a double-double thanks to 11 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Isaiah Stewart posted 12 points and eight rebounds off the bench.
The Clippers (39-18) had to work harder than expected to get past the Pistons (16-39) in a game where they didn't have Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Marcus Morris, as they had to mount a fourth-quarter comeback to secure the victory on the road. The Clippers grabbed the lead in the first quarter with a 30-27 score and made it a four-point game by halftime when they also won the second quarter by a 23-22 score, but Detroit turned things around in the third quarter and grabbed a four-point lead following a 28-20 third-quarter score. The Clippers were down until late in the fourth quarter, but they turned things around just before it was too late and ended flipping things around to earn a two-point victory on the road.
Reggie Jackson carried the Clippers offensively in this game and finished with 29 points and six rebounds, while both Ivica Zubac and Luke Kennard posted double-doubles -- Zubac had 18 points and 13 rebounds while Kennard registered 17 points and 10 boards. Terrence Mann mustered nine points and four boards, while DeMarcus Cousins had eight points and three rebounds off the bench. Rajon Rondo delivered six points and four assists off the bench as well.
Jerami Grant carried the Pistons in this one with a 28-point performance that also included three rebounds and two assists, while Saddiq Bey notched 17 points and five boards. Mason Plumlee filled the stat sheet and came close to a double-double thanks to 11 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Isaiah Stewart posted 12 points and eight rebounds off the bench.
Pacers Hold Off Rockets In Houston
By Dan Bruno
The Indiana Pacers defeated the host Houston Rockets, 132-124, at Toyota Center on Wednesday evening.
The Pacers got out to a good start with a, 33-24, lead after one quarter, and they picked up the pace in the second, where they outscored the hosts by 11 points, to take a 20-point lead into the break. The Rockets came out stronger in the third and chipped away at the deficit, to make it a 12-point game heading into the final frame. The Rockets kept pushing in the fourth and cut it to a seven-point game with four minutes left, but the Pacers kept their focus and closed out the road win, resulting in a fourth straight loss for the Rockets.
Caris LeVert led the Pacers with 27 points, five rebounds and two steals, in 29 minutes. Domantas Sabonis added 22 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, while Malcolm Brogdon tallied 23 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists. The Pacers shot 53 percent from the field, including 15-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, John Wall led the Rockets with 31 points, nine assists, three rebounds, two blocks and a steal, in 35 minutes. Christian Wood added 25 points, 13 rebounds, three blocks, two assists and a steal, while Kelly Olynyk totaled 25 points, 10 rebounds, three steals, two assists and a block. The Rockets shot 46 percent from the field, including 10-of-34 from deep.
The Rockets (14-41) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nuggets on Friday. The Pacers (26-28) take on the Jazz in Utah on Friday.
The Pacers got out to a good start with a, 33-24, lead after one quarter, and they picked up the pace in the second, where they outscored the hosts by 11 points, to take a 20-point lead into the break. The Rockets came out stronger in the third and chipped away at the deficit, to make it a 12-point game heading into the final frame. The Rockets kept pushing in the fourth and cut it to a seven-point game with four minutes left, but the Pacers kept their focus and closed out the road win, resulting in a fourth straight loss for the Rockets.
Caris LeVert led the Pacers with 27 points, five rebounds and two steals, in 29 minutes. Domantas Sabonis added 22 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, while Malcolm Brogdon tallied 23 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists. The Pacers shot 53 percent from the field, including 15-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, John Wall led the Rockets with 31 points, nine assists, three rebounds, two blocks and a steal, in 35 minutes. Christian Wood added 25 points, 13 rebounds, three blocks, two assists and a steal, while Kelly Olynyk totaled 25 points, 10 rebounds, three steals, two assists and a block. The Rockets shot 46 percent from the field, including 10-of-34 from deep.
The Rockets (14-41) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nuggets on Friday. The Pacers (26-28) take on the Jazz in Utah on Friday.
Warriors Throttle Thunder, 147-109
The Golden State Warriors defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder, 147-109, at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Wednesday.
Golden State had an NBA-best 125 points heading into the fourth quarter, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. They did most of their damage in the second and third quarters, outscoring Oklahoma City, 89-51. They actually shot 55 percent from the field and 51 percent from three-point range while recording 39 assists. They did that while recording 12 steals and six blocks, en route to a turnover differential of 21-14.
The Warriors (27-28) were led by Stephen Curry and his 42 points, six rebounds and eight assists. Draymond Green collected 12 points, 10 rebounds and 16 assists, Andrew Wiggins had 16 points and two rebounds while Kent Bazemore accrued 15 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. None of those guys played in the fourth quarter. Jordan Poole led the bench with 17 points and four assists.
The Thunder (20-35) were led by Darius Bazley, totaling 22 points and eight rebounds. Svi Mykhailiuk generated 14 points, five rebounds and three assists. Moses Brown compiled 18 points, 12 rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Theo Maledon accumulated 11 points, three rebounds and five assists while led Tony Bradley led the bench with 13 points and seven boards.
Golden State has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Thursday, traveling to face the Cleveland Cavaliers. As for Oklahoma City, they play the Detroit Pistons on Friday for their next outing.
Golden State had an NBA-best 125 points heading into the fourth quarter, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. They did most of their damage in the second and third quarters, outscoring Oklahoma City, 89-51. They actually shot 55 percent from the field and 51 percent from three-point range while recording 39 assists. They did that while recording 12 steals and six blocks, en route to a turnover differential of 21-14.
The Warriors (27-28) were led by Stephen Curry and his 42 points, six rebounds and eight assists. Draymond Green collected 12 points, 10 rebounds and 16 assists, Andrew Wiggins had 16 points and two rebounds while Kent Bazemore accrued 15 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. None of those guys played in the fourth quarter. Jordan Poole led the bench with 17 points and four assists.
The Thunder (20-35) were led by Darius Bazley, totaling 22 points and eight rebounds. Svi Mykhailiuk generated 14 points, five rebounds and three assists. Moses Brown compiled 18 points, 12 rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Theo Maledon accumulated 11 points, three rebounds and five assists while led Tony Bradley led the bench with 13 points and seven boards.
Golden State has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Thursday, traveling to face the Cleveland Cavaliers. As for Oklahoma City, they play the Detroit Pistons on Friday for their next outing.
Doncic Sinks Grizzlies With Last-Second Three
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the host Memphis Grizzlies, 114-113, at FedEx Forum on Wednesday evening.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start as the Grizzlies held a, 34-32 lead after one quarter. The Grizzlies held the edge for most of the second and took a three-point advantage into the break. They kept the upper hand through the third quarter and added another three-points to their advantage, to make it a six-point game heading into the final frame. The Mavs jumped out to grab a brief lead early in the fourth, but the Grizzles reclaimed the lead and stayed in front until the final seconds, where Luka Doncic hit a game-winning three-pointer as the clock expired.
Doncic led the Mavericks with 29 points, nine assists, five rebounds, two steals and a block, in 34 minutes. Kristaps Porzingis followed up with 21 points and six rebounds, while Dwight Powell chipped in 12 points, eight rebounds and a steal. The Mavericks shot 50 percent from the field, including 13-of-40 from long range.
Meanwhile, Grayson Allen led the Grizzlies with 23 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals, in 34 minutes. Jonas Valanciunas totaled 19 points, 15 rebounds and two assists, while Ja Morant finished with 17 points, five assists, four rebounds and steal. The Grizzlies shot 47 percent from the field, including 13-of-34 from long range.
The Grizzlies (27-26) will look to bounce back as they take on the Bulls in Chicago on Friday. The Mavs (30-24) play host to the Knicks on Friday.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start as the Grizzlies held a, 34-32 lead after one quarter. The Grizzlies held the edge for most of the second and took a three-point advantage into the break. They kept the upper hand through the third quarter and added another three-points to their advantage, to make it a six-point game heading into the final frame. The Mavs jumped out to grab a brief lead early in the fourth, but the Grizzles reclaimed the lead and stayed in front until the final seconds, where Luka Doncic hit a game-winning three-pointer as the clock expired.
Doncic led the Mavericks with 29 points, nine assists, five rebounds, two steals and a block, in 34 minutes. Kristaps Porzingis followed up with 21 points and six rebounds, while Dwight Powell chipped in 12 points, eight rebounds and a steal. The Mavericks shot 50 percent from the field, including 13-of-40 from long range.
Meanwhile, Grayson Allen led the Grizzlies with 23 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals, in 34 minutes. Jonas Valanciunas totaled 19 points, 15 rebounds and two assists, while Ja Morant finished with 17 points, five assists, four rebounds and steal. The Grizzlies shot 47 percent from the field, including 13-of-34 from long range.
The Grizzlies (27-26) will look to bounce back as they take on the Bulls in Chicago on Friday. The Mavs (30-24) play host to the Knicks on Friday.
Nuggets Defeat Heat, 123-106
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Miami Heat, 123-106, at Ball Arena on Wednesday.
While there were 14 lead changes in the first 20 minutes of this game, Denver held the lead for the entirety of the second half. That can be attributed to a 34-18 second quarter and then a 36-30 third quarter. That allowed the Nuggets to hold a double-digit lead for the final 18 minutes of play. Denver shot 54 percent from the field and 47 percent from three-point range while out-assisting Miami, 32-29. In addition, the Nuggets out-rebounded the Heat, 43-30, with an 11-4 advantage on the offensive end.
The Heat (28-27) were led by Bam Adebayo and his 21 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Kendrick Nunn amassed 16 points and four boards. Jimmy Butler generated 13 points, three rebounds, nine assists and three steals. Trevor Ariza also had 13 points but no other player had more than nine points or five rebounds.
The Nuggets (35-20) were led by Michael Porter, totaling 25 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks. Nikola Jokic tallied 17 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists and two blocks. Aaron Gordon had 16 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Monte Morris started and accrued 11 points, three rebounds and two assists. JaMychal Green led the bench with 17 points.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Miami staying on the road to face the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver traveling to play the struggling Houston Rockets.
While there were 14 lead changes in the first 20 minutes of this game, Denver held the lead for the entirety of the second half. That can be attributed to a 34-18 second quarter and then a 36-30 third quarter. That allowed the Nuggets to hold a double-digit lead for the final 18 minutes of play. Denver shot 54 percent from the field and 47 percent from three-point range while out-assisting Miami, 32-29. In addition, the Nuggets out-rebounded the Heat, 43-30, with an 11-4 advantage on the offensive end.
The Heat (28-27) were led by Bam Adebayo and his 21 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Kendrick Nunn amassed 16 points and four boards. Jimmy Butler generated 13 points, three rebounds, nine assists and three steals. Trevor Ariza also had 13 points but no other player had more than nine points or five rebounds.
The Nuggets (35-20) were led by Michael Porter, totaling 25 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks. Nikola Jokic tallied 17 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists and two blocks. Aaron Gordon had 16 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Monte Morris started and accrued 11 points, three rebounds and two assists. JaMychal Green led the bench with 17 points.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Miami staying on the road to face the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver traveling to play the struggling Houston Rockets.
Wizards Defeat Kings, 123-111
The Washington Wizards defeated the host Sacramento Kings, 123-111, at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday.
Washington got out to a 42-31 lead after the first quarter and never relinquished the lead after that. In fact, the Kings never even got within six points after that opening frame, with Washington getting their lead up to 19 points at times in the fourth quarter. Washington recorded the most turnovers for any winning team this year, committing 24 in this game, With that said, they shot 52 percent from the field and 82 percent from the free-throw line while out-rebounding the Kings, 56-31. The 29 combined steals in this game marked a season-high as well.
The Wizards (21-33) got another triple-double from Russell Westbrook, collecting 25 points, 15 rebounds, 11 assists and four steals. Bradley Beal led the team in scoring, totaling 31 points, four rebounds and three assists. Alex Len had eight points and 10 rebounds while Davis Bertans led the bench with 16 points, four rebounds and two assists.
The Kings (22-33) were led by De'Aaron Fox and his 33 points, five rebounds, six assists and six steals. Buddy Hield accrued 19 points, three rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Harrison Barnes amassed 18 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Hassan Whiteside led the bench with 12 points, nine rebounds and four blocks.
Sacramento has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Thursday, traveling to face the Phoenix Suns. As for Washington, they host the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday for their next outing.
Washington got out to a 42-31 lead after the first quarter and never relinquished the lead after that. In fact, the Kings never even got within six points after that opening frame, with Washington getting their lead up to 19 points at times in the fourth quarter. Washington recorded the most turnovers for any winning team this year, committing 24 in this game, With that said, they shot 52 percent from the field and 82 percent from the free-throw line while out-rebounding the Kings, 56-31. The 29 combined steals in this game marked a season-high as well.
The Wizards (21-33) got another triple-double from Russell Westbrook, collecting 25 points, 15 rebounds, 11 assists and four steals. Bradley Beal led the team in scoring, totaling 31 points, four rebounds and three assists. Alex Len had eight points and 10 rebounds while Davis Bertans led the bench with 16 points, four rebounds and two assists.
The Kings (22-33) were led by De'Aaron Fox and his 33 points, five rebounds, six assists and six steals. Buddy Hield accrued 19 points, three rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Harrison Barnes amassed 18 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Hassan Whiteside led the bench with 12 points, nine rebounds and four blocks.
Sacramento has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Thursday, traveling to face the Phoenix Suns. As for Washington, they host the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday for their next outing.