Jazz Come From Behind, Secure Win Over Pacers
The Utah Jazz defeated the Indiana Pacers, 119-111, at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Friday afternoon.
The Jazz (42-14) endured a slow start in this game and quickly got themselves down on the score, but they used a strong second half to secure a huge home win over a Pacers (26-29) team that simply couldn't close things out when it mattered the most. Indiana jumped out to a 32-24 lead in the first quarter and extended that advantage to 13 points at the break (69-56), and it seemed as if Utah was not going to be able to turn things around in a venue where the Jazz had lost three games all season long. However, Utah started to show signs of a potential comeback in the third quarter and reduced the advantage to just three points following a 33-20 score, and they completed the comeback in the fourth quarter with a 30-22. The negative news of this game was the injury sustained by Donovan Mitchell, who has helped off the court, but further tests will be taken to determine the severity of the injury. Utah shot 48.3 percent from the field and 38.1 percent from three-point range, while the Pacers only made 39 percent of their shots and 33.3 percent of their attempts from deep.
Donovan Mitchell ended with 22 points and four rebounds before leaving the game injured, but Bojan Bogdanovic ended being the team's main scoring threat with a 24-point performance that also included three boards. Rudy Gobert only had 13 points, but he made his presence felt with 23 rebounds and four blocks. Mike Conley had 10 points and 10 assists, while Jordan Clarkson chipped in with 18 points and five boards off the bench.
Domantas Sabonis had an impressive performance against the Jazz, as he finished with 22 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block. Caris LeVert registered 24 points and seven rebounds, while Malcolm Brogdon delivered 16 points, six rebounds and four assists. Goga Bitadze once again contributed off the bench and finished with 13 points and four rebounds. Jeremy Lamb had 12 points and five boards.
The Jazz (42-14) endured a slow start in this game and quickly got themselves down on the score, but they used a strong second half to secure a huge home win over a Pacers (26-29) team that simply couldn't close things out when it mattered the most. Indiana jumped out to a 32-24 lead in the first quarter and extended that advantage to 13 points at the break (69-56), and it seemed as if Utah was not going to be able to turn things around in a venue where the Jazz had lost three games all season long. However, Utah started to show signs of a potential comeback in the third quarter and reduced the advantage to just three points following a 33-20 score, and they completed the comeback in the fourth quarter with a 30-22. The negative news of this game was the injury sustained by Donovan Mitchell, who has helped off the court, but further tests will be taken to determine the severity of the injury. Utah shot 48.3 percent from the field and 38.1 percent from three-point range, while the Pacers only made 39 percent of their shots and 33.3 percent of their attempts from deep.
Donovan Mitchell ended with 22 points and four rebounds before leaving the game injured, but Bojan Bogdanovic ended being the team's main scoring threat with a 24-point performance that also included three boards. Rudy Gobert only had 13 points, but he made his presence felt with 23 rebounds and four blocks. Mike Conley had 10 points and 10 assists, while Jordan Clarkson chipped in with 18 points and five boards off the bench.
Domantas Sabonis had an impressive performance against the Jazz, as he finished with 22 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block. Caris LeVert registered 24 points and seven rebounds, while Malcolm Brogdon delivered 16 points, six rebounds and four assists. Goga Bitadze once again contributed off the bench and finished with 13 points and four rebounds. Jeremy Lamb had 12 points and five boards.
Pistons Overcome Slow Start, Defeat Thunder
The Detroit Pistons defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, 110-104, at Little Caesars Arena on Friday evening.
The Pistons (17-39) and the Thunder (20-36) played a tight game that went down to the wire, but the Thunder couldn't take advantage of their strong start and when they tried to turn things around late in the fourth quarter, it was too late so Detroit sealed the win. Oklahoma City jumped to a first-quarter lead and outscored their rivals by a 32-25 score, but the Pistons responded with a 31-24 score in the second quarter to even things up. Detroit would pull away in the third following a 30-23 score and seemed in control the rest of the way, but the Thunder didn't give up and fought until the very final seconds of the game. It wasn't enough, however, and the Pistons sealed the win due to their sound execution down the stretch.
Josh Jackson paced the Pistons with 29 points and seven rebounds, but he also added two steals across 27 minutes. Jerami Grant chipped in with 18 points and seven rebounds, while Killian Hayes had nine points, seven assists and five steals. Isaiah Stewart dominated the glass and pulled down 22 rebounds while also adding 15 points, three assists and two blocks. Frank Jackson had 18 points coming off the bench.
Luguentz Dort carried the Thunder offensively and delivered 26 points and six rebounds while also posting three steals and two assists. Darius Bazley had 19 points and seven boards, but he also chipped in with two assists and two steals. Moses Brown had 12 points and eight rebounds. Tony Bradley had 11 points and seven rebounds coming off the bench. Theo Maledon had eight points.
The Pistons (17-39) and the Thunder (20-36) played a tight game that went down to the wire, but the Thunder couldn't take advantage of their strong start and when they tried to turn things around late in the fourth quarter, it was too late so Detroit sealed the win. Oklahoma City jumped to a first-quarter lead and outscored their rivals by a 32-25 score, but the Pistons responded with a 31-24 score in the second quarter to even things up. Detroit would pull away in the third following a 30-23 score and seemed in control the rest of the way, but the Thunder didn't give up and fought until the very final seconds of the game. It wasn't enough, however, and the Pistons sealed the win due to their sound execution down the stretch.
Josh Jackson paced the Pistons with 29 points and seven rebounds, but he also added two steals across 27 minutes. Jerami Grant chipped in with 18 points and seven rebounds, while Killian Hayes had nine points, seven assists and five steals. Isaiah Stewart dominated the glass and pulled down 22 rebounds while also adding 15 points, three assists and two blocks. Frank Jackson had 18 points coming off the bench.
Luguentz Dort carried the Thunder offensively and delivered 26 points and six rebounds while also posting three steals and two assists. Darius Bazley had 19 points and seven boards, but he also chipped in with two assists and two steals. Moses Brown had 12 points and eight rebounds. Tony Bradley had 11 points and seven rebounds coming off the bench. Theo Maledon had eight points.
76ers Edge Clippers, 106-103
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, 106-103, at Wells Fargo Center on Friday night.
The 76ers (39-17) came into Friday's contest with a golden opportunity to extend their winning ways despite the talented team that opposed them, as the Clippers (39-19) were once again down Kawhi Leonard due to a foot injury. Philadelphia started the game apparently intent on making good use of their advantage, forging a 31-20 edge through the first 12 minutes. The home squad were ahead by 12 points at halftime, but Los Angeles came out of intermission a refocused squad and had whittled their deficit to four going into the final period. The visitors then clawed all the way back to even take a slight lead on a couple of different occasions in the fourth quarter, but ultimately, Marcus Morris' miss of a 20-foot three-point jumper with under six seconds remaining sealed the home team's victory.
Paul George led the way for the Clippers with 37 points, adding nine rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal. Patrick Patterson poured in 18 points. Morris finished with 15 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Reggie Jackson supplied 13 points, four rebounds and four assists. Rajon Rondo furnished 10 points, eight assists and four rebounds.
Joel Embiid paced the 76ers with a 36-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included one assist and one steal. Furkan Korkmaz totaled 18 points, four assists, three rebounds and three steals. Ben Simmons delivered 12 points, nine rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks. Danny Green contributed 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists, four steals and two blocks.
The Clippers return home and host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night, while the 76ers host the Golden State Warriors on Monday night.
The 76ers (39-17) came into Friday's contest with a golden opportunity to extend their winning ways despite the talented team that opposed them, as the Clippers (39-19) were once again down Kawhi Leonard due to a foot injury. Philadelphia started the game apparently intent on making good use of their advantage, forging a 31-20 edge through the first 12 minutes. The home squad were ahead by 12 points at halftime, but Los Angeles came out of intermission a refocused squad and had whittled their deficit to four going into the final period. The visitors then clawed all the way back to even take a slight lead on a couple of different occasions in the fourth quarter, but ultimately, Marcus Morris' miss of a 20-foot three-point jumper with under six seconds remaining sealed the home team's victory.
Paul George led the way for the Clippers with 37 points, adding nine rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal. Patrick Patterson poured in 18 points. Morris finished with 15 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Reggie Jackson supplied 13 points, four rebounds and four assists. Rajon Rondo furnished 10 points, eight assists and four rebounds.
Joel Embiid paced the 76ers with a 36-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included one assist and one steal. Furkan Korkmaz totaled 18 points, four assists, three rebounds and three steals. Ben Simmons delivered 12 points, nine rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks. Danny Green contributed 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists, four steals and two blocks.
The Clippers return home and host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night, while the 76ers host the Golden State Warriors on Monday night.
Wizards Edge Pelicans In OT
By Dan Bruno
The Washington Wizards defeated the visiting New Orleans Pelicans, 117-115, in overtime at Capital One Arena on Friday evening.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start as the Wizards led, 30-29, after one quarter. They pulled ahead to a game-high 13-point lead, mid way through the second, but the Pelicans rallied back to cut it to a one-point game by halftime. The Pelicans continued the momentum into the third and grabbed a three-point advantage heading into the final frame. They rallied to a nine-point lead early in the fourth, but the Wizards fought back to tie it up and force overtime. The back-and-forth action continued through extra time, but the Wizards came out on top thanks to two clutch free throws from Russell Westbrook, with one second left on the clock, to earn their third straight win.
Russell Westbrook led the Wizards with 36 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists, in 43 minutes. Bradley Beal added 30 points, six assists and four rebounds, while Daniel Gafford chipped in 18 points, seven rebounds and four blocks. The Wizards shot 46 percent from the field, including 4-of-27 from long range.
Meanwhile, Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 34 points, seven rebounds, five assists and four steals, in 42 minutes. Zion Williamson finished with 21 points, six rebounds, a steal and a block, while Naji Marshall totaled 16 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and two steals. The Pelicans shot 41 percent from the field, including 7-of-28 from deep.
The Pelicans (25-31) will look to bounce back as they take on the Knicks in New York on Sunday. The Wizards (22-33) play host to the Pistons on Saturday.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start as the Wizards led, 30-29, after one quarter. They pulled ahead to a game-high 13-point lead, mid way through the second, but the Pelicans rallied back to cut it to a one-point game by halftime. The Pelicans continued the momentum into the third and grabbed a three-point advantage heading into the final frame. They rallied to a nine-point lead early in the fourth, but the Wizards fought back to tie it up and force overtime. The back-and-forth action continued through extra time, but the Wizards came out on top thanks to two clutch free throws from Russell Westbrook, with one second left on the clock, to earn their third straight win.
Russell Westbrook led the Wizards with 36 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists, in 43 minutes. Bradley Beal added 30 points, six assists and four rebounds, while Daniel Gafford chipped in 18 points, seven rebounds and four blocks. The Wizards shot 46 percent from the field, including 4-of-27 from long range.
Meanwhile, Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 34 points, seven rebounds, five assists and four steals, in 42 minutes. Zion Williamson finished with 21 points, six rebounds, a steal and a block, while Naji Marshall totaled 16 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and two steals. The Pelicans shot 41 percent from the field, including 7-of-28 from deep.
The Pelicans (25-31) will look to bounce back as they take on the Knicks in New York on Sunday. The Wizards (22-33) play host to the Pistons on Saturday.
Nets Close Out Hard-Fought Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets, 130-115, at Barclays Center on Friday evening.
The Hornets got out to a great start on the road with a, 35-29, lead after one quarter. The Nets responded in the second and brought it to a tie game heading into the break. The Hornets pulled ahead again early in the third, but the Nets came back and grabbed a five-point lead heading into the final frame. The Nets kept the momentum going in the fourth and outscored the visitors by 10 points in the quarter, to close out the home win and hand the Hornets a fourth straight loss.
Joe Harris was the high-point man for the Nets with 26 points on 8-of-12 shooting, in 29 minutes. Kevin Durant totaled 25 points, 11 assists, three rebounds and a block, while Landry Shamet chipped in 20 points, off the bench. The Nets shot 55 percent from the field, including 21-of-41 from deep.
Meanwhile, Miles Bridges led the Hornets with a career-high 33 points on 13-of-18 shooting, in 38 minutes. Terry Rozier totaled 27 points, 10 assists, six rebounds and a steal, while Vernon Carey chipped in 21 points, six rebounds and a block. The Hornets shot 53 percent from the field, including 12-of-34 from long range.
The Hornets (27-28) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Trail Blazers on Sunday. The Nets (38-18) take on the Heat in Miami on Sunday.
The Hornets got out to a great start on the road with a, 35-29, lead after one quarter. The Nets responded in the second and brought it to a tie game heading into the break. The Hornets pulled ahead again early in the third, but the Nets came back and grabbed a five-point lead heading into the final frame. The Nets kept the momentum going in the fourth and outscored the visitors by 10 points in the quarter, to close out the home win and hand the Hornets a fourth straight loss.
Joe Harris was the high-point man for the Nets with 26 points on 8-of-12 shooting, in 29 minutes. Kevin Durant totaled 25 points, 11 assists, three rebounds and a block, while Landry Shamet chipped in 20 points, off the bench. The Nets shot 55 percent from the field, including 21-of-41 from deep.
Meanwhile, Miles Bridges led the Hornets with a career-high 33 points on 13-of-18 shooting, in 38 minutes. Terry Rozier totaled 27 points, 10 assists, six rebounds and a steal, while Vernon Carey chipped in 21 points, six rebounds and a block. The Hornets shot 53 percent from the field, including 12-of-34 from long range.
The Hornets (27-28) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Trail Blazers on Sunday. The Nets (38-18) take on the Heat in Miami on Sunday.
Raptors Topple Magic, 113-102
The Orlando Magic defeated the Toronto Raptors, 113-102, at Amalie Arena on Friday night.
The Magic (19-37) held a big presumptive advantage over their hosts coming into the contest considering they were down three starters due to rest and another to injury. but the Raptors still matched them bucket for bucket in the first quarter. Orlando did take a four-point lead into halftime, but Toronto erased their modest deficit and established a 15-point lead that held up relatively comfortably in the final period.
Wendell Carter, Jr. led the way for the Magic with 20 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, one assist and one block. Cole Anthony registered 19 points, seven boards and five assists. Chuma Okeke provided 14 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Dwayne Bacon totaled 12 points, three rebounds and one assist.
Paul Watson paced the Raptors with 30 points, supplementing them with four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Yuta Watanabe turned in 21 points, six rebounds, two assists and one block. Stanley Johnson finished with 13 points, six boards, two assists, one steal and one block. Chris Boucher delivered 11 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Freddie Gillespie managed 10 points and seven rebounds.
The Magic return home to host the Houston Rockets on Sunday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday night as well.
The Magic (19-37) held a big presumptive advantage over their hosts coming into the contest considering they were down three starters due to rest and another to injury. but the Raptors still matched them bucket for bucket in the first quarter. Orlando did take a four-point lead into halftime, but Toronto erased their modest deficit and established a 15-point lead that held up relatively comfortably in the final period.
Wendell Carter, Jr. led the way for the Magic with 20 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, one assist and one block. Cole Anthony registered 19 points, seven boards and five assists. Chuma Okeke provided 14 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Dwayne Bacon totaled 12 points, three rebounds and one assist.
Paul Watson paced the Raptors with 30 points, supplementing them with four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Yuta Watanabe turned in 21 points, six rebounds, two assists and one block. Stanley Johnson finished with 13 points, six boards, two assists, one steal and one block. Chris Boucher delivered 11 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Freddie Gillespie managed 10 points and seven rebounds.
The Magic return home to host the Houston Rockets on Sunday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday night as well.
Grizzlies Best Bulls, 126-115
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Chicago Bulls, 126-115, at United Center on Friday night.
The Grizzlies (28-26) and Bulls (22-33) both came out of the gates hot, matching each other bucket for bucket during a highly entertaining first half that culminated in a 57-57 tie. Memphis was able to finally gain some separation during a third quarter in which they outscored Chicago by a 37-28 margin, and their 20-9 run over the first 6:21 of the final period helped seal the win.
Dillon Brooks led the Grizzlies with 32 points, complementing them with two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas totaled 16 points, seven boards and five assists. Ja Morant furnished 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Xavier Tillman supplied 14 points, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Grayson Allen and Tyus Jones posted 11 and 10 points, respectively, with Jones also dishing out seven assists and recording two steals.
Coby White paced the Bulls with 27 points, supplementing them with seven assists and five rebounds. Nikola Vucevic generated a 24-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included six assists. Thaddeus Young mustered 17 points, six rebounds and four assists. Troy Brown, Jr. and Denzel Valentine registered 11 points apiece.
The Grizzlies remain on the road and visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night, while the Bulls host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night as well.
The Grizzlies (28-26) and Bulls (22-33) both came out of the gates hot, matching each other bucket for bucket during a highly entertaining first half that culminated in a 57-57 tie. Memphis was able to finally gain some separation during a third quarter in which they outscored Chicago by a 37-28 margin, and their 20-9 run over the first 6:21 of the final period helped seal the win.
Dillon Brooks led the Grizzlies with 32 points, complementing them with two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas totaled 16 points, seven boards and five assists. Ja Morant furnished 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Xavier Tillman supplied 14 points, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Grayson Allen and Tyus Jones posted 11 and 10 points, respectively, with Jones also dishing out seven assists and recording two steals.
Coby White paced the Bulls with 27 points, supplementing them with seven assists and five rebounds. Nikola Vucevic generated a 24-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included six assists. Thaddeus Young mustered 17 points, six rebounds and four assists. Troy Brown, Jr. and Denzel Valentine registered 11 points apiece.
The Grizzlies remain on the road and visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night, while the Bulls host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night as well.
Nuggets Dominate Rockets In Houston
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the host Houston Rockets, 128-99, at Toyota Center on Friday evening.
The Nuggets got out to a good start on the road with a, 35-28, lead after one quarter. They picked up the pace in the second, where they outscored the hosts by 13 points, to make it a 20-point game by halftime. The Rockets picked up their play in the third, but they could not cut into the deficit, as the Nuggets increased their advantage to 21, heading into the final frame. The Nuggets pushed right through to the finish and closed out their second straight win in convincing fashion, while this marks the fifth straight loss for the Rockets.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 29 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists and two steals, in 27 minutes. Michael Porter Jr. followed up with 21 points, five rebounds and a steal, while Paul Millsap totaled 11 points, 10 rebounds and a block. The Nuggets shot 48 percent from the field, including 9-of-31 from deep.
Meanwhile, Kelly Olynyk led the Rockets with 23 points, six rebounds, two assists and a block, in 27 minutes. Jae'Sean Tate followed up with 21 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Christian Wood finished with 15 points, three rebounds and an assist. The Rockets shot 44 percent from the field, including 11-of-35 from long range.
The Rockets (14-42) will look to bounce back as they take on the Magic in Orlando on Sunday. The Nuggets (36-20) play host to the Grizzlies on Monday.
The Nuggets got out to a good start on the road with a, 35-28, lead after one quarter. They picked up the pace in the second, where they outscored the hosts by 13 points, to make it a 20-point game by halftime. The Rockets picked up their play in the third, but they could not cut into the deficit, as the Nuggets increased their advantage to 21, heading into the final frame. The Nuggets pushed right through to the finish and closed out their second straight win in convincing fashion, while this marks the fifth straight loss for the Rockets.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 29 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists and two steals, in 27 minutes. Michael Porter Jr. followed up with 21 points, five rebounds and a steal, while Paul Millsap totaled 11 points, 10 rebounds and a block. The Nuggets shot 48 percent from the field, including 9-of-31 from deep.
Meanwhile, Kelly Olynyk led the Rockets with 23 points, six rebounds, two assists and a block, in 27 minutes. Jae'Sean Tate followed up with 21 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Christian Wood finished with 15 points, three rebounds and an assist. The Rockets shot 44 percent from the field, including 11-of-35 from long range.
The Rockets (14-42) will look to bounce back as they take on the Magic in Orlando on Sunday. The Nuggets (36-20) play host to the Grizzlies on Monday.
T'Wolves Defeat Heat, 119-111
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Miami Heat, 119-111, at Target Center on Friday.
While Miami led 37-26 after the first quarter, Minnesota got back in it with a 35-24 second quarter and capped off their win with a 31-18 fourth quarter. The Timberwolves shot 52 percent from the field while holding the Heat below 49 percent shooting. Minnesota also out-rebounded Miami, 45-33. That allowed them to outscore them in the paint, 52-44, and in second-chance points, 23-5. In addition, the T'Wolves bench outscored the Heat's bench, 52-25.
The Heat (28-28) were led by Jimmy Butler, collecting 30 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Trevor Ariza amassed 21 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Bam Adebayo accrued 17 points, four rebounds and four assists. Goran Dragic led the bench with 15 points, three assists and three steals.
The Timberwolves (15-42) were led by Karl-Anthony Towns and his 24 points, five rebounds and five assists. Ricky Rubio generated 17 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals. Anthony Edwards provided 12 points, four rebounds and five assists. Jarred Vanderbilt came off the bench to provide nine points and 14 rebounds.
Both teams return to action on Sunday against tough competition, with Miami returning home to face the Brooklyn Nets and Minnesota traveling to play the surging Los Angeles Clippers.
While Miami led 37-26 after the first quarter, Minnesota got back in it with a 35-24 second quarter and capped off their win with a 31-18 fourth quarter. The Timberwolves shot 52 percent from the field while holding the Heat below 49 percent shooting. Minnesota also out-rebounded Miami, 45-33. That allowed them to outscore them in the paint, 52-44, and in second-chance points, 23-5. In addition, the T'Wolves bench outscored the Heat's bench, 52-25.
The Heat (28-28) were led by Jimmy Butler, collecting 30 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Trevor Ariza amassed 21 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Bam Adebayo accrued 17 points, four rebounds and four assists. Goran Dragic led the bench with 15 points, three assists and three steals.
The Timberwolves (15-42) were led by Karl-Anthony Towns and his 24 points, five rebounds and five assists. Ricky Rubio generated 17 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals. Anthony Edwards provided 12 points, four rebounds and five assists. Jarred Vanderbilt came off the bench to provide nine points and 14 rebounds.
Both teams return to action on Sunday against tough competition, with Miami returning home to face the Brooklyn Nets and Minnesota traveling to play the surging Los Angeles Clippers.
Trail Blazers Defeat Spurs, 107-106
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 107-106, at AT&T Center on Friday.
There were 13 ties and 12 lead changes in this close-fought battle, as it wasn't decided until the final shot. In fact, the Spurs had three shots in the final 10 seconds when trailing by a point but were unable to capitalize on any of them. They actually led by 16 points midway through the third quarter but the Trail Blazers outscored them in the second half, 59-49, to complete that comeback. Portland shot 11-of-29 from three-point range while San Antonio hit just 7-of-23. In addition, the Trail Blazers bench outscored the Spurs bench, 39-29.
The Trail Blazers (32-23) were led by C.J. McCollum and his 29 points, two rebounds and six assists. Norman Powell amassed 22 points, two rebounds and four assists. Jusuf Nurkic totaled nine points, six rebounds and four assists. Anfernee Simons led the bench with 16 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals while Enes Kanter provided 10 points, 13 rebounds and three assists.
The Spurs (26-28) were led by DeMar DeRozan, collecting 26 points, four rebounds and 10 assists. Jakob Poeltl generated 17 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Dejounte Murray tallied 13 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists while Devin Eubanks led the bench with 15 points, four rebounds and two steals.
On deck for Portland is a road game against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. As for San Antonio, they travel to face the Indiana Pacers on Monday for their next outing.
There were 13 ties and 12 lead changes in this close-fought battle, as it wasn't decided until the final shot. In fact, the Spurs had three shots in the final 10 seconds when trailing by a point but were unable to capitalize on any of them. They actually led by 16 points midway through the third quarter but the Trail Blazers outscored them in the second half, 59-49, to complete that comeback. Portland shot 11-of-29 from three-point range while San Antonio hit just 7-of-23. In addition, the Trail Blazers bench outscored the Spurs bench, 39-29.
The Trail Blazers (32-23) were led by C.J. McCollum and his 29 points, two rebounds and six assists. Norman Powell amassed 22 points, two rebounds and four assists. Jusuf Nurkic totaled nine points, six rebounds and four assists. Anfernee Simons led the bench with 16 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals while Enes Kanter provided 10 points, 13 rebounds and three assists.
The Spurs (26-28) were led by DeMar DeRozan, collecting 26 points, four rebounds and 10 assists. Jakob Poeltl generated 17 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Dejounte Murray tallied 13 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists while Devin Eubanks led the bench with 15 points, four rebounds and two steals.
On deck for Portland is a road game against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. As for San Antonio, they travel to face the Indiana Pacers on Monday for their next outing.
Knicks Defeat Mavericks, 117-109
The New York Knicks defeated the host Dallas Mavericks, 117-109, at American Airlines Center on Friday.
A 34-25 first quarter really set the tone for the Knicks in this game, leading for all but a handful of minutes after that. With that said, there were 10 ties and 12 lead changes in total, with the Knicks leading by 12 midway through the fourth quarter. The Knicks shot 51 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range while holding the Mavericks to 45 percent from the field and 35 percent from long range. In addition, New York out-rebounded Dallas, 45-40.
The Knicks (30-27) got a gem from Julius Randle, tallying 44 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists on 16-of-29 shooting. R.J. Barrett totaled 24 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Nerlens Noel had six points, 10 rebounds and three blocks before fouling out. Derrick Rose led the bench with 15 points and five assists.
The Mavericks (30-25) were led by Kristaps Porzingis and his 23 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks. Luka Doncic collected 22 points, eight rebounds and 19 assists. Josh Richardson accrued 14 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Tim Hardaway Jr led the bench with 16 points, two rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Dallas playing host to the struggling Sacramento Kings and New York returning home to face the New Orleans Pelicans.
A 34-25 first quarter really set the tone for the Knicks in this game, leading for all but a handful of minutes after that. With that said, there were 10 ties and 12 lead changes in total, with the Knicks leading by 12 midway through the fourth quarter. The Knicks shot 51 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range while holding the Mavericks to 45 percent from the field and 35 percent from long range. In addition, New York out-rebounded Dallas, 45-40.
The Knicks (30-27) got a gem from Julius Randle, tallying 44 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists on 16-of-29 shooting. R.J. Barrett totaled 24 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Nerlens Noel had six points, 10 rebounds and three blocks before fouling out. Derrick Rose led the bench with 15 points and five assists.
The Mavericks (30-25) were led by Kristaps Porzingis and his 23 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks. Luka Doncic collected 22 points, eight rebounds and 19 assists. Josh Richardson accrued 14 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Tim Hardaway Jr led the bench with 16 points, two rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Dallas playing host to the struggling Sacramento Kings and New York returning home to face the New Orleans Pelicans.