Cavaliers Dominate Early, Secure Win Over Bulls
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Chicago Bulls, 121-105, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Wednesday evening.
The Cavaliers (21-37) and the Bulls (24-34) played out a battle of struggling teams but perhaps surprisingly, the team with the worst record end up getting the victory here. Cleveland started the game with a high tempo and literally ran Chicago out of court, grabbing a 34-12 lead in the first quarter and limiting the Bulls to just 5-for-16 shooting in the first 12 minutes. The Bulls responded in the second quarter with a 32-27 score and showed signs of mounting a potential comeback, but Cleveland sealed the game for good with a 38-28 score in the third quarter. Chicago didn't have enough time to turn things around with only 12 minutes left on the clock and the Cavaliers didn't have problems to close things out despite losing the final quarter by a 33-22 score.
Collin Sexton led the Cavaliers in this victory with a 30-point victory that also included seven assists and three rebounds, while Darius Garland also added 25 points while putting up four assists, three rebounds and two steals. Kevin Love also posted a strong performance with 15 points, nine boards and four assists. Larry Nance Jr. and Isaiah Hartenstein contributed 10 points off the bench each, with Nance also adding four rebounds and Hartenstein grabbing six boards.
Coby White had 14 points and six assists to be one of the Bulls' top scorers in this contest -- he was one of four Chicago players that scored in double digits but was the only starter that accomplished that feat. Thaddeus Young had 14 points and eight rebounds off the bench. Lauri Markkanen paced the Bulls with 16 points.
The Cavaliers (21-37) and the Bulls (24-34) played out a battle of struggling teams but perhaps surprisingly, the team with the worst record end up getting the victory here. Cleveland started the game with a high tempo and literally ran Chicago out of court, grabbing a 34-12 lead in the first quarter and limiting the Bulls to just 5-for-16 shooting in the first 12 minutes. The Bulls responded in the second quarter with a 32-27 score and showed signs of mounting a potential comeback, but Cleveland sealed the game for good with a 38-28 score in the third quarter. Chicago didn't have enough time to turn things around with only 12 minutes left on the clock and the Cavaliers didn't have problems to close things out despite losing the final quarter by a 33-22 score.
Collin Sexton led the Cavaliers in this victory with a 30-point victory that also included seven assists and three rebounds, while Darius Garland also added 25 points while putting up four assists, three rebounds and two steals. Kevin Love also posted a strong performance with 15 points, nine boards and four assists. Larry Nance Jr. and Isaiah Hartenstein contributed 10 points off the bench each, with Nance also adding four rebounds and Hartenstein grabbing six boards.
Coby White had 14 points and six assists to be one of the Bulls' top scorers in this contest -- he was one of four Chicago players that scored in double digits but was the only starter that accomplished that feat. Thaddeus Young had 14 points and eight rebounds off the bench. Lauri Markkanen paced the Bulls with 16 points.
Pacers End Losing Streak, Defeat Thunder
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, 122-116, at BankersLife FieldHouse on Wednesday evening.
The Pacers (27-31) entered this matchup against the Thunder (20-39) on a three-game losing run while Oklahoma City had lost 11 games in a row, so one streak had to end -- Indiana came on top in a tight contest and snapped their woes, while the Thunder are now on a 12-game losing skid that doesn't seem as if it could end any time soon. The Pacers jumped out to a 34-28 lead in the first quarter and already seemed in control of the contest, further extending their lead by a 33-29 score by halftime. The Thunder responded in the second half and looked far better, outscoring Indiana in the final 24 minutes by a 59-55 score, but it wasn't enough to mount a comeback. The Pacers held on despite losing the final quarter and ended securing the victory against a struggling team that showed signs of turning things around late in this one. Indiana shot 45.5 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range, while the Thunder shot 46.2 percent from the field but a meager 31 percent from beyond the arc.
Three Pacers topped the 20-point mark in this game and Malcolm Brogdon led the way, as he ended with 29 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists and a steal. Oshae Brissett had one of his best performances of the season and had 23 points with 12 boards, while Caris LeVert chipped in with 28 points, six assists, four steals and five rebounds. Edmond Sumner had 10 points, while T.J. McConnell delivered 12 points and eight assists off the bench.
Darius Bazley led the Thunder with 26 points and nine rebounds, while Svi Mykhailiuk contributed 20 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Moses Brown delivered a double-double since he ended with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Theo Maledon contributed nine points and seven assists. Kenrich Williams contributed 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Pacers (27-31) entered this matchup against the Thunder (20-39) on a three-game losing run while Oklahoma City had lost 11 games in a row, so one streak had to end -- Indiana came on top in a tight contest and snapped their woes, while the Thunder are now on a 12-game losing skid that doesn't seem as if it could end any time soon. The Pacers jumped out to a 34-28 lead in the first quarter and already seemed in control of the contest, further extending their lead by a 33-29 score by halftime. The Thunder responded in the second half and looked far better, outscoring Indiana in the final 24 minutes by a 59-55 score, but it wasn't enough to mount a comeback. The Pacers held on despite losing the final quarter and ended securing the victory against a struggling team that showed signs of turning things around late in this one. Indiana shot 45.5 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range, while the Thunder shot 46.2 percent from the field but a meager 31 percent from beyond the arc.
Three Pacers topped the 20-point mark in this game and Malcolm Brogdon led the way, as he ended with 29 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists and a steal. Oshae Brissett had one of his best performances of the season and had 23 points with 12 boards, while Caris LeVert chipped in with 28 points, six assists, four steals and five rebounds. Edmond Sumner had 10 points, while T.J. McConnell delivered 12 points and eight assists off the bench.
Darius Bazley led the Thunder with 26 points and nine rebounds, while Svi Mykhailiuk contributed 20 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Moses Brown delivered a double-double since he ended with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Theo Maledon contributed nine points and seven assists. Kenrich Williams contributed 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Suns Edge 76ers, 116-113
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 116-113, at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday night.
The marquee matchup began as one might have expected considering the caliber of the teams, with the Suns (42-16) and 76ers (39-19) playing to a 54-54 halftime tie. Phoenix was able to take a one-point edge into the final period, and they were able to maintain an advantage from the 10:54 mark on despite Philadelphia getting within one point on multiple occasions.
Chris Paul led the way for the Suns with 28 points, adding eight assists, three rebounds and one block. Devin Booker furnished 19 points, seven assists, three rebounds and one steal. Malik Bridges delivered 18 points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Cameron Johnson supplied 15 points, four boards and three assists. Deandre Ayton totaled 10 points, five rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
Joel Embiid paced the 76ers with 38 points, supplementing them with 17 rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Danny Green registered 18 points, four rebounds, four assists and one block. Tyrese Maxey managed 14 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Furkan Korkmaz compiled 12 points, two rebounds and one assist. George Hill poured in 11 points.
The Suns remain on the road and visit the Boston Celtics on Thursday night, while the 76ers pack their bags and tangle with the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night as well.
The marquee matchup began as one might have expected considering the caliber of the teams, with the Suns (42-16) and 76ers (39-19) playing to a 54-54 halftime tie. Phoenix was able to take a one-point edge into the final period, and they were able to maintain an advantage from the 10:54 mark on despite Philadelphia getting within one point on multiple occasions.
Chris Paul led the way for the Suns with 28 points, adding eight assists, three rebounds and one block. Devin Booker furnished 19 points, seven assists, three rebounds and one steal. Malik Bridges delivered 18 points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Cameron Johnson supplied 15 points, four boards and three assists. Deandre Ayton totaled 10 points, five rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
Joel Embiid paced the 76ers with 38 points, supplementing them with 17 rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Danny Green registered 18 points, four rebounds, four assists and one block. Tyrese Maxey managed 14 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Furkan Korkmaz compiled 12 points, two rebounds and one assist. George Hill poured in 11 points.
The Suns remain on the road and visit the Boston Celtics on Thursday night, while the 76ers pack their bags and tangle with the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night as well.
Wizards Outlast Warriors, 118-114
The Washington Wizards defeated the Golden State Warriors at Capital One Arena on Wednesday night.
The Wizards (25-33) came into the contest with quite the head of steam provided by seven wins in eight games, and they carried that right over into a first quarter from which they emerged with an 18-point lead. However, the Warriors (29-30) roared back to eliminate all but two points from their deficit prior to halftime, and Golden State then stayed hot after intermission on their way to a seven-point advantage going into the final period. It was Washington's turn in the fourth quarter, however, as it finished on a 13-6 run over the final 2:18 and sealed the win on a pair of Davis Bertans free throws with 5.2 seconds remaining.
Kelly Oubre, Jr. led the Warriors with 24 points, adding nine rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Jordan Poole checked in with 22 points, three rebounds and two steals. Kent Bazemore supplied 19 points, nine rebounds, three assists, six steals and two blocks. Stephen Curry furnished 18 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and one steal. Andrew Wiggins totaled 14 points, four rebounds and three steals.
Bradley Beal paced the Wizards with 29 points, complementing them with 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals. Daniel Gafford and Bertans produced matching 19-point tallies, with Gafford also pulling down rebounds and recording three blocks, and Bertans recording six boards. Raul Neto compiled 18 points, four assists, three rebounds and three steals. Russell Westbrook generated a 14-point, 20-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that also included three steals.
The Warriors return home to host the Denver Nuggets on Friday night, while the Wizards visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night as well.
The Wizards (25-33) came into the contest with quite the head of steam provided by seven wins in eight games, and they carried that right over into a first quarter from which they emerged with an 18-point lead. However, the Warriors (29-30) roared back to eliminate all but two points from their deficit prior to halftime, and Golden State then stayed hot after intermission on their way to a seven-point advantage going into the final period. It was Washington's turn in the fourth quarter, however, as it finished on a 13-6 run over the final 2:18 and sealed the win on a pair of Davis Bertans free throws with 5.2 seconds remaining.
Kelly Oubre, Jr. led the Warriors with 24 points, adding nine rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Jordan Poole checked in with 22 points, three rebounds and two steals. Kent Bazemore supplied 19 points, nine rebounds, three assists, six steals and two blocks. Stephen Curry furnished 18 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and one steal. Andrew Wiggins totaled 14 points, four rebounds and three steals.
Bradley Beal paced the Wizards with 29 points, complementing them with 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals. Daniel Gafford and Bertans produced matching 19-point tallies, with Gafford also pulling down rebounds and recording three blocks, and Bertans recording six boards. Raul Neto compiled 18 points, four assists, three rebounds and three steals. Russell Westbrook generated a 14-point, 20-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that also included three steals.
The Warriors return home to host the Denver Nuggets on Friday night, while the Wizards visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night as well.
Raptors Earn Fourth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Brooklyn Nets, 114-103, at Amalie Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Nets jumped out to a good start with a, 36-23, lead after one quarter, but the Raptors rallied back through the second to cut it to a two-point game by halftime. The Raptors carried the momentum into the second half, as they outscored the visitors by 13 points in the third quarter, to rally ahead to a, 92-81, lead, heading into the final frame. The Nets pulled it together in the fourth but could not cut into the deficit, as the Raptors hung on and closed out their fourth straight win.
Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 27 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals, in 37 minutes. OG Anunoby followed up with 25 points, three rebounds and two blocks, while Fred VanVleet added 17 points, five assists, three rebounds and a steal. The Raptors shot 43 percent from the field, including 18-of-47 from deep.
Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving led the Nets with 28 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and a block, in 37 minutes. Bruce Brown followed up with 21 points, 14 rebounds and a block, while Joe Harris chipped in 14 points and four rebounds. The Nets shot 39 percent from the field, including 13-of-41 from long range.
The Nets (39-20) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Celtics on Friday. The Raptors (25-34) take on the Knicks in New York on Saturday.
The Nets jumped out to a good start with a, 36-23, lead after one quarter, but the Raptors rallied back through the second to cut it to a two-point game by halftime. The Raptors carried the momentum into the second half, as they outscored the visitors by 13 points in the third quarter, to rally ahead to a, 92-81, lead, heading into the final frame. The Nets pulled it together in the fourth but could not cut into the deficit, as the Raptors hung on and closed out their fourth straight win.
Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 27 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals, in 37 minutes. OG Anunoby followed up with 25 points, three rebounds and two blocks, while Fred VanVleet added 17 points, five assists, three rebounds and a steal. The Raptors shot 43 percent from the field, including 18-of-47 from deep.
Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving led the Nets with 28 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and a block, in 37 minutes. Bruce Brown followed up with 21 points, 14 rebounds and a block, while Joe Harris chipped in 14 points and four rebounds. The Nets shot 39 percent from the field, including 13-of-41 from long range.
The Nets (39-20) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Celtics on Friday. The Raptors (25-34) take on the Knicks in New York on Saturday.
Jazz Control From Start To Finish, Defeat Rockets
The Utah Jazz defeated the Houston Rockets, 112-89, at Toyota Center on Wednesday evening.
The Jazz (44-15) and the Rockets (15-44) played a one-sided game where Utah reflected why it sits near the top of the league standings while Houston are nearly 30 games under the .500 threshold -- the Jazz dominated the game from start to finish and didn't have problems to run away with the victory here. Utah jumped out to a 34-27 lead following the first quarter and that was enough for them to dominate the rest of the way -- however, they never stepped the foot off the gas and bolstered their advantage to nearly 20 points following a 27-16 score in the second quarter. Utah outscored Houston by a 30-20 score in the third quarter, meaning the game was all but over ahead of the final 12 minutes, and while the Rockets won the final quarter by a 26-21 score, that was not enough to mount a potential comeback. Utah won the game with ease and dominated nearly from start to finish in a comfortable victory.
Joe Ingles paced the Jazz's starters with 21 points in this game, but the team's best scorer came off the bench since Jordan Clarkson delivered 22 points and five rebounds off the bench. Rudy Gobert contributed 19 points and 18 rebounds, while Mike Conley also produced a double-double of 11 points and 13 assists while also adding five rebounds. Bojan Bogdanovic had 13 points and Georges Niang added 13 points off the bench.
John Wall carried the Rockets offensively with 21 points and six assists, while Christian Wood notched 16 points with eight rebounds across 30 minutes. Kelly Olynyk had 10 points with seven boards, while Armani Brooks contributed 11 rebounds while also adding six points and four assists. No other Houston player scored in double digits. The Rockets shot 35.4 percent from the field.
The Jazz (44-15) and the Rockets (15-44) played a one-sided game where Utah reflected why it sits near the top of the league standings while Houston are nearly 30 games under the .500 threshold -- the Jazz dominated the game from start to finish and didn't have problems to run away with the victory here. Utah jumped out to a 34-27 lead following the first quarter and that was enough for them to dominate the rest of the way -- however, they never stepped the foot off the gas and bolstered their advantage to nearly 20 points following a 27-16 score in the second quarter. Utah outscored Houston by a 30-20 score in the third quarter, meaning the game was all but over ahead of the final 12 minutes, and while the Rockets won the final quarter by a 26-21 score, that was not enough to mount a potential comeback. Utah won the game with ease and dominated nearly from start to finish in a comfortable victory.
Joe Ingles paced the Jazz's starters with 21 points in this game, but the team's best scorer came off the bench since Jordan Clarkson delivered 22 points and five rebounds off the bench. Rudy Gobert contributed 19 points and 18 rebounds, while Mike Conley also produced a double-double of 11 points and 13 assists while also adding five rebounds. Bojan Bogdanovic had 13 points and Georges Niang added 13 points off the bench.
John Wall carried the Rockets offensively with 21 points and six assists, while Christian Wood notched 16 points with eight rebounds across 30 minutes. Kelly Olynyk had 10 points with seven boards, while Armani Brooks contributed 11 rebounds while also adding six points and four assists. No other Houston player scored in double digits. The Rockets shot 35.4 percent from the field.
Knicks Topple Hawks in OT, 137-127
The New York Knicks defeated the Atlanta Hawks in overtime, 137-127, at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night.
The Knicks (33-27) came into the contest having won 19 of their 29 home games and playing some of the best defense in the league, so the fact the Hawks (32-27) boasted a 39-34 lead after one was somewhat surprising. New York had whittled its deficit down to two points by halftime, but Atlanta's edge was up to seven points heading into the final period despite losing Trae Young for good during the third quarter to what was eventually deemed left ankle sprain. Ultimately, the visitors forced overtime on a late Bogdan Bogdanovic corner three-pointer in the closing seconds despite getting outscored by a 32-25 margin in the fourth quarter, but the hosts dominated the extra period by a 15-5 margin for the double-digit victory.
Clint Capela led the Hawks with a 25-point, 22-rebound double-double that also included one assist, two steals and one block. Young and Bogdanovic had 20 points apiece, with Young also dishing out 14 assists and Bogdanovic pulling down six rebounds. John Collins furnished 18 points and three rebounds. Kevin Huerter managed 17 points, four assists, three rebounds and one block. Lou Williams led the bench with 11 points.
Julius Randle paced the Knicks with 40 points, adding 11 rebounds, six assists and one steal. Derrick Rose and Immanuel Quickley posted 20 points apiece while recording four rebounds and four assists, respectively. Reggie Bullock provided 18 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. R.J. Barrett delivered 16 points, six rebounds and five assists.
The Hawks return home to host the Miami Heat on Friday night, while the Knicks remain home and host the Toronto Raptors on Saturday afternoon.
The Knicks (33-27) came into the contest having won 19 of their 29 home games and playing some of the best defense in the league, so the fact the Hawks (32-27) boasted a 39-34 lead after one was somewhat surprising. New York had whittled its deficit down to two points by halftime, but Atlanta's edge was up to seven points heading into the final period despite losing Trae Young for good during the third quarter to what was eventually deemed left ankle sprain. Ultimately, the visitors forced overtime on a late Bogdan Bogdanovic corner three-pointer in the closing seconds despite getting outscored by a 32-25 margin in the fourth quarter, but the hosts dominated the extra period by a 15-5 margin for the double-digit victory.
Clint Capela led the Hawks with a 25-point, 22-rebound double-double that also included one assist, two steals and one block. Young and Bogdanovic had 20 points apiece, with Young also dishing out 14 assists and Bogdanovic pulling down six rebounds. John Collins furnished 18 points and three rebounds. Kevin Huerter managed 17 points, four assists, three rebounds and one block. Lou Williams led the bench with 11 points.
Julius Randle paced the Knicks with 40 points, adding 11 rebounds, six assists and one steal. Derrick Rose and Immanuel Quickley posted 20 points apiece while recording four rebounds and four assists, respectively. Reggie Bullock provided 18 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. R.J. Barrett delivered 16 points, six rebounds and five assists.
The Hawks return home to host the Miami Heat on Friday night, while the Knicks remain home and host the Toronto Raptors on Saturday afternoon.
Mavs Close Out Home Win To End Two-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the visiting Detroit Pistons, 127-117, at American Airlines Center on Wednesday evening.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start as the Pistons led, 36-33, after one quarter. The Mavericks took control in the second, where they outscored the visitors by 12, to take a nine-point lead into halftime. The pace picked up in the third, but the Mavs held the edge through the quarter and led, 100-90, heading into the final frame. The Pistons kept up the fight in the fourth, but the Mavs maintained control and closed out the home win to end a two-game slide.
Luka Doncic led the way for the Mavericks with 30 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists and two steals, in 33 minutes. Jalen Brunson followed up with 20 points, five assists and three rebounds, while Kristaps Porzingis logged 19 points, seven assists, four rebounds and three steals. The Mavs shot 50 percent from the field, including 16-of-43 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jerami Grant led the Pistons with 26 points, two rebounds and two assists, in 26 minutes. Cory Joseph added 24 points, five rebounds, five assists and a block, while Mason Plumlee totaled 13 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists. The Pistons shot 50 percent from the field, including 13-of-32 from long range.
The Pistons (18-41) will look to bounce back as they take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Thursday. The Mavericks (31-26) play host to the Lakers on Thursday.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start as the Pistons led, 36-33, after one quarter. The Mavericks took control in the second, where they outscored the visitors by 12, to take a nine-point lead into halftime. The pace picked up in the third, but the Mavs held the edge through the quarter and led, 100-90, heading into the final frame. The Pistons kept up the fight in the fourth, but the Mavs maintained control and closed out the home win to end a two-game slide.
Luka Doncic led the way for the Mavericks with 30 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists and two steals, in 33 minutes. Jalen Brunson followed up with 20 points, five assists and three rebounds, while Kristaps Porzingis logged 19 points, seven assists, four rebounds and three steals. The Mavs shot 50 percent from the field, including 16-of-43 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jerami Grant led the Pistons with 26 points, two rebounds and two assists, in 26 minutes. Cory Joseph added 24 points, five rebounds, five assists and a block, while Mason Plumlee totaled 13 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists. The Pistons shot 50 percent from the field, including 13-of-32 from long range.
The Pistons (18-41) will look to bounce back as they take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Thursday. The Mavericks (31-26) play host to the Lakers on Thursday.
Heat Rally To Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 107-87, at AT&T Center on Wednesday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start as the score was tied at 27, after one quarter. The game stayed tight through the second, but the Spurs pulled ahead for a two-point advantage by halftime. The Spurs held the advantage to start the third, but the Heat rallied to a five-point by the end of the quarter. The Heat kicked it up a notch in the fourth and outscored the hosts, 30-15, in the final frame, to close out their third straight win.
Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 23 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three steals and a block, in 31 minutes. Tyler Herro followed up with 22 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Jimmy Butler totaled 18 points, 11 assists, seven rebounds and a steal. The Heat shot 47 percent from the field, including 13-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile DeMar DeRozan led the Spurs with 15 points, five rebounds and four assists, in 31 minutes. Derrick White followed up with 13 points, seven assists and five rebounds, while Dejounte Murray chipped in 11 points, five rebounds and four assists. The Spurs shot 40 percent from the field, including 10-of-35 from long range.
The Spurs (28-29) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pistons on Thursday. The Heat (31-28) take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Friday.
The contest got out to a competitive start as the score was tied at 27, after one quarter. The game stayed tight through the second, but the Spurs pulled ahead for a two-point advantage by halftime. The Spurs held the advantage to start the third, but the Heat rallied to a five-point by the end of the quarter. The Heat kicked it up a notch in the fourth and outscored the hosts, 30-15, in the final frame, to close out their third straight win.
Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 23 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three steals and a block, in 31 minutes. Tyler Herro followed up with 22 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Jimmy Butler totaled 18 points, 11 assists, seven rebounds and a steal. The Heat shot 47 percent from the field, including 13-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile DeMar DeRozan led the Spurs with 15 points, five rebounds and four assists, in 31 minutes. Derrick White followed up with 13 points, seven assists and five rebounds, while Dejounte Murray chipped in 11 points, five rebounds and four assists. The Spurs shot 40 percent from the field, including 10-of-35 from long range.
The Spurs (28-29) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pistons on Thursday. The Heat (31-28) take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Friday.
Clippers Rally For Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, 117-105, at Staples Center on Wednesday evening.
The Grizzlies got out to a great start on the road with a, 39-24, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second, but the Clippers chipped away to make it a nine-point game by halftime. The Clippers took control in the third, where they outscored the visitors, 34-20, to take a five-point lead into the final frame. The Grizzlies cut it back to a one-point game, early in the fourth, but the Clippers used a, 11-6, run to create some separation, which was enough for them to regain control and close out their third straight win.
Luke Kennard led the Clippers with 28 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a block, in 38 minutes. Marcus Morris followed up with 25 points, four rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, while Terance Mann tallied 19 points, seven assists and six rebounds. The Clippers shot 45 percent from the field, including 14-of-27 from long range.
Meanwhile, Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 22 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 31 minutes. Jaren Jackson added 15 points, eight rebounds and four blocks, while Kyle Anderson totaled 12 points, three rebounds, three blocks and a steal. The Grizzlies shot 45 percent from the field, including 13-of-30 from deep.
The Grizzlies (29-28) will look to bounce back as they take on the Trail Blazers in Portland on Friday. The Clippers (42-19) take on the Rockets in Houston on Friday.
The Grizzlies got out to a great start on the road with a, 39-24, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second, but the Clippers chipped away to make it a nine-point game by halftime. The Clippers took control in the third, where they outscored the visitors, 34-20, to take a five-point lead into the final frame. The Grizzlies cut it back to a one-point game, early in the fourth, but the Clippers used a, 11-6, run to create some separation, which was enough for them to regain control and close out their third straight win.
Luke Kennard led the Clippers with 28 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a block, in 38 minutes. Marcus Morris followed up with 25 points, four rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, while Terance Mann tallied 19 points, seven assists and six rebounds. The Clippers shot 45 percent from the field, including 14-of-27 from long range.
Meanwhile, Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 22 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 31 minutes. Jaren Jackson added 15 points, eight rebounds and four blocks, while Kyle Anderson totaled 12 points, three rebounds, three blocks and a steal. The Grizzlies shot 45 percent from the field, including 13-of-30 from deep.
The Grizzlies (29-28) will look to bounce back as they take on the Trail Blazers in Portland on Friday. The Clippers (42-19) take on the Rockets in Houston on Friday.
Nuggets Defeat Trail Blazers, 106-105
The Denver Nuggets defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 106-105, at Moda Center on Wednesday.
In one of the tightest games of the season, it took 17 ties and 26 lead changes to determine a winner. In fact, the largest lead was a 10-point lead by the Trail Blazers in the third quarter but the Nuggets finished on a 39-28 run from there to prevail. Norman Powell had a floater opportunity at the buzzer to win the game for Portland but hit the back iron. The Nuggets out-assisted the Trail Blazers, 24-21, while out-rebounding them, 46-41. In addition, Denver outscored Portland by four points apiece in fastbreak scoring and points in the paint.
The Nuggets (38-20) were led by Nikola Jokic, tallying 25 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Michael Porter Jr made his first eight shots and totaled 17 points, five rebounds and two assists. Will Barton generated 14 points, six rebounds and four assists. Aaron Gordon amassed 12 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Trail Blazers (32-26) were led by Damian Lillard, collecting 22 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals. Powell missed the game-winning shot but still finished with 17 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. C.J. McCollum accumulated 14 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals while Jusuf Nurkic compiled eight points, seven rebounds and six assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Denver staying on the West Coast to face the Golden State Warriors and Portland remaining home to play the Memphis Grizzlies.
In one of the tightest games of the season, it took 17 ties and 26 lead changes to determine a winner. In fact, the largest lead was a 10-point lead by the Trail Blazers in the third quarter but the Nuggets finished on a 39-28 run from there to prevail. Norman Powell had a floater opportunity at the buzzer to win the game for Portland but hit the back iron. The Nuggets out-assisted the Trail Blazers, 24-21, while out-rebounding them, 46-41. In addition, Denver outscored Portland by four points apiece in fastbreak scoring and points in the paint.
The Nuggets (38-20) were led by Nikola Jokic, tallying 25 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Michael Porter Jr made his first eight shots and totaled 17 points, five rebounds and two assists. Will Barton generated 14 points, six rebounds and four assists. Aaron Gordon amassed 12 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Trail Blazers (32-26) were led by Damian Lillard, collecting 22 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals. Powell missed the game-winning shot but still finished with 17 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. C.J. McCollum accumulated 14 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals while Jusuf Nurkic compiled eight points, seven rebounds and six assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Denver staying on the West Coast to face the Golden State Warriors and Portland remaining home to play the Memphis Grizzlies.
Kings Defeat T'Wolves, 128-125
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 128-125, at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday.
While there were only five ties and eight lead changes in this game, it came down to the final shot. In fact, Buddy Hield hit a game-winning three-pointer with 8.8 seconds left, with Minnesota missing a shot and committing a turnover in their final two possessions. The T'Wolves actually led 113-102 with six minutes remaining but the Kings finished on a 26-12 spurt to complete their comeback victory. Sacramento shot 58 percent from the field and 52 percent from three-point range while recording 29 assists. Their starters outscored Minnesota's starters by 28 points. In addition, they outscored them in fastbreak points, 19-5.
The Timberwolves (16-44) were led by Karl-Anthony Towns and his 26 points, five rebounds and six assists. Anthony Edwards totaled 16 points and two assists. Ricky Rubio generated 11 points, four rebounds and six assists. D'Angelo Russell led the bench with 24 points, seven rebounds and two assists on 11-of-15 shooting.
The Kings (24-35) were led by De'Aaron Fox, tallying 30 points, five rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Hield finished with 29 points, six rebounds and five assists on 11-of-16 from the field. Harrison Barnes provided 22 points, six rebounds and seven assists, Tyler Haliburton led the bench with 16 points, three rebounds and six assists.
Minnesota returns to action on Saturday in a road matchup versus the Utah Jazz. As for Sacramento, they're off until Sunday when they travel to face the Golden State Warriors.
While there were only five ties and eight lead changes in this game, it came down to the final shot. In fact, Buddy Hield hit a game-winning three-pointer with 8.8 seconds left, with Minnesota missing a shot and committing a turnover in their final two possessions. The T'Wolves actually led 113-102 with six minutes remaining but the Kings finished on a 26-12 spurt to complete their comeback victory. Sacramento shot 58 percent from the field and 52 percent from three-point range while recording 29 assists. Their starters outscored Minnesota's starters by 28 points. In addition, they outscored them in fastbreak points, 19-5.
The Timberwolves (16-44) were led by Karl-Anthony Towns and his 26 points, five rebounds and six assists. Anthony Edwards totaled 16 points and two assists. Ricky Rubio generated 11 points, four rebounds and six assists. D'Angelo Russell led the bench with 24 points, seven rebounds and two assists on 11-of-15 shooting.
The Kings (24-35) were led by De'Aaron Fox, tallying 30 points, five rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Hield finished with 29 points, six rebounds and five assists on 11-of-16 from the field. Harrison Barnes provided 22 points, six rebounds and seven assists, Tyler Haliburton led the bench with 16 points, three rebounds and six assists.
Minnesota returns to action on Saturday in a road matchup versus the Utah Jazz. As for Sacramento, they're off until Sunday when they travel to face the Golden State Warriors.