Pacers Hold On, Secure Win Over Warriors
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Golden State Warriors, 125-119, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday night.
The Pacers (15-14) got off to a stronger start and they secured a 27-26 late following the first quarter, but they would pull away for good following a 47-28 score in the second 12 minutes of the first half. Even though the Warriors (14-15) reacted and won the third quarter by a 33-19 score, it was not enough to mount a potential comeback. The final 12 minutes of action ended with a 32-32 tie and with Draymond Green ejected in the final minutes of the contest. The Warriors could not complete the comeback, and the Pacers secured the win. With the victory, Indiana moved to 8-6 at home, while the Warriors continued their road woes and fell to 2-12 away from home. Plus, the Pacers swept the season series against the Warriors.
Tyrese Halliburton led the Pacers with 29 points, six assists and four rebounds, while Myles Turner finished with 21 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Buddy Hield ended with 17 points and five rebounds. Bennedict Mathurin had another strong game of the bench and finished with 24 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Oshae Brissett finished with 11 points, three steals and two boards. It's worth nothing that T.J. McConnell finished with nine assists off the bench in only 16 minutes.
Stephen Curry finished with 38 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals before leaving the game in the second half with an injury. Jordan Poole had 20 points, five rebounds and five assists, and Donte DiVincenzo came close to a double-double after putting up 15 points and eight rebounds. Draymond Green was ejected in the second half, and he only accounted for one point, two rebounds and three assists. Moses Moody finished with 15 points off the bench.
The Pacers (15-14) got off to a stronger start and they secured a 27-26 late following the first quarter, but they would pull away for good following a 47-28 score in the second 12 minutes of the first half. Even though the Warriors (14-15) reacted and won the third quarter by a 33-19 score, it was not enough to mount a potential comeback. The final 12 minutes of action ended with a 32-32 tie and with Draymond Green ejected in the final minutes of the contest. The Warriors could not complete the comeback, and the Pacers secured the win. With the victory, Indiana moved to 8-6 at home, while the Warriors continued their road woes and fell to 2-12 away from home. Plus, the Pacers swept the season series against the Warriors.
Tyrese Halliburton led the Pacers with 29 points, six assists and four rebounds, while Myles Turner finished with 21 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Buddy Hield ended with 17 points and five rebounds. Bennedict Mathurin had another strong game of the bench and finished with 24 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Oshae Brissett finished with 11 points, three steals and two boards. It's worth nothing that T.J. McConnell finished with nine assists off the bench in only 16 minutes.
Stephen Curry finished with 38 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals before leaving the game in the second half with an injury. Jordan Poole had 20 points, five rebounds and five assists, and Donte DiVincenzo came close to a double-double after putting up 15 points and eight rebounds. Draymond Green was ejected in the second half, and he only accounted for one point, two rebounds and three assists. Moses Moody finished with 15 points off the bench.
Magic Pull Upset, Defeat Hawks
The Orlando Magic defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 135-124, at Amway Center on Wednesday.
The Magic (9-20) looked absolutely dominant in the first quarter and scored 50 points in the opening 12 minutes, establishing a 28-point lead they’d never lose despite the attempts of the Hawks (14-15) to turn things around. The Hawks won the subsequent two quarters, 40-26 and 32-29, respectively, so they managed to reduce the deficit to 11 points, but they wouldn’t go any further. The final 12 minutes ended with a 30-30 tie, and the Magic escaped with a strong win in front of their fans. With the win, Orlando moved to 8-9 at home while the Hawks fell to 5-10 on the road.
Franz Wagner led the way for the Magic with 24 points, four assists and three rebounds, while Paolo Banchero ended with 20 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals. Bol Bol finished with 21 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while Markelle Fultz came close to a double-double after putting up 16 points, nine assists, seven rebounds and four steals. Moritz Wagner had 17 points and five rebounds.
De’Andre Hunter was the best player for the Hawks, finishing with 25 points and six rebounds, while Trae Young had a double-double of 19 points and 16 assists that also included three rebounds. Clint Capela had 16 points, six rebounds and two assists, while AJ Griffin finished with 15 points in 27 minutes. Bogdan Bogdanovic had 17 points, five rebounds and three assists off the bench.
The Magic (9-20) looked absolutely dominant in the first quarter and scored 50 points in the opening 12 minutes, establishing a 28-point lead they’d never lose despite the attempts of the Hawks (14-15) to turn things around. The Hawks won the subsequent two quarters, 40-26 and 32-29, respectively, so they managed to reduce the deficit to 11 points, but they wouldn’t go any further. The final 12 minutes ended with a 30-30 tie, and the Magic escaped with a strong win in front of their fans. With the win, Orlando moved to 8-9 at home while the Hawks fell to 5-10 on the road.
Franz Wagner led the way for the Magic with 24 points, four assists and three rebounds, while Paolo Banchero ended with 20 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals. Bol Bol finished with 21 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while Markelle Fultz came close to a double-double after putting up 16 points, nine assists, seven rebounds and four steals. Moritz Wagner had 17 points and five rebounds.
De’Andre Hunter was the best player for the Hawks, finishing with 25 points and six rebounds, while Trae Young had a double-double of 19 points and 16 assists that also included three rebounds. Clint Capela had 16 points, six rebounds and two assists, while AJ Griffin finished with 15 points in 27 minutes. Bogdan Bogdanovic had 17 points, five rebounds and three assists off the bench.
Pistons Outlast Hornets in OT, 141-134
The Detroit Pistons defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 141-134, in overtime at Spectrum Center on Wednesday night.
The two teams came into the contest with plenty of defensive questions, but the Hornets (7-21) were getting LaMelo Ball back after his latest extended absence due to an ankle injury. However, scoring was abundant on either end during a first half that culminated with the Pistons (8-22) holding a 73-69 lead. Detroit then added another six points to its advantage in the third quarter before Charlotte clawed back to eventually force overtime with a 7-2 run in the final 1:25. The visitors made up for it in overtime, however, doubling up the hosts by a 14-7 margin to secure the victory.
Alec Burks led the Pistons with 27 points, adding three rebounds, three assists and one block. Killian Hayes supplied 25 points, eight assists and seven boards. Bojan Bogdanovic totaled 24 points, four rebounds and four assists. Isaiah Stewart generated a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one assist and two blocks. Kevin Knox poured in 17 points. Jaden Ivey furnished 13 points, four assists and three rebounds. Jalen Duren registered seven points, 19 rebounds, two assists and three blocks.
Kelly Oubre paced the Hornets with 28 points, complementing them with eight boards, one assist, three steals and one block. Terry Rozier managed 25 points, five boards, two assists, one steal and one block. LaMelo Ball generated a 23-point, 11-assist double-double that included one rebound. Jalen McDaniels registered 21 points, six rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. P.J. Washington supplied 13 points, five boards, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Mason Plumlee turned in a 12-point, 18-rebound double-double that included three assists.
The Pistons return home to host the Sacramento Kings on Friday night, while the Hornets remain home and host the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night.
The two teams came into the contest with plenty of defensive questions, but the Hornets (7-21) were getting LaMelo Ball back after his latest extended absence due to an ankle injury. However, scoring was abundant on either end during a first half that culminated with the Pistons (8-22) holding a 73-69 lead. Detroit then added another six points to its advantage in the third quarter before Charlotte clawed back to eventually force overtime with a 7-2 run in the final 1:25. The visitors made up for it in overtime, however, doubling up the hosts by a 14-7 margin to secure the victory.
Alec Burks led the Pistons with 27 points, adding three rebounds, three assists and one block. Killian Hayes supplied 25 points, eight assists and seven boards. Bojan Bogdanovic totaled 24 points, four rebounds and four assists. Isaiah Stewart generated a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one assist and two blocks. Kevin Knox poured in 17 points. Jaden Ivey furnished 13 points, four assists and three rebounds. Jalen Duren registered seven points, 19 rebounds, two assists and three blocks.
Kelly Oubre paced the Hornets with 28 points, complementing them with eight boards, one assist, three steals and one block. Terry Rozier managed 25 points, five boards, two assists, one steal and one block. LaMelo Ball generated a 23-point, 11-assist double-double that included one rebound. Jalen McDaniels registered 21 points, six rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. P.J. Washington supplied 13 points, five boards, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Mason Plumlee turned in a 12-point, 18-rebound double-double that included three assists.
The Pistons return home to host the Sacramento Kings on Friday night, while the Hornets remain home and host the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night.
Knicks Best Bulls in OT, 128-120
The New York Knicks defeated the Chicago Bulls in overtime, 128-120, at United Center on Wednesday night.
The Knicks (15-13) opened the game in strong fashion, extending a one-point first-quarter lead to nine by halftime. However, the Bulls (11-16) progressively clawed back, and despite still being down by both five and four points on multiple occasions in the closing minutes, DeMar DeRozan scored the final four points in regulation to force overtime. New York then made up for the disappointing second half with a 9-0 run between the 3:02- and 28.1-second marks of the extra period to seal the victory.
Julius Randle led the Knicks with a 31-point, 13-rebound double-double that included seven assists. Jalen Brunson finished with 30 points, seven assists, two rebounds and one steal. R.J. Barrett furnished 22 points, six boards, two assists and one block. Quentin Grimes registered 14 points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.
DeRozan paced the Bulls with 32 points, complementing them with five rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Zach LaVine delivered 25 points, five boards, three assists and one steal. Nikola Vucevic managed 19 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Coby White supplied 12 points, four boards and two assists. Patrick Williams compiled 11 points, five assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block.
The two teams reconvene at United Center for a rematch Friday night.
The Knicks (15-13) opened the game in strong fashion, extending a one-point first-quarter lead to nine by halftime. However, the Bulls (11-16) progressively clawed back, and despite still being down by both five and four points on multiple occasions in the closing minutes, DeMar DeRozan scored the final four points in regulation to force overtime. New York then made up for the disappointing second half with a 9-0 run between the 3:02- and 28.1-second marks of the extra period to seal the victory.
Julius Randle led the Knicks with a 31-point, 13-rebound double-double that included seven assists. Jalen Brunson finished with 30 points, seven assists, two rebounds and one steal. R.J. Barrett furnished 22 points, six boards, two assists and one block. Quentin Grimes registered 14 points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.
DeRozan paced the Bulls with 32 points, complementing them with five rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Zach LaVine delivered 25 points, five boards, three assists and one steal. Nikola Vucevic managed 19 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Coby White supplied 12 points, four boards and two assists. Patrick Williams compiled 11 points, five assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block.
The two teams reconvene at United Center for a rematch Friday night.
Kings Edge Raptors, 124-123
The Sacramento Kings defeated the Toronto Raptors, 124-123, at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night.
The Raptors (13-15) opened the game looking firmly on their way to getting back to .500, as they owned a 31-23 lead through one. The Kings (15-12) knocked five points from their deficit prior to halftime, but Toronto had extended their advantage back out to eight entering the final period. However, Sacramento clawed back over the course of the final period, and although they almost blew a last-second lead when De'Aaron Fox missed a key free-throw attempt, Fred VanVleet's misfire on a 26-footer with 4.1 seconds remaining sealed the comeback win for the visitors.
Fox led the Kings with 27 points, adding 10 assists, six rebounds and one steal. Malik Monk supplied 24 points, three rebounds and three assists. Domantas Sabonis generated a 21-point, 20-rebound double-double that included seven assists, one steal and one block. Terence Davis turned in 19 points, three boards, two assists and one block. Harrison Barnes posted 12 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
VanVleet paced the Raptors with 39 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, five assists , four steals and one block. Scottie Barnes mustered a 27-point, 10-assist double-double that included seven rebounds and one block. Pascal Siakam registered 19 points, six assists and four rebounds. Gary Trent poured in 11 points.
The Kings remain on the road and face the Detroit Pistons on Friday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night.
The Raptors (13-15) opened the game looking firmly on their way to getting back to .500, as they owned a 31-23 lead through one. The Kings (15-12) knocked five points from their deficit prior to halftime, but Toronto had extended their advantage back out to eight entering the final period. However, Sacramento clawed back over the course of the final period, and although they almost blew a last-second lead when De'Aaron Fox missed a key free-throw attempt, Fred VanVleet's misfire on a 26-footer with 4.1 seconds remaining sealed the comeback win for the visitors.
Fox led the Kings with 27 points, adding 10 assists, six rebounds and one steal. Malik Monk supplied 24 points, three rebounds and three assists. Domantas Sabonis generated a 21-point, 20-rebound double-double that included seven assists, one steal and one block. Terence Davis turned in 19 points, three boards, two assists and one block. Harrison Barnes posted 12 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
VanVleet paced the Raptors with 39 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, five assists , four steals and one block. Scottie Barnes mustered a 27-point, 10-assist double-double that included seven rebounds and one block. Pascal Siakam registered 19 points, six assists and four rebounds. Gary Trent poured in 11 points.
The Kings remain on the road and face the Detroit Pistons on Friday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night.
Trail Blazers Notch Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 128-112, at AT&T Center on Wednesday evening.
The Blazers jumped out to a great start with an 11-point lead after one quarter. They kept the pressure on in the second and outscored the hosts 34-29, to a 16-point game at the break. The Spurs came out stronger in the third and chipped away at the deficit to cut it back to an eight-point game heading into the final frame. The Trail Blazers reclaimed control in the fourth and confidently closed out their third straight win, while this marks the end of the Spurs' three-game win streak.
Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 37 points, five rebounds, eight assists and two steals, in 36 minutes. Anfernee Simons followed up with 23 points, three rebounds and four assists, while Jerami Grant tallied 18 points, four rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The Trial Blazers shot 60.5 percent from the field, including 18-of-40 from deep.
Meanwhile, Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 25 points, seven rebounds and two assists, in 33 minutes. Doug McDermott followed up with 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting off the bench, while Keita Bates-Diop added 13 points four rebounds and two steals. The Spurs shot 46 percent from the field, including 11-of-29 from long range.
The Spurs (9-19) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Heat on Saturday. The Trail Blazers (16-12) take on the Mavericks in Dallas on Friday.
The Blazers jumped out to a great start with an 11-point lead after one quarter. They kept the pressure on in the second and outscored the hosts 34-29, to a 16-point game at the break. The Spurs came out stronger in the third and chipped away at the deficit to cut it back to an eight-point game heading into the final frame. The Trail Blazers reclaimed control in the fourth and confidently closed out their third straight win, while this marks the end of the Spurs' three-game win streak.
Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 37 points, five rebounds, eight assists and two steals, in 36 minutes. Anfernee Simons followed up with 23 points, three rebounds and four assists, while Jerami Grant tallied 18 points, four rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The Trial Blazers shot 60.5 percent from the field, including 18-of-40 from deep.
Meanwhile, Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 25 points, seven rebounds and two assists, in 33 minutes. Doug McDermott followed up with 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting off the bench, while Keita Bates-Diop added 13 points four rebounds and two steals. The Spurs shot 46 percent from the field, including 11-of-29 from long range.
The Spurs (9-19) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Heat on Saturday. The Trail Blazers (16-12) take on the Mavericks in Dallas on Friday.
Heat Rally For Comeback Win
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder, 110-108, at Paycom Center on Wednesday evening.
The game got out to a tight start and was tied at 31, after one quarter. The Heat turned up the intensity in the second and charged ahead to a 12-point lead by halftime. The Thunder answered right back in the third, as they quickly rallied back to make it a two-point game heading into the final quarter. The hosts kept the momentum going in the fourth and built a seven-point lead with four minutes left. However, the Heat closed the game on a 15-6 run to claim their second straight win, while this marks the fourth straight loss for the Thunder.
Tyler Herro led the Heat with 35 points, three rebounds and two assists, in 40 minutes. Bam Adebayo followed up with 15 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Kyle Lowry added 14 points, three rebounds and six assists. The Heat shot 43 percent from the field, including 24-of-56 from long range.
Meanwhile, Shai GilgeousA-Alexander led the Thunder with 27 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and steal, in 36 minutes. Josh Giddey followed up with 19 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, while Luguentz Dort added 18 points, three rebounds, four assists and a steal. The Thunder shot 50 percent from the field, including 9-of-24 from deep.
The Thunder (11-17) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Timberwolves on Friday. The Heat (14-15) take on the Rockets in Houston on Thursday.
The game got out to a tight start and was tied at 31, after one quarter. The Heat turned up the intensity in the second and charged ahead to a 12-point lead by halftime. The Thunder answered right back in the third, as they quickly rallied back to make it a two-point game heading into the final quarter. The hosts kept the momentum going in the fourth and built a seven-point lead with four minutes left. However, the Heat closed the game on a 15-6 run to claim their second straight win, while this marks the fourth straight loss for the Thunder.
Tyler Herro led the Heat with 35 points, three rebounds and two assists, in 40 minutes. Bam Adebayo followed up with 15 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Kyle Lowry added 14 points, three rebounds and six assists. The Heat shot 43 percent from the field, including 24-of-56 from long range.
Meanwhile, Shai GilgeousA-Alexander led the Thunder with 27 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and steal, in 36 minutes. Josh Giddey followed up with 19 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, while Luguentz Dort added 18 points, three rebounds, four assists and a steal. The Thunder shot 50 percent from the field, including 9-of-24 from deep.
The Thunder (11-17) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Timberwolves on Friday. The Heat (14-15) take on the Rockets in Houston on Thursday.
Cavs Hold On For Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the host Dallas Mavericks, 105-90, at American Airlines Center on Wednesday evening.
The Cavs got out to a strong start and led 26-19 after one quarter. They kept the pressure on in the second and outscored the hosts by another 12, to make it a 19-point game by halftime. The Mavs came out stronger in the third but only managed to cut the deficit to 15, heading into the final quarter. They kept up the fight in the fourth but could not find an answer, as the Cavaliers held on for the road win.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 34 points, three rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 34 minutes. Lamar Stevens followed up with 18 points, 11 rebounds and two assists, while Evan Mobley added 14 points, seven rebounds, six assists and a block. The Cavs shot 53 percent from the field, including 8-of-24 from long range,
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 30 points, five rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block, in 39 minutes. Christian Wood followed up with 20 points and seven rebounds, while Spencer Dinwiddie followed up with 10 points, six rebounds, seven assists and a block. The Mavericks shot 39 percent from the field, including 13-of-38 from deep.
The Mavs (14-14) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Trail Blazers on Friday. The Cavaliers (18-11) play host to the Pacers on Friday.
The Cavs got out to a strong start and led 26-19 after one quarter. They kept the pressure on in the second and outscored the hosts by another 12, to make it a 19-point game by halftime. The Mavs came out stronger in the third but only managed to cut the deficit to 15, heading into the final quarter. They kept up the fight in the fourth but could not find an answer, as the Cavaliers held on for the road win.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 34 points, three rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 34 minutes. Lamar Stevens followed up with 18 points, 11 rebounds and two assists, while Evan Mobley added 14 points, seven rebounds, six assists and a block. The Cavs shot 53 percent from the field, including 8-of-24 from long range,
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 30 points, five rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block, in 39 minutes. Christian Wood followed up with 20 points and seven rebounds, while Spencer Dinwiddie followed up with 10 points, six rebounds, seven assists and a block. The Mavericks shot 39 percent from the field, including 13-of-38 from deep.
The Mavs (14-14) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Trail Blazers on Friday. The Cavaliers (18-11) play host to the Pacers on Friday.
Nuggets Defeat Wizards, 141-128
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Washington Wizards, 141-128, at Ball Arena on Wednesday.
While there were eight ties and 11 lead changes in the first half, Denver never relinquished the lead in the second half. They outscored the Wizards in the second half, 69-61, getting their lead up to 16 points at times. Washington never had a game-tying shot over the closing 20 minutes. The Nuggets shot 65 percent from the field and 83 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Wizards to 53 percent from the field and 57 percent from the charity stripe. Denver also out-rebounded Washington, 54-34, while outscoring them in the paint, 98-48. The Nugs also outscored the Wiz in fastbreak scoring, 29-11.
The Wizards (11-18) were led by Kyle Kuzma, collecting 24 points, two rebounds and four assists. Will Barton led the bench with 22 points, two rebounds and nine assists. Monte Morris amassed 20 points and seven assists, while Deni Avdija accrued nine points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. Corey Kispert also scored 16 points.
The Nuggets (17-10) were led by Nikola Jokic, tallying 43 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists and four steals on 17-of-20 from the field. Aaron Gordon generated 22 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Bruce Brown totaled 13 points, three rebounds and four assists, while Bones Hyland led the bench with 23 points, two rebounds and six assists.
On deck for Denver is a road matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. As for Washington, they return to action on Saturday in a road matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers.
While there were eight ties and 11 lead changes in the first half, Denver never relinquished the lead in the second half. They outscored the Wizards in the second half, 69-61, getting their lead up to 16 points at times. Washington never had a game-tying shot over the closing 20 minutes. The Nuggets shot 65 percent from the field and 83 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Wizards to 53 percent from the field and 57 percent from the charity stripe. Denver also out-rebounded Washington, 54-34, while outscoring them in the paint, 98-48. The Nugs also outscored the Wiz in fastbreak scoring, 29-11.
The Wizards (11-18) were led by Kyle Kuzma, collecting 24 points, two rebounds and four assists. Will Barton led the bench with 22 points, two rebounds and nine assists. Monte Morris amassed 20 points and seven assists, while Deni Avdija accrued nine points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. Corey Kispert also scored 16 points.
The Nuggets (17-10) were led by Nikola Jokic, tallying 43 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists and four steals on 17-of-20 from the field. Aaron Gordon generated 22 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Bruce Brown totaled 13 points, three rebounds and four assists, while Bones Hyland led the bench with 23 points, two rebounds and six assists.
On deck for Denver is a road matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. As for Washington, they return to action on Saturday in a road matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Clippers Defeat T'Wolves, 99-88
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 99-88, at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday.
While there were eight ties and seven lead changes in this game, Los Angeles rode a 61-45 second half to their victory. They actually went on a 17-4 run in that final quarter to grab a game-high 13-point lead to take control of this game. The Clippers shot 14-of-46 from three-point range, while the Timberwolves hit just 4-of-22. In addition, Los Angeles out-rebounded Minnesota, 61-48, while out-assisting them, 21-15. The Clippers also won the turnover battle, 17-14, while outscoring the T'Wolves in second-chance points, 13-6.
The Timberwolves (13-15) were led by Anthony Edwards, accruing 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kyle Anderson compiled 13 points, six rebounds and five assists. Rudy Gobert generated 11 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks. Jaylen Nowell led the bench with 13 points and three boards.
The Clippers (17-13) got a triple-double from Paul George, collecting 17 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Kawhi Leonard finished with 19 points, eight rebounds and two steals. Marcus Morris had 12 points and seven rebounds, while Luke Kennard led the bench with 16 points. Nicolas Batum also totaled 13 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Los Angeles has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Thursday, playing host to the Phoenix Suns. As for Minnesota, they return to action on Friday in a road matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
While there were eight ties and seven lead changes in this game, Los Angeles rode a 61-45 second half to their victory. They actually went on a 17-4 run in that final quarter to grab a game-high 13-point lead to take control of this game. The Clippers shot 14-of-46 from three-point range, while the Timberwolves hit just 4-of-22. In addition, Los Angeles out-rebounded Minnesota, 61-48, while out-assisting them, 21-15. The Clippers also won the turnover battle, 17-14, while outscoring the T'Wolves in second-chance points, 13-6.
The Timberwolves (13-15) were led by Anthony Edwards, accruing 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kyle Anderson compiled 13 points, six rebounds and five assists. Rudy Gobert generated 11 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks. Jaylen Nowell led the bench with 13 points and three boards.
The Clippers (17-13) got a triple-double from Paul George, collecting 17 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Kawhi Leonard finished with 19 points, eight rebounds and two steals. Marcus Morris had 12 points and seven rebounds, while Luke Kennard led the bench with 16 points. Nicolas Batum also totaled 13 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Los Angeles has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Thursday, playing host to the Phoenix Suns. As for Minnesota, they return to action on Friday in a road matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder.