Kings Come From Behind, Defeat Pistons
The Sacramento Kings defeated the Detroit Pistons 122-113 at Little Caesars Arena on Friday night.
The Kings (16-12) endured a slow start against the Pistons (8-23) and looked quite bad in the early going, but they managed to react just in time and managed to secure the victory despite playing away from home. Detroit looked better in the early going and secured a one-point lead after finishing the first quarter with a 29-28 lead. The Pistons would go on to extend their advantage and they were leading by eight points at halftime after winning the second quarter by a 34-27 score. However, Sacramento woke up in the second half and turned things around following a 38-23 score that gave them a seven-point advantage entering the final 12 minutes of the game. The Kings would go on to close things out, and they won the final 12 minutes by a 29-27 score, allowing them to secure the victory by a nine-point margin. With the win, the Kings improved to 8-8 on the road while the Pistons fell to 4-10 at home.
De’Aaron Fox was the leading scorer for the Kings after finishing with 24 points, nine assists and five rebounds, while Domantas Sabonis ended with 33 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists and two steals across 41 minutes. Rookie Keegan Murray had 20 points, and Harrison Barnes delivered 19 points, seven rebounds, three steals and two assists. Kevin Huerter finished with 13 points and four assists, and Malik Monk delivered 11 points with six assists off the bench.
Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pistons with 22 points, two rebounds and two assists, while Jalen Duren ended with a double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds. Killian Hayes had 11 points and four assists, and Isaiah Stewart finished with 13 points and seven rebounds. Saddiq Bey had 14 points coming off the bench. Marvin Bagley III had 13 points.
The Kings (16-12) endured a slow start against the Pistons (8-23) and looked quite bad in the early going, but they managed to react just in time and managed to secure the victory despite playing away from home. Detroit looked better in the early going and secured a one-point lead after finishing the first quarter with a 29-28 lead. The Pistons would go on to extend their advantage and they were leading by eight points at halftime after winning the second quarter by a 34-27 score. However, Sacramento woke up in the second half and turned things around following a 38-23 score that gave them a seven-point advantage entering the final 12 minutes of the game. The Kings would go on to close things out, and they won the final 12 minutes by a 29-27 score, allowing them to secure the victory by a nine-point margin. With the win, the Kings improved to 8-8 on the road while the Pistons fell to 4-10 at home.
De’Aaron Fox was the leading scorer for the Kings after finishing with 24 points, nine assists and five rebounds, while Domantas Sabonis ended with 33 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists and two steals across 41 minutes. Rookie Keegan Murray had 20 points, and Harrison Barnes delivered 19 points, seven rebounds, three steals and two assists. Kevin Huerter finished with 13 points and four assists, and Malik Monk delivered 11 points with six assists off the bench.
Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pistons with 22 points, two rebounds and two assists, while Jalen Duren ended with a double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds. Killian Hayes had 11 points and four assists, and Isaiah Stewart finished with 13 points and seven rebounds. Saddiq Bey had 14 points coming off the bench. Marvin Bagley III had 13 points.
Hawks Enjoy Strong Start To Defeat Hornets
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 125-106, at Spectrum Center on Friday night.
The Hawks (15-15) moved back to .500 with a strong win and also snapped a two-game losing run, while the Hornets (7-22) continue to struggle and now they’ve lost seven games in a row following another subpar performance in front of their fans. This was a game where the Hawks grabbed an early lead, as they finished the first quarter leading by 14 points following a 38-24 score. Atlanta would go on to bolster that lead even further following a 37-35 score in the second quarter, but the Hornets would wake up in the second half, and they reduced the lead by single digits following a 33-23 score. However, the Hawks would go on to close things out with a strong performance in the fourth quarter, and they outscored their rivals by a 27-14 score, securing a massive 19-point win. With the victory, the Hawks moved to 6-10 on the road while the Hornets fell to 4-11 playing at home.
Trae Young was the best player for a depleted Atlanta team, and he finished the game with a team-high 31 points while also adding nine assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic finished with 28 points and nine rebounds, while DeAndre Hunter ended with 11 points and two rebounds. No other Atlanta starter scored in double digits, although rookie A.J. Griffin had 13 points, two rebounds and two assists, while veteran Frank Kaminsky had 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists off the bench.
LaMelo Ball led the way for the Hornets with 27 points, three assists and two rebounds, while Terry Rozier came close to a double-double after finishing with 10 points and nine assists. No other Charlotte starter scored in double digits, and that includes Gordon Hayward, who only posted nine points in 29 minutes. Kelly Oubre Jr. came off the bench and finished with 16 points and seven rebounds, while Naz Richards had 13 points and 11 rebounds coming off the bench.
The Hawks (15-15) moved back to .500 with a strong win and also snapped a two-game losing run, while the Hornets (7-22) continue to struggle and now they’ve lost seven games in a row following another subpar performance in front of their fans. This was a game where the Hawks grabbed an early lead, as they finished the first quarter leading by 14 points following a 38-24 score. Atlanta would go on to bolster that lead even further following a 37-35 score in the second quarter, but the Hornets would wake up in the second half, and they reduced the lead by single digits following a 33-23 score. However, the Hawks would go on to close things out with a strong performance in the fourth quarter, and they outscored their rivals by a 27-14 score, securing a massive 19-point win. With the victory, the Hawks moved to 6-10 on the road while the Hornets fell to 4-11 playing at home.
Trae Young was the best player for a depleted Atlanta team, and he finished the game with a team-high 31 points while also adding nine assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic finished with 28 points and nine rebounds, while DeAndre Hunter ended with 11 points and two rebounds. No other Atlanta starter scored in double digits, although rookie A.J. Griffin had 13 points, two rebounds and two assists, while veteran Frank Kaminsky had 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists off the bench.
LaMelo Ball led the way for the Hornets with 27 points, three assists and two rebounds, while Terry Rozier came close to a double-double after finishing with 10 points and nine assists. No other Charlotte starter scored in double digits, and that includes Gordon Hayward, who only posted nine points in 29 minutes. Kelly Oubre Jr. came off the bench and finished with 16 points and seven rebounds, while Naz Richards had 13 points and 11 rebounds coming off the bench.
Magic Pull Upset, Secure Win Over Celtics
The Orlando Magic defeated the Boston Celtics, 117-109, at TD Garden on Friday night.
The Magic (10-20) finally secured their second road win of the season (2-11 so far) and did it in impressive fashion, as they defeated a title contender in the Celtics (22-8), a team that has now lost just three games at home all season long (11-3). The magic got off to an impressive start and led by four points following the first quarter after a 32-28 score, and they would go on to bolster that advantage following a 30-26 score in the second quarter. Orlando was leading by eight points at the break, but the Celtics managed to show some life and won the third quarter by a 27-26 score. The Magic would erase that attempt of a comeback following a 29-28 score in the final 12 minutes of action, however, and Orlando ended up winning the game with ease.
Moritz Wagner was the best player for the Magic as he ended with 25 points and eight rebounds, while star rookie Paolo Banchero ended with 20 points, five rebounds and five assists. Franz Wagner had 19 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Markelle Fultz filled up the stat sheet with 12 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Cole Anthony had 14 points, five rebounds and three assists off the bench, while Mo Bamba grabbed 12 rebounds across 25 minutes.
Jason Tatum led the way for Boston, but his 31 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals were not enough. Jaylen Brown had 26 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Marcus Smart had 10 points and eight dimes. No other Boston starter scored in double digits in this game, though Malcolm Brogdon had 15 points, three rebounds and two steals across 30 minutes off the bench. Robert Williams III made his season debut and finished with nine points and five rebounds across 18 minutes.
The Magic (10-20) finally secured their second road win of the season (2-11 so far) and did it in impressive fashion, as they defeated a title contender in the Celtics (22-8), a team that has now lost just three games at home all season long (11-3). The magic got off to an impressive start and led by four points following the first quarter after a 32-28 score, and they would go on to bolster that advantage following a 30-26 score in the second quarter. Orlando was leading by eight points at the break, but the Celtics managed to show some life and won the third quarter by a 27-26 score. The Magic would erase that attempt of a comeback following a 29-28 score in the final 12 minutes of action, however, and Orlando ended up winning the game with ease.
Moritz Wagner was the best player for the Magic as he ended with 25 points and eight rebounds, while star rookie Paolo Banchero ended with 20 points, five rebounds and five assists. Franz Wagner had 19 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Markelle Fultz filled up the stat sheet with 12 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Cole Anthony had 14 points, five rebounds and three assists off the bench, while Mo Bamba grabbed 12 rebounds across 25 minutes.
Jason Tatum led the way for Boston, but his 31 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals were not enough. Jaylen Brown had 26 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Marcus Smart had 10 points and eight dimes. No other Boston starter scored in double digits in this game, though Malcolm Brogdon had 15 points, three rebounds and two steals across 30 minutes off the bench. Robert Williams III made his season debut and finished with nine points and five rebounds across 18 minutes.
Cavaliers Topple Pacers, 118-112
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Indiana Pacers, 118-112, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Friday night.
The Pacers (15-15) came into the contest looking to continue adding to their credibility as a contender by notching a key road win against a quality squad, and early on, they looked impressive in that regard while building a seven-point halftime lead. Indiana appeared to be in even better shape while adding another four points to its advantage in the third quarter, but the Cavaliers (19-11) progressively clawed back and finished the game on a 12-4 run over the final 5:29 to seal the comeback victory.
Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers with 22 points, adding three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Tyrese Haliburton followed with a 17-point, 14-assist double-double that included three steals and two blocks. Buddy Hield and Aaron Nesmith generated matching 14-point tallies while adding five assists and four rebounds, respectively. Myles Turner posted a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double. Isaiah Jackson delivered 10 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks.
Donovan Mitchell paced the Cavaliers with 41 points, complementing them with three assists, one rebound and one steal. Darius Garland compiled 20 points, 10 assists, six rebounds and two steals. Evan Mobley supplied 16 points, nine boards, two assists and two blocks. Cedi Osman poured in 14 points, while Caris LeVert totaled 12 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
The Pacers return home to host the New York Knicks on Sunday afternoon, while the Cavaliers host the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night.
The Pacers (15-15) came into the contest looking to continue adding to their credibility as a contender by notching a key road win against a quality squad, and early on, they looked impressive in that regard while building a seven-point halftime lead. Indiana appeared to be in even better shape while adding another four points to its advantage in the third quarter, but the Cavaliers (19-11) progressively clawed back and finished the game on a 12-4 run over the final 5:29 to seal the comeback victory.
Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers with 22 points, adding three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Tyrese Haliburton followed with a 17-point, 14-assist double-double that included three steals and two blocks. Buddy Hield and Aaron Nesmith generated matching 14-point tallies while adding five assists and four rebounds, respectively. Myles Turner posted a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double. Isaiah Jackson delivered 10 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks.
Donovan Mitchell paced the Cavaliers with 41 points, complementing them with three assists, one rebound and one steal. Darius Garland compiled 20 points, 10 assists, six rebounds and two steals. Evan Mobley supplied 16 points, nine boards, two assists and two blocks. Cedi Osman poured in 14 points, while Caris LeVert totaled 12 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
The Pacers return home to host the New York Knicks on Sunday afternoon, while the Cavaliers host the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night.
76ers Best Short-Handed Warriors, 118-106
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Golden State Warriors, 118-106, at Wells Fargo Center on Friday night.
The Warriors (14-16) came into the contest knowing they'd be fighting an uphill battle with Stephen Curry (shoulder) sidelined, but they appeared set to withstand the star guard's absence relatively well with Golden State emerging from the first quarter with a 38-33 lead. However, the surprising early deficit seemed to wake up the 76ers (16-12), which limited the visitors to 19 second-quarter points and sliced their deficit to three points in the process. Philadelphia then remained hot coming out of intermission and owned a six-point advantage going into the final period, and the hosts kept up the pace over the last 12 minutes to finish with a 12-point margin of victory.
Jordan Poole led the Warriors with 29 points, adding four assists, one rebound and one steal. Donte DiVincenzo generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that included six assists and one steal. Kevon Looney contributed 14 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists, two steals and two blocks. Klay Thompson supplied 12 points, three rebounds, three steals and one block.
Joel Embiid paced the 76ers with a 34-point, 13-rebound double-double that included four assists, four steals and two blocks. James Harden registered 27 points, nine assists and five rebounds. De'Anthony Melton registered 17 points, nine boards, seven assists and two steals. Shake Milton and Georges Niang turned in matching 11-point, two-steal efforts, with Milton also recording three assists, two steals and one block.
The Warriors remain on the road and visit the Toronto Raptors on Sunday evening, while the 76ers host the Raptors on Monday night.
The Warriors (14-16) came into the contest knowing they'd be fighting an uphill battle with Stephen Curry (shoulder) sidelined, but they appeared set to withstand the star guard's absence relatively well with Golden State emerging from the first quarter with a 38-33 lead. However, the surprising early deficit seemed to wake up the 76ers (16-12), which limited the visitors to 19 second-quarter points and sliced their deficit to three points in the process. Philadelphia then remained hot coming out of intermission and owned a six-point advantage going into the final period, and the hosts kept up the pace over the last 12 minutes to finish with a 12-point margin of victory.
Jordan Poole led the Warriors with 29 points, adding four assists, one rebound and one steal. Donte DiVincenzo generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that included six assists and one steal. Kevon Looney contributed 14 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists, two steals and two blocks. Klay Thompson supplied 12 points, three rebounds, three steals and one block.
Joel Embiid paced the 76ers with a 34-point, 13-rebound double-double that included four assists, four steals and two blocks. James Harden registered 27 points, nine assists and five rebounds. De'Anthony Melton registered 17 points, nine boards, seven assists and two steals. Shake Milton and Georges Niang turned in matching 11-point, two-steal efforts, with Milton also recording three assists, two steals and one block.
The Warriors remain on the road and visit the Toronto Raptors on Sunday evening, while the 76ers host the Raptors on Monday night.
Irving Seals Nets' Fifth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the host Toronto Raptors, 119-116, at Scotiabank Arena on Friday evening.
The Raptors got out to a great start and led 29-19 after one quarter. The Nets picked it up in the second but could not cut into the deficit, as the Raptors maintained a 10-point lead at the break. The Nets picked up the pace in the third and outscored the hosts 36-22 to take a four-point lead into the final frame. The Raptors kept it close in the fourth and grabbed a one-point edge with one minute to go, but the Nets came up clutch, topped off by a last second three by Kyrie Irving to seal their' fifth straight win. This marks the fourth consecutive loss for the Raptors.
Kyrie Irving led the Nets with 32 points, three rebounds and five assists, in 35 minutes. Kevin Durant followed up with 28 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Yuta Watanabe added 17 points, three rebounds and a steal. The Nets shot 60.5 percent from the field, including 9-of-26 from long range.
Meanwhile, Fred VanVleet led the Raptors with 39 points, five rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, in 43 minutes. Scottie Barnes followed up with 26 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Pascal Siakam tallied 17 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a steal. The Raptors shot 49 percent from the field, including 9-of-24 from long range.
The Raptors (13-15) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Warriors on Sunday. The Nets (17-12) take on the Pistons in Detroit on Sunday.
The Raptors got out to a great start and led 29-19 after one quarter. The Nets picked it up in the second but could not cut into the deficit, as the Raptors maintained a 10-point lead at the break. The Nets picked up the pace in the third and outscored the hosts 36-22 to take a four-point lead into the final frame. The Raptors kept it close in the fourth and grabbed a one-point edge with one minute to go, but the Nets came up clutch, topped off by a last second three by Kyrie Irving to seal their' fifth straight win. This marks the fourth consecutive loss for the Raptors.
Kyrie Irving led the Nets with 32 points, three rebounds and five assists, in 35 minutes. Kevin Durant followed up with 28 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Yuta Watanabe added 17 points, three rebounds and a steal. The Nets shot 60.5 percent from the field, including 9-of-26 from long range.
Meanwhile, Fred VanVleet led the Raptors with 39 points, five rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, in 43 minutes. Scottie Barnes followed up with 26 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Pascal Siakam tallied 17 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a steal. The Raptors shot 49 percent from the field, including 9-of-24 from long range.
The Raptors (13-15) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Warriors on Sunday. The Nets (17-12) take on the Pistons in Detroit on Sunday.
Knicks Roll Past Bulls For Sixth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The New York Knicks defeated the host Chicago Bulls, 114-91, at United Center on Friday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Bulls led 32-29 after one quarter. The Knicks picked it up in the second and outscored the hosts by eight, to take a five-point lead at the break. The Knicks carried the momentum into the third and added another seven-points to their advantage, making it a 12-point deficit heading into the final quarter. They did not let up in the fourth and charged through to the finish, securing their sixth straight win. This marks the third straight loss for the Bulls.
RJ Barrett led the Knicks with 27 points, four rebounds and two assists, in 38 minutes. Quentin Grimes tallied 22 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Jalen Brunson totaled 22 points, two rebounds, six assists and three steals. The Knicks shot 40 percent from the field, including 17-of-44 from long range.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 17 points, three rebounds and three assists, in 30 minutes. DeMar DeRozan followed up with 14 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Patrick Williams was the only other player to score in double digits with 10 points. The Bulls shot 47 percent from the field, including 12-of-30 from deep.
The Bulls (11-17) will look to bounce back as they take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Sunday. The Knicks (16-13) take on the Pacers in Indiana on Sunday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Bulls led 32-29 after one quarter. The Knicks picked it up in the second and outscored the hosts by eight, to take a five-point lead at the break. The Knicks carried the momentum into the third and added another seven-points to their advantage, making it a 12-point deficit heading into the final quarter. They did not let up in the fourth and charged through to the finish, securing their sixth straight win. This marks the third straight loss for the Bulls.
RJ Barrett led the Knicks with 27 points, four rebounds and two assists, in 38 minutes. Quentin Grimes tallied 22 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Jalen Brunson totaled 22 points, two rebounds, six assists and three steals. The Knicks shot 40 percent from the field, including 17-of-44 from long range.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 17 points, three rebounds and three assists, in 30 minutes. DeMar DeRozan followed up with 14 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Patrick Williams was the only other player to score in double digits with 10 points. The Bulls shot 47 percent from the field, including 12-of-30 from deep.
The Bulls (11-17) will look to bounce back as they take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Sunday. The Knicks (16-13) take on the Pacers in Indiana on Sunday.
T'Wolves Defeat Thunder, 112-110
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder, 112-110, at Paycom Center on Friday.
There were 10 ties and 14 lead changes in this game, coming down to the final shot. Josh Giddey had a halfcourt heave to win the game but was unable to prevail after Minnesota rode a 24-19 fourth quarter to their win. The Timberwolves shot 49 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range while holding the Thunder to 47 percent from the field and 30 percent from long range. Minnesota also recorded 16 steals while winning the turnover battle, 22-16.
The Timberwolves (14-15) were led by Naz Reid, who registered 28 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals in a rare start. Austin Rivers amassed 20 points, three rebounds and five steals. Anthony Edwards accrued 19 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, while Jaden McDaniels had 14 points, five rebounds and three steals. Jaylen Nowell led the bench with 13 points, four rebounds and four assists.
The Thunder (11-18) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, collecting 35 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Jalen Williams finished with 13 points, four rebounds and three assists. Josh Giddey compiled 11 points, 13 rebounds and six assists, while Aaron Wiggins and Eugene Omoruyi led the bench with 14 points apiece.
On deck for Oklahoma City is a home matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. As for Minnesota, they return to action on Sunday in a home meeting with the Chicago Bulls.
There were 10 ties and 14 lead changes in this game, coming down to the final shot. Josh Giddey had a halfcourt heave to win the game but was unable to prevail after Minnesota rode a 24-19 fourth quarter to their win. The Timberwolves shot 49 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range while holding the Thunder to 47 percent from the field and 30 percent from long range. Minnesota also recorded 16 steals while winning the turnover battle, 22-16.
The Timberwolves (14-15) were led by Naz Reid, who registered 28 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals in a rare start. Austin Rivers amassed 20 points, three rebounds and five steals. Anthony Edwards accrued 19 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, while Jaden McDaniels had 14 points, five rebounds and three steals. Jaylen Nowell led the bench with 13 points, four rebounds and four assists.
The Thunder (11-18) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, collecting 35 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Jalen Williams finished with 13 points, four rebounds and three assists. Josh Giddey compiled 11 points, 13 rebounds and six assists, while Aaron Wiggins and Eugene Omoruyi led the bench with 14 points apiece.
On deck for Oklahoma City is a home matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. As for Minnesota, they return to action on Sunday in a home meeting with the Chicago Bulls.
Mavs Defeat Blazers, 130-110
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the visiting Portland Trail Blazers, 130-110, at American Airlines Center on Friday.
Portland maintained the lead for the entirety of the first quarter, but that was the only time they were in this game. Dallas rode a 41-31 second quarter to a small lead but took the game to bed behind a 38-22 third quarter. That allowed them to lead by at least 15 points for the final 20 minutes of play, getting their lead up to 27 points at times. Dallas shot 56 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range while holding Portland to 44 percent from the field and 35 percent from long range.
The Trail Blazers (16-13) were led by Damian Lillard, collecting 24 points and three assists. Jusuf Nurkic amassed 16 points and six rebounds, None of the other three starters had more than seven points, four rebounds or two assists. Trendon Watford led the bench with 16 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and two steals.
The Mavericks (15-14) were led by Luka Doncic, tallying 33 points, six rebounds and nine assists. Christian Wood led the bench with 32 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks. Tim Hardaway Jr had 17 points, two rebounds and two assists, while Spencer Dinwiddie accrued 13 points, four assists and two steals. All of those guys shot above 60 percent from the field.
Both teams have to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, with Dallas traveling to play the Cleveland Cavaliers and Portland staying on the road to face the Houston Rockets.
Portland maintained the lead for the entirety of the first quarter, but that was the only time they were in this game. Dallas rode a 41-31 second quarter to a small lead but took the game to bed behind a 38-22 third quarter. That allowed them to lead by at least 15 points for the final 20 minutes of play, getting their lead up to 27 points at times. Dallas shot 56 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range while holding Portland to 44 percent from the field and 35 percent from long range.
The Trail Blazers (16-13) were led by Damian Lillard, collecting 24 points and three assists. Jusuf Nurkic amassed 16 points and six rebounds, None of the other three starters had more than seven points, four rebounds or two assists. Trendon Watford led the bench with 16 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and two steals.
The Mavericks (15-14) were led by Luka Doncic, tallying 33 points, six rebounds and nine assists. Christian Wood led the bench with 32 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks. Tim Hardaway Jr had 17 points, two rebounds and two assists, while Spencer Dinwiddie accrued 13 points, four assists and two steals. All of those guys shot above 60 percent from the field.
Both teams have to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, with Dallas traveling to play the Cleveland Cavaliers and Portland staying on the road to face the Houston Rockets.
Lakers Defeat Nuggets, 126-108
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Denver Nuggets, 126-108, at Crypto.com Arena on Friday.
While there were 11 ties and 13 lead changes through the first three quarters, Los Angeles rode a 33-20 fourth quarter to a blowout win. That run started with a 29-23 third quarter, getting their lead up to 22 points at times in the final minutes. The Lakers bench outscored the Nuggets bench, 58-23, while out-rebounding them, 27-14. Los Angeles also shot 52 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range while holding Denver to 48 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range. LA out-rebounded Denver, 52-45, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 18-6.
The Nuggets (17-11) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 25 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and four steals. Jamal Murray amassed 23 points, five rebounds and six assists. Aaron Gordon accrued 17 points, three rebounds and two steals, while Bruce Brown totaled 11 points, four rebounds, five assists and two blocks.
The Lakers (12-16) were led by LeBron James, tallying 30 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals on 13-of-20 from the field. Dennis Schroder generated 15 points, three assists and two steals. Patrick Beverley provided 10 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Thomas Bryant led the bench with 21 points, six rebounds and two steals. Russell Westbrook had a triple-double off the bench, collecting 15 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists and two steals.
On deck for Denver is a home matchup with the struggling Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. As for Los Angeles, they host the Washington Wizards on Sunday as well.
While there were 11 ties and 13 lead changes through the first three quarters, Los Angeles rode a 33-20 fourth quarter to a blowout win. That run started with a 29-23 third quarter, getting their lead up to 22 points at times in the final minutes. The Lakers bench outscored the Nuggets bench, 58-23, while out-rebounding them, 27-14. Los Angeles also shot 52 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range while holding Denver to 48 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range. LA out-rebounded Denver, 52-45, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 18-6.
The Nuggets (17-11) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 25 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and four steals. Jamal Murray amassed 23 points, five rebounds and six assists. Aaron Gordon accrued 17 points, three rebounds and two steals, while Bruce Brown totaled 11 points, four rebounds, five assists and two blocks.
The Lakers (12-16) were led by LeBron James, tallying 30 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals on 13-of-20 from the field. Dennis Schroder generated 15 points, three assists and two steals. Patrick Beverley provided 10 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Thomas Bryant led the bench with 21 points, six rebounds and two steals. Russell Westbrook had a triple-double off the bench, collecting 15 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists and two steals.
On deck for Denver is a home matchup with the struggling Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. As for Los Angeles, they host the Washington Wizards on Sunday as well.