Kawhi Leonard Leads Clippers Past Wizards
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Washington Wizards, 102-93, at crypto.com Arena on Saturday afternoon.
The Clippers (18-14) had to rely on their star player, Kawhi Leonard, to grind out a win against a Wizards (11-19) team that proved to be more complicated than originally expected. Indeed, the game was complicated for the for the Clippers at the start, as the Wizards raced out to a 28-20 lead following the first quarter. However, the Clippers showed signs of life just before the break, and they won the second quarter by a 30-29 score. The Clippers would continue with that momentum and they reduced the deficit to just three points following a 22-18 score in the third quarter, but they wouldn't take the lead until the final 12 minutes of the game. Tightening things up defensively and relying on Kawhi letter on the other end of the court, the Clippers outscored the Wizards by a 30-18 score the final 12 minutes of action. allowing them to secure the victory. Aside from sweeping the regular-season series between the two, the Clippers also moved to 10-7 at home while the Wizards fell to 3-12 on the road.
Kawhi Leonard was the star of the game for the Clippers, as he finished with a season-high 31 points but also included nine rebounds and three steals. Marcus Morris had 10 points, 12 rebounds and two assists, while John Wall had nine points, six assists and three rebounds as a starter. Luke Kennard looked very good off the bench and finished with 20 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Terance Mann and Amir Coffey finished with 10 points apiece off the bench.
Kristaps Porzingis was the best player for the Wizards with 29 points, seven rebounds and four steals, while Deni Avdija ended with 11 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Kyle Kuzma had 17 points and six rebounds, and Monte Morris delivered 12 points, five assists and three rebounds across 31 minutes. Will Barton had a strong game off the bench and finished with 14 points, three rebounds and two assists across 23 minutes.
The Clippers (18-14) had to rely on their star player, Kawhi Leonard, to grind out a win against a Wizards (11-19) team that proved to be more complicated than originally expected. Indeed, the game was complicated for the for the Clippers at the start, as the Wizards raced out to a 28-20 lead following the first quarter. However, the Clippers showed signs of life just before the break, and they won the second quarter by a 30-29 score. The Clippers would continue with that momentum and they reduced the deficit to just three points following a 22-18 score in the third quarter, but they wouldn't take the lead until the final 12 minutes of the game. Tightening things up defensively and relying on Kawhi letter on the other end of the court, the Clippers outscored the Wizards by a 30-18 score the final 12 minutes of action. allowing them to secure the victory. Aside from sweeping the regular-season series between the two, the Clippers also moved to 10-7 at home while the Wizards fell to 3-12 on the road.
Kawhi Leonard was the star of the game for the Clippers, as he finished with a season-high 31 points but also included nine rebounds and three steals. Marcus Morris had 10 points, 12 rebounds and two assists, while John Wall had nine points, six assists and three rebounds as a starter. Luke Kennard looked very good off the bench and finished with 20 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Terance Mann and Amir Coffey finished with 10 points apiece off the bench.
Kristaps Porzingis was the best player for the Wizards with 29 points, seven rebounds and four steals, while Deni Avdija ended with 11 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Kyle Kuzma had 17 points and six rebounds, and Monte Morris delivered 12 points, five assists and three rebounds across 31 minutes. Will Barton had a strong game off the bench and finished with 14 points, three rebounds and two assists across 23 minutes.
Heat Mount Comeback, Defeat Spurs In Mexico City
The Miami Heat defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 111-101, at Mexico City on Saturday afternoon.
The Heat (16-15) finally moved over the .500 threshold for the first time this season and did it in impressive fashion, as they came from behind and mount a massive comeback to get past the Spurs (9-20) while playing in Mexico City. San Antonio looked better in the first quarter and grabbed a three-point lead following a 28-25 score in the first quarter, and the game would continue close. The Spurs held on to that three-point advantage by the time the first half ended (55-52) and were up by four points when the third quarter finished, but that would be the end of their dominance. The Heat tightened things up before it was too late and dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring their rivals by a 31-17 score in the final 12 minutes and turning things around to secure the win. With the victory, the Heat moved to 7-9 on the road and the Spurs fell to 5-12 at “home”, even though this wasn’t a home game.
Bam Adebayo had 22 points, 13 rebounds and three assists for the Heat, while Jimmy Butler posted a team-high 26 points to go along with five rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Tyler Herro posted 21 points, seven assists, six rebounds and two steals, and Max Strus ended with 12 points, four rebounds and three assists. Duncan Robinson chipped in with 12 points, three assists, two boards and two steals off the bench.
Keldon Johnson had 22 points, three assists and two rebounds to lead the Spurs in this loss. Devin Vassell looked good as well, and he finished with 18 points, three boards and two assists. No other starter scored in double digits, but the bench stepped their game up. Zach Collins had 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists, Keita Bates-Diop delivered 10 points, four boards and four assists, and rookie Malaki Branham had 12 points in 20 minutes.
The Heat (16-15) finally moved over the .500 threshold for the first time this season and did it in impressive fashion, as they came from behind and mount a massive comeback to get past the Spurs (9-20) while playing in Mexico City. San Antonio looked better in the first quarter and grabbed a three-point lead following a 28-25 score in the first quarter, and the game would continue close. The Spurs held on to that three-point advantage by the time the first half ended (55-52) and were up by four points when the third quarter finished, but that would be the end of their dominance. The Heat tightened things up before it was too late and dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring their rivals by a 31-17 score in the final 12 minutes and turning things around to secure the win. With the victory, the Heat moved to 7-9 on the road and the Spurs fell to 5-12 at “home”, even though this wasn’t a home game.
Bam Adebayo had 22 points, 13 rebounds and three assists for the Heat, while Jimmy Butler posted a team-high 26 points to go along with five rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Tyler Herro posted 21 points, seven assists, six rebounds and two steals, and Max Strus ended with 12 points, four rebounds and three assists. Duncan Robinson chipped in with 12 points, three assists, two boards and two steals off the bench.
Keldon Johnson had 22 points, three assists and two rebounds to lead the Spurs in this loss. Devin Vassell looked good as well, and he finished with 18 points, three boards and two assists. No other starter scored in double digits, but the bench stepped their game up. Zach Collins had 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists, Keita Bates-Diop delivered 10 points, four boards and four assists, and rookie Malaki Branham had 12 points in 20 minutes.
Cavs Edge Mavericks In Overtime
By Dan Bruno
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the visiting Dallas Mavericks, 100-99, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Saturday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Mavs led 29-27 after one quarter. Both sides put up an equal effort, with 20 points each in the second, and the visitors maintained a two-point lead at the break. The Mavericks picked up the pace in the third and rallied ahead to an eight-point lead heading into the final quarter. The hosts bounced back in the fourth and rallied to a two-point lead in the final seconds, but Kemba Walker came up clutch for the Mavs and forced overtime. Neither side could get much to work in the extra frame, but the Cavaliers earned the one-point edge to tally their third straight win.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 25 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 42 minutes. Darius Garland followed up with 18 points, seven rebounds 12 assists, four steals and a block, while Evan Mobley totaled 17 points, eight rebounds and four assists. The Cavs shot 43 percent from the field, including 7-of-36 from deep.
Meanwhile, Kemba Walker led the Mavericks with 32 points, five rebounds, seven assists and a block, in 42 minutes. Christian Wood followed up with 26 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks, while Tim Hardaway added 13 points, six rebounds and three steals. The Mavs shot 41 percent from the field, including 15-of-49 from long range.
The Mavericks (15-15) will look to bounce back as they take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Monday. The Cavs (20-11) play host to the Jazz on Monday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Mavs led 29-27 after one quarter. Both sides put up an equal effort, with 20 points each in the second, and the visitors maintained a two-point lead at the break. The Mavericks picked up the pace in the third and rallied ahead to an eight-point lead heading into the final quarter. The hosts bounced back in the fourth and rallied to a two-point lead in the final seconds, but Kemba Walker came up clutch for the Mavs and forced overtime. Neither side could get much to work in the extra frame, but the Cavaliers earned the one-point edge to tally their third straight win.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 25 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 42 minutes. Darius Garland followed up with 18 points, seven rebounds 12 assists, four steals and a block, while Evan Mobley totaled 17 points, eight rebounds and four assists. The Cavs shot 43 percent from the field, including 7-of-36 from deep.
Meanwhile, Kemba Walker led the Mavericks with 32 points, five rebounds, seven assists and a block, in 42 minutes. Christian Wood followed up with 26 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks, while Tim Hardaway added 13 points, six rebounds and three steals. The Mavs shot 41 percent from the field, including 15-of-49 from long range.
The Mavericks (15-15) will look to bounce back as they take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Monday. The Cavs (20-11) play host to the Jazz on Monday.
Trail Blazers Subdue Rockets In Houston
By Dan Bruno
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the host Houston Rockets, 107-95, at Toyota Center on Saturday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Blazers led 33-27 after one quarter. Both sides kept up the fight and matched each other with 24 points apiece in the second, as the visitors took a six-point lead into the break. The Blazers broke away in the third, outscoring the Rockets 28-14 in the frame to take a 20-point lead into the final quarter. The Rockets put up a fight in the fourth but it was not enough, as they fell for a second straight loss.
Anfernee Simons led the Trail Blazers with 32 points, two assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Damian Lillard followed up with 25 points, thee rebounds, 10 assists and two steals, while Josh Hart tallied 12 points and 13 rebounds. The Blazers shot 47 percent from the field, including 13-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jalen Green led the Rockets with 15 points, five rebounds, four assists and a block, in 31 minutes. Kevin Porter finished with 13 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Tari Eason totaled 13 points and six rebounds. The Rockets shot 40 percent from the field, including 3-of-20 from deep.
The Rockets (9-20) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Spurs on Monday. The Trail Blazers (17-13) take on the Thunder in OKC on Monday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Blazers led 33-27 after one quarter. Both sides kept up the fight and matched each other with 24 points apiece in the second, as the visitors took a six-point lead into the break. The Blazers broke away in the third, outscoring the Rockets 28-14 in the frame to take a 20-point lead into the final quarter. The Rockets put up a fight in the fourth but it was not enough, as they fell for a second straight loss.
Anfernee Simons led the Trail Blazers with 32 points, two assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Damian Lillard followed up with 25 points, thee rebounds, 10 assists and two steals, while Josh Hart tallied 12 points and 13 rebounds. The Blazers shot 47 percent from the field, including 13-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jalen Green led the Rockets with 15 points, five rebounds, four assists and a block, in 31 minutes. Kevin Porter finished with 13 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Tari Eason totaled 13 points and six rebounds. The Rockets shot 40 percent from the field, including 3-of-20 from deep.
The Rockets (9-20) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Spurs on Monday. The Trail Blazers (17-13) take on the Thunder in OKC on Monday.
Bucks Hold Off Jazz In Milwaukee
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 123-97, at Fiserv Forum on Saturday evening.
Despite missing Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee), the Bucks got out to a strong start and led by five points after one quarter. They kept the upper hand through the second and pushed it to a nine-point game by halftime. Both sides came out with intensity in the third and poured in 36 points each, as it remained a nine-point deficit heading into the final frame. The Bucks took no chances in the fourth and outscored the visitors 31-14 in the quarter to seal the home win.
Bobby Portis led the Bucks with 22 points and 14 rebounds, in 30 minutes of action. Jrue Holiday followed up with 21 points, four rebounds, eight assists and a steal, while Marjon Beauchamp added 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Bucks shot 53 percent from the field, including 18-of-38 from long range.
Meanwhile, Lauri Markkanen tallied 18 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Malik Beasley finished with 18 points and three rebounds, to lead the way for the Jazz. Kelly Olynyk added 12 points, two assists and two steals. The Jazz shot 45 percent from the field, including 16-of-47 from long range.
The Jazz (17-15) will look to bounce back as they take on the Cavs in Cleveland on Monday. The Bucks (21-8) take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Monday.
Despite missing Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee), the Bucks got out to a strong start and led by five points after one quarter. They kept the upper hand through the second and pushed it to a nine-point game by halftime. Both sides came out with intensity in the third and poured in 36 points each, as it remained a nine-point deficit heading into the final frame. The Bucks took no chances in the fourth and outscored the visitors 31-14 in the quarter to seal the home win.
Bobby Portis led the Bucks with 22 points and 14 rebounds, in 30 minutes of action. Jrue Holiday followed up with 21 points, four rebounds, eight assists and a steal, while Marjon Beauchamp added 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Bucks shot 53 percent from the field, including 18-of-38 from long range.
Meanwhile, Lauri Markkanen tallied 18 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Malik Beasley finished with 18 points and three rebounds, to lead the way for the Jazz. Kelly Olynyk added 12 points, two assists and two steals. The Jazz shot 45 percent from the field, including 16-of-47 from long range.
The Jazz (17-15) will look to bounce back as they take on the Cavs in Cleveland on Monday. The Bucks (21-8) take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Monday.
Thunder Defeat Grizzlies, 115-109
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, 115-109, at Paycom Arena on Saturday.
While Memphis led for the majority of the first quarter, Oklahoma City rode a 39-22 second quarter to an easy win. They got their lead up to 24 points at times, leading by at least six points for the closing 30 minutes. The Thunder shot 41 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range while holding the Grizzlies to 38 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range. Oklahoma City also out-assisted Memphis, 29-15.
The Grizzlies (19-10) were led by Dillon Brooks, tallying 32 points and four rebounds. Jaren Jackson Jr generated 16 points and eight rebounds. Steven Adams amassed nine points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Tyus Jones led the bench with 15 points, two assists and two steals, while Brandon Clarke had 10 points and eight boards.
The Thunder (12-18) were led by Luguentz Dort, totaling 24 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Isaiah Joe generated 23 points and three boards. Aleksej Pokusevski provided nine points, six rebounds and four assists. Aaron Wiggins accrued 14 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Kenrich Williams collected 11 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
Oklahoma City returns to action on Monday, playing host to the Portland Trail Blazers. As for Memphis, they travel to face the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday for their next outing.
While Memphis led for the majority of the first quarter, Oklahoma City rode a 39-22 second quarter to an easy win. They got their lead up to 24 points at times, leading by at least six points for the closing 30 minutes. The Thunder shot 41 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range while holding the Grizzlies to 38 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range. Oklahoma City also out-assisted Memphis, 29-15.
The Grizzlies (19-10) were led by Dillon Brooks, tallying 32 points and four rebounds. Jaren Jackson Jr generated 16 points and eight rebounds. Steven Adams amassed nine points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Tyus Jones led the bench with 15 points, two assists and two steals, while Brandon Clarke had 10 points and eight boards.
The Thunder (12-18) were led by Luguentz Dort, totaling 24 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Isaiah Joe generated 23 points and three boards. Aleksej Pokusevski provided nine points, six rebounds and four assists. Aaron Wiggins accrued 14 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Kenrich Williams collected 11 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
Oklahoma City returns to action on Monday, playing host to the Portland Trail Blazers. As for Memphis, they travel to face the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday for their next outing.
Suns Defeat Pelicans, 118-114
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting New Orleans Pelicans, 118-114, at Footprint Center on Saturday.
While Phoenix led for less than 15 minutes in this game, they rode a 72-51 second half to their comeback win. The Pelicans actually held the lead for the entirety of the second and third quarters. Offensive rebounding was the only true advantage for the Suns, out-rebounding the Pelicans on that end, 10-4. That allowed them to outscore New Orleans in second-chance points, 17-5. The Pelicans shot 58 percent from the field and 47 percent from three-point range while holding the Suns to 47 percent from the field and 37 percent from long range.
The Pelicans (18-11) were led by Zion Williamson, collecting 30 points, three rebounds and nine assists on 12-of-16 from the field. CJ McCollum compiled 27 points, two rebounds and eight assists. Jonas Valanciunas had 12 points and eight boards, while Naji Marshall led the bench with 11 points, four rebounds and two assists.
The Suns (18-12) were led by Devin Booker, tallying 58 points, five rebounds and five assists on 21-of-35 from the field. Chris Paul generated 18 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Mikal Bridges had 15 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals, while Bismack Biyombo totaled 11 points and six rebounds. Josh Okogie led the bench with seven points and six rebounds.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Phoenix remaining home to play the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans returning home to face the Milwaukee Bucks.
While Phoenix led for less than 15 minutes in this game, they rode a 72-51 second half to their comeback win. The Pelicans actually held the lead for the entirety of the second and third quarters. Offensive rebounding was the only true advantage for the Suns, out-rebounding the Pelicans on that end, 10-4. That allowed them to outscore New Orleans in second-chance points, 17-5. The Pelicans shot 58 percent from the field and 47 percent from three-point range while holding the Suns to 47 percent from the field and 37 percent from long range.
The Pelicans (18-11) were led by Zion Williamson, collecting 30 points, three rebounds and nine assists on 12-of-16 from the field. CJ McCollum compiled 27 points, two rebounds and eight assists. Jonas Valanciunas had 12 points and eight boards, while Naji Marshall led the bench with 11 points, four rebounds and two assists.
The Suns (18-12) were led by Devin Booker, tallying 58 points, five rebounds and five assists on 21-of-35 from the field. Chris Paul generated 18 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Mikal Bridges had 15 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals, while Bismack Biyombo totaled 11 points and six rebounds. Josh Okogie led the bench with seven points and six rebounds.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Phoenix remaining home to play the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans returning home to face the Milwaukee Bucks.