Magic Wins Sixth Straight, Top Celtics
The Orlando Magic defeated the Boston Celtics, 95-92, at TD Garden on Sunday.
The Magic (11-20) remain scorching hot and reached six wins in a row following another impressive display, as they took advantage of the fact that the Celtics (22-9) didn’t have their star player, Jayson Tatum, due to personal issues. Orlando looked better in the early going and jumped out to a 26-23 lead in the first quarter, and although the Celtics never let the game slip away from them, the Magic were up by nine points at the halftime break following a 24-18 score. The Celtics woke up in the second half, however, and they outscored their rivals by a 30-18 score in the third quarter, grabbing a three-point lead with only 12 minutes left on the clock. The Magic turned things around, though, and they won the game after winning the final quarter by a 27-21 score while also closing things out defensively in the final plays. The Magic shot 38.4 percent from the field and 12-for-29 from three-point range while also committing 13 turnovers. Meanwhile, the Celtics only made 34.8 percent of their shots and 12 of their 47 threes while also committing 17 turnovers.
Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 31 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Franz Wagner ended with 12 points, five boards and three dimes. Moritz Wagner and Bol Bol both chipped in with 11 points, with Bol also adding eight rebounds while Wagner contributing six boards, three assists and two steals. Admiral Schofield recorded 13 points and four boards off the bench. Markelle Fultz ended with eight points, five dimes and five boards.
Jaylen Brown took advantage of Jayson Tatum’s absence to lead the Celtics with 24 points, 14 rebounds, three steals and two assists. Marcus Smart ended with 15 points, seven assists and seven rebounds, and Grant Williams posted 14 points, six boards and three dimes. Malcolm Brogdon recorded 12 points, six rebounds and a steal while coming off the bench.
The Magic (11-20) remain scorching hot and reached six wins in a row following another impressive display, as they took advantage of the fact that the Celtics (22-9) didn’t have their star player, Jayson Tatum, due to personal issues. Orlando looked better in the early going and jumped out to a 26-23 lead in the first quarter, and although the Celtics never let the game slip away from them, the Magic were up by nine points at the halftime break following a 24-18 score. The Celtics woke up in the second half, however, and they outscored their rivals by a 30-18 score in the third quarter, grabbing a three-point lead with only 12 minutes left on the clock. The Magic turned things around, though, and they won the game after winning the final quarter by a 27-21 score while also closing things out defensively in the final plays. The Magic shot 38.4 percent from the field and 12-for-29 from three-point range while also committing 13 turnovers. Meanwhile, the Celtics only made 34.8 percent of their shots and 12 of their 47 threes while also committing 17 turnovers.
Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 31 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Franz Wagner ended with 12 points, five boards and three dimes. Moritz Wagner and Bol Bol both chipped in with 11 points, with Bol also adding eight rebounds while Wagner contributing six boards, three assists and two steals. Admiral Schofield recorded 13 points and four boards off the bench. Markelle Fultz ended with eight points, five dimes and five boards.
Jaylen Brown took advantage of Jayson Tatum’s absence to lead the Celtics with 24 points, 14 rebounds, three steals and two assists. Marcus Smart ended with 15 points, seven assists and seven rebounds, and Grant Williams posted 14 points, six boards and three dimes. Malcolm Brogdon recorded 12 points, six rebounds and a steal while coming off the bench.
Knicks Secure Tight Win Over Pacers
The New York Knicks defeated the Indiana Pacers, 109-106, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday.
The Knicks (17-13) remain one of the hottest teams in the league right now and extended their winning streak Sunday in a tight contest against the Pacers (15-16), as they mounted a comeback late in the final quarter to stun the hosts. The Knicks looked better in the early going, but overall, things were tight and the opening half saw New York build a one-point lead following a 29-28 score in the second quarter and a 25-25 score in the second one. Indiana showed signs of life in the second half and managed to turn things around in the third quarter, securing a one-point lead following a 32-30 score, but the Knicks would turn things around right when it mattered the most. The Knicks won the final quarter by a 25-21 score, and that allowed them to secure the victory despite playing on the road.
Jalen Brunson led the way for the Knicks with 30 points, while Julius Randle posted 25 points, 14 rebounds and three assists. R.J. Barrett delivered 24 points and four rebounds, and Miles Robinson recorded 10 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks. Quentin Grimes posted six points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. The Knicks shot 47 percent from the field and 30.8 percent from deep.
Aaron Nesmith and Buddy Hield both led the way for the Pacers with 23 points each. Nesmith also added 10 rebounds, while Hield also contributed three rebounds and three assists. Tyrese Haliburton recorded 15 points and 10 assists. Myles Turner finished with six points and eight rebounds. Bennedict Mathurin had 15 points off the bench. Indiana shot 43.3 percent from the field and 34.2 percent from deep.
The Knicks (17-13) remain one of the hottest teams in the league right now and extended their winning streak Sunday in a tight contest against the Pacers (15-16), as they mounted a comeback late in the final quarter to stun the hosts. The Knicks looked better in the early going, but overall, things were tight and the opening half saw New York build a one-point lead following a 29-28 score in the second quarter and a 25-25 score in the second one. Indiana showed signs of life in the second half and managed to turn things around in the third quarter, securing a one-point lead following a 32-30 score, but the Knicks would turn things around right when it mattered the most. The Knicks won the final quarter by a 25-21 score, and that allowed them to secure the victory despite playing on the road.
Jalen Brunson led the way for the Knicks with 30 points, while Julius Randle posted 25 points, 14 rebounds and three assists. R.J. Barrett delivered 24 points and four rebounds, and Miles Robinson recorded 10 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks. Quentin Grimes posted six points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. The Knicks shot 47 percent from the field and 30.8 percent from deep.
Aaron Nesmith and Buddy Hield both led the way for the Pacers with 23 points each. Nesmith also added 10 rebounds, while Hield also contributed three rebounds and three assists. Tyrese Haliburton recorded 15 points and 10 assists. Myles Turner finished with six points and eight rebounds. Bennedict Mathurin had 15 points off the bench. Indiana shot 43.3 percent from the field and 34.2 percent from deep.
Nets Edge Pistons, 124-121
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Detroit Pistons, 124-121, at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday evening.
The Nets (19-12) came into the contest a solid favorite, but it was the Pistons (8-24) who emerged from the first quarter with a 35-21 lead. Detroit then added three points to its advantage in the second quarter to take a 17-point edge into halftime, but Kevin Durant single-handedly brought Brooklyn back by putting up a career-high single-quarter scoring tally of 26 points in the third period. The Nets subsequently fought to carve out a seven-point lead with 3:34 remaining and then fittingly sealed it with a pair of Durant free throws after the hosts closed to within one on multiple occasions in the closing seconds.
Durant led the Nets with 43 points, adding six rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Kyrie Irving followed with 38 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, three assists and one steal. Royce O'Neale tallied 11 points, two boards and two assists.
Bojan Bogdanovic paced the Pistons with 26 points, complementing them with four assists and one rebound. Jaden Ivey registered 19 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal. Marvin Bagley managed 12 points, four rebounds and one block. Alec Burks matched Bagley's scoring and added five rebounds, one assist and one steal. Killian Hayes and Saddiq Bey posted matching 10-point efforts, with Hayes adding eight assists, five rebounds and two steals.
The Nets return home to host the Golden State Warriors while the Pistons remain home and host the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night.
The Nets (19-12) came into the contest a solid favorite, but it was the Pistons (8-24) who emerged from the first quarter with a 35-21 lead. Detroit then added three points to its advantage in the second quarter to take a 17-point edge into halftime, but Kevin Durant single-handedly brought Brooklyn back by putting up a career-high single-quarter scoring tally of 26 points in the third period. The Nets subsequently fought to carve out a seven-point lead with 3:34 remaining and then fittingly sealed it with a pair of Durant free throws after the hosts closed to within one on multiple occasions in the closing seconds.
Durant led the Nets with 43 points, adding six rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Kyrie Irving followed with 38 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, three assists and one steal. Royce O'Neale tallied 11 points, two boards and two assists.
Bojan Bogdanovic paced the Pistons with 26 points, complementing them with four assists and one rebound. Jaden Ivey registered 19 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal. Marvin Bagley managed 12 points, four rebounds and one block. Alec Burks matched Bagley's scoring and added five rebounds, one assist and one steal. Killian Hayes and Saddiq Bey posted matching 10-point efforts, with Hayes adding eight assists, five rebounds and two steals.
The Nets return home to host the Golden State Warriors while the Pistons remain home and host the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night.
Warriors Thump Raptors, 126-110
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Toronto Raptors, 126-110, at Scotiabank Arena on Sunday evening.
The Warriors (15-16) came out of the gates hot in their second game without Stephen Curry (shoulder), racking up 68 first-half points to take a 14-point lead into halftime. Golden State then ensured there'd be no second-half resurgence from the Raptors (13-17) by adding another eight points to its advantage in the third quarter, setting up the double-digit victory. The visitors shot a sizzling 53.1 percent, including 46.2 percent from distance.
Jordan Poole led the Warriors with a career-high 43 points, adding six assists, one rebound and one steal. Klay Thompson furnished 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one steal. Draymond Green matched Thompson's scoring while adding nine rebounds and five assists. JaMychal Green finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one block. Kevon Looney generated an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block.
Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with 27 points, complementing them with six assists and five rebounds. Fred VanVleet delivered 22 points, eight assists, four rebounds and one steal. Scottie Barnes supplied 17 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal. Malachi Flynn totaled 16 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Chris Boucher turned in an 11-point, 14-rebound double-double.
The Warriors visit the New York Knicks on Tuesday night, while the Raptors hit the road to tangle with the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night.
The Warriors (15-16) came out of the gates hot in their second game without Stephen Curry (shoulder), racking up 68 first-half points to take a 14-point lead into halftime. Golden State then ensured there'd be no second-half resurgence from the Raptors (13-17) by adding another eight points to its advantage in the third quarter, setting up the double-digit victory. The visitors shot a sizzling 53.1 percent, including 46.2 percent from distance.
Jordan Poole led the Warriors with a career-high 43 points, adding six assists, one rebound and one steal. Klay Thompson furnished 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one steal. Draymond Green matched Thompson's scoring while adding nine rebounds and five assists. JaMychal Green finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one block. Kevon Looney generated an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block.
Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with 27 points, complementing them with six assists and five rebounds. Fred VanVleet delivered 22 points, eight assists, four rebounds and one steal. Scottie Barnes supplied 17 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal. Malachi Flynn totaled 16 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Chris Boucher turned in an 11-point, 14-rebound double-double.
The Warriors visit the New York Knicks on Tuesday night, while the Raptors hit the road to tangle with the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night.
Timberwolves Drop 150 Points In Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls, 150-126, at Target Center on Sunday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Bulls led 34-32 after one quarter. The Timberwolves turned it up a notch and outscored the visitors 39-31 in the second to take a six-point lead into the break. The Timberwolves kept up the momentum in the third outscored the Bulls 42-32 to make it a 16-point game heading into the final quarter. The visitors made a run in the fourth and cut it to a nine-point game, but the Timberwolves regained control and closed out their second straight win. This marks the fourth straight loss for the Bulls.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 37 points, seven rebounds, 11 assists and two steals, in 38 minutes. D'Angelo Russell followed up with 28 points, two rebounds and eight assists, while Jaden McDaniels finished with 15 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three blocks. The Timberwolves shot 65.5 percent from the field, including 23-of-43 from long range.
Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 29 points, four rebounds, six assists and two steals, in 39 minutes. Nikola Vucevic followed up with 23 points, nine rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block, while Zach LaVine tallied 22 points and six assists. The Bulls shot 52 percent from the field, including 16-of-38 from deep.
The Bulls (11-18) will look to bounce back as they take on the Heat in Miami on Tuesday. The Timberwolves (15-15) play host to the Mavericks on Monday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Bulls led 34-32 after one quarter. The Timberwolves turned it up a notch and outscored the visitors 39-31 in the second to take a six-point lead into the break. The Timberwolves kept up the momentum in the third outscored the Bulls 42-32 to make it a 16-point game heading into the final quarter. The visitors made a run in the fourth and cut it to a nine-point game, but the Timberwolves regained control and closed out their second straight win. This marks the fourth straight loss for the Bulls.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 37 points, seven rebounds, 11 assists and two steals, in 38 minutes. D'Angelo Russell followed up with 28 points, two rebounds and eight assists, while Jaden McDaniels finished with 15 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three blocks. The Timberwolves shot 65.5 percent from the field, including 23-of-43 from long range.
Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 29 points, four rebounds, six assists and two steals, in 39 minutes. Nikola Vucevic followed up with 23 points, nine rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block, while Zach LaVine tallied 22 points and six assists. The Bulls shot 52 percent from the field, including 16-of-38 from deep.
The Bulls (11-18) will look to bounce back as they take on the Heat in Miami on Tuesday. The Timberwolves (15-15) play host to the Mavericks on Monday.
Nuggets Defeat Hornets, 119-115
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets, 119-115, at Ball Arena on Sunday.
There were only four ties and seven lead changes in this game, with Denver maintaining the lead for the entirety of the second half. They actually outscored Charlotte, 35-27, in the second quarter to take a lead and took command of the game behind a 39-28 third quarter. They got their lead up to 16 points at times, with the Hornets never attempting a game-tying shot in the second half. The Nuggets shot 46 percent from the field while holding the Hornets below 43 percent shooting. Denver also out-assisted Charlotte, 33-26.
The Hornets (7-23) were led by LaMelo Ball, tallying 31 points, five rebounds and five assists. Gordon Hayward had 15 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Mason Plumlee generated 11 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks, while Kelly Oubre Jr led the bench with 16 points, two assists and two steals.
The Nuggets (18-11) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 40 points, 27 rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope provided 20 points, four rebounds and five assists. Aaron Gordon amassed 19 points, 10 rebounds and three steals, while Bruce Brown totaled 16 points and four assists. Jamal Murray missed nine of his 11 shots but led the team with 11 assists.
Charlotte has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Monday, traveling to face the Sacramento Kings. As for Denver, they play host to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday for their next outing.
There were only four ties and seven lead changes in this game, with Denver maintaining the lead for the entirety of the second half. They actually outscored Charlotte, 35-27, in the second quarter to take a lead and took command of the game behind a 39-28 third quarter. They got their lead up to 16 points at times, with the Hornets never attempting a game-tying shot in the second half. The Nuggets shot 46 percent from the field while holding the Hornets below 43 percent shooting. Denver also out-assisted Charlotte, 33-26.
The Hornets (7-23) were led by LaMelo Ball, tallying 31 points, five rebounds and five assists. Gordon Hayward had 15 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Mason Plumlee generated 11 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks, while Kelly Oubre Jr led the bench with 16 points, two assists and two steals.
The Nuggets (18-11) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 40 points, 27 rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope provided 20 points, four rebounds and five assists. Aaron Gordon amassed 19 points, 10 rebounds and three steals, while Bruce Brown totaled 16 points and four assists. Jamal Murray missed nine of his 11 shots but led the team with 11 assists.
Charlotte has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Monday, traveling to face the Sacramento Kings. As for Denver, they play host to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday for their next outing.
Lakers Defeat Wizards, 119-117
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Washington Wizards, 119-117, at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday.
There were eight ties and 14 lead changes in this game, with two of those ties and two of those lead changes happening in the final 33 seconds. Thomas Bryant hit a game-winning dunk for the Lakers with 7.4 seconds remaining, and Kyle Kuzma missed the game-winning three at the buzzer. The Lakers shot 50 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range while holding the Wizards to 46 percent from the field and 26 percent from long range. Los Angeles also outscored Washington in the paint, 66-58.
The Wizards (11-20) were led by Bradley Beal, collecting 29 points, two rebounds and three assists. Kyle Kuzma contributed 22 points, 16 rebounds and two assists. Kristaps Porzingis provided 21 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Daniel Gafford led the bench with 12 points, five rebounds and two blocks.
The Lakers (13-16) were led by LeBron James, tallying 33 points, seven rebounds and nine assists. Lonnie Walker amassed 21 points and three boards. Thomas Bryant totaled 16 points, 10 rebounds and two assists, while Dennis Schroder finished with 12 points, two rebounds and seven assists. Russell Westbrook led the bench with nine points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
On deck for Los Angeles is a road matchup with the Phoenix Suns on Monday. As for Washington, they have the exact same road matchup on Tuesday for their next outing.
There were eight ties and 14 lead changes in this game, with two of those ties and two of those lead changes happening in the final 33 seconds. Thomas Bryant hit a game-winning dunk for the Lakers with 7.4 seconds remaining, and Kyle Kuzma missed the game-winning three at the buzzer. The Lakers shot 50 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range while holding the Wizards to 46 percent from the field and 26 percent from long range. Los Angeles also outscored Washington in the paint, 66-58.
The Wizards (11-20) were led by Bradley Beal, collecting 29 points, two rebounds and three assists. Kyle Kuzma contributed 22 points, 16 rebounds and two assists. Kristaps Porzingis provided 21 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Daniel Gafford led the bench with 12 points, five rebounds and two blocks.
The Lakers (13-16) were led by LeBron James, tallying 33 points, seven rebounds and nine assists. Lonnie Walker amassed 21 points and three boards. Thomas Bryant totaled 16 points, 10 rebounds and two assists, while Dennis Schroder finished with 12 points, two rebounds and seven assists. Russell Westbrook led the bench with nine points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
On deck for Los Angeles is a road matchup with the Phoenix Suns on Monday. As for Washington, they have the exact same road matchup on Tuesday for their next outing.