Cavaliers Dominate Against Jazz
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Utah Jazz, 122-99, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Monday.
The Cavaliers (21-11) are now 10 games over the .500 mark and delivered another impressive performance, topping the Jazz (17-16) by 23 points as they moved to 15-2 when playing at home. Meanwhile, Utah fell to 6-11 when playing away from home. Cleveland looked dominant right from the start and jumped out to a 29-21 lead following the opening 12 minutes, and they’d never look back the rest of the way. They outscored their opponents by a 33-23 score in the second quarter, and the 18-point deficit at halftime was just too much for the Jazz. Even though kept things “close” in the second half, the damage was already done and the Cavaliers raced out to victory here after winning the final two quarters, 28-27 and 32-28, respectively.
Donovan Mitchell had a strong game against his former team and finished with a team-high 23 points, while Darius Garland came close to posting a double-double after recording 17 points and eight assists but also committing six turnovers. Jarrett Allen finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks, while both Isaac Okoro and Evan Mobley both had 12 points. Mobley also had eight rebounds, and Okoro dished out four assists. Cedi Osman delivered 22 points off the bench.
Only three Jazz players scored in double digits in this game, as Lauri Markkanen was the highest-scoring player for Utah with 24 points and six rebounds, while Jordan Clarkson finished with 23 points despite shooting 8-for-21 from the field. Walker Kessler got the start and looked productive, recording 11 points and six rebounds across 25 minutes.
The Cavaliers (21-11) are now 10 games over the .500 mark and delivered another impressive performance, topping the Jazz (17-16) by 23 points as they moved to 15-2 when playing at home. Meanwhile, Utah fell to 6-11 when playing away from home. Cleveland looked dominant right from the start and jumped out to a 29-21 lead following the opening 12 minutes, and they’d never look back the rest of the way. They outscored their opponents by a 33-23 score in the second quarter, and the 18-point deficit at halftime was just too much for the Jazz. Even though kept things “close” in the second half, the damage was already done and the Cavaliers raced out to victory here after winning the final two quarters, 28-27 and 32-28, respectively.
Donovan Mitchell had a strong game against his former team and finished with a team-high 23 points, while Darius Garland came close to posting a double-double after recording 17 points and eight assists but also committing six turnovers. Jarrett Allen finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks, while both Isaac Okoro and Evan Mobley both had 12 points. Mobley also had eight rebounds, and Okoro dished out four assists. Cedi Osman delivered 22 points off the bench.
Only three Jazz players scored in double digits in this game, as Lauri Markkanen was the highest-scoring player for Utah with 24 points and six rebounds, while Jordan Clarkson finished with 23 points despite shooting 8-for-21 from the field. Walker Kessler got the start and looked productive, recording 11 points and six rebounds across 25 minutes.
76ers Hold On, Defeat Raptors In OT
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Toronto Raptors, 104-101 on overtime, at Wells Fargo Center on Monday.
The 76ers (17-12) moved five games over the .500 mark with a tight victory over the Raptors (13-18) in front of their fans, but it was a low-scoring affair considering these two teams needed 53 minutes to find a winner. Toronto looked better early on and jumped out to a 23-22 score in the first quarter, but the Sixers would grab the advantage just before the halftime break after outscoring Toronto by a 35-23 score in the second quarter. The Raptors would settle down and deliver an 11-point win in the third quarter alone, 32-21, so the game was tied entering the final 12 minutes of action. The fourth quarter ended in a tie, 21-21, so overtime would be needed to find a winner. Neither team looked dominant, but the 76ers were sharper and outscored Toronto by a 5-2 score. That would be enough to give them the win.
Joel Embiid was the best player for the 76ers and finished with 28 points and 11 rebounds, but he also added four assists and two steals. Tobias Harris notched 21 points and four boards, while James Harden recorded 14 points, eight assists and seven rebounds while shooting 5-for-14 from the field. Philadelphia shot 40 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from three-point range.
Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors in this loss, as he ended with 38 points, 15 rebounds, six assists and a steal. OG Anunoby was the only other starter who notched double-digit points for the Raptors after posting a 13-point, four-rebound, three-assists stat line. Chris Boucher had another solid game off the bench and ended with 13 points and 10 boards. Toronto shot 42 percent from the field and 11-for-40 from deep.
The 76ers (17-12) moved five games over the .500 mark with a tight victory over the Raptors (13-18) in front of their fans, but it was a low-scoring affair considering these two teams needed 53 minutes to find a winner. Toronto looked better early on and jumped out to a 23-22 score in the first quarter, but the Sixers would grab the advantage just before the halftime break after outscoring Toronto by a 35-23 score in the second quarter. The Raptors would settle down and deliver an 11-point win in the third quarter alone, 32-21, so the game was tied entering the final 12 minutes of action. The fourth quarter ended in a tie, 21-21, so overtime would be needed to find a winner. Neither team looked dominant, but the 76ers were sharper and outscored Toronto by a 5-2 score. That would be enough to give them the win.
Joel Embiid was the best player for the 76ers and finished with 28 points and 11 rebounds, but he also added four assists and two steals. Tobias Harris notched 21 points and four boards, while James Harden recorded 14 points, eight assists and seven rebounds while shooting 5-for-14 from the field. Philadelphia shot 40 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from three-point range.
Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors in this loss, as he ended with 38 points, 15 rebounds, six assists and a steal. OG Anunoby was the only other starter who notched double-digit points for the Raptors after posting a 13-point, four-rebound, three-assists stat line. Chris Boucher had another solid game off the bench and ended with 13 points and 10 boards. Toronto shot 42 percent from the field and 11-for-40 from deep.
Hawks Edge Magic, 126-125
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Orlando Magic, 126-125, at State Farm Arena on Monday night.
The Hawks (16-15) came into the contest looking to atone for an upset loss to the Magic (11-21) the week prior with the help of a couple of key returns, and they got off to a good start in that regard by establishing a 34-27 lead through one. Orlando had cut four points from its deficit by halftime, but Atlanta had extended its advantage to 10 going into the final period and was ahead by as much as 13 with 6:23 remaining. However, the visitors eventually clawed back to take a one-point lead with 3.1 seconds left before a Paolo Banchero shooting foul on the returning Dejounte Murray led to a pair of game-winning free throws.
Markelle Fultz led the Magic with 24 points, adding nine assists, six rebounds and one steal. Franz Wagner furnished 19 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Banchero registered 18 points, seven assists, four rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Moritz Wagner generated a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists, two steals and one block. Terrence Ross delivered 14 points and three assists and Mo Bamba turned in 11 points, four boards, two assists and one steal.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with 37 points, supplementing them with 13 assists and three rebounds. A.J. Griffin supplied 19 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal. Murray supplied 17 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. De'Andre Hunter provided 16 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal. John Collins posted 12 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. Onyeka Okongwu managed 11 points, eight rebounds and two blocks.
The Magic remains on the road and pays a visit to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night, while the Hawks remain home and welcome in the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night.
The Hawks (16-15) came into the contest looking to atone for an upset loss to the Magic (11-21) the week prior with the help of a couple of key returns, and they got off to a good start in that regard by establishing a 34-27 lead through one. Orlando had cut four points from its deficit by halftime, but Atlanta had extended its advantage to 10 going into the final period and was ahead by as much as 13 with 6:23 remaining. However, the visitors eventually clawed back to take a one-point lead with 3.1 seconds left before a Paolo Banchero shooting foul on the returning Dejounte Murray led to a pair of game-winning free throws.
Markelle Fultz led the Magic with 24 points, adding nine assists, six rebounds and one steal. Franz Wagner furnished 19 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Banchero registered 18 points, seven assists, four rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Moritz Wagner generated a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists, two steals and one block. Terrence Ross delivered 14 points and three assists and Mo Bamba turned in 11 points, four boards, two assists and one steal.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with 37 points, supplementing them with 13 assists and three rebounds. A.J. Griffin supplied 19 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal. Murray supplied 17 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. De'Andre Hunter provided 16 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal. John Collins posted 12 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. Onyeka Okongwu managed 11 points, eight rebounds and two blocks.
The Magic remains on the road and pays a visit to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night, while the Hawks remain home and welcome in the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night.
Bucks Topple Pelicans, 128-119
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 128-119, at Smoothie King Center on Monday night.
The much-ballyhooed showdown between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Zion Williamson -- the fourth head-to-head meeting of their careers -- opened with a hotly contested first quarter that the Bucks (22-8) emerged from with a 30-27 lead. Both teams were even sharper offensively in a second quarter during which 70 total points were scored, but Milwaukee still enjoyed a five-point halftime advantage over the Pelicans (18-12). The visitors gained more separation in the third by doubling up their edge, and although New Orleans got as close as within three with 1:32 remaining , a quick 7-0 run by the visitors put an end to any hopes of a comeback.
Antetokounmpo led the way with 42 points, adding 10 rebounds, one assist and one block. Brook Lopez finished with 30 points, seven boards, three assists and one block. Jrue Holiday generated an 18-point, 11-assist double-double that included four rebounds, two steals and one block. Pat Connaughton furnished 11 points, four boards, one assist and one block.
Jonas Valanciunas paced the Pelicans with a 37-point, 18-rebound double-double that included five assists and one steal. C.J. McCollum supplied 31 points, nine assists and eight rebounds. Williamson managed 18 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Trey Murphy compiled 13 points and five rebounds.
The Bucks remain on the road and visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night, while the Pelicans remain home and host the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night.
The much-ballyhooed showdown between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Zion Williamson -- the fourth head-to-head meeting of their careers -- opened with a hotly contested first quarter that the Bucks (22-8) emerged from with a 30-27 lead. Both teams were even sharper offensively in a second quarter during which 70 total points were scored, but Milwaukee still enjoyed a five-point halftime advantage over the Pelicans (18-12). The visitors gained more separation in the third by doubling up their edge, and although New Orleans got as close as within three with 1:32 remaining , a quick 7-0 run by the visitors put an end to any hopes of a comeback.
Antetokounmpo led the way with 42 points, adding 10 rebounds, one assist and one block. Brook Lopez finished with 30 points, seven boards, three assists and one block. Jrue Holiday generated an 18-point, 11-assist double-double that included four rebounds, two steals and one block. Pat Connaughton furnished 11 points, four boards, one assist and one block.
Jonas Valanciunas paced the Pelicans with a 37-point, 18-rebound double-double that included five assists and one steal. C.J. McCollum supplied 31 points, nine assists and eight rebounds. Williamson managed 18 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Trey Murphy compiled 13 points and five rebounds.
The Bucks remain on the road and visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night, while the Pelicans remain home and host the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night.
Spurs Hand Rockets Third Straight Loss
By Dan Bruno
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the host Houston Rockets, 124-105, at Toyota Center on Monday evening.
The Spurs got out to a strong start and led, 35-28, after one quarter, but the Rockets bounced back in the second and rallied to a two-point lead by halftime. The visitors came out on another level in the third and outscored the Rockets, 32-14, to take a 16-point lead into the final frame. Both sides brought a good effort in the fourth, but the Spurs maintained control to secure the road win. This marks the third straight loss for the Rockets.
Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 26 points, four rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 29 minutes. Doug McDermott followed up with 16 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Tre Jones added 13 points, six rebounds, eight assists and a steal. The Spurs shot 55 percent from the field, including 17-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 22 points, four rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, in 24 minutes. Kevin Porter followed up with 15 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, while Jalen Green tallied 13 points, two rebounds and two steals. The Rockets shot 43 percent from the field, including just 5-of-24 from deep.
The Rockets (9-21) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Magic on Wednesday. The Spurs (10-20) take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Thursday.
The Spurs got out to a strong start and led, 35-28, after one quarter, but the Rockets bounced back in the second and rallied to a two-point lead by halftime. The visitors came out on another level in the third and outscored the Rockets, 32-14, to take a 16-point lead into the final frame. Both sides brought a good effort in the fourth, but the Spurs maintained control to secure the road win. This marks the third straight loss for the Rockets.
Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 26 points, four rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 29 minutes. Doug McDermott followed up with 16 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Tre Jones added 13 points, six rebounds, eight assists and a steal. The Spurs shot 55 percent from the field, including 17-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 22 points, four rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, in 24 minutes. Kevin Porter followed up with 15 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, while Jalen Green tallied 13 points, two rebounds and two steals. The Rockets shot 43 percent from the field, including just 5-of-24 from deep.
The Rockets (9-21) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Magic on Wednesday. The Spurs (10-20) take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Thursday.
Timberwolves Rally To Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Dallas Mavericks, 116-106, at Target Center on Monday evening.
The Mavs got out to a strong start and led, 30-21, after one quarter. The Timberwolves turned it around in the second and outscored the visitors, 36-14, in the second to take a 13-point lead at the break. The Timberwolves kept up the pace in the third and pushed their lead up to 20, heading into the final frame. The Mavs put up a fight in the fourth, but it was not enough as the hosts held on for their third straight win.
Anthony Edwards tallied 27 points, 13 rebounds, nine assists, two blocks and a steal, while Naz Reid finished with 27 points, 13 rebounds, two steals and a block, to lead the way for the Timberwolves. Jaylen Nowell added 18 points, two rebounds and a steal, off the bench. The Timberwolves shot 47 percent from the field, including 12-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile, Spencer Dinwiddie followed up with 20 points, two rebounds, seven assists and a steal, in 38 minutes. Luka Doncic followed up with 19 points, six rebounds, seven assists and a steal, while Christian Wood totaled 15 points, 13 rebounds, two blocks and a steal. The Mavs shot 41 percent from the field, including 19-of-46 from long range.
The Timberwolves (16-15) and Mavericks (15-16) clash again in Minnesota on Wednesday.
The Mavs got out to a strong start and led, 30-21, after one quarter. The Timberwolves turned it around in the second and outscored the visitors, 36-14, in the second to take a 13-point lead at the break. The Timberwolves kept up the pace in the third and pushed their lead up to 20, heading into the final frame. The Mavs put up a fight in the fourth, but it was not enough as the hosts held on for their third straight win.
Anthony Edwards tallied 27 points, 13 rebounds, nine assists, two blocks and a steal, while Naz Reid finished with 27 points, 13 rebounds, two steals and a block, to lead the way for the Timberwolves. Jaylen Nowell added 18 points, two rebounds and a steal, off the bench. The Timberwolves shot 47 percent from the field, including 12-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile, Spencer Dinwiddie followed up with 20 points, two rebounds, seven assists and a steal, in 38 minutes. Luka Doncic followed up with 19 points, six rebounds, seven assists and a steal, while Christian Wood totaled 15 points, 13 rebounds, two blocks and a steal. The Mavs shot 41 percent from the field, including 19-of-46 from long range.
The Timberwolves (16-15) and Mavericks (15-16) clash again in Minnesota on Wednesday.
Thunder Defeat Blazers, 123-121
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Portland Trail Blazers, 123-121, at Pacom Arena on Monday.
There were 13 ties and 16 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 10 points. With that said, seven of those lead changes happened in the final two minutes, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander knocking down a game-winning jumper at the buzzer. Oklahoma City's only true advantage was free-throw shooting, connecting on 32-of-37, while Portland hit just 17-of-21. The Thunder also won the turnover battle 16-10, thanks to their seven steals and five blocks.
The Trail Blazers (17-14) were led by Damian Lillard, tallying 28 points, three rebounds and six assists. Jerami Grant generated 26 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Anfernee Simons accrued 19 points and four rebounds, while Josh Hart had 13 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Drew Eubanks also amassed nine points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
The Thunder (13-18) were led by Gilgeous-Alexander, collecting 35 points, two rebounds, six assists and two blocks. Luguentz Dort totaled 13 points and three boards. Jalen Williams finished with 13 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Kenrich Williams, Isaiah Joe and Mike Muscala all reached double figures in scoring off the bench.
These teams will have a rematch on Wednesday back in OKC.
There were 13 ties and 16 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 10 points. With that said, seven of those lead changes happened in the final two minutes, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander knocking down a game-winning jumper at the buzzer. Oklahoma City's only true advantage was free-throw shooting, connecting on 32-of-37, while Portland hit just 17-of-21. The Thunder also won the turnover battle 16-10, thanks to their seven steals and five blocks.
The Trail Blazers (17-14) were led by Damian Lillard, tallying 28 points, three rebounds and six assists. Jerami Grant generated 26 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Anfernee Simons accrued 19 points and four rebounds, while Josh Hart had 13 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Drew Eubanks also amassed nine points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
The Thunder (13-18) were led by Gilgeous-Alexander, collecting 35 points, two rebounds, six assists and two blocks. Luguentz Dort totaled 13 points and three boards. Jalen Williams finished with 13 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Kenrich Williams, Isaiah Joe and Mike Muscala all reached double figures in scoring off the bench.
These teams will have a rematch on Wednesday back in OKC.
Suns Defeat Lakers, 130-104
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, 130-104, at Footprint Center on Monday.
Los Angeles played this game without LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook, leading to an easy win for the Suns. Phoenix kicked things off with a 38-24 first quarter, maintaining a double-digit lead for the final three quarters. They got their lead up to 27 points at times. The Suns out-rebounded the Lakers, 58-44, while out-assisting them, 21 13. Phoenix shot 50 percent from the field and 51 percent from three-point range while holding Los Angeles to 45 percent from the field and 43 percent from long range.
The Lakers (13-17) were led by Dennis Schroder, collecting 30 points, four rebounds and four assists. Thomas Bryant tallied 16 points and five rebounds. Lonnie Walker amassed 16 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Kendrick Nunn led the bench with 17 points. Patrick Beverley also had nine points and three assists.
The Suns (19-12) were led by Chris Paul, collecting 28 points, four rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Deandre Ayton accrued 21 points and 11 rebounds. Mikal Bridges totaled 20 points and two assists, while Torrey Craig finished with 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals. Damion Lee rounded out the starting unit with 15 points, six rebounds and two assists.
Phoenix has to play the second half of a back-to-back on Tuesday, playing host to the Washington Wizards. As for LA, they travel to face the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday for their next outing.
Los Angeles played this game without LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook, leading to an easy win for the Suns. Phoenix kicked things off with a 38-24 first quarter, maintaining a double-digit lead for the final three quarters. They got their lead up to 27 points at times. The Suns out-rebounded the Lakers, 58-44, while out-assisting them, 21 13. Phoenix shot 50 percent from the field and 51 percent from three-point range while holding Los Angeles to 45 percent from the field and 43 percent from long range.
The Lakers (13-17) were led by Dennis Schroder, collecting 30 points, four rebounds and four assists. Thomas Bryant tallied 16 points and five rebounds. Lonnie Walker amassed 16 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Kendrick Nunn led the bench with 17 points. Patrick Beverley also had nine points and three assists.
The Suns (19-12) were led by Chris Paul, collecting 28 points, four rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Deandre Ayton accrued 21 points and 11 rebounds. Mikal Bridges totaled 20 points and two assists, while Torrey Craig finished with 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals. Damion Lee rounded out the starting unit with 15 points, six rebounds and two assists.
Phoenix has to play the second half of a back-to-back on Tuesday, playing host to the Washington Wizards. As for LA, they travel to face the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday for their next outing.
Hornets Defeat Kings, 125-119
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the host Sacramento Kings, 125-119, at Golden 1 Center on Monday.
There were six ties and 15 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 12 points. Charlotte rode a 34-27 fourth quarter to their win, finishing the game on an 18-12 run over the closing 4:30. The Hornets shot 52 percent from the field and 74 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Kings to 47 percent from the field and 55 percent from the charity stripe (17-of-31). Charlotte also out-rebounded Sacramento, 64-52, while outscoring them in the paint, 72-58. They also quadrupled them in second-chance points, 24-6.
The Hornets (8-23) were led by Kelly Oubre, collecting 31 points and 10 rebounds. LaMelo Ball had 23 points, five rebounds and 12 assists before fouling out. Gordon Hayward had 19 points and five rebounds, while Mason Plumlee provided 15 points, four rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Nick Richards led the bench with 14 points, 11 rebounds and two assists.
The Kings (16-13) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 37 points, five rebounds and two assists. Domantas Sabonis tallied 28 points, 23 rebounds and seven assists. Harrison Barnes amassed 11 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Malik Monk led the bench with 12 points and four assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Charlotte staying on the road to play the Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento staying home to face the Los Angeles Lakers.
There were six ties and 15 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 12 points. Charlotte rode a 34-27 fourth quarter to their win, finishing the game on an 18-12 run over the closing 4:30. The Hornets shot 52 percent from the field and 74 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Kings to 47 percent from the field and 55 percent from the charity stripe (17-of-31). Charlotte also out-rebounded Sacramento, 64-52, while outscoring them in the paint, 72-58. They also quadrupled them in second-chance points, 24-6.
The Hornets (8-23) were led by Kelly Oubre, collecting 31 points and 10 rebounds. LaMelo Ball had 23 points, five rebounds and 12 assists before fouling out. Gordon Hayward had 19 points and five rebounds, while Mason Plumlee provided 15 points, four rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Nick Richards led the bench with 14 points, 11 rebounds and two assists.
The Kings (16-13) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 37 points, five rebounds and two assists. Domantas Sabonis tallied 28 points, 23 rebounds and seven assists. Harrison Barnes amassed 11 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Malik Monk led the bench with 12 points and four assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Charlotte staying on the road to play the Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento staying home to face the Los Angeles Lakers.