Cavaliers Hold On To Get Past Bucks
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, 114-106, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Wednesday.
The Cavaliers (22-11) moved 11 games over the .500 mark and are one of the hottest teams in the Eastern Conference right now, as they didn’t have major problems getting past the Bucks (22-9) in front of their fans. The Cavaliers enjoyed a blistering start and dominated the game with absolute ease right from the tip-off, as they raced out to a 15-point lead in the first quarter (35-20) and never looked back. Cleveland would go on to bolster that advantage in the second quarter following a 25-22 score just before the break, and even though Milwaukee responded in the second half, it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback. The Bucks carried the momentum into the final 12 minutes after outscoring Cleveland by a 35-33 score in the third quarter, and they also won the fourth quarter by a 29-21 score, but they weren’t even near from pulling the upset, and the Cavs raced out to victory here. With the win, the Cavaliers moved to 16-2 at home, while the Bucks fell to 8-6 on the road.
Donovan Mitchell led the way for the Cavaliers with 36 points, four rebounds, six assists and two steals in this one, while Darius Garland also had a strong game and finished with 23 points and two assists. Jarrett Allen was efficient and finished with 19 points, but he also added eight rebounds and three assists. Evan Mobley posted seven points and three rebounds. Kevin Love had with nine points, nine rebounds and five assists off the bench.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for the Bucks in this loss, posting 45 points to go along with 14 rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Brook Lopez had 14 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jrue Holiday posted nine points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Bobby Portis had six points and six rebounds off the bench.
The Cavaliers (22-11) moved 11 games over the .500 mark and are one of the hottest teams in the Eastern Conference right now, as they didn’t have major problems getting past the Bucks (22-9) in front of their fans. The Cavaliers enjoyed a blistering start and dominated the game with absolute ease right from the tip-off, as they raced out to a 15-point lead in the first quarter (35-20) and never looked back. Cleveland would go on to bolster that advantage in the second quarter following a 25-22 score just before the break, and even though Milwaukee responded in the second half, it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback. The Bucks carried the momentum into the final 12 minutes after outscoring Cleveland by a 35-33 score in the third quarter, and they also won the fourth quarter by a 29-21 score, but they weren’t even near from pulling the upset, and the Cavs raced out to victory here. With the win, the Cavaliers moved to 16-2 at home, while the Bucks fell to 8-6 on the road.
Donovan Mitchell led the way for the Cavaliers with 36 points, four rebounds, six assists and two steals in this one, while Darius Garland also had a strong game and finished with 23 points and two assists. Jarrett Allen was efficient and finished with 19 points, but he also added eight rebounds and three assists. Evan Mobley posted seven points and three rebounds. Kevin Love had with nine points, nine rebounds and five assists off the bench.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for the Bucks in this loss, posting 45 points to go along with 14 rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Brook Lopez had 14 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jrue Holiday posted nine points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Bobby Portis had six points and six rebounds off the bench.
76ers Cruise In Win Over Pistons
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Detroit Pistons, 113-93, at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday.
The 76ers (18-12) looked dominant in the early going and were in complete control from start to finish against a lowly Pistons (8-26) team that continues to struggle without their star point guard, Cade Cunningham. The 76ers quickly established dominance in the first quarter after a 37-29 score in the opening 12 minutes, and they’d never look back the rest of the way. Philadelphia also won the second quarter by a 26-22 score, meaning they were up by 12 points at the break, and they extended that advantage even further following a 29-27 score in the third quarter. The 14-point deficit was simply too much for the Pistons, and even though Detroit never gave up, Philadelphia closed the game out with absolute ease and secured its sixth win in a row. With the win, the 76ers moved to 13-5 at home, while the Pistons fell to 4-14 on the road.
Joel Embiid had an absolutely dominant performance and finished with 22 points, 10 rebounds and six assists to lead the Sixers, while Tobias Harris chipped in with 17 points across 21 minutes. James Harden contributed 15 points, eight assists and two rebounds, and DeAnthony Melton delivered 12 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Georges Niang and Montrezl Harrell contributed off the bench with 11 and 10 points, respectively. The Sixers shot 44.1 percent from the field.
Jaden Ivey led the Pistons once again, and the rookie finished with 18 points across 34 minutes. Killian Hayes had a decent performance and recorded 12 points with four assists, while Bojan Bogdanovic contributed 10 points and eight rebounds. Saddiq Bey had 11 points and three rebounds coming off the bench. The Pistons shot 39.2 percent from the field.
The 76ers (18-12) looked dominant in the early going and were in complete control from start to finish against a lowly Pistons (8-26) team that continues to struggle without their star point guard, Cade Cunningham. The 76ers quickly established dominance in the first quarter after a 37-29 score in the opening 12 minutes, and they’d never look back the rest of the way. Philadelphia also won the second quarter by a 26-22 score, meaning they were up by 12 points at the break, and they extended that advantage even further following a 29-27 score in the third quarter. The 14-point deficit was simply too much for the Pistons, and even though Detroit never gave up, Philadelphia closed the game out with absolute ease and secured its sixth win in a row. With the win, the 76ers moved to 13-5 at home, while the Pistons fell to 4-14 on the road.
Joel Embiid had an absolutely dominant performance and finished with 22 points, 10 rebounds and six assists to lead the Sixers, while Tobias Harris chipped in with 17 points across 21 minutes. James Harden contributed 15 points, eight assists and two rebounds, and DeAnthony Melton delivered 12 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Georges Niang and Montrezl Harrell contributed off the bench with 11 and 10 points, respectively. The Sixers shot 44.1 percent from the field.
Jaden Ivey led the Pistons once again, and the rookie finished with 18 points across 34 minutes. Killian Hayes had a decent performance and recorded 12 points with four assists, while Bojan Bogdanovic contributed 10 points and eight rebounds. Saddiq Bey had 11 points and three rebounds coming off the bench. The Pistons shot 39.2 percent from the field.
Bulls Top Hawks In Final Seconds
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 110-108, at StateFarm Arena on Wednesday.
The Bulls (13-18) and the Hawks (16-16) are two teams that have been battling with mediocrity and inconsistency all season long, but in this game, the Bulls took advantage of a strong start and never looked back, as they secured the victory. Chicago looked better in the early going and raced out to a 30-25 lead in the first quarter, and even though Atlanta never gave up and always tried to fight back, Chicago maintained a tight grip on the lead. In fact, the Bulls also won the second quarter by a 31-26 score, so they built a 10-point cushion heading into the break. However, the Hawks were decided to turn things around in the second half and got off to an impressive start in the third quarter, ultimately winning that 12-minute period by a 26-20 score and shortening the lead to just four points. The Hawks were not done yet, however, and they started the fourth quarter with a 18-9 run that gave them the lead midway through the final minutes, but the Bulls never gave up. The final minutes were intense until Ayo Dosunmu scored the go-ahead bucket for Chicago with only 0.2 seconds left in the game following an airball from DeMar DeRozan.
DeMar DeRozan had 28 points, six rebounds and five assists for the Bulls, while Zach LaVine contributed 22 points, five assists and five rebounds of his own. Nikola Vucevic had a strong game as well and contributed 20 points with seven rebounds. Coby White ended up with 10 points. The Bulls shot 50 percent from the field and 28 percent from three-point range. Ayo Dosunmu finished with nine points.
Trae Young was absolutely magnificent for the Hawks in this one and finished with 34 points, six rebounds and six assists, while Dejounte Murray contributed 15 points, 10 assists and five rebounds as well. Onyeka Okongwu recorded 18 points and 11 rebounds, and Deandre Hunter finished with 10 points. The Hawks shot 42.9 percent from the field and 37.8 percent from three-point range in this one.
The Bulls (13-18) and the Hawks (16-16) are two teams that have been battling with mediocrity and inconsistency all season long, but in this game, the Bulls took advantage of a strong start and never looked back, as they secured the victory. Chicago looked better in the early going and raced out to a 30-25 lead in the first quarter, and even though Atlanta never gave up and always tried to fight back, Chicago maintained a tight grip on the lead. In fact, the Bulls also won the second quarter by a 31-26 score, so they built a 10-point cushion heading into the break. However, the Hawks were decided to turn things around in the second half and got off to an impressive start in the third quarter, ultimately winning that 12-minute period by a 26-20 score and shortening the lead to just four points. The Hawks were not done yet, however, and they started the fourth quarter with a 18-9 run that gave them the lead midway through the final minutes, but the Bulls never gave up. The final minutes were intense until Ayo Dosunmu scored the go-ahead bucket for Chicago with only 0.2 seconds left in the game following an airball from DeMar DeRozan.
DeMar DeRozan had 28 points, six rebounds and five assists for the Bulls, while Zach LaVine contributed 22 points, five assists and five rebounds of his own. Nikola Vucevic had a strong game as well and contributed 20 points with seven rebounds. Coby White ended up with 10 points. The Bulls shot 50 percent from the field and 28 percent from three-point range. Ayo Dosunmu finished with nine points.
Trae Young was absolutely magnificent for the Hawks in this one and finished with 34 points, six rebounds and six assists, while Dejounte Murray contributed 15 points, 10 assists and five rebounds as well. Onyeka Okongwu recorded 18 points and 11 rebounds, and Deandre Hunter finished with 10 points. The Hawks shot 42.9 percent from the field and 37.8 percent from three-point range in this one.
Pacers Upset Celtics, 117-112
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Boston Celtics, 117-112, at TD Garden on Wednesday night.
The Pacers (16-16) came into the game as notable underdogs, but Indiana immediately shocked the Celtics (22-10) by establishing a 42-22 lead through one and taking a 71-43 advantage into halftime. Boston then played its best quarter of the game in the third, putting up 42 points to knock 13 points from its deficit. The hosts then followed it up with a 27-17 edge in a dominant final period, getting within five with 18.1 seconds remaining before falling just short.
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 33 points, adding eight assists, three rebounds and one steal. Aaron Nesmith furnished 15 points, six boards, three assists and two steals. Chris Duarte totaled 14 points, three rebounds and one assist. Myles Turner turned in 10 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal.
Jayson Tatum paced the Celtics with 41 points, complementing them with five rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Jaylen Brown generated a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and one steal. Malcolm Brogdon delivered 18 points, seven assists, four boards and two steals. Sam Hauser netted 10 points, six rebounds, two steals and one block.
The Pacers remain on the road and take on the Miami Heat on Friday night, while the Celtics remain home and welcome in the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night as well.
The Pacers (16-16) came into the game as notable underdogs, but Indiana immediately shocked the Celtics (22-10) by establishing a 42-22 lead through one and taking a 71-43 advantage into halftime. Boston then played its best quarter of the game in the third, putting up 42 points to knock 13 points from its deficit. The hosts then followed it up with a 27-17 edge in a dominant final period, getting within five with 18.1 seconds remaining before falling just short.
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 33 points, adding eight assists, three rebounds and one steal. Aaron Nesmith furnished 15 points, six boards, three assists and two steals. Chris Duarte totaled 14 points, three rebounds and one assist. Myles Turner turned in 10 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal.
Jayson Tatum paced the Celtics with 41 points, complementing them with five rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Jaylen Brown generated a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and one steal. Malcolm Brogdon delivered 18 points, seven assists, four boards and two steals. Sam Hauser netted 10 points, six rebounds, two steals and one block.
The Pacers remain on the road and take on the Miami Heat on Friday night, while the Celtics remain home and welcome in the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night as well.
Nets Slam Warriors, 143-113
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Golden State Warriors, 143-113, at Barclays Center on Wednesday night.
The Nets (20-12) came into the contest as heavy favorites against a Warriors (15-18) squad that was missing three starters, and Brooklyn immediately began making good on that status by establishing a 46-17 lead through one. Brooklyn's point total was up to 91 by halftime, and with Golden State sitting on only 51 points by intermission, the game was decided for all practical purposes.
James Wiseman led the Warriors with 30 points, adding six rebounds, two assists and one block. Patrick Baldwin and Moses Moody posted matching 17-point tallies while recording three rebounds and three assists, respectively. Ty Jerome delivered 14 points, seven assists, three rebounds and one steal. Jordan Poole supplied 13 points, two assists, one rebound and one steal.
Kevin Durant paced the Nets with 23 points, supplementing them with seven rebounds, five assists and four steals. Edmond Sumner turned in 16 points, two assists and one rebound. Royce O'Neale totaled 14 points, two assists and two blocks. Patty Mills netted 13 points, three assists and one steal. T.J. Warren and Seth Curry generated matching 12-point tallies while recording five rebounds and six assists, respectively. Joe Harris netted 11 points, while Nicolas Claxton and Ben Simmons contributed 10 apiece. Claxton also tallied seven rebounds and five assists, while Simmons managed eight assists and four boards.
The Warriors return home to host the Memphis Grizzlies on Christmas Day, while the Nets welcome in the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night.
The Nets (20-12) came into the contest as heavy favorites against a Warriors (15-18) squad that was missing three starters, and Brooklyn immediately began making good on that status by establishing a 46-17 lead through one. Brooklyn's point total was up to 91 by halftime, and with Golden State sitting on only 51 points by intermission, the game was decided for all practical purposes.
James Wiseman led the Warriors with 30 points, adding six rebounds, two assists and one block. Patrick Baldwin and Moses Moody posted matching 17-point tallies while recording three rebounds and three assists, respectively. Ty Jerome delivered 14 points, seven assists, three rebounds and one steal. Jordan Poole supplied 13 points, two assists, one rebound and one steal.
Kevin Durant paced the Nets with 23 points, supplementing them with seven rebounds, five assists and four steals. Edmond Sumner turned in 16 points, two assists and one rebound. Royce O'Neale totaled 14 points, two assists and two blocks. Patty Mills netted 13 points, three assists and one steal. T.J. Warren and Seth Curry generated matching 12-point tallies while recording five rebounds and six assists, respectively. Joe Harris netted 11 points, while Nicolas Claxton and Ben Simmons contributed 10 apiece. Claxton also tallied seven rebounds and five assists, while Simmons managed eight assists and four boards.
The Warriors return home to host the Memphis Grizzlies on Christmas Day, while the Nets welcome in the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night.
Raptors Cool Off Knicks, 113-106
The Toronto Raptors defeated the New York Knicks, 113-106, at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night.
The Knicks (18-14) came into the contest as only slim favorites despite their eight-game winning streak, but it was evident from early the Raptors (14-18) were going to be a tough assignment. Toronto owned a one-point lead after one and had extended their advantage to 10 points by halftime. New York cut its deficit by three points during the third quarter, but the visitors ultimately matched their hosts bucket for bucket in the final 12 minutes to forge a seven-point, streak-busting victory.
Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 52 points, adding nine rebounds, seven assists and one steal. Fred VanVleet registered 28 points, four assists, one rebound, three steals and one block. O.G. Anunoby managed 15 points, six rebounds, one assist and one block.
Julius Randle and R.J. Barrett co-led the Knicks with 30 points, with Randle adding 13 rebounds and four assists. Immanuel Quickley collected 20 points, two rebounds and one assist. Mitchell Robinson finished with 10 points, three rebounds, one assist and three blocks.
The Raptors next pay a visit to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night, while the Knicks remain home and welcome in the Chicago Bulls on Friday night as well.
The Knicks (18-14) came into the contest as only slim favorites despite their eight-game winning streak, but it was evident from early the Raptors (14-18) were going to be a tough assignment. Toronto owned a one-point lead after one and had extended their advantage to 10 points by halftime. New York cut its deficit by three points during the third quarter, but the visitors ultimately matched their hosts bucket for bucket in the final 12 minutes to forge a seven-point, streak-busting victory.
Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 52 points, adding nine rebounds, seven assists and one steal. Fred VanVleet registered 28 points, four assists, one rebound, three steals and one block. O.G. Anunoby managed 15 points, six rebounds, one assist and one block.
Julius Randle and R.J. Barrett co-led the Knicks with 30 points, with Randle adding 13 rebounds and four assists. Immanuel Quickley collected 20 points, two rebounds and one assist. Mitchell Robinson finished with 10 points, three rebounds, one assist and three blocks.
The Raptors next pay a visit to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night, while the Knicks remain home and welcome in the Chicago Bulls on Friday night as well.
Magic Rally Past Rockets In Houston
By Dan Bruno
The Orlando Magic defeated the host Houston Rockets, 116-110, at Toyota Center on Wednesday evening.
The Rockets got out to a strong start and took a six-point lead after one quarter. They kept up the pace in the second and pushed it to a 10-point game at the break. The Magic came out better in the third and outscored the hosts, 31-23, to cut it to a two-point game heading into the final quarter. They kept the momentum going in the fourth and took control down the stretch to secure the road win. This marks the fourth straight loss for the Rockets.
Franz Wagner led the Magic with 25 points, two rebounds and two steals, in 32 minutes. Paolo Banchero followed up with 23 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Cole Anthony added 15 points, four rebounds, six assists and a steal. The Magic shot 45 percent from the field, including 11-of-37 from deep.
Meanwhile, Kevin Porter led the Rockets with 31 points, six rebounds, five assists, three steals and a block, in 35 minutes. Jalen Green followed up with 21 points and eight rebounds, while Kenyon Martin tallied 18 points, five rebounds and four assists. The Rockets shot 47 percent from the field, including 17-of-43 from long range.
The Rockets (9-22) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Mavs on Friday. The Magic (12-21) play host to the Spurs on Friday.
The Rockets got out to a strong start and took a six-point lead after one quarter. They kept up the pace in the second and pushed it to a 10-point game at the break. The Magic came out better in the third and outscored the hosts, 31-23, to cut it to a two-point game heading into the final quarter. They kept the momentum going in the fourth and took control down the stretch to secure the road win. This marks the fourth straight loss for the Rockets.
Franz Wagner led the Magic with 25 points, two rebounds and two steals, in 32 minutes. Paolo Banchero followed up with 23 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Cole Anthony added 15 points, four rebounds, six assists and a steal. The Magic shot 45 percent from the field, including 11-of-37 from deep.
Meanwhile, Kevin Porter led the Rockets with 31 points, six rebounds, five assists, three steals and a block, in 35 minutes. Jalen Green followed up with 21 points and eight rebounds, while Kenyon Martin tallied 18 points, five rebounds and four assists. The Rockets shot 47 percent from the field, including 17-of-43 from long range.
The Rockets (9-22) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Mavs on Friday. The Magic (12-21) play host to the Spurs on Friday.
Mavs Topple Timberwolves In Minnesota
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the host Minnesota Timberwolves, 104-99, at Target Center on Wednesday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start and the Timberwolves led, 31-29, after one quarter. Nether side could break away in the second, while the Mavericks trimmed it to a one-point game by halftime. The score stayed tight through the third, but the Mavericks managed to pull in front for a one-point lead heading into the final frame. The Timberwolves rallied ahead for a brief lead in the fourth, but the Mavericks took control down the stretch and closed out the road win.
Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 25 points, nine rebounds, 10 assists and three steals, in 37 minutes. Tim Hardaway followed up with 21 points and three rebounds, while Spencer Dinwiddie added 19 points, four rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block. The Mavs shot 45 percent from the field, including 13-of-39 from deep.
Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 23 points, four rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, in 38 minutes. Austin Rivers followed up with 21 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Rudy Gobert totaled 19 points, 15 rebounds, two steals and two blocks. The Timberwolves shot 49 percent from the field, including 8-of-30 from long range.
The Timberwolves (16-16) will look to bounce back as they take on the Celtics in Boston on Friday. The Mavericks (16-16) take on the Rockets in Houston on Friday.
The game got out to a competitive start and the Timberwolves led, 31-29, after one quarter. Nether side could break away in the second, while the Mavericks trimmed it to a one-point game by halftime. The score stayed tight through the third, but the Mavericks managed to pull in front for a one-point lead heading into the final frame. The Timberwolves rallied ahead for a brief lead in the fourth, but the Mavericks took control down the stretch and closed out the road win.
Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 25 points, nine rebounds, 10 assists and three steals, in 37 minutes. Tim Hardaway followed up with 21 points and three rebounds, while Spencer Dinwiddie added 19 points, four rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block. The Mavs shot 45 percent from the field, including 13-of-39 from deep.
Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 23 points, four rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, in 38 minutes. Austin Rivers followed up with 21 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Rudy Gobert totaled 19 points, 15 rebounds, two steals and two blocks. The Timberwolves shot 49 percent from the field, including 8-of-30 from long range.
The Timberwolves (16-16) will look to bounce back as they take on the Celtics in Boston on Friday. The Mavericks (16-16) take on the Rockets in Houston on Friday.
Thunder Close Out Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Portland Trail Blazers, 101-98, at Paycom Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Blazers got out to a good start and held a 32-22 lead after one quarter. The Thunder came out stronger in the second and managed to trim it to a five-point game by halftime. The Trail Blazers held on to the edge early in the third, but the Thunder brought it to a 78-point tie heading into the final frame. The score stayed close through the fourth and after a few lead changes, the Thunder closed on an 8-0 run to secure their third straight win. This marks the second straight loss for the Trail Blazers.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 27 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block, in 35 minutes. Jalen Williams followed up with 15 points and four rebounds, while Luguentz Dort tallied 14 points, three rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block. The Thunder shot 47 percent from the field, including 8-of-24 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jerami Grant led the Trail Blazers with 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and a block, in 35 minutes. Damian Lillard followed up with 16 points, two rebounds, eight assists and two steals, while Josh Hart added 13 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Trail Blazers shot 49 percent from the field, including 14-of-36 from deep.
The Trail Blazers (17-15) will look to bounce back as they take on the Nuggets in Denver on Friday. The Thunder (14-18) play host to the Pelicans on Friday.
The Blazers got out to a good start and held a 32-22 lead after one quarter. The Thunder came out stronger in the second and managed to trim it to a five-point game by halftime. The Trail Blazers held on to the edge early in the third, but the Thunder brought it to a 78-point tie heading into the final frame. The score stayed close through the fourth and after a few lead changes, the Thunder closed on an 8-0 run to secure their third straight win. This marks the second straight loss for the Trail Blazers.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 27 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block, in 35 minutes. Jalen Williams followed up with 15 points and four rebounds, while Luguentz Dort tallied 14 points, three rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block. The Thunder shot 47 percent from the field, including 8-of-24 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jerami Grant led the Trail Blazers with 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and a block, in 35 minutes. Damian Lillard followed up with 16 points, two rebounds, eight assists and two steals, while Josh Hart added 13 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Trail Blazers shot 49 percent from the field, including 14-of-36 from deep.
The Trail Blazers (17-15) will look to bounce back as they take on the Nuggets in Denver on Friday. The Thunder (14-18) play host to the Pelicans on Friday.
Kings Defeat Lakers, 134-120
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, 134-120, at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday.
Sacramento outscored Los Angeles, 41-32, in the second quarter and put the game away behind a 40-28 third quarter. They actually went on an 18-2 run at the end of that third frame to take control, grabbing a game-high 23-point lead. With that said, there were nine ties and 15 lead changes in the first half, but Sacramento maintained a double-digit lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. The Kings ended up out-rebounding the Lakers, 57-44, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 18-5.
The Lakers (13-17) were led by LeBron James, collecting 31 points, six rebounds, 11 assists and three blocks. Lonnie Walker amassed 19 points, five rebounds and two steals. Dennis Schroder finished with 18 points and three assists, while Thomas Bryant totaled 17 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Patrick Beverley also had 13 points, two rebounds, three assists and three steals.
The Kings (17-13) were led by Kevin Huerter, finishing with 26 points, five rebounds and three steals. Keegan Murray amassed 23 points and three rebounds. De'Aaron Fox accrued 22 points, four rebounds and six assists, while Harrison Barnes had 20 points and eight boards. Domantas Sabonis compiled 13 points, 21 rebounds and 12 assists to round out the starting unit.
Both of these teams will return to action on Friday, with Sacramento staying home to play the Washington Wizards and LA returning home to host the Charlotte Hornets.
Sacramento outscored Los Angeles, 41-32, in the second quarter and put the game away behind a 40-28 third quarter. They actually went on an 18-2 run at the end of that third frame to take control, grabbing a game-high 23-point lead. With that said, there were nine ties and 15 lead changes in the first half, but Sacramento maintained a double-digit lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. The Kings ended up out-rebounding the Lakers, 57-44, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 18-5.
The Lakers (13-17) were led by LeBron James, collecting 31 points, six rebounds, 11 assists and three blocks. Lonnie Walker amassed 19 points, five rebounds and two steals. Dennis Schroder finished with 18 points and three assists, while Thomas Bryant totaled 17 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Patrick Beverley also had 13 points, two rebounds, three assists and three steals.
The Kings (17-13) were led by Kevin Huerter, finishing with 26 points, five rebounds and three steals. Keegan Murray amassed 23 points and three rebounds. De'Aaron Fox accrued 22 points, four rebounds and six assists, while Harrison Barnes had 20 points and eight boards. Domantas Sabonis compiled 13 points, 21 rebounds and 12 assists to round out the starting unit.
Both of these teams will return to action on Friday, with Sacramento staying home to play the Washington Wizards and LA returning home to host the Charlotte Hornets.
Clippers Clobber Hornets, 126-105
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets, 126-105, at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday.
While this wasn't necessarily a wire-to-wire win for the Clippers, they held a double-digit lead for the final three frames. They set the tone with a 37-19 second quarter and put the game to bed behind a 34-21 second quarter. They got their lead up to 36 points at times and led by at least 15 points for the final three quarters. Los Angeles shot 51 percent from the field and 47 percent from three-point range (23-of-49) while holding Charlotte to 40 percent from the field and 29 percent from long range (9-of-31).
The Hornets (8-24) were led by LaMelo Ball, collecting 25 points, 11 rebounds, 12 assists and two steals. Kelly Oubre compiled 13 points, two rebounds, two assists and three steals. Mason Plumlee provided 18 points, three rebounds and two steals, while PJ Washington had 11 points, three rebounds and two assists. Jalen McDaniels led the bench with 16 points, nine rebounds and two steals.
The Clippers (19-14) were led by Paul George, tallying 22 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two blocks. Kawhi Leonard finished with 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Marcus Morris totaled 13 points, three rebounds and two blocks, while Nicolas Batum led the bench with 21 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
Both of these teams return to action on Friday, with Charlotte staying put to face the Los Angeles Lakers and the Clippers traveling to play the Philadelphia 76ers.
While this wasn't necessarily a wire-to-wire win for the Clippers, they held a double-digit lead for the final three frames. They set the tone with a 37-19 second quarter and put the game to bed behind a 34-21 second quarter. They got their lead up to 36 points at times and led by at least 15 points for the final three quarters. Los Angeles shot 51 percent from the field and 47 percent from three-point range (23-of-49) while holding Charlotte to 40 percent from the field and 29 percent from long range (9-of-31).
The Hornets (8-24) were led by LaMelo Ball, collecting 25 points, 11 rebounds, 12 assists and two steals. Kelly Oubre compiled 13 points, two rebounds, two assists and three steals. Mason Plumlee provided 18 points, three rebounds and two steals, while PJ Washington had 11 points, three rebounds and two assists. Jalen McDaniels led the bench with 16 points, nine rebounds and two steals.
The Clippers (19-14) were led by Paul George, tallying 22 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two blocks. Kawhi Leonard finished with 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Marcus Morris totaled 13 points, three rebounds and two blocks, while Nicolas Batum led the bench with 21 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
Both of these teams return to action on Friday, with Charlotte staying put to face the Los Angeles Lakers and the Clippers traveling to play the Philadelphia 76ers.