Nets Secure Road Win Over Cavaliers
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 125-117, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Tuesday night.
The Nets (22-12) and the Cavaliers (22-13) were set to square in a battle of contenders, but once it was all said and done, the Nets took advantage of their strong start to get the victory. It was also a game that saw history in the making as Kevin Durant cracked the top 15 in the all-time NBA scoring list, surpassing Tim Duncan and coming up quite close to reaching Dominique Wilkins. The Nets looked quite better in the opening 12 minutes and secured a 34-22 lead, and they would bolster their advantage following a 31-27 score in the second quarter. Leading by 16 points at the break, Brooklyn looked quite comfortable in the second half, but the Cavaliers responded with a 30-26 score in the third quarter, showing that they still had signs of life. The Cavaliers also won the fourth quarter by a 38-30 fourth score, but it was not enough to mount a potential comeback in the dying minutes, and the Nets came away with the victory. With the win, the Nets improved to 10-7 on the road, while the Cavaliers fell to 16-4 at home.
Kevin Durant led the way for the Nets with 32 points, but he also added nine rebounds and five assists, while Kyrie Irving also had 32 points and contributed with five assists and four rebounds. Ben Simmons only had four points, but he chipped in with nine rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Nic Claxton and Royce O'Neale had matching 10-point tallies, with Claxton also having four rebounds and two blocks, and O'Neale finishing with three rebounds and four assists. TJ Warren had 23 points across 27 minutes off the bench, and he also added eight rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Darius Garland was outstanding for the Cavaliers, as he finished with 46 points and eight assists, while Donovan Mitchell ended with 15 points and five assists while shooting 5-for-16 from the field. Jarrett Allen had a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double, and Evan Mobley had 12 points, six rebounds and two assists. Cedi Osman ended with 11 points and two assists off the bench, and Kevin Love had seven points with eight rebounds across 13 minutes.
The Nets (22-12) and the Cavaliers (22-13) were set to square in a battle of contenders, but once it was all said and done, the Nets took advantage of their strong start to get the victory. It was also a game that saw history in the making as Kevin Durant cracked the top 15 in the all-time NBA scoring list, surpassing Tim Duncan and coming up quite close to reaching Dominique Wilkins. The Nets looked quite better in the opening 12 minutes and secured a 34-22 lead, and they would bolster their advantage following a 31-27 score in the second quarter. Leading by 16 points at the break, Brooklyn looked quite comfortable in the second half, but the Cavaliers responded with a 30-26 score in the third quarter, showing that they still had signs of life. The Cavaliers also won the fourth quarter by a 38-30 fourth score, but it was not enough to mount a potential comeback in the dying minutes, and the Nets came away with the victory. With the win, the Nets improved to 10-7 on the road, while the Cavaliers fell to 16-4 at home.
Kevin Durant led the way for the Nets with 32 points, but he also added nine rebounds and five assists, while Kyrie Irving also had 32 points and contributed with five assists and four rebounds. Ben Simmons only had four points, but he chipped in with nine rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Nic Claxton and Royce O'Neale had matching 10-point tallies, with Claxton also having four rebounds and two blocks, and O'Neale finishing with three rebounds and four assists. TJ Warren had 23 points across 27 minutes off the bench, and he also added eight rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Darius Garland was outstanding for the Cavaliers, as he finished with 46 points and eight assists, while Donovan Mitchell ended with 15 points and five assists while shooting 5-for-16 from the field. Jarrett Allen had a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double, and Evan Mobley had 12 points, six rebounds and two assists. Cedi Osman ended with 11 points and two assists off the bench, and Kevin Love had seven points with eight rebounds across 13 minutes.
Clippers Mount Huge Comeback To Defeat Pistons
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Detroit Pistons, 142-131, after overtime at Little Caesars Arena on Tuesday.
The Clippers (20-15) finally reached the 20-win threshold and did it in spectacular fashion, as they reduced a late deficit in the fourth quarter to get the victory against a struggling Pistons (8-28) team that continues to fall apart with each passing game. The Pistons looked dominant for pretty much the entire first half, as they raced out to a 36-31 lead following the first quarter. However, the Clippers responded with a 35-25 score in the second quarter, and they managed to grab a five-point lead. That said, Detroit didn’t want surprises and took control of the game in the second half, outscoring their rivals by a 39-30 score, but a 32-28 score in the fourth quarter forced at least five minutes of extra basketball. The Clippers would dominate the overtime period with absolute ease, and they outscored the Pistons by a 14-3 score, so they would ended up winning with comfort despite how complicated the game was for them at one point. With the win, the Clippers moved to 9-6 away from home while the Pistons fell to 4-13 at home.
Paul George led the way for the Clippers with 32 points, 11 assists, four rebounds and three steals, while Ivica Zubac chipped in with a double-double of 12 points and 15 rebounds. Marcus Morris had 16 points and six boards, and Reggie Jackson finished with 14 points and two assists. Norman Powell and John Wall each had 16 points coming off the bench, and Wall also contributed with five rebounds and five assists. Luke Kennard ended with 18 points and five rebounds across 32 minutes.
Eight of Detroit nine players scored in double digits. Bojan Bogdanovic and Isaiah Stewart were the only starters that cleared the 20-point mark. Bogdanovic had 23 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Stewart ended with 21 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Jalen Duran had 15 points and 12 rebounds, while Jaden Ivey also had 15 points but added eight assists and three boards. Kilian Hayes had a double-double of 18 points and 10 assists, and he also added five rebounds. Alec Burks had 14 points off the bench, and Saddiq Bey ended with 13 points and six rebounds across 26 minutes.
The Clippers (20-15) finally reached the 20-win threshold and did it in spectacular fashion, as they reduced a late deficit in the fourth quarter to get the victory against a struggling Pistons (8-28) team that continues to fall apart with each passing game. The Pistons looked dominant for pretty much the entire first half, as they raced out to a 36-31 lead following the first quarter. However, the Clippers responded with a 35-25 score in the second quarter, and they managed to grab a five-point lead. That said, Detroit didn’t want surprises and took control of the game in the second half, outscoring their rivals by a 39-30 score, but a 32-28 score in the fourth quarter forced at least five minutes of extra basketball. The Clippers would dominate the overtime period with absolute ease, and they outscored the Pistons by a 14-3 score, so they would ended up winning with comfort despite how complicated the game was for them at one point. With the win, the Clippers moved to 9-6 away from home while the Pistons fell to 4-13 at home.
Paul George led the way for the Clippers with 32 points, 11 assists, four rebounds and three steals, while Ivica Zubac chipped in with a double-double of 12 points and 15 rebounds. Marcus Morris had 16 points and six boards, and Reggie Jackson finished with 14 points and two assists. Norman Powell and John Wall each had 16 points coming off the bench, and Wall also contributed with five rebounds and five assists. Luke Kennard ended with 18 points and five rebounds across 32 minutes.
Eight of Detroit nine players scored in double digits. Bojan Bogdanovic and Isaiah Stewart were the only starters that cleared the 20-point mark. Bogdanovic had 23 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Stewart ended with 21 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Jalen Duran had 15 points and 12 rebounds, while Jaden Ivey also had 15 points but added eight assists and three boards. Kilian Hayes had a double-double of 18 points and 10 assists, and he also added five rebounds. Alec Burks had 14 points off the bench, and Saddiq Bey ended with 13 points and six rebounds across 26 minutes.
Heat Edges Timberwolves, 113-110
The Miami Heat defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 113-110, at FTX Arena on Monday night.
The Heat (17-17) knew it would have an uphill battle to get to .500 with both Jimmy Butler (ankle) and Bam Adebayo (shoulder) sidelined, but Miami set a confident early tone by scoring 59 first-half points on the way to a three-point halftime lead. The hosts then added another four points to their advantage over the Timberwolves (16-18) in the third quarter, but Minnesota clawed back to get within three with just over 28 seconds remaining, but they never scored another point and sealed their fate on a D'Angelo Russell turnover just before the buzzer.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 29 points, adding seven assists, six rebounds, two steals and one block. Naz Reid generated a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block. Jaden McDaniels furnished 16 points, four rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Russell totaled 13 points, eight assists and three rebounds. Rudy Gobert and Austin Rivers posted matching 10-point contributions while pulling down eight and five rebounds, respectively.
Max Strus paced the Heat with 19 points, adding three rebounds. Kyle Lowry supplied 18 points, nine assists, five boards and one steal. Orlando Robinson delivered 15 points, nine boards, four assists, one steal and one block. Tyler Herro registered 14 points, eight assists, two rebounds and three steals. Gabe Vincent netted 11 points.
The Timberwolves remain on the road and visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night, while the Heat hot the Lakers on Wednesday night as well.
The Heat (17-17) knew it would have an uphill battle to get to .500 with both Jimmy Butler (ankle) and Bam Adebayo (shoulder) sidelined, but Miami set a confident early tone by scoring 59 first-half points on the way to a three-point halftime lead. The hosts then added another four points to their advantage over the Timberwolves (16-18) in the third quarter, but Minnesota clawed back to get within three with just over 28 seconds remaining, but they never scored another point and sealed their fate on a D'Angelo Russell turnover just before the buzzer.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 29 points, adding seven assists, six rebounds, two steals and one block. Naz Reid generated a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block. Jaden McDaniels furnished 16 points, four rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Russell totaled 13 points, eight assists and three rebounds. Rudy Gobert and Austin Rivers posted matching 10-point contributions while pulling down eight and five rebounds, respectively.
Max Strus paced the Heat with 19 points, adding three rebounds. Kyle Lowry supplied 18 points, nine assists, five boards and one steal. Orlando Robinson delivered 15 points, nine boards, four assists, one steal and one block. Tyler Herro registered 14 points, eight assists, two rebounds and three steals. Gabe Vincent netted 11 points.
The Timberwolves remain on the road and visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night, while the Heat hot the Lakers on Wednesday night as well.
Pelicans Dominate Pacers, 113-93
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Indiana Pacers, 113-93, at Smoothie King Center on Monday night.
The Pelicans (21-12) found out that Zion Williamson would miss a third consecutive game a few hours before tipoff, with the big man being held out for conditioning reasons after missing the prior two contests in COVID-19 protocols. That, plus the ongoing absence of Brandon Ingram (toe) didn't seem to faze New Orleans early, however, as the hosts owned a 19-point lead by halftime over the Pacers (17-17) on the strength of a 57-point first half. With the advantage up to 28 points going into the final period, Indiana's 31-23 fourth-quarter edge was meaningless.
Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers with 15 points, complementing them with two assists, one rebound and one steal. Myles Turner posted 14 points, eight boards, two blocks and one steal. Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield provided matching 12-point tallies, with Haliburton also recording six assists and two steals among his other contributions. Aaron Nesmith delivered 10 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Naji Marshall paced the Pelicans with a career-high 22 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, four assists and one block. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double that included five assists, one steal and one block. C.J. McCollum finished with 19 points, seven boards, six assists and two steals. Jaxson Hayes furnished 15 points, nine boards, two assists and three blocks. Devonte' Graham totaled 11 points, four assists and three rebounds.
The Pacers return home to host the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night, while the Pelicans host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night as well.
The Pelicans (21-12) found out that Zion Williamson would miss a third consecutive game a few hours before tipoff, with the big man being held out for conditioning reasons after missing the prior two contests in COVID-19 protocols. That, plus the ongoing absence of Brandon Ingram (toe) didn't seem to faze New Orleans early, however, as the hosts owned a 19-point lead by halftime over the Pacers (17-17) on the strength of a 57-point first half. With the advantage up to 28 points going into the final period, Indiana's 31-23 fourth-quarter edge was meaningless.
Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers with 15 points, complementing them with two assists, one rebound and one steal. Myles Turner posted 14 points, eight boards, two blocks and one steal. Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield provided matching 12-point tallies, with Haliburton also recording six assists and two steals among his other contributions. Aaron Nesmith delivered 10 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Naji Marshall paced the Pelicans with a career-high 22 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, four assists and one block. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double that included five assists, one steal and one block. C.J. McCollum finished with 19 points, seven boards, six assists and two steals. Jaxson Hayes furnished 15 points, nine boards, two assists and three blocks. Devonte' Graham totaled 11 points, four assists and three rebounds.
The Pacers return home to host the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night, while the Pelicans host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night as well.
Rockets Topple Bulls To End Five-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets defeated the host Chicago Bulls, 133-118, at United Center on Monday evening.
The Rockets jumped out to a great start with a 36-26 lead after one quarter. The Bulls bounced back in the second and outscored the visitors 39-28, to take a one-point lead by halftime. The Rockets turned it up again in the third quarter and rallied ahead to a 10-point lead heading into the final frame. The Bulls had no answers in the fourth, as the Rockets kept their foot on the gas and closed out the road win to snap a five-game slide.
Kevin Porter led the Rockets with 36 points, seven rebounds and nine assists, in 39 minutes. Alperen Sengun followed up with 25 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, two blocks and a steal, while Jalen Green added 24 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Rockets shot 56 percent from the field, including 17-of-44 from long range.
Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 31 points, five rebounds, nine assists and a steal, in 41 minutes. Zach LaVine followed up with 22 points, three rebounds and five assists, while Coby White added 14 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals. The Bulls shot 49 percent from the field, including 13-of-35 from deep.
The Bulls (14-19) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Bucks on Wednesday. The Rockets (10-23) take on the Celtics in Boston on Tuesday.
The Rockets jumped out to a great start with a 36-26 lead after one quarter. The Bulls bounced back in the second and outscored the visitors 39-28, to take a one-point lead by halftime. The Rockets turned it up again in the third quarter and rallied ahead to a 10-point lead heading into the final frame. The Bulls had no answers in the fourth, as the Rockets kept their foot on the gas and closed out the road win to snap a five-game slide.
Kevin Porter led the Rockets with 36 points, seven rebounds and nine assists, in 39 minutes. Alperen Sengun followed up with 25 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, two blocks and a steal, while Jalen Green added 24 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Rockets shot 56 percent from the field, including 17-of-44 from long range.
Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 31 points, five rebounds, nine assists and a steal, in 41 minutes. Zach LaVine followed up with 22 points, three rebounds and five assists, while Coby White added 14 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals. The Bulls shot 49 percent from the field, including 13-of-35 from deep.
The Bulls (14-19) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Bucks on Wednesday. The Rockets (10-23) take on the Celtics in Boston on Tuesday.
Spurs Hold Off Jazz In San Antonio
By Dan Bruno
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 126-122, at AT&T Center on Monday evening.
The Spurs got out to a strong start and held a 31-26 lead after one quarter. They kept the upper hand through the second and pushed it to a seven-point game heading into the break. The Spurs kept the pressure on in the third and charged to a 20-point lead late in the quarter, before the Jazz brought it back to a 14-point game heading into the final frame. The Jazz made a push in the fourth and outscored the hosts 40-30, but it was not enough, as the Spurs held on to snap a two-game slide.
Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 24 points, six rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks, in 35 minutes. Keldon Johnson followed up with 21 points, three rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Malaki Branham added 20 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Spurs shot 55 percent from the field, including 6-of-18 from deep.
Meanwhile, Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 32 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks, in 38 minutes. Jordan Clarkson followed up with 25 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Mike Conley tallied 17 points, five rebounds, six assists, three steals and a block. The Jazz shot 40 percent from the field, including 13-of-43 from long range.
The Jazz (19-17) will look to bounce back as they take on the Warriors in Golden State on Wednesday. The Spurs (11-22) take on the Thunder in OKC on Tuesday.
The Spurs got out to a strong start and held a 31-26 lead after one quarter. They kept the upper hand through the second and pushed it to a seven-point game heading into the break. The Spurs kept the pressure on in the third and charged to a 20-point lead late in the quarter, before the Jazz brought it back to a 14-point game heading into the final frame. The Jazz made a push in the fourth and outscored the hosts 40-30, but it was not enough, as the Spurs held on to snap a two-game slide.
Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 24 points, six rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks, in 35 minutes. Keldon Johnson followed up with 21 points, three rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Malaki Branham added 20 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Spurs shot 55 percent from the field, including 6-of-18 from deep.
Meanwhile, Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 32 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks, in 38 minutes. Jordan Clarkson followed up with 25 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Mike Conley tallied 17 points, five rebounds, six assists, three steals and a block. The Jazz shot 40 percent from the field, including 13-of-43 from long range.
The Jazz (19-17) will look to bounce back as they take on the Warriors in Golden State on Wednesday. The Spurs (11-22) take on the Thunder in OKC on Tuesday.
Blazers Defeat Hornets, 124-113
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets, 124-113, at Moda Center on Monday.
While Charlotte led by double-digits in the first half, Portland rode a 63-46 second half to their win. They actually ended the first half on a 10-2 run to get it down to a six-point margin and got their lead up to 15 points at times in the second half. They maintained a five-point lead for the closing 16 minutes. The Trail Blazers shot 50 percent from the field while holding the Hornets to 40 percent shooting. In addition, Portland out-blocked Charlotte, 8-3, while outscoring them in the paint, 52-42.
The Hornets (9-25) were led by LaMeo Ball, tallying 27 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals. PJ Washington provided 22 points, six rebounds and three blocks. Mason Plumlee amassed 14 points, eight rebounds and two assists, while Kelly Oubre Jr led the bench with 15 points and four rebounds. Terry Rozier missed 15 of his 17 shots to total seven points, four rebounds and five assists.
The Trail Blazers (18-16) were led by Jerami Grant, generating 32 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Jusuf Nurkic finished with 28 points, 15 rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks. Anferenee Simons amassed 18 points, two rebounds and two assists, while Damian Lillard collected 17 points, three rebounds and nine assists. Josh Hart also had 11 points, 14 rebounds and three assists.
Charlotte has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Tuesday, traveling to play the Golden State Warriors. As for Portland, they're off until Friday, playing the Warriors on the road as well.
While Charlotte led by double-digits in the first half, Portland rode a 63-46 second half to their win. They actually ended the first half on a 10-2 run to get it down to a six-point margin and got their lead up to 15 points at times in the second half. They maintained a five-point lead for the closing 16 minutes. The Trail Blazers shot 50 percent from the field while holding the Hornets to 40 percent shooting. In addition, Portland out-blocked Charlotte, 8-3, while outscoring them in the paint, 52-42.
The Hornets (9-25) were led by LaMeo Ball, tallying 27 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals. PJ Washington provided 22 points, six rebounds and three blocks. Mason Plumlee amassed 14 points, eight rebounds and two assists, while Kelly Oubre Jr led the bench with 15 points and four rebounds. Terry Rozier missed 15 of his 17 shots to total seven points, four rebounds and five assists.
The Trail Blazers (18-16) were led by Jerami Grant, generating 32 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Jusuf Nurkic finished with 28 points, 15 rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks. Anferenee Simons amassed 18 points, two rebounds and two assists, while Damian Lillard collected 17 points, three rebounds and nine assists. Josh Hart also had 11 points, 14 rebounds and three assists.
Charlotte has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Tuesday, traveling to play the Golden State Warriors. As for Portland, they're off until Friday, playing the Warriors on the road as well.