Lakers Roll Past Magic In Orlando
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the host Orlando Magic, 129-110, at Amway Center on Tuesday evening.
The Lakers got out to a strong start and led 33-27 after one quarter. They maintained control in the second and pushed their lead up to 16, before settling on a 10-point cushion at the break. The Magic came out stronger in the third and managed to trim it back to a nine-point game heading into the final quarter. However, the Lakers reclaimed dominance in the fourth and outscored the hosts by 10 points, to run away with the road win and snap a four-game slide.
LeBron James led the Lakers with 28 points, seven rebounds, five assists, a block and a steal, in 31 minutes. Thomas Bryant followed up with 21 points, 10 rebounds and a steal, while Russell Westbrook tallied 15 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists. The Lakers shot 54 percent from the field, including 17-of-43 from long range.
Meanwhile, Markelle Fultz led the Magic with 16 points, three rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks, in 28 minutes. Franz Wagner added 15 points, two rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Wendell Carter tallied 15 points, three rebounds and four assists. The Magic shot 50 percent from the field, including 10-of-28 from deep.
The Magic (13-22) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pistons in Detroit on Wednesday. The Lakers (14-20) take on the Heat in Miami on Wednesday.
The Lakers got out to a strong start and led 33-27 after one quarter. They maintained control in the second and pushed their lead up to 16, before settling on a 10-point cushion at the break. The Magic came out stronger in the third and managed to trim it back to a nine-point game heading into the final quarter. However, the Lakers reclaimed dominance in the fourth and outscored the hosts by 10 points, to run away with the road win and snap a four-game slide.
LeBron James led the Lakers with 28 points, seven rebounds, five assists, a block and a steal, in 31 minutes. Thomas Bryant followed up with 21 points, 10 rebounds and a steal, while Russell Westbrook tallied 15 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists. The Lakers shot 54 percent from the field, including 17-of-43 from long range.
Meanwhile, Markelle Fultz led the Magic with 16 points, three rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks, in 28 minutes. Franz Wagner added 15 points, two rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Wendell Carter tallied 15 points, three rebounds and four assists. The Magic shot 50 percent from the field, including 10-of-28 from deep.
The Magic (13-22) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pistons in Detroit on Wednesday. The Lakers (14-20) take on the Heat in Miami on Wednesday.
Wizards Hold Off Sixers In D.C.
By Dan Bruno
The Washington Wizards defeated the visiting Philadelphia 76ers, 116-111, at Capital One Arena on Tuesday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start and the Wizards led 32-30 after one quarter. The hosts picked up the pace in the second and outscored the Sixers by nine, to make it an 11-point deficit at halftime. The 76ers came out stronger in the third and managed to trim two points off the difference but still trailed by nine, heading into to the final quarter. The visitors kept chipping away through the fourth, but the Wizards stayed a step ahead to close out their second straight win. This marks the end of an eight-game win streak for the Sixers.
Kristaps Porzingis led the Wizards with 24 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks and two steals, in 35 minutes. Bradley Beal followed up with 19 points, five assists and two blocks, while Kyle Kuzma added 14 points and eight rebounds. The Wizards shot 46 percent from the field, including 11-of-33 from long range.
Meanwhile, Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 48 points, nine rebounds, three steals and three blocks, in 36 minutes. James Harden followed up with 26 points, seven rebounds, 13 assists, three steals and a. block, while Tobias Harris added 15 points, four rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal. The Sixers shot 46 percent from the field, including just 6-of-31 from deep.
The 76ers (23-13) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Friday. The Wizards (14-21) play host to the Suns on Wednesday.
The game got out to a competitive start and the Wizards led 32-30 after one quarter. The hosts picked up the pace in the second and outscored the Sixers by nine, to make it an 11-point deficit at halftime. The 76ers came out stronger in the third and managed to trim two points off the difference but still trailed by nine, heading into to the final quarter. The visitors kept chipping away through the fourth, but the Wizards stayed a step ahead to close out their second straight win. This marks the end of an eight-game win streak for the Sixers.
Kristaps Porzingis led the Wizards with 24 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks and two steals, in 35 minutes. Bradley Beal followed up with 19 points, five assists and two blocks, while Kyle Kuzma added 14 points and eight rebounds. The Wizards shot 46 percent from the field, including 11-of-33 from long range.
Meanwhile, Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 48 points, nine rebounds, three steals and three blocks, in 36 minutes. James Harden followed up with 26 points, seven rebounds, 13 assists, three steals and a. block, while Tobias Harris added 15 points, four rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal. The Sixers shot 46 percent from the field, including just 6-of-31 from deep.
The 76ers (23-13) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Friday. The Wizards (14-21) play host to the Suns on Wednesday.
Celtics Thump Rockets, 126-102
The Boston Celtics defeated the Houston Rockets, 126-102, at TD Garden on Tuesday night.
The Celtics (25-10) came into the contest as the biggest favorites of the night against a Rockets (10-25) team that had proven dangerous versus several high-caliber clubs this season. Early on, it appeared Houston was set to play another superior squad tough, as it trailed by only one point through one. Boston has extended its lead to seven by halftime, however, and the hosts ensured there wouldn't be an early second-half resurgence by adding another four points to its advantage during the third quarter. The Celtics were in firm control from that point forward, leading to the comfortable win.
Jalen Green led the Rockets with 28 points, adding four rebounds and two assists. Kevin Porter delivered 22 points, nine assists and five boards. Kenyon Martin furnished 17 points, three rebounds and two assists. TyTy Washington finished with 10 points, five boards, three assists and one steal.
Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 39 points, supplementing them with two assists, one rebound and three steals. Jayson Tatum compiled 38 points, eight boards, four assists, one steal and one block. Robert Williams generated an 11-point, 15-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block. Marcus Smart supplied nine points, six assists, one rebound and three steals.
The Rockets remain on the road but return to their home state to face the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night, while the Celtics remain home and host the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night as well.
The Celtics (25-10) came into the contest as the biggest favorites of the night against a Rockets (10-25) team that had proven dangerous versus several high-caliber clubs this season. Early on, it appeared Houston was set to play another superior squad tough, as it trailed by only one point through one. Boston has extended its lead to seven by halftime, however, and the hosts ensured there wouldn't be an early second-half resurgence by adding another four points to its advantage during the third quarter. The Celtics were in firm control from that point forward, leading to the comfortable win.
Jalen Green led the Rockets with 28 points, adding four rebounds and two assists. Kevin Porter delivered 22 points, nine assists and five boards. Kenyon Martin furnished 17 points, three rebounds and two assists. TyTy Washington finished with 10 points, five boards, three assists and one steal.
Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 39 points, supplementing them with two assists, one rebound and three steals. Jayson Tatum compiled 38 points, eight boards, four assists, one steal and one block. Robert Williams generated an 11-point, 15-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block. Marcus Smart supplied nine points, six assists, one rebound and three steals.
The Rockets remain on the road but return to their home state to face the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night, while the Celtics remain home and host the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night as well.
Pacers Top Hawks, 129-114
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 129-114, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Tuesday night.
The Pacers (18-17) came into the contest fresh off a disappointing 20-point road loss to a short-handed Pelicans team 24 hours earlier, but the first half served as an indication Indiana had come out refocused. The hosts owned a 10-point lead over the Hawks (17-17) by halftime thanks to 64 points in the first 24 minutes, and they stood their ground in the third by matching Atlanta bucket for bucket. The Pacers then turned it up a notch in the final period, keeping the visitors at bay with a 33-point haul.
John Collins led the Hawks with a 26-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one block. Trae Young tallied 22 points, 10 assists, three rebounds and one block. Bogdan Bogdanovic provided 18 points, three rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Dejounte Murray supplied 14 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal.
Buddy Hield paced the Pacers with 28 points, complementing them with nine rebounds and two assists. Tyrese Haliburton recorded 23 points, seven assists, three rebounds and one steal. Myles Turner and Bennedict Mathurin generated matching 18-point efforts while adding six rebounds and three assists, respectively. Oshae Brissett finished with 16 points, five rebounds and one assist.
The Hawks return home to host the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night, while the Pacers host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night.
The Pacers (18-17) came into the contest fresh off a disappointing 20-point road loss to a short-handed Pelicans team 24 hours earlier, but the first half served as an indication Indiana had come out refocused. The hosts owned a 10-point lead over the Hawks (17-17) by halftime thanks to 64 points in the first 24 minutes, and they stood their ground in the third by matching Atlanta bucket for bucket. The Pacers then turned it up a notch in the final period, keeping the visitors at bay with a 33-point haul.
John Collins led the Hawks with a 26-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one block. Trae Young tallied 22 points, 10 assists, three rebounds and one block. Bogdan Bogdanovic provided 18 points, three rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Dejounte Murray supplied 14 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal.
Buddy Hield paced the Pacers with 28 points, complementing them with nine rebounds and two assists. Tyrese Haliburton recorded 23 points, seven assists, three rebounds and one steal. Myles Turner and Bennedict Mathurin generated matching 18-point efforts while adding six rebounds and three assists, respectively. Oshae Brissett finished with 16 points, five rebounds and one assist.
The Hawks return home to host the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night, while the Pacers host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night.
Clippers Outlast Raptors, 124-113
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Toronto Raptors, 124-113, at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday night.
The Clippers (21-15) managed to emerge from the first quarter with just a two-point deficit, and from that point forward, they progressively took control of the contest. Los Angeles outscored the Raptors (15-19) by a 70-53 margin during the middle periods to take a commanding 15-point lead into the fourth quarter on the way to the high-scoring road victory.
Paul George and Ivica Zubac led the Clippers with matching 23-point contributions, with George adding seven rebounds and five assists and Zubac pulling down 16 boards of his own. Norman Powell delivered 22 points, three assists, one rebound and three steals. Reggie Jackson managed 20 points, three assists and one rebound. Kawhi Leonard totaled 15 points, eight assists, seven boards, one steal and one block. Marcus Morris registered 10 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal.
Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with 36 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Gary Trent netted 20 points. O.G. Anunoby furnished 18 points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Scottie Barnes generated a 17-point, 12-rebound double-double that included eight assists, one steal and one block. Malachi Flynn poured in 10 points.
The Clippers remain on the road and visit the Boston Celtics on Thursday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday night as well.
The Clippers (21-15) managed to emerge from the first quarter with just a two-point deficit, and from that point forward, they progressively took control of the contest. Los Angeles outscored the Raptors (15-19) by a 70-53 margin during the middle periods to take a commanding 15-point lead into the fourth quarter on the way to the high-scoring road victory.
Paul George and Ivica Zubac led the Clippers with matching 23-point contributions, with George adding seven rebounds and five assists and Zubac pulling down 16 boards of his own. Norman Powell delivered 22 points, three assists, one rebound and three steals. Reggie Jackson managed 20 points, three assists and one rebound. Kawhi Leonard totaled 15 points, eight assists, seven boards, one steal and one block. Marcus Morris registered 10 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal.
Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with 36 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Gary Trent netted 20 points. O.G. Anunoby furnished 18 points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Scottie Barnes generated a 17-point, 12-rebound double-double that included eight assists, one steal and one block. Malachi Flynn poured in 10 points.
The Clippers remain on the road and visit the Boston Celtics on Thursday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday night as well.
Thunder Get Past Spurs With Ease
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 130-114, at Paycom Center on Tuesday night.
The Thunder (15-19) got off to a strong start and that was all they needed to get past the Spurs (11-23). Oklahoma City jumped out to a 38-33 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, as they bolstered their lead following a 32-27 score in the second quarter. The 10-point lead was a nice cushion for the Thunder, and while the Spurs put up a fight following a 33-25 score in the third quarter, the Thunder would close the game out in the final 12 minutes. A 35-21 score in the fourth quarter was enough to ice the game for OKC.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 28 points, eight assists and six rebounds to lead the Thunder in the win. Jalen Williams was the only other starter who scored in double digits since he ended with 15 points and nine boards, but he also added three assists. Mike Muscala shined with 19 points and six boards off the bench, while Tre Mann posted 17 points and three dimes. Aaron Wiggins had 12 points and six rebounds.
Six Spurs scored in double digits in this loss. Devin Vassell posted 20 points and three rebounds, while Keldon Johnson finished with 19 points, three boards and two dimes. Jeremy Sochan came close to a double-double thanks to his 16 points and nine boards while adding four assists. Tre Jones had 14 points, and Zach Collins posted 11 points and eight boards off the bench.
The Thunder (15-19) got off to a strong start and that was all they needed to get past the Spurs (11-23). Oklahoma City jumped out to a 38-33 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, as they bolstered their lead following a 32-27 score in the second quarter. The 10-point lead was a nice cushion for the Thunder, and while the Spurs put up a fight following a 33-25 score in the third quarter, the Thunder would close the game out in the final 12 minutes. A 35-21 score in the fourth quarter was enough to ice the game for OKC.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 28 points, eight assists and six rebounds to lead the Thunder in the win. Jalen Williams was the only other starter who scored in double digits since he ended with 15 points and nine boards, but he also added three assists. Mike Muscala shined with 19 points and six boards off the bench, while Tre Mann posted 17 points and three dimes. Aaron Wiggins had 12 points and six rebounds.
Six Spurs scored in double digits in this loss. Devin Vassell posted 20 points and three rebounds, while Keldon Johnson finished with 19 points, three boards and two dimes. Jeremy Sochan came close to a double-double thanks to his 16 points and nine boards while adding four assists. Tre Jones had 14 points, and Zach Collins posted 11 points and eight boards off the bench.
Suns Manage To Defeat Grizzlies
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 125-108, at FedExForum on Tuesday.
The Suns (20-15) were shorthanded but escaped with the win here, as they managed to get past the Grizzlies (20-13) with surprising ease. The game started tight and the Suns led by just one point after the first quarter, 23-22, but they pulled away for good in the second quarter following a massive 42-27 score. Phoenix didn't step the foot off the gas and won the third quarter by a 32-31 score, and the game was over with 12 minutes left. The fourth quarter ended with a 28-28 tie, but the Suns didn't have problems to close the game out.
Eight Phoenix players scored in double digits in this game, but the best player came off the bench since Duane Washington ended with 26 points, eight assists and four rebounds. Jock Landale delivered 16 points and three boards, and Deandre Ayton posted 15 points and 10 rebounds. Chris Paul had 14 points and six assists, while both Torrey Craig and Mikal Bridges both ended with 10 points.
Ja Morant shined for the Grizzlies with 34 points, six assists and three rebounds, while Desmond Bane posted 14 points and two boards. No other Memphis player scored in double digits. The Grizzlies shot 39.6 percent from the field and 26.7 from three-point range.
The Suns (20-15) were shorthanded but escaped with the win here, as they managed to get past the Grizzlies (20-13) with surprising ease. The game started tight and the Suns led by just one point after the first quarter, 23-22, but they pulled away for good in the second quarter following a massive 42-27 score. Phoenix didn't step the foot off the gas and won the third quarter by a 32-31 score, and the game was over with 12 minutes left. The fourth quarter ended with a 28-28 tie, but the Suns didn't have problems to close the game out.
Eight Phoenix players scored in double digits in this game, but the best player came off the bench since Duane Washington ended with 26 points, eight assists and four rebounds. Jock Landale delivered 16 points and three boards, and Deandre Ayton posted 15 points and 10 rebounds. Chris Paul had 14 points and six assists, while both Torrey Craig and Mikal Bridges both ended with 10 points.
Ja Morant shined for the Grizzlies with 34 points, six assists and three rebounds, while Desmond Bane posted 14 points and two boards. No other Memphis player scored in double digits. The Grizzlies shot 39.6 percent from the field and 26.7 from three-point range.
Mavs Defeat Knicks in OT, 126-121
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the visiting New York Knicks in OT, 126-121, at American Airlines Center on Tuesday.
New York held the lead for all but one minute in regulation, but Dallas was able to grab a win in overtime. They actually finished regulation on a 12-3 run over the final 27 seconds, riding a 33-23 fourth quarter to get the game into an extra frame. They also outscored the Knicks 11-6 in the extra frame to complete the comeback win. The Mavericks shot 49 percent from the field and 76 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Knicks to 44 percent from the field and 63 percent from the charity stripe. Dallas recorded five blocks, while New York didn't have a single one.
The Knicks (18-17) were led by Quentin Grimes, generating 33 points, six rebounds and four assists. Julius Randle registered 29 points, 18 rebounds and four assists. Mitchell Robinson amassed 20 points, 16 rebounds and two steals, while Immanuel Quickley totaled 13 points, three rebounds and 15 assists. Miles McBride led the bench with 14 points and two steals.
The Mavericks (19-16) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 60 points, 21 rebounds and 10 assists on 21-of-31 from the field. Only four players in NBA history have had at least 60 points and 20 rebounds in a triple-double. Spencer Dinwiddie finished with 25 points, six rebounds and five assists. Christian Wood compiled 19 points, nine rebounds, two assists and three steals, while Tim Hardaway accrued 11 points and five rebounds.
Both teams return to action on Thursday, with Dallas remaining home to play the Houston Rockets and New York staying on the road to face the San Antonio Spurs.
New York held the lead for all but one minute in regulation, but Dallas was able to grab a win in overtime. They actually finished regulation on a 12-3 run over the final 27 seconds, riding a 33-23 fourth quarter to get the game into an extra frame. They also outscored the Knicks 11-6 in the extra frame to complete the comeback win. The Mavericks shot 49 percent from the field and 76 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Knicks to 44 percent from the field and 63 percent from the charity stripe. Dallas recorded five blocks, while New York didn't have a single one.
The Knicks (18-17) were led by Quentin Grimes, generating 33 points, six rebounds and four assists. Julius Randle registered 29 points, 18 rebounds and four assists. Mitchell Robinson amassed 20 points, 16 rebounds and two steals, while Immanuel Quickley totaled 13 points, three rebounds and 15 assists. Miles McBride led the bench with 14 points and two steals.
The Mavericks (19-16) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 60 points, 21 rebounds and 10 assists on 21-of-31 from the field. Only four players in NBA history have had at least 60 points and 20 rebounds in a triple-double. Spencer Dinwiddie finished with 25 points, six rebounds and five assists. Christian Wood compiled 19 points, nine rebounds, two assists and three steals, while Tim Hardaway accrued 11 points and five rebounds.
Both teams return to action on Thursday, with Dallas remaining home to play the Houston Rockets and New York staying on the road to face the San Antonio Spurs.
Warriors Defeat Hornets, 110-105
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets, 110-105, at Chase Center on Tuesday.
A 37-26 first quarter set the foundation for Golden State in this victory, holding the lead for all but a few minutes. Charlotte's only lead was in the first half, with Golden State maintaining a lead for the final 45 minutes of this 48-minute game. With that said, the Hornets tied it with 2:45 remaining, but the Warriors closed the game on a 9-4 run to prevail. Golden State out-assisted Charlotte, 31-22, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 15-6. They also outscored them in the paint, 56-42.
The Hornets (9-26) were led by LaMelo Ball, tallying 21 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Terry Rozier registered 19 points, three rebounds and four assists. Gordon Hayward generated 14 points, five rebounds and three assists, while PJ Washington totaled 14 points and four boards. Jalen McDaniels led the bench with 12 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
The Warriors (17-18) were led by Klay Thompson, collecting 29 points, five rebounds and four assists. Jordan Poole provided 24 points, two rebounds and six assists. Kevon Looney amassed 11 points and nine boards, while Draymond Green collected nine points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Donte DiVincenzo went scoreless but had nine rebounds and seven assists. Jonathan Kuminga led the bench with 14 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Golden State has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Wednesday, staying home to play the Utah Jazz. As for Charlotte, they return home to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday for their next outing.
A 37-26 first quarter set the foundation for Golden State in this victory, holding the lead for all but a few minutes. Charlotte's only lead was in the first half, with Golden State maintaining a lead for the final 45 minutes of this 48-minute game. With that said, the Hornets tied it with 2:45 remaining, but the Warriors closed the game on a 9-4 run to prevail. Golden State out-assisted Charlotte, 31-22, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 15-6. They also outscored them in the paint, 56-42.
The Hornets (9-26) were led by LaMelo Ball, tallying 21 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Terry Rozier registered 19 points, three rebounds and four assists. Gordon Hayward generated 14 points, five rebounds and three assists, while PJ Washington totaled 14 points and four boards. Jalen McDaniels led the bench with 12 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
The Warriors (17-18) were led by Klay Thompson, collecting 29 points, five rebounds and four assists. Jordan Poole provided 24 points, two rebounds and six assists. Kevon Looney amassed 11 points and nine boards, while Draymond Green collected nine points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Donte DiVincenzo went scoreless but had nine rebounds and seven assists. Jonathan Kuminga led the bench with 14 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Golden State has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Wednesday, staying home to play the Utah Jazz. As for Charlotte, they return home to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday for their next outing.
Nuggets Defeat Kings, 113-106
The Denver Nuggets defeated the host Sacramento Kings, 113-106, at Golden 1 Center on Tuesday.
While Sacramento led for over 40 minutes of this game, Denver prevailed behind a 66-50 second half. A 32-27 third quarter cut the lead, but a 34-23 fourth quarter capped off their comeback win. The Nugs finished the game on a 24-13 run across the final 5:21. Denver recorded 34 assists to 13 turnovers, while Sacramento had 21 assists to 16 turnovers. In addition, the Nuggets outscored the Kings in fastbreak points, 16-2.
The Nuggets (22-11) were led by Michael Porter Jr, providing 30 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jamal Murray amassed 25 points, five rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Nikola Jokic collected 20 points, nine rebounds and 11 assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope compiled 11 points, three rebounds and three assists.
The Kings (17-15) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 26 points and four assists. Kevin Huerter had 21 points, three rebounds and two steals. Harrison Barnes totaled 13 points and eight boards, while Keegan Murray amassed 11 points, two rebounds and two steals. Trey Lyles led the bench with 11 points, 10 rebounds and two assists.
These teams will have a rare rematch on Wednesday in the second half of a back-to-back set.
While Sacramento led for over 40 minutes of this game, Denver prevailed behind a 66-50 second half. A 32-27 third quarter cut the lead, but a 34-23 fourth quarter capped off their comeback win. The Nugs finished the game on a 24-13 run across the final 5:21. Denver recorded 34 assists to 13 turnovers, while Sacramento had 21 assists to 16 turnovers. In addition, the Nuggets outscored the Kings in fastbreak points, 16-2.
The Nuggets (22-11) were led by Michael Porter Jr, providing 30 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jamal Murray amassed 25 points, five rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Nikola Jokic collected 20 points, nine rebounds and 11 assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope compiled 11 points, three rebounds and three assists.
The Kings (17-15) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 26 points and four assists. Kevin Huerter had 21 points, three rebounds and two steals. Harrison Barnes totaled 13 points and eight boards, while Keegan Murray amassed 11 points, two rebounds and two steals. Trey Lyles led the bench with 11 points, 10 rebounds and two assists.
These teams will have a rare rematch on Wednesday in the second half of a back-to-back set.