Pistons Roll Past Magic In Detroit
By Dan Bruno
The Detroit Pistons defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 121-101, at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Pistons got out to a strong start and led by four points after one quarter. They picked up the pace in the second and outscored the visitors 39-24 to take a 19-point lead into the break. The Magic came out stronger in the third and managed to trim it back to a 15-point game heading into the final quarter. However, the Pistons regained the momentum in the fourth and closed out the home win. This marks the second straight loss for the Magic.
Alec Burks led the Pistons with 32 points, two rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, in 31 minutes off the bench. Saddiq Bey followed up with 28 points, eight rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, while Jalen Duren totaled seven points, 18 rebounds, four assists and a block. The Pistons shot 45 percent from the field, including 18-of-42 from deep.
Meanwhile, Franz Wagner led the Magic with 19 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 29 minutes. Wendell Carter followed up with 16 points and eight rebounds, while Paolo Banchero tallied 15 points, five rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The Magic shot 41 percent from the field, including 5-of-22 from long range.
The Magic (13-23) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Wizards on Friday. The Pistons (9-28) take on the Bulls in Chicago on Friday.
The Pistons got out to a strong start and led by four points after one quarter. They picked up the pace in the second and outscored the visitors 39-24 to take a 19-point lead into the break. The Magic came out stronger in the third and managed to trim it back to a 15-point game heading into the final quarter. However, the Pistons regained the momentum in the fourth and closed out the home win. This marks the second straight loss for the Magic.
Alec Burks led the Pistons with 32 points, two rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, in 31 minutes off the bench. Saddiq Bey followed up with 28 points, eight rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, while Jalen Duren totaled seven points, 18 rebounds, four assists and a block. The Pistons shot 45 percent from the field, including 18-of-42 from deep.
Meanwhile, Franz Wagner led the Magic with 19 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 29 minutes. Wendell Carter followed up with 16 points and eight rebounds, while Paolo Banchero tallied 15 points, five rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The Magic shot 41 percent from the field, including 5-of-22 from long range.
The Magic (13-23) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Wizards on Friday. The Pistons (9-28) take on the Bulls in Chicago on Friday.
Wizards Earn Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Washington Wizards defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns, 127-102, at Capital One Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Wizards jumped out to a great start with a, 36-21, lead after one quarter. The Suns bounced back in the second and outscored the hosts, 34-28, to cut it to a nine-point game at the break. Both sides came out strong in the third and neither could make a difference, as the Wizards maintained the nine-point cushion heading into the final quarter. The Wizards left nothing to chance as they outscored the visitors by 16 points in the fourth to seal their third straight win.
Rui Hachimura led the Wizards with 30 points, five rebounds and a block, in 28 minutes off the bench. Kyle Kuzma added 22 points, five rebounds, seven assists and a steal, while Kristaps Porzingis finished with 22 points, six rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The Wizards shot 57 percent from the field, including 8-of-26 from deep.
Meanwhile, Deandre Ayton led the Suns with 31 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 36 minutes. Chris Paul followed up with 20 points, two rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks, while Mikal Bridges tallied 17 points, four rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block. The Suns shot 45 percent from the field, including 13-of-31 from long range.
The Suns (20-16) will look to bounce back as they take on the Raptors in Toronto on Friday. The Wizards (15-21) take on the Magic in Orlando on Friday.
The Wizards jumped out to a great start with a, 36-21, lead after one quarter. The Suns bounced back in the second and outscored the hosts, 34-28, to cut it to a nine-point game at the break. Both sides came out strong in the third and neither could make a difference, as the Wizards maintained the nine-point cushion heading into the final quarter. The Wizards left nothing to chance as they outscored the visitors by 16 points in the fourth to seal their third straight win.
Rui Hachimura led the Wizards with 30 points, five rebounds and a block, in 28 minutes off the bench. Kyle Kuzma added 22 points, five rebounds, seven assists and a steal, while Kristaps Porzingis finished with 22 points, six rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The Wizards shot 57 percent from the field, including 8-of-26 from deep.
Meanwhile, Deandre Ayton led the Suns with 31 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 36 minutes. Chris Paul followed up with 20 points, two rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks, while Mikal Bridges tallied 17 points, four rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block. The Suns shot 45 percent from the field, including 13-of-31 from long range.
The Suns (20-16) will look to bounce back as they take on the Raptors in Toronto on Friday. The Wizards (15-21) take on the Magic in Orlando on Friday.
Nets Edge Hawks, 108-107
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 108-107, at State Farm Arena on Wednesday night.
The Nets (23-12) appeared to have a nice built-in advantage in their quest for a 10th straight win, as the Hawks (17-18) were set to be without both Trae Young (calf) and Clint Capela (Achilles). However, Brooklyn owned just a 31-30 lead through one, and Atlanta erased that slim deficit and took a seven-point advantage into halftime. The visitors then turned the game back around in the third with a dominant 27-17 edge during the period, but the contest wasn't decided until Dejounte Murray missed a 27-footer just before the buzzer.
Kyrie Irving led the Nets with 28 points, complementing them with eight assists and five rebounds. Kevin Durant generated a 26-point, 16-rebound double-double that included eight assists and two blocks. Nicolas Claxton furnished a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that included six blocks. Patty Mills netted 12 points, while Ben Simmons contributed 10 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Murray paced the Hawks with 24 points, adding nine rebounds, eight assists and one steal. John Collins supplied 21 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one block. Onyeka Okongwu posted 18 points, 13 rebounds, one assist and three blocks. Jalen Johnson and Bogdan Bogdanovic recorded matching 14-point tallies while adding six rebounds and three assists, respectively.
The Nets remain on the road and pay a visit to the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night, while the Hawks remain home and host the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night.
The Nets (23-12) appeared to have a nice built-in advantage in their quest for a 10th straight win, as the Hawks (17-18) were set to be without both Trae Young (calf) and Clint Capela (Achilles). However, Brooklyn owned just a 31-30 lead through one, and Atlanta erased that slim deficit and took a seven-point advantage into halftime. The visitors then turned the game back around in the third with a dominant 27-17 edge during the period, but the contest wasn't decided until Dejounte Murray missed a 27-footer just before the buzzer.
Kyrie Irving led the Nets with 28 points, complementing them with eight assists and five rebounds. Kevin Durant generated a 26-point, 16-rebound double-double that included eight assists and two blocks. Nicolas Claxton furnished a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that included six blocks. Patty Mills netted 12 points, while Ben Simmons contributed 10 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Murray paced the Hawks with 24 points, adding nine rebounds, eight assists and one steal. John Collins supplied 21 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one block. Onyeka Okongwu posted 18 points, 13 rebounds, one assist and three blocks. Jalen Johnson and Bogdan Bogdanovic recorded matching 14-point tallies while adding six rebounds and three assists, respectively.
The Nets remain on the road and pay a visit to the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night, while the Hawks remain home and host the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night.
Heat Tops Lakers, 112-98
The Miami Heat defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 112-98, at FTX Arena on Wednesday night.
The Heat (18-17) got some good news prior to tip-off in the form of confirmed availability for Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, who'd been dealing with ankle and shoulder injuries, respectively. The reinforced first unit seemed to give Miami early momentum, as Erik Spoelstra's squad jumped out to an eight point lead through one and were ahead by 17 entering the final period. The Lakers eventually closed to within seven with four minutes remaining, but Los Angeles was held off the scoreboard the rest of the way.
LeBron James led the Lakers with 27 points, adding nine rebounds and six assists. Russell Westbrook and Dennis Schroder posted matching 15-point contributions, with Westbrook adding eight assists, four rebounds and one block. Troy Brown Jr. totaled 14 points and four rebounds. Thomas Bryant delivered 11 points, eight boards and one block.
Butler paced the Heat with 27 points, complementing them with five rebounds, four assists and six steals. Adebayo followed with a 23-point, 14-rebound double-double that included two blocks and one steal. Tyler Herro supplied 18 points, nine assists, four boards and two steals. Caleb Martin totaled 13 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Gabe Vincent netted 12 points, two boards, two assists and one steal.
The Lakers remain on the road and visit the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night, while the Heat hits the road and visits the Denver Nuggets on Friday night as well.
The Heat (18-17) got some good news prior to tip-off in the form of confirmed availability for Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, who'd been dealing with ankle and shoulder injuries, respectively. The reinforced first unit seemed to give Miami early momentum, as Erik Spoelstra's squad jumped out to an eight point lead through one and were ahead by 17 entering the final period. The Lakers eventually closed to within seven with four minutes remaining, but Los Angeles was held off the scoreboard the rest of the way.
LeBron James led the Lakers with 27 points, adding nine rebounds and six assists. Russell Westbrook and Dennis Schroder posted matching 15-point contributions, with Westbrook adding eight assists, four rebounds and one block. Troy Brown Jr. totaled 14 points and four rebounds. Thomas Bryant delivered 11 points, eight boards and one block.
Butler paced the Heat with 27 points, complementing them with five rebounds, four assists and six steals. Adebayo followed with a 23-point, 14-rebound double-double that included two blocks and one steal. Tyler Herro supplied 18 points, nine assists, four boards and two steals. Caleb Martin totaled 13 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Gabe Vincent netted 12 points, two boards, two assists and one steal.
The Lakers remain on the road and visit the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night, while the Heat hits the road and visits the Denver Nuggets on Friday night as well.
Pelicans Earn Fourth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 119-118, at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start, as the Timberwolves held a four-point lead after one quarter. They pushed their lead up to 11 late in the second, but the Pelicans cut it back to a six-point game by halftime. The visitors stayed in front but the Pelicans chipped away through the third to bring it down to a two-point game heading into the final quarter. The score stayed close through the fourth and was tied at 118 with 29 seconds to go, but Zion Williamson came up clutch at the line to gain the edge and help the Pelicans seal their fourth straight win. This marks the fourth straight loss for the Timberwolves.
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 43 points, three rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, in 34 minutes. Trey Murphy followed up with 21 points, three rebounds and four assists, while CJ McCollum added 20 points, three rebounds, six assists and two steals. The Pelicans shot 48 percent from the field including 11-of-24 from long range.
Meanwhile, D'Angelo Russell tallied 27 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Anthony Edwards finished with 27 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block to lead the way for the Timberwolves. Jaden McDaniels added 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block. The Timberwolves shot 51 percent from the field, including 10-of-29 from deep.
The Timberwolves (16-19) will look to bounce back as they take on the Bucks in Milwaukee on Friday. The Pelicans (22-12) play host to the 76ers on Friday.
The game got out to a competitive start, as the Timberwolves held a four-point lead after one quarter. They pushed their lead up to 11 late in the second, but the Pelicans cut it back to a six-point game by halftime. The visitors stayed in front but the Pelicans chipped away through the third to bring it down to a two-point game heading into the final quarter. The score stayed close through the fourth and was tied at 118 with 29 seconds to go, but Zion Williamson came up clutch at the line to gain the edge and help the Pelicans seal their fourth straight win. This marks the fourth straight loss for the Timberwolves.
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 43 points, three rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, in 34 minutes. Trey Murphy followed up with 21 points, three rebounds and four assists, while CJ McCollum added 20 points, three rebounds, six assists and two steals. The Pelicans shot 48 percent from the field including 11-of-24 from long range.
Meanwhile, D'Angelo Russell tallied 27 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Anthony Edwards finished with 27 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block to lead the way for the Timberwolves. Jaden McDaniels added 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block. The Timberwolves shot 51 percent from the field, including 10-of-29 from deep.
The Timberwolves (16-19) will look to bounce back as they take on the Bucks in Milwaukee on Friday. The Pelicans (22-12) play host to the 76ers on Friday.
Bulls Come Out On Top In Overtime
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls defeated the visiting Milwaukee Bucks, 119-113, at United Center on Wednesday evening.
The Bucks got out to a solid start and led, 32-28, after one quarter. The Bulls bounced back in the second and pushed ahead to a two-point advantage at the break. The Bucks came out better in the third and reclaimed a three-point edge heading into the final quarter. Both sides kept up the fight down the stretch and Ayo Dosunmu came up with a clutch dunk in the final seconds to force overtime. The Bucks scored the first two baskets in extra time, but the Bulls closed on a, 13-3, run to seal the impressive road win. This marks the fourth straight loss for the Bucks.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 42 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks, in 44 minutes. Zach LaVine followed up with 24 points, two rebounds and four assists, while Nikola Vucevic totaled 15 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. The Bulls shot 46 percent from the field, including 9-of-22 from long range.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 45 points, 22 rebounds, seven assists and a steal, in 42 minutes. Bobby Portis followed up with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Brook Lopez tallied 14 points, six rebounds, four blocks and steal. The Bucks shot 37 percent from the field, including 9-of-44 from long range.
The Bucks (22-12) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Timberwolves on Friday. The Bulls (15-19) play host to the Pistons on Friday.
The Bucks got out to a solid start and led, 32-28, after one quarter. The Bulls bounced back in the second and pushed ahead to a two-point advantage at the break. The Bucks came out better in the third and reclaimed a three-point edge heading into the final quarter. Both sides kept up the fight down the stretch and Ayo Dosunmu came up with a clutch dunk in the final seconds to force overtime. The Bucks scored the first two baskets in extra time, but the Bulls closed on a, 13-3, run to seal the impressive road win. This marks the fourth straight loss for the Bucks.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 42 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks, in 44 minutes. Zach LaVine followed up with 24 points, two rebounds and four assists, while Nikola Vucevic totaled 15 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. The Bulls shot 46 percent from the field, including 9-of-22 from long range.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 45 points, 22 rebounds, seven assists and a steal, in 42 minutes. Bobby Portis followed up with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Brook Lopez tallied 14 points, six rebounds, four blocks and steal. The Bucks shot 37 percent from the field, including 9-of-44 from long range.
The Bucks (22-12) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Timberwolves on Friday. The Bulls (15-19) play host to the Pistons on Friday.
Warriors Defeat Jazz, 112-107
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 112-107, at Chase Center on Wednesday.
While there were only five ties and eight lead changes in this game, it came down to the final moments. Golden State took care of business in the fourth quarter, outscoring Utah, 24-13, to complete their comeback win. The Jazz actually held the lead for the entirety of the second and third quarters before that. The Warriors shot 43 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range while holding the Jazz below 41 percent from the field and 33 percent from long range. Golden State also outscored Utah in fastbreak points, 23-2.
The Jazz (19-18) were led by Lauri Markkanen, accruing 29 points and 16 rebounds. Jordan Clarkson collected 22 points, three rebounds and two assists. Jarred Vanderbilt had 10 points, nine rebounds and two assists, while Mike Conley led the team with 10 assists. Collin Sexton led the bench with 11 points, two rebounds and four assists.
The Warriors (18-18) were led by Jordan Poole, providing 26 points and three rebounds. Donte DiVincenzo totaled 19 points, four rebounds and two assists. Draymond Green generated six points, nine rebounds, five assists and three blocks, while Kevon Looney tallies six points, 12 rebounds and five assists. Ty Jerome led the bench with 17 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Utah traveling to face the Sacramento Kings and Golden State remaining home to play the Portland Trail Blazers.
While there were only five ties and eight lead changes in this game, it came down to the final moments. Golden State took care of business in the fourth quarter, outscoring Utah, 24-13, to complete their comeback win. The Jazz actually held the lead for the entirety of the second and third quarters before that. The Warriors shot 43 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range while holding the Jazz below 41 percent from the field and 33 percent from long range. Golden State also outscored Utah in fastbreak points, 23-2.
The Jazz (19-18) were led by Lauri Markkanen, accruing 29 points and 16 rebounds. Jordan Clarkson collected 22 points, three rebounds and two assists. Jarred Vanderbilt had 10 points, nine rebounds and two assists, while Mike Conley led the team with 10 assists. Collin Sexton led the bench with 11 points, two rebounds and four assists.
The Warriors (18-18) were led by Jordan Poole, providing 26 points and three rebounds. Donte DiVincenzo totaled 19 points, four rebounds and two assists. Draymond Green generated six points, nine rebounds, five assists and three blocks, while Kevon Looney tallies six points, 12 rebounds and five assists. Ty Jerome led the bench with 17 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Utah traveling to face the Sacramento Kings and Golden State remaining home to play the Portland Trail Blazers.
Kings Defeat Nuggets, 127-126
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Denver Nuggets. 127-126, at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday.
While Denver got out to a 40-24 lead after the first quarter and held the lead for the opening 45 minutes, Sacramento was able to grab a comeback win. In fact, they rode a 33-21 fourth quarter to their comeback victory and only held the lead for a few minutes in this game. Malik Monk was the hero, knocking down a game-winning free throw with 0.7 seconds remaining. The Kings had 10 steals to the Nuggets six, winning the turnover battle, 16-12. They also outscored Denver in fastbreak scoring, 21-9.
The Nuggets (22-12) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 40 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Bones Hyland amassed 20 points, five rebounds and 11 assists. Michael Porter Jr provided 19 points, seven rebounds and three blocks, while Zeke Nnaji had 14 points and three boards. Christian Bruan and Vlatko Cancar led the bench with nine points apiece.
The Kings (18-15) had just two starters reach double figures in scoring, with Domantas Sabonis leading the way with 31 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. De'Aaron Fox finished with 31 points, two rebounds and 13 assists. Malik Monk led the bench with 33 points, two rebounds and three assists. The other seven players combined for just 32 points.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Sacramento staying home to play the Utah Jazz and Denver returning home to play the Miami Heat.
While Denver got out to a 40-24 lead after the first quarter and held the lead for the opening 45 minutes, Sacramento was able to grab a comeback win. In fact, they rode a 33-21 fourth quarter to their comeback victory and only held the lead for a few minutes in this game. Malik Monk was the hero, knocking down a game-winning free throw with 0.7 seconds remaining. The Kings had 10 steals to the Nuggets six, winning the turnover battle, 16-12. They also outscored Denver in fastbreak scoring, 21-9.
The Nuggets (22-12) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 40 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Bones Hyland amassed 20 points, five rebounds and 11 assists. Michael Porter Jr provided 19 points, seven rebounds and three blocks, while Zeke Nnaji had 14 points and three boards. Christian Bruan and Vlatko Cancar led the bench with nine points apiece.
The Kings (18-15) had just two starters reach double figures in scoring, with Domantas Sabonis leading the way with 31 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. De'Aaron Fox finished with 31 points, two rebounds and 13 assists. Malik Monk led the bench with 33 points, two rebounds and three assists. The other seven players combined for just 32 points.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Sacramento staying home to play the Utah Jazz and Denver returning home to play the Miami Heat.