Wizards Top Magic To Win Fourth Straight
The Washington Wizards defeated the Orlando Magic, 119-100, at Amway Center on Friday night.
The Wizards (16-21) moved to 6-14 on the road with a strong performance against a surging Magic (13-24) team that fell to 9-11 at home. Plus, this game also marked Washington’s fourth straight win after a rough patch between late November and mid-December that saw them lose 10 games in a row. Washington looked good in the early going and quickly jumped out to a 27-20 lead in the first quarter, but they’d bolster that lead even further following a 29-27 score in the second 12 minutes of action. The Wizards would pull away for good in the third quarter following a 42-26 score in the third quarter and didn’t step the foot off the gas after halftime, building an advantage they’d never relinquish the rest of the way. Orlando won the final quarter by a 27-21 score, but that was not enough to mount a comeback and the Wizards ended winning with ease.
Kristaps Porzingis had an excellent showing and posted 30 points with 13 rebounds while also adding four blocks, and Kyle Kuzma notched 23 points, six assists and five boards. Both Corey Kispert and Daniel Gafford registered 11-point tallies, with Kispert adding five rebounds and Gafford pulling down eight boards with four swats. Monte Morris finished with 12 points and 10 assists, and Rui Hachimura finished with 16 points and seven boards off the bench.
Franz Wagner led a shorthanded Orlando team with 28 points, eight assists and four rebounds, while Paolo Banchero finished with 21 points, five rebounds and four assists. Markelle Fultz delivered 12 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals, and Bol Bol ended with 20 points and nine rebounds. Caleb Houstan and Kevon Harris each had eight points off the bench.
The Wizards (16-21) moved to 6-14 on the road with a strong performance against a surging Magic (13-24) team that fell to 9-11 at home. Plus, this game also marked Washington’s fourth straight win after a rough patch between late November and mid-December that saw them lose 10 games in a row. Washington looked good in the early going and quickly jumped out to a 27-20 lead in the first quarter, but they’d bolster that lead even further following a 29-27 score in the second 12 minutes of action. The Wizards would pull away for good in the third quarter following a 42-26 score in the third quarter and didn’t step the foot off the gas after halftime, building an advantage they’d never relinquish the rest of the way. Orlando won the final quarter by a 27-21 score, but that was not enough to mount a comeback and the Wizards ended winning with ease.
Kristaps Porzingis had an excellent showing and posted 30 points with 13 rebounds while also adding four blocks, and Kyle Kuzma notched 23 points, six assists and five boards. Both Corey Kispert and Daniel Gafford registered 11-point tallies, with Kispert adding five rebounds and Gafford pulling down eight boards with four swats. Monte Morris finished with 12 points and 10 assists, and Rui Hachimura finished with 16 points and seven boards off the bench.
Franz Wagner led a shorthanded Orlando team with 28 points, eight assists and four rebounds, while Paolo Banchero finished with 21 points, five rebounds and four assists. Markelle Fultz delivered 12 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals, and Bol Bol ended with 20 points and nine rebounds. Caleb Houstan and Kevon Harris each had eight points off the bench.
Lakers Shine, Top Hawks In LeBron's Birthday
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 130-121, at StateFarm Arena on Friday night.
The Lakers (15-21) moved to 7-13 on the road in a huge win to celebrate LeBron James’ 38th birthday, and it seemed as if everyone was prepared for LeBron to shine. Everyone, but the Hawks (17-19), as Atlanta simply didn’t have answers to stop him all game long. The Hawks looked better in the early going, though, and they raced out to a 33-23 lead following the first quarter, but the Lakers responded with a 39-34 score in the second half while showing some signs of life. A 36-28 score in the third quarter gave the Lakers the lead with only 12 minutes left in the game, and they wouldn’t waste the advantage away. The Lakers closed things out with a 32-26 score in the final 12 minutes of action, giving their star player a proper celebration while also allowing Los Angeles to end up the calendar year on a high note.
LeBron James had his best game of the season and finished with 47 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, while Thomas Bryant recorded 19 points and 17 rebounds. Patrick Beverley had 10 points with three assists, and Dennis Schroder posted 12 points with nine dimes, three steals and two boards. Russell Westbrook had 14 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds off the bench, and Wenyen Gabriel had 11 points in only 14 minutes.
Trae Young had 29 points for the Hawks, but he also added eight assists and three rebounds. Dejounte Murray finished with 20 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. Onyeka Okongwu posted 17 points, eight rebounds and three blocks, and A.J. Griffin delivered 13 points. Bogdan Bogdanovic had 17 points and Jalen Johnson notched 15 points with seven boards, both off the bench.
The Lakers (15-21) moved to 7-13 on the road in a huge win to celebrate LeBron James’ 38th birthday, and it seemed as if everyone was prepared for LeBron to shine. Everyone, but the Hawks (17-19), as Atlanta simply didn’t have answers to stop him all game long. The Hawks looked better in the early going, though, and they raced out to a 33-23 lead following the first quarter, but the Lakers responded with a 39-34 score in the second half while showing some signs of life. A 36-28 score in the third quarter gave the Lakers the lead with only 12 minutes left in the game, and they wouldn’t waste the advantage away. The Lakers closed things out with a 32-26 score in the final 12 minutes of action, giving their star player a proper celebration while also allowing Los Angeles to end up the calendar year on a high note.
LeBron James had his best game of the season and finished with 47 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, while Thomas Bryant recorded 19 points and 17 rebounds. Patrick Beverley had 10 points with three assists, and Dennis Schroder posted 12 points with nine dimes, three steals and two boards. Russell Westbrook had 14 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds off the bench, and Wenyen Gabriel had 11 points in only 14 minutes.
Trae Young had 29 points for the Hawks, but he also added eight assists and three rebounds. Dejounte Murray finished with 20 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. Onyeka Okongwu posted 17 points, eight rebounds and three blocks, and A.J. Griffin delivered 13 points. Bogdan Bogdanovic had 17 points and Jalen Johnson notched 15 points with seven boards, both off the bench.
Raptors Topple Suns, 113-104
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Phoenix Suns, 113-104, at Scotiabank Arena on Friday night.
The Raptors (16-20) came into the contest with a reasonable chance of enjoying some success against a Suns (20-17) team that had won only six of 17 road games and was still missing Devin Booker (groin). Toronto began making good on that possibility early, jumping out to a 33-24 lead through one. Phoenix was able to slice seven points from their deficit prior to halftime, but the hosts ensured there would be no comeback by forging a 60-53 advantage during the second half.
Mikal Bridges led the Suns with 21 points, adding two rebounds, two assists and one block. Chris Paul generated a 20-point, 12-assist double-double that included five rebounds and one steal. Torrey Craig furnished 13 points, seven boards, one assist and one steal. Duane Washington Jr. turned in 11 points, two rebounds and two assists.
Gary Trent paced the Raptors with 35 points, complementing them with five boards, two assists, three steals and one block. Pascal Siakam supplied 26 points, six assists and two rebounds. O.G. Anunoby managed 16 points, five boards, four assists and two steals. Scottie Barnes compiled 11 points, five rebounds, three assists, three steals and one block.
The Suns remain on the road and visit the New York Knicks on Monday afternoon, while the Raptors visit the Indiana Pacers on Monday night as well.
The Raptors (16-20) came into the contest with a reasonable chance of enjoying some success against a Suns (20-17) team that had won only six of 17 road games and was still missing Devin Booker (groin). Toronto began making good on that possibility early, jumping out to a 33-24 lead through one. Phoenix was able to slice seven points from their deficit prior to halftime, but the hosts ensured there would be no comeback by forging a 60-53 advantage during the second half.
Mikal Bridges led the Suns with 21 points, adding two rebounds, two assists and one block. Chris Paul generated a 20-point, 12-assist double-double that included five rebounds and one steal. Torrey Craig furnished 13 points, seven boards, one assist and one steal. Duane Washington Jr. turned in 11 points, two rebounds and two assists.
Gary Trent paced the Raptors with 35 points, complementing them with five boards, two assists, three steals and one block. Pascal Siakam supplied 26 points, six assists and two rebounds. O.G. Anunoby managed 16 points, five boards, four assists and two steals. Scottie Barnes compiled 11 points, five rebounds, three assists, three steals and one block.
The Suns remain on the road and visit the New York Knicks on Monday afternoon, while the Raptors visit the Indiana Pacers on Monday night as well.
Bulls Blast Pistons, 132-118
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Detroit Pistons, 132-118, at United Center on Friday night.
The Bulls (16-19) came into the contest brimming with confidence after winning four of their prior five games, and it seemed to translate well to the court as they established a 33-25 lead through one. However, the Pistons (9-29), playing without the suspended Killian Hayes, eliminated all but two points from their eight-point deficit going into halftime. The hosts were then able to only add one point to their advantage in the third, and although Detroit forged several ties during a wild fourth quarter, the Bulls' 17-3 run over the final 4:10 sealed the victory.
Jaden Ivey led the Pistons with 22 points, complementing them with six assists and one rebound. Bojan Bogdanovic delivered 20 points, six assists, four rebounds and one steal. Alec Burks totaled 19 points, four assists and one rebound. Isaiah Stewart generated a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and three steals. Rodney McGruder turned in 11 points, two assists and one rebound. Saddiq Bey registered 10 points, four boards, two assists and two steals.
Zach LaVine paced the Bulls with 43 points, supplementing them with six assists, three rebounds and two steals. DeMar DeRozan posted 22 points, six rebounds, five assists and one steal. Nikola Vucevic generated 19 points, nine rebounds, two assists, three blocks and one steal. Andre Drummond delivered 12 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Ayo Dosunmu totaled 11 points, six rebounds and two assists.
The Pistons remain on the road and visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night, while the Bulls remain home and host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night.
The Bulls (16-19) came into the contest brimming with confidence after winning four of their prior five games, and it seemed to translate well to the court as they established a 33-25 lead through one. However, the Pistons (9-29), playing without the suspended Killian Hayes, eliminated all but two points from their eight-point deficit going into halftime. The hosts were then able to only add one point to their advantage in the third, and although Detroit forged several ties during a wild fourth quarter, the Bulls' 17-3 run over the final 4:10 sealed the victory.
Jaden Ivey led the Pistons with 22 points, complementing them with six assists and one rebound. Bojan Bogdanovic delivered 20 points, six assists, four rebounds and one steal. Alec Burks totaled 19 points, four assists and one rebound. Isaiah Stewart generated a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and three steals. Rodney McGruder turned in 11 points, two assists and one rebound. Saddiq Bey registered 10 points, four boards, two assists and two steals.
Zach LaVine paced the Bulls with 43 points, supplementing them with six assists, three rebounds and two steals. DeMar DeRozan posted 22 points, six rebounds, five assists and one steal. Nikola Vucevic generated 19 points, nine rebounds, two assists, three blocks and one steal. Andre Drummond delivered 12 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Ayo Dosunmu totaled 11 points, six rebounds and two assists.
The Pistons remain on the road and visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night, while the Bulls remain home and host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night.
Bucks Topple Timberwolves, 123-114
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 123-114, at Fiserv Forum on Friday night.
The Bucks (23-12) came into the contest looking to avoid extending a season-long losing streak to five games, but early on, it appeared as if the skid would continue. After incurring a one-point deficit through the first 12 minutes, Milwaukee was held to 17 points by the Timberwolves (16-20) in the second quarter to head into halftime with an 11-point deficit. However, the hosts came out of intermission a different team, outscoring Minnesota by a 39-22 margin in the third to take a six-point advantage into the final period. The Bucks then held the visitors at a comfortable distance the rest of the way, leading to a solid, slump-busting victory.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with a 30-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist, four steals and two blocks. Naz Reid, Jaylen Nowell and Luka Garza each delivered 16 points while recording seven, four and three rebounds, respectively. D'Angelo Russell managed 15 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal. Matt Ryan registered 10 points and four rebounds.
Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with a 43-point, 20-rebound double-double that included five assists, two blocks and one steal. Bobby Portis generated 22 points, 14 rebounds, one assist and one steal. Joe Ingles posted 14 points, 10 assists and five rebounds. Brook Lopez provided 13 points, six rebounds, four blocks and one steal. Jevon Carter collected 10 points, eight rebounds, five assists and a block.
The Timberwolves return home to host the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night, while the Bucks remain home and host the Wizards on Sunday night.
The Bucks (23-12) came into the contest looking to avoid extending a season-long losing streak to five games, but early on, it appeared as if the skid would continue. After incurring a one-point deficit through the first 12 minutes, Milwaukee was held to 17 points by the Timberwolves (16-20) in the second quarter to head into halftime with an 11-point deficit. However, the hosts came out of intermission a different team, outscoring Minnesota by a 39-22 margin in the third to take a six-point advantage into the final period. The Bucks then held the visitors at a comfortable distance the rest of the way, leading to a solid, slump-busting victory.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with a 30-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist, four steals and two blocks. Naz Reid, Jaylen Nowell and Luka Garza each delivered 16 points while recording seven, four and three rebounds, respectively. D'Angelo Russell managed 15 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal. Matt Ryan registered 10 points and four rebounds.
Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with a 43-point, 20-rebound double-double that included five assists, two blocks and one steal. Bobby Portis generated 22 points, 14 rebounds, one assist and one steal. Joe Ingles posted 14 points, 10 assists and five rebounds. Brook Lopez provided 13 points, six rebounds, four blocks and one steal. Jevon Carter collected 10 points, eight rebounds, five assists and a block.
The Timberwolves return home to host the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night, while the Bucks remain home and host the Wizards on Sunday night.
Pelicans Top Sixers For Fifth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the visiting Philadelphia 76ers, 127-116, at Smoothie King Center on Friday evening.
The Sixers got out to a good start with a quick 10-point lead, but the Pelicans charged back to take a 31-27 lead after one quarter. The hosts kept the momentum going in the second and tallied to a 17-point advantage, before the 76ers cut it back to a seven-point game heading into halftime. Both sides came out strong in the third, but the Pelicans maintained the upper hand and took an eight-point advantage into the final frame. The hosts stayed in control through the fourth and held on for their fifth straight win. This marks the second straight loss for the 76ers.
CJ McCollum led the Pelicans with 42 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals, in 35 minutes. Zion Williamson followed up with 36 points, five rebounds and two steals, while Wily Hernangomez added 13 points and four rebounds. The Pelicans shot 54 percent from the field, including 15-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile, Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 37 points, eight rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, in 34 minutes. James Harden followed up with 20 points and 10 assists, while Tobias Harris tallied 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and a block. The Sixers shot 56 percent from the field, including 14-of-34 from deep.
The 76ers (20-14) will look to bounce back as they take on the Thunder in OKC on Saturday. The Pelicans (23-12) take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Saturday.
The Sixers got out to a good start with a quick 10-point lead, but the Pelicans charged back to take a 31-27 lead after one quarter. The hosts kept the momentum going in the second and tallied to a 17-point advantage, before the 76ers cut it back to a seven-point game heading into halftime. Both sides came out strong in the third, but the Pelicans maintained the upper hand and took an eight-point advantage into the final frame. The hosts stayed in control through the fourth and held on for their fifth straight win. This marks the second straight loss for the 76ers.
CJ McCollum led the Pelicans with 42 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals, in 35 minutes. Zion Williamson followed up with 36 points, five rebounds and two steals, while Wily Hernangomez added 13 points and four rebounds. The Pelicans shot 54 percent from the field, including 15-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile, Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 37 points, eight rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, in 34 minutes. James Harden followed up with 20 points and 10 assists, while Tobias Harris tallied 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and a block. The Sixers shot 56 percent from the field, including 14-of-34 from deep.
The 76ers (20-14) will look to bounce back as they take on the Thunder in OKC on Saturday. The Pelicans (23-12) take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Saturday.
Nuggets Rally To Close Out Heat
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Miami Heat, 124-119, at Ball Arena on Friday evening.
The Nuggets got out to a solid start and led, 23-19, after one quarter. Both sides picked up the pace in the second, but the hosts maintained the upper hand and held three-point edge at the break. The Heat came out better in the third and pulled ahead with a five-point lead entering the final frame. However, the Nuggets responded in the fourth and outscored the visitors by 10 points in the quarter to secure the home win.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope led the Nuggets with 20 points, two rebounds and two assists, in 30 minutes. Nikola Jokic followed up with 19 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists, a steal and a block, while Bones Hyland added 16 points, four assists and a steal. The Nuggets shot 59 percent from the field, including 17-of-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, Tyler Herro led the Heat with 26 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Bam Adebayo followed up with 22 points, seven rebounds, two assists, four steals and two blocks, while Max Strus chipped in 19 points and three rebounds. The Heat shot 45 percent from the field, including 14-of-35 deep.
The Heat (18-17) will look to bounce back as they take on the Jazz in Utah on Saturday. The Nuggets (23-12) play host to the Celtics on Sunday.
The Nuggets got out to a solid start and led, 23-19, after one quarter. Both sides picked up the pace in the second, but the hosts maintained the upper hand and held three-point edge at the break. The Heat came out better in the third and pulled ahead with a five-point lead entering the final frame. However, the Nuggets responded in the fourth and outscored the visitors by 10 points in the quarter to secure the home win.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope led the Nuggets with 20 points, two rebounds and two assists, in 30 minutes. Nikola Jokic followed up with 19 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists, a steal and a block, while Bones Hyland added 16 points, four assists and a steal. The Nuggets shot 59 percent from the field, including 17-of-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, Tyler Herro led the Heat with 26 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Bam Adebayo followed up with 22 points, seven rebounds, two assists, four steals and two blocks, while Max Strus chipped in 19 points and three rebounds. The Heat shot 45 percent from the field, including 14-of-35 deep.
The Heat (18-17) will look to bounce back as they take on the Jazz in Utah on Saturday. The Nuggets (23-12) play host to the Celtics on Sunday.
Warriors Defeat Trail Blazers, 118-112
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, 118-112, at Chase Center on Friday.
This was a true tale of four quarters, with all four individual frames being decided by 12 points or more. Golden State started with a 41-25 first quarter, but Portland responded with a 31-19 second quarter and 40-28 third quarter. That wasn't enough, though, with the Warriors riding a 30-16 fourth quarter to their win. They actually trailed 110-102 with 4:15 remaining but finished on a 16-2 run to complete their comeback. Golden State shot 40 percent from three-point range and 81 percent from the free-throw line while holding Portland to 31 percent from long range and 70 percent from the charity stripe. They also out-assisted the Blazers, 28-22, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 16-10.
The Trail Blazers (18-17) were led by Damian Lillard, collecting 34 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Anfernee Simons accrued 22 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Those two shot just 20-of-50 from the field. Jerami Grant generated 19 points, three rebounds and five assists, while Josh Hart had 12 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.
The Warriors (19-18) were led by Jordan Poole, providing 41 points, five rebounds and six assists on 14-of-23 shooting. Klay Thompson compiled 31 points, five rebounds and two assists. Draymond Green tallied 10 points, 11 rebounds and four assists, while Donte DiVincenzo finished with nine points, nine rebounds, four assists and four steals.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Golden State remaining home to play the Atlanta Hawks and Portland returning home to face the Detroit Pistons.
This was a true tale of four quarters, with all four individual frames being decided by 12 points or more. Golden State started with a 41-25 first quarter, but Portland responded with a 31-19 second quarter and 40-28 third quarter. That wasn't enough, though, with the Warriors riding a 30-16 fourth quarter to their win. They actually trailed 110-102 with 4:15 remaining but finished on a 16-2 run to complete their comeback. Golden State shot 40 percent from three-point range and 81 percent from the free-throw line while holding Portland to 31 percent from long range and 70 percent from the charity stripe. They also out-assisted the Blazers, 28-22, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 16-10.
The Trail Blazers (18-17) were led by Damian Lillard, collecting 34 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Anfernee Simons accrued 22 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Those two shot just 20-of-50 from the field. Jerami Grant generated 19 points, three rebounds and five assists, while Josh Hart had 12 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.
The Warriors (19-18) were led by Jordan Poole, providing 41 points, five rebounds and six assists on 14-of-23 shooting. Klay Thompson compiled 31 points, five rebounds and two assists. Draymond Green tallied 10 points, 11 rebounds and four assists, while Donte DiVincenzo finished with nine points, nine rebounds, four assists and four steals.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Golden State remaining home to play the Atlanta Hawks and Portland returning home to face the Detroit Pistons.
Kings Defeat Jazz, 127-126
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 127-126, at Golden 1 Center on Friday.
While Sacramento led for over 40 minutes of this game, they never led by more than 10 points. In fact, there were six ties and 12 lead changes in total, but all of them took place in the fourth quarter. Kevin Huerter was the hero, knocking down a game-winning three with just 9.2 seconds left. Lauri Markkanen missed a game-tying jumper at the buzzer. Sacramento shot 12-of-30 from three-point range while holding Utah to 8-of-32 from long range. Both clubs shot over 54 percent from the field.
The Jazz (19-19) were led by Markkanen, amassing 36 points and five rebounds. Jordan Clarkson collected 25 points, four rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Mike Conley compiled 17 points, two rebounds and eight assists, while Jarred Vanderbilt had six points, eight rebounds, six assists and two steals. Walker Kessler led the bench with 11 points and eight boards.
The Kings (19-15) were led by Huerter, finishing with 30 points, two rebounds and two assists. Domantas Sabonis made all 12 of his shots to tally 28 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. De'Aaron Fox accrued 24 points, three rebounds and 10 assists, while Harrison Barnes had 10 points, three rebounds and two steals.
Utah has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, returning home to play the Miami Heat. As for Sacramento, they travel to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday for their next outing.
While Sacramento led for over 40 minutes of this game, they never led by more than 10 points. In fact, there were six ties and 12 lead changes in total, but all of them took place in the fourth quarter. Kevin Huerter was the hero, knocking down a game-winning three with just 9.2 seconds left. Lauri Markkanen missed a game-tying jumper at the buzzer. Sacramento shot 12-of-30 from three-point range while holding Utah to 8-of-32 from long range. Both clubs shot over 54 percent from the field.
The Jazz (19-19) were led by Markkanen, amassing 36 points and five rebounds. Jordan Clarkson collected 25 points, four rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Mike Conley compiled 17 points, two rebounds and eight assists, while Jarred Vanderbilt had six points, eight rebounds, six assists and two steals. Walker Kessler led the bench with 11 points and eight boards.
The Kings (19-15) were led by Huerter, finishing with 30 points, two rebounds and two assists. Domantas Sabonis made all 12 of his shots to tally 28 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. De'Aaron Fox accrued 24 points, three rebounds and 10 assists, while Harrison Barnes had 10 points, three rebounds and two steals.
Utah has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, returning home to play the Miami Heat. As for Sacramento, they travel to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday for their next outing.