Pacers Use Strong Start To Defeat Clippers
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, 131-130, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday afternoon.
The Pacers (20-17) continue to deliver strong performances on a game-to-game basis and have moved three games over the .500 plateau with a huge game here, as they jumped out to an early lead and had to fight the Clippers (21-17) trying to mount several comebacks, including a fourth-quarter one. Indiana jumped out to a 32-22 lead in the first quarter and it seemed as if they’d never look back, but the Pacers responded with a 33-30 score in the second quarter and a 38-31 score in the third quarter. The game was tied entering the final 12 minutes and it went down to the wire, but the Pacers outscored their rivals by a 38-37 score to secure the win. With the win, the Pacers moved to 12-7 at home and the Clippers fell to 10-10 on the road.
Myles Turner scored 34 points to lead the Pacers, while Tyrese Haliburton had 24 points and 10 assists, including 14 points in the final four minutes, to go along with seven boards and four steals. Buddy Hield finished with 18 points for Indiana, while Aaron Nesmith had 16 and Bennedict Mathurin 15 off the bench. The Pacers shot 52 percent from the field. Hield also had eight rebounds, while Turner also posted three boards, three assists and two steals.
George scored 45 points, the most by a Clippers player this season, in his return to Indianapolis, and he also added nine rebounds, four assists and three steals. Kawhi Leonard had 24 points, seven assists and five rebounds across 35 minutes. Marcus Morris had 15 points and three boards, and Reggie Jackson finished with 13 points, four boards and three dimes. The Clippers shot 54 percent from the field but committed 16 turnovers.
The Pacers (20-17) continue to deliver strong performances on a game-to-game basis and have moved three games over the .500 plateau with a huge game here, as they jumped out to an early lead and had to fight the Clippers (21-17) trying to mount several comebacks, including a fourth-quarter one. Indiana jumped out to a 32-22 lead in the first quarter and it seemed as if they’d never look back, but the Pacers responded with a 33-30 score in the second quarter and a 38-31 score in the third quarter. The game was tied entering the final 12 minutes and it went down to the wire, but the Pacers outscored their rivals by a 38-37 score to secure the win. With the win, the Pacers moved to 12-7 at home and the Clippers fell to 10-10 on the road.
Myles Turner scored 34 points to lead the Pacers, while Tyrese Haliburton had 24 points and 10 assists, including 14 points in the final four minutes, to go along with seven boards and four steals. Buddy Hield finished with 18 points for Indiana, while Aaron Nesmith had 16 and Bennedict Mathurin 15 off the bench. The Pacers shot 52 percent from the field. Hield also had eight rebounds, while Turner also posted three boards, three assists and two steals.
George scored 45 points, the most by a Clippers player this season, in his return to Indianapolis, and he also added nine rebounds, four assists and three steals. Kawhi Leonard had 24 points, seven assists and five rebounds across 35 minutes. Marcus Morris had 15 points and three boards, and Reggie Jackson finished with 13 points, four boards and three dimes. The Clippers shot 54 percent from the field but committed 16 turnovers.
Cavs Hold Off Bulls In Chicago
By Dan Bruno
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the host Chicago Bulls, 103-102, at United Center on Saturday evening.
The game got out to a tight start as the Bulls led by two points after one quarter. The visitors picked up the pace in the second and pushed ahead to a five-point lead at the break. The Cavs maintained momentum in the third and managed to increase their lead to seven, heading into the final frame. The Bulls mounted a rally through the fourth and cut it to a one-point game with 30 seconds left, but he the Cavs held strong to close it out and end a three-game slide.
Kevin Love led the Cavs with 20 points, nine rebounds, a steal and a block, in 34 minutes. Caris LeVert followed up with 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Donovan Mitchell added 15 points, three rebounds, six assists and four steals. The Cavs shot 46 percent from the field, including 13-of-38 from deep.
Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 21 points, four rebounds, three assists, three steals and a block, in 38 minutes. Ayo Dosunmu followed up with 19 points, two rebounds, two assists and five steals, while Zach LaVine tallied 15 points, four rebounds and two assists. The Bulls shot 48 percent from the field, including 7-of-21 from long range.
The Cavs (23-14) and Bulls (16-20) clash again in Cleveland on Monday.
The game got out to a tight start as the Bulls led by two points after one quarter. The visitors picked up the pace in the second and pushed ahead to a five-point lead at the break. The Cavs maintained momentum in the third and managed to increase their lead to seven, heading into the final frame. The Bulls mounted a rally through the fourth and cut it to a one-point game with 30 seconds left, but he the Cavs held strong to close it out and end a three-game slide.
Kevin Love led the Cavs with 20 points, nine rebounds, a steal and a block, in 34 minutes. Caris LeVert followed up with 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Donovan Mitchell added 15 points, three rebounds, six assists and four steals. The Cavs shot 46 percent from the field, including 13-of-38 from deep.
Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 21 points, four rebounds, three assists, three steals and a block, in 38 minutes. Ayo Dosunmu followed up with 19 points, two rebounds, two assists and five steals, while Zach LaVine tallied 15 points, four rebounds and two assists. The Bulls shot 48 percent from the field, including 7-of-21 from long range.
The Cavs (23-14) and Bulls (16-20) clash again in Cleveland on Monday.
Knicks Defeat Rockets, 108-88
The New York Knicks defeated the host Houston Rockets, 108-88, at Toyota Center on Saturday.
While Houston led 35-27 after the first quarter, New York outscored them by at least eight points in each of the final three quarters. A 26-14 second quarter set the tone for the Knicks, holding the lead for the entirety of the second half. New York shot 23-of-32 from the free-throw line, while Houston shot 16-of-23 from the charity stripe. Both offenses struggled, with NY shooting 39 percent from the field and 29 percent from three-point range while holding Houston to 38 percent from the field and 30 percent from long range. The Knicks also won the turnover battle, 24-10.
The Knicks (19-17) were led by Julius Randle, tallying 35 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. Immanuel Quickley collected 27 points, five rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Quentin Grimes generated 19 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Mitchell Robinson amassed six points, 12 rebounds, three steals and three blocks.
The Rockets (10-26) were led by Kevin Porter Jr, providing 23 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Jalen Green totaled 16 points, three rebounds and three assists. Eric Gordon had 12 points and three assists, while Jabari Smith generated 10 points and two boards. Tari Eason led the bench with nine points, 13 rebounds and three steals.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with New York returning home to play the Phoenix Suns and Houston remaining home to face the Dallas Mavericks.
While Houston led 35-27 after the first quarter, New York outscored them by at least eight points in each of the final three quarters. A 26-14 second quarter set the tone for the Knicks, holding the lead for the entirety of the second half. New York shot 23-of-32 from the free-throw line, while Houston shot 16-of-23 from the charity stripe. Both offenses struggled, with NY shooting 39 percent from the field and 29 percent from three-point range while holding Houston to 38 percent from the field and 30 percent from long range. The Knicks also won the turnover battle, 24-10.
The Knicks (19-17) were led by Julius Randle, tallying 35 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. Immanuel Quickley collected 27 points, five rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Quentin Grimes generated 19 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Mitchell Robinson amassed six points, 12 rebounds, three steals and three blocks.
The Rockets (10-26) were led by Kevin Porter Jr, providing 23 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Jalen Green totaled 16 points, three rebounds and three assists. Eric Gordon had 12 points and three assists, while Jabari Smith generated 10 points and two boards. Tari Eason led the bench with nine points, 13 rebounds and three steals.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with New York returning home to play the Phoenix Suns and Houston remaining home to face the Dallas Mavericks.
Mavs Edge Spurs In San Antonio
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 126-125, at AT&T Center on Saturday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Mavs led 32-30 after one quarter and stayed close through the second, as they increased their advantage to four, by halftime. The visitors picked up momentum in the third and outscored the Spurs, 35-29, to take a 10-point lead into the final frame. The Spurs picked up their play in the fourth and cut it down to a one-point game in the final seconds, but the Mavs came up clutch at the foul line to seal their sixth straight win.
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 51 points, six rebounds, nine assists, four steals and a block, in 37 minutes. Christian Wood followed up with 25 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a block, while Tim Hardaway added 14 points and three rebounds. The Mavs shot 58 percent from the field, including 14-of-34 from deep.
Meanwhile, Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 30 points and four rebounds, in 36 minutes. Jeremy Sochan followed up with 20 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Jakob Poeltl totaled 19 points, 15 rebounds and six assists. The Spurs shot 55 percent from the field, including 8-of-19 from long range.
The Spurs (12-24) will look to bounce back as they take on the Nets in Brooklyn on Monday. The Mavs (21-16) take on the Rockets in Houston on Monday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Mavs led 32-30 after one quarter and stayed close through the second, as they increased their advantage to four, by halftime. The visitors picked up momentum in the third and outscored the Spurs, 35-29, to take a 10-point lead into the final frame. The Spurs picked up their play in the fourth and cut it down to a one-point game in the final seconds, but the Mavs came up clutch at the foul line to seal their sixth straight win.
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 51 points, six rebounds, nine assists, four steals and a block, in 37 minutes. Christian Wood followed up with 25 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a block, while Tim Hardaway added 14 points and three rebounds. The Mavs shot 58 percent from the field, including 14-of-34 from deep.
Meanwhile, Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 30 points and four rebounds, in 36 minutes. Jeremy Sochan followed up with 20 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Jakob Poeltl totaled 19 points, 15 rebounds and six assists. The Spurs shot 55 percent from the field, including 8-of-19 from long range.
The Spurs (12-24) will look to bounce back as they take on the Nets in Brooklyn on Monday. The Mavs (21-16) take on the Rockets in Houston on Monday.
Nets Cruise Past Hornets For 11th Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the host Charlotte Hornets, 123-106, at Spectrum Center on Saturday evening.
The Nets jumped out to a strong start with a, 32-22, lead after one quarter and stayed in control through the second to make it a 12-point game by halftime. The Hornets had no answers in the third, as the visitors kept the momentum and pushed it to an 18-point deficit heading into the final frame. The Nets held strong through the fourth and cruised to their 11th straight win
Kyrie Irving led the Nets with 28 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Kevin Durant followed up with 23 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Royce O'Neale and Nicolas Claxton chipped in 14 points each. The Nets shot 60 percent from the field, including 13-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 23 points, seven rebounds, 11 assists and two steals, in 36 minutes. Mason Plumlee followed up with 22 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Terry Rozier tallied 16 points, five rebounds and two assists. The Hornets shot 40 percent from the field, including 11-of-41 from deep.
The Hornets (10-27) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Lakers on Monday. The Nets (24-12) play host to the Spurs on Monday.
The Nets jumped out to a strong start with a, 32-22, lead after one quarter and stayed in control through the second to make it a 12-point game by halftime. The Hornets had no answers in the third, as the visitors kept the momentum and pushed it to an 18-point deficit heading into the final frame. The Nets held strong through the fourth and cruised to their 11th straight win
Kyrie Irving led the Nets with 28 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Kevin Durant followed up with 23 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Royce O'Neale and Nicolas Claxton chipped in 14 points each. The Nets shot 60 percent from the field, including 13-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 23 points, seven rebounds, 11 assists and two steals, in 36 minutes. Mason Plumlee followed up with 22 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Terry Rozier tallied 16 points, five rebounds and two assists. The Hornets shot 40 percent from the field, including 11-of-41 from deep.
The Hornets (10-27) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Lakers on Monday. The Nets (24-12) play host to the Spurs on Monday.
Pistons Stun Timberwolves In Minnesota
By Dan Bruno
The Detroit Pistons defeated the host Minnesota Timberwolves, 116-104, at Target Center on Saturday evening.
The Timberwolves jumped out to a great start with a, 39-28, lead after one quarter and kept up the momentum to take a 14-point lead into halftime. The visitors came out better in the third and rallied all the way back to tie it up at 88, heading into the final frame. The Pistons kept the pressure on in the fourth and outscored the hosts by 12, to close out the impressive road win. This marks the sixth straight loss for the Timberwolves.
Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pistons with 28 points, six rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 31 minutes. Marvin Bagley followed up with 18 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks, while Alec Burks tallied 13 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a block. The Pistons shot 48 percent from the field, including 10-of-27 from deep.
Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 30 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 39 minutes. D'Angelo Russell followed up with 25 points and five rebounds, while Kyle Anderson added 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Timberwolves shot 43 percent from the field, including 10-of-34 from long range.
The Timberwolves (16-21) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nuggets on Monday. The Pistons (10-29) take on the Trail Blazers in Portland on Monday.
The Timberwolves jumped out to a great start with a, 39-28, lead after one quarter and kept up the momentum to take a 14-point lead into halftime. The visitors came out better in the third and rallied all the way back to tie it up at 88, heading into the final frame. The Pistons kept the pressure on in the fourth and outscored the hosts by 12, to close out the impressive road win. This marks the sixth straight loss for the Timberwolves.
Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pistons with 28 points, six rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 31 minutes. Marvin Bagley followed up with 18 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks, while Alec Burks tallied 13 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a block. The Pistons shot 48 percent from the field, including 10-of-27 from deep.
Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 30 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 39 minutes. D'Angelo Russell followed up with 25 points and five rebounds, while Kyle Anderson added 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Timberwolves shot 43 percent from the field, including 10-of-34 from long range.
The Timberwolves (16-21) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nuggets on Monday. The Pistons (10-29) take on the Trail Blazers in Portland on Monday.
Sixers Defeat Thunder, 115-96
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder, 115-96, at Paycom Arena on Saturday.
A 38-20 first quarter set the foundation for Philly in this dominating victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. They actually led by at least 15 points for the final three quarters, getting their lead up to 33 points at times. The Sixers shot 47 percent from the field while holding the Thunder to 38 percent shooting. In addition, Philadelphia out-assisted Oklahoma City, 29-16, while outscoring them in the paint, 66-42.
The Sixers (21-14) were led by Tobias Harris, tallying 23 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Shake Milton got a start and totaled 18 points, four rebounds and five assists. De'Anthony Melton amassed 17 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks, while Joel Embiid finished with 16 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists and four blocks.
The Thunder (15-21) were led by Josh Giddey, generating 20 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Jalen Williams accrued 17 points, three rebounds and two steals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander accumulated 14 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Lugeuntz Dort had 13 points, five rebounds and three steals.
Philadelphia returns to action on Monday, playing host to the New Orleans Pelicans. As for Oklahoma City, they play host to the Boston Celtics on Tuesday for their next outing.
A 38-20 first quarter set the foundation for Philly in this dominating victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. They actually led by at least 15 points for the final three quarters, getting their lead up to 33 points at times. The Sixers shot 47 percent from the field while holding the Thunder to 38 percent shooting. In addition, Philadelphia out-assisted Oklahoma City, 29-16, while outscoring them in the paint, 66-42.
The Sixers (21-14) were led by Tobias Harris, tallying 23 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Shake Milton got a start and totaled 18 points, four rebounds and five assists. De'Anthony Melton amassed 17 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks, while Joel Embiid finished with 16 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists and four blocks.
The Thunder (15-21) were led by Josh Giddey, generating 20 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Jalen Williams accrued 17 points, three rebounds and two steals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander accumulated 14 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Lugeuntz Dort had 13 points, five rebounds and three steals.
Philadelphia returns to action on Monday, playing host to the New Orleans Pelicans. As for Oklahoma City, they play host to the Boston Celtics on Tuesday for their next outing.
Grizzlies Defeat Pelicans, 116-101
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting New Orleans Pelicans, 116-101, at FedEx Forum on Saturday.
Memphis rode a 31-25 first quarter to their win, holding the lead for all but 24 seconds in this game. They put the game to bed behind a 33-22 fourth quarter, getting their lead up to 22 points at times. They held a double-digit lead for the final nine minutes of this game. Memphis shot 51 percent from the field while holding New Orleans to 35 percent shooting. The Grizzlies out-assisted the Pelicans, 26-16, while outscoring them in the paint, 72-42. They also recorded 14 steals and 11 blocks, while New Orleans had just 10 combined steals and blocks.
The Pelicans (23-13) were led by Zion Williamson, finishing with 20 points, nine rebounds and nine turnovers. Trey Murphy totaled 15 points and three boards. CJ McCollum collected 10 points, three assists and six turnovers. Herbert Jones accumulated four points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three steals, while Naji Marshall led the bench with 12 points and four assists.
The Grizzlies (22-13) were led by Ja Morant, tallying 32 points, three rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Desmond Bane amassed 18 points and six rebounds. Jaren Jackson Jr generated 17 points, six rebounds, two assists, three steals and six blocks. Steven Adams accrued 10 points, 21 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks.
Memphis has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Sunday, playing host to the Sacramento Kings. On deck for New Orleans is a road matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday.
Memphis rode a 31-25 first quarter to their win, holding the lead for all but 24 seconds in this game. They put the game to bed behind a 33-22 fourth quarter, getting their lead up to 22 points at times. They held a double-digit lead for the final nine minutes of this game. Memphis shot 51 percent from the field while holding New Orleans to 35 percent shooting. The Grizzlies out-assisted the Pelicans, 26-16, while outscoring them in the paint, 72-42. They also recorded 14 steals and 11 blocks, while New Orleans had just 10 combined steals and blocks.
The Pelicans (23-13) were led by Zion Williamson, finishing with 20 points, nine rebounds and nine turnovers. Trey Murphy totaled 15 points and three boards. CJ McCollum collected 10 points, three assists and six turnovers. Herbert Jones accumulated four points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three steals, while Naji Marshall led the bench with 12 points and four assists.
The Grizzlies (22-13) were led by Ja Morant, tallying 32 points, three rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Desmond Bane amassed 18 points and six rebounds. Jaren Jackson Jr generated 17 points, six rebounds, two assists, three steals and six blocks. Steven Adams accrued 10 points, 21 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks.
Memphis has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Sunday, playing host to the Sacramento Kings. On deck for New Orleans is a road matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday.
Heat Defeat Jazz, 126-123
The Miami Heat defeated the host Utah Jazz, 126-123, at Vivint Arena on Saturday.
There were 14 ties and 20 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 10 points. Tyler Herro was the hero, hitting a game-winning three for Miami at the buzzer. The Heat shot 51 percent from the field while holding the Jazz to 43 percent shooting. Miami also recorded 32 assists to 12 turnovers, while Utah had 23 assists to 16 turnovers. The Heat also outscored the Jazz in fastbreak scoring, 13-6, while outscoring them in the paint, 54-32.
The Heat (19-18) were led by Bam Adebayo, accruing 32 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Herro had 29 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals. Max Strus amassed 13 points, two rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Victor Oladipo led the bench with 23 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals.
The Jazz (19-20) were led by Lauri Markkanen, totaling 29 points and 14 rebounds. Jordan Clarkson collected 22 points, five rebounds and three assists. Kelly Olynyk compiled 14 points, four rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Mike Conley had nine points, four rebounds and eight assists. Malik Beasley led the bench with 17 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Collin Sexton generated 14 points, two rebounds and three assists.
On deck for Miami is a road matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday. As for Utah, they return to action on Tuesday in a home matchup with the Sacramento Kings.
There were 14 ties and 20 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 10 points. Tyler Herro was the hero, hitting a game-winning three for Miami at the buzzer. The Heat shot 51 percent from the field while holding the Jazz to 43 percent shooting. Miami also recorded 32 assists to 12 turnovers, while Utah had 23 assists to 16 turnovers. The Heat also outscored the Jazz in fastbreak scoring, 13-6, while outscoring them in the paint, 54-32.
The Heat (19-18) were led by Bam Adebayo, accruing 32 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Herro had 29 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals. Max Strus amassed 13 points, two rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Victor Oladipo led the bench with 23 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals.
The Jazz (19-20) were led by Lauri Markkanen, totaling 29 points and 14 rebounds. Jordan Clarkson collected 22 points, five rebounds and three assists. Kelly Olynyk compiled 14 points, four rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Mike Conley had nine points, four rebounds and eight assists. Malik Beasley led the bench with 17 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Collin Sexton generated 14 points, two rebounds and three assists.
On deck for Miami is a road matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday. As for Utah, they return to action on Tuesday in a home matchup with the Sacramento Kings.