Knicks Pull Upset With Huge Win Over Suns
The New York Knicks defeated the Phoenix Suns, 102-83, at Madison Square Garden on Monday afternoon.
The Knicks (20-18) couldn’t have wished for a better start of the year, and they quickly established dominance in this game against the Suns (20-18), jumping out to a 23-11 lead following the first 12 minutes of action. The Knicks bolstered advantage even further following a 31-20 lead in the second quarter, meaning they managed to put the game out of reach with 24 minutes left on the clock. The Suns responded with a 27-25 score, reducing the deficit by just two points, and they also won the fourth quarter by a 25-23 score. However, that was not enough to mount a comeback and the Knicks secure the win with absolute ease. With the win, the Knicks moved to 9-10 at home while the Suns fell to 6-13 on the road.
Julius Randle was the best player for the Knicks and ended with a 28-point, 16-rebound that also included six assists, and Jalen Brunson had a strong game of 24 points, six assists and four boards. Immanuel Quickley posted 15 points and five rebounds, Quentin Grimes notched 12 points and five assists, and Mitchell Robinson had a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Deandre Ayton was the best player for the Suns and finished with 12 points and five rebounds, while Chris Paul ended with 11 points, four boards, two assists and a steal. Mikal Bridges, Duane Washington Jr. and Damion Lee all racked up 10 points, with the latter two scoring that tally despite coming off the bench.
The Knicks (20-18) couldn’t have wished for a better start of the year, and they quickly established dominance in this game against the Suns (20-18), jumping out to a 23-11 lead following the first 12 minutes of action. The Knicks bolstered advantage even further following a 31-20 lead in the second quarter, meaning they managed to put the game out of reach with 24 minutes left on the clock. The Suns responded with a 27-25 score, reducing the deficit by just two points, and they also won the fourth quarter by a 25-23 score. However, that was not enough to mount a comeback and the Knicks secure the win with absolute ease. With the win, the Knicks moved to 9-10 at home while the Suns fell to 6-13 on the road.
Julius Randle was the best player for the Knicks and ended with a 28-point, 16-rebound that also included six assists, and Jalen Brunson had a strong game of 24 points, six assists and four boards. Immanuel Quickley posted 15 points and five rebounds, Quentin Grimes notched 12 points and five assists, and Mitchell Robinson had a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Deandre Ayton was the best player for the Suns and finished with 12 points and five rebounds, while Chris Paul ended with 11 points, four boards, two assists and a steal. Mikal Bridges, Duane Washington Jr. and Damion Lee all racked up 10 points, with the latter two scoring that tally despite coming off the bench.
Cavaliers Need OT, Mitchell's Historical Effort To Defeat Bulls
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Chicago Bulls, 145-134, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Monday night.
In a game that will go down in history as Donovan Mitchell broke the Cavaliers (23-14) record for most points in a single game surpassing none other than LeBron James, Cleveland needed overtime but still found a way to get past the Bulls (16-20) in front of their crowd. Chicago enjoyed a better start and won the first quarter by a 34-27 score. It looked as if the Bulls were going to run away with the game following a 31-20 score in the second quarter. However, the Cavaliers didn't want any surprises and turned things around with a 44-31 score in the third quarter that kept them into the game with only 12 minutes left. The Cavaliers completed the comeback and outscored their rivals by a 39-34 score in the final 12 minutes of action too, meaning Cleveland forced the overtime. They carried the momentum into their final five minutes of action, outscoring the Bulls by a 15- 4 score and eventually running away with the victory.
Donovan Mitchell had one of the best games of his career as he ended with a career-high 71 points while also adding 11 assists and eight rebounds. Jared Allen had 21 points, eight rebounds and two assists, while Kevin Love had a strong double-double of 12 points and 17 rebounds that also included two assists. Caris LeVert ended with 10 points, three assists and five rebounds, while Cedi Osman finished with 19 points, four assists and three rebounds off the bench.
DeMar DeRozan had 44 points, four assists, four steals and three rebounds to lead the Bulls in this loss, while Nikola Vucevic ended with 20 points, 13 rebounds and two assists. Zach LaVine had 26 points, six rebounds and six assists, and Ayo Dosunmu ended with 11 points and five assists. Patrick Williams had 10 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal.
In a game that will go down in history as Donovan Mitchell broke the Cavaliers (23-14) record for most points in a single game surpassing none other than LeBron James, Cleveland needed overtime but still found a way to get past the Bulls (16-20) in front of their crowd. Chicago enjoyed a better start and won the first quarter by a 34-27 score. It looked as if the Bulls were going to run away with the game following a 31-20 score in the second quarter. However, the Cavaliers didn't want any surprises and turned things around with a 44-31 score in the third quarter that kept them into the game with only 12 minutes left. The Cavaliers completed the comeback and outscored their rivals by a 39-34 score in the final 12 minutes of action too, meaning Cleveland forced the overtime. They carried the momentum into their final five minutes of action, outscoring the Bulls by a 15- 4 score and eventually running away with the victory.
Donovan Mitchell had one of the best games of his career as he ended with a career-high 71 points while also adding 11 assists and eight rebounds. Jared Allen had 21 points, eight rebounds and two assists, while Kevin Love had a strong double-double of 12 points and 17 rebounds that also included two assists. Caris LeVert ended with 10 points, three assists and five rebounds, while Cedi Osman finished with 19 points, four assists and three rebounds off the bench.
DeMar DeRozan had 44 points, four assists, four steals and three rebounds to lead the Bulls in this loss, while Nikola Vucevic ended with 20 points, 13 rebounds and two assists. Zach LaVine had 26 points, six rebounds and six assists, and Ayo Dosunmu ended with 11 points and five assists. Patrick Williams had 10 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal.
Pacers Extend Winning Streak, Defeat Raptors
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Toronto Raptors, 122-114, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Monday night.
The Pacers (20-17) have been playing excellent basketball of late and keep piling up wins, as they dispatched the Raptors (16-20) this time around. Toronto, however, looked better in the early going and established a 33-29 score in the first quarter, but the Pacers quickly changed it to a nine-point lead following a 37-24 score in the second quarter. Toronto responded with a 33-25 scored in the third quarter and managed to put up a fight, but the Pacers didn't want any surprises and avoided the comeback following a 31-24 score in the final 12 minutes of action. With the win, the Pacers moved to 12-7 at home while the Raptors fell to 5-12 away from home.
Bennedict Mathurin came off the bench and led the Pacers in scoring with 21 points and three rebounds. Buddy Hield ended with 19 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Tyrese Haliburton ended with 16 points, eight assists, six rebounds and two steals. Myles Turner had a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds but also added two blocks, and Aaron Nesmith finished with 10 points and four rebounds. T.J. McConnell had 15 points.
Gary Trent led the way for the Raptors with 32 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Scottie Barnes had 23 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two blocks. Pascal Siakam had 26 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, and O.G. Anunoby ended with 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
The Pacers (20-17) have been playing excellent basketball of late and keep piling up wins, as they dispatched the Raptors (16-20) this time around. Toronto, however, looked better in the early going and established a 33-29 score in the first quarter, but the Pacers quickly changed it to a nine-point lead following a 37-24 score in the second quarter. Toronto responded with a 33-25 scored in the third quarter and managed to put up a fight, but the Pacers didn't want any surprises and avoided the comeback following a 31-24 score in the final 12 minutes of action. With the win, the Pacers moved to 12-7 at home while the Raptors fell to 5-12 away from home.
Bennedict Mathurin came off the bench and led the Pacers in scoring with 21 points and three rebounds. Buddy Hield ended with 19 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Tyrese Haliburton ended with 16 points, eight assists, six rebounds and two steals. Myles Turner had a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds but also added two blocks, and Aaron Nesmith finished with 10 points and four rebounds. T.J. McConnell had 15 points.
Gary Trent led the way for the Raptors with 32 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Scottie Barnes had 23 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two blocks. Pascal Siakam had 26 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, and O.G. Anunoby ended with 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
76ers Top Pelicans, 120-111
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 120-111, at Wells Fargo Center on Monday night.
The 76ers (22-14) checked into the game riding a wave of good news that Joel Embiid would suit up despite dealing with some lower-back tightness, and that seemed to propel Philadelphia to a quick start. The Sixers owned a 33-25 lead through one, but the Pelicans (23-14) were able to shave three points from their deficit prior to halftime. New Orleans chipped away another two points ahead of the final period, and although they got within one at one point, Philly's 28-20 game-ending run clinched the win.
CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson co-led the Pelicans with 26 points while recording seven and six assists, respectively. Williamson also pulled down six boards. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist and three blocks. Naji Marshall and Jaxson Hayes produced matching 10-point contributions that included five and two rebounds, respectively.
Embiid paced the 76ers with 42 points, complementing them with 11 rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. James Harden furnished 27 points, eight assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Georges Niang delivered 15 points, five boards, four assists, one steal and one block. Tyrese Maxey registered 12 points, two assists and one rebound. De'Anthony Melton managed 11 points, four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.
The Pelicans return home and host the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night, while the 76ers host the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night as well.
The 76ers (22-14) checked into the game riding a wave of good news that Joel Embiid would suit up despite dealing with some lower-back tightness, and that seemed to propel Philadelphia to a quick start. The Sixers owned a 33-25 lead through one, but the Pelicans (23-14) were able to shave three points from their deficit prior to halftime. New Orleans chipped away another two points ahead of the final period, and although they got within one at one point, Philly's 28-20 game-ending run clinched the win.
CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson co-led the Pelicans with 26 points while recording seven and six assists, respectively. Williamson also pulled down six boards. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist and three blocks. Naji Marshall and Jaxson Hayes produced matching 10-point contributions that included five and two rebounds, respectively.
Embiid paced the 76ers with 42 points, complementing them with 11 rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. James Harden furnished 27 points, eight assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Georges Niang delivered 15 points, five boards, four assists, one steal and one block. Tyrese Maxey registered 12 points, two assists and one rebound. De'Anthony Melton managed 11 points, four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.
The Pelicans return home and host the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night, while the 76ers host the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night as well.
Lakers Top Hornets, 121-115
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 121-115, at Spectrum Center on Monday night.
The Lakers (16-21) and Hornets (10-28) played a hotly contested first quarter that saw L.A. forge a narrow 22-21 lead. However, the visitors then asserted themselves and changed the tone of the game in the middle quarters, outscoring Charlotte by a 72-55 margin in that span to take an 18-point advantage into the final period. The hosts would eventually claw all the way back to get to within four with 20.2 seconds left, but a quartet of LeBron James free throws with 5.2 seconds remaining sealed the win.
James led the Lakers with a 43-point, 11-rebound double-double that included six assists and one steal. Thomas Bryant generated an18-point, 15-rebound double-double that included two assists and one steal. Dennis Schroder and Austin Reaves posted 15 points apiece while dishing out five and seven assists, respectively, with Reaves also posting six rebounds. Troy Brown supplied 12 points, five rebounds, two assists and three steals.
Terry Rozier paced the Hornets with 27 points, complementing with four assists and two rebounds. LaMelo Ball furnished 24 points, seven boards, six assists, three steals and two blocks. Mason Plumlee finished with 18 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and two blocks. P.J. Washington contributed 12 points, five rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Jalen McDaniels registered 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists, three steals and one block.
The Lakers return home to host the Miami Heat on Wednesday night, while the Hornets host the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night as well.
The Lakers (16-21) and Hornets (10-28) played a hotly contested first quarter that saw L.A. forge a narrow 22-21 lead. However, the visitors then asserted themselves and changed the tone of the game in the middle quarters, outscoring Charlotte by a 72-55 margin in that span to take an 18-point advantage into the final period. The hosts would eventually claw all the way back to get to within four with 20.2 seconds left, but a quartet of LeBron James free throws with 5.2 seconds remaining sealed the win.
James led the Lakers with a 43-point, 11-rebound double-double that included six assists and one steal. Thomas Bryant generated an18-point, 15-rebound double-double that included two assists and one steal. Dennis Schroder and Austin Reaves posted 15 points apiece while dishing out five and seven assists, respectively, with Reaves also posting six rebounds. Troy Brown supplied 12 points, five rebounds, two assists and three steals.
Terry Rozier paced the Hornets with 27 points, complementing with four assists and two rebounds. LaMelo Ball furnished 24 points, seven boards, six assists, three steals and two blocks. Mason Plumlee finished with 18 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and two blocks. P.J. Washington contributed 12 points, five rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Jalen McDaniels registered 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists, three steals and one block.
The Lakers return home to host the Miami Heat on Wednesday night, while the Hornets host the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night as well.
Nets Rout Spurs For 12th Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 139-103, at Barclays Center on Monday evening.
The Nets jumped out to a great start with a, 37-25, lead after one quarter and kept the pressure on in the second to amass a 27-point lead by halftime. The Spurs came out better in the third but did not have an answer, as the Nets added another two points to their cushion, to make a it a 19-point game heading into the final quarter. The Nets showed no mercy in the fourth and charged to the finish for their 12th straight win. This marks the second straight loss for the Spurs.
Kyrie Irving led the Nets with 27 points, eight rebounds, a steal and a block, in 29 minutes. Kevin Durant followed up with 25 points, three rebounds, 11 assists, two steals and a block, while T.J. Warren added 18 points, two steals and two blocks. The Nets shot 62.4 percent from the field, including 11-of-21 from deep.
Meanwhile, Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 22 points, four rebounds and a block, in 25 minutes. Devin Vassell followed up with 14 points, two rebounds and three assists, while Josh Richardson tallied 11 points, four rebounds and three assists. The Spurs shot 43.3 percent from the field, including 8-of-31 from long range.
The Spurs (12-25) will look to bounce back as they take on the Knicks in New York on Wednesday. The Nets (25-12) take on the Bulls in Chicago on Wednesday.
The Nets jumped out to a great start with a, 37-25, lead after one quarter and kept the pressure on in the second to amass a 27-point lead by halftime. The Spurs came out better in the third but did not have an answer, as the Nets added another two points to their cushion, to make a it a 19-point game heading into the final quarter. The Nets showed no mercy in the fourth and charged to the finish for their 12th straight win. This marks the second straight loss for the Spurs.
Kyrie Irving led the Nets with 27 points, eight rebounds, a steal and a block, in 29 minutes. Kevin Durant followed up with 25 points, three rebounds, 11 assists, two steals and a block, while T.J. Warren added 18 points, two steals and two blocks. The Nets shot 62.4 percent from the field, including 11-of-21 from deep.
Meanwhile, Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 22 points, four rebounds and a block, in 25 minutes. Devin Vassell followed up with 14 points, two rebounds and three assists, while Josh Richardson tallied 11 points, four rebounds and three assists. The Spurs shot 43.3 percent from the field, including 8-of-31 from long range.
The Spurs (12-25) will look to bounce back as they take on the Knicks in New York on Wednesday. The Nets (25-12) take on the Bulls in Chicago on Wednesday.
Mavs Rally Back To Top Rockets
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the host Houston Rockets, 111-106, at Toyota Center on Monday evening.
The Rockets jumped out to a strong start and led, 26-18, after one quarter. The Mavs picked up their play in the second, but the Rockets stayed in front for an 11-point lead at the break. The visitors continued to improve their effort and managed to trim it down to a four-point game heading into the final quarter. The Mavs kept the momentum going and took control in the fourth, where they outscored the Rockets, 28-19, to secure their seventh consecutive win. This marks the fourth straight loss for the Rockets.
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 39 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists and a steal, in 41 minutes. Christian Wood tallied 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists, five blocks and a steal, while Tim Hardaway added 21 points, three rebounds and a steal. The Mavs shot 42 percent from the field, including 13-of-43 from deep.
Meanwhile, Kevin Porter led the Rockets with 25 points, six rebounds, six assists, three steals and a block, in 42 minutes. Jalen Green followed up with 20 points, five rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Eric Gordon added 19 points, four rebounds and three assists. The Rockets shot 46 percent from the field, including 9-of-29 from long range.
The Rockets (10-27) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Wednesday. The Mavs (22-16) play host to the Celtics on Thursday.
The Rockets jumped out to a strong start and led, 26-18, after one quarter. The Mavs picked up their play in the second, but the Rockets stayed in front for an 11-point lead at the break. The visitors continued to improve their effort and managed to trim it down to a four-point game heading into the final quarter. The Mavs kept the momentum going and took control in the fourth, where they outscored the Rockets, 28-19, to secure their seventh consecutive win. This marks the fourth straight loss for the Rockets.
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 39 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists and a steal, in 41 minutes. Christian Wood tallied 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists, five blocks and a steal, while Tim Hardaway added 21 points, three rebounds and a steal. The Mavs shot 42 percent from the field, including 13-of-43 from deep.
Meanwhile, Kevin Porter led the Rockets with 25 points, six rebounds, six assists, three steals and a block, in 42 minutes. Jalen Green followed up with 20 points, five rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Eric Gordon added 19 points, four rebounds and three assists. The Rockets shot 46 percent from the field, including 9-of-29 from long range.
The Rockets (10-27) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Wednesday. The Mavs (22-16) play host to the Celtics on Thursday.
Timberwolves Hold Off Nuggets In Minnesota
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Denver Nuggets, 124-111, at Target Center on Monday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start, tied at 23, after one quarter, but the Timberwolves picked up the pace in the second and built a six-point lead by halftime. Both sides came out strong in the third, while the Nuggets managed to trim it back to a five-point deficit heading into the final quarter. However, the Timberwolves reclaimed momentum in the fourth and stayed in front the rest of the way.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 29 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Jaden McDaniels followed up with 21 points, four rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, while Kyle Anderson added 19 points, four rebounds, eight assists and three steals. The Timberwolves shot 51.7 percent from the field, including 13-of-36 from deep.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 24 points, seven rebounds, nine assists and two steals, in 33 minutes. Bones Hyland finished with 18 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steal, while Michael Porter tallied 18 points, two rebounds and a block. The Nuggets shot 46 percent from the field, including 11-of-29 from long range.
The Nuggets (24-13) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Clippers on Thursday. The Timberwolves (17-21) play host to the Trail Blazers on Wednesday.
The game got out to a competitive start, tied at 23, after one quarter, but the Timberwolves picked up the pace in the second and built a six-point lead by halftime. Both sides came out strong in the third, while the Nuggets managed to trim it back to a five-point deficit heading into the final quarter. However, the Timberwolves reclaimed momentum in the fourth and stayed in front the rest of the way.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 29 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Jaden McDaniels followed up with 21 points, four rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, while Kyle Anderson added 19 points, four rebounds, eight assists and three steals. The Timberwolves shot 51.7 percent from the field, including 13-of-36 from deep.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 24 points, seven rebounds, nine assists and two steals, in 33 minutes. Bones Hyland finished with 18 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steal, while Michael Porter tallied 18 points, two rebounds and a block. The Nuggets shot 46 percent from the field, including 11-of-29 from long range.
The Nuggets (24-13) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Clippers on Thursday. The Timberwolves (17-21) play host to the Trail Blazers on Wednesday.
Warriors Defeat Pistons in 2OT, 143-141
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Atlanta Hawks in 2OT, 143-141, at Chase Center on Monday.
While there were only 11 ties and eight lead changes in this game, it took two overtimes to determine a winner. Golden State actually led by 21 points right before the half, but Atlanta rode a 42-25 third quartet to make it competitive. Neither team led by more than five points in the overtime sessions, though, with Kevon Looney hitting a game-winning putback at the buzzer of the 2OT. The Warriors shot 19-of-59 from three-point range while holding the Hawks to 11-of-35 from long range. Golden State also out-rebounded Atlanta, 77-60, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 20-6.
The Hawks (17-20) were led by Trae Young, tallying 30 points, seven rebounds and 14 assists. Dejounte Murray collected 25 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. John Collins compiled 25 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks, while Onyeka Okongwu accrued 16 points, 12 rebounds, two steals and three blocks. Bogdan Bogdanovic led the bench with 21 points, three rebounds and three assists.
The Warriors (20-18) were led by Klay Thompson, totaling 54 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Jordan Poole provided 28 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Looney had 14 points, 20 rebounds and four assists, while Draymond Green generated five points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists, two steals and three blocks. Anthony Lamb led the bench with 17 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Golden State remaining home to play the Detroit Pistons. Atlanta stays on the road to play the Sacramento Kings.
While there were only 11 ties and eight lead changes in this game, it took two overtimes to determine a winner. Golden State actually led by 21 points right before the half, but Atlanta rode a 42-25 third quartet to make it competitive. Neither team led by more than five points in the overtime sessions, though, with Kevon Looney hitting a game-winning putback at the buzzer of the 2OT. The Warriors shot 19-of-59 from three-point range while holding the Hawks to 11-of-35 from long range. Golden State also out-rebounded Atlanta, 77-60, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 20-6.
The Hawks (17-20) were led by Trae Young, tallying 30 points, seven rebounds and 14 assists. Dejounte Murray collected 25 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. John Collins compiled 25 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks, while Onyeka Okongwu accrued 16 points, 12 rebounds, two steals and three blocks. Bogdan Bogdanovic led the bench with 21 points, three rebounds and three assists.
The Warriors (20-18) were led by Klay Thompson, totaling 54 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Jordan Poole provided 28 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Looney had 14 points, 20 rebounds and four assists, while Draymond Green generated five points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists, two steals and three blocks. Anthony Lamb led the bench with 17 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Golden State remaining home to play the Detroit Pistons. Atlanta stays on the road to play the Sacramento Kings.
Blazers Pummel Pistons, 135-106
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Detroit Pistons, 135-106, at Moda Center on Monday.
While there were five ties and 11 lead changes in the first half, Portland cruised to a victory behind a 39-25 second quarter. They put the game thanks to a 74-54 second half, getting their lead up to 34 points at times. They held a double-digit lead for the final 20 minutes of play. The Trail Blazers shot 57 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range (14-of-31) while holding the Pistons to 41 percent from the field and 33 percent from long range (6-of-18). They also out-assisted the Pistons, 28-16.
The Pistons (10-30) were led by Bojan Bogdanovic, totaling 21 points, two rebounds and three assists. Jaden Ivey accrued 13 points, three boards and two assists. Jalen Duren tallies five points, 11 rebounds and three assists, while Isaiah Stewart amassed nine points and six rebounds. Alec Burks led the bench with 19 points, three rebounds and three assists.
The Trail Blazers (19-17) were led by Jerami Grant, generating 36 points and two rebounds on 12-of-17 from the field. Anfernee Simons accrued 30 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Damian Lillard collected 19 points, five rebounds, 10 assists, four steals and two blocks. Drew Eubanks led the bench with 10 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, three steals and three blocks.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Detroit staying on the road to play the Golden State Warriors and Portland traveling to face the Minnesota Timberwolves.
While there were five ties and 11 lead changes in the first half, Portland cruised to a victory behind a 39-25 second quarter. They put the game thanks to a 74-54 second half, getting their lead up to 34 points at times. They held a double-digit lead for the final 20 minutes of play. The Trail Blazers shot 57 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range (14-of-31) while holding the Pistons to 41 percent from the field and 33 percent from long range (6-of-18). They also out-assisted the Pistons, 28-16.
The Pistons (10-30) were led by Bojan Bogdanovic, totaling 21 points, two rebounds and three assists. Jaden Ivey accrued 13 points, three boards and two assists. Jalen Duren tallies five points, 11 rebounds and three assists, while Isaiah Stewart amassed nine points and six rebounds. Alec Burks led the bench with 19 points, three rebounds and three assists.
The Trail Blazers (19-17) were led by Jerami Grant, generating 36 points and two rebounds on 12-of-17 from the field. Anfernee Simons accrued 30 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Damian Lillard collected 19 points, five rebounds, 10 assists, four steals and two blocks. Drew Eubanks led the bench with 10 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, three steals and three blocks.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Detroit staying on the road to play the Golden State Warriors and Portland traveling to face the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Heat Defeat Clippers, 110-100
The Miami Heat defeated the host Los Angeles Clippers, 110-100, at Crypto.com Arena on Monday.
This was a true tale of four quarters, with all of them being decided by six points or more. With that said, Miami led 67-49 at the half and rode a 29-17 fourth quarter to their victory. Los Angeles took a short lead behind a 34-14 third quarter, but those other three quarters were too much to overcome. Miami shot 46 percent from the field while holding Los Angeles to 43 percent shooting. They also attempted 18 more shots than LA, winning the turnover battle, 15-11. The Heat also out-rebounded the Clippers, 53-39, while outscoring them in the paint, 48-28.
The Heat (20-18) were led by Bam Adebayo, accruing 31 points and 13 rebounds on 12-of-19 from the field. Tyler Herro tallied 23 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Victor Oladipo led the bench with 15 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Max Strus provided 13 points, eight rebounds and two assists.
The Clippers (21-18) were led by Paul George, collecting 25 points, three rebounds, seven assists and four steals. Marcus Morris totaled 14 points and seven rebounds. Ivica Zubac had 10 points and seven boards, while Reggie Jackson generated nine points, two rebounds and five assists. Luke Kennard led the bench with 11 points.
On deck for Miami is a road matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. As for the Clippers, they return to action on Thursday in a road matchup with the Denver Nuggets.
This was a true tale of four quarters, with all of them being decided by six points or more. With that said, Miami led 67-49 at the half and rode a 29-17 fourth quarter to their victory. Los Angeles took a short lead behind a 34-14 third quarter, but those other three quarters were too much to overcome. Miami shot 46 percent from the field while holding Los Angeles to 43 percent shooting. They also attempted 18 more shots than LA, winning the turnover battle, 15-11. The Heat also out-rebounded the Clippers, 53-39, while outscoring them in the paint, 48-28.
The Heat (20-18) were led by Bam Adebayo, accruing 31 points and 13 rebounds on 12-of-19 from the field. Tyler Herro tallied 23 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Victor Oladipo led the bench with 15 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Max Strus provided 13 points, eight rebounds and two assists.
The Clippers (21-18) were led by Paul George, collecting 25 points, three rebounds, seven assists and four steals. Marcus Morris totaled 14 points and seven rebounds. Ivica Zubac had 10 points and seven boards, while Reggie Jackson generated nine points, two rebounds and five assists. Luke Kennard led the bench with 11 points.
On deck for Miami is a road matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. As for the Clippers, they return to action on Thursday in a road matchup with the Denver Nuggets.