Cavaliers Top Suns In Final Seconds
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Phoenix Suns, 90-88, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Wednesday.
The Cavaliers (25-14) and the Suns (20-19) were playing in a battle of contenders, but it was a low-scoring contest in which neither team surpassed the 90-point mark, with the Cavaliers coming away with the victory in the dying seconds of the contest after Evan Mobley drilled the game-winning shot with 4.0 seconds left. Both teams combined for only 29 points in the first quarter as Cleveland grabbed a 15-14 score, but the Suns would respond and grab the lead following a 29-18 score in the second quarter. Cleveland showed signs of a comeback following a 26-21 score in the third quarter, and they’d complete the win with a 31-24 score in the final 12 minutes plus Mobley’s jumper from the elbow.
Caris LeVert finished with 21 points while also adding six rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Donovan Mitchell delivered 20 points, nine assists, six rebounds and two steals. No other starters scored in double digits, but Raul Neto notched 14 points and two rebounds off the bench, and Cedi Osman posted 12 points across 33 minutes off the bench.
Chris Paul posted 25 points, eight assists and four rebounds, while Deandre Ayton notched 15 points and 18 rebounds across 37 minutes. Dario Saric and Mikal Bridges had 10 points each, and Landry Shamet delivered 14 points with four rebounds and three assists. No other Phoenix player scored in double digits.
The Cavaliers (25-14) and the Suns (20-19) were playing in a battle of contenders, but it was a low-scoring contest in which neither team surpassed the 90-point mark, with the Cavaliers coming away with the victory in the dying seconds of the contest after Evan Mobley drilled the game-winning shot with 4.0 seconds left. Both teams combined for only 29 points in the first quarter as Cleveland grabbed a 15-14 score, but the Suns would respond and grab the lead following a 29-18 score in the second quarter. Cleveland showed signs of a comeback following a 26-21 score in the third quarter, and they’d complete the win with a 31-24 score in the final 12 minutes plus Mobley’s jumper from the elbow.
Caris LeVert finished with 21 points while also adding six rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Donovan Mitchell delivered 20 points, nine assists, six rebounds and two steals. No other starters scored in double digits, but Raul Neto notched 14 points and two rebounds off the bench, and Cedi Osman posted 12 points across 33 minutes off the bench.
Chris Paul posted 25 points, eight assists and four rebounds, while Deandre Ayton notched 15 points and 18 rebounds across 37 minutes. Dario Saric and Mikal Bridges had 10 points each, and Landry Shamet delivered 14 points with four rebounds and three assists. No other Phoenix player scored in double digits.
Magic Use Strong Start To Top Thunder
The Orlando Magic defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, 126-115, at Amway Center on Wednesday.
The Magic (14-24) enjoyed an excellent start to get past the Thunder (16-22) in front of their fans, racing out to a 31-28 score in the first quarter and building a lead they’d never relinquish following a 39-25 score in the second quarter. Leading by 17 points at the break, it seemed the Magic would race to victory the rest of the way, but the Thunder pulled back and won the third quarter by a 35-25 score. It wasn’t enough to mount a comeback, though, as the Magic won the final 12 minutes by a 31-27 score, closing the game out with ease. With the win, the Magic improved to 9-11 at home while the Thunder fell to 5-12 on the road.
Eight players scored in double digits for the Magic. Paolo Banchero led the way for the Magic with 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, while Wendell Carter Jr. posted a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds. Caleb Houstan finished with 11 points and five boards, and Markelle Fultz finished with 13 points, six boards and four assists. Gary Harris had 18 points, and Terrence Ross also had 18 points off the bench. Mo Bamba had 10 points.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 33 points, four assists and three rebounds for the Thunder. Josh Giddey ended with 16 points, five rebounds and four assists, and Luguentz Dort posted 13 points and two boards. Kenrich Williams had 12 points and nine boards, Isaiah Joe delivered 13 points, and Mike Muscala had 11 points off the bench.
The Magic (14-24) enjoyed an excellent start to get past the Thunder (16-22) in front of their fans, racing out to a 31-28 score in the first quarter and building a lead they’d never relinquish following a 39-25 score in the second quarter. Leading by 17 points at the break, it seemed the Magic would race to victory the rest of the way, but the Thunder pulled back and won the third quarter by a 35-25 score. It wasn’t enough to mount a comeback, though, as the Magic won the final 12 minutes by a 31-27 score, closing the game out with ease. With the win, the Magic improved to 9-11 at home while the Thunder fell to 5-12 on the road.
Eight players scored in double digits for the Magic. Paolo Banchero led the way for the Magic with 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, while Wendell Carter Jr. posted a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds. Caleb Houstan finished with 11 points and five boards, and Markelle Fultz finished with 13 points, six boards and four assists. Gary Harris had 18 points, and Terrence Ross also had 18 points off the bench. Mo Bamba had 10 points.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 33 points, four assists and three rebounds for the Thunder. Josh Giddey ended with 16 points, five rebounds and four assists, and Luguentz Dort posted 13 points and two boards. Kenrich Williams had 12 points and nine boards, Isaiah Joe delivered 13 points, and Mike Muscala had 11 points off the bench.
Sixers Top Pacers In Overtime
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Indiana Pacers, 129-126, at Wells Fargo on Wednesday.
The 76ers (23-14) and the Pacers (21-18) played a tight game and needed five extra minutes to find a winner in overtime, but in the end, the Sixers pulled away with the victory. The Pacers enjoyed a strong start and led in the first quarter by a 28-27 score, but the Sixers responded with a 39-33 score in the second quarter. A 31-23 score in the third quarter boosted Philly’s third quarter to double digits, and it seemed they’d run away with the win with ease. However, the Pacers came out of nowhere to secure the comeback after a 36-23 score in the final 12 minutes of action. The Sixers tightened the grip in the final minutes, though, and they outscored their rivals by a 9-6 score in overtime, and that was enough to get the victory. With the win, the Sixers improved to 16-5 at home while the Pacers fell to 8-11 on the road.
James Harden notched 26 points, eight assists and six rebounds to lead the Sixers in the win in absence of Joel Embiid, while Tobias Harris had a strong game of 19 points and 10 rebounds while adding three assists. De’Anthony Melton finished with 19 points and seven rebounds, and Tyrese Maxey finished with 17 points, six dimes and five boards. Montrezl Harrell ended with 19 points, five boards and four blocks, while Shake Milton ended with 13 points, four assists and three rebounds.
Buddy Hield ended with 24 points, nine rebounds and six assists, while Myles Turner ended with 14 points, eight rebounds and five blocks. Tyrese Haliburton notched 16 points and 12 assists to go along with seven rebounds, and Andrew Nembhard finished with 12 points and four rebounds. Bennedict Mathurin had 19 points and four boards off the bench, and Jalen Smith posted 17 points and three rebounds.
The 76ers (23-14) and the Pacers (21-18) played a tight game and needed five extra minutes to find a winner in overtime, but in the end, the Sixers pulled away with the victory. The Pacers enjoyed a strong start and led in the first quarter by a 28-27 score, but the Sixers responded with a 39-33 score in the second quarter. A 31-23 score in the third quarter boosted Philly’s third quarter to double digits, and it seemed they’d run away with the win with ease. However, the Pacers came out of nowhere to secure the comeback after a 36-23 score in the final 12 minutes of action. The Sixers tightened the grip in the final minutes, though, and they outscored their rivals by a 9-6 score in overtime, and that was enough to get the victory. With the win, the Sixers improved to 16-5 at home while the Pacers fell to 8-11 on the road.
James Harden notched 26 points, eight assists and six rebounds to lead the Sixers in the win in absence of Joel Embiid, while Tobias Harris had a strong game of 19 points and 10 rebounds while adding three assists. De’Anthony Melton finished with 19 points and seven rebounds, and Tyrese Maxey finished with 17 points, six dimes and five boards. Montrezl Harrell ended with 19 points, five boards and four blocks, while Shake Milton ended with 13 points, four assists and three rebounds.
Buddy Hield ended with 24 points, nine rebounds and six assists, while Myles Turner ended with 14 points, eight rebounds and five blocks. Tyrese Haliburton notched 16 points and 12 assists to go along with seven rebounds, and Andrew Nembhard finished with 12 points and four rebounds. Bennedict Mathurin had 19 points and four boards off the bench, and Jalen Smith posted 17 points and three rebounds.
Grizzlies Throttle Hornets, 131-107
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 131-107, at Spectrum Center on Wednesday night.
The Grizzlies (24-13) came into the contest as solid road favorites, and they wasted no time validating that standing by jumping out to a 40-26 lead through one. Memphis then added another 15 points to its advantage over the Hornets (10-29) prior to halftime, affording the hosts a 29-point edge that essentially made the second half a formality. The hosts shot 50.0 percent and outpaced Charlotte in rebounds by a 59-44 margin.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 23 points, adding eight assists, one rebound and two steals. Desmond Bane generated a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double that included four assists and one steal. Dillon Brooks supplied 18 points, two boards and one steal. Jaren Jackson registered 17 points, nine rebounds, one assist and three blocks. Xavier Tillman delivered 10 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block.
LaMelo Ball paced the Hornets with a 23-point, 12-assist double-double that included four rebounds and one steal. Terry Rozier totaled 21 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. Jalen McDaniels furnished 16 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks. P.J. Washington compiled 15 points, two assists, one rebound, two blocks and one steal.
The Grizzlies remain on the road and visit the Orlando Magic on Thursday night, while the Hornets also hit the road and tangle with the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night.
The Grizzlies (24-13) came into the contest as solid road favorites, and they wasted no time validating that standing by jumping out to a 40-26 lead through one. Memphis then added another 15 points to its advantage over the Hornets (10-29) prior to halftime, affording the hosts a 29-point edge that essentially made the second half a formality. The hosts shot 50.0 percent and outpaced Charlotte in rebounds by a 59-44 margin.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 23 points, adding eight assists, one rebound and two steals. Desmond Bane generated a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double that included four assists and one steal. Dillon Brooks supplied 18 points, two boards and one steal. Jaren Jackson registered 17 points, nine rebounds, one assist and three blocks. Xavier Tillman delivered 10 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block.
LaMelo Ball paced the Hornets with a 23-point, 12-assist double-double that included four rebounds and one steal. Terry Rozier totaled 21 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. Jalen McDaniels furnished 16 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks. P.J. Washington compiled 15 points, two assists, one rebound, two blocks and one steal.
The Grizzlies remain on the road and visit the Orlando Magic on Thursday night, while the Hornets also hit the road and tangle with the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night.
Knicks Best Spurs, 117-114
The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 117-114, at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night.
The Knicks (21-18) entered Wednesday looking to extend their winning streak to three games, and they got off to an excellent start in that regard by forging a 39-29 lead through one. The Spurs (12-26) were able to cut their deficit in half prior to halftime, however, and San Antonio was even able to forge a one-point lead with as little as 3:25 remaining. However, New York's 7-3 run over the final 3:02 sealed the comeback home win, with the visitors being held off the scoreboard over the final 29 seconds.
Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 26 points, adding seven rebounds and two assists. Josh Richardson followed with 20 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Zach Collins supplied 16 points, three rebounds and three assists. Doug McDermott furnished 15 points, two boards, one steal and one block. Tre Jones supplied 14 points, six assists, four rebounds and one steal.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 38 points, complementing them with seven rebounds and six assists. Julius Randle managed a 25-point, 13-rebound double-double that included three assists, four blocks and three steals. Immanuel Quickley delivered 15 points, eight rebounds, five assists and one steal. Quentin Grimes registered 14 points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals.
The Spurs return home to host the Detroit Pistons on Friday night, while the Knicks hit the road and visit the Toronto Raptors on Friday night as well.
The Knicks (21-18) entered Wednesday looking to extend their winning streak to three games, and they got off to an excellent start in that regard by forging a 39-29 lead through one. The Spurs (12-26) were able to cut their deficit in half prior to halftime, however, and San Antonio was even able to forge a one-point lead with as little as 3:25 remaining. However, New York's 7-3 run over the final 3:02 sealed the comeback home win, with the visitors being held off the scoreboard over the final 29 seconds.
Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 26 points, adding seven rebounds and two assists. Josh Richardson followed with 20 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Zach Collins supplied 16 points, three rebounds and three assists. Doug McDermott furnished 15 points, two boards, one steal and one block. Tre Jones supplied 14 points, six assists, four rebounds and one steal.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 38 points, complementing them with seven rebounds and six assists. Julius Randle managed a 25-point, 13-rebound double-double that included three assists, four blocks and three steals. Immanuel Quickley delivered 15 points, eight rebounds, five assists and one steal. Quentin Grimes registered 14 points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals.
The Spurs return home to host the Detroit Pistons on Friday night, while the Knicks hit the road and visit the Toronto Raptors on Friday night as well.
Bucks Edge Raptors in OT, 104-101
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Toronto Raptors, 104-101, in overtime at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night.
The two teams played one of the most defense-centric quarters of the season in the opening period, when the Bucks (25-13) and Raptors (16-22) combined for just 25 points. Each squad picked up the pace in the second quarter while scoring 26 points apiece, and Milwaukee had managed to forge a four-point advantage going into the final period. The visitors then held a 21-point lead with just over three minutes remaining before Toronto mounted a furious comeback that saw them finish regulation on a jaw-dropping 28-7 run to force overtime. However, the Bucks managed to get over their shock in the extra period, with a Grayson Allen three-pointer with 11.1 seconds remaining serving as the game-winning bucket.
Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with a 30-point, 21-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included one block. Allen tallied 16 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal. Pat Connaughton registered 15 points, six rebounds and one assist. Bobby Portis generated a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one steal and one block. Marjon Beauchamp delivered 10 points, four boards and two assists.
Fred VanVleet led the Raptors with a 28-point, 12-assist double-double that included eight rebounds and three steals. Gary Trent supplied 22 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Scottie Barnes furnished 19 points, four rebounds, three assists and one block. O.G. Anunoby posted 14 points, nine boards and four steals. Pascal Siakam finished with 11 points, eight boards, four assists and one block.
The Bucks return home to host the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the New York Knicks on Friday night.
The two teams played one of the most defense-centric quarters of the season in the opening period, when the Bucks (25-13) and Raptors (16-22) combined for just 25 points. Each squad picked up the pace in the second quarter while scoring 26 points apiece, and Milwaukee had managed to forge a four-point advantage going into the final period. The visitors then held a 21-point lead with just over three minutes remaining before Toronto mounted a furious comeback that saw them finish regulation on a jaw-dropping 28-7 run to force overtime. However, the Bucks managed to get over their shock in the extra period, with a Grayson Allen three-pointer with 11.1 seconds remaining serving as the game-winning bucket.
Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with a 30-point, 21-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included one block. Allen tallied 16 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal. Pat Connaughton registered 15 points, six rebounds and one assist. Bobby Portis generated a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one steal and one block. Marjon Beauchamp delivered 10 points, four boards and two assists.
Fred VanVleet led the Raptors with a 28-point, 12-assist double-double that included eight rebounds and three steals. Gary Trent supplied 22 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Scottie Barnes furnished 19 points, four rebounds, three assists and one block. O.G. Anunoby posted 14 points, nine boards and four steals. Pascal Siakam finished with 11 points, eight boards, four assists and one block.
The Bucks return home to host the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the New York Knicks on Friday night.
Pelicans Topple Rockets, 119-108
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Houston Rockets, 119-108, at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday night.
The Pelicans (24-14) began their first game of Zion Williamson's (hamstring) latest absence looking like they wouldn't miss a beat, jumping out to a massive 45-22 lead through one. New Orleans still held the same 23-point advantage at halftime, and when it added another two points to its advantage in the third, the game was decided for all practical purposes.
Jalen Green and Kenyon Martin, Jr. co-led the Rockets with 16 points, adding four and two rebounds, respectively. Green also recorded four assists. Jabari Smith turned in a 14-point, 13-rebound double-double that included one assist, two steals and one block. Alperen Sengun and Eric Gordon netted 13 points apiece, with Sengun also delivering five assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block.
CJ McCollum paced the Pelicans with 28 points, supplementing them with six assists, one rebound and one block. Jonas Valanciunas and Naji Marshall generated matching 16-point contributions, while providing 17 and seven rebounds, respectively. Willy Hernangomez registered 14 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal. Trey Murphy also produced 14 points. Jose Alvarado registered 13 points, five assists and two rebounds.
The Rockets return home to host the Utah Jazz on Thursday night, while the Pelicans remain home and host the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night as well.
The Pelicans (24-14) began their first game of Zion Williamson's (hamstring) latest absence looking like they wouldn't miss a beat, jumping out to a massive 45-22 lead through one. New Orleans still held the same 23-point advantage at halftime, and when it added another two points to its advantage in the third, the game was decided for all practical purposes.
Jalen Green and Kenyon Martin, Jr. co-led the Rockets with 16 points, adding four and two rebounds, respectively. Green also recorded four assists. Jabari Smith turned in a 14-point, 13-rebound double-double that included one assist, two steals and one block. Alperen Sengun and Eric Gordon netted 13 points apiece, with Sengun also delivering five assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block.
CJ McCollum paced the Pelicans with 28 points, supplementing them with six assists, one rebound and one block. Jonas Valanciunas and Naji Marshall generated matching 16-point contributions, while providing 17 and seven rebounds, respectively. Willy Hernangomez registered 14 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal. Trey Murphy also produced 14 points. Jose Alvarado registered 13 points, five assists and two rebounds.
The Rockets return home to host the Utah Jazz on Thursday night, while the Pelicans remain home and host the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night as well.
Bulls Stun Nets In Chicago
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls defeated the visiting Brooklyn Nets, 121-112, at United Center on Wednesday evening.
The Bulls jumped out to a great start with a, 40-33, lead after one quarter, and they stayed in control through the second to take a 10-point lead into the break. The Nets came out stronger in the third and managed to trim it back to a three-point game heading into the final frame. The Nets kept up the fight in the fourth, but it was not enough, as the Bulls stayed in control and closed out the home win to end a two-game slide. This also marks the end of the Nets' 12-game win streak.
Patrick Williams and DeMar DeRozan poured in 22 points each to lead the way for the Bulls. Nikola Vucevic added 21 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and two blocks, while Ayo Dosunmu chipped in 17 points, seven rebounds, two steals and a block. The Bulls shot 53 percent from the field, including 8-of-20 from deep.
Meanwhile, Kevin Durant led the Nets with 44 points, four rebounds, five assists, two blocks and a steal, in 38 minutes. Kyrie Irving followed up with 25 points, four rebounds, eight assists, three steals and a block, while Seth Curry chipped in 22 points, two assists and a steal. The Nets shot 46.2 percent from the field, including 12-of-37 from long range.
The Nets (25-13) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Friday. The Bulls (17-21) take on the 76ers in Philadelphia on Friday.
The Bulls jumped out to a great start with a, 40-33, lead after one quarter, and they stayed in control through the second to take a 10-point lead into the break. The Nets came out stronger in the third and managed to trim it back to a three-point game heading into the final frame. The Nets kept up the fight in the fourth, but it was not enough, as the Bulls stayed in control and closed out the home win to end a two-game slide. This also marks the end of the Nets' 12-game win streak.
Patrick Williams and DeMar DeRozan poured in 22 points each to lead the way for the Bulls. Nikola Vucevic added 21 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and two blocks, while Ayo Dosunmu chipped in 17 points, seven rebounds, two steals and a block. The Bulls shot 53 percent from the field, including 8-of-20 from deep.
Meanwhile, Kevin Durant led the Nets with 44 points, four rebounds, five assists, two blocks and a steal, in 38 minutes. Kyrie Irving followed up with 25 points, four rebounds, eight assists, three steals and a block, while Seth Curry chipped in 22 points, two assists and a steal. The Nets shot 46.2 percent from the field, including 12-of-37 from long range.
The Nets (25-13) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Friday. The Bulls (17-21) take on the 76ers in Philadelphia on Friday.
Timberwolves Hold Off Trail Blazers In Minnesota
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Portland Trail Blazers, 113-106, at Target Center on Wednesday evening.
The Timberwolves got out to a strong start, with an early 13-point lead, but the Trail Blazers cut it back to a five-point game after one quarter. The hosts rallied again to start the second and built an 11-point advantage, before the Blazers trimmed it to seven, heading into the final frame. The Trail Blazers picked up the pace in the third and brought it to a four-point game heading into the final frame. However, the Timberwolves kept their focus in the fourth and stayed in front the rest of the way to secure their second straight win.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 32 points, seven rebounds and three assists, in 36 minutes. Rudy Gobert followed up with 17 points, 12 rebounds, three blocks and two assists, while Luka Garza chipped in 14 points, two rebounds and a steal. The Timberwolves shot 51.3 percent from the field, including 9-of-24 from deep.
Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 27 points, four rebounds and six assists, in 41 minutes. Jerami Grant followed up with 26 points, five rebounds and three steals, while Anfernee Simons chipped in 16 points, two rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Trail Blazers shot 44 percent from the field, including 9-of-29 from long range.
The Trail Blazers (19-18) look to bounce back as they take on the Pacers in Indiana on Friday. The Timberwolves (18-21) play host to the Clippers on Friday.
The Timberwolves got out to a strong start, with an early 13-point lead, but the Trail Blazers cut it back to a five-point game after one quarter. The hosts rallied again to start the second and built an 11-point advantage, before the Blazers trimmed it to seven, heading into the final frame. The Trail Blazers picked up the pace in the third and brought it to a four-point game heading into the final frame. However, the Timberwolves kept their focus in the fourth and stayed in front the rest of the way to secure their second straight win.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 32 points, seven rebounds and three assists, in 36 minutes. Rudy Gobert followed up with 17 points, 12 rebounds, three blocks and two assists, while Luka Garza chipped in 14 points, two rebounds and a steal. The Timberwolves shot 51.3 percent from the field, including 9-of-24 from deep.
Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 27 points, four rebounds and six assists, in 41 minutes. Jerami Grant followed up with 26 points, five rebounds and three steals, while Anfernee Simons chipped in 16 points, two rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Trail Blazers shot 44 percent from the field, including 9-of-29 from long range.
The Trail Blazers (19-18) look to bounce back as they take on the Pacers in Indiana on Friday. The Timberwolves (18-21) play host to the Clippers on Friday.
Pistons Defeat Warriors, 122-119
The Detroit Pistons defeated the host Golden State Warriors, 122-119, at Chase Center on Wednesday.
While there were only five ties and six lead changes in this game, neither team led by more than 10 points. Klay Thompson actually tied the game with a fadeaway three with 2.3 seconds remaining, but Saddiq Bey countered with a game-winning three at the buzzer to grab the win for the Pistons. Detroit ended up shooting 44 percent from three-point range while holding Golden State to 38 percent shooting. The Pistons also tripled up the Warriors in steals, 9-3, while winning the turnover battle, 14-8.
The Pistons (11-30) were led by Bojan Bogdanovic, collecting 29 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals. Jalen Duren amassed 18 points and 11 rebounds. Isaiah Stewart totaled 13 points and seven boards. Jaden Ivey had 12 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Killian Hayes led the team with 13 assists. Bey led the bench with 17 points, three rebounds and two steals.
The Warriors (20-19) were Klay Thompson, tallying 30 points, two rebounds and three assists. Jordan Poole provided 24 points, five rebounds and six assists. Kevon Looney compiled eight points, 15 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Ty Jerome led the bench with 18 points and three assists, while Anthony Lamb accrued 17 points, two rebounds and two assists.
On deck for Detroit is a road matchup with the San Antonio Spurs on Friday. As for Golden State, they return to action on Saturday in a home matchup with the Orlando Magic.
While there were only five ties and six lead changes in this game, neither team led by more than 10 points. Klay Thompson actually tied the game with a fadeaway three with 2.3 seconds remaining, but Saddiq Bey countered with a game-winning three at the buzzer to grab the win for the Pistons. Detroit ended up shooting 44 percent from three-point range while holding Golden State to 38 percent shooting. The Pistons also tripled up the Warriors in steals, 9-3, while winning the turnover battle, 14-8.
The Pistons (11-30) were led by Bojan Bogdanovic, collecting 29 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals. Jalen Duren amassed 18 points and 11 rebounds. Isaiah Stewart totaled 13 points and seven boards. Jaden Ivey had 12 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Killian Hayes led the team with 13 assists. Bey led the bench with 17 points, three rebounds and two steals.
The Warriors (20-19) were Klay Thompson, tallying 30 points, two rebounds and three assists. Jordan Poole provided 24 points, five rebounds and six assists. Kevon Looney compiled eight points, 15 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Ty Jerome led the bench with 18 points and three assists, while Anthony Lamb accrued 17 points, two rebounds and two assists.
On deck for Detroit is a road matchup with the San Antonio Spurs on Friday. As for Golden State, they return to action on Saturday in a home matchup with the Orlando Magic.
Lakers Defeat Heat, 112-109
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Miami Heat, 112-109, at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday.
There were 10 ties and 18 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 13 points. That was Los Angeles in the first half, riding a 32-23 first quarter to their victory. Jimmy Butler had a game-tying attempt at the buzzer but missed that fade away. Los Angeles shot 49 percent from the field and 80 percent from the free-throw line, while Miami shot 45 percent from the field and 71 percent from the charity stripe. The Lakers bench also outscored the Heat's bench, 42-24.
The Heat (20-19) were led by Bam Adebayo, accruing 30 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, two steals and three blocks. Jimmy Butler tallied 27 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals. Kyle Lowry collected 11 points, two rebounds and four assists, while Victor Oladipo led the bench with 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
The Lakers (17-21) were led by Dennis Schroder, totaling 32 points, four rebounds, two assists and four steals. Thomas Bryant amassed 21 points and nine rebounds. Russell Westbrook led the bench with 21 points, eight rebounds, nine assists and three steals. Austin Reaves also finished with 11 points, five rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Miami staying on the road to play the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles remaining home to face the Atlanta Hawks.
There were 10 ties and 18 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 13 points. That was Los Angeles in the first half, riding a 32-23 first quarter to their victory. Jimmy Butler had a game-tying attempt at the buzzer but missed that fade away. Los Angeles shot 49 percent from the field and 80 percent from the free-throw line, while Miami shot 45 percent from the field and 71 percent from the charity stripe. The Lakers bench also outscored the Heat's bench, 42-24.
The Heat (20-19) were led by Bam Adebayo, accruing 30 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, two steals and three blocks. Jimmy Butler tallied 27 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals. Kyle Lowry collected 11 points, two rebounds and four assists, while Victor Oladipo led the bench with 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
The Lakers (17-21) were led by Dennis Schroder, totaling 32 points, four rebounds, two assists and four steals. Thomas Bryant amassed 21 points and nine rebounds. Russell Westbrook led the bench with 21 points, eight rebounds, nine assists and three steals. Austin Reaves also finished with 11 points, five rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Miami staying on the road to play the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles remaining home to face the Atlanta Hawks.
Hawks Defeat Kings, 120-117
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the host Sacramento Kings, 120-117, at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday.
Three of the four quarters in this game were all tied, with Sacramento rode a 31-28 second quarter to their win. That led to 14 ties and seven lead changes in this game, but Atlanta held the lead for all but a handful of minutes. The Hawks ended up shooting 54 percent from the field while holding the Kings to 47 percent shooting. In addition, Atlanta outscored Sacramento in fastbreak scoring, 18-11.
The Hawks (18-20) were led by John Collins, collecting 22 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. De'Andre Hunter amassed 22 points, eight rebounds and two steals. Trae Young tallied 21 points and six assists, while Dejounte Murray generated 21 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals. Bogdan Bogdanovic led the bench with 17 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
The Kings (20-17) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 25 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Kevin Huerter had 24 points, three rebounds and five assists against his former team, while Harrison Barnes totaled 22 points and four boards. Domantas Sabonis generated 20 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists and two steals.
On deck for Atlanta is a road matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. As for Sacramento, they play host to the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday for their next outing.
Three of the four quarters in this game were all tied, with Sacramento rode a 31-28 second quarter to their win. That led to 14 ties and seven lead changes in this game, but Atlanta held the lead for all but a handful of minutes. The Hawks ended up shooting 54 percent from the field while holding the Kings to 47 percent shooting. In addition, Atlanta outscored Sacramento in fastbreak scoring, 18-11.
The Hawks (18-20) were led by John Collins, collecting 22 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. De'Andre Hunter amassed 22 points, eight rebounds and two steals. Trae Young tallied 21 points and six assists, while Dejounte Murray generated 21 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals. Bogdan Bogdanovic led the bench with 17 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
The Kings (20-17) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 25 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Kevin Huerter had 24 points, three rebounds and five assists against his former team, while Harrison Barnes totaled 22 points and four boards. Domantas Sabonis generated 20 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists and two steals.
On deck for Atlanta is a road matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. As for Sacramento, they play host to the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday for their next outing.