Pacers Pull Away Late, Defeat Trail Blazers
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, 108-99, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday.
The Pacers (22-18) continue to play better than anyone would’ve expected it and didn’t have major problems getting past the Trail Blazers (19-19), though it was a tight game and the Pacers had to wait until the final 12 minutes to gain separation and win the contest. Portland jumped ahead in the first quarter and led by a 29-26 score, and they’d maintain the lead despite the fact that the Pacers reduced the deficit by just one point following a 28-26 score in the second quarter. The third quarter ended with a 27-27 score, so Portland still held a one-point lead with 12 minutes left, but the Pacers would pull away for good in the final 12 minutes after outscoring their rivals by a 27-17 score. With the win, Indiana improved to 14-7 at home while the Blazers fell to 10-13 on the road.
Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers off the bench with 19 points and two steals, while Tyrese Haliburton ended with 15 points and 12 assists. Myles Turner recorded 17 points, seven rebounds and two assists, and Aaron Nesmith finished with 10 points, seven boards and two steals. Buddy Hield finished with 11 points and six rebounds. Indiana shot 45.2 percent from the field and 28 percent from three.
Anfernee Simons led the Blazers with 20 points, four assists and three rebounds, while Damian Lillard ended with 19 points, eight assists and two rebounds. Jusuf Nurkic had a double-double of 14 points and 19 rebounds, and Josh Hart sniffed a triple-double with 12 points, 10 boards and eight assists. Jerami Grant added 15 points. Portland shot 40.4 percent from the field and 27.3 percent from deep.
The Pacers (22-18) continue to play better than anyone would’ve expected it and didn’t have major problems getting past the Trail Blazers (19-19), though it was a tight game and the Pacers had to wait until the final 12 minutes to gain separation and win the contest. Portland jumped ahead in the first quarter and led by a 29-26 score, and they’d maintain the lead despite the fact that the Pacers reduced the deficit by just one point following a 28-26 score in the second quarter. The third quarter ended with a 27-27 score, so Portland still held a one-point lead with 12 minutes left, but the Pacers would pull away for good in the final 12 minutes after outscoring their rivals by a 27-17 score. With the win, Indiana improved to 14-7 at home while the Blazers fell to 10-13 on the road.
Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers off the bench with 19 points and two steals, while Tyrese Haliburton ended with 15 points and 12 assists. Myles Turner recorded 17 points, seven rebounds and two assists, and Aaron Nesmith finished with 10 points, seven boards and two steals. Buddy Hield finished with 11 points and six rebounds. Indiana shot 45.2 percent from the field and 28 percent from three.
Anfernee Simons led the Blazers with 20 points, four assists and three rebounds, while Damian Lillard ended with 19 points, eight assists and two rebounds. Jusuf Nurkic had a double-double of 14 points and 19 rebounds, and Josh Hart sniffed a triple-double with 12 points, 10 boards and eight assists. Jerami Grant added 15 points. Portland shot 40.4 percent from the field and 27.3 percent from deep.
Bulls Pull Upset, Top 76ers
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 126-112, at Wells Fargo Center on Friday.
The Bulls (18-21) keep moving closer to the .500 mark and secured a huge road win against a contender such as the 76ers (23-15), and it was a game in which Chicago had to come from behind despite a slow start. The Sixers grabbed the lead following the first quarter by a 30-25 score, but the Bulls didn’t waste time to turn things around and outscored their rivals by a 34-25 score just before the break, grabbing a four-point lead by halftime. Chicago would pull away for good in the third quarter after outscoring their rivals by a 40-29 score, and that would be all they’d need to close the game out. The 76ers won the final 12 minutes by a 28-27 score, but it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback and the Bulls delivered an easy win. With the victory, Chicago improved to 8-12 on the road while the Sixers fell to 16-6 at home.
Zach LaVine looked impressive in this game and finished with 41 points and six assists, while DeMar DeRozan posted 12 points, six assists and five rebounds. Nikola Vucevic had an excellent outing and recorded 19 points, 18 rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks. Patrick Williams looked impressive and finished with 18 points and six rebounds. Chicago shot 57.1 percent from the field.
Tyrese Maxey led the way for the 76ers with 26 points and six assists, while James Harden recorded 17 points and 11 assists. Tobias Harris also had a double-double of 22 points and 11 boards, and Montrezl Harrell had a strong game off the bench with 17 points and four boards. Georges Niang had 12 points off the bench as well.
The Bulls (18-21) keep moving closer to the .500 mark and secured a huge road win against a contender such as the 76ers (23-15), and it was a game in which Chicago had to come from behind despite a slow start. The Sixers grabbed the lead following the first quarter by a 30-25 score, but the Bulls didn’t waste time to turn things around and outscored their rivals by a 34-25 score just before the break, grabbing a four-point lead by halftime. Chicago would pull away for good in the third quarter after outscoring their rivals by a 40-29 score, and that would be all they’d need to close the game out. The 76ers won the final 12 minutes by a 28-27 score, but it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback and the Bulls delivered an easy win. With the victory, Chicago improved to 8-12 on the road while the Sixers fell to 16-6 at home.
Zach LaVine looked impressive in this game and finished with 41 points and six assists, while DeMar DeRozan posted 12 points, six assists and five rebounds. Nikola Vucevic had an excellent outing and recorded 19 points, 18 rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks. Patrick Williams looked impressive and finished with 18 points and six rebounds. Chicago shot 57.1 percent from the field.
Tyrese Maxey led the way for the 76ers with 26 points and six assists, while James Harden recorded 17 points and 11 assists. Tobias Harris also had a double-double of 22 points and 11 boards, and Montrezl Harrell had a strong game off the bench with 17 points and four boards. Georges Niang had 12 points off the bench as well.
Nets Subdue Shorthanded Pelicans
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the host New Orleans Pelicans, 108-102, at Smoothie King Center on Friday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Pelicans led, 28-27, after one quarter, but they pulled away in the second to take a an 11-point lead into halftime. The Nets turned it up a notch in the third and outscored the hosts, 35-21, to earn a three-point advantage to start the final quarter. The Pelicans reclaimed the lead for a brief moment early in the fourth, but the Nets took control down the stretch and secured the road win.
Kevin Durant led the Nets with 33 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two blocks, in 38 minutes. Kyrie Irving followed up with 19 points, five rebounds, five assists and a block, while T.J. Warren added 15 points and a steal, off the bench. The Nets shot 43.5 percent from the field, including 15-of-33 from long range.
Meanwhile, CJ McCollum led the Pelicans with 28 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals, in 37 minutes. Naji Marshall followed up with 23 points, nine rebounds and three steals, while Jose Alvarado added 17 points, five rebounds and two assists. The Pelicans shot 39.8 percent from the field, including 12-of-29 from deep.
The Pelicans (24-15) will look to bounce back as they take on the Mavericks in Dallas on Saturday. The Nets (26-13) take on the Heat in Miami on Sunday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Pelicans led, 28-27, after one quarter, but they pulled away in the second to take a an 11-point lead into halftime. The Nets turned it up a notch in the third and outscored the hosts, 35-21, to earn a three-point advantage to start the final quarter. The Pelicans reclaimed the lead for a brief moment early in the fourth, but the Nets took control down the stretch and secured the road win.
Kevin Durant led the Nets with 33 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two blocks, in 38 minutes. Kyrie Irving followed up with 19 points, five rebounds, five assists and a block, while T.J. Warren added 15 points and a steal, off the bench. The Nets shot 43.5 percent from the field, including 15-of-33 from long range.
Meanwhile, CJ McCollum led the Pelicans with 28 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals, in 37 minutes. Naji Marshall followed up with 23 points, nine rebounds and three steals, while Jose Alvarado added 17 points, five rebounds and two assists. The Pelicans shot 39.8 percent from the field, including 12-of-29 from deep.
The Pelicans (24-15) will look to bounce back as they take on the Mavericks in Dallas on Saturday. The Nets (26-13) take on the Heat in Miami on Sunday.
Knicks Secure Road Win Over Raptors
The New York Knicks defeated the Toronto Raptors, 112-108, at Scotiabank Arena on Friday.
The Knicks (22-18) enjoyed a strong start and managed to keep up the rest of the game, and that was enough to get past the Raptors (16-23) despite playing on the road. With the win, the Knicks improved to 12-8 away from home while the Raptors fell to 11-10 at home. New York established its terms early on and jumped out to a 30-26 score in the first quarter, and they bolstered that advantage even further following a 27-21 score in the second quarter, giving them a 10-point lead at the break. Toronto responded with a 31-24 score in the third quarter and made it a close game, but the Knicks wouldn’t let it slip away. The Knicks won the final quarter by a 31-30 score, and that was enough to close things out.
Julius Randle led the way for the Knicks with a 32-point performance that also included 11 rebounds and three assists, while Jalen Brunson posted 26 points, eight assists and five boards. Immanuel Quickley finished with 13 points, five boards and four assists, and Quentin Grimes finished with 16 points and two assists. Mitchell Robinson only had 10 points but pulled down 18 rebounds.
Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent led the way for the Raptors in the loss, as VanVleet notched 28 points, eight boards and seven assists while Trent posted 13 points, nine rebounds, three steals and two assists. O.G. Anunoby had 13 points and nine rebounds while also adding three steals and two assists, and Pascal Siakam chipped in with a 18-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included five assists.
The Knicks (22-18) enjoyed a strong start and managed to keep up the rest of the game, and that was enough to get past the Raptors (16-23) despite playing on the road. With the win, the Knicks improved to 12-8 away from home while the Raptors fell to 11-10 at home. New York established its terms early on and jumped out to a 30-26 score in the first quarter, and they bolstered that advantage even further following a 27-21 score in the second quarter, giving them a 10-point lead at the break. Toronto responded with a 31-24 score in the third quarter and made it a close game, but the Knicks wouldn’t let it slip away. The Knicks won the final quarter by a 31-30 score, and that was enough to close things out.
Julius Randle led the way for the Knicks with a 32-point performance that also included 11 rebounds and three assists, while Jalen Brunson posted 26 points, eight assists and five boards. Immanuel Quickley finished with 13 points, five boards and four assists, and Quentin Grimes finished with 16 points and two assists. Mitchell Robinson only had 10 points but pulled down 18 rebounds.
Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent led the way for the Raptors in the loss, as VanVleet notched 28 points, eight boards and seven assists while Trent posted 13 points, nine rebounds, three steals and two assists. O.G. Anunoby had 13 points and nine rebounds while also adding three steals and two assists, and Pascal Siakam chipped in with a 18-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included five assists.
Hornets Blast Bucks, 138-109
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, 138-109, at Fiserv Forum on Friday night.
The Hornets (11-29) came into the contest as unsurprisingly heavy road underdogs, but they quickly turned the game's outlook on its head with a 51-point first quarter that netted them a 23-point lead. Charlotte then impressively kept its foot on the gas against the host Bucks (25-14) over the middle quarters to take a 25-point advantage into the final period, setting the stage for the easy win.
Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 39 points, adding four assists, two rebounds and one steal. LaMelo Ball generated a 24-point, 12-assist double-double that included three rebounds, two steals and one block. P.J. Washington furnished 23 points, two boards, two assists and two steals. Mason Plumlee generated a 17-point, 15-rebound double-double that included six assists and one steal. Jalen McDaniels supplied 11 points, nine boards, two assists, two steals and one block.
Bobby Portis paced the Bucks with a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double that included three assists and one steal. AJ Green registered 13 points, three boards and two assists. Jrue Holiday and Grayson Allen generated matching 12-point, two-rebound tallies while adding four and two assists, respectively. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez finished with nine-point, four-rebound efforts.
The Hornets remain on the road and visit the Indiana Pacers on Sunday afternoon. The Bucks hit the road and visit the New York Knicks on Monday night.
The Hornets (11-29) came into the contest as unsurprisingly heavy road underdogs, but they quickly turned the game's outlook on its head with a 51-point first quarter that netted them a 23-point lead. Charlotte then impressively kept its foot on the gas against the host Bucks (25-14) over the middle quarters to take a 25-point advantage into the final period, setting the stage for the easy win.
Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 39 points, adding four assists, two rebounds and one steal. LaMelo Ball generated a 24-point, 12-assist double-double that included three rebounds, two steals and one block. P.J. Washington furnished 23 points, two boards, two assists and two steals. Mason Plumlee generated a 17-point, 15-rebound double-double that included six assists and one steal. Jalen McDaniels supplied 11 points, nine boards, two assists, two steals and one block.
Bobby Portis paced the Bucks with a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double that included three assists and one steal. AJ Green registered 13 points, three boards and two assists. Jrue Holiday and Grayson Allen generated matching 12-point, two-rebound tallies while adding four and two assists, respectively. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez finished with nine-point, four-rebound efforts.
The Hornets remain on the road and visit the Indiana Pacers on Sunday afternoon. The Bucks hit the road and visit the New York Knicks on Monday night.
Spurs Topple Pistons, 121-109
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Detroit Pistons, 121-109, at AT & T Center on Friday night.
The battle between two struggling clubs began with a hotly contested first quarter that saw the Spurs (13-26) emerge with a slim three-point lead. San Antonio still held the same advantage at halftime, and they began to gain some separation in the third to head into the final period with a 10-point edge over the Pistons (11-31). The hosts then kept the visitors at bay at a comfortable distance during the fourth quarter, sealing the victory.
Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pistons with 21 points, complementing with three rebounds and three assists. Jaden Ivey delivered 20 points, five assists and three rebounds. Killian Hayes supplied 18 points, seven assists, three rebounds and five steals. Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart produced matching 11-point efforts while pulling down nine and eight rebounds, respectively. Saddiq Bey delivered 10 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Tre Jones paced the Spurs with 25 points, supplementing them with three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Romeo Langford managed 15 points, two boards, one assist and one steal. Malaki Branham totaled 14 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Jakob Poeltl generated an 11-point, 16-rebound double-double that included seven assists, three blocks and two steals. Jeremy Sochan turned in 10 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.
The Pistons return home to host the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday afternoon, while the Spurs host the Boston Celtics on Saturday evening.
The battle between two struggling clubs began with a hotly contested first quarter that saw the Spurs (13-26) emerge with a slim three-point lead. San Antonio still held the same advantage at halftime, and they began to gain some separation in the third to head into the final period with a 10-point edge over the Pistons (11-31). The hosts then kept the visitors at bay at a comfortable distance during the fourth quarter, sealing the victory.
Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pistons with 21 points, complementing with three rebounds and three assists. Jaden Ivey delivered 20 points, five assists and three rebounds. Killian Hayes supplied 18 points, seven assists, three rebounds and five steals. Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart produced matching 11-point efforts while pulling down nine and eight rebounds, respectively. Saddiq Bey delivered 10 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Tre Jones paced the Spurs with 25 points, supplementing them with three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Romeo Langford managed 15 points, two boards, one assist and one steal. Malaki Branham totaled 14 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Jakob Poeltl generated an 11-point, 16-rebound double-double that included seven assists, three blocks and two steals. Jeremy Sochan turned in 10 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.
The Pistons return home to host the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday afternoon, while the Spurs host the Boston Celtics on Saturday evening.
Thunder Blasts Wizards, 127-110
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Washington Wizards, 127-110, at Paycom Center on Friday night.
The Thunder (17-22) came out of the gates hot and never let up, jumping out to a 35-17 lead over the Wizards (17-23) through one and adding another eight points to their advantage going into halftime. Washington knocked three points from its deficit in is most prolific quarter, the third, but Oklahoma City's cushion was more than enough to withstand the visitors' resurgent second-half play.
Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 23 points, supplementing them with seven assists, five rebounds and one steal. Daniel Gafford furnished 15 points, nine boards, two assists and one block. Kristaps Porzingis and Will Barton posted matching 14-point tallies while pulling down 10 and four rebounds, respectively. Barton also dished out three assists. Monte Morris delivered 10 points, three assists and two boards.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander paced the Thunder with 30 points, complementing them with four assists, three rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Josh Giddey supplied 20 points, nine assists, six rebounds and one steal. Luguenzt Dort and Jalin Williams recorded 18 points apiece. Dort also turned in six rebounds, four assists and one steal, while Williams also provided eight boards, three assists and two steals. Mike Muscala finished with 10 points, five rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal.
The Wizards return home to host the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night, while the Thunder host the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night.
The Thunder (17-22) came out of the gates hot and never let up, jumping out to a 35-17 lead over the Wizards (17-23) through one and adding another eight points to their advantage going into halftime. Washington knocked three points from its deficit in is most prolific quarter, the third, but Oklahoma City's cushion was more than enough to withstand the visitors' resurgent second-half play.
Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 23 points, supplementing them with seven assists, five rebounds and one steal. Daniel Gafford furnished 15 points, nine boards, two assists and one block. Kristaps Porzingis and Will Barton posted matching 14-point tallies while pulling down 10 and four rebounds, respectively. Barton also dished out three assists. Monte Morris delivered 10 points, three assists and two boards.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander paced the Thunder with 30 points, complementing them with four assists, three rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Josh Giddey supplied 20 points, nine assists, six rebounds and one steal. Luguenzt Dort and Jalin Williams recorded 18 points apiece. Dort also turned in six rebounds, four assists and one steal, while Williams also provided eight boards, three assists and two steals. Mike Muscala finished with 10 points, five rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal.
The Wizards return home to host the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night, while the Thunder host the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night.
Nuggets Blow Past Cavs
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, 121-108, at Ball Arena on Friday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Cavs led by two, after one quarter. The hosts came out stronger in the second and claimed a four-point lead by halftime. The Nuggets kept the momentum going in the third and outscored the visitors, 32-24, to make it a 12-point game heading into the final quarter. The Cavs kept up the fight but could not make any progress through the fourth, as the Nuggets held on for their second straight win.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 28 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists and two steals, in 35 minutes. Jamal Murray followed up with 18 points, four rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal, while Michael Porter added 16 points and eight rebounds. The Nuggets shot 53 percent from the field, including 17-of-35 from deep.
Meanwhile, Caris LeVert led the way for the Cavs, with 22 points, four rebounds and three assists, in 33 minutes. Darius Garland followed up with 21 points, four rebounds and eight assists, while Cedi Osman tallied 15 points, two assists and two steals. The Cavs shot 45.5 percent from the field, including 10-of-26 from long range.
The Cavaliers (25-15) take on the Suns in Phoenix on Sunday. The Nuggets (26-13) play host to the Lakers on Monday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Cavs led by two, after one quarter. The hosts came out stronger in the second and claimed a four-point lead by halftime. The Nuggets kept the momentum going in the third and outscored the visitors, 32-24, to make it a 12-point game heading into the final quarter. The Cavs kept up the fight but could not make any progress through the fourth, as the Nuggets held on for their second straight win.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 28 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists and two steals, in 35 minutes. Jamal Murray followed up with 18 points, four rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal, while Michael Porter added 16 points and eight rebounds. The Nuggets shot 53 percent from the field, including 17-of-35 from deep.
Meanwhile, Caris LeVert led the way for the Cavs, with 22 points, four rebounds and three assists, in 33 minutes. Darius Garland followed up with 21 points, four rebounds and eight assists, while Cedi Osman tallied 15 points, two assists and two steals. The Cavs shot 45.5 percent from the field, including 10-of-26 from long range.
The Cavaliers (25-15) take on the Suns in Phoenix on Sunday. The Nuggets (26-13) play host to the Lakers on Monday.
T'Wolves Defeat Clippers, 128-115
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Los Angeles Clippers, 128-115, at Target Center on Friday.
Minnesota outscored Los Angeles by at least four points in each of the first three quarters, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. A 31-21 second quarter put separation between the teams, while a 32-25 third quarter put the game to bed. The Timberwolves led by 25 points at times and maintained a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. Minnesota shot 57 percent from the field while holding Los Angeles to 44 percent shooting. The Timberwolves also out-assisted the Clippers, 28-22.
The Clippers (21-20) were led by Norman Powell, providing 21 points, six rebounds and two steals off the bench. John Wall totaled 14 points, eight assists and two blocks. Moses Brown amassed 14 points and 11 rebounds. Marcus Morris led the bench with 12 points and two steals, while Luke Kennard compiled 11 points and four boards.
The Timberwolves (19-21) were led by Rudy Gobert, collecting 25 points, 21 rebounds and three blocks on 11-of-15 from the field. D'Angelo Russell registered 25 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Jaden McDaniels generated 18 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Kyle Anderson tallied 12 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Jaylen Nowell led the bench with 14 points and six assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Los Angeles returning home to play the Atlanta Hawks and Minnesota traveling to face the Houston Rockets.
Minnesota outscored Los Angeles by at least four points in each of the first three quarters, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. A 31-21 second quarter put separation between the teams, while a 32-25 third quarter put the game to bed. The Timberwolves led by 25 points at times and maintained a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. Minnesota shot 57 percent from the field while holding Los Angeles to 44 percent shooting. The Timberwolves also out-assisted the Clippers, 28-22.
The Clippers (21-20) were led by Norman Powell, providing 21 points, six rebounds and two steals off the bench. John Wall totaled 14 points, eight assists and two blocks. Moses Brown amassed 14 points and 11 rebounds. Marcus Morris led the bench with 12 points and two steals, while Luke Kennard compiled 11 points and four boards.
The Timberwolves (19-21) were led by Rudy Gobert, collecting 25 points, 21 rebounds and three blocks on 11-of-15 from the field. D'Angelo Russell registered 25 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Jaden McDaniels generated 18 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Kyle Anderson tallied 12 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Jaylen Nowell led the bench with 14 points and six assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Los Angeles returning home to play the Atlanta Hawks and Minnesota traveling to face the Houston Rockets.
Heat Defeat Suns, 104-96
The Miami Heat defeated the host Phoenix Suns, 104-96, at Footprint Center on Friday.
A 31-23 first quarter set the tone for Miami in this road victory, maintaining the lead for the final three quarters. They got their lead up to 14 points at times, with Phoenix never attempting a game-tying shot in the second half. The Heat shot 12-of-38 from three-point range, while the Suns shot just 6-of-23 from long distance. Miami doubled up Phoenix in steals, 10-5, while outscoring the Suns in fastbreak scoring, 10-4.
The Heat (21-19) were led by Victor Oldaipo, who provided 26 points, two assists and two steals off the bench. Bam Adebayo led the starters with 21 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jimmy Butler collected 20 points, five rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Max Strus totaled 19 points, two rebounds and three assists.
The Suns (20-20) were led by Deandre Ayton, accruing 23 points, 14 rebounds and two assists. Torrey Craig amassed 17 points and nine boards. Mikal Bridges compiled 15 points, four rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while Landry Shamet finished with 11 points, two rebounds and three assists. Duane Washington led the bench with 13 points, two rebounds and seven assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Miami returning home to play the surging Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix remaining home to play the Cleveland Cavaliers.
A 31-23 first quarter set the tone for Miami in this road victory, maintaining the lead for the final three quarters. They got their lead up to 14 points at times, with Phoenix never attempting a game-tying shot in the second half. The Heat shot 12-of-38 from three-point range, while the Suns shot just 6-of-23 from long distance. Miami doubled up Phoenix in steals, 10-5, while outscoring the Suns in fastbreak scoring, 10-4.
The Heat (21-19) were led by Victor Oldaipo, who provided 26 points, two assists and two steals off the bench. Bam Adebayo led the starters with 21 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jimmy Butler collected 20 points, five rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Max Strus totaled 19 points, two rebounds and three assists.
The Suns (20-20) were led by Deandre Ayton, accruing 23 points, 14 rebounds and two assists. Torrey Craig amassed 17 points and nine boards. Mikal Bridges compiled 15 points, four rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while Landry Shamet finished with 11 points, two rebounds and three assists. Duane Washington led the bench with 13 points, two rebounds and seven assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Miami returning home to play the surging Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix remaining home to play the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Lakers Defeat Hawks, 130-114
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Atlanta Hawks, 130-114, at Crypto.com Arena on Friday.
A 37-28 first quarter set the tone for Los Angeles in this victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. They put the game to bed behind a 33-21 second quarter, maintaining a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. LA got their lead up to 26 points at times. The Lakers shot 55 percent from the field and 46 percent from three-point range while holding the Hawks to 46 percent from the field and 29 percent from long range. Los Angeles also out-assisted Atlanta, 33-24, while out-rebounding them, 57-46. They also outscored the Hawks in the paint, 66-50, and in fastbreak points, 26-12.
The Hawks (18-21) were led by Trae Young, tallying 32 points, five rebounds, nine assists and three steals. Dejounte Murray collected 16 points and six assists. John Collins compiled 16 points, eight rebounds, two assists and three blocks. De'Andre Hunter had 16 points and eight boards, while Bogdan Bogdanovic led the bench with 10 points, three rebounds and two assists.
The Lakers (18-21) were led by LeBron James, finishing with 25 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists. Dennis Schroder totaled 21 points and two boards. Thomas Bryant amassed 19 points and 13 rebounds, while Kendrick Nunn led the bench with 23 points, three rebounds and two assists. Russell Westbrook also provided 18 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and two steals off the bench.
Los Angeles has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, traveling to face the Sacramento Kings. As for Atlanta, they return to action on Sunday in a road game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
A 37-28 first quarter set the tone for Los Angeles in this victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. They put the game to bed behind a 33-21 second quarter, maintaining a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. LA got their lead up to 26 points at times. The Lakers shot 55 percent from the field and 46 percent from three-point range while holding the Hawks to 46 percent from the field and 29 percent from long range. Los Angeles also out-assisted Atlanta, 33-24, while out-rebounding them, 57-46. They also outscored the Hawks in the paint, 66-50, and in fastbreak points, 26-12.
The Hawks (18-21) were led by Trae Young, tallying 32 points, five rebounds, nine assists and three steals. Dejounte Murray collected 16 points and six assists. John Collins compiled 16 points, eight rebounds, two assists and three blocks. De'Andre Hunter had 16 points and eight boards, while Bogdan Bogdanovic led the bench with 10 points, three rebounds and two assists.
The Lakers (18-21) were led by LeBron James, finishing with 25 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists. Dennis Schroder totaled 21 points and two boards. Thomas Bryant amassed 19 points and 13 rebounds, while Kendrick Nunn led the bench with 23 points, three rebounds and two assists. Russell Westbrook also provided 18 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and two steals off the bench.
Los Angeles has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, traveling to face the Sacramento Kings. As for Atlanta, they return to action on Sunday in a road game against the Los Angeles Clippers.