Pelicans Defeat Wizards With Ease Away From Home
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Washington Wizards, 132-112, at Capital One Arena on Monday.
The Pelicans (25-16) were missing their best two players in Zion Williamson (hamstring) and Brandon Ingram (toe), but that didn’t stop them to get the victory in this one, although they did have a slow start in the early going. The Wizards (17-24) grabbed the lead in the first quarter by a 37-35, but they couldn’t keep the momentum going and the Pelicans responded with a 33-19 score in the second quarter, building a 12-point lead at the break and grabbing a lead they’d never relinquish. The third quarter ended with a 32-32 tie, and the Pelicans closed things out with a strong 32-24 score in the final 12 minutes of action. With the win, New Orleans moved to 8-11 on the road while the Wizards fell to 10-8 at home.
CJ McCollum led the way for the Pelicans with 34 points, five rebounds and two steals, while Jonas Valanciunas had a double-double of 27 points and 12 rebounds. Naji Marshall posted 18 points, four assists and three boards, and Devonte’ Graham delivered 11 points with six assists. Jose Alvarado racked up 10 points, five assists and four rebounds off the bench.
Kristaps Porzingis led the way for the Wizards with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Kyle Kuzma finished with 19 points and eight rebounds. Corey Kispert posted 17 points and five boards, and both Daniel Gafford and Monte Morris chipped in with matching 13-point tallies. Gafford also had four rebounds and Morris dished out nine assists.
The Pelicans (25-16) were missing their best two players in Zion Williamson (hamstring) and Brandon Ingram (toe), but that didn’t stop them to get the victory in this one, although they did have a slow start in the early going. The Wizards (17-24) grabbed the lead in the first quarter by a 37-35, but they couldn’t keep the momentum going and the Pelicans responded with a 33-19 score in the second quarter, building a 12-point lead at the break and grabbing a lead they’d never relinquish. The third quarter ended with a 32-32 tie, and the Pelicans closed things out with a strong 32-24 score in the final 12 minutes of action. With the win, New Orleans moved to 8-11 on the road while the Wizards fell to 10-8 at home.
CJ McCollum led the way for the Pelicans with 34 points, five rebounds and two steals, while Jonas Valanciunas had a double-double of 27 points and 12 rebounds. Naji Marshall posted 18 points, four assists and three boards, and Devonte’ Graham delivered 11 points with six assists. Jose Alvarado racked up 10 points, five assists and four rebounds off the bench.
Kristaps Porzingis led the way for the Wizards with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Kyle Kuzma finished with 19 points and eight rebounds. Corey Kispert posted 17 points and five boards, and both Daniel Gafford and Monte Morris chipped in with matching 13-point tallies. Gafford also had four rebounds and Morris dished out nine assists.
Celtics Get Past Bulls, 107-99
The Boston Celtics defeated the Chicago Bulls at TD Garden, 107-99, on Monday night.
The Celtics (29-12) came into the contest as solid favorites despite the recent strong play of the Bulls (19-22), and although it wasn't easy, Boston had managed to forge a 59-50 lead by halftime. The hosts managed to add another two points to their advantage during the third quarter and saw DeMar DeRozan exit early for Chicago due to a quadriceps strain, but they still allowed the visitors to get as close as within two points just ahead of the two-minute mark before finishing on an 8-2 run for the victory.
Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 27 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, six assists and one steal. Nikola Vucevic generated a 21-point, 13-rebound double-double that included one assist. DeRozan compiled 13 points, three boards, three assists and one steal. Patrick Williams supplied 10 points, two rebounds, one assist and three steals.
Jayson Tatum paced the Celtics with 32 points, supplementing them with eight boards, seven assists and one steal. Grant Williams registered 20 points, eight rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Jaylen Brown delivered 19 points, five rebounds, three assists and one block. Malcolm Brogdon totaled 11 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
The Bulls visit the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night, while the Celtics remain home and host the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.
The Celtics (29-12) came into the contest as solid favorites despite the recent strong play of the Bulls (19-22), and although it wasn't easy, Boston had managed to forge a 59-50 lead by halftime. The hosts managed to add another two points to their advantage during the third quarter and saw DeMar DeRozan exit early for Chicago due to a quadriceps strain, but they still allowed the visitors to get as close as within two points just ahead of the two-minute mark before finishing on an 8-2 run for the victory.
Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 27 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, six assists and one steal. Nikola Vucevic generated a 21-point, 13-rebound double-double that included one assist. DeRozan compiled 13 points, three boards, three assists and one steal. Patrick Williams supplied 10 points, two rebounds, one assist and three steals.
Jayson Tatum paced the Celtics with 32 points, supplementing them with eight boards, seven assists and one steal. Grant Williams registered 20 points, eight rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Jaylen Brown delivered 19 points, five rebounds, three assists and one block. Malcolm Brogdon totaled 11 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
The Bulls visit the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night, while the Celtics remain home and host the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.
Bucks Finish Strong To Top Knicks
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the host New York Knicks, 111-107, at Madison Square Garden on Monday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start and was tied at 22, after one quarter. The Knicks pulled ahead in the second and earned a five-point lead by halftime. Both sides came out even, with 27 points apiece in the third, while the Knicks maintained a five-point edge heading into the final frame. However, the Bucks chipped away to tied it up at 97, with two minutes left, before coming up clutch to close out the road win.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 22 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two blocks, in 36 minutes. Brook Lopez finished with 17 points, seven rebounds, two assists, three blocks and a steal, while Joe Ingles added 17 points, three rebounds and five assists. The Bucks shot 43.8 percent from the field, including 19-of-49 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 44 points, seven rebounds and four assists, in 39 minutes. Julius Randle followed up with 25 points, 16 rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Immanuel Quickley tallied 23 points and four rebounds. The Knicks shot 38 percent from the field, including 11-of-41 from long range.
The Knicks (22-19) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pacers on Wednesday. The Bucks (26-14) take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Wednesday.
The game got out to a competitive start and was tied at 22, after one quarter. The Knicks pulled ahead in the second and earned a five-point lead by halftime. Both sides came out even, with 27 points apiece in the third, while the Knicks maintained a five-point edge heading into the final frame. However, the Bucks chipped away to tied it up at 97, with two minutes left, before coming up clutch to close out the road win.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 22 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two blocks, in 36 minutes. Brook Lopez finished with 17 points, seven rebounds, two assists, three blocks and a steal, while Joe Ingles added 17 points, three rebounds and five assists. The Bucks shot 43.8 percent from the field, including 19-of-49 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 44 points, seven rebounds and four assists, in 39 minutes. Julius Randle followed up with 25 points, 16 rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Immanuel Quickley tallied 23 points and four rebounds. The Knicks shot 38 percent from the field, including 11-of-41 from long range.
The Knicks (22-19) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pacers on Wednesday. The Bucks (26-14) take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Grizzlies Notch Seventh Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 121-113, at FedEx Forum on Monday evening.
The Grizzlies jumped out to a strong start and led, 35-25, after one quarter. Both sides brought a solid effort in the second, but the hosts stayed in control and made it an 11-point game by halftime. The Spurs came out better in the third and managed to trim it down to a five-point deficit heading into the final quarter. The Spurs kept the momentum going and took a brief lead, but the Grizzlies reclaimed control and decisively closed out their seventh straight win. This marks the second consecutive loss for the Spurs.
Tyus Jones led the Grizzlies with 24 points, three rebounds, six assists and three steals, in 35 minutes. Jaren Jackson followed up with 16 points, six rebounds, two assists and five blocks, while Dillon Brooks added 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals. The Grizzlies shot 49.5 percent from the field, including 11-of-26 from deep.
Meanwhile, Tre Jones led the Spurs with 18 points, four rebounds and seven assists, in 30 minutes. Josh Richardson followed up with 16 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Romeo Langford tallied 13 points, five rebounds, four assists and a block. The Spurs shot 45.4 percent from the field, including 11-of-32 from long range.
The Grizzlies (27-13) and Spurs (13-28) clash again in Memphis on Wednesday.
The Grizzlies jumped out to a strong start and led, 35-25, after one quarter. Both sides brought a solid effort in the second, but the hosts stayed in control and made it an 11-point game by halftime. The Spurs came out better in the third and managed to trim it down to a five-point deficit heading into the final quarter. The Spurs kept the momentum going and took a brief lead, but the Grizzlies reclaimed control and decisively closed out their seventh straight win. This marks the second consecutive loss for the Spurs.
Tyus Jones led the Grizzlies with 24 points, three rebounds, six assists and three steals, in 35 minutes. Jaren Jackson followed up with 16 points, six rebounds, two assists and five blocks, while Dillon Brooks added 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals. The Grizzlies shot 49.5 percent from the field, including 11-of-26 from deep.
Meanwhile, Tre Jones led the Spurs with 18 points, four rebounds and seven assists, in 30 minutes. Josh Richardson followed up with 16 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Romeo Langford tallied 13 points, five rebounds, four assists and a block. The Spurs shot 45.4 percent from the field, including 11-of-32 from long range.
The Grizzlies (27-13) and Spurs (13-28) clash again in Memphis on Wednesday.
Nuggets Defeat Lakers, 122-109
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, 122-109, at Ball Arena on Monday.
Los Angeles had to play this game without their two leading scorers, with Denver cruising to an easy win. They rode a 29-23 first quarter and 33-25 second quarter to a 14-point halftime lead, leading by at least five points for the closing 30 minutes. They got their lead up to 20 points at times. The Nuggets shot 47 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range while holding the Lakers to 44 percent from the field and 29 percent from long range. Denver also out-assisted the Lakers, 29-20, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 21-11.
The Lakers (19-22) were led by Russell Westbrook, providing 25 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and seven turnovers off the bench. Thomas Bryant led the starters with 17 points and 10 boards. Dennis Schroder totaled 14 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Max Christie amassed 14 points and three rebounds.
The Nuggets (27-13) were led by Jamal Murray, tallying 34 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope collected 16 points, three rebounds and three assists. Nikola Jokic finished with 14 points, 11 rebounds and 16 assists, while Bruce Brown led the bench with 15 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
On deck for the Nuggets is a home matchup with the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday. As for the Lakers, they return to action on Thursday in a home game against the Dallas Mavericks.
Los Angeles had to play this game without their two leading scorers, with Denver cruising to an easy win. They rode a 29-23 first quarter and 33-25 second quarter to a 14-point halftime lead, leading by at least five points for the closing 30 minutes. They got their lead up to 20 points at times. The Nuggets shot 47 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range while holding the Lakers to 44 percent from the field and 29 percent from long range. Denver also out-assisted the Lakers, 29-20, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 21-11.
The Lakers (19-22) were led by Russell Westbrook, providing 25 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and seven turnovers off the bench. Thomas Bryant led the starters with 17 points and 10 boards. Dennis Schroder totaled 14 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Max Christie amassed 14 points and three rebounds.
The Nuggets (27-13) were led by Jamal Murray, tallying 34 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope collected 16 points, three rebounds and three assists. Nikola Jokic finished with 14 points, 11 rebounds and 16 assists, while Bruce Brown led the bench with 15 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
On deck for the Nuggets is a home matchup with the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday. As for the Lakers, they return to action on Thursday in a home game against the Dallas Mavericks.
Kings Defeat Magic, 136-111
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 136-111, at Golden 1 Center on Monday.
A 41-31 first quarter set the tone for the Kings in this victory, maintaining the lead for the final three quarters. A 31-21 second quarter put the game to bed, holding a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. They won all four individual quarters in this game. The Kings shot 54 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range while holding the Magic to 46 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range. Sacramento also out-assisted Orlando, 39-24.
The Magic (15-26) were led by Paolo Banchero, tallying 17 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals. Markelle Fultz finished with 16 points, two rebounds and five assists. Franz Wagner amassed 16 points and two boards, while Wendell Carter collected 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three blocks.
The Kings (21-18) were led by Harrison Barnes, scoring 30 points on 11-of-13 from the field. Keegan Murray tallied 15 points, three rebounds and three assists. Kevin Huerter compiled 14 points, three rebounds and four assists, while Domantas Sabonis collected 12 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Malik Monk led the bench with 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
Orlando has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Tuesday, traveling to face the Los Angeles Clippers. As for Sacramento, they remain home to play the Houston Rockets on Wednesday for their next outing.
A 41-31 first quarter set the tone for the Kings in this victory, maintaining the lead for the final three quarters. A 31-21 second quarter put the game to bed, holding a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. They won all four individual quarters in this game. The Kings shot 54 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range while holding the Magic to 46 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range. Sacramento also out-assisted Orlando, 39-24.
The Magic (15-26) were led by Paolo Banchero, tallying 17 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals. Markelle Fultz finished with 16 points, two rebounds and five assists. Franz Wagner amassed 16 points and two boards, while Wendell Carter collected 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three blocks.
The Kings (21-18) were led by Harrison Barnes, scoring 30 points on 11-of-13 from the field. Keegan Murray tallied 15 points, three rebounds and three assists. Kevin Huerter compiled 14 points, three rebounds and four assists, while Domantas Sabonis collected 12 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Malik Monk led the bench with 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
Orlando has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Tuesday, traveling to face the Los Angeles Clippers. As for Sacramento, they remain home to play the Houston Rockets on Wednesday for their next outing.