Sixers Rout Pistons For Easy Win
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Detroit Pistons, 147-116, at Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday.
The 76ers (25-15) finally moved 10 games over the .500 threshold and are reaching the halfway mark of their season on a high note, as they didn’t have problems to defeat a struggling Pistons (11-33) team. Philadelphia quickly established its own terms and raced out to a 27-20 lead following the first quarter, and they’d never relinquish that advantage. A 38-23 score in the second quarter gave the Sixers a 22-point advantage heading into the break, and while the Pistons put up a fight in the second half, it was not enough to sniff a potential comeback. In fact, Philadelphia also won the third quarter by a 42-32 score, and the game was absolutely finished by the time the fourth quarter arrived. Detroit won the final 12 minutes by a 41-40 score, but the Sixers raced out to an easy victory. With the win, Philadelphia moved to 17-6 at home while the Pistons fell to 6-19 on the road.
Joel Embiid was the best player for the Sixers and finished with 36 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks, while James Harden impressed with 16 points, 15 assists and 12 rebounds. Tyrese Maxey also had 16 points, and Tobias Harris delivered 14 points with six boards and three assists. Shake Milton finished with 11 points and seven assists, and Jaden Springer chipped in with 10 points.
Seven Pistons scored in double digits in this loss. Saddiq Bey and Jaden Ivey led the way among the starters with 17 points each, with Bey also adding four rebounds and Ivey dishing out four assists. Kevin Knox II posted 13 points, and Rodney McGruder also had a team-high 17 points despite coming off the bench. Hamidou Diallo had 14 points and eight boards, and Alec Burks posted 16 points. Cory Joseph finished with 10 points and eight dimes.
The 76ers (25-15) finally moved 10 games over the .500 threshold and are reaching the halfway mark of their season on a high note, as they didn’t have problems to defeat a struggling Pistons (11-33) team. Philadelphia quickly established its own terms and raced out to a 27-20 lead following the first quarter, and they’d never relinquish that advantage. A 38-23 score in the second quarter gave the Sixers a 22-point advantage heading into the break, and while the Pistons put up a fight in the second half, it was not enough to sniff a potential comeback. In fact, Philadelphia also won the third quarter by a 42-32 score, and the game was absolutely finished by the time the fourth quarter arrived. Detroit won the final 12 minutes by a 41-40 score, but the Sixers raced out to an easy victory. With the win, Philadelphia moved to 17-6 at home while the Pistons fell to 6-19 on the road.
Joel Embiid was the best player for the Sixers and finished with 36 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks, while James Harden impressed with 16 points, 15 assists and 12 rebounds. Tyrese Maxey also had 16 points, and Tobias Harris delivered 14 points with six boards and three assists. Shake Milton finished with 11 points and seven assists, and Jaden Springer chipped in with 10 points.
Seven Pistons scored in double digits in this loss. Saddiq Bey and Jaden Ivey led the way among the starters with 17 points each, with Bey also adding four rebounds and Ivey dishing out four assists. Kevin Knox II posted 13 points, and Rodney McGruder also had a team-high 17 points despite coming off the bench. Hamidou Diallo had 14 points and eight boards, and Alec Burks posted 16 points. Cory Joseph finished with 10 points and eight dimes.
Heat Make History In Win Over Thunder
The Miami Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, 112-111, at FTX Arena on Tuesday.
The Heat (22-20) and the Thunder (18-23) squared off in what turned out to be an epic battle, but in the end, Jimmy Butler saved the day for the Heat in the final seconds of the contest. The Heat also set a record in the win, as they went 40-for-40 from the charity stripe in the win, with 23 of those coming from Butler. Miami looked good in the early going and raced out to a 31-26 score in the first quarter, and they bolstered that advantage even further following a 32-30 score in the second quarter. The Thunder responded with a 32-26 third quarter and always looked close to completing the comeback, but it was not enough. The Heat won it in the dying seconds with an and-1 from Butler that sealed the win. With the victory, Miami moved to 12-9 at home while the Thunder fell to 5-14 on the road.
Jimmy Butler led the way for the Heat with 35 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four steals, while Max Strus ended with 22 points, seven rebounds and three dimes. Gabe Vincent notched 13 points, four boards and four dimes. Victor Oladipo had 19 points off the bench. Jamal Cain chipped in with 12 points and five boards across 33 minutes.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for the Thunder with 26 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals, while Josh Giddey delivered a triple-double of 18 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists. Luguentz Dort had 11 points and eight rebounds, and Jalen Williams finished with 12 points and five assists. Kenrich Williams posted 13 points while coming off the bench.
The Heat (22-20) and the Thunder (18-23) squared off in what turned out to be an epic battle, but in the end, Jimmy Butler saved the day for the Heat in the final seconds of the contest. The Heat also set a record in the win, as they went 40-for-40 from the charity stripe in the win, with 23 of those coming from Butler. Miami looked good in the early going and raced out to a 31-26 score in the first quarter, and they bolstered that advantage even further following a 32-30 score in the second quarter. The Thunder responded with a 32-26 third quarter and always looked close to completing the comeback, but it was not enough. The Heat won it in the dying seconds with an and-1 from Butler that sealed the win. With the victory, Miami moved to 12-9 at home while the Thunder fell to 5-14 on the road.
Jimmy Butler led the way for the Heat with 35 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four steals, while Max Strus ended with 22 points, seven rebounds and three dimes. Gabe Vincent notched 13 points, four boards and four dimes. Victor Oladipo had 19 points off the bench. Jamal Cain chipped in with 12 points and five boards across 33 minutes.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for the Thunder with 26 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals, while Josh Giddey delivered a triple-double of 18 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists. Luguentz Dort had 11 points and eight rebounds, and Jalen Williams finished with 12 points and five assists. Kenrich Williams posted 13 points while coming off the bench.
Raptors Outscore Hornets, 132-120
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 132-120, at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday night.
The Hornets (11-31) came into the contest looking to build on the momentum of some recent solid play, and they did a good job in that regard early by emerging from the first quarter trailing by just one point. The Raptors (18-23) did manage some separation in the second by expanding their advantage to six points by halftime, but Charlotte eliminated all but two points from its deficit during the third. However, after the visitors got as close as within one with just over seven minutes remaining, Toronto finished on a 24-13 run over the final six minutes for the hard-fought victory.
Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 33 points, complementing them with five rebounds, five assists and one steal. LaMelo Ball generated a 24-point, 14-assist double-double that included four boards. Mason Plumlee delivered 21 points, seven rebounds and three assists. P.J. Washington netted 13 points, while Jalen McDaniels registered 11 points, seven boards, two assists, one steal and one block.
Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with 28 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds and seven assists. Gary Trent totaled 24 points, two boards, one assist, two steals and one block. O.G. Anunoby managed 22 points, three rebounds and two assists. Precious Achiuwa poured in 13 points, while Chris Boucher totaled 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal. Fred VanVleet provided 11 points, eight assists and seven rebounds.
The two teams reconvene at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday night for a rematch.
The Hornets (11-31) came into the contest looking to build on the momentum of some recent solid play, and they did a good job in that regard early by emerging from the first quarter trailing by just one point. The Raptors (18-23) did manage some separation in the second by expanding their advantage to six points by halftime, but Charlotte eliminated all but two points from its deficit during the third. However, after the visitors got as close as within one with just over seven minutes remaining, Toronto finished on a 24-13 run over the final six minutes for the hard-fought victory.
Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 33 points, complementing them with five rebounds, five assists and one steal. LaMelo Ball generated a 24-point, 14-assist double-double that included four boards. Mason Plumlee delivered 21 points, seven rebounds and three assists. P.J. Washington netted 13 points, while Jalen McDaniels registered 11 points, seven boards, two assists, one steal and one block.
Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with 28 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds and seven assists. Gary Trent totaled 24 points, two boards, one assist, two steals and one block. O.G. Anunoby managed 22 points, three rebounds and two assists. Precious Achiuwa poured in 13 points, while Chris Boucher totaled 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal. Fred VanVleet provided 11 points, eight assists and seven rebounds.
The two teams reconvene at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday night for a rematch.
Jazz Edges Cavaliers, 116-114
The Utah Jazz defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 116-114, at Vivint Arena on Tuesday night.
The Cavaliers (26-16) came into the contest the far hotter team and with a potential emotional edge with Donovan Mitchell returning to Utah for the first time since being traded in the offseason. The two squads then proceeded to play to a draw in the first half, with each forging a 31-24 advantage in the first two quarters. The Jazz (21-23) were then able to pull ahead by four during the third quarter, and they ultimately had just enough cushion to withstand a solid final period by the Cavs, with Mitchell scoring the final five points of his game-high 46-point tally in the final minute.
Mitchell added six assists, five rebounds and three steals to his aforementioned point haul. Darius Garland furnished 21 points, six assists and five rebounds. Evan Mobley and Caris LeVert posted matching 12-point tallies while pulling down seven and five rebounds, respectively. Lamar Stevens delivered 11 points, three boards, three steals and two blocks.
Jordan Clarkson paced the Jazz with 32 points, complementing them with six rebounds and four assists. Lauri Markkanen generated 25-point, 16-rebound double-double that included one assist and one steal. Mike Conley and Malik Beasley contributed matching 13-point, four-assist tallies, with Beasley adding five rebounds. Nickeil Alexander-Walker matched his teammates' scoring and also turned in four boards, three assists and one block.
The Cavaliers remain on the road and drop in on the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night, while the Jazz remain home and host the Orlando Magic on Friday night.
The Cavaliers (26-16) came into the contest the far hotter team and with a potential emotional edge with Donovan Mitchell returning to Utah for the first time since being traded in the offseason. The two squads then proceeded to play to a draw in the first half, with each forging a 31-24 advantage in the first two quarters. The Jazz (21-23) were then able to pull ahead by four during the third quarter, and they ultimately had just enough cushion to withstand a solid final period by the Cavs, with Mitchell scoring the final five points of his game-high 46-point tally in the final minute.
Mitchell added six assists, five rebounds and three steals to his aforementioned point haul. Darius Garland furnished 21 points, six assists and five rebounds. Evan Mobley and Caris LeVert posted matching 12-point tallies while pulling down seven and five rebounds, respectively. Lamar Stevens delivered 11 points, three boards, three steals and two blocks.
Jordan Clarkson paced the Jazz with 32 points, complementing them with six rebounds and four assists. Lauri Markkanen generated 25-point, 16-rebound double-double that included one assist and one steal. Mike Conley and Malik Beasley contributed matching 13-point, four-assist tallies, with Beasley adding five rebounds. Nickeil Alexander-Walker matched his teammates' scoring and also turned in four boards, three assists and one block.
The Cavaliers remain on the road and drop in on the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night, while the Jazz remain home and host the Orlando Magic on Friday night.
Suns Hand Warriors Third Straight Loss
By Dan Bruno
The Phoenix Suns defeated the host Golden State Warriors, 125-113, at Chase Center on Tuesday evening.
The Suns got out to a solid start and led by five points after one quarter. They turned it up a notch in the second and outscored the hosts, 28-19, to claim a 14-point advantage by halftime. Both sides came out strong in the third, but the Suns maintained the upper hand, as they outscored the Warriors, 39-34, to make it a 19-point game heading into the final quarter. The Warriors put up a good fight in the fourth, but the Suns held on to snap a six-game slide. This marks the third straight loss for the Warriors.
Mikal Bridges led the Suns with 26 points, nine rebounds, five assists, three blocks and a steal, in 41 minutes. Duane Washington followed up with 21 points, five assists and a steal, while Dario Saric totaled 19 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and a steal. The Suns shot 45.1 percent from the field, including 14-of-31 from deep.
Meanwhile, Klay Thompson led the Warriors with 29 point, five rebounds and a steal, in 35 minutes. Jordan Poole followed up with 27 points, five rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Stephen Curry finished with 24 points, three assists and a steal. The Warriors shot 38.5 percent from the field, including 18-of-48 from long range.
The Warriors (20-21) will look to bounce back as they take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Friday. The Suns (21-21) take on the Nuggets in Denver on Wednesday.
The Suns got out to a solid start and led by five points after one quarter. They turned it up a notch in the second and outscored the hosts, 28-19, to claim a 14-point advantage by halftime. Both sides came out strong in the third, but the Suns maintained the upper hand, as they outscored the Warriors, 39-34, to make it a 19-point game heading into the final quarter. The Warriors put up a good fight in the fourth, but the Suns held on to snap a six-game slide. This marks the third straight loss for the Warriors.
Mikal Bridges led the Suns with 26 points, nine rebounds, five assists, three blocks and a steal, in 41 minutes. Duane Washington followed up with 21 points, five assists and a steal, while Dario Saric totaled 19 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and a steal. The Suns shot 45.1 percent from the field, including 14-of-31 from deep.
Meanwhile, Klay Thompson led the Warriors with 29 point, five rebounds and a steal, in 35 minutes. Jordan Poole followed up with 27 points, five rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Stephen Curry finished with 24 points, three assists and a steal. The Warriors shot 38.5 percent from the field, including 18-of-48 from long range.
The Warriors (20-21) will look to bounce back as they take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Friday. The Suns (21-21) take on the Nuggets in Denver on Wednesday.
Magic Hold Off Blazers In Portland
By Dan Bruno
The Orlando Magic defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 109-106, at Moda Center on Tuesday evening.
The Magic jumped out to a great start with a, 33-20, lead after one quarter. The Trail Blazers bounced back in the second and rallied to tie it up at 50, by halftime. The visitors reclaimed momentum in the third and settled on a nine-point lead heading into the final frame. The Trail Blazers kept up the fight in the fourth and cut it to a one-point game with 24 seconds left, but the Magic came up clutch in the end to secure the road win. This marks the fourth straight loss for the Blazers.
Franz Wagner led the Magic with 29 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals, in 34 minutes. Wendell Carter followed up with 20 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and a block, while Paolo Banchero finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, three steals and a block. The Magic shot 51.3 percent from the field, including 9-of-24 from deep.
Meanwhile, Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 30 points, four rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 39 minutes. Jusuf Nurkic followed up with 22 points, 10 rebounds, four steals and two blocks, while Jerami Grant added 16 points, six rebounds, three blocks and a steal. The Trail Blazers shot 48.3 percent from the field, including 6-of-35 from long range.
The Trail Blazers (19-21) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Cavs on Thursday. The Magic (16-26) take on the Jazz in Utah on Friday.
The Magic jumped out to a great start with a, 33-20, lead after one quarter. The Trail Blazers bounced back in the second and rallied to tie it up at 50, by halftime. The visitors reclaimed momentum in the third and settled on a nine-point lead heading into the final frame. The Trail Blazers kept up the fight in the fourth and cut it to a one-point game with 24 seconds left, but the Magic came up clutch in the end to secure the road win. This marks the fourth straight loss for the Blazers.
Franz Wagner led the Magic with 29 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals, in 34 minutes. Wendell Carter followed up with 20 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and a block, while Paolo Banchero finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, three steals and a block. The Magic shot 51.3 percent from the field, including 9-of-24 from deep.
Meanwhile, Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 30 points, four rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 39 minutes. Jusuf Nurkic followed up with 22 points, 10 rebounds, four steals and two blocks, while Jerami Grant added 16 points, six rebounds, three blocks and a steal. The Trail Blazers shot 48.3 percent from the field, including 6-of-35 from long range.
The Trail Blazers (19-21) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Cavs on Thursday. The Magic (16-26) take on the Jazz in Utah on Friday.
Clippers Defeat Mavs, 113-101
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Dallas Mavericks, 113-101, at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday.
A 31-25 first quarter set the tone for Los Angeles in this win, riding a 38-22 second quarter to their win. They actually won this game in wire-to-wire fashion, getting their lead up to 23 points at times. The Clippers shot 45 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range while holding the Mavericks to 44 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range. Los Angeles out-rebounded Dallas, 55-45, while out-assisting them, 20-15. LA also outscored Dallas in the paint, 46-32, and in second-chance points, 20-6.
The Mavericks (23-19) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 43 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Tim Hardaway Jr had 16 points and four rebounds. Spencer Dinwiddie generated 13 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Christian Wood compiled 12 points, three rebounds and two blocks. No other player had more than six points, three rebounds or one assist.
The Clippers (22-21) were led by Kawhi Leonard, providing 33 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four steals, shooting 9-of-12 from the field. Marcus Morris totaled 12 points and three assists. Terance Mann accrued 12 points and five boards, while Norman Powell led the bench with 27 points and four rebounds.
Dallas returns to action on Thursday, traveling to face the Los Angeles Lakers. As for the other Los Angeles team, they return to action on Friday in a home meeting with the Denver Nuggets.
A 31-25 first quarter set the tone for Los Angeles in this win, riding a 38-22 second quarter to their win. They actually won this game in wire-to-wire fashion, getting their lead up to 23 points at times. The Clippers shot 45 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range while holding the Mavericks to 44 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range. Los Angeles out-rebounded Dallas, 55-45, while out-assisting them, 20-15. LA also outscored Dallas in the paint, 46-32, and in second-chance points, 20-6.
The Mavericks (23-19) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 43 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Tim Hardaway Jr had 16 points and four rebounds. Spencer Dinwiddie generated 13 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Christian Wood compiled 12 points, three rebounds and two blocks. No other player had more than six points, three rebounds or one assist.
The Clippers (22-21) were led by Kawhi Leonard, providing 33 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four steals, shooting 9-of-12 from the field. Marcus Morris totaled 12 points and three assists. Terance Mann accrued 12 points and five boards, while Norman Powell led the bench with 27 points and four rebounds.
Dallas returns to action on Thursday, traveling to face the Los Angeles Lakers. As for the other Los Angeles team, they return to action on Friday in a home meeting with the Denver Nuggets.