Pistons Come From Behind, Get Past Timberwolves
The Detroit Pistons defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 135-118, at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday.
The Pistons (12-33) delivered one of their best performances of the season Wednesday, as they had to come from behind following a slow start but ended dominating the Timberwolves (20-22) with absolute ease. Following a 34-31 first quarter that ended with Minnesota on top, the Pistons responded with a 34-30 score that gave them a one-point lead at the HT break. From there, though, it was all Detroit. The Pistons won the third quarter by a 36-23 score and never looked back, building a 14-point advantage with only 12 minutes to play. They didn’t step the foot off the gas, though, and Detroit also won the final quarter by a 34-31 score to secure a huge lead. With the win, the Pistons improved to 6-14 at home while the Timberwolves fell to 8-13 on the road.
Saddiq Bey was the best player for the Pistons and is thriving in a starting role once again, as he finished with 31 points and six rebounds across 38 minutes. Bojan Bogdanovic finished with 27 points, six rebounds and four assists, while both Jaden Ivey and Killian Hayes produced matching 18-point tallies. Hayes also added nine assists and three rebounds, while Ivey also posted eight dimes, four boards and three steals. Hamidou Diallo had 18 points and Alec Burks added 13, both coming off the bench.
Anthony Edwards was the best player for the Timberwolves and ended with 20 points, while Rudy Gobert chipped in with a 16-point, 14-rebound double-double. D’Angelo Russell finished with 19 points and five assists, while Jalen McDaniels contributed 11 points, four assists and three rebounds. No other Minnesota player scored in double digits.
The Pistons (12-33) delivered one of their best performances of the season Wednesday, as they had to come from behind following a slow start but ended dominating the Timberwolves (20-22) with absolute ease. Following a 34-31 first quarter that ended with Minnesota on top, the Pistons responded with a 34-30 score that gave them a one-point lead at the HT break. From there, though, it was all Detroit. The Pistons won the third quarter by a 36-23 score and never looked back, building a 14-point advantage with only 12 minutes to play. They didn’t step the foot off the gas, though, and Detroit also won the final quarter by a 34-31 score to secure a huge lead. With the win, the Pistons improved to 6-14 at home while the Timberwolves fell to 8-13 on the road.
Saddiq Bey was the best player for the Pistons and is thriving in a starting role once again, as he finished with 31 points and six rebounds across 38 minutes. Bojan Bogdanovic finished with 27 points, six rebounds and four assists, while both Jaden Ivey and Killian Hayes produced matching 18-point tallies. Hayes also added nine assists and three rebounds, while Ivey also posted eight dimes, four boards and three steals. Hamidou Diallo had 18 points and Alec Burks added 13, both coming off the bench.
Anthony Edwards was the best player for the Timberwolves and ended with 20 points, while Rudy Gobert chipped in with a 16-point, 14-rebound double-double. D’Angelo Russell finished with 19 points and five assists, while Jalen McDaniels contributed 11 points, four assists and three rebounds. No other Minnesota player scored in double digits.
Wizards Defeat Bulls Thanks To Big Third Quarter
The Washington Wizards defeated the Chicago Bulls, 100-97, at Capital One Arena on Wednesday.
The Wizards (18-24) didn’t have a good start against the Bulls (19-23) and closed the game out with quite a few issues as well, but all they needed with a massive performance in the third quarter to secure the victory against their Conference rivals. Chicago looked good in the early going and raced out to a 29-25 score in the first quarter, a lead that would transform into a double-digit lead following a 30-21 score in the second quarter. However, Washington exploded right out of the gates in the third quarter and grabbed the lead following a 41-21 score in the third quarter, transforming a double-digit deficit into a seven-point lead. The Wizards’ offense disappeared in the final quarter, however, and they only mounted 13 points, but the defense limited Chicago to just 17 points, meaning Washington still secured the win. With the victory, the Wizards moved to 11-8 at home while the Bulls fell to 6-14 on the road.
Kyle Kuzma scored 21 points for the Wizards while also adding gout rebounds and three assists, while Deni Avdija grabbed a career-best 20 rebounds to go along with nine points. Monte Morris finished with 17 points, three assists and two rebounds, and Taj Gibson posted nine points with eight rebounds. Anthony Gill had 18 points coming off the bench and Rui Hachimura added 10 of his own.
Zach LaVine has been on fire this season and posted 38 points with five rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Nikola Vucevic ended with 15 points and 10 rebounds while also dishing out five assists. No other Chicago starter scored in double digits here, though Coby White delivered 13 points and four rebounds off the bench.
The Wizards (18-24) didn’t have a good start against the Bulls (19-23) and closed the game out with quite a few issues as well, but all they needed with a massive performance in the third quarter to secure the victory against their Conference rivals. Chicago looked good in the early going and raced out to a 29-25 score in the first quarter, a lead that would transform into a double-digit lead following a 30-21 score in the second quarter. However, Washington exploded right out of the gates in the third quarter and grabbed the lead following a 41-21 score in the third quarter, transforming a double-digit deficit into a seven-point lead. The Wizards’ offense disappeared in the final quarter, however, and they only mounted 13 points, but the defense limited Chicago to just 17 points, meaning Washington still secured the win. With the victory, the Wizards moved to 11-8 at home while the Bulls fell to 6-14 on the road.
Kyle Kuzma scored 21 points for the Wizards while also adding gout rebounds and three assists, while Deni Avdija grabbed a career-best 20 rebounds to go along with nine points. Monte Morris finished with 17 points, three assists and two rebounds, and Taj Gibson posted nine points with eight rebounds. Anthony Gill had 18 points coming off the bench and Rui Hachimura added 10 of his own.
Zach LaVine has been on fire this season and posted 38 points with five rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Nikola Vucevic ended with 15 points and 10 rebounds while also dishing out five assists. No other Chicago starter scored in double digits here, though Coby White delivered 13 points and four rebounds off the bench.
Bucks Top Short-Handed Hawks, 114-105
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 114-105, at State Farm Arena on Wednesday night.
The Bucks (27-14) had the benefit of facing a Hawks (19-22) team missing Trae Young (illness), and they appeared well-poised to take advantage of that development when they jumped out to a 39-19 lead through one and owned a 21-point advantage by halftime. However, Atlanta showed plenty of fight in the third quarter, lopping 14 points from its deficit ahead of the final 12 minutes. The hosts would claw all the way back to take a 103-101 edge with 3:12 remaining, but Milwaukee's 13-2 run in the final 2:50 sealed the road victory.
Jrue Holiday led the Bucks with 27 points, adding five assists, four rebounds and two steals. Brook Lopez generated a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist, two blocks and one steal. Bobby Portis posted a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist. Jevon Carter matched his teammate's scoring and added two rebounds, two steals and one block. Pat Connaughton furnished 10 points, seven boards and one steal. Giannis Antetokounmpo provided a season-low seven points but also contributed 18 rebounds, 10 assists and one block.
Bogdan Bogdanovic paced the Hawks with 22 points, complementing them with five assists, three rebounds and two steals. De'Andre Hunter supplied 16 points, nine boards and two assists. John Collins registered 15 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one block. Frank Kaminsky managed 13 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Jalen Johnson compiled 12 points, three boards and one assist.
The Bucks remain on the road and visit the Miami Heat on Thursday night, while the Hawks visit the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.
The Bucks (27-14) had the benefit of facing a Hawks (19-22) team missing Trae Young (illness), and they appeared well-poised to take advantage of that development when they jumped out to a 39-19 lead through one and owned a 21-point advantage by halftime. However, Atlanta showed plenty of fight in the third quarter, lopping 14 points from its deficit ahead of the final 12 minutes. The hosts would claw all the way back to take a 103-101 edge with 3:12 remaining, but Milwaukee's 13-2 run in the final 2:50 sealed the road victory.
Jrue Holiday led the Bucks with 27 points, adding five assists, four rebounds and two steals. Brook Lopez generated a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist, two blocks and one steal. Bobby Portis posted a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist. Jevon Carter matched his teammate's scoring and added two rebounds, two steals and one block. Pat Connaughton furnished 10 points, seven boards and one steal. Giannis Antetokounmpo provided a season-low seven points but also contributed 18 rebounds, 10 assists and one block.
Bogdan Bogdanovic paced the Hawks with 22 points, complementing them with five assists, three rebounds and two steals. De'Andre Hunter supplied 16 points, nine boards and two assists. John Collins registered 15 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one block. Frank Kaminsky managed 13 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Jalen Johnson compiled 12 points, three boards and one assist.
The Bucks remain on the road and visit the Miami Heat on Thursday night, while the Hawks visit the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.
Celtics Best Pelicans, 125-114
The Boston Celtics defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 125-114, at TD Garden on Wednesday night.
The Celtics (30-12) were solid home favorites coming in with the Pelicans (25-17) still missing multiple stars, but Boston was only able to forge a six-point lead in the first half. The hosts then doubled up their advantage over New Orleans in the third quarter and kept the visitors at a comfortable distance throughout the final period. The Pelicans shot an impressive 51.7 percent and committed only nine turnovers, but they were outrebounded by a 50-33 margin.
CJ McCollum led the Pelicans with 38 points, adding four rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Naji Marshall registered 18 points, seven boards, three assists and one block. Trey Murphy totaled 15 points, six rebounds, one assist, three steals and one block. Jonas Valanciunas delivered 13 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 41 points, complementing them with 12 rebounds and one block. Jayson Tatum managed a 31-point, 10-rebound double-double that included four assists and one steal. Malcolm Brogdon provided 20 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Al Horford turned in 14 points, four assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block.
The Pelicans remain on the road and visit the Detroit Pistons on Friday night, while the Celtics visit the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night.
The Celtics (30-12) were solid home favorites coming in with the Pelicans (25-17) still missing multiple stars, but Boston was only able to forge a six-point lead in the first half. The hosts then doubled up their advantage over New Orleans in the third quarter and kept the visitors at a comfortable distance throughout the final period. The Pelicans shot an impressive 51.7 percent and committed only nine turnovers, but they were outrebounded by a 50-33 margin.
CJ McCollum led the Pelicans with 38 points, adding four rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Naji Marshall registered 18 points, seven boards, three assists and one block. Trey Murphy totaled 15 points, six rebounds, one assist, three steals and one block. Jonas Valanciunas delivered 13 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 41 points, complementing them with 12 rebounds and one block. Jayson Tatum managed a 31-point, 10-rebound double-double that included four assists and one steal. Malcolm Brogdon provided 20 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Al Horford turned in 14 points, four assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block.
The Pelicans remain on the road and visit the Detroit Pistons on Friday night, while the Celtics visit the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night.
Knicks Hang On At Home
By Dan Bruno
The New York Knicks defeated the visiting Indiana Pacers, 119-113, at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday evening.
The Knicks jumped out to a great start with a, 37-21, lead after one quarter and stayed in control through the second to take a 21-point lead by halftime. The Pacers came out much better in the third and outscored the hosts, 40-33, to cut it to a 14-point deficit heading into the final quarter. The visitors kept the pressure on in the fourth and came within three points in the final minute, but the Knicks held on for the home win.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 34 points, three rebounds and four assists, in 42 minutes. RJ Barrett followed up with 27 points, eight rebounds and four assists, while Julius Randle totaled 14 points, 16 rebounds, four assists and a block. The Knicks shot 45.2 percent from the field, including 15-of-42 from long range.
Meanwhile, Buddy Hield led the Pacers with 31 points, right rebounds and a steal, in 32 minutes. Bennedict Mathurin followed up with 20 points and six rebounds, while Tyrese Haliburton tallied 15 points, three rebounds, seven assists and a steal. The Pacers shot 47.8 percent from the field, including 12-of-39 from deep.
The Pacers (23-19) look to bounce back as they play host to the Hawks on Friday. The Knicks (23-19) take on the Wizards in Washington on Friday.
The Knicks jumped out to a great start with a, 37-21, lead after one quarter and stayed in control through the second to take a 21-point lead by halftime. The Pacers came out much better in the third and outscored the hosts, 40-33, to cut it to a 14-point deficit heading into the final quarter. The visitors kept the pressure on in the fourth and came within three points in the final minute, but the Knicks held on for the home win.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 34 points, three rebounds and four assists, in 42 minutes. RJ Barrett followed up with 27 points, eight rebounds and four assists, while Julius Randle totaled 14 points, 16 rebounds, four assists and a block. The Knicks shot 45.2 percent from the field, including 15-of-42 from long range.
Meanwhile, Buddy Hield led the Pacers with 31 points, right rebounds and a steal, in 32 minutes. Bennedict Mathurin followed up with 20 points and six rebounds, while Tyrese Haliburton tallied 15 points, three rebounds, seven assists and a steal. The Pacers shot 47.8 percent from the field, including 12-of-39 from deep.
The Pacers (23-19) look to bounce back as they play host to the Hawks on Friday. The Knicks (23-19) take on the Wizards in Washington on Friday.
Grizzlies Earn Eighth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 135-129, at FedEx Forum on Wednesday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Spurs led, 37-32, after one quarter. The Grizzlies turned it up in the second and outscored the visitors, 44-25, to amass a 14-point lead by halftime. Both sides came out strong in the third, but the Grizzlies stayed in control and made it a 15-point deficit heading into the final quarter. The Spurs did not back down and rallied through the fourth to cut it to a three-point game with just under three minutes left, but the Grizzlies held on in the end, for their eighth straight win. This marks the third straight loss for the Spurs.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 38 points, five rebounds, four assists and a block, in 32 minutes. Jaren Jackson tallied 21 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks, while Steven Adams finished with 11 points, 18 rebounds, five assists, three blocks and a steal. The Grizzlies shot 51.5 percent from the field, including 14-of-22 from long range.
Meanwhile, Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 24 points, four rebounds, three assists and a block, in 35 minutes. Tre Jones followed up with 22 points, six rebounds, six assists, three steals and a block, while Jakob Poeltl finished with 17 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks. The Spurs shot 46.7 percent from the field, including 11-of-34 from deep.
The Spurs (13-29) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Warriors on Friday. The Grizzlies (28-13) take on the Pacers in Indiana on Saturday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Spurs led, 37-32, after one quarter. The Grizzlies turned it up in the second and outscored the visitors, 44-25, to amass a 14-point lead by halftime. Both sides came out strong in the third, but the Grizzlies stayed in control and made it a 15-point deficit heading into the final quarter. The Spurs did not back down and rallied through the fourth to cut it to a three-point game with just under three minutes left, but the Grizzlies held on in the end, for their eighth straight win. This marks the third straight loss for the Spurs.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 38 points, five rebounds, four assists and a block, in 32 minutes. Jaren Jackson tallied 21 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks, while Steven Adams finished with 11 points, 18 rebounds, five assists, three blocks and a steal. The Grizzlies shot 51.5 percent from the field, including 14-of-22 from long range.
Meanwhile, Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 24 points, four rebounds, three assists and a block, in 35 minutes. Tre Jones followed up with 22 points, six rebounds, six assists, three steals and a block, while Jakob Poeltl finished with 17 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks. The Spurs shot 46.7 percent from the field, including 11-of-34 from deep.
The Spurs (13-29) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Warriors on Friday. The Grizzlies (28-13) take on the Pacers in Indiana on Saturday.
Nuggets Defeat Suns, 126-97
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns, 126-97, at Ball Arena on Wednesday.
Denver won all four individual quarters in this game by at least four points apiece, outscoring Phoenix in the middle quarters, 66-47. They led by at least 20 points for the closing 20 minutes, getting their lead up to 32 points at times. The Nuggets shot 57 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while holding the Suns to 43 percent from the field and 28 percent from long range. Denver also outscored Phoenix in fastbreak scoring, 24-6, while out-stealing them, 9-4.
The Suns (21-22) were led by Torrey Craig, tallying 16 points and five rebounds. Dario Saric amassed 11 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Duane Washington totaled eight points, five assists and two blocks, while Josh Okogie led the bench with 14 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Damion Lee and Jock Landale had 11 points apiece as well.
The Nuggets (28-13) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 21 points, 18 rebounds and nine assists. Jamal Murray generated 16 points, two rebounds and six assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope provided 15 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Bones Hyland led the bench with 21 points and four assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Denver traveling to face the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix remaining on the road to play the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Denver won all four individual quarters in this game by at least four points apiece, outscoring Phoenix in the middle quarters, 66-47. They led by at least 20 points for the closing 20 minutes, getting their lead up to 32 points at times. The Nuggets shot 57 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while holding the Suns to 43 percent from the field and 28 percent from long range. Denver also outscored Phoenix in fastbreak scoring, 24-6, while out-stealing them, 9-4.
The Suns (21-22) were led by Torrey Craig, tallying 16 points and five rebounds. Dario Saric amassed 11 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Duane Washington totaled eight points, five assists and two blocks, while Josh Okogie led the bench with 14 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Damion Lee and Jock Landale had 11 points apiece as well.
The Nuggets (28-13) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 21 points, 18 rebounds and nine assists. Jamal Murray generated 16 points, two rebounds and six assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope provided 15 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Bones Hyland led the bench with 21 points and four assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Denver traveling to face the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix remaining on the road to play the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Kings Roll Rockets, 135-115
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 135-115, at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday.
While there were seven ties and five lead changes in this game, Sacramento rode a 41-20 fourth quarter to this blowout win. The Rockets had a rare lead at the beginning of that quarter but the Kings led for all but a handful of minutes in this game. Sacramento shot 48 percent from the field and 84 percent from the free-throw line (26-of-31) while holding Houston to 46 percent from the field and 65 percent from the charity stripe (11-of-17). The Kings also won the turnover battle, 13-9.
The Rockets (10-31) were led by Jalen Green, generating 26 points, five rebounds and three assists. Eric Gordon amassed 19 points and two assists. Alperen Sengun tallied 10 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, while KJ Martin led the bench with 21 points and five rebounds. Kevin Porter Jr departed after 10 minutes due to an injury.
The Kings (22-18) were led by Domantas Sabonis, collecting 25 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists. De'Aaron Fox finished with 24 points, two rebounds and nine assists. Harrison Barnes had 16 points, while Keegan Murray compiled 16 points, six rebounds and two assists. Trey Lyles led the bench with 20 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.
These teams will have a rematch on Friday for their next outing.
While there were seven ties and five lead changes in this game, Sacramento rode a 41-20 fourth quarter to this blowout win. The Rockets had a rare lead at the beginning of that quarter but the Kings led for all but a handful of minutes in this game. Sacramento shot 48 percent from the field and 84 percent from the free-throw line (26-of-31) while holding Houston to 46 percent from the field and 65 percent from the charity stripe (11-of-17). The Kings also won the turnover battle, 13-9.
The Rockets (10-31) were led by Jalen Green, generating 26 points, five rebounds and three assists. Eric Gordon amassed 19 points and two assists. Alperen Sengun tallied 10 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, while KJ Martin led the bench with 21 points and five rebounds. Kevin Porter Jr departed after 10 minutes due to an injury.
The Kings (22-18) were led by Domantas Sabonis, collecting 25 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists. De'Aaron Fox finished with 24 points, two rebounds and nine assists. Harrison Barnes had 16 points, while Keegan Murray compiled 16 points, six rebounds and two assists. Trey Lyles led the bench with 20 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.
These teams will have a rematch on Friday for their next outing.