Pelicans Hold On, Get Past Pistons
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Detroit Pistons, 116-110, at Little Caesars Arena on Friday.
The Pelicans (26-17) are getting closer to move to 10 games over the .500 mark and delivered a solid performance to get past the Pistons (12-34) despite playing on the road. The Pelicans grabbed control early on and led by four points at the end of the first quarter, 32-28, and they bolstered that advantage to nine points following a 27-22 second quarter. The Pistons tightened things up in the second half, however, keeping the nine-point deficit after the third and winning the final 12 minutes of action by a 27-24 score, but that was not enough to complete the comeback and the Pelicans ended up winning the matchup With the win, New Orleans moved to 9-12 on the road while Detroit fell to 6-15 at home.
Jonas Valanciunas led the Pelicans with 33 points, 16 rebounds and three assists, while CJ McCollum and Trey Murphy posted matching 19-point tallies. McCollum also added nine assists and four boards, while Murphy notched two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Naji Marshall racked up 17 points, six rebounds and four assists. New Orleans shot 48.8 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from deep.
Bojan Bogdanovic posted 22 points to lead the Pistons, while Saddiq Bey notched a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double. Jaden Ivey delivered 12 points, seven rebounds and six assists, and Killian Hayes chipped in with 17 points and six assists. Hamidou Diallo looked good off the bench and finished with 19 points and seven rebounds. Detroit shot 47.8 percent from the field and 23.3 percent from three-point range.
The Pelicans (26-17) are getting closer to move to 10 games over the .500 mark and delivered a solid performance to get past the Pistons (12-34) despite playing on the road. The Pelicans grabbed control early on and led by four points at the end of the first quarter, 32-28, and they bolstered that advantage to nine points following a 27-22 second quarter. The Pistons tightened things up in the second half, however, keeping the nine-point deficit after the third and winning the final 12 minutes of action by a 27-24 score, but that was not enough to complete the comeback and the Pelicans ended up winning the matchup With the win, New Orleans moved to 9-12 on the road while Detroit fell to 6-15 at home.
Jonas Valanciunas led the Pelicans with 33 points, 16 rebounds and three assists, while CJ McCollum and Trey Murphy posted matching 19-point tallies. McCollum also added nine assists and four boards, while Murphy notched two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Naji Marshall racked up 17 points, six rebounds and four assists. New Orleans shot 48.8 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from deep.
Bojan Bogdanovic posted 22 points to lead the Pistons, while Saddiq Bey notched a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double. Jaden Ivey delivered 12 points, seven rebounds and six assists, and Killian Hayes chipped in with 17 points and six assists. Hamidou Diallo looked good off the bench and finished with 19 points and seven rebounds. Detroit shot 47.8 percent from the field and 23.3 percent from three-point range.
Hawks Top Pacers With Last-Second Game-Winning Shot
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Indiana Pacers, 113-111, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday.
The Hawks (20-22) and Pacers (23-20) played a game that went down to the wire, and while the result could’ve gone either way, the Hawks ended up securing the victory thanks to a tip-in from John Collins with less than one second in the fourth quarter. The Hawks enjoyed an excellent start, though, and they raced out to a 36-27 lead in the first quarter only to see the Pacers flip the script before the halftime break with a 31-19 score. The Hawks were up by three points to start the second half, and they bolstered that advantage to five points following a 31-29 score in the third quarter, but the Hawks still had something in them and completed the comeback in the final 12 minutes thanks to a 29-22 score and Collins’ late tip-in. With the win, the Hawks improved to 9-13 on the road while the Pacers fell to 15-8 at home.
Trae Young led the way for the Hawks with 26 points and 11 assists, and Deandre Hunter notched 25 points. Onyeka Okongwu had an excellent performance and recorded 18 points, a career-high 20 rebounds, four assists, four blocks and two steals. John Collins scored the winning shot and finished with seven points and eight rebounds. Dejounte Murray racked up 18 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Atlanta shot 43.6 percent from the field and 48.5 percent from three-point range.
Bennedict Mathurin started and led the Pacers with 26 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Buddy Hield ended with 18 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals. Isaiah Jackson was massive on both ends of the court and finished with 10 points, 10 rebounds and seven blocks. Oshae Brissett had 17 points and 10 rebounds off the bench, and T.J. McConnell delivered 13 points, seven boards and seven assists. Indiana shot 39.6 percent from the field and 23.3 percent from deep.
The Hawks (20-22) and Pacers (23-20) played a game that went down to the wire, and while the result could’ve gone either way, the Hawks ended up securing the victory thanks to a tip-in from John Collins with less than one second in the fourth quarter. The Hawks enjoyed an excellent start, though, and they raced out to a 36-27 lead in the first quarter only to see the Pacers flip the script before the halftime break with a 31-19 score. The Hawks were up by three points to start the second half, and they bolstered that advantage to five points following a 31-29 score in the third quarter, but the Hawks still had something in them and completed the comeback in the final 12 minutes thanks to a 29-22 score and Collins’ late tip-in. With the win, the Hawks improved to 9-13 on the road while the Pacers fell to 15-8 at home.
Trae Young led the way for the Hawks with 26 points and 11 assists, and Deandre Hunter notched 25 points. Onyeka Okongwu had an excellent performance and recorded 18 points, a career-high 20 rebounds, four assists, four blocks and two steals. John Collins scored the winning shot and finished with seven points and eight rebounds. Dejounte Murray racked up 18 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Atlanta shot 43.6 percent from the field and 48.5 percent from three-point range.
Bennedict Mathurin started and led the Pacers with 26 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Buddy Hield ended with 18 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals. Isaiah Jackson was massive on both ends of the court and finished with 10 points, 10 rebounds and seven blocks. Oshae Brissett had 17 points and 10 rebounds off the bench, and T.J. McConnell delivered 13 points, seven boards and seven assists. Indiana shot 39.6 percent from the field and 23.3 percent from deep.
Knicks Top Wizards In Tight Contest
The New York Knicks defeated the Washington Wizards, 112-108, at Capital One Arena on Friday.
The Knicks (24-19) endured a rough start and looked lost in the early going of their game against the Wizards (18-25), but they adjusted and ended up winning the contest, albeit it was a tight contest that wasn’t really decided until the very final seconds. Washington grabbed the lead in the first quarter by a 21-19 score, and the Wizards made it a three-point game at the break following a 32-31 score as well. However, the Knicks made adjustments in the second half and outscored their rivals by a 30-23 score in the third quarter, entering the final 12 minutes of play with a four-point lead. New York would hold on to that lead, and the Knicks secured the win after the fourth quarter ended with a 32-32 tie. With the win, New York moves to 13-8 on the road while the Wizards fell to 11-9 at home.
Jalen Brunson was the best player for the Knicks and finished with 34 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, while Julius Randle notched another double-double thanks to his 23 points and 16 rebounds. Mitchell Robinson only scored four points, but he pulled down 10 rebounds and recorded three blocks. RJ Barrett ended with 17 points and five boards, while Immanuel Quickley impressed with 18 points coming off the bench.
Kyle Kuzma posted a game-high 40 points, but his efforts were not enough to carry the Wizards to victory here. Kuzma also added seven rebounds and seven assists. Kristaps Porzingis notched 21 points and four boards, and Corey Kispert finished with 13 points, five rebounds and two assists. Daniel Gafford had six points and six rebounds but only played 17 minutes. Jordan Goodwin notched five points.
The Knicks (24-19) endured a rough start and looked lost in the early going of their game against the Wizards (18-25), but they adjusted and ended up winning the contest, albeit it was a tight contest that wasn’t really decided until the very final seconds. Washington grabbed the lead in the first quarter by a 21-19 score, and the Wizards made it a three-point game at the break following a 32-31 score as well. However, the Knicks made adjustments in the second half and outscored their rivals by a 30-23 score in the third quarter, entering the final 12 minutes of play with a four-point lead. New York would hold on to that lead, and the Knicks secured the win after the fourth quarter ended with a 32-32 tie. With the win, New York moves to 13-8 on the road while the Wizards fell to 11-9 at home.
Jalen Brunson was the best player for the Knicks and finished with 34 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, while Julius Randle notched another double-double thanks to his 23 points and 16 rebounds. Mitchell Robinson only scored four points, but he pulled down 10 rebounds and recorded three blocks. RJ Barrett ended with 17 points and five boards, while Immanuel Quickley impressed with 18 points coming off the bench.
Kyle Kuzma posted a game-high 40 points, but his efforts were not enough to carry the Wizards to victory here. Kuzma also added seven rebounds and seven assists. Kristaps Porzingis notched 21 points and four boards, and Corey Kispert finished with 13 points, five rebounds and two assists. Daniel Gafford had six points and six rebounds but only played 17 minutes. Jordan Goodwin notched five points.
Warriors Throttle Spurs, 144-113
The Golden State Warriors defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 144-113, at Alamodome on Friday night.
The Warriors (21-21) came into the contest as solid road favorites thanks to the Spurs' (13-30) defensive struggles, and those would certainly come to bear once again. Golden State racked up 74 points over the first two quarters to take a 14-point lead into halftime, and when the Dubs put up another 40-point haul in the third period, the 25-point advantage they held at that point was more than enough for the impressive victory.
Jordan Poole led the Warriors with 25 points, adding six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Donte DiVincenzo delivered 22 points, seven boards, five assists and two steals. Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson contributed 16 points apiece while posting five rebounds and four assists, respectively. Stephen Curry totaled 15 points, four boards, three assists and one block. Kevon Looney generated a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists. Anthony Lamb and Moses Moody contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively.
Tre Jones paced the Spurs with 21 points, supplementing them with five assists and one rebound. Keldon Johnson supplied 17 points, two boards, one assist and one steal. Doug McDermott offered 14 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal. Malaki Branham finished with 12 points, two rebounds and two assists. Romeo Langford netted 11 points, two assists and one rebound.
The Warriors remain on the road and visit the Chicago Bulls on Sunday afternoon, while the Spurs remain home and welcome in the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night.
The Warriors (21-21) came into the contest as solid road favorites thanks to the Spurs' (13-30) defensive struggles, and those would certainly come to bear once again. Golden State racked up 74 points over the first two quarters to take a 14-point lead into halftime, and when the Dubs put up another 40-point haul in the third period, the 25-point advantage they held at that point was more than enough for the impressive victory.
Jordan Poole led the Warriors with 25 points, adding six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Donte DiVincenzo delivered 22 points, seven boards, five assists and two steals. Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson contributed 16 points apiece while posting five rebounds and four assists, respectively. Stephen Curry totaled 15 points, four boards, three assists and one block. Kevon Looney generated a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists. Anthony Lamb and Moses Moody contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively.
Tre Jones paced the Spurs with 21 points, supplementing them with five assists and one rebound. Keldon Johnson supplied 17 points, two boards, one assist and one steal. Doug McDermott offered 14 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal. Malaki Branham finished with 12 points, two rebounds and two assists. Romeo Langford netted 11 points, two assists and one rebound.
The Warriors remain on the road and visit the Chicago Bulls on Sunday afternoon, while the Spurs remain home and welcome in the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night.
Thunder Blasts Bulls, 124-110
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Chicago Bulls, 124-110, at United Center on Friday night.
The Thunder (20-23) came into the contest looking to build on a big road win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night, but they encountered plenty of resistance from the Bulls (19-24) during a first quarter from which OKC emerged with a narrow two-point lead. However, the visitors managed to tack on another 12 points to their advantage prior to halftime, yet Chicago was able to eliminate all but one point from its deficit during the third quarter. Nevertheless, the Thunder eventually regained control by outscoring the home squad, 33-20, in the final 12 minutes.
Josh Giddey led the Thunder with a 25-point, 10-rebound double-double that included six assists and two blocks. Jalen Williams supplied 22 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered 21 points, six assists, five boards, four steals and two blocks. Darius Bazley registered 14 points, four boards, one assist, three steals and one block. Luguentz Dort netted 11 points.
Zach LaVine paced the Bulls with 25 points, supplementing them with six rebounds and five assists. Nikola Vucevic and Coby White posted 19 points each while adding 11 and six rebounds, respectively. Patrick Williams turned in 18 points, five boards, three assists, one steal and one block. Alex Caruso managed 11 points, five assists, four rebounds, five steals and one block.
The Thunder remain on the road and visit the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday evening, while the Bulls remain home and host the Golden State Warriors on Sunday afternoon.
The Thunder (20-23) came into the contest looking to build on a big road win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night, but they encountered plenty of resistance from the Bulls (19-24) during a first quarter from which OKC emerged with a narrow two-point lead. However, the visitors managed to tack on another 12 points to their advantage prior to halftime, yet Chicago was able to eliminate all but one point from its deficit during the third quarter. Nevertheless, the Thunder eventually regained control by outscoring the home squad, 33-20, in the final 12 minutes.
Josh Giddey led the Thunder with a 25-point, 10-rebound double-double that included six assists and two blocks. Jalen Williams supplied 22 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered 21 points, six assists, five boards, four steals and two blocks. Darius Bazley registered 14 points, four boards, one assist, three steals and one block. Luguentz Dort netted 11 points.
Zach LaVine paced the Bulls with 25 points, supplementing them with six rebounds and five assists. Nikola Vucevic and Coby White posted 19 points each while adding 11 and six rebounds, respectively. Patrick Williams turned in 18 points, five boards, three assists, one steal and one block. Alex Caruso managed 11 points, five assists, four rebounds, five steals and one block.
The Thunder remain on the road and visit the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday evening, while the Bulls remain home and host the Golden State Warriors on Sunday afternoon.
Timberwolves Hold Off Suns In Minnesota
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns, 121-116, at Target Center on Friday evening.
The Timberwolves got out to a strong start and led, 35-25, after one quarter and kept the momentum going to take a 15-point advantage into halftime. The Suns picked up their play in the third but could not cut into the deficit, as the hosts carried a 17-point cushion into the final frame. The Suns continued to press in the fourth but came up short for a second straight loss, while the Timberwolves held on for the home win.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 31 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 37 minutes. D'Angelo Russell followed up with 17 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Jaden McDaniels added 14 points, five rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block. The Timberwolves shot 52.2 percent from the field, including 10-of-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, Damion Lee led the Suns with 31 points, six rebounds and two assists, in 31 minutes. Mikal Bridges followed up with 24 points, four rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Deandre Ayton finished with 11 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. The Suns shot 47.7 percent from the field, including 10-of-28 from deep.
The Suns (21-22) will look to bounce back as they take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Monday. The Timberwolves (20-22) play host to the Cavs on Saturday.
The Timberwolves got out to a strong start and led, 35-25, after one quarter and kept the momentum going to take a 15-point advantage into halftime. The Suns picked up their play in the third but could not cut into the deficit, as the hosts carried a 17-point cushion into the final frame. The Suns continued to press in the fourth but came up short for a second straight loss, while the Timberwolves held on for the home win.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 31 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 37 minutes. D'Angelo Russell followed up with 17 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Jaden McDaniels added 14 points, five rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block. The Timberwolves shot 52.2 percent from the field, including 10-of-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, Damion Lee led the Suns with 31 points, six rebounds and two assists, in 31 minutes. Mikal Bridges followed up with 24 points, four rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Deandre Ayton finished with 11 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. The Suns shot 47.7 percent from the field, including 10-of-28 from deep.
The Suns (21-22) will look to bounce back as they take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Monday. The Timberwolves (20-22) play host to the Cavs on Saturday.
Jazz Close Out Magic In Utah
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 112-108, at Vivint Arena on Friday evening.
The Jazz got out to a strong start and led, 36-27, after one quarter, but the Magic came out stronger and cut it to a five-point game by halftime. Both sides came out even in the third and tallied 27 points apiece, as the Jazz maintained a five-point lead heading into the final frame. The Magic kept up the fight in the fourth and rallied to a brief lead, but the Jazz came up clutch in the final minute to secure their second straight win.
Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 28 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, in 36 minutes. Jordan Clarkson followed up with 23 points, 12 rebounds and a steal, while Collin Sexton added 18 points, three rebounds and three assists. The Jazz shot 43.4 percent from the field, including 11-of-35 from deep.
Meanwhile, Franz Wagner led the Magic with 26 points, five rebounds, two assists, four steals and a block, in 35 minutes. Wendell Carter totaled 19 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block, while Paolo Banchero finished with 19 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. The Magic shot 43.8 percent from the field, including 14-of-36 from long range.
The Magic (16-27) will look to bounce back as they take on the Nuggets on Sunday. The Jazz (22-23) play host to the 76ers on Saturday.
The Jazz got out to a strong start and led, 36-27, after one quarter, but the Magic came out stronger and cut it to a five-point game by halftime. Both sides came out even in the third and tallied 27 points apiece, as the Jazz maintained a five-point lead heading into the final frame. The Magic kept up the fight in the fourth and rallied to a brief lead, but the Jazz came up clutch in the final minute to secure their second straight win.
Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 28 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, in 36 minutes. Jordan Clarkson followed up with 23 points, 12 rebounds and a steal, while Collin Sexton added 18 points, three rebounds and three assists. The Jazz shot 43.4 percent from the field, including 11-of-35 from deep.
Meanwhile, Franz Wagner led the Magic with 26 points, five rebounds, two assists, four steals and a block, in 35 minutes. Wendell Carter totaled 19 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block, while Paolo Banchero finished with 19 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. The Magic shot 43.8 percent from the field, including 14-of-36 from long range.
The Magic (16-27) will look to bounce back as they take on the Nuggets on Sunday. The Jazz (22-23) play host to the 76ers on Saturday.
Nuggets Defeat Clippers, 115-103
The Denver Nuggets defeated the host Los Angeles Clippers, 115-103, at Crypto.com Arena on Friday.
While there were 20 lead changes in the opening 30 minutes of this game, Denver rode a 58-45 second half to their victory. That allowed them to maintain the lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. With that said, neither team led by more than seven points until the middle of the fourth quarter, when Denver grabbed a game-high 12-point lead. The Nuggets shot 50 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range while holding the Clippers to 47 percent from the field and 35 percent from long range. Denver also doubled up LA in second-chance points, 12-6, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 25-12.
The Nuggets (29-13) were led by Jamal Murray, tallying 24 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Michael Porter Jr provided 22 points, four rebounds and three assists. Aaron Gordon accrued 17 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope provided 14 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Clippers (22-22) were led by Kawhi Leonard, collecting 24 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Marcus Morris totaled 16 points, three rebounds and two assists. Those were the only two starters in double figures. Norman Powell led the bench with 18 points, four rebounds, two assists and two blocks, while John Wall generated 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
On deck for Denver is a home matchup with the Orlando Magic on Sunday. As for Los Angeles, they play host to the Houston Rockets on Sunday as well.
While there were 20 lead changes in the opening 30 minutes of this game, Denver rode a 58-45 second half to their victory. That allowed them to maintain the lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. With that said, neither team led by more than seven points until the middle of the fourth quarter, when Denver grabbed a game-high 12-point lead. The Nuggets shot 50 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range while holding the Clippers to 47 percent from the field and 35 percent from long range. Denver also doubled up LA in second-chance points, 12-6, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 25-12.
The Nuggets (29-13) were led by Jamal Murray, tallying 24 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Michael Porter Jr provided 22 points, four rebounds and three assists. Aaron Gordon accrued 17 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope provided 14 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Clippers (22-22) were led by Kawhi Leonard, collecting 24 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Marcus Morris totaled 16 points, three rebounds and two assists. Those were the only two starters in double figures. Norman Powell led the bench with 18 points, four rebounds, two assists and two blocks, while John Wall generated 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
On deck for Denver is a home matchup with the Orlando Magic on Sunday. As for Los Angeles, they play host to the Houston Rockets on Sunday as well.
Kings Roll Rockets, 139-114
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 139-114, at Golden 1 Center on Friday.
While there were 14 ties and 17 lead changes through the opening 30 minutes, Sacramento rode a 43-26 third quarter to an easy win. That allowed them to maintain a double-digit lead for the closing 16 minutes, getting their lead up to 26 points at times. The Kings shot 55 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range while holding the Rockets to 47 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range. Sacramento also out-rebounded Houston, 54-45, while out-assisting them, 34-23.
The Rockets (10-32) were led by Jalen Green, generating 27 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jabari Smith amassed 27 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Alperen Sengun accrued 14 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and four steals. Eric Gordon had nine points and six assists.
The Kings (23-18) were led by Harrison Barnes, finishing with 27 points, seven rebounds and three assists. De'Aaron Fox tallied 24 points, five rebounds and five assists. Domantas Sabonis collected 19 points, 16 rebounds, 16 assists, two steals and two blocks, while Terence Davis dropped 22 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals. Malik Monk led the bench with 15 points.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with the Rockets remaining on the road to play the Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento traveling to face the San Antonio Spurs.
While there were 14 ties and 17 lead changes through the opening 30 minutes, Sacramento rode a 43-26 third quarter to an easy win. That allowed them to maintain a double-digit lead for the closing 16 minutes, getting their lead up to 26 points at times. The Kings shot 55 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range while holding the Rockets to 47 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range. Sacramento also out-rebounded Houston, 54-45, while out-assisting them, 34-23.
The Rockets (10-32) were led by Jalen Green, generating 27 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jabari Smith amassed 27 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Alperen Sengun accrued 14 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and four steals. Eric Gordon had nine points and six assists.
The Kings (23-18) were led by Harrison Barnes, finishing with 27 points, seven rebounds and three assists. De'Aaron Fox tallied 24 points, five rebounds and five assists. Domantas Sabonis collected 19 points, 16 rebounds, 16 assists, two steals and two blocks, while Terence Davis dropped 22 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals. Malik Monk led the bench with 15 points.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with the Rockets remaining on the road to play the Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento traveling to face the San Antonio Spurs.