Heat React Late To Get Past Bucks
The Miami Heat defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, 111-95, at Miami-Dade Arena on Saturday.
The Heat (24-20) and the Bucks (27-16) opened Saturday’s slate quite early, and Miami looked good from start to finish defeating one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference – and a bonafide title contender. The Heat appeared to be in control as soon as the game started and jumped out to a 28-20 score in the first quarter, but the Bucks tightened things up in the second quarter and kept the eight-point differential intact following a 25-25 tie. The Bucks made it a six-point game following a 26-24 lead in the third quarter and seemed as if they were going to mount a comeback, but the Heat dominated the final 12 minutes of action and outscored them by a 34-24 score, which was more than enough to complete the win. With the victory, Miami moved to 14-9 at home while the Bucks fell to 11-11 when playing on the road.
Gabe Vincent was the Heat’s leading scorer once again after finishing with 27 points, but he also added five steals, three rebounds and two assists. Bam Adebayo filled the stat sheet admirably and contributed 20 points, 13 rebounds, two blocks and two assists. Jimmy Butler ended with 16 points and four rebounds, while Max Strus finished with 10 points. Victor Oladipo had 20 points, five assists and three steals off the bench.
Jrue Holiday led the way with 12 points and 10 assists, while Grayson Allen also had 12 points while adding five assists and three rebounds. Bobby Portis notched 15 points, seven rebounds, three steals and two assists, and Brook Lopez chipped in with 13 points. Pat Connauhgton had 14 points and eight boards. Jevon Carter had 10 points off the bench as well.
The Heat (24-20) and the Bucks (27-16) opened Saturday’s slate quite early, and Miami looked good from start to finish defeating one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference – and a bonafide title contender. The Heat appeared to be in control as soon as the game started and jumped out to a 28-20 score in the first quarter, but the Bucks tightened things up in the second quarter and kept the eight-point differential intact following a 25-25 tie. The Bucks made it a six-point game following a 26-24 lead in the third quarter and seemed as if they were going to mount a comeback, but the Heat dominated the final 12 minutes of action and outscored them by a 34-24 score, which was more than enough to complete the win. With the victory, Miami moved to 14-9 at home while the Bucks fell to 11-11 when playing on the road.
Gabe Vincent was the Heat’s leading scorer once again after finishing with 27 points, but he also added five steals, three rebounds and two assists. Bam Adebayo filled the stat sheet admirably and contributed 20 points, 13 rebounds, two blocks and two assists. Jimmy Butler ended with 16 points and four rebounds, while Max Strus finished with 10 points. Victor Oladipo had 20 points, five assists and three steals off the bench.
Jrue Holiday led the way with 12 points and 10 assists, while Grayson Allen also had 12 points while adding five assists and three rebounds. Bobby Portis notched 15 points, seven rebounds, three steals and two assists, and Brook Lopez chipped in with 13 points. Pat Connauhgton had 14 points and eight boards. Jevon Carter had 10 points off the bench as well.
Grizzlies Top Pacers To Extend Winning Streak
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Indiana Pacers, 130-112, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday.
The Grizzlies (29-13) are inching closer to the 30-win mark and delivered another excellent performance led by their star guard, Ja Morant, a player the Pacers (23-21) simply couldn’t contain. Memphis grabbed the lead as soon as the game started and quickly jumped out to a 36-28 lead in the first quarter, and they’d never look back the rest of the way. Memphis bolstered that advantage following a 32-24 score in the second quarter, and their 16-point lead at the break was a fair reflection of what happened on the court. The Grizzlies slowed things down and the Pacers adjusted, but an Indiana comeback was never on the cards and the Grizzlies closed things out with ease, winning the third quarter by a 29-27 score and settling for a 33-33 tie in the final 12 minutes but knowing they had a solid 18-point lead. With the win, Memphis moved to 11-10 on the road while the Pacers fell to 15-9 at home.
Desmond Bane was the top scorer for the Grizzlies and finished with 25 points, eight rebounds and three assists, while Ja Morant posted 23 points, 10 assists, three blocks and a massive block. Steven Adams had 10 points with nine rebounds, Jaren Jackson pulled down 10 boards and Ziaire Williams notched 13 points as a starter. Santi Aldama delivered 17 points, four rebounds and two steals off the bench.
Chris Duarte came off the bench but led the Pacers in scoring with a 25-point outing that also included three rebounds and three assists. Bennedict Mathurin notched 16 points and three boards, while Isaiah Jackson finished with 12 points, seven boards and four blocks. T.J. McConnell sniffed a triple-double off the bench after posting 13 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds. Buddy Hield had five points.
The Grizzlies (29-13) are inching closer to the 30-win mark and delivered another excellent performance led by their star guard, Ja Morant, a player the Pacers (23-21) simply couldn’t contain. Memphis grabbed the lead as soon as the game started and quickly jumped out to a 36-28 lead in the first quarter, and they’d never look back the rest of the way. Memphis bolstered that advantage following a 32-24 score in the second quarter, and their 16-point lead at the break was a fair reflection of what happened on the court. The Grizzlies slowed things down and the Pacers adjusted, but an Indiana comeback was never on the cards and the Grizzlies closed things out with ease, winning the third quarter by a 29-27 score and settling for a 33-33 tie in the final 12 minutes but knowing they had a solid 18-point lead. With the win, Memphis moved to 11-10 on the road while the Pacers fell to 15-9 at home.
Desmond Bane was the top scorer for the Grizzlies and finished with 25 points, eight rebounds and three assists, while Ja Morant posted 23 points, 10 assists, three blocks and a massive block. Steven Adams had 10 points with nine rebounds, Jaren Jackson pulled down 10 boards and Ziaire Williams notched 13 points as a starter. Santi Aldama delivered 17 points, four rebounds and two steals off the bench.
Chris Duarte came off the bench but led the Pacers in scoring with a 25-point outing that also included three rebounds and three assists. Bennedict Mathurin notched 16 points and three boards, while Isaiah Jackson finished with 12 points, seven boards and four blocks. T.J. McConnell sniffed a triple-double off the bench after posting 13 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds. Buddy Hield had five points.
Celtics Rally Back For Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The Boston Celtics defeated the host Charlotte Hornets, 122-106, at Spectrum Center on Saturday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start, as the Hornets led, 34-31, after one quarter. The visitors rallied to a 15-point lead in the second, but the Celtics battled back to make it a four-point game by halftime. The Celtics turned up the defense in the third and pulled in front for a 10-point advantage heading into the final frame. They kept the pressure on in the fourth and outscored the hosts by seven points in the quarter to close out their sixth straight win.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 33 points, nine rebounds, six assists and a block, in 37 minutes. Malcolm Brogdon followed up with 30 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Marcus Smart logged 13 points, two rebounds, 12 assists and two steals. The Celtics shot 47.5 percent from the field, including 19-of-53 from deep.
Meanwhile, LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 31 points, seven rebounds, nine assists and a steal, in 39 minutes. Terry Rozier followed up with 21 points, four rebounds, three assists and a block, while P.J. Washington totaled 14 points, three rebounds and a four assists. The Hornets shot 46.6 percent from the field, including 8-of-27 from long range.
The Celtics (32-12) and Hornets (11-33) clash again on Monday.
The game got out to a competitive start, as the Hornets led, 34-31, after one quarter. The visitors rallied to a 15-point lead in the second, but the Celtics battled back to make it a four-point game by halftime. The Celtics turned up the defense in the third and pulled in front for a 10-point advantage heading into the final frame. They kept the pressure on in the fourth and outscored the hosts by seven points in the quarter to close out their sixth straight win.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 33 points, nine rebounds, six assists and a block, in 37 minutes. Malcolm Brogdon followed up with 30 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Marcus Smart logged 13 points, two rebounds, 12 assists and two steals. The Celtics shot 47.5 percent from the field, including 19-of-53 from deep.
Meanwhile, LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 31 points, seven rebounds, nine assists and a steal, in 39 minutes. Terry Rozier followed up with 21 points, four rebounds, three assists and a block, while P.J. Washington totaled 14 points, three rebounds and a four assists. The Hornets shot 46.6 percent from the field, including 8-of-27 from long range.
The Celtics (32-12) and Hornets (11-33) clash again on Monday.
Hawks Hold Off Raptors For Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the host Toronto Raptors, 114-103, at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday evening.
The Hawks jumped out to a strong start with a, 34-25, lead after one quarter and stayed in control through the second to take a 12-point lead into halftime. The Raptors had no answers in the third, as the visitors maintained the upper hand and took a 17-point lead into the final frame. The Hawks kept focus the rest of the way and held on for the road win.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 29 points, nine assists, two steals and a block, in 38 minutes. Dejounte Murray followed up with 27 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Onyeka Okongwu totaled 10 points, 13 rebounds, two blocks and a steal. The Hawks shot 51.2 percent from the field, including 11-of-27 from deep.
Meanwhile, Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 27 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, three steals and a block, in 37 minutes. Pascal Siakam followed up with 15 points, seven rebounds, six assists and a block, while O.G. Anunoby added 14 points, four rebounds and two assists. The Raptors shot 41.4 percent from the field, including 7-of-29 from long range.
The Raptors (19-24) look to bounce back as they take on the Knicks in New York on Monday. The Hawks (21-22) play host to the Heat on Monday.
The Hawks jumped out to a strong start with a, 34-25, lead after one quarter and stayed in control through the second to take a 12-point lead into halftime. The Raptors had no answers in the third, as the visitors maintained the upper hand and took a 17-point lead into the final frame. The Hawks kept focus the rest of the way and held on for the road win.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 29 points, nine assists, two steals and a block, in 38 minutes. Dejounte Murray followed up with 27 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Onyeka Okongwu totaled 10 points, 13 rebounds, two blocks and a steal. The Hawks shot 51.2 percent from the field, including 11-of-27 from deep.
Meanwhile, Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 27 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, three steals and a block, in 37 minutes. Pascal Siakam followed up with 15 points, seven rebounds, six assists and a block, while O.G. Anunoby added 14 points, four rebounds and two assists. The Raptors shot 41.4 percent from the field, including 7-of-29 from long range.
The Raptors (19-24) look to bounce back as they take on the Knicks in New York on Monday. The Hawks (21-22) play host to the Heat on Monday.
Timberwolves Finish Strong For Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, 110-102, at Target Center on Saturday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start, as the Timberwolves led by two points after one quarter. The Cavs came out stronger in the second and rallied ahead to a five-point advantage by halftime. The hosts came out stronger in the third, but the Cavs were able to maintain a two-point edge heading into the final frame. The Timberwolves kept pressing in the fourth and outscored the visitors, 33-22, in the quarter to close out their second straight win.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 26 points, six rebounds, seven assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. Naz Reid followed up with 17 points, seven rebounds and a block, while Jaylen Nowell tallied 16 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Timberwolves shot 56.3 percent from the field, including 9-of-28 from deep.
Meanwhile, Evan Mobley totaled 19 points and eight rebounds, while Jarrett Allen recorded 19 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks, to lead the way for the Cavs. Donovan Mitchell added 14 points, three rebounds and six assists. The Cavs shot 48.7 percent from the field, including 8-of 28 from long range.
The Cavs (27-17) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pelicans on Monday. The Timberwolves (22-22) play host to the Jazz on Monday.
The game got out to a competitive start, as the Timberwolves led by two points after one quarter. The Cavs came out stronger in the second and rallied ahead to a five-point advantage by halftime. The hosts came out stronger in the third, but the Cavs were able to maintain a two-point edge heading into the final frame. The Timberwolves kept pressing in the fourth and outscored the visitors, 33-22, in the quarter to close out their second straight win.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 26 points, six rebounds, seven assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. Naz Reid followed up with 17 points, seven rebounds and a block, while Jaylen Nowell tallied 16 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Timberwolves shot 56.3 percent from the field, including 9-of-28 from deep.
Meanwhile, Evan Mobley totaled 19 points and eight rebounds, while Jarrett Allen recorded 19 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks, to lead the way for the Cavs. Donovan Mitchell added 14 points, three rebounds and six assists. The Cavs shot 48.7 percent from the field, including 8-of 28 from long range.
The Cavs (27-17) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pelicans on Monday. The Timberwolves (22-22) play host to the Jazz on Monday.
Sixers Defeat Jazz, 118-117
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the host Utah Jazz, 118-117, at Vivint Arena on Saturday.
While there were only two ties and four lead changes in this game, all four of those lead changes happened in the final 34 seconds. Philadelphia held the lead for the opening 47 minutes, but each team traded off baskets in four straight possessions in the final 34 seconds. Joel Embiid hit the last shot, knocking down a game-winning jumper with 5.7 seconds left. Utah didn't get off a shot in their final possession. The Sixers shot 17-of-39 from three-point range while holding the Jazz to 12-of-40 from long range.
The Sixers (26-16) were led by James Harden, collecting 31 points, six rebounds and 11 assists. Embiid had 30 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Tyrese Maxey tallied 21 points and three rebounds, while Shake Milton led the bench with 17 points, four rebounds and two assists. De'Anthony Melton accrued six points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals.
The Jazz (21-24) were led by Jordan Clarkson, compiling 38 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Walker Kessler hit all seven of his shots to finish with 15 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks. Mike Conley amassed 14 points and eight assists, while Talen Horton-Tucker led the bench with 20 points, six rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
Philly has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Sunday, staying on the road to play the Los Angeles Lakers. As for Utah, they travel to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday for their next outing.
While there were only two ties and four lead changes in this game, all four of those lead changes happened in the final 34 seconds. Philadelphia held the lead for the opening 47 minutes, but each team traded off baskets in four straight possessions in the final 34 seconds. Joel Embiid hit the last shot, knocking down a game-winning jumper with 5.7 seconds left. Utah didn't get off a shot in their final possession. The Sixers shot 17-of-39 from three-point range while holding the Jazz to 12-of-40 from long range.
The Sixers (26-16) were led by James Harden, collecting 31 points, six rebounds and 11 assists. Embiid had 30 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Tyrese Maxey tallied 21 points and three rebounds, while Shake Milton led the bench with 17 points, four rebounds and two assists. De'Anthony Melton accrued six points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals.
The Jazz (21-24) were led by Jordan Clarkson, compiling 38 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Walker Kessler hit all seven of his shots to finish with 15 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks. Mike Conley amassed 14 points and eight assists, while Talen Horton-Tucker led the bench with 20 points, six rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
Philly has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Sunday, staying on the road to play the Los Angeles Lakers. As for Utah, they travel to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday for their next outing.
Blazers Defeat Mavericks, 136-119
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Dallas Mavericks, 136-119, at Moda Center on Saturday.
Portland won all four individual quarters in this game, but a 40-26 second quarter carried them to victory. That allowed them to maintain a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half, getting their lead up to 26 points at times. The Trail Blazers out-rebounded the Mavericks, 48-32, while out-assisting them, 32-26. Portland also connected on 21-of-22 from the free-throw line, while Dallas hit just 11-of-19. The Trail Blazers shot 56 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range. In addition, they outscored Dallas in the paint, 44-28, and in fastbreak scoring, 24-9.
The Mavericks (24-20) were led by Spencer Dinwiddie, amassing 25 points and four assists. Reggie Bullock scored 24 points on 8-of-10 shooting. Luka Doncic collected 15 points, six rebounds and 10 assists on 7-of-19 from the field. Tim Hardaway Jr had 10 points and two boards, while Theo Pinson led the bench with 11 points and three assists.
The Trail Blazers (20-22) were led by Damian Lillard, finishing with 36 points, five rebounds and 10 assists. Jusuf Nurkic totaled 22 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Anfernee Simons accrued 21 points, four rebounds, five assists and two blocks, while Jerami Grant generated 16 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Gary Payton II led the bench with 10 points, two rebounds, two assists and four steals.
These teams will play the rare back-to-back rematch on Sunday, with Portland playing host yet again.
Portland won all four individual quarters in this game, but a 40-26 second quarter carried them to victory. That allowed them to maintain a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half, getting their lead up to 26 points at times. The Trail Blazers out-rebounded the Mavericks, 48-32, while out-assisting them, 32-26. Portland also connected on 21-of-22 from the free-throw line, while Dallas hit just 11-of-19. The Trail Blazers shot 56 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range. In addition, they outscored Dallas in the paint, 44-28, and in fastbreak scoring, 24-9.
The Mavericks (24-20) were led by Spencer Dinwiddie, amassing 25 points and four assists. Reggie Bullock scored 24 points on 8-of-10 shooting. Luka Doncic collected 15 points, six rebounds and 10 assists on 7-of-19 from the field. Tim Hardaway Jr had 10 points and two boards, while Theo Pinson led the bench with 11 points and three assists.
The Trail Blazers (20-22) were led by Damian Lillard, finishing with 36 points, five rebounds and 10 assists. Jusuf Nurkic totaled 22 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Anfernee Simons accrued 21 points, four rebounds, five assists and two blocks, while Jerami Grant generated 16 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Gary Payton II led the bench with 10 points, two rebounds, two assists and four steals.
These teams will play the rare back-to-back rematch on Sunday, with Portland playing host yet again.