Knicks Use Strong Start To Defeat Pistons
The New York Knicks defeated the Detroit Pistons, 117-104, at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday.
The Knicks (25-19) enjoyed an excellent start and that was enough to set the tone against the Pistons (12-35), ultimately cruising their way to victory with ease. New York grabbed a 39-22 lead following the first quarter and it seemed as if they’d lead the rest of the way with ease, but the Pistons put up a fight in the second quarter following a 33-23 score. Still, the Knicks held a seven-point lead entering halftime and didn’t have issues to navigate the second half easily. The Knicks won the third quarter by a 28-25 score and the fourth one with a 27-24 score, so they won the game with relative ease despite the fact Detroit never gave up. With the win, the Knicks moved to 14-8 on the road while the Pistons fell to 6-16 at home.
Julius Randle had a dominant performance Sunday and finished with 42 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and a block, while Jalen Brunson posted 27 points, five boards and four dimes. RJ Barrett ended with 13 points, and Quentin Grimes finished with 11 points, four boards and three assists. Immanuel Quickley impressed off the bench and posted 17 points across 34 minutes.
Saddiq Bey and Jaden Ivey led the way for the Pistons with matching 21-point and six-rebound tallies, though Ivey also dished out six assists. Isaiah Livers was the only other starter who scored in double digits for Detroit thanks to an 11-point performance that also included six rebounds and three assists. Kevin Knox II posted 16 points and Alec Burks had 14, both coming off the bench.
The Knicks (25-19) enjoyed an excellent start and that was enough to set the tone against the Pistons (12-35), ultimately cruising their way to victory with ease. New York grabbed a 39-22 lead following the first quarter and it seemed as if they’d lead the rest of the way with ease, but the Pistons put up a fight in the second quarter following a 33-23 score. Still, the Knicks held a seven-point lead entering halftime and didn’t have issues to navigate the second half easily. The Knicks won the third quarter by a 28-25 score and the fourth one with a 27-24 score, so they won the game with relative ease despite the fact Detroit never gave up. With the win, the Knicks moved to 14-8 on the road while the Pistons fell to 6-16 at home.
Julius Randle had a dominant performance Sunday and finished with 42 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and a block, while Jalen Brunson posted 27 points, five boards and four dimes. RJ Barrett ended with 13 points, and Quentin Grimes finished with 11 points, four boards and three assists. Immanuel Quickley impressed off the bench and posted 17 points across 34 minutes.
Saddiq Bey and Jaden Ivey led the way for the Pistons with matching 21-point and six-rebound tallies, though Ivey also dished out six assists. Isaiah Livers was the only other starter who scored in double digits for Detroit thanks to an 11-point performance that also included six rebounds and three assists. Kevin Knox II posted 16 points and Alec Burks had 14, both coming off the bench.
Clippers Top Rockets Behind Fourth Quarter Surge
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Houston Rockets, 121-100, at crypto.com Arena on Sunday.
The Clippers (23-22) moved over the .500 mark with a comfortable win against a depleted and shorthanded Rockets (10-33) team that put up a fight, but wasn’t able to contend with the Clippers for the entire 48-minute span. With the win, the Clippers moved to 13-10 at home while the Rockets fell to 4-19 on the road. The game was tight in each of the first three quarters, though, with Los Angeles securing a 31-30 lead in the first quarter only to see the Rockets storm back with a 33-31 score in the second one. Los Angeles recovered the advantage following a 29-27 score in the third period and the Clippers held a slim one-point lead heading into the fourth quarter, but the Clippers dominated and the Rockets crumbled in the final 12 minutes. A 30-10 score allowed the Clippers to race out to victory, and even though they ended up winning by 21 points, that’s not a fair reflection of what happened in the contest.
Terance Mann was the top scorer for the Clippers and posted 31 points with six rebounds and four assists, while Kawhi Leonard notched 30 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Ivica Zubac had 10 points and five rebounds, and Norman Powell delivered 18 points coming off the bench. No other Clippers player scored in double digits.
Eric Gordon stepped his game up and led the Rockets in scoring after posting 24 points, and Alperen Sengun notched a strong game with 15 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Kenyon Martin Jr. delivered 22 points and nine rebounds, and Jabari Smith had 12 points and five boards while shooting 5-for-15 from the field. Tari Eason had 11 points off the bench.
The Clippers (23-22) moved over the .500 mark with a comfortable win against a depleted and shorthanded Rockets (10-33) team that put up a fight, but wasn’t able to contend with the Clippers for the entire 48-minute span. With the win, the Clippers moved to 13-10 at home while the Rockets fell to 4-19 on the road. The game was tight in each of the first three quarters, though, with Los Angeles securing a 31-30 lead in the first quarter only to see the Rockets storm back with a 33-31 score in the second one. Los Angeles recovered the advantage following a 29-27 score in the third period and the Clippers held a slim one-point lead heading into the fourth quarter, but the Clippers dominated and the Rockets crumbled in the final 12 minutes. A 30-10 score allowed the Clippers to race out to victory, and even though they ended up winning by 21 points, that’s not a fair reflection of what happened in the contest.
Terance Mann was the top scorer for the Clippers and posted 31 points with six rebounds and four assists, while Kawhi Leonard notched 30 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Ivica Zubac had 10 points and five rebounds, and Norman Powell delivered 18 points coming off the bench. No other Clippers player scored in double digits.
Eric Gordon stepped his game up and led the Rockets in scoring after posting 24 points, and Alperen Sengun notched a strong game with 15 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Kenyon Martin Jr. delivered 22 points and nine rebounds, and Jabari Smith had 12 points and five boards while shooting 5-for-15 from the field. Tari Eason had 11 points off the bench.
Bulls Defeat Warriors, 132-118
The Chicago Bulls defeated the visiting Golden State Warriors, 132-118, at United Center on Sunday.
This was a true tale of four quarters, with each individual frame being decided by eight points or more. A 35-20 first quarter set the foundation for Chicago in their win, putting things away behind a 73-56 second half. The Bulls shot 21-of-24 from the free-throw line, while the Warriors connected on just 15-of-22. Chicago also doubled up Golden State in steals, 12-6, winning the turnover battle, 23-10. They also outscored the Warriors in the paint, 56-34.
The Warriors (21-22) were led by Klay Thompson, tallying 26 points, four rebounds and four assists. Stephen Curry collected 20 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and eight turnovers. Andrew Wiggins accrued 11 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Draymond Green generated eight points, four rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Jordan Poole led the bench with 15 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Bulls (20-24) were led by Nikola Vucevic, finishing with 43 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and four steals. Zach LaVine had 27 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Alex Caruso compiled 12 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Ayo Dosunmu totaled 12 points, six assists and two steals, while Coby White led the bench with 15 points, three rebounds and two steals.
Golden State has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Monday, staying on the road to face the Washington Wizards. As for Chicago, they're off until Thursday when they play the Detroit Pistons in Paris.
This was a true tale of four quarters, with each individual frame being decided by eight points or more. A 35-20 first quarter set the foundation for Chicago in their win, putting things away behind a 73-56 second half. The Bulls shot 21-of-24 from the free-throw line, while the Warriors connected on just 15-of-22. Chicago also doubled up Golden State in steals, 12-6, winning the turnover battle, 23-10. They also outscored the Warriors in the paint, 56-34.
The Warriors (21-22) were led by Klay Thompson, tallying 26 points, four rebounds and four assists. Stephen Curry collected 20 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and eight turnovers. Andrew Wiggins accrued 11 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Draymond Green generated eight points, four rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Jordan Poole led the bench with 15 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Bulls (20-24) were led by Nikola Vucevic, finishing with 43 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and four steals. Zach LaVine had 27 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Alex Caruso compiled 12 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Ayo Dosunmu totaled 12 points, six assists and two steals, while Coby White led the bench with 15 points, three rebounds and two steals.
Golden State has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Monday, staying on the road to face the Washington Wizards. As for Chicago, they're off until Thursday when they play the Detroit Pistons in Paris.
Thunder Topples Nets, 112-102
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 112-102, at Barclays Center on Sunday evening.
The Thunder (21-23) came into the game brimming with confidence after having won four of the prior five games, a stretch that included wins over the 76ers and Mavericks. OKC got off to a good start in their latest tough test, forging a 28-24 lead through the first 12 minutes. However, the Nets (27-15) bounced back to erase the deficit and take a two-point advantage into halftime and a five-point edge into the final period. Nevertheless, the visitors summoned the resiliency they'd shown recently when it counted most, outscoring Brooklyn by a 37-22 margin, including a 33-20 tally in the final 10:08.
Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander co-led the Thunder with 28 points while adding nine and seven rebounds, respectively. Giddey also recorded nine assists. Luguentz Dort furnished 22 points, five boards and two assists. Isaiah Joe delivered nine points, three boards, one steal and one block.
Seth Curry paced the Nets with 23 points, complementing them with two boards, one assist and one steal. Nicolas Claxton generated a 17-point, 13-rebound double-double that included four blocks. Kyrie Irving totaled 15 points, six rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Royce O'Neale posted 11 points, 10 boards, eight assists and one steal.
The Thunder return home to host the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night, while the Nets visit the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night.
The Thunder (21-23) came into the game brimming with confidence after having won four of the prior five games, a stretch that included wins over the 76ers and Mavericks. OKC got off to a good start in their latest tough test, forging a 28-24 lead through the first 12 minutes. However, the Nets (27-15) bounced back to erase the deficit and take a two-point advantage into halftime and a five-point edge into the final period. Nevertheless, the visitors summoned the resiliency they'd shown recently when it counted most, outscoring Brooklyn by a 37-22 margin, including a 33-20 tally in the final 10:08.
Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander co-led the Thunder with 28 points while adding nine and seven rebounds, respectively. Giddey also recorded nine assists. Luguentz Dort furnished 22 points, five boards and two assists. Isaiah Joe delivered nine points, three boards, one steal and one block.
Seth Curry paced the Nets with 23 points, complementing them with two boards, one assist and one steal. Nicolas Claxton generated a 17-point, 13-rebound double-double that included four blocks. Kyrie Irving totaled 15 points, six rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Royce O'Neale posted 11 points, 10 boards, eight assists and one steal.
The Thunder return home to host the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night, while the Nets visit the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night.
Kings Earn Fourth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Sacramento Kings defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 132-119, at AT&T Center on Sunday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Kings led, 33-32, after one quarter. Both sides kept up the pace in the second, while the Spurs pulled ahead for a one-point lead at the break. The visitors turned in up a notch in the third and outscored the Spurs, 39-26, to take a 12-point advantage into the final frame. The Spurs kept up the fight in the fourth but fell short for a fifth straight loss, while this marks the fourth consecutive win for the Kings.
Harrison Barnes led the way for the Kings with 29 points, two rebounds, two assists and a block, in 39 minutes. Domantas Sabonis totaled 18 points, 18 rebounds and eight assists, while De'Aaron Fox finished with 23 points and three assists. The Kings shot 55.1 percent from the field, including 14-of-30 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jakob Poeltl led the Spurs with 23 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks, in 31 minutes. Josh Richardson followed up with 21 points, four assists and a steal, while Keldon Johnson tallied 20 points, seven rebounds and three assists. The Spurs shot 51.6 percent from the field, including 10-of-26 from deep.
The Spurs (13-31) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nets on Tuesday. The Kings (24-18) take on the Lakers in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Kings led, 33-32, after one quarter. Both sides kept up the pace in the second, while the Spurs pulled ahead for a one-point lead at the break. The visitors turned in up a notch in the third and outscored the Spurs, 39-26, to take a 12-point advantage into the final frame. The Spurs kept up the fight in the fourth but fell short for a fifth straight loss, while this marks the fourth consecutive win for the Kings.
Harrison Barnes led the way for the Kings with 29 points, two rebounds, two assists and a block, in 39 minutes. Domantas Sabonis totaled 18 points, 18 rebounds and eight assists, while De'Aaron Fox finished with 23 points and three assists. The Kings shot 55.1 percent from the field, including 14-of-30 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jakob Poeltl led the Spurs with 23 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks, in 31 minutes. Josh Richardson followed up with 21 points, four assists and a steal, while Keldon Johnson tallied 20 points, seven rebounds and three assists. The Spurs shot 51.6 percent from the field, including 10-of-26 from deep.
The Spurs (13-31) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nets on Tuesday. The Kings (24-18) take on the Lakers in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
Nuggets Rally To Hold Off Magic
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 119-116, at Ball Arena on Sunday.
The Magic got out to an early lead, but the Nuggets rallied to a six-point lead after one quarter. The hosts kept the pressure on and outscored the Magic, 38-29, in the second to take a 15-point lead into halftime. The visitors came out stronger in the third and cut it to a six-point game heading into the final quarter. The Magic kept the momentum going and rallied to a four-point lead with 2:20 left, before the Nuggets closed on a, 10-3, run to close out their sixth straight win. This marks the second straight loss for the Magic.
Aaron Gordon led the Nuggets with 25 points, eight rebounds and five assists, in 32 minutes. Nikola Jokic totaled 17 points, 10 rebounds, 14 assists, two steals and a block, while Jamal Murray finished with 18 points, four rebounds and seven assists. The Nuggets shot 53.9 percent from the field, including 13-of-39 from long range.
Meanwhile, Markelle Fultz led the Magic with 20 points, seven rebounds, sic assists and two steals, in 27 minutes. Franz Wagner followed up with 19 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Paolo Banchero totaled 18 points, two rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block. The Magic shot 48.8 percent from the field, including 7-of-29 from deep.
The Magic (16-28) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pelicans on Friday. The Nuggets (29-13) play host to the Trail Blazers on Tuesday.
The Magic got out to an early lead, but the Nuggets rallied to a six-point lead after one quarter. The hosts kept the pressure on and outscored the Magic, 38-29, in the second to take a 15-point lead into halftime. The visitors came out stronger in the third and cut it to a six-point game heading into the final quarter. The Magic kept the momentum going and rallied to a four-point lead with 2:20 left, before the Nuggets closed on a, 10-3, run to close out their sixth straight win. This marks the second straight loss for the Magic.
Aaron Gordon led the Nuggets with 25 points, eight rebounds and five assists, in 32 minutes. Nikola Jokic totaled 17 points, 10 rebounds, 14 assists, two steals and a block, while Jamal Murray finished with 18 points, four rebounds and seven assists. The Nuggets shot 53.9 percent from the field, including 13-of-39 from long range.
Meanwhile, Markelle Fultz led the Magic with 20 points, seven rebounds, sic assists and two steals, in 27 minutes. Franz Wagner followed up with 19 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Paolo Banchero totaled 18 points, two rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block. The Magic shot 48.8 percent from the field, including 7-of-29 from deep.
The Magic (16-28) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pelicans on Friday. The Nuggets (29-13) play host to the Trail Blazers on Tuesday.
Trail Blazers Rout Mavericks Again, 140-123
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 140-123, at Moda Center on Sunday night.
The Trail Blazers (21-22) came into the night hoping to carry over the momentum from their 136-point showing against these same Mavericks (24-21) on Saturday night, and the first quarter seemed to indicate that would be the case. Portland emerged from the opening period with a 33-31 lead, and they'd opened up their advantage to seven points by halftime. Dallas then countered with its best quarter coming out of intermission, but even with a 41-point haul during the period, the Mavs only put a four-point dent in their deficit. Ultimately, the hosts were able to pull ahead with their most prolific stretch of play in the fourth quarter, when they racked up 42 points.
Spencer Dinwiddie led the Mavericks with 28 points, adding nine assists. Jaden Hardy furnished 25 points, two boards, two assists and one steal. Christian Wood generated a 23-point, 16-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block. Davis Bertans supplied 11 points, four boards and one steal. Reggie Bullock and Dwight Powell pitched in matching 10-point, four-rebound efforts.
Damian Lillard paced the Trail Blazers with 40 points, supplementing them with six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Jerami Grant, Anfernee Simons and Jusuf Nurkic offered matching 20-point, four-rebound efforts, with Nurkic and Simons adding four assists apiece. Nassir Little finished with 10 points.
The Mavericks head back home to host the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night, while the Trail Blazers hit the road and visit the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night.
The Trail Blazers (21-22) came into the night hoping to carry over the momentum from their 136-point showing against these same Mavericks (24-21) on Saturday night, and the first quarter seemed to indicate that would be the case. Portland emerged from the opening period with a 33-31 lead, and they'd opened up their advantage to seven points by halftime. Dallas then countered with its best quarter coming out of intermission, but even with a 41-point haul during the period, the Mavs only put a four-point dent in their deficit. Ultimately, the hosts were able to pull ahead with their most prolific stretch of play in the fourth quarter, when they racked up 42 points.
Spencer Dinwiddie led the Mavericks with 28 points, adding nine assists. Jaden Hardy furnished 25 points, two boards, two assists and one steal. Christian Wood generated a 23-point, 16-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block. Davis Bertans supplied 11 points, four boards and one steal. Reggie Bullock and Dwight Powell pitched in matching 10-point, four-rebound efforts.
Damian Lillard paced the Trail Blazers with 40 points, supplementing them with six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Jerami Grant, Anfernee Simons and Jusuf Nurkic offered matching 20-point, four-rebound efforts, with Nurkic and Simons adding four assists apiece. Nassir Little finished with 10 points.
The Mavericks head back home to host the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night, while the Trail Blazers hit the road and visit the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night.
Sixers Defeat Lakers, 113-112
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the host Los Angeles Lakers, 113-112, at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday.
There were 18 ties and 23 lead changes in this close-fought battle, with neither team leading by more than eight points. Neither club led by more than four points in the fourth quarter either, but Philly was able to prevail thanks to a 29-25 third quarter. The Sixers shot 12-of-34 from three-point range and 15-of-19 from the free-throw line, while the Lakers connected on 6-of-20 from long range and 10-of-13 from the charity stripe. Philadelphia also out-rebounded Los Angeles, 46-42.
The Sixers (27-16) were led by Joel Embiid, finishing with 35 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. James Harden had 24 points, seven rebounds and 13 assists. Tobias Harris generated 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and three blocks, while Tyrese Maxey led the bench with 16 points and five boards. Georges Niang and Shake Milton scored eight points apiece as well.
The Lakers (19-24) were led by LeBron James, collecting 35 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists. Russell Westbrook led the bench with 20 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists. Troy Brown Jr totaled 13 points and four boards, while Thomas Bryant tallied 10 points and three rebounds. Wenyen Gabriel also had 14 points and two blocks.
Los Angeles has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Monday, staying home to face the Houston Rockets. As for Philly, they play the other LA team on the road on Tuesday for their next outing.
There were 18 ties and 23 lead changes in this close-fought battle, with neither team leading by more than eight points. Neither club led by more than four points in the fourth quarter either, but Philly was able to prevail thanks to a 29-25 third quarter. The Sixers shot 12-of-34 from three-point range and 15-of-19 from the free-throw line, while the Lakers connected on 6-of-20 from long range and 10-of-13 from the charity stripe. Philadelphia also out-rebounded Los Angeles, 46-42.
The Sixers (27-16) were led by Joel Embiid, finishing with 35 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. James Harden had 24 points, seven rebounds and 13 assists. Tobias Harris generated 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and three blocks, while Tyrese Maxey led the bench with 16 points and five boards. Georges Niang and Shake Milton scored eight points apiece as well.
The Lakers (19-24) were led by LeBron James, collecting 35 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists. Russell Westbrook led the bench with 20 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists. Troy Brown Jr totaled 13 points and four boards, while Thomas Bryant tallied 10 points and three rebounds. Wenyen Gabriel also had 14 points and two blocks.
Los Angeles has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Monday, staying home to face the Houston Rockets. As for Philly, they play the other LA team on the road on Tuesday for their next outing.