Hawks Top Mavericks In Tight Contest
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 130-122, at American Airlines Center on Wednesday.
The Hawks (23-22) had to grind out until the very last minute, but in the end, they stole the victory away from the Mavericks (24-22) despite playing on the road. Atlanta got off to a solid start and jumped out to a 40-37 lead following the first quarter, but Dallas never stopped fighting and kept the deficit at just three points by the time the halftime break arrived. The Mavericks would reduce the differential to just one point following a 35-33 score in the third quarter, and everybody was gearing up for a tight finish, but Atlanta had other plans. The Hawks outscored their rivals by a 32-25 score in the final quarter and that was enough to secure the victory. With the win, Atlanta moved to 11-13 on the road while the Mavericks fell to 16-7 at home.
Dejounte Murray led the way for the Hawks after scoring 30 points while also adding seven rebounds and four assists, and Trae Young delivered a double-double of 18 points and 12 assists. Deandre Hunter and Onyeka Okongwu both posted 11-point tallies, with Okongwu also adding five rebounds to his name. John Collins delivered 19 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Clint Capela had 16 points and six rebounds off the bench.
Luka Doncic was the leading scorer for the Mavericks after notching 30 points, eight assists and four rebounds, while Spencer Dinwiddie delivered 20 points, seven dimes, four boards and two steals across 39 minutes. Christian Wood had 22 points and nine rebounds, but he also added four assists and two blocks. Reggie Bullock chipped in with 18 points off the bench.
The Hawks (23-22) had to grind out until the very last minute, but in the end, they stole the victory away from the Mavericks (24-22) despite playing on the road. Atlanta got off to a solid start and jumped out to a 40-37 lead following the first quarter, but Dallas never stopped fighting and kept the deficit at just three points by the time the halftime break arrived. The Mavericks would reduce the differential to just one point following a 35-33 score in the third quarter, and everybody was gearing up for a tight finish, but Atlanta had other plans. The Hawks outscored their rivals by a 32-25 score in the final quarter and that was enough to secure the victory. With the win, Atlanta moved to 11-13 on the road while the Mavericks fell to 16-7 at home.
Dejounte Murray led the way for the Hawks after scoring 30 points while also adding seven rebounds and four assists, and Trae Young delivered a double-double of 18 points and 12 assists. Deandre Hunter and Onyeka Okongwu both posted 11-point tallies, with Okongwu also adding five rebounds to his name. John Collins delivered 19 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Clint Capela had 16 points and six rebounds off the bench.
Luka Doncic was the leading scorer for the Mavericks after notching 30 points, eight assists and four rebounds, while Spencer Dinwiddie delivered 20 points, seven dimes, four boards and two steals across 39 minutes. Christian Wood had 22 points and nine rebounds, but he also added four assists and two blocks. Reggie Bullock chipped in with 18 points off the bench.
Wizards Secure Big Road Win Over Knicks
The Washington Wizards defeated the New York Knicks, 116-105, at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday.
The Wizards (19-26) had an excellent performance, and even though they showed signs of vanishing at times, they also closed things out strong to get the victory here as their performance was enough to grant them a win over the Knicks (25-21). Washington raced out to a 35-22 lead in the first quarter, but the Knicks showed signs of life and reduced that deficit to single digits following a 26-21 score in the second quarter. It seemed as if the game was going to be intense with the Wizards holding a meager eight-point lead, but the Wizards closed things out effectively. They won the third quarter by a 32-30 score and the fourth one by a 28-27 margin, so in the end, they closed things out comfortably to secure an 11-point win. With the win, the Wizards moved to 8-16 on the road while the Knicks’ home woes continue, and now they own an 11-13 record at Madison Square Garden.
Kyle Kuzma led the way for the Wizards with 27 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists, while Kristaps Porzingis notched 22 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Bradley Beal ended with 18 points, four rebounds and four assists, and Monte Morris delivered 13 points, seven boards and five dimes. Deni Avdija had 14 points and seven rebounds off the bench, and Delon Wright finished with 11 points, five boards and four dimes.
Jalen Brunson ended with 32 points and four assists for the Knicks, while Julius Randle had another double-double after pouring 14 points and 15 rebounds across 34 minutes. RJ Barrett notched 21 points and seven rebounds, and Quentin Grimes posted 14 points. Immanuel Quickley registered 18 points off the bench.
The Wizards (19-26) had an excellent performance, and even though they showed signs of vanishing at times, they also closed things out strong to get the victory here as their performance was enough to grant them a win over the Knicks (25-21). Washington raced out to a 35-22 lead in the first quarter, but the Knicks showed signs of life and reduced that deficit to single digits following a 26-21 score in the second quarter. It seemed as if the game was going to be intense with the Wizards holding a meager eight-point lead, but the Wizards closed things out effectively. They won the third quarter by a 32-30 score and the fourth one by a 28-27 margin, so in the end, they closed things out comfortably to secure an 11-point win. With the win, the Wizards moved to 8-16 on the road while the Knicks’ home woes continue, and now they own an 11-13 record at Madison Square Garden.
Kyle Kuzma led the way for the Wizards with 27 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists, while Kristaps Porzingis notched 22 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Bradley Beal ended with 18 points, four rebounds and four assists, and Monte Morris delivered 13 points, seven boards and five dimes. Deni Avdija had 14 points and seven rebounds off the bench, and Delon Wright finished with 11 points, five boards and four dimes.
Jalen Brunson ended with 32 points and four assists for the Knicks, while Julius Randle had another double-double after pouring 14 points and 15 rebounds across 34 minutes. RJ Barrett notched 21 points and seven rebounds, and Quentin Grimes posted 14 points. Immanuel Quickley registered 18 points off the bench.
Heat Blasts Pelicans, 124-98
The Miami Heat defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 124-98, at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday night.
The Heat (25-21) checked into the contest the hotter team and played like it early, building a 13-point first-quarter lead over the Pelicans (26-19) that had expanded to 19 by intermission courtesy of a 70-point first-half haul. Miami added another three points to its advantage in the third, setting the stage for the easy victory. The visitors shot 53.2 percent overall and forced 18 turnovers while committing only nine.
Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 26 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Jimmy Butler totaled 18 points, seven assists and three rebounds. Gabe Vincent and Max Strus posted matching 16-point tallies, with Vincent adding five rebounds and Strus dishing out 10 assists. Tyler Herro furnished 14 points, seven assists, four boards and two steals. Caleb Martin and Orlando Robinson generated matching 10-point contributions while recording three and four rebounds, respectively.
CJ McCollum paced the Pelicans with 21 points, supplementing them with four assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Jonas Valanciunas produced an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double. Naji Marshall delivered 12 points, five boards and four assists. Jose Alvarado netted 11 points.
The Heat remains on the road and visits the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night, while the Pelicans visit the Orlando Magic on Friday night as well.
The Heat (25-21) checked into the contest the hotter team and played like it early, building a 13-point first-quarter lead over the Pelicans (26-19) that had expanded to 19 by intermission courtesy of a 70-point first-half haul. Miami added another three points to its advantage in the third, setting the stage for the easy victory. The visitors shot 53.2 percent overall and forced 18 turnovers while committing only nine.
Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 26 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Jimmy Butler totaled 18 points, seven assists and three rebounds. Gabe Vincent and Max Strus posted matching 16-point tallies, with Vincent adding five rebounds and Strus dishing out 10 assists. Tyler Herro furnished 14 points, seven assists, four boards and two steals. Caleb Martin and Orlando Robinson generated matching 10-point contributions while recording three and four rebounds, respectively.
CJ McCollum paced the Pelicans with 21 points, supplementing them with four assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Jonas Valanciunas produced an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double. Naji Marshall delivered 12 points, five boards and four assists. Jose Alvarado netted 11 points.
The Heat remains on the road and visits the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night, while the Pelicans visit the Orlando Magic on Friday night as well.
Hornets Topple Rockets, 122-117
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Houston Rockets, 122-117, at Toyota Center on Wednesday night.
The Hornets (12-34) and Rockets (10-35) both came into the game with significant defensive liabilities, and that was evident during a first half Houston emerged from with a 60-53 advantage. Charlotte was then able to lop all but one point from its deficit going into the final period despite losing LaMelo Ball to an ankle injury during the third quarter. The visitors eventually overtook the hosts, and although the Rockets got as close within three with 13.1 seconds remaining, Bryce McGowens sealed the victory with a pair of free throws.
Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 26 points, adding six assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Mason Plumlee and Mark Williams delivered matching 17-point efforts while adding nine and six rebounds, respectively. Plumlee added three steals while Williams recorded five blocks. P.J. Washington turned in 16 points, eight rebounds, two assists, three steals and three blocks. Ball supplied 13 points, four assists and one rebound. Jalen McDaniels finished with 12 points, four rebounds, three assists, five steals and one block. McGowens registered 10 points, four boards and three assists.
Jalen Green paced the Rockets with 41 points, complementing them with seven assists and five rebounds. Alperen Sengun compiled a 24-point, 12-rebound double-double that included six assists, two steals and one block. Kenyon Martin Jr. and Eric Gordon turned in 11 points apiece, with Martin also registering seven boards and three assists.
The Hornets remain on the road and face the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night while the Rockets also hit the road and take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night.
The Hornets (12-34) and Rockets (10-35) both came into the game with significant defensive liabilities, and that was evident during a first half Houston emerged from with a 60-53 advantage. Charlotte was then able to lop all but one point from its deficit going into the final period despite losing LaMelo Ball to an ankle injury during the third quarter. The visitors eventually overtook the hosts, and although the Rockets got as close within three with 13.1 seconds remaining, Bryce McGowens sealed the victory with a pair of free throws.
Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 26 points, adding six assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Mason Plumlee and Mark Williams delivered matching 17-point efforts while adding nine and six rebounds, respectively. Plumlee added three steals while Williams recorded five blocks. P.J. Washington turned in 16 points, eight rebounds, two assists, three steals and three blocks. Ball supplied 13 points, four assists and one rebound. Jalen McDaniels finished with 12 points, four rebounds, three assists, five steals and one block. McGowens registered 10 points, four boards and three assists.
Jalen Green paced the Rockets with 41 points, complementing them with seven assists and five rebounds. Alperen Sengun compiled a 24-point, 12-rebound double-double that included six assists, two steals and one block. Kenyon Martin Jr. and Eric Gordon turned in 11 points apiece, with Martin also registering seven boards and three assists.
The Hornets remain on the road and face the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night while the Rockets also hit the road and take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night.
Thunder Close Out Fourth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Indiana Pacers, 126-106, at Paycom Center on Wednesday evening.
The Thunder jumped out to a great start and led, 36-20, after one quarter. The Pacers tightened up the defense in the second and trimmed it to a 14-point game heading into the break. The Thunder picked up the momentum in the third and outscored the visitors, 42-29, to take a 27-point lead into the final frame, which was enough to cruise to a fourth consecutive win. This marks the fifth straight loss for the Pacers.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 23 points, three rebounds, six assists and three steals, in 30 minutes. Isaiah Joe totaled 23 points, four rebounds, two steals and a block, while Luguentz Dort finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds, a steal and a block. The Thunder shot 50.5 percent from the field, including 16-of-36 from deep.
Meanwhile, Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers with 18 points, five rebounds, seven assists and a two steals, in 27 minutes. Bennedict Mathurin tallied 13 points and five rebounds, while Trevelin Queen added 13 points, nine rebounds, three blocks and a steal. The Pacers shot 41.5 percent from the field, including 12-of-33 from long range.
The Pacers (23-23) will look to bounce back as they take on the Nuggets in Denver on Friday. The Thunder (22-23) take on the Kings in Sacramento on Friday.
The Thunder jumped out to a great start and led, 36-20, after one quarter. The Pacers tightened up the defense in the second and trimmed it to a 14-point game heading into the break. The Thunder picked up the momentum in the third and outscored the visitors, 42-29, to take a 27-point lead into the final frame, which was enough to cruise to a fourth consecutive win. This marks the fifth straight loss for the Pacers.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 23 points, three rebounds, six assists and three steals, in 30 minutes. Isaiah Joe totaled 23 points, four rebounds, two steals and a block, while Luguentz Dort finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds, a steal and a block. The Thunder shot 50.5 percent from the field, including 16-of-36 from deep.
Meanwhile, Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers with 18 points, five rebounds, seven assists and a two steals, in 27 minutes. Bennedict Mathurin tallied 13 points and five rebounds, while Trevelin Queen added 13 points, nine rebounds, three blocks and a steal. The Pacers shot 41.5 percent from the field, including 12-of-33 from long range.
The Pacers (23-23) will look to bounce back as they take on the Nuggets in Denver on Friday. The Thunder (22-23) take on the Kings in Sacramento on Friday.
Grizzlies Notch 11th Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, 115-114, at FedEx Forum on Wednesday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start, as the Grizzlies led, 31-30, after one quarter. The hosts turned up the heat in the second and rallied to a 19-point lead, before the Cavs rallied back to make it a seven-point game at halftime. The Cavs carried the momentum into the third and outscored the hosts, 30-21, to claim a two-point lead heading into the final frame. The score stayed tight through the fourth, but the Grizzlies came up clutch with the final go-ahead bucket to secure their 11th straight win.
Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 25 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Ja Morant followed up with 24 points, three rebounds, eight assists and a steal, while Jaren Jackson tallied 15 points, seven rebounds, four blocks and a steal. The Grizzlies shot 45.4 percent from the field, including 11-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Darius Garland led the Cavs with 24 points, five rebounds, 14 assists and two steals, in 39 minutes. Caris LeVert followed up with 23 points, four rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block, while Evan Mobley totaled 18 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal. The Cavs shot 51.2 percent from the field, including 16-of-35 from deep.
The Cavs (28-17) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Warriors on Friday. The Grizzlies (31-13) take on the Lakers in Los Angeles on Friday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start, as the Grizzlies led, 31-30, after one quarter. The hosts turned up the heat in the second and rallied to a 19-point lead, before the Cavs rallied back to make it a seven-point game at halftime. The Cavs carried the momentum into the third and outscored the hosts, 30-21, to claim a two-point lead heading into the final frame. The score stayed tight through the fourth, but the Grizzlies came up clutch with the final go-ahead bucket to secure their 11th straight win.
Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 25 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Ja Morant followed up with 24 points, three rebounds, eight assists and a steal, while Jaren Jackson tallied 15 points, seven rebounds, four blocks and a steal. The Grizzlies shot 45.4 percent from the field, including 11-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Darius Garland led the Cavs with 24 points, five rebounds, 14 assists and two steals, in 39 minutes. Caris LeVert followed up with 23 points, four rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block, while Evan Mobley totaled 18 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal. The Cavs shot 51.2 percent from the field, including 16-of-35 from deep.
The Cavs (28-17) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Warriors on Friday. The Grizzlies (31-13) take on the Lakers in Los Angeles on Friday.
Jazz Cruise Past Clippers
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Los Angeles Clippers, 126-103, at Vivint Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Jazz jumped out to a strong start with a, 36-26, lead after one quarter, and they stayed in control through the second to take a 12-point advantage into the break. The Clippers had no answers in the third, as the Jazz increased their cushion to 14 points, heading into the final quarter. The hosts did not let up and charged through the fourth to close out their second straight win.
Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 34 points, 12 rebounds, two blocks and a steal, in 33 minutes. Mike Conley followed up with 17 points, four rebounds, nine assists and a block, while Jordan Clarkson finished with 16 points, two rebounds and four assists. The Jazz shot 51.7 percent from the field, including 19-of-32 from deep.
Meanwhile, Norman Powell led the Clippers with 30 points, four rebounds and three assists, in 30 minutes. Ivica Zubac followed up with 15 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks, while Nicolas Batum tallied 11 points and five rebounds. The Clippers shot 40.2 percent from the field, including 15-of-34 from long range.
The Clippers (23-24) will look to bounce back as they take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Friday. The Jazz (24-24) play host to the Nets on Friday.
The Jazz jumped out to a strong start with a, 36-26, lead after one quarter, and they stayed in control through the second to take a 12-point advantage into the break. The Clippers had no answers in the third, as the Jazz increased their cushion to 14 points, heading into the final quarter. The hosts did not let up and charged through the fourth to close out their second straight win.
Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 34 points, 12 rebounds, two blocks and a steal, in 33 minutes. Mike Conley followed up with 17 points, four rebounds, nine assists and a block, while Jordan Clarkson finished with 16 points, two rebounds and four assists. The Jazz shot 51.7 percent from the field, including 19-of-32 from deep.
Meanwhile, Norman Powell led the Clippers with 30 points, four rebounds and three assists, in 30 minutes. Ivica Zubac followed up with 15 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks, while Nicolas Batum tallied 11 points and five rebounds. The Clippers shot 40.2 percent from the field, including 15-of-34 from long range.
The Clippers (23-24) will look to bounce back as they take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Friday. The Jazz (24-24) play host to the Nets on Friday.
Nuggets Defeat T'Wolves, 122-118
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 122-118, at Ball Arena on Wednesday.
While there were only five ties and six lead changes, neither team led by more than 10 points in this game. Denver rode a 34-23 fourth quarter to their comeback win, finishing the game on a 9-0 run across the final 2:31. They forced Minnesota to miss their final six shots while committing two turnovers in that closing scoreless stretch. The Nuggets shot 53 percent from the field and 38 percent from three-point range. Denver also outscored Minnesota in the paint, 72-54.
The Timberwolves (22-24) were led by Jaden McDaniels, finishing with 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Naz Reid registered 17 points, three rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Anthony Edwards had 16 points, nine rebounds and three assists, while Kyle Anderson tallied 13 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and four steals.
The Nuggets (32-13) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 31 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists. Jamal Murray amassed 28 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals. Aaron Gordon accrued 12 points and three boards, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope provided 11 points, two assists and three steals. Bruce Brown led the bench with 16 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Minnesota has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Thursday, returning home to play the Toronto Raptors. As for Denver, they return to action on Friday in a home matchup with the Indiana Pacers.
While there were only five ties and six lead changes, neither team led by more than 10 points in this game. Denver rode a 34-23 fourth quarter to their comeback win, finishing the game on a 9-0 run across the final 2:31. They forced Minnesota to miss their final six shots while committing two turnovers in that closing scoreless stretch. The Nuggets shot 53 percent from the field and 38 percent from three-point range. Denver also outscored Minnesota in the paint, 72-54.
The Timberwolves (22-24) were led by Jaden McDaniels, finishing with 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Naz Reid registered 17 points, three rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Anthony Edwards had 16 points, nine rebounds and three assists, while Kyle Anderson tallied 13 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and four steals.
The Nuggets (32-13) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 31 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists. Jamal Murray amassed 28 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals. Aaron Gordon accrued 12 points and three boards, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope provided 11 points, two assists and three steals. Bruce Brown led the bench with 16 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Minnesota has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Thursday, returning home to play the Toronto Raptors. As for Denver, they return to action on Friday in a home matchup with the Indiana Pacers.
Kings Defeat Lakers, 116-111
The Sacramento Kings defeated the host Los Angeles Lakers, 116-117, at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday.
While Los Angeles kicked things off with a 39-28 first quarter, Sacramento outscored LA 33-21 in the second quarter and 29-22 in the third quarter. That was too much for the Lakers to overcome, with the Kings getting their lead up to 14 points at times in the second half. With that said, there were 13 lead changes in total. Sacramento out-rebounded Los Angeles, 55-45, while doubling them up in second-chance points, 20-10.
The Kings (25-18) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 31 points, three rebounds and six assists. Harrison Barnes had 20 points, six rebounds and two assists. Kevin Huerter compiled 18 points, three rebounds, eight assists and two steals, while Richaun Holmes registered 16 points and 11 rebounds in a rare start. Keegan Murray also had 10 points and 10 boards.
The Lakers (20-25) were led by LeBron James, collecting 32 points, eight rebounds and nine assists. He was the only starter in double figures. Russell Westbrook led the bench with 19 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Kendrick Nunn dropped 14 points, while Max Christie totaled 12 points, three rebounds and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Sacramento returning home to play the Oklahoma City Thunder and LA remaining home to face the Memphis Grizzlies.
While Los Angeles kicked things off with a 39-28 first quarter, Sacramento outscored LA 33-21 in the second quarter and 29-22 in the third quarter. That was too much for the Lakers to overcome, with the Kings getting their lead up to 14 points at times in the second half. With that said, there were 13 lead changes in total. Sacramento out-rebounded Los Angeles, 55-45, while doubling them up in second-chance points, 20-10.
The Kings (25-18) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 31 points, three rebounds and six assists. Harrison Barnes had 20 points, six rebounds and two assists. Kevin Huerter compiled 18 points, three rebounds, eight assists and two steals, while Richaun Holmes registered 16 points and 11 rebounds in a rare start. Keegan Murray also had 10 points and 10 boards.
The Lakers (20-25) were led by LeBron James, collecting 32 points, eight rebounds and nine assists. He was the only starter in double figures. Russell Westbrook led the bench with 19 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Kendrick Nunn dropped 14 points, while Max Christie totaled 12 points, three rebounds and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Sacramento returning home to play the Oklahoma City Thunder and LA remaining home to face the Memphis Grizzlies.