Magic Pull Huge Comeback To Defeat Pelicans
The Orlando Magic defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 123-110, at Amway Center on Friday.
The Magic (17-28) delivered another proof of their character Friday with a huge win over the Pelicans (26-20), as they came from behind following a slow start and dominated the second half to secure a huge win in front of their fans. New Orleans looked better in the early going and secured a 30-23 lead following the first quarter, but the Magic started showing signs of a turnaround when they won the second quarter by a 33-30 score. Orlando kept the momentum going in the second half and outscored New Orleans by a 32-31 score in the third quarter, but they were still down by three points with just 12 minutes left on the clock. The Magic showed their best basketball when it mattered the most, and Orlando won the final period by a 35-19 score, which was enough to complete the comeback. With the win, Orlando moved to 11-12 at home while the Pelicans fell to 9-14 on the road.
Franz Wagner carried the Magic in the win after posting 30 points, nine assists and six rebounds, while Gary Harris recorded 15 points across 27 minutes. Paolo Banchero had a rough night and finished with 11 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal. Cole Anthony ended with 22 points, four assists and three rebounds off the bench, while Bol Bol recorded 12 points, five rebounds and two blocks.
CJ McCollum led the Pelicans in scoring once again and finished with 23 points, five rebounds, seven assists and three steals, while Jonas Valanciunas had a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds. Trey Murphy III delivered 18 points and six boards, and Herbert Jones added 10 points with three dimes and two boards. Jose Alvarado finished with 17 points, four rebounds and four assists off the bench.
The Magic (17-28) delivered another proof of their character Friday with a huge win over the Pelicans (26-20), as they came from behind following a slow start and dominated the second half to secure a huge win in front of their fans. New Orleans looked better in the early going and secured a 30-23 lead following the first quarter, but the Magic started showing signs of a turnaround when they won the second quarter by a 33-30 score. Orlando kept the momentum going in the second half and outscored New Orleans by a 32-31 score in the third quarter, but they were still down by three points with just 12 minutes left on the clock. The Magic showed their best basketball when it mattered the most, and Orlando won the final period by a 35-19 score, which was enough to complete the comeback. With the win, Orlando moved to 11-12 at home while the Pelicans fell to 9-14 on the road.
Franz Wagner carried the Magic in the win after posting 30 points, nine assists and six rebounds, while Gary Harris recorded 15 points across 27 minutes. Paolo Banchero had a rough night and finished with 11 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal. Cole Anthony ended with 22 points, four assists and three rebounds off the bench, while Bol Bol recorded 12 points, five rebounds and two blocks.
CJ McCollum led the Pelicans in scoring once again and finished with 23 points, five rebounds, seven assists and three steals, while Jonas Valanciunas had a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds. Trey Murphy III delivered 18 points and six boards, and Herbert Jones added 10 points with three dimes and two boards. Jose Alvarado finished with 17 points, four rebounds and four assists off the bench.
Hawks Use Strong Finish To Top Knicks
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the New York Knicks, 139-124, at StateFarm Arena on Friday.
The Hawks (24-22) and the Knicks (25-22) played a tight game Friday and both teams competed hard for the better part of the first three quarters, but in the end, the Hawks pulled away late in the final quarter and destroyed the Knicks to race away to a double-digit victory, but the final score was not a fair reflection of what happened throughout the contest. New York enjoyed a better start and grabbed the lead in the first quarter by a 38-35 score, and they held the three-point advantage following a 33-33 score in the second quarter. A 34-30 score in the third quarter allowed the Hawks to grab a one-point lead heading into the final 12 minutes of action, and that’s where Atlanta pulled away. The Hawks won the final quarter by a 37-23 score, and they cruised their way to victory down the stretch. With the win, the Hawks moved to 13-9 at home while the Knicks fell to 14-9 on the road.
Dejounte Murray led the Hawks in scoring with 29 points, but he also added 12 assists, six rebounds and three steals, while Trae Young finished with 27 points and six assists. Deandre Hunter posted 20 points, three rebounds and two assists, and John Collins recorded 17 points and nine rebounds. Onyeka Okongwu and Bogdan Bogdanovic had matching 14-point tallies.
Julius Randle finished with 32 points, nine rebounds and six assists to lead the Knicks in the loss. Jalen Brunson recorded 19 points and nine assists, and Jericho Sims finished with 12 points and eight rebounds. RJ Barrett notched 23 points and three rebounds, and Quentin Grimes posted 10 points. Immanuel Quickley added 11 points off the bench.
The Hawks (24-22) and the Knicks (25-22) played a tight game Friday and both teams competed hard for the better part of the first three quarters, but in the end, the Hawks pulled away late in the final quarter and destroyed the Knicks to race away to a double-digit victory, but the final score was not a fair reflection of what happened throughout the contest. New York enjoyed a better start and grabbed the lead in the first quarter by a 38-35 score, and they held the three-point advantage following a 33-33 score in the second quarter. A 34-30 score in the third quarter allowed the Hawks to grab a one-point lead heading into the final 12 minutes of action, and that’s where Atlanta pulled away. The Hawks won the final quarter by a 37-23 score, and they cruised their way to victory down the stretch. With the win, the Hawks moved to 13-9 at home while the Knicks fell to 14-9 on the road.
Dejounte Murray led the Hawks in scoring with 29 points, but he also added 12 assists, six rebounds and three steals, while Trae Young finished with 27 points and six assists. Deandre Hunter posted 20 points, three rebounds and two assists, and John Collins recorded 17 points and nine rebounds. Onyeka Okongwu and Bogdan Bogdanovic had matching 14-point tallies.
Julius Randle finished with 32 points, nine rebounds and six assists to lead the Knicks in the loss. Jalen Brunson recorded 19 points and nine assists, and Jericho Sims finished with 12 points and eight rebounds. RJ Barrett notched 23 points and three rebounds, and Quentin Grimes posted 10 points. Immanuel Quickley added 11 points off the bench.
Warriors Topple Cavaliers, 120-114
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 120-114, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Friday night.
The Warriors (23-23) came into the contest as underdogs after their overtime loss to the Celtics on Thursday, which dropped them to 5-7 over the last 12 games. However, Golden State notably opened the game looking more focused than the Cavaliers (28-19), which owned a one-day rest advantage. The visitors owned a 33-28 lead after one and then managed to sustain it going into intermission. The defending champions then added another seven points to their edge during the third, and although Cleveland was within five with 33.1 seconds remaining, the Warriors pitched a shutout the rest of the way.
Jordan Poole led the Warriors with 32 points, complementing them with three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Ty Jerome furnished 22 points, eight assists, one rebound, one steal and one block. Donte DiVincenzo supplied 17 points, six boards, four assists and four steals. JaMychal Green registered 13 points and eight rebounds. Anthony Lamb posted 12 points, two rebounds and one block. Jonathan Kuminga contributed 10 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal.
Darius Garland paced the Cavaliers with a 31-point, 10-assist double-double that included two rebounds and two steals. Caris LeVert totaled 22 points, five boards, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Evan Mobley turned in 17 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one block. Cedi Osman furnished 13 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Kevin Love netted 12 points, four rebounds and two assists.
The Warriors return home to host the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday night, while the Cavaliers remain home and host the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night.
The Warriors (23-23) came into the contest as underdogs after their overtime loss to the Celtics on Thursday, which dropped them to 5-7 over the last 12 games. However, Golden State notably opened the game looking more focused than the Cavaliers (28-19), which owned a one-day rest advantage. The visitors owned a 33-28 lead after one and then managed to sustain it going into intermission. The defending champions then added another seven points to their edge during the third, and although Cleveland was within five with 33.1 seconds remaining, the Warriors pitched a shutout the rest of the way.
Jordan Poole led the Warriors with 32 points, complementing them with three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Ty Jerome furnished 22 points, eight assists, one rebound, one steal and one block. Donte DiVincenzo supplied 17 points, six boards, four assists and four steals. JaMychal Green registered 13 points and eight rebounds. Anthony Lamb posted 12 points, two rebounds and one block. Jonathan Kuminga contributed 10 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal.
Darius Garland paced the Cavaliers with a 31-point, 10-assist double-double that included two rebounds and two steals. Caris LeVert totaled 22 points, five boards, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Evan Mobley turned in 17 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one block. Cedi Osman furnished 13 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Kevin Love netted 12 points, four rebounds and two assists.
The Warriors return home to host the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday night, while the Cavaliers remain home and host the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night.
Mavericks Handle Heat, 105-90
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Miami Heat, 105-90, at American Airlines Center on Friday night.
The Mavericks (25-22) came into the night hoping to snap out of a 2-6 funk against the surging Heat (25-22), and they got off to an excellent start in that regard by forging a 31-19 lead through the first 12 minutes. Miami was able to put together a much more productive second quarter, but thanks to Dallas' hot hand, the visitors only made a three-point dent in their deficit going into halftime. Lest there were any hopes of a comeback, the hosts definitively snuffed them out with a 32-16 advantage in the third quarter that set up the comfortable victory.
Victor Oladipo led the Heat with 20 points, adding two assists and one steal. Bam Adebayo generated an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double that included four assists. Tyler Herro delivered 16 points, five rebounds and one assist. Jimmy Butler turned in 12 points, four rebounds, one assist and two steals. Gabe Vincent produced 10 points and three assists.
Luka Doncic paced the Mavericks with 34 points, supplementing them with 12 rebounds, seven assists and one steal. Spencer Dinwiddie supplied 19 points, three rebounds and two assists. Reggie Bullock registered 15 points, three rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Josh Green offered 12 points, five rebounds and three assists. Dorian Finney-Smith compiled 10 points, three assists, one rebound and one steal.
The Heat return home to host the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday afternoon, while the Mavericks remain home and host the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday afternoon as well.
The Mavericks (25-22) came into the night hoping to snap out of a 2-6 funk against the surging Heat (25-22), and they got off to an excellent start in that regard by forging a 31-19 lead through the first 12 minutes. Miami was able to put together a much more productive second quarter, but thanks to Dallas' hot hand, the visitors only made a three-point dent in their deficit going into halftime. Lest there were any hopes of a comeback, the hosts definitively snuffed them out with a 32-16 advantage in the third quarter that set up the comfortable victory.
Victor Oladipo led the Heat with 20 points, adding two assists and one steal. Bam Adebayo generated an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double that included four assists. Tyler Herro delivered 16 points, five rebounds and one assist. Jimmy Butler turned in 12 points, four rebounds, one assist and two steals. Gabe Vincent produced 10 points and three assists.
Luka Doncic paced the Mavericks with 34 points, supplementing them with 12 rebounds, seven assists and one steal. Spencer Dinwiddie supplied 19 points, three rebounds and two assists. Reggie Bullock registered 15 points, three rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Josh Green offered 12 points, five rebounds and three assists. Dorian Finney-Smith compiled 10 points, three assists, one rebound and one steal.
The Heat return home to host the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday afternoon, while the Mavericks remain home and host the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday afternoon as well.
Clippers Outlast Spurs, 131-126
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 131-126, at AT & T Center on Friday night.
The Clippers (24-24) and Spurs (14-32) offered early indication the game would evolve into an offensive showcase in the first quarter, when Los Angeles barely kept ahead of San Antonio with a 41-36 advantage during the period. The hosts then kept the same momentum in the second quarter while tightening up their defense, allowing them to go into intermission with a seven-point lead. However, it was the visitors' turn in the third, when they erased their deficit and forged a three-point edge going into the final period. The Spurs would still be as close as within three points just under six minutes remaining, but they wouldn't get to more than within five from the 3:08 mark onward.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 36 points, complementing them with seven assists, four rebounds and two steals. Norman Powell furnished 26 points, three rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Paul George generated a 16-point, 12-assist double-double that included three rebounds and one steal. Marcus Morris delivered 15 points and four boards. Reggie Jackson netted 13 points, while Ivica Zubac contributed a 12-point, 16-rebound double-double and one assist. Terance Mann posted 10 points, two assists and one rebound.
Keldon Johnson paced the Spurs with 23 points, supplementing them with three rebounds and two assists. Josh Richardson provided 17 points, four boards, three assists and one steal. Zach Collins matched Richardson's scoring and added four assists and two rebounds. Jeremy Sochan supplied 16 points, six rebounds and two assists. Romeo Langford collected 13 points, six rebounds, five assists and one block. Jakob Poeltl turned in 11 points, six rebounds, four assists and one steal. Stanley Johnson registered 10 points, three rebounds and three assists.
The Clippers remain on the road and tangle with the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday afternoon, while the Spurs hit the road and visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night.
The Clippers (24-24) and Spurs (14-32) offered early indication the game would evolve into an offensive showcase in the first quarter, when Los Angeles barely kept ahead of San Antonio with a 41-36 advantage during the period. The hosts then kept the same momentum in the second quarter while tightening up their defense, allowing them to go into intermission with a seven-point lead. However, it was the visitors' turn in the third, when they erased their deficit and forged a three-point edge going into the final period. The Spurs would still be as close as within three points just under six minutes remaining, but they wouldn't get to more than within five from the 3:08 mark onward.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 36 points, complementing them with seven assists, four rebounds and two steals. Norman Powell furnished 26 points, three rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Paul George generated a 16-point, 12-assist double-double that included three rebounds and one steal. Marcus Morris delivered 15 points and four boards. Reggie Jackson netted 13 points, while Ivica Zubac contributed a 12-point, 16-rebound double-double and one assist. Terance Mann posted 10 points, two assists and one rebound.
Keldon Johnson paced the Spurs with 23 points, supplementing them with three rebounds and two assists. Josh Richardson provided 17 points, four boards, three assists and one steal. Zach Collins matched Richardson's scoring and added four assists and two rebounds. Jeremy Sochan supplied 16 points, six rebounds and two assists. Romeo Langford collected 13 points, six rebounds, five assists and one block. Jakob Poeltl turned in 11 points, six rebounds, four assists and one steal. Stanley Johnson registered 10 points, three rebounds and three assists.
The Clippers remain on the road and tangle with the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday afternoon, while the Spurs hit the road and visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night.
Nuggets Stifle Pacers In Denver
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Indiana Pacers, 134-111, at Ball Arena on Friday evening.
The Nuggets got out to a strong start and led, 37-28, after one quarter. The visitors came out better in the second and managed to trim it to an eight-point game heading into halftime. The Nuggets turned it up again in the third and outscored the visitors, 38-29, to build a 17-point cushion after three quarters. They did not let up in fourth and rallied to the finish to secure their ninth straight win. This marks the sixth consecutive loss for the Pacers.
Aaron Gordon led the Nuggets with 28 points, five rebounds and six assists, in 30 minutes. Jamal Murray totaled 17 points, 10 rebounds, 14 assists and two steals, while Michael Porter added 19 points, eight rebounds and a steal. The Nuggets shot 61.4 percent from the field, including 14-of-38 from deep.
Meanwhile, Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers with 19 points on 5-of-10 shooting, off the bench. Chris Duarte followed up with 18 points and two steals, while Myles Turner added 15 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. The Pacers shot 44 percent from the field, including 8-of-32 from long range.
The Pacers (23-24) will look to bounce back as they take on the Suns in Phoenix on Saturday. The Nuggets (33-13) play host to the Thunder on Sunday.
The Nuggets got out to a strong start and led, 37-28, after one quarter. The visitors came out better in the second and managed to trim it to an eight-point game heading into halftime. The Nuggets turned it up again in the third and outscored the visitors, 38-29, to build a 17-point cushion after three quarters. They did not let up in fourth and rallied to the finish to secure their ninth straight win. This marks the sixth consecutive loss for the Pacers.
Aaron Gordon led the Nuggets with 28 points, five rebounds and six assists, in 30 minutes. Jamal Murray totaled 17 points, 10 rebounds, 14 assists and two steals, while Michael Porter added 19 points, eight rebounds and a steal. The Nuggets shot 61.4 percent from the field, including 14-of-38 from deep.
Meanwhile, Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers with 19 points on 5-of-10 shooting, off the bench. Chris Duarte followed up with 18 points and two steals, while Myles Turner added 15 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. The Pacers shot 44 percent from the field, including 8-of-32 from long range.
The Pacers (23-24) will look to bounce back as they take on the Suns in Phoenix on Saturday. The Nuggets (33-13) play host to the Thunder on Sunday.
Irving Leads Nets To Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the host Utah Jazz, 117-106, at Vivint Arena on Friday evening.
Kyrie Irving caught fire for 48 points to lead the Nets to the impressive road win. The Nets got out to a strong start and led, 28-22, after one quarter. The Jazz turned it up in the second and outscored the visitors by 10, to take a four-point lead at the break. Both sides came out strong in the third, and the Nets managed to chip away and tie it up at 83, heading into the final frame. The Nets carried the momentum into the fourth, where Irving and Seth Curry came up clutch to secure the win and end a four-game slide.
Irving tallied 11 rebounds, six assists and four steals to go with his game-high 48 points, in 39 minutes of action. Nicolas Claxton followed up with 20 points, five rebounds and four blocks, while Curry chipped in 10 points, four rebounds and three assists, off the bench. The Nets shot 53.8 percent from the field, including 18-of-41 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jordan Clarkson led the Jazz with 29 points, four rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Lauri Markkanen followed up with 22 points, 11 rebounds and a steal, while Collin Sexton added 17 points, off the bench. The Jazz shot 42 percent from the field, including 16-of-39 from long range.
The Jazz (24-25) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Hornets on Monday. The Nets (28-17) take on the Warriors in Golden State on Sunday.
Kyrie Irving caught fire for 48 points to lead the Nets to the impressive road win. The Nets got out to a strong start and led, 28-22, after one quarter. The Jazz turned it up in the second and outscored the visitors by 10, to take a four-point lead at the break. Both sides came out strong in the third, and the Nets managed to chip away and tie it up at 83, heading into the final frame. The Nets carried the momentum into the fourth, where Irving and Seth Curry came up clutch to secure the win and end a four-game slide.
Irving tallied 11 rebounds, six assists and four steals to go with his game-high 48 points, in 39 minutes of action. Nicolas Claxton followed up with 20 points, five rebounds and four blocks, while Curry chipped in 10 points, four rebounds and three assists, off the bench. The Nets shot 53.8 percent from the field, including 18-of-41 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jordan Clarkson led the Jazz with 29 points, four rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Lauri Markkanen followed up with 22 points, 11 rebounds and a steal, while Collin Sexton added 17 points, off the bench. The Jazz shot 42 percent from the field, including 16-of-39 from long range.
The Jazz (24-25) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Hornets on Monday. The Nets (28-17) take on the Warriors in Golden State on Sunday.
Lakers Defeat Grizzlies, 122-121
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, 122-121, at Crypto.com Arena on Friday.
While Memphis led for most of this game, Los Angeles rode a 41-32 fourth quarter to their comeback win. They actually finished the game on a 5-1 run over the closing 13 seconds, with Dennis Schroder hitting a go-ahead and-one with just 7.6 seconds remaining. Brandon Clarke had a game-tying free-throw attempt at the buzzer but missed. That was the difference, with the Lakers hitting 33-of-41 from the free-throw line while the Grizzlies connected on 26-of-40. They also outscored the Grizzlies in fastbreak scoring, 20-4.
The Grizzlies (31-14) were led by Ja Morant, collecting 22 points, three rebounds and eight assists, despite missing 20 of his 29 shots. Steven Adams amassed 16 points, 17 rebounds and two assists. Desmond Bane accrued 16 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Jaren Jackson Jr generated 12 points, six rebounds and four blocks. Tyus Jones and Brandon Clarke scored 20 points apiece off the bench.
The Lakers (21-25) were led by LeBron James, tallying 23 points, nine rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks. Dennis Schroder totaled 19 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Russell Westbrook led the bench with 29 points, five rebounds and six assists, while Kendrick Nunn and Troy Brown had 11 points and five rebounds apiece.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Memphis traveling to face the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles playing the Portland Trail Blazers on the road as well.
While Memphis led for most of this game, Los Angeles rode a 41-32 fourth quarter to their comeback win. They actually finished the game on a 5-1 run over the closing 13 seconds, with Dennis Schroder hitting a go-ahead and-one with just 7.6 seconds remaining. Brandon Clarke had a game-tying free-throw attempt at the buzzer but missed. That was the difference, with the Lakers hitting 33-of-41 from the free-throw line while the Grizzlies connected on 26-of-40. They also outscored the Grizzlies in fastbreak scoring, 20-4.
The Grizzlies (31-14) were led by Ja Morant, collecting 22 points, three rebounds and eight assists, despite missing 20 of his 29 shots. Steven Adams amassed 16 points, 17 rebounds and two assists. Desmond Bane accrued 16 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Jaren Jackson Jr generated 12 points, six rebounds and four blocks. Tyus Jones and Brandon Clarke scored 20 points apiece off the bench.
The Lakers (21-25) were led by LeBron James, tallying 23 points, nine rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks. Dennis Schroder totaled 19 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Russell Westbrook led the bench with 29 points, five rebounds and six assists, while Kendrick Nunn and Troy Brown had 11 points and five rebounds apiece.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Memphis traveling to face the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles playing the Portland Trail Blazers on the road as well.
Kings Defeat Thunder, 118-113
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 118-113, at Golden 1 Center on Friday.
While Oklahoma City led by nine points at the half, Sacramento rode a 59-47 second half to their comeback win. Neither team led by more than 10 points in this game, which was the Kings in the closing moments. Sacramento shot 24-of-28 from the free-throw line, while Oklahoma City connected on just 7-of-11. In addition, the Kings out-rebounded the Thunder, 61-40, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 21-2.
The Thunder (22-24) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, accruing 37 points, seven assists and two steals on 16-of-23 from the field. Luguentz Dort amassed 15 points, three rebounds and two assists. Josh Giddey tallied 15 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, while Isaiah Joe led the bench with 21 points and six rebounds.
The Kings (26-18) were led by Keegan Murray, collecting 29 points and 14 rebounds on 10-of-12 shooting. De'Aaron Fox finished with 25 points, four rebounds and two assists. Domantas Sabonis collected 18 points, 13 rebounds and 14 assists, while Kevin Huerter had 14 points and six boards. Harrison Barnes totaled 11 points, two rebounds and two assists to round out the starting lineup.
Sacramento has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, staying home to play the Philadelphia 76ers. As for OKC, they travel to face the Denver Nuggets on Sunday for their next outing.
While Oklahoma City led by nine points at the half, Sacramento rode a 59-47 second half to their comeback win. Neither team led by more than 10 points in this game, which was the Kings in the closing moments. Sacramento shot 24-of-28 from the free-throw line, while Oklahoma City connected on just 7-of-11. In addition, the Kings out-rebounded the Thunder, 61-40, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 21-2.
The Thunder (22-24) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, accruing 37 points, seven assists and two steals on 16-of-23 from the field. Luguentz Dort amassed 15 points, three rebounds and two assists. Josh Giddey tallied 15 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, while Isaiah Joe led the bench with 21 points and six rebounds.
The Kings (26-18) were led by Keegan Murray, collecting 29 points and 14 rebounds on 10-of-12 shooting. De'Aaron Fox finished with 25 points, four rebounds and two assists. Domantas Sabonis collected 18 points, 13 rebounds and 14 assists, while Kevin Huerter had 14 points and six boards. Harrison Barnes totaled 11 points, two rebounds and two assists to round out the starting lineup.
Sacramento has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, staying home to play the Philadelphia 76ers. As for OKC, they travel to face the Denver Nuggets on Sunday for their next outing.