Celtics Top Raptors With Fourth-Quarter Surge
The Boston Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors, 106-104, at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday.
The Celtics (35-12) and the Raptors (20-27) played a tight contest, but Boston used an impressive fourth quarter to secure the victory. Toronto looked good in the early stages of the contest, though, racing out to a 27-26 lead in the first quarter and bolstering that advantage to seven points after a 30-24 score in the second 12 minutes. Boston showed signs of life in the third quarter and outscored Toronto by a 31-28 score, but the Raptors still held a four-point lead with 12 minutes left on the clock. The Celtics looked at their best when it mattered the most, however, and Boston won the final quarter by a 25-19 score. That was enough to turn things around and secure the victory, as Boston moved to 17-7 on the road while Toronto fell to 14-12 at home following this result.
Jaylen Brown was the only started who scored in double digits for the Celtics, as he ended with 27 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals. Grant Williams lifted Boston off the bench, though, and he posted with 25 points and five rebounds, while Malcolm Brogdon delivered 23 points and seven boards. Payton Pritchard ended up with 12 points, two rebounds and two assists while going 4-for-7 from deep.
Pascal Siakam sniffed a triple-double and finished with 29 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds, while Gary Trent posted 22 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals. Scottie Barnes ended with 10 points, O.G. Anunoby delivered 12 points, and Precious Achiuwa finished with 17 points and 11 boards while also adding three assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Celtics (35-12) and the Raptors (20-27) played a tight contest, but Boston used an impressive fourth quarter to secure the victory. Toronto looked good in the early stages of the contest, though, racing out to a 27-26 lead in the first quarter and bolstering that advantage to seven points after a 30-24 score in the second 12 minutes. Boston showed signs of life in the third quarter and outscored Toronto by a 31-28 score, but the Raptors still held a four-point lead with 12 minutes left on the clock. The Celtics looked at their best when it mattered the most, however, and Boston won the final quarter by a 25-19 score. That was enough to turn things around and secure the victory, as Boston moved to 17-7 on the road while Toronto fell to 14-12 at home following this result.
Jaylen Brown was the only started who scored in double digits for the Celtics, as he ended with 27 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals. Grant Williams lifted Boston off the bench, though, and he posted with 25 points and five rebounds, while Malcolm Brogdon delivered 23 points and seven boards. Payton Pritchard ended up with 12 points, two rebounds and two assists while going 4-for-7 from deep.
Pascal Siakam sniffed a triple-double and finished with 29 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds, while Gary Trent posted 22 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals. Scottie Barnes ended with 10 points, O.G. Anunoby delivered 12 points, and Precious Achiuwa finished with 17 points and 11 boards while also adding three assists, two steals and two blocks.
Wizards Cruise To Easy Victory Over Magic
The Washington Wizards defeated the Orlando Magic, 138-118, at Capital One Arena on Saturday.
The Wizards (20-26) moved to 12-10 at home with a dominant victory over the Magic (17-29), a team that continues to struggles on the road and that owns a 6-17 mark when playing away from Amway Center. Washington looked good in the early going and jumped out to a 37-26 score in the first quarter, and they’d never look back. The lead was 13 points at halftime following a 33-31 score in the second quarter, and even though the Magic had some chances in the second half, they were nowhere near mounting a comeback. Orlando won the third quarter by a 34-30 score and the Wizards lost Kristaps Porzingis to an ankle injury, but the Wizards didn’t rattle and closed things out by winning the final quarter by a 38-27 score. It was a coast-to-coast win for the Wizards.
Rui Hachimura led the Wizards off the bench with 30 points and five rebounds, while Kyle Kuzma posted 25 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Kristaps Porzingis notched 17 points and six rebounds before exiting with the injury, and Daniel Gafford came close to a double-double after posting 14 points and eight rebounds. Monte Morris had 10 points and six assists, and Bradley Beal notched 17 points, eight dimes and four boards.
Markelle Fultz delivered 23 points and eight assists for the Magic, while Franz Wagner ended with 20 points and four rebounds. Paolo Banchero delivered 15 points and four assists, and Wendell Carter Jr. came close to a double-double thanks to 11 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
The Wizards (20-26) moved to 12-10 at home with a dominant victory over the Magic (17-29), a team that continues to struggles on the road and that owns a 6-17 mark when playing away from Amway Center. Washington looked good in the early going and jumped out to a 37-26 score in the first quarter, and they’d never look back. The lead was 13 points at halftime following a 33-31 score in the second quarter, and even though the Magic had some chances in the second half, they were nowhere near mounting a comeback. Orlando won the third quarter by a 34-30 score and the Wizards lost Kristaps Porzingis to an ankle injury, but the Wizards didn’t rattle and closed things out by winning the final quarter by a 38-27 score. It was a coast-to-coast win for the Wizards.
Rui Hachimura led the Wizards off the bench with 30 points and five rebounds, while Kyle Kuzma posted 25 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Kristaps Porzingis notched 17 points and six rebounds before exiting with the injury, and Daniel Gafford came close to a double-double after posting 14 points and eight rebounds. Monte Morris had 10 points and six assists, and Bradley Beal notched 17 points, eight dimes and four boards.
Markelle Fultz delivered 23 points and eight assists for the Magic, while Franz Wagner ended with 20 points and four rebounds. Paolo Banchero delivered 15 points and four assists, and Wendell Carter Jr. came close to a double-double thanks to 11 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
Hornets Top Hawks With Late Free Throws
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 122-118, at StateFarm Arena on Saturday.
The Hornets (13-34) and the Hawks (24-23) played a tight contest that went down to the wire, and it was a game that was only decided in the final stages of the contest, literally. Atlanta looked better in the early going, though, racing out to a 31-25 score in the first quarter and bolstering that lead to 16 points by the halftime arrived. Charlotte looked better in the second half, however, and they reduced the deficit to just eight points with 12 minutes left on the clock. Charlotte kept the momentum going in the final quarter, and while the Hawks were set to win it when Clint Capela made a tip-in from close range, Terry Rozier flipped the script by making three free throws following a shooting foul from Jalen Johnson. Rozier notched the final two points of the game via free throws as well, sending the Hornets to victory in the dying seconds. With the win, the Hornets moved to 8-18 on the road while the Hawks fell to 13-10 at home.
Terry Rozier was the best player for Charlotte after finishing with 34 points, five assists, four steals and three rebounds, while Mason Plumlee delivered a 25-point, 11-rebound double-double. P.J. Washington posted 23 points, six rebounds and six assists, and Gordon Hayward had nine points while adding five boards and five assists. Mark Williams posted eight points, five rebounds and three steals off the bench.
Dejounte Murray finished with 26 points, three rebounds and three assists for the Hawks, while Trae Young delivered 25 points and 12 assists. Deandre Hunter also had 25 points, and he also added four rebounds and two assists. Clint Capela posted 12 points and nine rebounds, and John Collins recorded 11 points. A.J. Griffin delivered 13 points off the bench.
The Hornets (13-34) and the Hawks (24-23) played a tight contest that went down to the wire, and it was a game that was only decided in the final stages of the contest, literally. Atlanta looked better in the early going, though, racing out to a 31-25 score in the first quarter and bolstering that lead to 16 points by the halftime arrived. Charlotte looked better in the second half, however, and they reduced the deficit to just eight points with 12 minutes left on the clock. Charlotte kept the momentum going in the final quarter, and while the Hawks were set to win it when Clint Capela made a tip-in from close range, Terry Rozier flipped the script by making three free throws following a shooting foul from Jalen Johnson. Rozier notched the final two points of the game via free throws as well, sending the Hornets to victory in the dying seconds. With the win, the Hornets moved to 8-18 on the road while the Hawks fell to 13-10 at home.
Terry Rozier was the best player for Charlotte after finishing with 34 points, five assists, four steals and three rebounds, while Mason Plumlee delivered a 25-point, 11-rebound double-double. P.J. Washington posted 23 points, six rebounds and six assists, and Gordon Hayward had nine points while adding five boards and five assists. Mark Williams posted eight points, five rebounds and three steals off the bench.
Dejounte Murray finished with 26 points, three rebounds and three assists for the Hawks, while Trae Young delivered 25 points and 12 assists. Deandre Hunter also had 25 points, and he also added four rebounds and two assists. Clint Capela posted 12 points and nine rebounds, and John Collins recorded 11 points. A.J. Griffin delivered 13 points off the bench.
Cavs Close Out Bucks In Cleveland
By Dan Bruno
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the visiting Milwaukee Bucks, 114-102, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Saturday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Bucks led, 26-23, after one quarter. The Cavs came out stronger in the second and rallied to take a three-point edge at the break. Both sides kept up the pace in the third, but the Cavs kept the upper hand and increased their advantage to five, heading into the final frame. The Bucks jumped out to a quick start in the fourth and grabbed the lead briefly, before the Cavs closed on a, 28-15, run to secure the home win.
Evan Mobley led the way for the Cavs with 38 points, nine rebounds and three assists, in 38 minutes. Darius Garland followed up with 21 points, three rebounds, 10 assists and two steals, while Caris LeVert tallied 13 points, three rebounds, seven assists and a steal. The Cavs shot 55.8 percent from the field, including 7-of-22 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jrue Holiday led the Buck with 28 points, four rebounds, 10 assists, a block and a steal, in 37 minutes. Bobby Portis followed up with 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Pat Connaughton added 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists. The Bucks shot 45.3 percent from the field, including 14-of-39 from deep.
The Bucks (29-17) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pistons in Detroit on Monday. The Cavs (29-19) take on the Knicks in New York on Tuesday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Bucks led, 26-23, after one quarter. The Cavs came out stronger in the second and rallied to take a three-point edge at the break. Both sides kept up the pace in the third, but the Cavs kept the upper hand and increased their advantage to five, heading into the final frame. The Bucks jumped out to a quick start in the fourth and grabbed the lead briefly, before the Cavs closed on a, 28-15, run to secure the home win.
Evan Mobley led the way for the Cavs with 38 points, nine rebounds and three assists, in 38 minutes. Darius Garland followed up with 21 points, three rebounds, 10 assists and two steals, while Caris LeVert tallied 13 points, three rebounds, seven assists and a steal. The Cavs shot 55.8 percent from the field, including 7-of-22 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jrue Holiday led the Buck with 28 points, four rebounds, 10 assists, a block and a steal, in 37 minutes. Bobby Portis followed up with 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Pat Connaughton added 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists. The Bucks shot 45.3 percent from the field, including 14-of-39 from deep.
The Bucks (29-17) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pistons in Detroit on Monday. The Cavs (29-19) take on the Knicks in New York on Tuesday.
Timberwolves Rally Past Rockets
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 113-104, at Target Center on Saturday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start, tied at 26, after one quarter. The Rockets rallied to a seven-point lead in the second, but the Timberwolves cut it back to a two-point game heading into the break. The Rockets came out strong again in the third and rushed to a 12-point lead, before the hosts used a, 31-16, run to gain a three-point advantage going into the final quarter. The Timberwolves carried the momentum into the fourth and stayed in control to close out their second straight win.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 44 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals and three blocks, in 41 minutes. D'Angelo Russell followed up with 23 points, eight assists and a steal, while Nathan Knight tallied 19 points, four rebounds and three steals. The Timberwolves shot 45.8 percent from the field, including 17-of-41 from deep.
Meanwhile, Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 19 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, three blocks and a steal, in 37 minutes of action. Eric Gordon followed up with 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Kenyon Martin logged 15 points, nine rebounds and two assists. The Rockets shot 48.1 percent from the field, including 9-of-24 from long range.
The Timberwolves (24-24) and Rockets (10-36) clash again in Houston on Monday.
The game got out to a competitive start, tied at 26, after one quarter. The Rockets rallied to a seven-point lead in the second, but the Timberwolves cut it back to a two-point game heading into the break. The Rockets came out strong again in the third and rushed to a 12-point lead, before the hosts used a, 31-16, run to gain a three-point advantage going into the final quarter. The Timberwolves carried the momentum into the fourth and stayed in control to close out their second straight win.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 44 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals and three blocks, in 41 minutes. D'Angelo Russell followed up with 23 points, eight assists and a steal, while Nathan Knight tallied 19 points, four rebounds and three steals. The Timberwolves shot 45.8 percent from the field, including 17-of-41 from deep.
Meanwhile, Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 19 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, three blocks and a steal, in 37 minutes of action. Eric Gordon followed up with 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Kenyon Martin logged 15 points, nine rebounds and two assists. The Rockets shot 48.1 percent from the field, including 9-of-24 from long range.
The Timberwolves (24-24) and Rockets (10-36) clash again in Houston on Monday.
Timberwolves Rally Past Rockets
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 113-104, at Target Center on Saturday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start, tied at 26, after one quarter. The Rockets rallied to a seven-point lead in the second, but the Timberwolves cut it back to a two-point game heading into the break. The Rockets came out strong again in the third and rushed to a 12-point lead, before the hosts used a, 31-16, run to gain a three-point advantage going into the final quarter. The Timberwolves carried the momentum into the fourth and stayed in control to close out their second straight win.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 44 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals and three blocks, in 41 minutes. D'Angelo Russell followed up with 23 points, eight assists and a steal, while Nathan Knight tallied 19 points, four rebounds and three steals. The Timberwolves shot 45.8 percent from the field, including 17-of-41 from deep.
Meanwhile, Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 19 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, three blocks and a steal, in 37 minutes of action. Eric Gordon followed up with 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Kenyon Martin logged 15 points, nine rebounds and two assists. The Rockets shot 48.1 percent from the field, including 9-of-24 from long range.
The Timberwolves (24-24) and Rockets (10-36) clash again in Houston on Monday.
The game got out to a competitive start, tied at 26, after one quarter. The Rockets rallied to a seven-point lead in the second, but the Timberwolves cut it back to a two-point game heading into the break. The Rockets came out strong again in the third and rushed to a 12-point lead, before the hosts used a, 31-16, run to gain a three-point advantage going into the final quarter. The Timberwolves carried the momentum into the fourth and stayed in control to close out their second straight win.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 44 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals and three blocks, in 41 minutes. D'Angelo Russell followed up with 23 points, eight assists and a steal, while Nathan Knight tallied 19 points, four rebounds and three steals. The Timberwolves shot 45.8 percent from the field, including 17-of-41 from deep.
Meanwhile, Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 19 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, three blocks and a steal, in 37 minutes of action. Eric Gordon followed up with 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Kenyon Martin logged 15 points, nine rebounds and two assists. The Rockets shot 48.1 percent from the field, including 9-of-24 from long range.
The Timberwolves (24-24) and Rockets (10-36) clash again in Houston on Monday.
Suns Defeat Pacers, 112-107
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Indiana Pacers, 112-107, at Footprint Center on Saturday.
There were 13 ties and 16 lead changes in this close-fought game, with neither team leading by more than 10 points. That was Phoenix, who held the lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. Buddy Hield had a game-tying attempt in the final seconds but bricked it off the backboard. The Suns shot 42 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range while holding the Pacers to 38 percent from the field and 35 percent from long range. Phoenix also doubled up Indiana in blocks, 8-4, while out-assisting them, 27-22.
The Pacers (23-25) were led by Buddy Hield, collecting 22 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals. T.J. McConnell tallied 18 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists and two steals. Myles Turner totaled 16 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and four blocks. Bennedict Mathurin led the bench with 23 points and five boards.
The Suns (23-24) were led by Mikal Bridges, finishing with 22 points, four rebounds, four assists and four steals. Damion Lee totaled 16 points and two rebounds. Bismack Biyombo had 12 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks. Josh Okogie led the bench with 24 points, four rebounds and four blocks, while Jock Landale amassed 10 points and 10 boards.
Both of these teams return to action on Tuesday, with Phoenix playing host to the struggling Charlotte Hornets and Indiana returning home to face the Chicago Bulls.
There were 13 ties and 16 lead changes in this close-fought game, with neither team leading by more than 10 points. That was Phoenix, who held the lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. Buddy Hield had a game-tying attempt in the final seconds but bricked it off the backboard. The Suns shot 42 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range while holding the Pacers to 38 percent from the field and 35 percent from long range. Phoenix also doubled up Indiana in blocks, 8-4, while out-assisting them, 27-22.
The Pacers (23-25) were led by Buddy Hield, collecting 22 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals. T.J. McConnell tallied 18 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists and two steals. Myles Turner totaled 16 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and four blocks. Bennedict Mathurin led the bench with 23 points and five boards.
The Suns (23-24) were led by Mikal Bridges, finishing with 22 points, four rebounds, four assists and four steals. Damion Lee totaled 16 points and two rebounds. Bismack Biyombo had 12 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks. Josh Okogie led the bench with 24 points, four rebounds and four blocks, while Jock Landale amassed 10 points and 10 boards.
Both of these teams return to action on Tuesday, with Phoenix playing host to the struggling Charlotte Hornets and Indiana returning home to face the Chicago Bulls.
Sixers Defeat Kings, 129-127
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the host Sacramento Kings, 129-127, at Golden 1 Center on Saturday.
While there was a 32-point swing in a 20-minute span in this game, it came down to the final shot. Sacramento got out to a 21-point late in the second quarter, but Philly grabbed an 11-point lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter. With that said, the Kings fought back and had game-tying free-throw attempts at the buzzer but were unsuccessful, missing two of three. Philly's bench dominated, outscoring Sacramento's bench, 49-20. The Sixers also out-rebounded the Kings, 54-39, while outscoring them in the paint, 70-56. That led to them outscoring Sacramento in second-chance points, 23-6.
The Sixers (30-16) were led by Tyrese Maxey, tallying 32 points, three rebounds and six assists. Tobias Harris totaled 17 points, five rebounds and six assists. Montrezl Harrell amassed 17 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while De'Anthony Melton accrued 14 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals. Georges Niang led the bench with 17 points and six boards, while Shake Milton provided 15 points, six rebounds and seven assists.
The Kings (25-19) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 31 points, four rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Harrison Barnes had 27 points and four boards. Kevin Huerter generated 20 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals, while Domantas Sabonis collected 16 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
On deck for Sacramento is a home matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday. As for Philly, they return to action on Wednesday in a home meeting with the Brooklyn Nets.
While there was a 32-point swing in a 20-minute span in this game, it came down to the final shot. Sacramento got out to a 21-point late in the second quarter, but Philly grabbed an 11-point lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter. With that said, the Kings fought back and had game-tying free-throw attempts at the buzzer but were unsuccessful, missing two of three. Philly's bench dominated, outscoring Sacramento's bench, 49-20. The Sixers also out-rebounded the Kings, 54-39, while outscoring them in the paint, 70-56. That led to them outscoring Sacramento in second-chance points, 23-6.
The Sixers (30-16) were led by Tyrese Maxey, tallying 32 points, three rebounds and six assists. Tobias Harris totaled 17 points, five rebounds and six assists. Montrezl Harrell amassed 17 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while De'Anthony Melton accrued 14 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals. Georges Niang led the bench with 17 points and six boards, while Shake Milton provided 15 points, six rebounds and seven assists.
The Kings (25-19) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 31 points, four rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Harrison Barnes had 27 points and four boards. Kevin Huerter generated 20 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals, while Domantas Sabonis collected 16 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
On deck for Sacramento is a home matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday. As for Philly, they return to action on Wednesday in a home meeting with the Brooklyn Nets.