Clippers Defeat Mavericks, 112-98
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the host Dallas Mavericks, 112-98, at American Airlines Center on Sunday.
There were 10 ties and 12 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 10 points until the final minutes. That was Los Angeles, who rode a 33-19 fourth quarter to their 14-point win. They actually never led by more than six points until that lopsided frame. The Clippers shot 46 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while the Mavs shot 44 percent from the field and 37 percent from long range. LA shot 30-of-31 from the free-throw line, while Dallas connected on just 15-of-26. They also outscored them in fastbreak points, 17-6.
The Clippers (25-24) were led by Kawhi Leonard, tallying 30 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Paul George provided 21 points, six rebounds and four assists. Norman Powell led the bench with 19 points and four rebounds. Marcus Morris Sr generated eight points, four rebounds and three assists, while Ivica Zubac totaled six points and nine boards.
The Mavericks (25-23) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 29 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Tim Hardaway Jr had 22 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Spencer Dinwiddie amassed 21 points, four rebounds and five assists. No other player reached double figures in scoring, with the bench combining for just nine points.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Dallas remaining home to play the Washington Wizards and Los Angeles playing the Los Angeles Lakers as the road team.
There were 10 ties and 12 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 10 points until the final minutes. That was Los Angeles, who rode a 33-19 fourth quarter to their 14-point win. They actually never led by more than six points until that lopsided frame. The Clippers shot 46 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while the Mavs shot 44 percent from the field and 37 percent from long range. LA shot 30-of-31 from the free-throw line, while Dallas connected on just 15-of-26. They also outscored them in fastbreak points, 17-6.
The Clippers (25-24) were led by Kawhi Leonard, tallying 30 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Paul George provided 21 points, six rebounds and four assists. Norman Powell led the bench with 19 points and four rebounds. Marcus Morris Sr generated eight points, four rebounds and three assists, while Ivica Zubac totaled six points and nine boards.
The Mavericks (25-23) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 29 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Tim Hardaway Jr had 22 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Spencer Dinwiddie amassed 21 points, four rebounds and five assists. No other player reached double figures in scoring, with the bench combining for just nine points.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Dallas remaining home to play the Washington Wizards and Los Angeles playing the Los Angeles Lakers as the road team.
Heat Mount Comeback To Defeat Pelicans
The Miami Heat defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 100-96, at Miami-Dade Arena on Sunday.
The Heat (26-22) rallied back and secured a big home win over the Pelicans (26-21) after coming from behind late in the game. New Orleans enjoyed a dominant start and jumped out to a 32-23 score in the opening 12 minutes, but Miami showed signs of life and posted a 18-15 score in the second quarter after tightening things up defensively. Miami kept walking through the comeback trail and outscored their rivals by a 28-25 score in the third quarter, but they would complete their comeback in the final 12 minutes. The Heat rallied back in the fourth after outscoring the Pelicans by a 31-24 score in the final 12 minutes, flipping the script entirely and recording a big win in front of their fans at Miami-Dade Arena.
Tyler Herro led the Heat with 26 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Kyle Lowry ended with 17 points, including nine straight in the fourth quarter. Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler posted matching 18-point and two-assist tallies, with Adebayo adding nine rebounds and Butler grabbing four boards. Victor Oladipo delivered 11 points, five assists and three boards.
Trey Murphy III led the way for New Orleans with 17 points. Dyson Daniels recorded notched 11 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Jonas Valanciunas had a strong double-double of 14 points and 16 rebounds. CJ McCollum finished with 13 points and five assists, and Herbert Jones delivered 11 points, four boards and four assists. Larry Nance had 12 points and seven boards.
The Heat (26-22) rallied back and secured a big home win over the Pelicans (26-21) after coming from behind late in the game. New Orleans enjoyed a dominant start and jumped out to a 32-23 score in the opening 12 minutes, but Miami showed signs of life and posted a 18-15 score in the second quarter after tightening things up defensively. Miami kept walking through the comeback trail and outscored their rivals by a 28-25 score in the third quarter, but they would complete their comeback in the final 12 minutes. The Heat rallied back in the fourth after outscoring the Pelicans by a 31-24 score in the final 12 minutes, flipping the script entirely and recording a big win in front of their fans at Miami-Dade Arena.
Tyler Herro led the Heat with 26 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Kyle Lowry ended with 17 points, including nine straight in the fourth quarter. Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler posted matching 18-point and two-assist tallies, with Adebayo adding nine rebounds and Butler grabbing four boards. Victor Oladipo delivered 11 points, five assists and three boards.
Trey Murphy III led the way for New Orleans with 17 points. Dyson Daniels recorded notched 11 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Jonas Valanciunas had a strong double-double of 14 points and 16 rebounds. CJ McCollum finished with 13 points and five assists, and Herbert Jones delivered 11 points, four boards and four assists. Larry Nance had 12 points and seven boards.
Raptors Topple Knicks, 125-116
The Toronto Raptors defeated the New York Knicks, 125-116, at Scotiabank Arena on Sunday evening.
The Raptors (21-27) wasted no time setting the right tone, jumping out to a 37-22 lead through one. The Knicks (25-23) would battle back during the middle periods, however, a span during which they erased their deficit by forging a 64-49 advantage. Toronto then regained control of what was a tie game going into the final period, with a 13-2 run over the first 3:10 helping create some distance that would prove critical.
RJ Barrett led the Knicks with 30 points, adding seven rebounds and five assists. Julius Randle generated a 23-point, 19-rebound double-double that included eight assists. Jalen Brunson furnished 21 points, five assists, one rebound and one steal. Obi Toppin poured in 14 points, while Jericho Sims delivered 10 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one block.
Fred VanVleet paced the Raptors with 28 points, supplementing them with three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Pascal Siakam managed 24 points, seven rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Gary Trent matched Siakam's scoring and also posted three boards, two assists, two steals and one block. Scottie Barnes compiled 19 points, seven rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal. Chris Boucher finished with 14 points, seven rebounds and three steals, while Precious Achiuwa contributed a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one assist and two steals.
The Knicks return home to host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night, while the Raptors hit the road and face the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night.
The Raptors (21-27) wasted no time setting the right tone, jumping out to a 37-22 lead through one. The Knicks (25-23) would battle back during the middle periods, however, a span during which they erased their deficit by forging a 64-49 advantage. Toronto then regained control of what was a tie game going into the final period, with a 13-2 run over the first 3:10 helping create some distance that would prove critical.
RJ Barrett led the Knicks with 30 points, adding seven rebounds and five assists. Julius Randle generated a 23-point, 19-rebound double-double that included eight assists. Jalen Brunson furnished 21 points, five assists, one rebound and one steal. Obi Toppin poured in 14 points, while Jericho Sims delivered 10 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one block.
Fred VanVleet paced the Raptors with 28 points, supplementing them with three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Pascal Siakam managed 24 points, seven rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Gary Trent matched Siakam's scoring and also posted three boards, two assists, two steals and one block. Scottie Barnes compiled 19 points, seven rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal. Chris Boucher finished with 14 points, seven rebounds and three steals, while Precious Achiuwa contributed a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one assist and two steals.
The Knicks return home to host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night, while the Raptors hit the road and face the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night.
Thunder Stun Nuggets In Denver
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the host Denver Nuggets, 101-99, at Ball Arena on Sunday evening.
The Thunder jumped out to a strong start and led, 27-18, after one quarter. The Nuggets came out better in the second and trimmed it to a five-point deficit by halftime. The visitors brought the pressure again in the third and pushed their way to a seven-point advantage heading into the final frame. The hosts did not back down in the fourth and chipped away to tie it at 99, with 30 seconds left. However, the Thunder got the last laugh thanks to a game-winning shot from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, marking the end of the Nuggets' nine-game win streak.
Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 34 points, five rebounds, five assists and two blocks, in 37 minutes. Josh Giddey followed up with 18 points, nine rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, while Kenrich Williams added 11 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal. The Thunder shot 44.9 percent from the field, including 7-of-26 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 26 points, five rebounds and nine assists, in 38 minutes. Aaron Gordon followed up with 15 points, 10 rebounds, two steals and a block, while Bruce Brown totaled 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Nuggets shot 43.9 percent from the field, including 10-of-28 from deep.
The Nuggets (33-14) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Tuesday. The Thunder (23-24) play host to the Hawks on Wednesday.
The Thunder jumped out to a strong start and led, 27-18, after one quarter. The Nuggets came out better in the second and trimmed it to a five-point deficit by halftime. The visitors brought the pressure again in the third and pushed their way to a seven-point advantage heading into the final frame. The hosts did not back down in the fourth and chipped away to tie it at 99, with 30 seconds left. However, the Thunder got the last laugh thanks to a game-winning shot from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, marking the end of the Nuggets' nine-game win streak.
Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 34 points, five rebounds, five assists and two blocks, in 37 minutes. Josh Giddey followed up with 18 points, nine rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, while Kenrich Williams added 11 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal. The Thunder shot 44.9 percent from the field, including 7-of-26 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 26 points, five rebounds and nine assists, in 38 minutes. Aaron Gordon followed up with 15 points, 10 rebounds, two steals and a block, while Bruce Brown totaled 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Nuggets shot 43.9 percent from the field, including 10-of-28 from deep.
The Nuggets (33-14) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Tuesday. The Thunder (23-24) play host to the Hawks on Wednesday.
Suns Hang On To Top Grizzlies
By Dan Bruno
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, 112-110, at Footprint Center on Sunday evening.
The Suns jumped out to a great start with a, 32-18, lead after one quarter, and they kept the pressure on in the second to rally to a 25-point lead by halftime. The Grizzlies came out with a better effort in the third and outscored the hosts by 10, to cut it to a 15-point game heading into the final quarter. The visitors kept chipping away in the fourth but ultimately came up just short, as the Suns held on to a two-point edge for their third straight win. This marks the second straight loss for the Grizzlies.
Mikal Bridges led the Suns with 24 points, five rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, in 41 minutes. Chris Paul followed up with 22 points, six rebounds, 11 assists, three steals and a block, while Torrey Craig added 20 points, four rebounds, two steals and two assists. The Suns shot 44.3 percent from the field, including 13-of-35 from deep.
Meanwhile, Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 27 points, five rebounds, eight assists and a steal, in 37 minutes. Desmond Bane followed up with 24 points, eight rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Ziaire Williams tallied 16 points and five rebounds. The Grizzlies shot 43.5 percent from the field, including 11-of-32 from long range.
The Grizzlies (31-15) will look to bounce back as they take on the Kings in Sacramento on Monday. The Suns (24-24) play host to the Hornets on Tuesday.
The Suns jumped out to a great start with a, 32-18, lead after one quarter, and they kept the pressure on in the second to rally to a 25-point lead by halftime. The Grizzlies came out with a better effort in the third and outscored the hosts by 10, to cut it to a 15-point game heading into the final quarter. The visitors kept chipping away in the fourth but ultimately came up just short, as the Suns held on to a two-point edge for their third straight win. This marks the second straight loss for the Grizzlies.
Mikal Bridges led the Suns with 24 points, five rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, in 41 minutes. Chris Paul followed up with 22 points, six rebounds, 11 assists, three steals and a block, while Torrey Craig added 20 points, four rebounds, two steals and two assists. The Suns shot 44.3 percent from the field, including 13-of-35 from deep.
Meanwhile, Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 27 points, five rebounds, eight assists and a steal, in 37 minutes. Desmond Bane followed up with 24 points, eight rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Ziaire Williams tallied 16 points and five rebounds. The Grizzlies shot 43.5 percent from the field, including 11-of-32 from long range.
The Grizzlies (31-15) will look to bounce back as they take on the Kings in Sacramento on Monday. The Suns (24-24) play host to the Hornets on Tuesday.
Nets Edge Warriors, 120-116
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Golden State Warriors, 120-116, at Chase Center on Sunday night.
The Nets (29-17) came into the contest looking to build on their first win in Kevin Durant's (knee) current absence, but matters didn't start off well in that regard when the Warriors (23-24) were able to build a 72-60 halftime lead. However, Brooklyn turned it up a notch on both ends of the floor during a game-changing third quarter, forging a 26-18 advantage during the period that they followed up with a 22-6 run over the final 5:24 to overcome a 12-point deficit and leave Golden State searching for late-game answers yet again.
Kyrie Irving led the Nets with 38 points, adding nine assists and seven rebounds. Nicolas Claxton generated a 24-point, 15-rebound double-double that included three blocks and one steal. Royce O'Neale furnished 16 points, six boards, one assist and two blocks. Joe Harris delivered 14 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Seth Curry contributed 12 points, four assists, one rebound, one steal and one block.
Stephen Curry paced the Warriors with 26 points, supplementing them with seven assists, six rebounds and one steal. Jonathan Kuminga provided 20 points and three boards. Jordan Poole supplied 17 points, four rebounds, three assists, four steals and one block. Kevon Looney pitched in 14 points, 10 rebounds, one steal and one block. Donte DiVincenzo registered 13 points, eight assists, two rebounds and one steal. Klay Thompson shot just 4-for-17 on his way to 10 points, which he complemented with two rebounds and one assist.
The Nets remain on the road and visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, while the Warriors remain home and host the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night as well.
The Nets (29-17) came into the contest looking to build on their first win in Kevin Durant's (knee) current absence, but matters didn't start off well in that regard when the Warriors (23-24) were able to build a 72-60 halftime lead. However, Brooklyn turned it up a notch on both ends of the floor during a game-changing third quarter, forging a 26-18 advantage during the period that they followed up with a 22-6 run over the final 5:24 to overcome a 12-point deficit and leave Golden State searching for late-game answers yet again.
Kyrie Irving led the Nets with 38 points, adding nine assists and seven rebounds. Nicolas Claxton generated a 24-point, 15-rebound double-double that included three blocks and one steal. Royce O'Neale furnished 16 points, six boards, one assist and two blocks. Joe Harris delivered 14 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Seth Curry contributed 12 points, four assists, one rebound, one steal and one block.
Stephen Curry paced the Warriors with 26 points, supplementing them with seven assists, six rebounds and one steal. Jonathan Kuminga provided 20 points and three boards. Jordan Poole supplied 17 points, four rebounds, three assists, four steals and one block. Kevon Looney pitched in 14 points, 10 rebounds, one steal and one block. Donte DiVincenzo registered 13 points, eight assists, two rebounds and one steal. Klay Thompson shot just 4-for-17 on his way to 10 points, which he complemented with two rebounds and one assist.
The Nets remain on the road and visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, while the Warriors remain home and host the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night as well.
Lakers Defeat Blazers, 121-112
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 121-112, at Moda Center on Sunday.
There were three massive swings in this game, but a 75-41 second half carried Los Angeles to their comeback win. The Lakers got started with a 14-point lead early in the first quarter, but Portland responded with a 45-13 second quarter to take a game-high 25-point lead at the half. That wasn't enough, though, with LA outscoring Portland by 34 points over the final 24 minutes. The Lakers shot 52 percent from the field while holding the Trail Blazers to 43 percent shooting. In addition, Los Angeles out-rebounded Portland, 58-42, while outscoring them in the paint, 62-38.
The Lakers (22-25) were led by LeBron James, collecting 37 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Thomas Bryant tallied 31 points and 14 rebounds on 12-of-15 from the field. Dennis Schroder amassed 24 points, six rebounds and eight assists, while Russell Westbrook led the bench with six points, eight rebounds and five assists.
The Trail Blazers (21-25) were led by Anfernee Simons, accruing 31 points and two assists. Damian Lillard had 24 points, six rebounds and 10 assists. Jerami Grant generated 19 points and four boards, while Josh Hart accumulated 13 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Drew Eubanks led the bench with six points, 11 rebounds and six blocks.
On deck for the Lakers is a home matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday. As for Portland, they return to action on Wednesday in a home matchup with the Utah Jazz.
There were three massive swings in this game, but a 75-41 second half carried Los Angeles to their comeback win. The Lakers got started with a 14-point lead early in the first quarter, but Portland responded with a 45-13 second quarter to take a game-high 25-point lead at the half. That wasn't enough, though, with LA outscoring Portland by 34 points over the final 24 minutes. The Lakers shot 52 percent from the field while holding the Trail Blazers to 43 percent shooting. In addition, Los Angeles out-rebounded Portland, 58-42, while outscoring them in the paint, 62-38.
The Lakers (22-25) were led by LeBron James, collecting 37 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Thomas Bryant tallied 31 points and 14 rebounds on 12-of-15 from the field. Dennis Schroder amassed 24 points, six rebounds and eight assists, while Russell Westbrook led the bench with six points, eight rebounds and five assists.
The Trail Blazers (21-25) were led by Anfernee Simons, accruing 31 points and two assists. Damian Lillard had 24 points, six rebounds and 10 assists. Jerami Grant generated 19 points and four boards, while Josh Hart accumulated 13 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Drew Eubanks led the bench with six points, 11 rebounds and six blocks.
On deck for the Lakers is a home matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday. As for Portland, they return to action on Wednesday in a home matchup with the Utah Jazz.