Bucks Dominate In Rout Of Pistons
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Detroit Pistons, 150-130, at Little Caesars Arena on Monday.
The Bucks (30-17) enjoyed a blistering start and didn't have problems to get past the Pistons (12-37) despite playing on the road. Milwaukee dominated the game right from the tip-off and raced out to a 49-24 lead in the first quarter, and they'd never look back the rest of the way. Despite the early lead, Milwaukee were in complete control of the contest and also won the second quarter by a 31-24 score. Detroit tightened things up in the second half and won the other two quarters by a 37-32 and 38-35 score, respectively, but that was not enough to mount a comeback and Milwaukee won the game with absolute ease.
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 29 points in his return, and he also added 12 rebounds with four assists. Brook Lopez had 21 points and four rebounds, and Jrue Holiday posted 16 points with seven assists and four boards. Bobby Portis ended with 18 points and 10 rebounds off the bench, and Jevon Carter also had 18 points while adding three rebounds and three assists.
Bojan Bogdanovic was the best player for the Pistons and posted 33 points, and he also added three rebounds. Jalen Duren posted 23 points and 15 rebounds, and Saddiq Bey finished with 21 points while adding three rebounds and two assists. Jaden Ivey had a double-double of 12 points and 11 assists while adding four rebounds as well.
The Bucks (30-17) enjoyed a blistering start and didn't have problems to get past the Pistons (12-37) despite playing on the road. Milwaukee dominated the game right from the tip-off and raced out to a 49-24 lead in the first quarter, and they'd never look back the rest of the way. Despite the early lead, Milwaukee were in complete control of the contest and also won the second quarter by a 31-24 score. Detroit tightened things up in the second half and won the other two quarters by a 37-32 and 38-35 score, respectively, but that was not enough to mount a comeback and Milwaukee won the game with absolute ease.
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 29 points in his return, and he also added 12 rebounds with four assists. Brook Lopez had 21 points and four rebounds, and Jrue Holiday posted 16 points with seven assists and four boards. Bobby Portis ended with 18 points and 10 rebounds off the bench, and Jevon Carter also had 18 points while adding three rebounds and three assists.
Bojan Bogdanovic was the best player for the Pistons and posted 33 points, and he also added three rebounds. Jalen Duren posted 23 points and 15 rebounds, and Saddiq Bey finished with 21 points while adding three rebounds and two assists. Jaden Ivey had a double-double of 12 points and 11 assists while adding four rebounds as well.
Magic Use Huge Second Half To Defeat Celtics
The Orlando Magic defeated the Boston Celtics, 113-98, at Amway Center on Monday.
The Magic (18-29) pulled a huge upset against one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference in the Celtics (35-13) with an excellent performance on both ends of the court. Orlando jumped out to a 30-23 lead in the first quarter, but the Celtics didn't go down without a fight and won the second quarter by a 31-25 score, meaning the game was just a one-point contest by the time halftime arrived. The Magic kept the momentum going and won the third quarter by a wide margin, outscoring Boston by a 33-25 score and going up by nine points at halftime. Boston didn't have answers in the final 12 minutes of action and could not turn things around. Instead, the Magic closed the game out with a 25-19 score in the final 12 minutes of action.
Paolo Banchero led the way for the Magic with 23 points and five rebounds, while Wendell Carter chipped in with a double-double of 21 points and 11 rebounds. Franz Wagner had another impressive outing and finished with 15 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Cole Anthony looked impressive off the bench and posted 18 points with five rebounds and four assists, and Jonathan Isaac delivered 10 points as well.
Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum posted matching 26-point tallies for the Celtics, with Tatum adding seven assists and six rebounds while Brown also posted five boards and three dimes. Derrick White ended with 11 points, four assists and four rebounds, and Sam Hauser chipped in with 13 points coming off the bench.
The Magic (18-29) pulled a huge upset against one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference in the Celtics (35-13) with an excellent performance on both ends of the court. Orlando jumped out to a 30-23 lead in the first quarter, but the Celtics didn't go down without a fight and won the second quarter by a 31-25 score, meaning the game was just a one-point contest by the time halftime arrived. The Magic kept the momentum going and won the third quarter by a wide margin, outscoring Boston by a 33-25 score and going up by nine points at halftime. Boston didn't have answers in the final 12 minutes of action and could not turn things around. Instead, the Magic closed the game out with a 25-19 score in the final 12 minutes of action.
Paolo Banchero led the way for the Magic with 23 points and five rebounds, while Wendell Carter chipped in with a double-double of 21 points and 11 rebounds. Franz Wagner had another impressive outing and finished with 15 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Cole Anthony looked impressive off the bench and posted 18 points with five rebounds and four assists, and Jonathan Isaac delivered 10 points as well.
Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum posted matching 26-point tallies for the Celtics, with Tatum adding seven assists and six rebounds while Brown also posted five boards and three dimes. Derrick White ended with 11 points, four assists and four rebounds, and Sam Hauser chipped in with 13 points coming off the bench.
Bulls Topple Hawks, 111-100
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 111-100, at United Center on Monday night.
Both teams' defenses took center stage in the first quarter, when only 38 total points were scored. However, the Bulls' (22-24) offense got hot, putting up 40 points to take a 13-point lead into halftime. The Hawks (24-24) knocked nine points from their deficit during the third period, but Chicago was able to close out the home win with a 33-22 edge during the final period.
Trae Young led the Hawks with a 21-point, 13-assist double-double that included three rebounds. Dejounte Murray furnished 20 points, seven boards and four assists. Clint Capela generated a 16-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist, two steals and two blocks. John Collins provided 11 points, nine rebounds, two steals and one block. Bogdan Bogdanovic and A.J. Griffin delivered matching 11-point tallies as well while offering four assists and three rebounds, respectively.
DeMar DeRozan paced the Bulls with 26 points, complementing them with six assists, one rebound and three steals. Zach LaVine registered 20 points, six boards, two assists and two steals. Patrick Williams managed 18 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and one steal. Nikola Vucevic generated a 14-point, 17-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one steal. Alex Caruso totaled 12 points, four boards, two assists, three steals and one block.
The Hawks remain on the road and visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, while the Bulls hit the road and drop in on the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night.
Both teams' defenses took center stage in the first quarter, when only 38 total points were scored. However, the Bulls' (22-24) offense got hot, putting up 40 points to take a 13-point lead into halftime. The Hawks (24-24) knocked nine points from their deficit during the third period, but Chicago was able to close out the home win with a 33-22 edge during the final period.
Trae Young led the Hawks with a 21-point, 13-assist double-double that included three rebounds. Dejounte Murray furnished 20 points, seven boards and four assists. Clint Capela generated a 16-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist, two steals and two blocks. John Collins provided 11 points, nine rebounds, two steals and one block. Bogdan Bogdanovic and A.J. Griffin delivered matching 11-point tallies as well while offering four assists and three rebounds, respectively.
DeMar DeRozan paced the Bulls with 26 points, complementing them with six assists, one rebound and three steals. Zach LaVine registered 20 points, six boards, two assists and two steals. Patrick Williams managed 18 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and one steal. Nikola Vucevic generated a 14-point, 17-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one steal. Alex Caruso totaled 12 points, four boards, two assists, three steals and one block.
The Hawks remain on the road and visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, while the Bulls hit the road and drop in on the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night.
Rockets Snap 13-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets defeated the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 119-114, at Toyota Center on Monday evening.
The Rockets jumped out to a strong start and led, 31-26, after one quarter, but the visitors bounced back in the second and tied it up at 56, by halftime. The Rockets turned up the intensity in the third and outscored the hosts, 34-25, to claim a nine-point advantage heading into the fourth. The Timberwolves kept up the fight in the fourth, but the Rockets stayed one step ahead and held on to snap a 13-game losing streak. This marks the end of a two-game win streak for the Timberwolves.
Jalen Green led the Rockets with 42 points, four rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, in 35 minutes. Alperen Sengun followed up with 21 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, while Tari Eason tallied 11 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks. The Rockets shot 50 percent from the field, including 11-of-30 from deep.
Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 31 points, three rebounds, five assists, four steals and a block, in 37 minutes. D'Angelo Russell followed up with 30 points, three rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while Rudy Gobert totaled 15 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks. The Timberwolves shot 45.1 percent from the field, including 16-of-42 long range.
The Timberwolves (24-25) take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Wednesday. The Rockets (11-36) play host to the Wizards on Wednesday.
The Rockets jumped out to a strong start and led, 31-26, after one quarter, but the visitors bounced back in the second and tied it up at 56, by halftime. The Rockets turned up the intensity in the third and outscored the hosts, 34-25, to claim a nine-point advantage heading into the fourth. The Timberwolves kept up the fight in the fourth, but the Rockets stayed one step ahead and held on to snap a 13-game losing streak. This marks the end of a two-game win streak for the Timberwolves.
Jalen Green led the Rockets with 42 points, four rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, in 35 minutes. Alperen Sengun followed up with 21 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, while Tari Eason tallied 11 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks. The Rockets shot 50 percent from the field, including 11-of-30 from deep.
Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 31 points, three rebounds, five assists, four steals and a block, in 37 minutes. D'Angelo Russell followed up with 30 points, three rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while Rudy Gobert totaled 15 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks. The Timberwolves shot 45.1 percent from the field, including 16-of-42 long range.
The Timberwolves (24-25) take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Wednesday. The Rockets (11-36) play host to the Wizards on Wednesday.
Jazz Cruise Past Hornets In Utah
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets, 120-102, at Vivint Arena on Monday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Hornets led, 24-21, after one quarter. The Jazz turned it up a notch in the second and outscored the visitors, 37-21, to claim a 13-point lead by halftime. Both sides came out strong in the third, while the Hornets managed to trim it to a 10-point deficit heading into the final frame. The Jazz reclaimed control in the fourth, outscoring the visitors by eight points in the quarter to secure the home win.
Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 25 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, in 32 minutes. Jordan Clarkson followed up with 18 points and two assists, while Mike Conley tallied 14 points, three rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block. The Jazz shot 47.7 percent from the field, including 16-of-40 from deep.
Meanwhile, Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 23 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. Mason Plumlee followed up with 18 points, eight rebounds, five assists and a block, while Dennis Smith added 15 points, three rebounds and nine assists. The Hornets shot 44.7 percent from the field, including just 2-of-16 from long range.
The Hornets (13-35) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Suns in Phoenix on Tuesday. The Jazz (25-25) take on the Trail Blazers in Portland on Wednesday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Hornets led, 24-21, after one quarter. The Jazz turned it up a notch in the second and outscored the visitors, 37-21, to claim a 13-point lead by halftime. Both sides came out strong in the third, while the Hornets managed to trim it to a 10-point deficit heading into the final frame. The Jazz reclaimed control in the fourth, outscoring the visitors by eight points in the quarter to secure the home win.
Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 25 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, in 32 minutes. Jordan Clarkson followed up with 18 points and two assists, while Mike Conley tallied 14 points, three rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block. The Jazz shot 47.7 percent from the field, including 16-of-40 from deep.
Meanwhile, Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 23 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. Mason Plumlee followed up with 18 points, eight rebounds, five assists and a block, while Dennis Smith added 15 points, three rebounds and nine assists. The Hornets shot 44.7 percent from the field, including just 2-of-16 from long range.
The Hornets (13-35) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Suns in Phoenix on Tuesday. The Jazz (25-25) take on the Trail Blazers in Portland on Wednesday.
Blazers Defeat Spurs, 147-127
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 147-127, at Moda Center on Monday.
While there were 13 ties and 13 lead changes through the opening 30 minutes, Portland rode a 45-27 third quarter to their blowout win. That allowed them to lead by at least 15 points for the entirety of the fourth quarter, getting their lead up to 24 points at times. The Trail Blazers shot 60 percent from the field and 61 percent from three-point range while recording 34 assists in this offensive showcase. Portland also outscored San Antonio in the paint, 62-52, and in fastbreak scoring, 24-6.
The Spurs (14-33) were led by Keldon Johnson, collecting 20 points and four rebounds. Jeremy Sochan amassed 18 points, six rebounds and four assists. Jakob Poeltl provided 14 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Tre Jones tallied 12 points, two rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while Doug McDermott led the bench with 13 points.
The Trail Blazers (22-25) were led by Damian Lillard, finishing with 37 points and 12 assists. Anfernee Simons scored 26 points. Jusuf Nurkic compiled 25 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and three steals, while Josh Hart had nine points, five rebounds and four assists. Those four combined to shoot 35-of-49 from the field. Shaedon Sharpe led the bench with 19 points.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with San Antonio staying on the road to play the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland playing host to the Utah Jazz.
While there were 13 ties and 13 lead changes through the opening 30 minutes, Portland rode a 45-27 third quarter to their blowout win. That allowed them to lead by at least 15 points for the entirety of the fourth quarter, getting their lead up to 24 points at times. The Trail Blazers shot 60 percent from the field and 61 percent from three-point range while recording 34 assists in this offensive showcase. Portland also outscored San Antonio in the paint, 62-52, and in fastbreak scoring, 24-6.
The Spurs (14-33) were led by Keldon Johnson, collecting 20 points and four rebounds. Jeremy Sochan amassed 18 points, six rebounds and four assists. Jakob Poeltl provided 14 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Tre Jones tallied 12 points, two rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while Doug McDermott led the bench with 13 points.
The Trail Blazers (22-25) were led by Damian Lillard, finishing with 37 points and 12 assists. Anfernee Simons scored 26 points. Jusuf Nurkic compiled 25 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and three steals, while Josh Hart had nine points, five rebounds and four assists. Those four combined to shoot 35-of-49 from the field. Shaedon Sharpe led the bench with 19 points.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with San Antonio staying on the road to play the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland playing host to the Utah Jazz.
Kings Defeat Grizzlies, 133-100
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, 133-100, at Golden 1 Center on Monday.
There were only six ties and four lead changes in this game, with Sacramento leading for all but a few minutes. They started the game with a 47-33 first quarter and put things to bed behind a 16-0 run in the fourth quarter. They outscored the Grizzlies, 33-10, in that frame, capping off a 77-39 second half. The Kings shot 56 percent from the field and 55 percent from three-point range while holding the Grizzlies to 41 percent from the field and 33 percent from long range. Sacramento also out-rebounded Memphis, 58-38, while out-assisting them, 37-28.
The Grizzlies (31-16) were led by Desmond Bane, collecting 21 points, four rebounds and five assists. Jaren Jackson Jr generated 19 points, five rebounds and two assists. Dillon Brooks amassed 13 points and six assists, while Tyus Jones tallied 12 points, six rebounds, eight assists and two steals.
The Kings (27-19) were led by Harrison Barnes, finishing with 20 points, three rebounds and two assists. Trey Lyles led the bench with 24 points, six rebounds, two steals and three blocks. Malik Monk also provided 13 points, nine rebounds and eight assists off the pine. De'Aaron Fox totaled 17 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and four steals, while Domantas Sabonis accrued 14 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists and eight turnovers.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Sacramento staying home to play the Toronto Raptors and Memphis traveling to face the Golden State Warriors.
There were only six ties and four lead changes in this game, with Sacramento leading for all but a few minutes. They started the game with a 47-33 first quarter and put things to bed behind a 16-0 run in the fourth quarter. They outscored the Grizzlies, 33-10, in that frame, capping off a 77-39 second half. The Kings shot 56 percent from the field and 55 percent from three-point range while holding the Grizzlies to 41 percent from the field and 33 percent from long range. Sacramento also out-rebounded Memphis, 58-38, while out-assisting them, 37-28.
The Grizzlies (31-16) were led by Desmond Bane, collecting 21 points, four rebounds and five assists. Jaren Jackson Jr generated 19 points, five rebounds and two assists. Dillon Brooks amassed 13 points and six assists, while Tyus Jones tallied 12 points, six rebounds, eight assists and two steals.
The Kings (27-19) were led by Harrison Barnes, finishing with 20 points, three rebounds and two assists. Trey Lyles led the bench with 24 points, six rebounds, two steals and three blocks. Malik Monk also provided 13 points, nine rebounds and eight assists off the pine. De'Aaron Fox totaled 17 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and four steals, while Domantas Sabonis accrued 14 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists and eight turnovers.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Sacramento staying home to play the Toronto Raptors and Memphis traveling to face the Golden State Warriors.