Magic Hold On To Get Past Pacers
The Orlando Magic defeated the Indiana Pacers, 126-120, at Amway Center on Wednesday.
The Magic (19-29) and the Pacers (24-26) are two young teams on the rise and played a tight contest, but Orlando dominated in the first quarter and that was enough to secure the victory. Orlando managed to dominate in the early going, and while the Pacers attempted a late comeback, a key bucket from Markelle Fultz in the dying minutes was the ultimate dagger for the Pacers. The Magic raced out to a 46-29 score in the first quarter, but the Pacers responded with a 39-27 score in the second quarter, showing the desire to put up a fight. Orlando recovered some of their advantage and made it a double-digit game once again following a 29-23 score in the third quarter, and while the Pacers won the final quarter by a 29-24 score, it was not enough to complete the comeback and the Magic escaped with the victory. With the win, Orlando moved to 13-12 at home while the Pacers fell to 8-17 on the road.
Paolo Banchero was the leading scorer for the Magic and finished with 23 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals, while Gary Harris posted 22 points. Wendell Carter had 18 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks, and Franz Wagner ended with 13 points, seven assists, three rebounds and two steals. Markelle Fultz had 13 points and eight assists.
Myles Turner was the best player for the Pacers and finished with 22 points and 13 rebounds, while Buddy Hield ended with 21 points, five assists, four rebounds and four steals. T.J. McConnell posted 17 points and eight assists, and Chris Duarte finished with 16 points, five assists, six steals and two rebounds. Bennedict Mathurin added 26 points off the bench as well.
The Magic (19-29) and the Pacers (24-26) are two young teams on the rise and played a tight contest, but Orlando dominated in the first quarter and that was enough to secure the victory. Orlando managed to dominate in the early going, and while the Pacers attempted a late comeback, a key bucket from Markelle Fultz in the dying minutes was the ultimate dagger for the Pacers. The Magic raced out to a 46-29 score in the first quarter, but the Pacers responded with a 39-27 score in the second quarter, showing the desire to put up a fight. Orlando recovered some of their advantage and made it a double-digit game once again following a 29-23 score in the third quarter, and while the Pacers won the final quarter by a 29-24 score, it was not enough to complete the comeback and the Magic escaped with the victory. With the win, Orlando moved to 13-12 at home while the Pacers fell to 8-17 on the road.
Paolo Banchero was the leading scorer for the Magic and finished with 23 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals, while Gary Harris posted 22 points. Wendell Carter had 18 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks, and Franz Wagner ended with 13 points, seven assists, three rebounds and two steals. Markelle Fultz had 13 points and eight assists.
Myles Turner was the best player for the Pacers and finished with 22 points and 13 rebounds, while Buddy Hield ended with 21 points, five assists, four rebounds and four steals. T.J. McConnell posted 17 points and eight assists, and Chris Duarte finished with 16 points, five assists, six steals and two rebounds. Bennedict Mathurin added 26 points off the bench as well.
76ers Hold Off Nets Comeback Attempt
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 137-133, at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday.
The 76ers (31-16) and the Nets (29-18) played a game worthy of two contenders and worthy of a playoff atmosphere, but in the end, Philadelphia came out on top. The first quarter ended with a 41-41 tie, but the 76ers started to pull away following a 34-24 score in the second half. Brooklyn looked good in the second half and won the final two quarters, 33-32 and 35-30, but their efforts were not enough and couldn’t complete the comeback. With the win, the Sixers moved to 17-7 at home while the Nets fell to 16-10 on the road.
Joel Embiid was the best player for the 76ers and finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, while James Harden finished with 23 points and seven assists while also adding three boards and two steals. Tobias Harris delivered 18 points and four rebounds, and De’Anthony Melton posted 19 points with four boards. Tyrese Maxey had 27 points and five assists coming off the bench.
Nic Claxton had another excellent performance and finished with 25 points and 11 rebounds for Brooklyn while also adding two blocks. Kyrie Irving was the leading scorer for the Nets with 30 points and 10 assists while also adding two rebounds and two steals, and Ben Simmons looked solid thanks to his 12 points, five rebounds and five assists. Seth Curry exploded for 32 points coming off the bench.
The 76ers (31-16) and the Nets (29-18) played a game worthy of two contenders and worthy of a playoff atmosphere, but in the end, Philadelphia came out on top. The first quarter ended with a 41-41 tie, but the 76ers started to pull away following a 34-24 score in the second half. Brooklyn looked good in the second half and won the final two quarters, 33-32 and 35-30, but their efforts were not enough and couldn’t complete the comeback. With the win, the Sixers moved to 17-7 at home while the Nets fell to 16-10 on the road.
Joel Embiid was the best player for the 76ers and finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, while James Harden finished with 23 points and seven assists while also adding three boards and two steals. Tobias Harris delivered 18 points and four rebounds, and De’Anthony Melton posted 19 points with four boards. Tyrese Maxey had 27 points and five assists coming off the bench.
Nic Claxton had another excellent performance and finished with 25 points and 11 rebounds for Brooklyn while also adding two blocks. Kyrie Irving was the leading scorer for the Nets with 30 points and 10 assists while also adding two rebounds and two steals, and Ben Simmons looked solid thanks to his 12 points, five rebounds and five assists. Seth Curry exploded for 32 points coming off the bench.
Timberwolves Top Pelicans, 111-102
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 111-102, at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday night.
The Timberwolves (25-25) encountered a red-hot Pelicans (26-23) attack early, leading to a 34-26 deficit for Minnesota at the end of one. Defense then took center stage in the second quarter, when only 38 total points were scored and the visitors made a two-point dent in their deficit. However, the third quarter changed the dynamic of the game for good, as the T-Wolves' 39-21 edge during the period sent them into the final 12 minutes with a 12-point advantage that offered enough cushion for a hard-fought victory.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 37 points, adding six rebounds and five assists. D'Angelo Russell supplied 19 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals. Rudy Gobert generated a 17-point, 12-rebound double-double that included three assists, one steal and one block. Kyle Anderson and Jaden McDaniels posted matching 10-point tallies, with Anderson also recording seven assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
C.J. McCollum paced the Pelicans with 25 points, adding eight assists, five rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas produced a 15-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one block. Brandon Ingram made his return from a 29-game absence to record 13 points, five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Devonte' Graham registered 12 points.
The Timberwolves return home to host the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night, while the Pelicans remain home and host the Washington Wizards on Saturday night.
The Timberwolves (25-25) encountered a red-hot Pelicans (26-23) attack early, leading to a 34-26 deficit for Minnesota at the end of one. Defense then took center stage in the second quarter, when only 38 total points were scored and the visitors made a two-point dent in their deficit. However, the third quarter changed the dynamic of the game for good, as the T-Wolves' 39-21 edge during the period sent them into the final 12 minutes with a 12-point advantage that offered enough cushion for a hard-fought victory.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 37 points, adding six rebounds and five assists. D'Angelo Russell supplied 19 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals. Rudy Gobert generated a 17-point, 12-rebound double-double that included three assists, one steal and one block. Kyle Anderson and Jaden McDaniels posted matching 10-point tallies, with Anderson also recording seven assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
C.J. McCollum paced the Pelicans with 25 points, adding eight assists, five rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas produced a 15-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one block. Brandon Ingram made his return from a 29-game absence to record 13 points, five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Devonte' Graham registered 12 points.
The Timberwolves return home to host the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night, while the Pelicans remain home and host the Washington Wizards on Saturday night.
Wizards Get Past Rockets, 108-103
The Washington Wizards defeated the Houston Rockets, 108-103, at Toyota Center on Wednesday night.
The Rockets (11-37) came into the contest looking to build on a win that snapped a 13-game losing streak, and a first half during which they built a 15-point lead thanks to a 58-point tally. However, the Wizards (22-26) managed to start crawling back from their deficit during the third quarter when they gained seven points on Houston, and they finished the comeback with a 37-22 advantage during the final period.
Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 33 points, adding nine rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Bradley Beal followed with 17 points, four assists and three rebounds. Kendrick Nunn totaled 12 points, four boards, four assists and two steals. Deni Avdija generated a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists, one steal and one block. Daniel Gafford turned in nine points, eight rebounds, two assists and four blocks.
Alperen Sengun paced the Rockets with a 21-point, 11-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included three steals and two blocks. Jalen Green delivered 19 points, seven assists and four boards. Kenyon Martin Jr. supplied 16 points, 13 rebounds, one assist and one block. Jae'Sean Tate managed 10 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
The Wizards remain on the road and visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night, while the Rockets remain home and host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night.
The Rockets (11-37) came into the contest looking to build on a win that snapped a 13-game losing streak, and a first half during which they built a 15-point lead thanks to a 58-point tally. However, the Wizards (22-26) managed to start crawling back from their deficit during the third quarter when they gained seven points on Houston, and they finished the comeback with a 37-22 advantage during the final period.
Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 33 points, adding nine rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Bradley Beal followed with 17 points, four assists and three rebounds. Kendrick Nunn totaled 12 points, four boards, four assists and two steals. Deni Avdija generated a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists, one steal and one block. Daniel Gafford turned in nine points, eight rebounds, two assists and four blocks.
Alperen Sengun paced the Rockets with a 21-point, 11-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included three steals and two blocks. Jalen Green delivered 19 points, seven assists and four boards. Kenyon Martin Jr. supplied 16 points, 13 rebounds, one assist and one block. Jae'Sean Tate managed 10 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
The Wizards remain on the road and visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night, while the Rockets remain home and host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night.
Bucks Top Nuggets, 107-99
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Denver Nuggets, 107-99, at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday night.
The Nuggets (34-15) came into the contest looking to jump right back into the win column following a narrow loss to the Thunder their last time out, and Denver did own a 27-26 lead through one. However, the Bucks (31-17) made their move during the middle periods, forging a 55-46 advantage in that span, which gave them enough of a cushion for an impressive home victory. The two squads combined for 42 turnovers and the visitors were held to 39.2 shooting.
Aaron Gordon led the Nuggets with a 26-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included four assists and two blocks. Bones Hyland furnished 15 points, two boards, one assist and one steal. Bruce Brown delivered 12 points, eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Jeff Green supplied 11 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal. Ish Smith managed 10 points.
Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with a 33-point, 14-rebound double-double that included four assists and three steals. Jrue Holiday registered 20 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Pat Connaughton contributed a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double that included two assists and two steals. Khris Middleton posted 10 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal.
The Nuggets remain on the road and visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday afternoon, while the Bucks hit the road and visit the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.
The Nuggets (34-15) came into the contest looking to jump right back into the win column following a narrow loss to the Thunder their last time out, and Denver did own a 27-26 lead through one. However, the Bucks (31-17) made their move during the middle periods, forging a 55-46 advantage in that span, which gave them enough of a cushion for an impressive home victory. The two squads combined for 42 turnovers and the visitors were held to 39.2 shooting.
Aaron Gordon led the Nuggets with a 26-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included four assists and two blocks. Bones Hyland furnished 15 points, two boards, one assist and one steal. Bruce Brown delivered 12 points, eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Jeff Green supplied 11 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal. Ish Smith managed 10 points.
Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with a 33-point, 14-rebound double-double that included four assists and three steals. Jrue Holiday registered 20 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Pat Connaughton contributed a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double that included two assists and two steals. Khris Middleton posted 10 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal.
The Nuggets remain on the road and visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday afternoon, while the Bucks hit the road and visit the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.
Hawks Outlast Thunder In OKC
By Dan Bruno
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder, 137-132, at Paycom Center on Wednesday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Thunder led, 43-39, after one quarter. The pace kept up the second, and the Hawks managed to erase the deficit and tie it up at 77, by halftime. Both sides brought the effort in the third, but the Hawks maintained the momentum and gained a five-point lead heading into the final frame. They kept the pressure on and rallied to a 15-point advantage, which was enough to stay a step ahead the rest of the way and close out the road win.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 33 points, three rebounds and 11 assists, in 35 minutes. Dejounte Murray followed up with 21 points, two rebounds, three assists and a block, while Bogdan Bogdanovic tallied 20 points, four rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block. The Hawks shot 59.5 percent from the field, including 11-of-29 from deep.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 36 points, five rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks, in 36 minutes. Jalen Williams followed up with 24 points, five rebounds, two assists and four steals, while Josh Giddey finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two blocks. The Thunder shot 52 percent from the field, including 15-of-34 from long range.
The Thunder (23-24) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Cavaliers on Friday. The Hawks (25-24) play host to the Clippers on Saturday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Thunder led, 43-39, after one quarter. The pace kept up the second, and the Hawks managed to erase the deficit and tie it up at 77, by halftime. Both sides brought the effort in the third, but the Hawks maintained the momentum and gained a five-point lead heading into the final frame. They kept the pressure on and rallied to a 15-point advantage, which was enough to stay a step ahead the rest of the way and close out the road win.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 33 points, three rebounds and 11 assists, in 35 minutes. Dejounte Murray followed up with 21 points, two rebounds, three assists and a block, while Bogdan Bogdanovic tallied 20 points, four rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block. The Hawks shot 59.5 percent from the field, including 11-of-29 from deep.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 36 points, five rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks, in 36 minutes. Jalen Williams followed up with 24 points, five rebounds, two assists and four steals, while Josh Giddey finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two blocks. The Thunder shot 52 percent from the field, including 15-of-34 from long range.
The Thunder (23-24) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Cavaliers on Friday. The Hawks (25-24) play host to the Clippers on Saturday.
Warriors Edge Grizzlies In Memphis
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, 122-120, at Chase Center on Wednesday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Warriors led, 24-22, after one quarter. The visitors turned up the pressure in the second and gained a one-point edge by halftime. The Grizzlies maintained the momentum through the third and pushed ahead to a six-point advantage heading into the final quarter. The Grizzlies stayed in front to start the fourth, but the Warriors rallied back to tie it up at 113, with 2:18 on the clock. The lead changed hands a couple of times in the final minutes, but the Warriors got the last laugh, as they managed to sneak in the game-winning layup in the final second to secure the home win. This marks the fourth straight loss for the Grizzlies.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 34 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 35 minutes. Klay Thompson followed up with 24 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Jordan Poole tallied 21 points, five rebounds, seven assists and a steal. The Warriors shot 50.6 percent from the field, including 14-of-32 from deep.
Meanwhile, Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 29 points, four rebounds, 13 assists, two steals and a block, in 35 minutes. Desmond Bane followed up with 20 points, three rebounds, four assists, a block and a steal, while Brandon Clarke totaled 19 points, eight rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Grizzlies shot 47.7 percent from the field, including 10-of-31 from long range.
The Grizzlies (31-16) will look to bounce back as they take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Friday. The Warriors (23-24) play host to the Raptors on Friday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Warriors led, 24-22, after one quarter. The visitors turned up the pressure in the second and gained a one-point edge by halftime. The Grizzlies maintained the momentum through the third and pushed ahead to a six-point advantage heading into the final quarter. The Grizzlies stayed in front to start the fourth, but the Warriors rallied back to tie it up at 113, with 2:18 on the clock. The lead changed hands a couple of times in the final minutes, but the Warriors got the last laugh, as they managed to sneak in the game-winning layup in the final second to secure the home win. This marks the fourth straight loss for the Grizzlies.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 34 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 35 minutes. Klay Thompson followed up with 24 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Jordan Poole tallied 21 points, five rebounds, seven assists and a steal. The Warriors shot 50.6 percent from the field, including 14-of-32 from deep.
Meanwhile, Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 29 points, four rebounds, 13 assists, two steals and a block, in 35 minutes. Desmond Bane followed up with 20 points, three rebounds, four assists, a block and a steal, while Brandon Clarke totaled 19 points, eight rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Grizzlies shot 47.7 percent from the field, including 10-of-31 from long range.
The Grizzlies (31-16) will look to bounce back as they take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Friday. The Warriors (23-24) play host to the Raptors on Friday.
Lillard Drops 60 On Jazz
By Dan Bruno
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 134-124, at Moda Center on Wednesday evening.
Damian Lillard poured in 60 points to lead the Trail Blazers to their second straight win. The Jazz jumped out to a great start with a, 31-19, lead after one quarter, but the Blazers bounced back in the second and rallied to a two-point lead by halftime. The hosts kept the momentum going in the third and increased their advantage to 11, heading into the final quarter. The Jazz brought a solid effort in the fourth, but the Trail Blazers kept their focus and closed out the home win.
Lillard tallied seven rebounds, eight assists and three steals, in 40 minutes of action, to go with his game-high 60 points. Jerami Grant followed up with 19 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block, while Anfernee Simons tallied 16 points, four rebounds, nine assists and a steal. The Trail Blazers shot 57.3 percent from the field, including 17-of-36 from deep.
Meanwhile, Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 24 points and four rebounds, in 34 minutes. Collin Sexton followed up with 19 points, four rebounds, two assists and a block, while Jordan Clarkson finished with 18 points, three assists and a steal. The Jazz shot 52.2 percent from the field, including 20-of-41 from long range.
The Jazz (25-26) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Mavericks on Saturday. The Trail Blazers (23-25) play host to the Raptors on Saturday.
Damian Lillard poured in 60 points to lead the Trail Blazers to their second straight win. The Jazz jumped out to a great start with a, 31-19, lead after one quarter, but the Blazers bounced back in the second and rallied to a two-point lead by halftime. The hosts kept the momentum going in the third and increased their advantage to 11, heading into the final quarter. The Jazz brought a solid effort in the fourth, but the Trail Blazers kept their focus and closed out the home win.
Lillard tallied seven rebounds, eight assists and three steals, in 40 minutes of action, to go with his game-high 60 points. Jerami Grant followed up with 19 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block, while Anfernee Simons tallied 16 points, four rebounds, nine assists and a steal. The Trail Blazers shot 57.3 percent from the field, including 17-of-36 from deep.
Meanwhile, Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 24 points and four rebounds, in 34 minutes. Collin Sexton followed up with 19 points, four rebounds, two assists and a block, while Jordan Clarkson finished with 18 points, three assists and a steal. The Jazz shot 52.2 percent from the field, including 20-of-41 from long range.
The Jazz (25-26) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Mavericks on Saturday. The Trail Blazers (23-25) play host to the Raptors on Saturday.
Raptors Defeat Kings, 113-95
The Toronto Raptors defeated the host Sacramento Kings, 113-95, at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday.
Toronto won all four individual quarters in this game, riding a 34-27 second quarter and a 26-17 third quarter to their win. They held a double-digit lead for the closing 20 minutes, getting their lead up to 20 points at times. Toronto doubled up Sacramento in steals, 12-6, while winning the turnover battle, 19-9. The Raptors out-rebounded the Kings, 41-34, while outscoring them in the paint, 58-42. They also outscored them in second-chance points, 18-2.
The Raptors (22-27) were led by Pascal Siakam, providing 26 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks. Fred VanVleet collected 17 points, four rebounds, five assists, four steals and two blocks. Gary Trent Jr tallied 16 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Scottie Barnes finished with seven points, six rebounds and 10 assists. Precious Achiwua led the bench with 19 points and five boards.
The Kings (27-20) were led by Kevin Huerter, compiling 21 points, four rebounds and four assists. De'Aaron Fox finished with 16 points, four rebounds and eight assists. Keegan Murray totaled 16 points, three rebounds and four assists, while Domantas Sabonis had nine points, eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and nine turnovers.
On deck for Toronto is a road matchup with the Golden State Warriors on Friday. As for Sacramento, they return to action on Saturday in a road matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Toronto won all four individual quarters in this game, riding a 34-27 second quarter and a 26-17 third quarter to their win. They held a double-digit lead for the closing 20 minutes, getting their lead up to 20 points at times. Toronto doubled up Sacramento in steals, 12-6, while winning the turnover battle, 19-9. The Raptors out-rebounded the Kings, 41-34, while outscoring them in the paint, 58-42. They also outscored them in second-chance points, 18-2.
The Raptors (22-27) were led by Pascal Siakam, providing 26 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks. Fred VanVleet collected 17 points, four rebounds, five assists, four steals and two blocks. Gary Trent Jr tallied 16 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Scottie Barnes finished with seven points, six rebounds and 10 assists. Precious Achiwua led the bench with 19 points and five boards.
The Kings (27-20) were led by Kevin Huerter, compiling 21 points, four rebounds and four assists. De'Aaron Fox finished with 16 points, four rebounds and eight assists. Keegan Murray totaled 16 points, three rebounds and four assists, while Domantas Sabonis had nine points, eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and nine turnovers.
On deck for Toronto is a road matchup with the Golden State Warriors on Friday. As for Sacramento, they return to action on Saturday in a road matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Lakers Defeat Spurs, 113-104
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 113-104, at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday.
There were five ties and 11 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 10 points until the final moments. That was Los Angeles, who rode a 32-22 fourth quarter to their comeback victory. The Lakers shot 44 percent from the field and 30 percent from three-point range while holding the Spurs to 38 percent from the field and 24 percent from long range. Los Angeles also out-rebounded San Antonio, 69-56, while out-blocking them, 9-2.
The Spurs (14-34) were led by Keldon Johnson, collecting 25 points and five rebounds. Jeremy Sochan finished with 14 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Tre Jones missed 12 of his 15 shots but finished with six points, three rebounds, six assists and four steals. Zach Collins led the bench with 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Lakers (23-26) were led by Anthony Davis in his return, providing 21 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks off the bench. Lebron James led the starters with 20 points, nine rebounds and 11 assists. Patrick Beverley amassed 18 points, two rebounds and two steals, while Russell Westbrook compiled 14 points, two rebounds and four assists.
San Antonio has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Thursday, staying in LA to face the Los Angeles Clippers. As for the Lakers, they return to action on Saturday in a road matchup with the Boston Celtics.
There were five ties and 11 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 10 points until the final moments. That was Los Angeles, who rode a 32-22 fourth quarter to their comeback victory. The Lakers shot 44 percent from the field and 30 percent from three-point range while holding the Spurs to 38 percent from the field and 24 percent from long range. Los Angeles also out-rebounded San Antonio, 69-56, while out-blocking them, 9-2.
The Spurs (14-34) were led by Keldon Johnson, collecting 25 points and five rebounds. Jeremy Sochan finished with 14 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Tre Jones missed 12 of his 15 shots but finished with six points, three rebounds, six assists and four steals. Zach Collins led the bench with 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Lakers (23-26) were led by Anthony Davis in his return, providing 21 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks off the bench. Lebron James led the starters with 20 points, nine rebounds and 11 assists. Patrick Beverley amassed 18 points, two rebounds and two steals, while Russell Westbrook compiled 14 points, two rebounds and four assists.
San Antonio has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Thursday, staying in LA to face the Los Angeles Clippers. As for the Lakers, they return to action on Saturday in a road matchup with the Boston Celtics.