Sixers Hold Off Nuggets In Philly
By Dan Bruno
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the visiting Denver Nuggets, 126-119, at Wells Fargo Center on Saturday.
The Nuggets jumped out to a strong start and led, 38-29, after one quarter. The visitors kept up the pressure in the second and added another six points to their advantage to make it a 15-point game by halftime. The Sixers turned it around in the third and outscored the Nuggets, 38-26, to cut it to a three-point game heading into the final quarter. The hosts kept the momentum going in the fourth and charged all the way to their seventh straight win, while this marks the second straight loss for the Nuggets.
Joel Embiid led the Sixers with 47 points, 18 rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks, in 38 minutes. James Harden followed up with 17 points, four rebounds and 13 assists, while Tobias Harris tallied 14 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Sixers shot 51.7 percent from the field, including 18-of-35 from deep.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 24 points, eight rebounds, nine assists and two blocks, in 38 minutes. Jamal Murray followed up with 22 points, four rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Michael Porter finished with 20 points and six rebounds. The Nuggets shot 54.3 percent from the field, including 14-of-34 from long range.
The Nuggets (34-16) will look to bounce back against the Pelicans on Tuesday. The 76ers (32-16) play host to the Magic on Monday.
The Nuggets jumped out to a strong start and led, 38-29, after one quarter. The visitors kept up the pressure in the second and added another six points to their advantage to make it a 15-point game by halftime. The Sixers turned it around in the third and outscored the Nuggets, 38-26, to cut it to a three-point game heading into the final quarter. The hosts kept the momentum going in the fourth and charged all the way to their seventh straight win, while this marks the second straight loss for the Nuggets.
Joel Embiid led the Sixers with 47 points, 18 rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks, in 38 minutes. James Harden followed up with 17 points, four rebounds and 13 assists, while Tobias Harris tallied 14 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Sixers shot 51.7 percent from the field, including 18-of-35 from deep.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 24 points, eight rebounds, nine assists and two blocks, in 38 minutes. Jamal Murray followed up with 22 points, four rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Michael Porter finished with 20 points and six rebounds. The Nuggets shot 54.3 percent from the field, including 14-of-34 from long range.
The Nuggets (34-16) will look to bounce back against the Pelicans on Tuesday. The 76ers (32-16) play host to the Magic on Monday.
Nets Defeat Knicks, 122-115
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the visiting New York Knicks, 122-115, at Barclay's Center on Saturday.
A 28-22 first quarter set the foundation for Brooklyn in this win, maintaining the lead for the final three quarters. They put things to bed behind a 34-27 second quarter and got their lead up to 19 points at times in the second half. With that said, NY got it down to a three-point margin in the final three minutes but never had a game-tying attempt after the opening frame. The Nets shot 53 percent from the field and 55 percent from three-point range (22-of-40) while holding the Knicks to 51 percent from the field and 36 percent from long range (10-of-28). Brooklyn also out-assisted New York, 31-19.
The Knicks (27-24) were led by Jalen Brunson, collecting 26 points, three rebounds and four assists. Julius Randle registered 19 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. RJ Barrett totaled 24 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Immanuel Quickley led the bench with 16 points, six rebounds and three assists. Quentin Grimes had 10 points and four boards.
The Nets (30-19) were led by Kyrie Irving, finishing with 32 points, six rebounds, nine assists and two steals, scoring 21 of those in the fourth quarter. Joe Harris had 16 points, two rebounds and two assists. Royce O'Neale accrued 14 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Nic Claxton compiled 13 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and three blocks.
On deck for Brooklyn is a home matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday. As for New York, they return home to play the Lakers on Tuesday for their next outing as well.
A 28-22 first quarter set the foundation for Brooklyn in this win, maintaining the lead for the final three quarters. They put things to bed behind a 34-27 second quarter and got their lead up to 19 points at times in the second half. With that said, NY got it down to a three-point margin in the final three minutes but never had a game-tying attempt after the opening frame. The Nets shot 53 percent from the field and 55 percent from three-point range (22-of-40) while holding the Knicks to 51 percent from the field and 36 percent from long range (10-of-28). Brooklyn also out-assisted New York, 31-19.
The Knicks (27-24) were led by Jalen Brunson, collecting 26 points, three rebounds and four assists. Julius Randle registered 19 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. RJ Barrett totaled 24 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Immanuel Quickley led the bench with 16 points, six rebounds and three assists. Quentin Grimes had 10 points and four boards.
The Nets (30-19) were led by Kyrie Irving, finishing with 32 points, six rebounds, nine assists and two steals, scoring 21 of those in the fourth quarter. Joe Harris had 16 points, two rebounds and two assists. Royce O'Neale accrued 14 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Nic Claxton compiled 13 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and three blocks.
On deck for Brooklyn is a home matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday. As for New York, they return home to play the Lakers on Tuesday for their next outing as well.
Rockets Edge Pistons, 117-114
The Houston Rockets defeated the Detroit Pistons, 117-114, at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday night.
The Rockets (12-38) came into the contest having won just four road games all season and the victim of multiple close losses throughout the campaign, and early on, they appeared destined for yet another defeat. The Pistons (13-38) owned a 37-27 lead through one, but Houston turned it up on both ends of the floor in the second to wipe out its deficit and take a two-point edge into halftime. Detroit bounced back to regain a three-point advantage ahead of the final period, but the visitors' 34-28 edge during the fourth quarter and Kenyon Martin Jr.'s late four-point possession helped them garner a rare comeback victory.
Eric Gordon led the Rockets with 24 points, complementing them with seven assists and two steals. Tari Eason generated a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double that includes one assist and two steals. Martin produced 15 points, 13 rebounds, one assist and one block. Jae'Sean Tate furnished 13 points, three boards and two assists. Josh Christopher netted 11 points.
Alec Burks paced the Pistons with 21 points, which he supplemented with two rebounds and two assists. Bojan Bogdanovic registered 18 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Jaden Ivey delivered 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Hamidou Diallo contributed 15 points, two rebounds, one assist, five steals and one block. Saddiq Bey turned in 10 points, six rebounds and two assists.
The Rockets return home to host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, while the Pistons visit the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night.
The Rockets (12-38) came into the contest having won just four road games all season and the victim of multiple close losses throughout the campaign, and early on, they appeared destined for yet another defeat. The Pistons (13-38) owned a 37-27 lead through one, but Houston turned it up on both ends of the floor in the second to wipe out its deficit and take a two-point edge into halftime. Detroit bounced back to regain a three-point advantage ahead of the final period, but the visitors' 34-28 edge during the fourth quarter and Kenyon Martin Jr.'s late four-point possession helped them garner a rare comeback victory.
Eric Gordon led the Rockets with 24 points, complementing them with seven assists and two steals. Tari Eason generated a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double that includes one assist and two steals. Martin produced 15 points, 13 rebounds, one assist and one block. Jae'Sean Tate furnished 13 points, three boards and two assists. Josh Christopher netted 11 points.
Alec Burks paced the Pistons with 21 points, which he supplemented with two rebounds and two assists. Bojan Bogdanovic registered 18 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Jaden Ivey delivered 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Hamidou Diallo contributed 15 points, two rebounds, one assist, five steals and one block. Saddiq Bey turned in 10 points, six rebounds and two assists.
The Rockets return home to host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, while the Pistons visit the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night.
Bulls Throttle Magic, 128-109
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Orlando Magic, 128-109, at Amway Center on Saturday night.
The Bulls (23-26) came into the contest looking to snap a brief two-game losing streak, and they got off on the right foot by extending a six-point first-quarter lead to 13 by halftime. Chicago then made sure there would be no big comeback from the Magic (19-31) out of intermission by forging a 35-34 edge during the third that essentially sealed the win.
DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine co-led the Bulls with 32 points, with DeRozan adding eight assists. Nikola Vucevic generated a 26-point, 13-rebound double-double that included six assists and two blocks. Patrick Williams delivered 16 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.
Moritz Wagner paced the Magic with 27 points, adding three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Cole Anthony supplied 21 points, six boards and six assists. Wendell Carter Jr. and Jalen Suggs posted 11 points apiece while recording five rebounds and five assists, respectively. Paolo Banchero registered nine points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal.
The Bulls return home to host the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night, while the Magic hit the road and pay a visit to the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night.
The Bulls (23-26) came into the contest looking to snap a brief two-game losing streak, and they got off on the right foot by extending a six-point first-quarter lead to 13 by halftime. Chicago then made sure there would be no big comeback from the Magic (19-31) out of intermission by forging a 35-34 edge during the third that essentially sealed the win.
DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine co-led the Bulls with 32 points, with DeRozan adding eight assists. Nikola Vucevic generated a 26-point, 13-rebound double-double that included six assists and two blocks. Patrick Williams delivered 16 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.
Moritz Wagner paced the Magic with 27 points, adding three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Cole Anthony supplied 21 points, six boards and six assists. Wendell Carter Jr. and Jalen Suggs posted 11 points apiece while recording five rebounds and five assists, respectively. Paolo Banchero registered nine points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal.
The Bulls return home to host the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night, while the Magic hit the road and pay a visit to the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night.
Clippers Get Past Hawks, 120-113
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 120-113, at State Farm Arena on Saturday night.
The Hawks (25-25) came into the contest with a 6-2 record over the last eight games, and they opened Saturday's game looking like they were on solid ground to keep the good times rolling. Atlanta owned a 28-22 lead through one, but the Clippers (28-24) roared back in the second to eliminate their deficit altogether and take a five-point advantage into halftime. The hosts managed to shrink that edge to three points during the third, but Los Angeles' 12-3 run over the first 2:47 of the final period set the stage for the road victory.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 32 points, adding eight rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Paul George delivered 23 points, seven boards, six assists and one steal. Ivica Zubac furnished 18 points, six boards, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Reggie Jackson supplied 16 points, three assists and one steal. Luke Kennard registered 11 points, three rebounds and one steal. Norman Powell produced 10 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with 31 points, complementing them with 10 assists, five rebounds and one steal. John Collins managed 16 points, five rebounds and one steal. Dejounte Murray compiled 15 points, eight assists, six rebounds, two steals and one block. De'Andre Hunter contributed 14 points, seven boards, one assist and two steals. Clint Capela generated a 12-point, 13-rebound double-double that included two assists, two steals and one block.
The Clippers remain on the road and visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night, while the Hawks hit the road and tangle with the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night.
The Hawks (25-25) came into the contest with a 6-2 record over the last eight games, and they opened Saturday's game looking like they were on solid ground to keep the good times rolling. Atlanta owned a 28-22 lead through one, but the Clippers (28-24) roared back in the second to eliminate their deficit altogether and take a five-point advantage into halftime. The hosts managed to shrink that edge to three points during the third, but Los Angeles' 12-3 run over the first 2:47 of the final period set the stage for the road victory.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 32 points, adding eight rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Paul George delivered 23 points, seven boards, six assists and one steal. Ivica Zubac furnished 18 points, six boards, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Reggie Jackson supplied 16 points, three assists and one steal. Luke Kennard registered 11 points, three rebounds and one steal. Norman Powell produced 10 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with 31 points, complementing them with 10 assists, five rebounds and one steal. John Collins managed 16 points, five rebounds and one steal. Dejounte Murray compiled 15 points, eight assists, six rebounds, two steals and one block. De'Andre Hunter contributed 14 points, seven boards, one assist and two steals. Clint Capela generated a 12-point, 13-rebound double-double that included two assists, two steals and one block.
The Clippers remain on the road and visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night, while the Hawks hit the road and tangle with the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night.
Wizards Close Out Fifth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Washington Wizards defeated host New Orleans Pelicans, 113-103, at Smoothie King Center on Saturday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Wizards led, 32-30, after one quarter. The visitors took control in the second and pushed ahead to a nine-point advantage by halftime. The Pelicans had no answers in the third, and the Wizards increased their cushion to 14, heading into the final frame. The Pelicans brought a solid effort in the fourth, but the Wizards held their ground and closed out their fifth straight win. This marks the seventh straight loss for the Pelicans.
Daniel Gafford led the Wizards with 21 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, five blocks and a steal, in 29 minutes. Bradley Beal followed up with 16 points, four rebounds, five assists and a block, while Deni Avdija tallied 15 points, nine rebounds and two steals. The Wizards shot 45.5 percent from the field, including 11-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, C.J. McCollum led the Pelicans with 24 points, five rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, in 36 minutes. Brandon Ingram followed up with 22 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Trey Murphy added 10 points, two rebounds, two blocks and a steal. The Pelicans shot 42.4 percent from the field, including 8-of-29 from deep.
The Pelicans (26-24) will look to bounce back as they take on the Bucks in Milwaukee on Sunday. The Wizards (23-26) take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Monday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Wizards led, 32-30, after one quarter. The visitors took control in the second and pushed ahead to a nine-point advantage by halftime. The Pelicans had no answers in the third, and the Wizards increased their cushion to 14, heading into the final frame. The Pelicans brought a solid effort in the fourth, but the Wizards held their ground and closed out their fifth straight win. This marks the seventh straight loss for the Pelicans.
Daniel Gafford led the Wizards with 21 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, five blocks and a steal, in 29 minutes. Bradley Beal followed up with 16 points, four rebounds, five assists and a block, while Deni Avdija tallied 15 points, nine rebounds and two steals. The Wizards shot 45.5 percent from the field, including 11-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, C.J. McCollum led the Pelicans with 24 points, five rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, in 36 minutes. Brandon Ingram followed up with 22 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Trey Murphy added 10 points, two rebounds, two blocks and a steal. The Pelicans shot 42.4 percent from the field, including 8-of-29 from deep.
The Pelicans (26-24) will look to bounce back as they take on the Bucks in Milwaukee on Sunday. The Wizards (23-26) take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Monday.
Timberwolves Come Out On Top At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings, 117-110, at Target Center on Saturday.
The Timberwolves jumped out to a strong start and led, 29-21, after one quarter. The Kings came out better in the second and outscored the hosts by 10, to take a two-point lead by halftime. The Timberwolves reclaimed momentum in the third and outscored the visitors, 33-22, to amass a nine-point lead heading into the final quarter. They kept the pressure on and stayed one step ahead the rest of the way to close out their third straight win.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 34 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block, in 38 minutes. D'Angelo Russell followed up with 25 points, two rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Jaden McDaniels tallied 15 points, eight rebounds and two assists. The Timberwolves shot 52.5 percent from the field, including 17-of-37 from deep.
Meanwhile, De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 29 points, three rebounds, six assists and two steals, in 35 minutes. Domantas Sabonis followed up with 23 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, while Harrison Barnes and Malik Monk chipped in 13 points each. The Kings shot 45.1 percent from the field, including 9-of-33 from long range.
The Timberwolves (27-25) and Kings (27-21) clash again in Minnesota on Monday.
The Timberwolves jumped out to a strong start and led, 29-21, after one quarter. The Kings came out better in the second and outscored the hosts by 10, to take a two-point lead by halftime. The Timberwolves reclaimed momentum in the third and outscored the visitors, 33-22, to amass a nine-point lead heading into the final quarter. They kept the pressure on and stayed one step ahead the rest of the way to close out their third straight win.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 34 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block, in 38 minutes. D'Angelo Russell followed up with 25 points, two rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Jaden McDaniels tallied 15 points, eight rebounds and two assists. The Timberwolves shot 52.5 percent from the field, including 17-of-37 from deep.
Meanwhile, De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 29 points, three rebounds, six assists and two steals, in 35 minutes. Domantas Sabonis followed up with 23 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, while Harrison Barnes and Malik Monk chipped in 13 points each. The Kings shot 45.1 percent from the field, including 9-of-33 from long range.
The Timberwolves (27-25) and Kings (27-21) clash again in Minnesota on Monday.
Suns Hold Off Spurs in Overtime
By Dan Bruno
The Phoenix Suns defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 128-118, at AT&T Center on Saturday evening.
The Suns got out to a strong start with a, 33-26, lead after one quarter, and they kept the upper hand through the second to take a seven-point lead into the break. The Suns kept the momentum going in the third and managed to increase their advantage to 11, heading into the final quarter. However, the Spurs rallied back in the fourth and tied it up a 110, to force overtime. The Suns did not take anything for granted in extra time and outscored the hosts, 18-8, to secure the road win. This marks the fifth straight loss for the Spurs.
Chris Paul led the Suns with 31 points, seven rebounds, 11 assists, two blocks and a steal, in 39 minutes. Mikal Bridges followed up with 25 points, four assists, a steal and a block, while Deandre Ayton totaled 23 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Suns shot 48.5 percent from the field, including 8-of-24 from deep.
Meanwhile, Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 34 points, three rebounds and five assists, in 41 minutes. Jeremy Sochan followed up with 30 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Keita Bates-Diop tallied 14 points, four rebounds and four assists. The Spurs shot 44 percent from the field, including 10-of-29 from long range.
The Spurs (14-36) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Wizards on Monday. The Suns (26-25) play host to the Raptors on Monday.
The Suns got out to a strong start with a, 33-26, lead after one quarter, and they kept the upper hand through the second to take a seven-point lead into the break. The Suns kept the momentum going in the third and managed to increase their advantage to 11, heading into the final quarter. However, the Spurs rallied back in the fourth and tied it up a 110, to force overtime. The Suns did not take anything for granted in extra time and outscored the hosts, 18-8, to secure the road win. This marks the fifth straight loss for the Spurs.
Chris Paul led the Suns with 31 points, seven rebounds, 11 assists, two blocks and a steal, in 39 minutes. Mikal Bridges followed up with 25 points, four assists, a steal and a block, while Deandre Ayton totaled 23 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Suns shot 48.5 percent from the field, including 8-of-24 from deep.
Meanwhile, Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 34 points, three rebounds and five assists, in 41 minutes. Jeremy Sochan followed up with 30 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Keita Bates-Diop tallied 14 points, four rebounds and four assists. The Spurs shot 44 percent from the field, including 10-of-29 from long range.
The Spurs (14-36) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Wizards on Monday. The Suns (26-25) play host to the Raptors on Monday.
Celtics Topple Lakers in OT, 125-121
The Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 125-121, in overtime at TD Garden on Saturday night.
The Celtics' (36-15) hopes of snapping a rare three-game losing streak didn't look great at intermission, as the Lakers (23-27) owned a six-point lead by halftime. However, Boston then managed to erase its deficit altogether in the third quarter, and Jaylen Brown successfully converted an and-one opportunity with four seconds left in regulation to force overtime. In the extra period, Boston's quick 8-2 run over the first 52 seconds established a six-point advantage that ultimately gave the hosts enough cushion for the victory.
LeBron James paced the Lakers with 41 points, adding nine rebounds and eight assists. Anthony Davis generated a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double that included four assists. Patrick Beverley delivered 15 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Dennis Schroder and Lonnie Walker posted matching 13-point tallies while recording three assists and three rebounds, respectively. Russell Westbrook supplied 12 points, seven assists, four rebounds and one steal.
Brown led the Celtics with 37 points, supplementing them with nine rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Jayson Tatum turned in a 30-point, 11-rebound double-double that included four assists, two steals and one block. Malcolm Brogdon registered 26 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Derrick White managed 14 points, five boards, two assists and one block.
The Lakers remain on the road and visit the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night, while the Celtics remain home and host the Nets on Wednesday night.
The Celtics' (36-15) hopes of snapping a rare three-game losing streak didn't look great at intermission, as the Lakers (23-27) owned a six-point lead by halftime. However, Boston then managed to erase its deficit altogether in the third quarter, and Jaylen Brown successfully converted an and-one opportunity with four seconds left in regulation to force overtime. In the extra period, Boston's quick 8-2 run over the first 52 seconds established a six-point advantage that ultimately gave the hosts enough cushion for the victory.
LeBron James paced the Lakers with 41 points, adding nine rebounds and eight assists. Anthony Davis generated a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double that included four assists. Patrick Beverley delivered 15 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Dennis Schroder and Lonnie Walker posted matching 13-point tallies while recording three assists and three rebounds, respectively. Russell Westbrook supplied 12 points, seven assists, four rebounds and one steal.
Brown led the Celtics with 37 points, supplementing them with nine rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Jayson Tatum turned in a 30-point, 11-rebound double-double that included four assists, two steals and one block. Malcolm Brogdon registered 26 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Derrick White managed 14 points, five boards, two assists and one block.
The Lakers remain on the road and visit the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night, while the Celtics remain home and host the Nets on Wednesday night.
Jazz Defeat Mavericks, 108-100
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Dallas Mavericks, 108-100, at Vivint Arena on Saturday.
A 34-23 first quarter carries Utah to their win, holding the lead for all but one minute in this game. They put things away behind a 32-25 second quarter, getting their lead up to 19 points at times. The Jazz shot 48 percent from the field while holding the Mavericks below 44 percent shooting. Utah also out-rebounded Dallas, 61-39, while outscoring them in the paint, 48-28.
The Mavericks (26-25) were led by Spencer Dinwiddie, collecting 35 points, four rebounds and eight assists in the absence of Luka Doncic (ankle). Dorian Finney-Smith amassed 11 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals. Josh Green totaled 11 points, three rebounds and five assists, while Reggie Bullock led the bench with 19 points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Jazz (26-26) were led by Lauri Markkanen, finishing with 29 points and five rebounds. Jordan Clarkson compiled 14 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals. Walker Kessler generated 14 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and five blocks, while Mike Conley had four points, five rebounds, 11 assists and four steals. Malik Beasley led the bench with 19 points, four rebounds and two assists.
On deck for Dallas is a home game against the Detroit Pistons on Monday. As for Utah, they're off until Wednesday, when they play host to the Toronto Raptors.
A 34-23 first quarter carries Utah to their win, holding the lead for all but one minute in this game. They put things away behind a 32-25 second quarter, getting their lead up to 19 points at times. The Jazz shot 48 percent from the field while holding the Mavericks below 44 percent shooting. Utah also out-rebounded Dallas, 61-39, while outscoring them in the paint, 48-28.
The Mavericks (26-25) were led by Spencer Dinwiddie, collecting 35 points, four rebounds and eight assists in the absence of Luka Doncic (ankle). Dorian Finney-Smith amassed 11 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals. Josh Green totaled 11 points, three rebounds and five assists, while Reggie Bullock led the bench with 19 points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Jazz (26-26) were led by Lauri Markkanen, finishing with 29 points and five rebounds. Jordan Clarkson compiled 14 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals. Walker Kessler generated 14 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and five blocks, while Mike Conley had four points, five rebounds, 11 assists and four steals. Malik Beasley led the bench with 19 points, four rebounds and two assists.
On deck for Dallas is a home game against the Detroit Pistons on Monday. As for Utah, they're off until Wednesday, when they play host to the Toronto Raptors.
Raptors Defeat Blazers, 123-105
The Toronto Raptors defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 123-105, at Moda Center on Saturday.
A 37-14 first quarter set the foundation for Toronto in this wire-to-wire win, with Portland never attempting a game-tying shot after the opening two minutes. Portland did get the margin down to four points in the final quarter, but Toronto put things away with a 35-22 fourth quarter. The Raptors out-rebounded the Trail Blazers, 48-38, while out-assisting them, 24-18. Toronto also outscored Portland in second-chance points, 22-5, while winning the turnover battle, 11-6.
The Raptors (23-28) were led by Precious Achiuwa, amassing 27 points, 13 rebounds and two steals. Pascal Siakam provided 24 points, three rebounds and four assists. Gary Trent Jr scored 19 points, while Scottie Barnes had 18 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. Fred VanVleet finished with 11 points, six rebounds, nine assists and four steals.
The Trail Blazers (23-26) were led by Damian Lillard, generating 30 points, four rebounds and three assists. Jerami Grant totaled 26 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Anfernee Simons accumulated 14 points, five rebounds and four assists. No other player had more than eight points, three rebounds or two assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Portland remaining home to play the Atlanta Hawks and Toronto staying on the road to face the Phoenix Suns.
A 37-14 first quarter set the foundation for Toronto in this wire-to-wire win, with Portland never attempting a game-tying shot after the opening two minutes. Portland did get the margin down to four points in the final quarter, but Toronto put things away with a 35-22 fourth quarter. The Raptors out-rebounded the Trail Blazers, 48-38, while out-assisting them, 24-18. Toronto also outscored Portland in second-chance points, 22-5, while winning the turnover battle, 11-6.
The Raptors (23-28) were led by Precious Achiuwa, amassing 27 points, 13 rebounds and two steals. Pascal Siakam provided 24 points, three rebounds and four assists. Gary Trent Jr scored 19 points, while Scottie Barnes had 18 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. Fred VanVleet finished with 11 points, six rebounds, nine assists and four steals.
The Trail Blazers (23-26) were led by Damian Lillard, generating 30 points, four rebounds and three assists. Jerami Grant totaled 26 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Anfernee Simons accumulated 14 points, five rebounds and four assists. No other player had more than eight points, three rebounds or two assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Portland remaining home to play the Atlanta Hawks and Toronto staying on the road to face the Phoenix Suns.