Magic Defeat Sixers, 119-109
The Orlando Magic defeated the host Philadelphia 76ers, 119-109, at Wells Fargo Center on Monday.
While Philly had a 48-27 lead near the end of the second quarter, Orlando rode a 67-47 second half to their comeback win. It all started with a 42-28 third quarter, with Orlando ripping off a 35-13 run in the second half. The Magic shot 24-of-30 from the free-throw line, while the Sixers hit just 18-of-23. Orlando also recorded 10 steals and seven blocks, while Philadelphia had eight steals and three blocks. That allowed the Magic to win the turnover battle, 18-10, while doubling them up in fastbreak points, 28-14.
The Magic (20-31) were led by Paolo Banchero, providing 29 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Franz Wagner amassed 19 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Markelle Fultz finished with 12 points, two rebounds, 10 assists and four steals, while Wendell Carter Jr collected 12 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Moritz Wagner led the bench with 22 points and six boards.
The Sixers (32-17) were ed by Joel Embiid, tallying 30 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks. James Harden had 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Tobias Harris totaled 17 points and six boards, while De'Anthony Melton generated eight points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.
These teams will have a rematch on Wednesday back in Philly for their next outing.
While Philly had a 48-27 lead near the end of the second quarter, Orlando rode a 67-47 second half to their comeback win. It all started with a 42-28 third quarter, with Orlando ripping off a 35-13 run in the second half. The Magic shot 24-of-30 from the free-throw line, while the Sixers hit just 18-of-23. Orlando also recorded 10 steals and seven blocks, while Philadelphia had eight steals and three blocks. That allowed the Magic to win the turnover battle, 18-10, while doubling them up in fastbreak points, 28-14.
The Magic (20-31) were led by Paolo Banchero, providing 29 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Franz Wagner amassed 19 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Markelle Fultz finished with 12 points, two rebounds, 10 assists and four steals, while Wendell Carter Jr collected 12 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Moritz Wagner led the bench with 22 points and six boards.
The Sixers (32-17) were ed by Joel Embiid, tallying 30 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks. James Harden had 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Tobias Harris totaled 17 points and six boards, while De'Anthony Melton generated eight points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.
These teams will have a rematch on Wednesday back in Philly for their next outing.
Nets Topple Short-Handed Lakers, 121-104
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 121-104, at Barclays Center on Monday night.
The Nets (31-19) had a notable built-in advantage going in, as both LeBron James (ankle) and Anthony Davis (foot) were both unavailable for the Lakers (23-28) for injury management purposes. Brooklyn unsurprisingly started strong, forging a 29-16 lead through one. However, Los Angeles showed some life in the middle periods, managing a 66-56 advantage during that span to reduce its deficit to a manageable three points entering the final period. However, the hosts' 15-5 run over the first 3:40 of the fourth quarter allowed them to regain a measure of control that helped lead to a comfortable victory.
Thomas Bryant led the Lakers with 18 points, adding nine rebounds and one block. Russell Westbrook generated a 17-point, 10-assist double-double that includes eight rebounds, one steal and one block. Rui Hachimura furnished 16 points, four boards and one assist. Lonnie Walker netted 13 points, while Troy Brown delivered an 11-point, 17-rebound double-double that included four assists. Wenyen Gabriel produced 11 points and four rebounds. Dennis Schroder contributed 10 points, six rebounds and five assists.
Kyrie Irving paced the Nets with 26 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block. Cam Thomas and Patty Mills posted matching 21-point tallies while recording three assists and four rebounds, respectively. Royce O'Neale supplied 14 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Yuta Watanabe totaled 12 points, one rebound and two blocks.
The Lakers remain on the road and in New York to pay a visit to the Knicks on Tuesday night, while the Nets hit the road and visit the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night.
The Nets (31-19) had a notable built-in advantage going in, as both LeBron James (ankle) and Anthony Davis (foot) were both unavailable for the Lakers (23-28) for injury management purposes. Brooklyn unsurprisingly started strong, forging a 29-16 lead through one. However, Los Angeles showed some life in the middle periods, managing a 66-56 advantage during that span to reduce its deficit to a manageable three points entering the final period. However, the hosts' 15-5 run over the first 3:40 of the fourth quarter allowed them to regain a measure of control that helped lead to a comfortable victory.
Thomas Bryant led the Lakers with 18 points, adding nine rebounds and one block. Russell Westbrook generated a 17-point, 10-assist double-double that includes eight rebounds, one steal and one block. Rui Hachimura furnished 16 points, four boards and one assist. Lonnie Walker netted 13 points, while Troy Brown delivered an 11-point, 17-rebound double-double that included four assists. Wenyen Gabriel produced 11 points and four rebounds. Dennis Schroder contributed 10 points, six rebounds and five assists.
Kyrie Irving paced the Nets with 26 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block. Cam Thomas and Patty Mills posted matching 21-point tallies while recording three assists and four rebounds, respectively. Royce O'Neale supplied 14 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Yuta Watanabe totaled 12 points, one rebound and two blocks.
The Lakers remain on the road and in New York to pay a visit to the Knicks on Tuesday night, while the Nets hit the road and visit the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night.
Kings Nip Timberwolves in OT, 118-111
The Sacramento Kings defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 118-111, in overtime at Target Center on Monday night.
The Kings (28-21) opened the game looking firmly on the way to atoning for a 117-110 loss to the Timberwolves (27-26) on Saturday night, as they held a 24-17 lead after the first 12 minutes. However, Minnesota was able to erase its deficit altogether and take a three-point edge into the final period thanks to its 64-54 advantage during the middle quarters. After a back-and-forth fourth quarter, Sacramento held a four-point lead with just over a minute left, but a Rudy Gobert free throw and Jaden McDaniels' 25-foot three-pointer with 13.1 seconds remaining forced overtime. However, the visitors' 12-5 run over the final 3:27 of the extra period led to what qualified as a relatively comfortable five-quarter victory.
De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 32 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Malik Monk turned in 19 points, five assists, two boards and three steals. Domantas Sabonis generated a 17-point, 13-rebound double-double that included one assist, two blocks and one steal. Keegan Murray delivered 13 points, 13 rebounds, one assist and one steal. Trey Lyles registered 11 points, three boards, one assist and one steal.
Anthony Edwards paced the Timberwolves with 33 points, adding eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Gobert finished with a 19-point 14-rebound double-double that included one assist and one steal. Jaylen Nowell supplied 14 points, two rebounds and one steal. McDaniels tallied 11 points, four assists and three boards. D'Angelo Russell turned in 10 points, seven assists and four rebounds.
The Kings remain on the road and visit the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, while the Timberwolves remain home and host the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night as well.
The Kings (28-21) opened the game looking firmly on the way to atoning for a 117-110 loss to the Timberwolves (27-26) on Saturday night, as they held a 24-17 lead after the first 12 minutes. However, Minnesota was able to erase its deficit altogether and take a three-point edge into the final period thanks to its 64-54 advantage during the middle quarters. After a back-and-forth fourth quarter, Sacramento held a four-point lead with just over a minute left, but a Rudy Gobert free throw and Jaden McDaniels' 25-foot three-pointer with 13.1 seconds remaining forced overtime. However, the visitors' 12-5 run over the final 3:27 of the extra period led to what qualified as a relatively comfortable five-quarter victory.
De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 32 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Malik Monk turned in 19 points, five assists, two boards and three steals. Domantas Sabonis generated a 17-point, 13-rebound double-double that included one assist, two blocks and one steal. Keegan Murray delivered 13 points, 13 rebounds, one assist and one steal. Trey Lyles registered 11 points, three boards, one assist and one steal.
Anthony Edwards paced the Timberwolves with 33 points, adding eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Gobert finished with a 19-point 14-rebound double-double that included one assist and one steal. Jaylen Nowell supplied 14 points, two rebounds and one steal. McDaniels tallied 11 points, four assists and three boards. D'Angelo Russell turned in 10 points, seven assists and four rebounds.
The Kings remain on the road and visit the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, while the Timberwolves remain home and host the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night as well.
Wizards Blast Spurs, 127-106
The Washington Wizards defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 127-106, at AT & T Center on Monday night.
The Wizards (24-26) were road favorites coming in, but it was the Spurs (14-37) that were the more locked-in squad over the first 12 minutes while building a 36-30 advantage. That seemed to wake up Washington, which went on to outscore San Antonio, 68-51, in the middle quarters to take an 11-point lead into the final period, where they held their hosts to just 19 points to win going away.
Deni Avdija led the Wizards with a career-high 25 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Bradley Beal delivered 21 points, seven boards, seven assists and two blocks. Kristaps Porzingis managed 17 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, five blocks and three steals. Kyle Kuzma contributed 16 points, six rebounds and three assists. Kendrick Nunn managed 12 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal, while Monte Morris turned in 11 points, four assists and two rebounds.
Keldon Johnson paced the Spurs with 26 points, supplementing them with four boards, four assists and two steals. Jeremy Sochan registered 17 points, five assists and two rebounds. Zach Collins generated a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two blocks. Stanley Johnson posted 10 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Wizards next visit the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night, while the Spurs remain home and host the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night as well.
The Wizards (24-26) were road favorites coming in, but it was the Spurs (14-37) that were the more locked-in squad over the first 12 minutes while building a 36-30 advantage. That seemed to wake up Washington, which went on to outscore San Antonio, 68-51, in the middle quarters to take an 11-point lead into the final period, where they held their hosts to just 19 points to win going away.
Deni Avdija led the Wizards with a career-high 25 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Bradley Beal delivered 21 points, seven boards, seven assists and two blocks. Kristaps Porzingis managed 17 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, five blocks and three steals. Kyle Kuzma contributed 16 points, six rebounds and three assists. Kendrick Nunn managed 12 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal, while Monte Morris turned in 11 points, four assists and two rebounds.
Keldon Johnson paced the Spurs with 26 points, supplementing them with four boards, four assists and two steals. Jeremy Sochan registered 17 points, five assists and two rebounds. Zach Collins generated a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two blocks. Stanley Johnson posted 10 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Wizards next visit the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night, while the Spurs remain home and host the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night as well.
Warriors Close Out Thunder For Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder, 128-120, at Paycom Center on Monday evening.
The Warriors jumped out to a great start with a, 38-20, lead after one quarter, but the hosts came out stronger in the second and cut it to a 15-point game by halftime. The Thunder kept up the fight in the third and managed to trim it to a nine-point deficit heading into the final frame. Both sides came out strong in the fourth, but the Warriors stayed a step ahead the rest of the way to secure their third straight win.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 38 points, eight rebounds, 12 assists and a block, in 37 minutes. Klay Thompson followed up with 28 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole added 15 points each. The Warriors shot 51.1 percent from the field, including 20-of-47 from long range.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31 points, four rebounds, seven assists and three blocks, in 37 minutes. Josh Giddey followed up with 21 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Jalen Williams added 19 points, four rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The Thunder shot 49.5 percent from the field, including 11-of-24 from deep.
The Thunder (24-26) will look to bounce back as they take on the Rockets in Houston on Wednesday. The Warriors (26-24) take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Wednesday.
The Warriors jumped out to a great start with a, 38-20, lead after one quarter, but the hosts came out stronger in the second and cut it to a 15-point game by halftime. The Thunder kept up the fight in the third and managed to trim it to a nine-point deficit heading into the final frame. Both sides came out strong in the fourth, but the Warriors stayed a step ahead the rest of the way to secure their third straight win.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 38 points, eight rebounds, 12 assists and a block, in 37 minutes. Klay Thompson followed up with 28 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole added 15 points each. The Warriors shot 51.1 percent from the field, including 20-of-47 from long range.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31 points, four rebounds, seven assists and three blocks, in 37 minutes. Josh Giddey followed up with 21 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Jalen Williams added 19 points, four rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The Thunder shot 49.5 percent from the field, including 11-of-24 from deep.
The Thunder (24-26) will look to bounce back as they take on the Rockets in Houston on Wednesday. The Warriors (26-24) take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Wednesday.
Mavs Hang On At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the visiting Detroit Pistons, 111-105, at American Airlines Center on Monday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Mavs led, 30-27, after one quarter. The visitors turned it up a notch in the second and rallied to a four-point lead by halftime. The Mavs came out better again in the third but could only trim it to a one-point game heading into the final frame. The hosts carried the momentum into the fourth and outscored the Pistons by seven points in the final quarter to walk away with the home win.
Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 53 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals, in 36 minutes. Spencer Dinwiddie followed up with 12 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Reggie Bullock tallied nine points, three rebounds and three assists. The Mavericks shot 49.4 percent from the field, including 10-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pistons with 29 points, five rebounds and two assists, in 36 minutes. Saddiq Bey followed up with 18 points, five rebounds, two assists and three steals, while Jaden Ivey tallied 14 points, two rebounds and three assists. The Pistons shot 45.6 percent from the field, including 14-of-39 from deep.
The Pistons (13-39) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Wizards on Wednesday. The Mavericks (27-25) play host to the Pelicans on Thursday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Mavs led, 30-27, after one quarter. The visitors turned it up a notch in the second and rallied to a four-point lead by halftime. The Mavs came out better again in the third but could only trim it to a one-point game heading into the final frame. The hosts carried the momentum into the fourth and outscored the Pistons by seven points in the final quarter to walk away with the home win.
Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 53 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals, in 36 minutes. Spencer Dinwiddie followed up with 12 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Reggie Bullock tallied nine points, three rebounds and three assists. The Mavericks shot 49.4 percent from the field, including 10-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pistons with 29 points, five rebounds and two assists, in 36 minutes. Saddiq Bey followed up with 18 points, five rebounds, two assists and three steals, while Jaden Ivey tallied 14 points, two rebounds and three assists. The Pistons shot 45.6 percent from the field, including 14-of-39 from deep.
The Pistons (13-39) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Wizards on Wednesday. The Mavericks (27-25) play host to the Pelicans on Thursday.
Suns Defeat Raptors, 114-106
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Toronto Raptors, 114-106, at Footprint Center on Monday.
There were 16 lead changes in this close-fought battle, with 11 of them taking place in the fourth quarter. The final one was by Phoenix, going on a 10-2 run in the final minutes to take control. Neither team led by more than 10 points in this game, with Phoenix riding a 32-22 fourth quarter to their victory. The Suns shot 49 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range while holding the Raptors to 45 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range. Phoenix also out-assisted Toronto, 28-19.
The Raptors (23-29) were led by Fred VanVleet, finishing with 24 points, four rebounds and nine assists. Gary Trent Jr totaled 21 points and three rebounds. Pascal Siakam had 19 points and three rebounds, while Scottie Barnes generated 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Precious Achiuwa rounded out the starting lineup with 11 points and 12 boards.
The Suns (27-25) were led by Mikal Bridges, amassing 29 points, three rebounds, six assists and three steals on 12-of-19 shooting. Deandre Ayton accrued 22 points, 13 rebounds and two assists. Chris Paul tallied 19 points, four rebounds, nine assists and two blocks, while Dario Saric led the bench with 11 points and three rebounds.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Toronto staying on the road to play the Utah Jazz and Phoenix remaining home to face the Atlanta Hawks.
There were 16 lead changes in this close-fought battle, with 11 of them taking place in the fourth quarter. The final one was by Phoenix, going on a 10-2 run in the final minutes to take control. Neither team led by more than 10 points in this game, with Phoenix riding a 32-22 fourth quarter to their victory. The Suns shot 49 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range while holding the Raptors to 45 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range. Phoenix also out-assisted Toronto, 28-19.
The Raptors (23-29) were led by Fred VanVleet, finishing with 24 points, four rebounds and nine assists. Gary Trent Jr totaled 21 points and three rebounds. Pascal Siakam had 19 points and three rebounds, while Scottie Barnes generated 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Precious Achiuwa rounded out the starting lineup with 11 points and 12 boards.
The Suns (27-25) were led by Mikal Bridges, amassing 29 points, three rebounds, six assists and three steals on 12-of-19 shooting. Deandre Ayton accrued 22 points, 13 rebounds and two assists. Chris Paul tallied 19 points, four rebounds, nine assists and two blocks, while Dario Saric led the bench with 11 points and three rebounds.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Toronto staying on the road to play the Utah Jazz and Phoenix remaining home to face the Atlanta Hawks.
Blazers Defeat Hawks, 129-125
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Atlanta Hawks, 129-125, at Moda Center on Monday.
While Portland held the lead for all but 10 seconds in this game, things weren't decided until the final minute. There were actually two ties in the closing three minutes, but Atlanta never had an attempt to take the lead. With that said, Portland never led by more than 10 points in this close-fought battle. The Trail Blazers shot 54 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range while holding the Hawks to 47 percent from the field and 43 percent from long range. Portland also had seven blocks while Atlanta didn't record one, outscoring them in fastbreak points, 14-2.
The Hawks (25-26) were led by Dejounte Murray, finishing with a career-high 40 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. John Collins collected 16 points, six rebounds and three assists. Clint Capela compiled 10 points, 15 rebounds and three assists, while Bogdan Bogdanovic led the bench with 23 points, four rebounds and seven assists.
The Trail Blazers (24-26) were led by Damian Lillard, tallying 42 points, two rebounds and six assists, hitting 17-of-17 from the free-throw line. Jerami Grant generated 22 points, two rebounds and two blocks. Anfernee Simons amassed 21 points and seven assists, while Jusuf Nurkic had 12 points and five boards. Josh Hart also accumulated nine points, 12 rebounds and five assists.
Atlanta remains on the road to play the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday for their next game. As for Portland, they travel to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday for their next outing.
While Portland held the lead for all but 10 seconds in this game, things weren't decided until the final minute. There were actually two ties in the closing three minutes, but Atlanta never had an attempt to take the lead. With that said, Portland never led by more than 10 points in this close-fought battle. The Trail Blazers shot 54 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range while holding the Hawks to 47 percent from the field and 43 percent from long range. Portland also had seven blocks while Atlanta didn't record one, outscoring them in fastbreak points, 14-2.
The Hawks (25-26) were led by Dejounte Murray, finishing with a career-high 40 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. John Collins collected 16 points, six rebounds and three assists. Clint Capela compiled 10 points, 15 rebounds and three assists, while Bogdan Bogdanovic led the bench with 23 points, four rebounds and seven assists.
The Trail Blazers (24-26) were led by Damian Lillard, tallying 42 points, two rebounds and six assists, hitting 17-of-17 from the free-throw line. Jerami Grant generated 22 points, two rebounds and two blocks. Anfernee Simons amassed 21 points and seven assists, while Jusuf Nurkic had 12 points and five boards. Josh Hart also accumulated nine points, 12 rebounds and five assists.
Atlanta remains on the road to play the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday for their next game. As for Portland, they travel to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday for their next outing.