Wizards-Pistons Postponed Due to Weather
The matchup between the Washington Wizards and Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday night was postponed due to travel concerns related to an oncoming ice storm.
Sixers Outlast Magic In Philly
By Dan Bruno
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 105-94, at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday evening.
The hosts jumped out to a great start with a, 37-23, lead after one quarter. The Magic turned the tables in the second and rallied to cut it to a three-point deficit by halftime. Both sides kept up the fight in the third, but the 76ers retained the upper hand and took a four-point advantage into the final frame. The hosts stayed in control through the fourth and confidently closed out the home win.
Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 28 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and a block, in 35 minutes. James Harden followed up with 26 points, nine rebounds, 10 assists and a steal, while Tobias Harris added 16 points, five rebounds, five assists and two blocks. The Sixers shot 43.6 percent from the field, including 14-of-35 from long range.
Meanwhile, Markelle Fultz led the Magic with 18 points, three rebounds and two assists, in 33 minutes. Paolo Banchero added 13 points, nine rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, while Franz Wagner totaled 13 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Magic shot 37.9 percent from the field, including 6-of-38 from deep.
The Magic (20-32) will look to bounce back as they face the Timberwolves in Minnesota. The Sixers (33-17) take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Friday.
The hosts jumped out to a great start with a, 37-23, lead after one quarter. The Magic turned the tables in the second and rallied to cut it to a three-point deficit by halftime. Both sides kept up the fight in the third, but the 76ers retained the upper hand and took a four-point advantage into the final frame. The hosts stayed in control through the fourth and confidently closed out the home win.
Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 28 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and a block, in 35 minutes. James Harden followed up with 26 points, nine rebounds, 10 assists and a steal, while Tobias Harris added 16 points, five rebounds, five assists and two blocks. The Sixers shot 43.6 percent from the field, including 14-of-35 from long range.
Meanwhile, Markelle Fultz led the Magic with 18 points, three rebounds and two assists, in 33 minutes. Paolo Banchero added 13 points, nine rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, while Franz Wagner totaled 13 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Magic shot 37.9 percent from the field, including 6-of-38 from deep.
The Magic (20-32) will look to bounce back as they face the Timberwolves in Minnesota. The Sixers (33-17) take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Friday.
Trail Blazers Upset Grizzlies, 122-112
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 122-112, at FedEx Forum on Wednesday night.
The Grizzlies (32-19) came into the contest as solid home favorites and appeared ready to make good on that designation early, as Memphis enjoyed a 32-26 lead after one quarter. The Trail Blazers (25-26) weren't able to make any net headway on that deficit over the middle periods, but Portland's game-ending 22-7 run over the final 4:34 sealed a rousing comeback victory.
Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with a 42-point, 10-assist double-double that included eight rebounds and one block. Anfernee Simons furnished 26 points, four assists and two rebounds. Jerami Grant delivered 18 points, three rebounds, one assist and one block. Drew Eubanks generated an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double that included three assists, one steal and one block.
Ja Morant paced the Grizzlies with a 32-point, 12-assist double-double that included nine rebounds and one steal. Jaren Jackson turned in 18 points, seven rebounds and six blocks. Desmond Bane supplied 17 points, three assists, one steal and one block. Santi Aldama compiled 10 points and two rebounds.
The Trail Blazers remain on the road and visit the Washington Wizards on Friday night, while the Grizzlies hit the road and visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night.
The Grizzlies (32-19) came into the contest as solid home favorites and appeared ready to make good on that designation early, as Memphis enjoyed a 32-26 lead after one quarter. The Trail Blazers (25-26) weren't able to make any net headway on that deficit over the middle periods, but Portland's game-ending 22-7 run over the final 4:34 sealed a rousing comeback victory.
Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with a 42-point, 10-assist double-double that included eight rebounds and one block. Anfernee Simons furnished 26 points, four assists and two rebounds. Jerami Grant delivered 18 points, three rebounds, one assist and one block. Drew Eubanks generated an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double that included three assists, one steal and one block.
Ja Morant paced the Grizzlies with a 32-point, 12-assist double-double that included nine rebounds and one steal. Jaren Jackson turned in 18 points, seven rebounds and six blocks. Desmond Bane supplied 17 points, three assists, one steal and one block. Santi Aldama compiled 10 points and two rebounds.
The Trail Blazers remain on the road and visit the Washington Wizards on Friday night, while the Grizzlies hit the road and visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night.
Celtics Throttle Nets, 139-96
The Boston Celtics defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 139-96, at TD Garden on Wednesday night.
The Celtics (37-15) checked into the night as close to double-digit home favorites, and their opening-quarter performance left no doubt as to whether they'd be able to make good on that designation. Boston roared to a 21-3 lead through the first 5:23 of the contest owned a 46-16 advantage by the end of the first period. It only got worse for the Nets (31-20) the rest of the night, as they ultimately saw their deficit increase another 13 points by game's end.
Kyrie Irving led the Nets with 20 points, adding four rebounds, four assists and one block. Cam Thomas registered 19 points, two assists, one rebound and one steal. Joe Harris supplied 12 points, two boards and two assists.
Jayson Tatum paced the Celtics with 31 points, complementing them with nine boards, four assists, two steals and one block. Jaylen Brown supplied 26 points, three rebounds and three assists. Robert Williams delivered 16 points, nine boards and one block. Derrick White mustered a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that included five assists. Luke Kornet furnished 12 points, four rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Malcolm Brogdon totaled 10 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal.
The Nets head back home to take on the Washington Wizards on Saturday evening, while the Celtics remain home and host the Phoenix Suns on Friday night.
The Celtics (37-15) checked into the night as close to double-digit home favorites, and their opening-quarter performance left no doubt as to whether they'd be able to make good on that designation. Boston roared to a 21-3 lead through the first 5:23 of the contest owned a 46-16 advantage by the end of the first period. It only got worse for the Nets (31-20) the rest of the night, as they ultimately saw their deficit increase another 13 points by game's end.
Kyrie Irving led the Nets with 20 points, adding four rebounds, four assists and one block. Cam Thomas registered 19 points, two assists, one rebound and one steal. Joe Harris supplied 12 points, two boards and two assists.
Jayson Tatum paced the Celtics with 31 points, complementing them with nine boards, four assists, two steals and one block. Jaylen Brown supplied 26 points, three rebounds and three assists. Robert Williams delivered 16 points, nine boards and one block. Derrick White mustered a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that included five assists. Luke Kornet furnished 12 points, four rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Malcolm Brogdon totaled 10 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal.
The Nets head back home to take on the Washington Wizards on Saturday evening, while the Celtics remain home and host the Phoenix Suns on Friday night.
Shorthanded Rockets Close Out Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 112-106, at Toyota Center on Wednesday evening.
Despite missing Jalen Green (calf) and Kevin Porter (foot), the Rockets got out to a strong start and led, 34-25, after one quarter. Both sides brought an impressive effort in the second, but the hosts maintained a nine-point advantage heading into the break. The visitors turned up the defense in the third and outscored the Rockets, 28-17, to earn a two-point lead going into the final quarter. However, the Rockets reclaimed the upper hand early in the fourth and stayed in front the rest of the way for their second straight win.
Eric Gordon led the Rockets with 25 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 35 minutes. Tari Eason totaled 20 points, 13 rebounds, three steals and two blocks, while Alperen Sengun finished with 10 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and three blocks. The Rockets shot 43.6 percent from the field, including 7-of-23 from deep.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 24 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals, in 34 minutes. Josh Giddey followed up with 20 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, a steal and a block, while Tre Mann tallied 18 points, five rebounds and a steal. The Thunder shot 36.9 percent from the field, including 12-of-43 from long range.
The Thunder (24-27) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Rockets again in OKC on Saturday. The Rockets (13-38) have a prior engagement, as they play host to the Raptors on Friday.
Despite missing Jalen Green (calf) and Kevin Porter (foot), the Rockets got out to a strong start and led, 34-25, after one quarter. Both sides brought an impressive effort in the second, but the hosts maintained a nine-point advantage heading into the break. The visitors turned up the defense in the third and outscored the Rockets, 28-17, to earn a two-point lead going into the final quarter. However, the Rockets reclaimed the upper hand early in the fourth and stayed in front the rest of the way for their second straight win.
Eric Gordon led the Rockets with 25 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 35 minutes. Tari Eason totaled 20 points, 13 rebounds, three steals and two blocks, while Alperen Sengun finished with 10 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and three blocks. The Rockets shot 43.6 percent from the field, including 7-of-23 from deep.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 24 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals, in 34 minutes. Josh Giddey followed up with 20 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, a steal and a block, while Tre Mann tallied 18 points, five rebounds and a steal. The Thunder shot 36.9 percent from the field, including 12-of-43 from long range.
The Thunder (24-27) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Rockets again in OKC on Saturday. The Rockets (13-38) have a prior engagement, as they play host to the Raptors on Friday.
Timberwolves Stun Warriors In Overtime
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Golden State Warriors, 119-114, at Target Center on Wednesday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Warriors led, 34-32, after one quarter. The visitors kept up the pace in the second and pushed ahead to a seven-point lead by halftime. The game slowed down in the third, but the Warriors added another two points to their advantage and led by nine, heading into the fourth quarter. The Timberwolves brought a much better effort in the fourth and outscored the Warriors, 28-17, to tie it at 110, to force overtime. The hosts kept the momentum going in the extra frame and closed out the hard-fought win.
D'Angelo Russell led the Timberwolves with 29 points, two rebounds and two assists, in 35 minutes. Anthony Edwards followed up with 27 points, six rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block, while Naz Reid totaled 24 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block. The Timberwolves shot 43.4 percent from the field, including 14-of-50 from deep.
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 29 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, in 43 minutes. Jordan Poole followed up with 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while Andrew Wiggins tallied 16 points, seven rebounds and three assists. The Warriors shot 41.8 percent from the field, including 11-of-35 from long range,
The Warriors (26-25) will look to bounce back as they take on the Nuggets in Denver on Thursday. The Timberwolves (28-26) play host to the Magic on Friday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Warriors led, 34-32, after one quarter. The visitors kept up the pace in the second and pushed ahead to a seven-point lead by halftime. The game slowed down in the third, but the Warriors added another two points to their advantage and led by nine, heading into the fourth quarter. The Timberwolves brought a much better effort in the fourth and outscored the Warriors, 28-17, to tie it at 110, to force overtime. The hosts kept the momentum going in the extra frame and closed out the hard-fought win.
D'Angelo Russell led the Timberwolves with 29 points, two rebounds and two assists, in 35 minutes. Anthony Edwards followed up with 27 points, six rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block, while Naz Reid totaled 24 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block. The Timberwolves shot 43.4 percent from the field, including 14-of-50 from deep.
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 29 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, in 43 minutes. Jordan Poole followed up with 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while Andrew Wiggins tallied 16 points, seven rebounds and three assists. The Warriors shot 41.8 percent from the field, including 11-of-35 from long range,
The Warriors (26-25) will look to bounce back as they take on the Nuggets in Denver on Thursday. The Timberwolves (28-26) play host to the Magic on Friday.
Kings Defeat Spurs, 119-109
The Sacramento Kings defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 119-109, at AT&T Center on Wednesday.
Sacramento held the lead for all but two minutes in this game, thanks to a 31-23 second quarter. The Kings never relinquished the lead after the opening minute of that second quarter, getting their lead up to 13 points at times. Sacramento shot 15-of-19 from the free-throw line, while San Antonio connected on just 5-of-7. The Kings also doubled up the Spurs in steals, 10-5, winning the turnover battle, 18-9. Both teams shot over 53 percent from the field and combined for 142 paint points.
The Kings (29-21) were led by Domantas Sabonis, collecting 34 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks on 15-of-20 shooting. De'Aaron Fox finished with 31 points, two rebounds, 10 assists and three steals. Harrison Barnes had 14 points and six boards, while Malik Monk led the bench with 22 points, three rebounds, five assists and three steals.
The Spurs (14-38) were led by Jakob Poeltl, providing 18 points, 12 rebounds and three assists on 9-of-13 from the field. Keldon Johnson compiled 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Jeremy Sochan and Tre Jones both went scoreless. Malaki Branham led the bench with 22 points and five assists, while Josh Richardson finished with 19 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Sacramento traveling to face the Indiana Pacers and San Antonio remaining home to play the Philadelphia 76ers.
Sacramento held the lead for all but two minutes in this game, thanks to a 31-23 second quarter. The Kings never relinquished the lead after the opening minute of that second quarter, getting their lead up to 13 points at times. Sacramento shot 15-of-19 from the free-throw line, while San Antonio connected on just 5-of-7. The Kings also doubled up the Spurs in steals, 10-5, winning the turnover battle, 18-9. Both teams shot over 53 percent from the field and combined for 142 paint points.
The Kings (29-21) were led by Domantas Sabonis, collecting 34 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks on 15-of-20 shooting. De'Aaron Fox finished with 31 points, two rebounds, 10 assists and three steals. Harrison Barnes had 14 points and six boards, while Malik Monk led the bench with 22 points, three rebounds, five assists and three steals.
The Spurs (14-38) were led by Jakob Poeltl, providing 18 points, 12 rebounds and three assists on 9-of-13 from the field. Keldon Johnson compiled 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Jeremy Sochan and Tre Jones both went scoreless. Malaki Branham led the bench with 22 points and five assists, while Josh Richardson finished with 19 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Sacramento traveling to face the Indiana Pacers and San Antonio remaining home to play the Philadelphia 76ers.
Jazz Defeat Raptors, 131-128
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Toronto Raptors, 131-128, at Vivint Arena on Wednesday.
While there were 11 lead changes in this game, Utah held the lead for all but a handful of minutes. A 31-25 first quarter really set the tone, with Utah getting their lead up to 14 points at times. The Jazz shot 53 percent from the field and 87 percent from the free-throw line, while the Raptors hit just 46 percent from the field and 69 percent from the charity stripe. Utah also had 11 blocks, while Toronto had just two.
The Raptors (23-30) were led by Fred VanVleet, finishing with 34 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. Pascal Siakam provided 21 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Gary Trent Jr totaled 20 points, two rebounds, three assists and three steals, while Scottie Barnes had 18 points, 14 rebounds and three assists. Chris Boucher led the bench with 16 points and five boards.
The Jazz (27-26) were led by Lauri Markkanen, amassing 28 points and 13 rebounds. Jordan Clarkson compiled 23 points, two rebounds and five assists. Mike Conley collected 19 points, three rebounds, eight assists and two blocks, while Walker Kessler provided 17 points, 14 rebounds and seven blocks. Malik Beasley led the bench with 14 points, three rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Utah playing host to the Atlanta Hawks and Toronto remaining on the road to face the Houston Rockets.
While there were 11 lead changes in this game, Utah held the lead for all but a handful of minutes. A 31-25 first quarter really set the tone, with Utah getting their lead up to 14 points at times. The Jazz shot 53 percent from the field and 87 percent from the free-throw line, while the Raptors hit just 46 percent from the field and 69 percent from the charity stripe. Utah also had 11 blocks, while Toronto had just two.
The Raptors (23-30) were led by Fred VanVleet, finishing with 34 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. Pascal Siakam provided 21 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Gary Trent Jr totaled 20 points, two rebounds, three assists and three steals, while Scottie Barnes had 18 points, 14 rebounds and three assists. Chris Boucher led the bench with 16 points and five boards.
The Jazz (27-26) were led by Lauri Markkanen, amassing 28 points and 13 rebounds. Jordan Clarkson compiled 23 points, two rebounds and five assists. Mike Conley collected 19 points, three rebounds, eight assists and two blocks, while Walker Kessler provided 17 points, 14 rebounds and seven blocks. Malik Beasley led the bench with 14 points, three rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Utah playing host to the Atlanta Hawks and Toronto remaining on the road to face the Houston Rockets.
Hawks Defeat Suns, 132-100
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the host Phoenix Suns, 132-100, at Footprint Center on Wednesday.
Atlanta outscored Phoenix in the second quarter, 40-24, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. They actually rode a 36-20 third quarter to a 35-point lead, getting their lead up to 43 points at times. They maintained a double-digit lead for the final 32 minutes of this game. The Hawks shot 57 percent from the field and 58 percent from three-point range (19-of-33) while holding the Suns to 41 percent from the field and 14 percent from long range (4-of-28). Atlanta also out-assisted Phoenix, 32-22.
The Hawks (26-26) were led by Dejounte Murray, amassing 21 points, six rebounds and eight assists. Trae Young tallied 20 points and 12 assists. De'Andre Hunter totaled 15 points and five boards, while Clint Capela collected nine points and 10 boards. Bogdan Bogdanovic led the bench with 18 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Suns (27-26) were led by Mikal Bridges, finishing with 23 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Chris Paul provided three points, two rebounds and three assists. Deandre Ayton accrued 20 points and nine rebounds, while Dario Saric led the bench with 11 points, five rebounds and three assists. Damion Lee also dropped 10 points.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Phoenix traveling to face the Boston Celtics and Atlanta staying on the road to play the Utah Jazz.
Atlanta outscored Phoenix in the second quarter, 40-24, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. They actually rode a 36-20 third quarter to a 35-point lead, getting their lead up to 43 points at times. They maintained a double-digit lead for the final 32 minutes of this game. The Hawks shot 57 percent from the field and 58 percent from three-point range (19-of-33) while holding the Suns to 41 percent from the field and 14 percent from long range (4-of-28). Atlanta also out-assisted Phoenix, 32-22.
The Hawks (26-26) were led by Dejounte Murray, amassing 21 points, six rebounds and eight assists. Trae Young tallied 20 points and 12 assists. De'Andre Hunter totaled 15 points and five boards, while Clint Capela collected nine points and 10 boards. Bogdan Bogdanovic led the bench with 18 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Suns (27-26) were led by Mikal Bridges, finishing with 23 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Chris Paul provided three points, two rebounds and three assists. Deandre Ayton accrued 20 points and nine rebounds, while Dario Saric led the bench with 11 points, five rebounds and three assists. Damion Lee also dropped 10 points.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Phoenix traveling to face the Boston Celtics and Atlanta staying on the road to play the Utah Jazz.