Pistons Rally Late To Defeat Hornets
The Detroit Pistons defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 118-112, at Little Caesars Arena on Friday.
The Pistons (14-39) had to come from behind to get past the Hornets (15-39) in this battle of struggling teams, as Detroit was losing when the fourth quarter started, but they managed to turn things around in the closing stages of the game. It was a tight contest, though, and Charlotte raced out to a 30-29 lead in the first quarter only to see Detroit turn things around with a 40-38 score just before the halftime break. It seemed neither team was willing to give an inch to the other, however, and the Hornets flipped the script again, gaining a two-point lead following a 26-23 score in the third quarter. The Pistons left their best basketball for the closing stages of the contest, however, and they limited Charlotte to just 18 points in the final 12 minutes of action. That was enough to earn the win. With the victory, Detroit moved to 7-19 at home while the Hornets fell to 8-23 on the road.
Jaden Ivey led the way for the Pistons with 24 points and seven assists, while Jalen Duren had a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds while also adding two assists. Isaiah Stewart only scored eight points, but he pulled down 16 rebounds, dished out six assists and recorded one steal. Alec Burks had 16 points and six boards, and Bojan Bogdanovic notched 21 points. Saddiq Bey delivered 22 points and eight boards off the bench.
LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier both ended with 23 points for the Hornets, with Ball also adding eight rebounds, eight assists and five steals while Rozier chipped in with six boards and two steals. Mason Plumlee had 13 points, five assists and four rebounds, and Gordon Hayward finished with 12 points. Jalen McDaniels had 14 points, four boards and four steals off the bench.
The Pistons (14-39) had to come from behind to get past the Hornets (15-39) in this battle of struggling teams, as Detroit was losing when the fourth quarter started, but they managed to turn things around in the closing stages of the game. It was a tight contest, though, and Charlotte raced out to a 30-29 lead in the first quarter only to see Detroit turn things around with a 40-38 score just before the halftime break. It seemed neither team was willing to give an inch to the other, however, and the Hornets flipped the script again, gaining a two-point lead following a 26-23 score in the third quarter. The Pistons left their best basketball for the closing stages of the contest, however, and they limited Charlotte to just 18 points in the final 12 minutes of action. That was enough to earn the win. With the victory, Detroit moved to 7-19 at home while the Hornets fell to 8-23 on the road.
Jaden Ivey led the way for the Pistons with 24 points and seven assists, while Jalen Duren had a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds while also adding two assists. Isaiah Stewart only scored eight points, but he pulled down 16 rebounds, dished out six assists and recorded one steal. Alec Burks had 16 points and six boards, and Bojan Bogdanovic notched 21 points. Saddiq Bey delivered 22 points and eight boards off the bench.
LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier both ended with 23 points for the Hornets, with Ball also adding eight rebounds, eight assists and five steals while Rozier chipped in with six boards and two steals. Mason Plumlee had 13 points, five assists and four rebounds, and Gordon Hayward finished with 12 points. Jalen McDaniels had 14 points, four boards and four steals off the bench.
Pacers Hold On, Get Past Kings
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Sacramento Kings, 107-104, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday.
The Pacers (25-29) moved to 17-11 at home with the win, while the Kings (29-22) fell to 13-11 on the road in a game where the visitors reacted late and couldn’t complete the comeback. The opening quarter was tight and neither team dominated as Indiana jumped out to a 28-27 lead, but the Pacers would pull away for good in the second quarter after outscoring Sacramento by a 32-21 score. The Kings showed signs of making a potential comeback in the third and won the quarter by a 32-27 score, and they kept the momentum going in the final 12 minutes as well. Unfortunately for them, the 24-20 score in the final 12 minutes wasn’t enough, and the Pacers came away with a win despite the Kings’ late attempts of mounting what would’ve been a huge comeback.
Buddy Hield starred for the Pacers in this one and finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Tyrese Haliburton ended up with 10 points, nine assists, four boards and three steals. Myles Turner had 14 points and 13 rebounds while adding four blocks, and Aaron Nesmith finished with 17 points, six rebounds and three assists.
Harrison Barnes had 23 points and five rebounds for Sacramento, while Domantas Sabonis finished with 15 points, 16 rebounds and six assists. Kevin Huerter looked good as well and posted 16 points to go along with three rebounds, three assists and four steals. Terence Davis notched 15 points, four boards and three assists, and Malik Monk notched 12 points, five rebounds and five assists off the bench.
The Pacers (25-29) moved to 17-11 at home with the win, while the Kings (29-22) fell to 13-11 on the road in a game where the visitors reacted late and couldn’t complete the comeback. The opening quarter was tight and neither team dominated as Indiana jumped out to a 28-27 lead, but the Pacers would pull away for good in the second quarter after outscoring Sacramento by a 32-21 score. The Kings showed signs of making a potential comeback in the third and won the quarter by a 32-27 score, and they kept the momentum going in the final 12 minutes as well. Unfortunately for them, the 24-20 score in the final 12 minutes wasn’t enough, and the Pacers came away with a win despite the Kings’ late attempts of mounting what would’ve been a huge comeback.
Buddy Hield starred for the Pacers in this one and finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Tyrese Haliburton ended up with 10 points, nine assists, four boards and three steals. Myles Turner had 14 points and 13 rebounds while adding four blocks, and Aaron Nesmith finished with 17 points, six rebounds and three assists.
Harrison Barnes had 23 points and five rebounds for Sacramento, while Domantas Sabonis finished with 15 points, 16 rebounds and six assists. Kevin Huerter looked good as well and posted 16 points to go along with three rebounds, three assists and four steals. Terence Davis notched 15 points, four boards and three assists, and Malik Monk notched 12 points, five rebounds and five assists off the bench.
Trail Blazers Top Wizards, 124-116
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Washington Wizards, 124-116, at Capital One Arena on Friday night.
The Wizards (24-27) opened the game dominating on both sides of the ball, jumping out to a 36-19 lead through the first 12 minutes and then adding another point to their advantage before halftime. The Trail Blazers (26-26) began to claw back in the third quarter, chipping 14 points from their deficit to go into the final period trailing by only four. Portland kept the pressure on in the fourth to eventually take the lead, and although Washington got back within two with 4:36 remaining, the visitors closed out the game with a 15-9 run to seal the victory.
Anfernee Simons led the Trail Blazers with 33 points, adding six assists, five rebounds and one steal. Damian Lillard furnished 29 points, six assists and three rebounds. Josh Hart delivered 21 points, nine boards, two assists and one steal. Trendon Watford matched Hart's scoring and also recorded five assists, three rebounds and one steal. Jerami Grant totaled 10 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one steal.
Bradley Beal paced the Wizards with 34 points, supplementing them with three rebounds and one assist. Kristaps Porzingis registered 32 points, eight rebounds, four assists and one block. Kyle Kuzma generated a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double that included six assists and one block. Corey Kispert matched Kuzma's scoring and also turned in two rebounds and one steal.
The Trail Blazers remain on the road and face the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night, while the Wizards hit the road and visit the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night as well.
The Wizards (24-27) opened the game dominating on both sides of the ball, jumping out to a 36-19 lead through the first 12 minutes and then adding another point to their advantage before halftime. The Trail Blazers (26-26) began to claw back in the third quarter, chipping 14 points from their deficit to go into the final period trailing by only four. Portland kept the pressure on in the fourth to eventually take the lead, and although Washington got back within two with 4:36 remaining, the visitors closed out the game with a 15-9 run to seal the victory.
Anfernee Simons led the Trail Blazers with 33 points, adding six assists, five rebounds and one steal. Damian Lillard furnished 29 points, six assists and three rebounds. Josh Hart delivered 21 points, nine boards, two assists and one steal. Trendon Watford matched Hart's scoring and also recorded five assists, three rebounds and one steal. Jerami Grant totaled 10 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one steal.
Bradley Beal paced the Wizards with 34 points, supplementing them with three rebounds and one assist. Kristaps Porzingis registered 32 points, eight rebounds, four assists and one block. Kyle Kuzma generated a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double that included six assists and one block. Corey Kispert matched Kuzma's scoring and also turned in two rebounds and one steal.
The Trail Blazers remain on the road and face the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night, while the Wizards hit the road and visit the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night as well.
Suns Upset Celtics, 106-94
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Boston Celtics, 106-94, at TD Garden on Friday night.
The Suns (28-26) came into the contest in the unfamiliar position of sizable underdog, but strong play on both ends of the floor during the first half led to a 57-44 advantage at intermission. However, the Celtics (37-16) turned the tables in the third quarter to erase all but one point from their deficit, yet Phoenix's 8-0 run to open the final period created enough cushion for the eventual double-digit victory.
Mikal Bridges paced the Suns with 25 points, complementing them with three assists and two rebounds. Chris Paul delivered 15 points, eight assists, six rebounds, one steal and one block. Dario Saric and Deandre Ayton generated matching 14-point contributions while recording 13 and 10 rebounds, respectively. Damion Lee supplied 11 points, four boards, four assists and two steals.
Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 27 points, supplementing them with eight boards, four assists and three steals. Jayson Tatum registered 20 points, six rebounds and five assists. Derrick White compiled 19 points, five rebounds and one assist. Malcolm Brogdon provided 12 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The Suns remain on the road and tangle with the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night, while the Celtics also visit the Pistons on Monday night.
The Suns (28-26) came into the contest in the unfamiliar position of sizable underdog, but strong play on both ends of the floor during the first half led to a 57-44 advantage at intermission. However, the Celtics (37-16) turned the tables in the third quarter to erase all but one point from their deficit, yet Phoenix's 8-0 run to open the final period created enough cushion for the eventual double-digit victory.
Mikal Bridges paced the Suns with 25 points, complementing them with three assists and two rebounds. Chris Paul delivered 15 points, eight assists, six rebounds, one steal and one block. Dario Saric and Deandre Ayton generated matching 14-point contributions while recording 13 and 10 rebounds, respectively. Damion Lee supplied 11 points, four boards, four assists and two steals.
Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 27 points, supplementing them with eight boards, four assists and three steals. Jayson Tatum registered 20 points, six rebounds and five assists. Derrick White compiled 19 points, five rebounds and one assist. Malcolm Brogdon provided 12 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The Suns remain on the road and tangle with the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night, while the Celtics also visit the Pistons on Monday night.
Raptors Hold On In Houston
The Toronto Raptors defeated the host Houston Rockets, 117-111, at Toyota Center on Friday evening.
The game got out to a slow start as the Rockets led, 21-20, after one quarter. The Raptors turned up the tempo in the second and outscored the hosts, 35-27, in the quarter to take a seven-point lead into the break. The Raptors kept the momentum going in the third and pushed their lead to 13, heading into the final quarter. The Rockets did not back down and rallied through the fourth, but the visitors held on to end a two-game slide.
Fred VanVleet led the Raptors with 32 points, five rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 37 minutes. Gary Trent followed up with 29 points and two assists, while Pascal Siakam totaled 23 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals. The Raptors shot 45.6 percent from the field, including 15-of-39 from long range.
Meanwhile, Eric Gordon led the Rockets with 28 points, three rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 34 minutes. Alperen Sengun followed up with 21 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Kenyon Martin finished with 20 points, six rebounds, three assists and a block. The Rockets shot 50 percent from the field, including 7-of-21 from deep.
The Rockets (13-39) will look to bounce back as they take on the Thunder in OKC on Saturday. The Raptors (24-30) take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Sunday.
The game got out to a slow start as the Rockets led, 21-20, after one quarter. The Raptors turned up the tempo in the second and outscored the hosts, 35-27, in the quarter to take a seven-point lead into the break. The Raptors kept the momentum going in the third and pushed their lead to 13, heading into the final quarter. The Rockets did not back down and rallied through the fourth, but the visitors held on to end a two-game slide.
Fred VanVleet led the Raptors with 32 points, five rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 37 minutes. Gary Trent followed up with 29 points and two assists, while Pascal Siakam totaled 23 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals. The Raptors shot 45.6 percent from the field, including 15-of-39 from long range.
Meanwhile, Eric Gordon led the Rockets with 28 points, three rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 34 minutes. Alperen Sengun followed up with 21 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Kenyon Martin finished with 20 points, six rebounds, three assists and a block. The Rockets shot 50 percent from the field, including 7-of-21 from deep.
The Rockets (13-39) will look to bounce back as they take on the Thunder in OKC on Saturday. The Raptors (24-30) take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Sunday.
Magic Hold Off Timberwolves In Minnesota
By Dan Bruno
The Orlando Magic defeated the host Minnesota Timberwolves, 127-120, at Target Center on Friday evening.
The hosts jumped out to a solid start with a. 34-27, lead after one quarter. However, the Magic took control in the second and outscored the Timberwolves by 14 points in the quarter to claim a seven-point lead by halftime. The visitors kept the pressure on in the third and pushed their advantage to 15, heading into the final frame. Both sides picked up the pace in the fourth, where the Timberwolves outscored the visitors, 45-37, but it was not enough, as the Magic held on for the road win.
Cole Anthony led the Magic with 20 points, eight rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block, in 27 minutes. Moritz Wagner followed up with 19 points on 6-of-10 shooting, while Markelle Fultz finished with 15 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. The Magic shot 52.9 percent from the field, including 12-of-23 from deep.
Meanwhile, D'Angelo Russell led the Timberwolves with 29 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block, in 38 minutes. Anthony Edwards followed up with 19 points, five rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, while Luka Garza added 17 points and six rebounds. The Timberwolves shot 46 percent from the field, including 16-of-44 from long range.
The Timberwolves (28-27) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nuggets on Sunday. The Magic (21-23) take on the Hornets in Charlotte on Sunday.
The hosts jumped out to a solid start with a. 34-27, lead after one quarter. However, the Magic took control in the second and outscored the Timberwolves by 14 points in the quarter to claim a seven-point lead by halftime. The visitors kept the pressure on in the third and pushed their advantage to 15, heading into the final frame. Both sides picked up the pace in the fourth, where the Timberwolves outscored the visitors, 45-37, but it was not enough, as the Magic held on for the road win.
Cole Anthony led the Magic with 20 points, eight rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block, in 27 minutes. Moritz Wagner followed up with 19 points on 6-of-10 shooting, while Markelle Fultz finished with 15 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. The Magic shot 52.9 percent from the field, including 12-of-23 from deep.
Meanwhile, D'Angelo Russell led the Timberwolves with 29 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block, in 38 minutes. Anthony Edwards followed up with 19 points, five rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, while Luka Garza added 17 points and six rebounds. The Timberwolves shot 46 percent from the field, including 16-of-44 from long range.
The Timberwolves (28-27) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nuggets on Sunday. The Magic (21-23) take on the Hornets in Charlotte on Sunday.
Sixers Defeat Spurs, 137-125
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 137-125, at AT&T Center on Friday.
While there were five ties and nine lead changes through the opening 16 minutes, Philly never relinquished the lead after that. They outscored the Spurs in that second quarter, 47-35, putting the game to bed behind a 33-26 third quarter. They got their lead up to 23 points at times, maintaining a double-digit lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. Philadelphia shot 53 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range (13-of-27), while San Antonio shot just 7-of-21 from long distance. The Sixers also forced 18 turnovers from the Spurs, while committing just 10 on their end. That led to them outscoring San Antonio in fastbreak scoring, 20-8.
The Sixers (34-17) were led by Joel Embiid, finishing with 33 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals. James Harden had 16 points, four rebounds and eight assists. De'Anthony Melton amassed 13 points and two steals, while Tyrese Maxey led the bench with 25 points, three rebounds and four assists. Shake Milton provided 14 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals off the bench as well.
The Spurs (14-39) were led by Malaki Branham, tallying 26 points, two rebounds and three assists. Keldon Johnson collected 18 points, three rebounds and three assists. Jakob Poeltl amassed 16 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, while Keita Bates-Diop totaled 13 points, five rebounds and two steals. Stanley Johnson led the bench with 13 points, two rebounds and four assists.
On deck for Philadelphia is a road matchup with the New York Knicks on Sunday. As for San Antonio, they're off until Monday, when they travel to face the Chicago Bulls.
While there were five ties and nine lead changes through the opening 16 minutes, Philly never relinquished the lead after that. They outscored the Spurs in that second quarter, 47-35, putting the game to bed behind a 33-26 third quarter. They got their lead up to 23 points at times, maintaining a double-digit lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. Philadelphia shot 53 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range (13-of-27), while San Antonio shot just 7-of-21 from long distance. The Sixers also forced 18 turnovers from the Spurs, while committing just 10 on their end. That led to them outscoring San Antonio in fastbreak scoring, 20-8.
The Sixers (34-17) were led by Joel Embiid, finishing with 33 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals. James Harden had 16 points, four rebounds and eight assists. De'Anthony Melton amassed 13 points and two steals, while Tyrese Maxey led the bench with 25 points, three rebounds and four assists. Shake Milton provided 14 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals off the bench as well.
The Spurs (14-39) were led by Malaki Branham, tallying 26 points, two rebounds and three assists. Keldon Johnson collected 18 points, three rebounds and three assists. Jakob Poeltl amassed 16 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, while Keita Bates-Diop totaled 13 points, five rebounds and two steals. Stanley Johnson led the bench with 13 points, two rebounds and four assists.
On deck for Philadelphia is a road matchup with the New York Knicks on Sunday. As for San Antonio, they're off until Monday, when they travel to face the Chicago Bulls.
Hawks Defeat Jazz, 115-108
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the host Utah Jazz, 115-108, at Vivint Arena on Friday.
While Utah grabbed the first lead in this game, Atlanta rode a 32-22 first quarter to their win. They actually started the game on a 14-3 run and led by at least four points for the final 45 minutes of this 48-minute game. With that said, Utah got it down to a four-point margin in the final minute but never had a game-tying attempt after those opening three minutes. The Hawks recorded 28 assists to nine turnovers, while the Jazz had 20 assists to 15 turnovers. Atlanta also outscored Utah in the paint, 56-46.
The Hawks (27-26) were led by Trae Young, tallying 27 points, four rebounds, six assists and two steals. De'Andre Hunter had 26 points, four rebounds and three assists. Dejounte Murray collected 13 points, five rebounds, eight assists and three steals, while Clint Capela compiled nine points and 13 boards. Onyeka Okongwu led the bench with 15 points, 11 rebounds and two assists.
The Jazz (27-27) were led by Lauri Markkanen, finishing with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Jordan Clarkson generated 24 points, five rebounds and three assists. Mike Conley provided 20 points, two rebounds and eight assists, while Kelly Olynyk had six points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Collin Sexton led the bench with 12 points.
Atlanta has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, traveling to face the Denver Nuggets. As for Utah, they're off until Monday, when they play host to the Dallas Mavericks.
While Utah grabbed the first lead in this game, Atlanta rode a 32-22 first quarter to their win. They actually started the game on a 14-3 run and led by at least four points for the final 45 minutes of this 48-minute game. With that said, Utah got it down to a four-point margin in the final minute but never had a game-tying attempt after those opening three minutes. The Hawks recorded 28 assists to nine turnovers, while the Jazz had 20 assists to 15 turnovers. Atlanta also outscored Utah in the paint, 56-46.
The Hawks (27-26) were led by Trae Young, tallying 27 points, four rebounds, six assists and two steals. De'Andre Hunter had 26 points, four rebounds and three assists. Dejounte Murray collected 13 points, five rebounds, eight assists and three steals, while Clint Capela compiled nine points and 13 boards. Onyeka Okongwu led the bench with 15 points, 11 rebounds and two assists.
The Jazz (27-27) were led by Lauri Markkanen, finishing with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Jordan Clarkson generated 24 points, five rebounds and three assists. Mike Conley provided 20 points, two rebounds and eight assists, while Kelly Olynyk had six points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Collin Sexton led the bench with 12 points.
Atlanta has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, traveling to face the Denver Nuggets. As for Utah, they're off until Monday, when they play host to the Dallas Mavericks.