Pelicans Mount Comeback To Defeat Lakers
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 131-126, at Smoothie King Center on Saturday afternoon.
The Pelicans (27-27) moved back to .500 and finally snapped their negative run with a strong performance and a comeback win against the Lakers (25-29), though that didn’t look likely considering how the game started. Los Angeles looked in control early going, as LeBron James and Anthony Davis were controlling the pace of the game, and the Lakers grabbed a 32-30 lead following the first quarter, only to bolster that lead to double digits following a 40-31 score in the second quarter. The Lakers tried to keep the momentum going in the second half, but the Pelicans showed signs of mounting a comeback after outscoring their rivals by a 42-34 score, meaning the Lakers were up by just three points entering the final 12 minutes of action. Both teams traded buckets, but in the end, the Pelicans were more accurate and executed better down the stretch. That was enough to lift New Orleans to victory in front of its fans, though one silver lining for the Lakers is that LeBron James keeping moving closer to reaching Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring record. With the win, the Pelicans moved to 18-9 at home while the Lakers fell to 12-17 on the road.
Brandon Ingram led the way for the Pelicans with 35 points, five rebounds and four assists, while CJ McCollum ended with 23 points, seven assists, two rebounds and two steals. Trey Murphy III notched 21 points and five boards, and Jonas Valanciunas delivered 18 points and 14 rebounds before exiting with an injury in the second half. Jose Alvarado thrived in the second half and finished with 18 points across 24 minutes.
LeBron James ended with 27 points, nine rebounds and six assists, while Anthony Davis ended with a team-high 34 points while also putting up 14 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. No other starter for the Lakers scored in double digits. Russell Westbrook had 15 points, four rebounds and four assists off the bench, and Troy Brown posted 13 points with six boards.
The Pelicans (27-27) moved back to .500 and finally snapped their negative run with a strong performance and a comeback win against the Lakers (25-29), though that didn’t look likely considering how the game started. Los Angeles looked in control early going, as LeBron James and Anthony Davis were controlling the pace of the game, and the Lakers grabbed a 32-30 lead following the first quarter, only to bolster that lead to double digits following a 40-31 score in the second quarter. The Lakers tried to keep the momentum going in the second half, but the Pelicans showed signs of mounting a comeback after outscoring their rivals by a 42-34 score, meaning the Lakers were up by just three points entering the final 12 minutes of action. Both teams traded buckets, but in the end, the Pelicans were more accurate and executed better down the stretch. That was enough to lift New Orleans to victory in front of its fans, though one silver lining for the Lakers is that LeBron James keeping moving closer to reaching Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring record. With the win, the Pelicans moved to 18-9 at home while the Lakers fell to 12-17 on the road.
Brandon Ingram led the way for the Pelicans with 35 points, five rebounds and four assists, while CJ McCollum ended with 23 points, seven assists, two rebounds and two steals. Trey Murphy III notched 21 points and five boards, and Jonas Valanciunas delivered 18 points and 14 rebounds before exiting with an injury in the second half. Jose Alvarado thrived in the second half and finished with 18 points across 24 minutes.
LeBron James ended with 27 points, nine rebounds and six assists, while Anthony Davis ended with a team-high 34 points while also putting up 14 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. No other starter for the Lakers scored in double digits. Russell Westbrook had 15 points, four rebounds and four assists off the bench, and Troy Brown posted 13 points with six boards.
Cam Thomas Shines As Nets Top Wizards
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Washington Wizards, 125-123, at Barclays Center on Saturday afternoon.
The Nets (31-20) moved 11 games over the .500 mark and improved to 15-8 at home with this win, but perhaps the most surprising aspect of the victory here against the Wizards (24-27) was how shorthanded they were, and how the game ultimately unfolded. Washington fell to 12-16 on the road with the loss here, but this was a game where the Wizards missed lots of chances to turn things around. In fact, Washington raced out to a 44-25 lead in the first half quarter and finished the first half leading by 18 points following a 30-29 second quarter for Brooklyn, but the Nets would save the best for the second half. Brooklyn outscored the Wizards by a 37-26 score in the third quarter and showed signs of potentially turning things around late, something they’d accomplish by winning the final 12 minutes by a 33-24 score. The win is even more impressive considering the list of absences the Nets had in this game, while the Wizards were close to playing at full strength.
Cam Thomas led the Nets off the bench and scored a career-high 44 points while adding six rebounds and five assists, while Edmond Sumner delivered 29 points, three assists and two rebounds. Nic Claxton had a double-double of 15 points and 13 rebounds, but he also added five assists and three blocks. Royce O’Neale finished with 10 points, six rebounds and four assists. Patty Mills added 13 points off the bench.
Kristaps Porzingis led the Wizards with 38 points, five rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Monte Morris notched 18 points, eight assists, five rebounds and two steals, and Daniel Gafford notched a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double. Corey Kispert notched 15 points, and Deni Avdija delivered 23 points, six rebounds, three assists and four steals off the bench. No other Wizards player scored in double digits.
The Nets (31-20) moved 11 games over the .500 mark and improved to 15-8 at home with this win, but perhaps the most surprising aspect of the victory here against the Wizards (24-27) was how shorthanded they were, and how the game ultimately unfolded. Washington fell to 12-16 on the road with the loss here, but this was a game where the Wizards missed lots of chances to turn things around. In fact, Washington raced out to a 44-25 lead in the first half quarter and finished the first half leading by 18 points following a 30-29 second quarter for Brooklyn, but the Nets would save the best for the second half. Brooklyn outscored the Wizards by a 37-26 score in the third quarter and showed signs of potentially turning things around late, something they’d accomplish by winning the final 12 minutes by a 33-24 score. The win is even more impressive considering the list of absences the Nets had in this game, while the Wizards were close to playing at full strength.
Cam Thomas led the Nets off the bench and scored a career-high 44 points while adding six rebounds and five assists, while Edmond Sumner delivered 29 points, three assists and two rebounds. Nic Claxton had a double-double of 15 points and 13 rebounds, but he also added five assists and three blocks. Royce O’Neale finished with 10 points, six rebounds and four assists. Patty Mills added 13 points off the bench.
Kristaps Porzingis led the Wizards with 38 points, five rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Monte Morris notched 18 points, eight assists, five rebounds and two steals, and Daniel Gafford notched a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double. Corey Kispert notched 15 points, and Deni Avdija delivered 23 points, six rebounds, three assists and four steals off the bench. No other Wizards player scored in double digits.
Suns Control Actions, Top Pistons With Ease
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Detroit Pistons, 116-100, at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday afternoon.
The Suns (29-26) improved to 10-17 on the road with their win here in what was a relatively easy victory for the Western Conference franchise, as the Pistons (14-40) looked overmatched on both ends of the court and didn’t have weapons to slow Phoenix down. The Suns quickly imposed their terms and grabbed a 30-27 lead in the first quarter, and they’d bolster that advantage even further following a 28-22 score in the second quarter. The Suns slowed their intensity at time in the second half, but they were always in complete control against a Pistons team that looked sloppy and tired as the game progressed. Phoenix also won the remaining two quarters, 30-27 and 28-24, and the Suns didn’t have problems closing the game out with ease. The Pistons fell to 7-20 at home with the loss.
Deandre Ayton led the way for the Suns with 31 points and 16 rebounds, while Mikal Bridges finished with 24 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Cameron Johnson had 20 points, two boards, two dimes and two steals, and Torrey Craig had 14 points. Chris Paul only scored two points (0-7 FG) but dished out 14 assists. Phoenix shot 56 percent from the field and 47.8 percent from three-point range.
Saddiq Bey led the Pistons in scoring despite coming off the bench, as he ended with 25 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Bojan Bogdanovic delivered 23 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Isaiah Stewart notched 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists and a steal. Jaden Ivey finished with 13 points and six assists.
The Suns (29-26) improved to 10-17 on the road with their win here in what was a relatively easy victory for the Western Conference franchise, as the Pistons (14-40) looked overmatched on both ends of the court and didn’t have weapons to slow Phoenix down. The Suns quickly imposed their terms and grabbed a 30-27 lead in the first quarter, and they’d bolster that advantage even further following a 28-22 score in the second quarter. The Suns slowed their intensity at time in the second half, but they were always in complete control against a Pistons team that looked sloppy and tired as the game progressed. Phoenix also won the remaining two quarters, 30-27 and 28-24, and the Suns didn’t have problems closing the game out with ease. The Pistons fell to 7-20 at home with the loss.
Deandre Ayton led the way for the Suns with 31 points and 16 rebounds, while Mikal Bridges finished with 24 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Cameron Johnson had 20 points, two boards, two dimes and two steals, and Torrey Craig had 14 points. Chris Paul only scored two points (0-7 FG) but dished out 14 assists. Phoenix shot 56 percent from the field and 47.8 percent from three-point range.
Saddiq Bey led the Pistons in scoring despite coming off the bench, as he ended with 25 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Bojan Bogdanovic delivered 23 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Isaiah Stewart notched 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists and a steal. Jaden Ivey finished with 13 points and six assists.
Clippers Get Past Knicks in OT, 134-128
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the New York Knicks in overtime, 134-128, at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.
The Clippers (30-26) opened the interconference clash in fine form by forging a 36-28 lead through one, and the Knicks (28-26) were only able to put a one-point deficit in their deficit before halftime. When Los Angeles added another eight points to its advantage in the third quarter the game appeared all but decided, but New York's 34-19 edge during the final period, which would have resulted in a win in regulation had it not been for Nicolas Batum's three-pointer at the buzzer, led to overtime. However, L.A. atoned for its collapse during the extra period, with a pair of Norman Powell and Kawhi Leonard free throws apiece sealing the win.
Leonard led the Clippers with 35 points, adding five rebounds, three assists and four steals. Paul George followed with 30 points, complementing them with eight boards, five assists and one steal. Powell supplied 24 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. Marcus Morris managed 17 points, six rebounds, three assists and one block. Terance Mann totaled 12 points, three rebounds and two assists.
Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with 41 points, complementing them with seven assists and five rebounds. Julius Randle generated a 28-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included seven assists and one steal. R.J. Barrett provided 14 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Quentin Grimes registered 13 points, five boards and two assists. Immanuel Quickley compiled 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Clippers remain in the Big Apple and face the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night, while the Knicks remain home and face the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday evening.
The Clippers (30-26) opened the interconference clash in fine form by forging a 36-28 lead through one, and the Knicks (28-26) were only able to put a one-point deficit in their deficit before halftime. When Los Angeles added another eight points to its advantage in the third quarter the game appeared all but decided, but New York's 34-19 edge during the final period, which would have resulted in a win in regulation had it not been for Nicolas Batum's three-pointer at the buzzer, led to overtime. However, L.A. atoned for its collapse during the extra period, with a pair of Norman Powell and Kawhi Leonard free throws apiece sealing the win.
Leonard led the Clippers with 35 points, adding five rebounds, three assists and four steals. Paul George followed with 30 points, complementing them with eight boards, five assists and one steal. Powell supplied 24 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. Marcus Morris managed 17 points, six rebounds, three assists and one block. Terance Mann totaled 12 points, three rebounds and two assists.
Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with 41 points, complementing them with seven assists and five rebounds. Julius Randle generated a 28-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included seven assists and one steal. R.J. Barrett provided 14 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Quentin Grimes registered 13 points, five boards and two assists. Immanuel Quickley compiled 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Clippers remain in the Big Apple and face the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night, while the Knicks remain home and face the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday evening.
Bulls Outlast Trail Blazers, 129-121
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, 129-121, at United Center on Saturday night.
The Bulls (25-27) came out of the gates hot, forging a 34-27 lead through one. However, the Trail Blazers (26-27) roared back before halftime, posting a 43-25 advantage in the second quarter to take an 11-point edge into intermission. However, Chicago turned the tables in the third quarter by outscoring Portland, 33-17, and although the visitors got as close as within one on multiple occasions during the final period, the hosts' 12-0 run between the 7:41 and 5:13 marks of the fourth quarter sealed the hard-fought win.
Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 40 points, complementing them with five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Anfernee Simons supplied 27 points and five assists. Josh Hart generated a 13-point, 12-rebound double-double that included five assists and one steal. Jerami Grant furnished 13 points as well, adding five boards and four assists. Trendon Watford delivered 11 points, three assists, two boards and one block.
Zach LaVine paced the Bulls with 36 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, five assists and two steals. DeMar DeRozan contributed 27 points, seven boards, seven assists, one steal and one block. Nikola Vucevic generated a 23-point, 11-rebound double-double that included four assists. Ayo Dosunmu finished with 13 points, five assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Coby White went for 10 points and three assists.
The Trail Blazers return home to face the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night, while the Bulls remain home and host the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night.
The Bulls (25-27) came out of the gates hot, forging a 34-27 lead through one. However, the Trail Blazers (26-27) roared back before halftime, posting a 43-25 advantage in the second quarter to take an 11-point edge into intermission. However, Chicago turned the tables in the third quarter by outscoring Portland, 33-17, and although the visitors got as close as within one on multiple occasions during the final period, the hosts' 12-0 run between the 7:41 and 5:13 marks of the fourth quarter sealed the hard-fought win.
Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 40 points, complementing them with five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Anfernee Simons supplied 27 points and five assists. Josh Hart generated a 13-point, 12-rebound double-double that included five assists and one steal. Jerami Grant furnished 13 points as well, adding five boards and four assists. Trendon Watford delivered 11 points, three assists, two boards and one block.
Zach LaVine paced the Bulls with 36 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, five assists and two steals. DeMar DeRozan contributed 27 points, seven boards, seven assists, one steal and one block. Nikola Vucevic generated a 23-point, 11-rebound double-double that included four assists. Ayo Dosunmu finished with 13 points, five assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Coby White went for 10 points and three assists.
The Trail Blazers return home to face the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night, while the Bulls remain home and host the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night.
Bucks Hold Off Heat At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Miami Heat, 123-115, at Fiserv Forum on Saturday.
The Bucks jumped out to a strong start and led, 34-26, after one quarter, but the Heat bounced back and tied it up at 62, by halftime. The score stayed tight through the second, while the Bucks took a two-point lead into the fourth. The hosts stayed in control down the stretch and closed out their seventh straight win, while this marks the second straight loss for the Heat.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 35 points, 15 rebounds, 11 assists, a steal and a block, in 35 minutes. Khris Middleton followed up with 24 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Grayson Allen added 19 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. The Bucks shot 52 percent from the field, including 14-of-40 from long range.
Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 32 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Tyler Herro followed up with 24 points, five rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Bam Adebayo totaled 16 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and two steals. The Heat shot 44 percent from the field, including 8-of-31 from deep.
The Heat (29-25) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pacers on Wednesday. The Bucks (36-17) take on the Trail Blazers in Portland on Monday.
The Bucks jumped out to a strong start and led, 34-26, after one quarter, but the Heat bounced back and tied it up at 62, by halftime. The score stayed tight through the second, while the Bucks took a two-point lead into the fourth. The hosts stayed in control down the stretch and closed out their seventh straight win, while this marks the second straight loss for the Heat.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 35 points, 15 rebounds, 11 assists, a steal and a block, in 35 minutes. Khris Middleton followed up with 24 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Grayson Allen added 19 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. The Bucks shot 52 percent from the field, including 14-of-40 from long range.
Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 32 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Tyler Herro followed up with 24 points, five rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Bam Adebayo totaled 16 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and two steals. The Heat shot 44 percent from the field, including 8-of-31 from deep.
The Heat (29-25) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pacers on Wednesday. The Bucks (36-17) take on the Trail Blazers in Portland on Monday.
Thunder Outpace Rockets
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 153-121 at Paycom Center on Saturday evening.
The Thunder jumped out to a great start with a, 38-19, lead after one quarter and kept up the pace in the second to take a 26-point cushion into the break. The visitors had no answers in the third, while the Thunder pushed it to a 42-point deficit heading into the final frame. The Rockets had no answers down the stretch and fell shot for their second straight loss.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 42 points, four rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks, in 30 minutes. Josh Giddey totaled 17 points, eight rebounds, 10 assists, three steals and a block, while Isaiah Joe tallied 18 points, two assists, two steals and a block. The Thunder shot 57 percent from the field, including 21-of-46 from deep.
Meanwhile, Josh Christopher and TyTy Washington poured in 20 points each to lead the Rockets. Tari Eason added 18 points, eight rebounds and a steal, while Jalen Green finished with 12 points, two rebounds, four assists and two blocks.
The Rockets (13-40) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Kings on Monday. The Thunder (25-27) take on the Warriors in Golden State on Monday.
The Thunder jumped out to a great start with a, 38-19, lead after one quarter and kept up the pace in the second to take a 26-point cushion into the break. The visitors had no answers in the third, while the Thunder pushed it to a 42-point deficit heading into the final frame. The Rockets had no answers down the stretch and fell shot for their second straight loss.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 42 points, four rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks, in 30 minutes. Josh Giddey totaled 17 points, eight rebounds, 10 assists, three steals and a block, while Isaiah Joe tallied 18 points, two assists, two steals and a block. The Thunder shot 57 percent from the field, including 21-of-46 from deep.
Meanwhile, Josh Christopher and TyTy Washington poured in 20 points each to lead the Rockets. Tari Eason added 18 points, eight rebounds and a steal, while Jalen Green finished with 12 points, two rebounds, four assists and two blocks.
The Rockets (13-40) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Kings on Monday. The Thunder (25-27) take on the Warriors in Golden State on Monday.
Warriors Defeat Mavericks, 119-113
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Dallas Mavericks, 119-113, at Chase Center on Saturday.
A 40-23 first quarter carried Golden State to an easy victory, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. They got their lead up to 23 points at times. The Warriors shot 55 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range while holding the Mavericks to 46 percent from the field and 35 percent from long range. Golden State also out-assisted Dallas, 33-22, while outscoring them in the paint, 56-46.
The Mavericks (28-26) were led by Spencer Dinwiddie, collecting 25 points, four rebounds and four assists. Tim Hardaway Jr had 22 points, four rebounds and two assists. Dorian Finney-Smith finished with 18 points, nine rebounds and two assists, while Dwight Powell provided 10 points, seven rebounds and four steals.
The Warriors (27-26) were led by Stephen Curry, tallying 21 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Draymond Green generated 17 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. Klay Thompson totaled 14 points, two rebounds and three assists, while Kevon Looney had 10 points, seven rebounds and two steals. JaMychal Green led the bench with 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
Both teams return to action on Saturday, with Golden State remaining home to play the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas staying on the road to play the Utah Jazz.
A 40-23 first quarter carried Golden State to an easy victory, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. They got their lead up to 23 points at times. The Warriors shot 55 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range while holding the Mavericks to 46 percent from the field and 35 percent from long range. Golden State also out-assisted Dallas, 33-22, while outscoring them in the paint, 56-46.
The Mavericks (28-26) were led by Spencer Dinwiddie, collecting 25 points, four rebounds and four assists. Tim Hardaway Jr had 22 points, four rebounds and two assists. Dorian Finney-Smith finished with 18 points, nine rebounds and two assists, while Dwight Powell provided 10 points, seven rebounds and four steals.
The Warriors (27-26) were led by Stephen Curry, tallying 21 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Draymond Green generated 17 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. Klay Thompson totaled 14 points, two rebounds and three assists, while Kevon Looney had 10 points, seven rebounds and two steals. JaMychal Green led the bench with 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
Both teams return to action on Saturday, with Golden State remaining home to play the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas staying on the road to play the Utah Jazz.
Nuggets Defeat Hawks, 128-108
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Atlanta Hawks, 128-108, at Ball Arena on Saturday.
While there were six ties and eight lead changes in the opening 10 minutes, Denver never relinquished the lead after that 35-30 opening frame. They put things away behind a 35-22 second quarter and finished the game on a 19-7 run over the closing 5:25 to cap off the victory. Denver shot 15-of-38 from three-point range, while Atlanta hit just 6-of-20. The Nuggets also doubled up the Hawks in steals, 14-7, while out-assisting them, 32-26.
The Hawks (27-27) were led by Dejounte Murray, amassing 28 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks. De'Andre Hunter had 20 points, three rebounds and four assists. AJ Griffin generated 15 points, two rebounds and four assists, while Clint Capela collected 12 points and 11 rebounds. Jalen Johnson led the bench with 11 points and five boards.
The Nuggets (37-16) were led by Jamal Murray, collecting 41 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Michael Porter Jr provided 23 points, two rebounds and three steals. Aaron Gordon accrued 15 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Nikola Jokic finished with 14 points, 18 rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks.
Denver has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Sunday, playing host to the Minnesota Timberwolves. As for Atlanta, they return to action on Tuesday in a road matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans.
While there were six ties and eight lead changes in the opening 10 minutes, Denver never relinquished the lead after that 35-30 opening frame. They put things away behind a 35-22 second quarter and finished the game on a 19-7 run over the closing 5:25 to cap off the victory. Denver shot 15-of-38 from three-point range, while Atlanta hit just 6-of-20. The Nuggets also doubled up the Hawks in steals, 14-7, while out-assisting them, 32-26.
The Hawks (27-27) were led by Dejounte Murray, amassing 28 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks. De'Andre Hunter had 20 points, three rebounds and four assists. AJ Griffin generated 15 points, two rebounds and four assists, while Clint Capela collected 12 points and 11 rebounds. Jalen Johnson led the bench with 11 points and five boards.
The Nuggets (37-16) were led by Jamal Murray, collecting 41 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Michael Porter Jr provided 23 points, two rebounds and three steals. Aaron Gordon accrued 15 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Nikola Jokic finished with 14 points, 18 rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks.
Denver has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Sunday, playing host to the Minnesota Timberwolves. As for Atlanta, they return to action on Tuesday in a road matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans.