Magic Top Hornets To Open Sunday Slate
The Orlando Magic defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 119-113, at Spectrum Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Magic (22-32) and the Hornets (15-40) are both going through rebuilding processes, but Orlando is far more ahead than Charlotte on the path to relevancy, which showed in this game. The Hornets looked better in the early going, however, and they jumped out to a 37-28 score in the first quarter, but the Magic didn’t go down without swinging and managed to turn things around following a 34-21 score in the second quarter, jumping to a four-point lead entering the halftime break. The second half was a tight battle, and both teams tried to establish supremacy. Still, the Magic always found a way to counter Charlotte’s attempts on offense, and they ended up winning the contest after winning the final two quarters by one point each. The most significant difference in this game was the efficiency from the free throw line, with the Magic making 90 percent of their shots (27-30) while the Hornets made just 47.8 percent of their attempts (11-23). With the win, Orlando moved to 9-19 on the road, while the Hornets fell to 7-17 at home.
Paolo Banchero was the leading scorer for the Magic in this game and finished with 22 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, while Wendell Carter Jr. posted 20 points, 12 rebounds and three assists in his return to the starting lineup. Franz Wagner ended up with 14 points and five boards, whereas Markelle Fultz notched 16 points and five assists with three steals. The bench combined to score 39 points.
LaMelo Ball scored a game-high 33 points and also added eight rebounds, six assists and four steals, but his efforts were not enough. Terry Rozier delivered 24 points, six assists and three rebounds, and Mason Plumlee sniffed a double-double after recording 10 points, nine boards, four assists and a block. P.J. Washington recorded 12 points and four rebounds, and Dennis Smith Jr. had 14 points off the bench.
The Magic (22-32) and the Hornets (15-40) are both going through rebuilding processes, but Orlando is far more ahead than Charlotte on the path to relevancy, which showed in this game. The Hornets looked better in the early going, however, and they jumped out to a 37-28 score in the first quarter, but the Magic didn’t go down without swinging and managed to turn things around following a 34-21 score in the second quarter, jumping to a four-point lead entering the halftime break. The second half was a tight battle, and both teams tried to establish supremacy. Still, the Magic always found a way to counter Charlotte’s attempts on offense, and they ended up winning the contest after winning the final two quarters by one point each. The most significant difference in this game was the efficiency from the free throw line, with the Magic making 90 percent of their shots (27-30) while the Hornets made just 47.8 percent of their attempts (11-23). With the win, Orlando moved to 9-19 on the road, while the Hornets fell to 7-17 at home.
Paolo Banchero was the leading scorer for the Magic in this game and finished with 22 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, while Wendell Carter Jr. posted 20 points, 12 rebounds and three assists in his return to the starting lineup. Franz Wagner ended up with 14 points and five boards, whereas Markelle Fultz notched 16 points and five assists with three steals. The bench combined to score 39 points.
LaMelo Ball scored a game-high 33 points and also added eight rebounds, six assists and four steals, but his efforts were not enough. Terry Rozier delivered 24 points, six assists and three rebounds, and Mason Plumlee sniffed a double-double after recording 10 points, nine boards, four assists and a block. P.J. Washington recorded 12 points and four rebounds, and Dennis Smith Jr. had 14 points off the bench.
Cavs Cruise Past Pacers
By Dan Bruno
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the host Indiana Pacers, 122-103, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday.
The game got out to a competitive start, but the Cavs took control in the second by outscoring the hosts, 35-21, to take a 16-point lead into the break. Both sides came out strong in the third and the Pacers outscored the Cavs, 38-36, to cut it to a 14-point game heading into the final quarter. The Pacers had no answers down the stretch as the Cavs held on for their second straight win.
Darius Garland led the Cavs with 24 points, three rebounds and six assists, in 36 minutes. Isaac Okoro followed up with 20 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Jarrett Allen totaled 18 points, 13 rebounds and a block. The Cavs shot 52.3 percent from the field, including 15-of-37 from long range.
Meanwhile, Myles Turner led the Pacers with 27 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks and a steal, in 24 minutes. Buddy Hield followed up with 16 points, five rebounds, two steals and a block, while Tyrese Haliburton finished with 15 points, four rebounds and 11 assists. The Pacers shot 43.5 percent from the field, including 8-of-32 from deep.
The Pacers (25-30) will look to bounce back as they take on the Heat in Miami on Wednesday. The Cavs (33-22) take on the Wizards in Washington on Monday.
The game got out to a competitive start, but the Cavs took control in the second by outscoring the hosts, 35-21, to take a 16-point lead into the break. Both sides came out strong in the third and the Pacers outscored the Cavs, 38-36, to cut it to a 14-point game heading into the final quarter. The Pacers had no answers down the stretch as the Cavs held on for their second straight win.
Darius Garland led the Cavs with 24 points, three rebounds and six assists, in 36 minutes. Isaac Okoro followed up with 20 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Jarrett Allen totaled 18 points, 13 rebounds and a block. The Cavs shot 52.3 percent from the field, including 15-of-37 from long range.
Meanwhile, Myles Turner led the Pacers with 27 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks and a steal, in 24 minutes. Buddy Hield followed up with 16 points, five rebounds, two steals and a block, while Tyrese Haliburton finished with 15 points, four rebounds and 11 assists. The Pacers shot 43.5 percent from the field, including 8-of-32 from deep.
The Pacers (25-30) will look to bounce back as they take on the Heat in Miami on Wednesday. The Cavs (33-22) take on the Wizards in Washington on Monday.
Knicks Handle 76ers, 108-97
The New York Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 108-97, at Madison Square Garden on Sunday evening.
The 76ers (34-18) opened as solid favorites and appeared ready to deliver on that designation early, jumping out to a 35-24 lead through one. However, the Knicks (29-26) fought back to knock nine points off from their deficit before halftime, and they sealed the comeback win with a dominant fourth quarter during which they outscored Philadelphia by a 32-18 margin.
Joel Embiid led the 76ers with a 31-point, 14-rebound double-double that included three assists and one block. Tobias Harris and De'Anthony Melton posted matching 14-point, three-assist efforts, with Harris adding 10 rebounds. James Harden produced a 12-point, 12-assist double-double that included eight rebounds, two steals and one block. Tyrese Maxey matched Harden's scoring, while P.J. Tucker furnished 10 points, three rebounds and one assist.
Julius Randle paced the Knicks with 24 points, complementing them with nine rebounds and seven assists. Jalen Brunson delivered 21 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal. Evan Fournier poured in 17 points, Miles McBride supplied 14 points, three boards and two assists. Quentin Grimes provided 13 points, three boards and one assist.
The 76ers will remain on the road and visit the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night, while the Knicks visit the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night.
The 76ers (34-18) opened as solid favorites and appeared ready to deliver on that designation early, jumping out to a 35-24 lead through one. However, the Knicks (29-26) fought back to knock nine points off from their deficit before halftime, and they sealed the comeback win with a dominant fourth quarter during which they outscored Philadelphia by a 32-18 margin.
Joel Embiid led the 76ers with a 31-point, 14-rebound double-double that included three assists and one block. Tobias Harris and De'Anthony Melton posted matching 14-point, three-assist efforts, with Harris adding 10 rebounds. James Harden produced a 12-point, 12-assist double-double that included eight rebounds, two steals and one block. Tyrese Maxey matched Harden's scoring, while P.J. Tucker furnished 10 points, three rebounds and one assist.
Julius Randle paced the Knicks with 24 points, complementing them with nine rebounds and seven assists. Jalen Brunson delivered 21 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal. Evan Fournier poured in 17 points, Miles McBride supplied 14 points, three boards and two assists. Quentin Grimes provided 13 points, three boards and one assist.
The 76ers will remain on the road and visit the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night, while the Knicks visit the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night.
Raptors Edge Grizzlies, 106-103
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 106-103, at FedEx Forum on Sunday evening.
The Grizzlies (32-21) came into the contest mired in an ugly 1-7 stretch, but through the first three quarters, they appeared to have a very good chance of snapping their skid in front of the home crowd. Memphis progressively built up its advantage to head into the final period with an 86-78 lead. However, the Raptors (25-30) turned it up on both ends of the court over the final 12 minutes, forging a 28-17 edge in that span to escape with the comeback road victory sealed by a pair of Scottie Barnes buckets and two Pascal Siakam free throws.
Siakam led the Raptors with 19 points, adding six rebounds, five assists and one steal. Chris Boucher generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist. Barnes furnished 16 points, seven boards, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Fred VanVleet delivered 15 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal. Thaddeus Young supplied 14 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Precious Achiuwa and Gary Trent contributed matching 10-point efforts, with Achiuwa adding eight boards and three steals.
Desmond Bane paced the Grizzlies with 26 points, supplementing them with four assists, two rebounds, four steals and one block. Jaren Jackson managed 18 points, eight rebounds and four blocks. Santi Aldama turned in 15 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Xavier Tillman finished with 12 points, nine boards, three assists and one steal.
The Raptors return home and take on the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, while the Grizzlies remain home and host the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night.
The Grizzlies (32-21) came into the contest mired in an ugly 1-7 stretch, but through the first three quarters, they appeared to have a very good chance of snapping their skid in front of the home crowd. Memphis progressively built up its advantage to head into the final period with an 86-78 lead. However, the Raptors (25-30) turned it up on both ends of the court over the final 12 minutes, forging a 28-17 edge in that span to escape with the comeback road victory sealed by a pair of Scottie Barnes buckets and two Pascal Siakam free throws.
Siakam led the Raptors with 19 points, adding six rebounds, five assists and one steal. Chris Boucher generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist. Barnes furnished 16 points, seven boards, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Fred VanVleet delivered 15 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal. Thaddeus Young supplied 14 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Precious Achiuwa and Gary Trent contributed matching 10-point efforts, with Achiuwa adding eight boards and three steals.
Desmond Bane paced the Grizzlies with 26 points, supplementing them with four assists, two rebounds, four steals and one block. Jaren Jackson managed 18 points, eight rebounds and four blocks. Santi Aldama turned in 15 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Xavier Tillman finished with 12 points, nine boards, three assists and one steal.
The Raptors return home and take on the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, while the Grizzlies remain home and host the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night.
Pelicans Defeat Kings, 136-104
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings, 136-104, at Smoothie King Center on Sunday.
The Pelicans won this game in wire-to-wire fashion, winning all four individual quarters. They won each of the first three quarters by at least eight points apiece, getting their lead up to 35 points at times in the second half. They led by at least 15 points for the entirety of the second half. New Orleans shot 57 percent from the field and 54 percent from three-point range while holding Sacramento to 43 percent from the field and 26 percent from long range. The Pelicans also out-rebounded the Kings, 55-41, while outscoring them in the paint, 66-44.
The Kings (29-23) were led by Malik Monk, providing 16 points, four rebounds and three assists off the bench. Domantas Sabonis led the starters with 12 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Kevin Huerter, Davion Mitchell and Keon Ellis scored 10 points apiece, while Matthew Dellavedova led the team with six assists.
The Pelicans (28-27) were led by Trey Murphy, tallying 30 points, four rebounds and two assists on 9-of-11 from the field. C.J. McCollum collected 24 points, two rebounds and four assists. Naji Marshall had 17 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Wily Hernangomez led the bench with 22 points, 16 rebounds and four assists.
Sacramento has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Monday, traveling to face the Houston Rockets. As for New Orleans, they play host to the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday for their next game.
The Pelicans won this game in wire-to-wire fashion, winning all four individual quarters. They won each of the first three quarters by at least eight points apiece, getting their lead up to 35 points at times in the second half. They led by at least 15 points for the entirety of the second half. New Orleans shot 57 percent from the field and 54 percent from three-point range while holding Sacramento to 43 percent from the field and 26 percent from long range. The Pelicans also out-rebounded the Kings, 55-41, while outscoring them in the paint, 66-44.
The Kings (29-23) were led by Malik Monk, providing 16 points, four rebounds and three assists off the bench. Domantas Sabonis led the starters with 12 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Kevin Huerter, Davion Mitchell and Keon Ellis scored 10 points apiece, while Matthew Dellavedova led the team with six assists.
The Pelicans (28-27) were led by Trey Murphy, tallying 30 points, four rebounds and two assists on 9-of-11 from the field. C.J. McCollum collected 24 points, two rebounds and four assists. Naji Marshall had 17 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Wily Hernangomez led the bench with 22 points, 16 rebounds and four assists.
Sacramento has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Monday, traveling to face the Houston Rockets. As for New Orleans, they play host to the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday for their next game.
T'Wolves Throttle Nuggets, 128-98
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Denver Nuggets, 128-98, at Target Center on Sunday.
Minnesota won all four individual quarters in this easy victory, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. They led 63-43 at the half and got their lead up to 34 points at times. The Timberwolves shot 55 percent from the field and 37 percent from three-point range while holding the Nuggets to 48 percent from the field and 24 percent from long range. Minnesota also out-assisted Denver, 33-19, while winning the turnover battle, 21-11. In addition, the T'Wolves outscored the Nuggets in the paint, 72-42.
The Nuggets (37-17) rested Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokic in this blowout loss. Michael Porter Jr led the way with 22 points and three boards. Christian Braun totaled 19 points and five rebounds. Bruce Brown finished with 16 points, two rebounds and seven assists, while Ish Smith led the bench with 10 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
The Timberwolves (29-27) were led by Anthony Edwards, accruing 20 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. D'Angelo Russell tallied 18 points and 10 assists. Rudy Gobert gobbled up 16 points and eight rebounds, while Jaden McDaniels generated 14 points, four rebounds and six assists. Jaylen Nowell led the bench with 16 points, four rebounds and four assists.
These teams will have a rematch back in Denver for their next outing on Tuesday. Denver is expected to be at full strength in that game.
Minnesota won all four individual quarters in this easy victory, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. They led 63-43 at the half and got their lead up to 34 points at times. The Timberwolves shot 55 percent from the field and 37 percent from three-point range while holding the Nuggets to 48 percent from the field and 24 percent from long range. Minnesota also out-assisted Denver, 33-19, while winning the turnover battle, 21-11. In addition, the T'Wolves outscored the Nuggets in the paint, 72-42.
The Nuggets (37-17) rested Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokic in this blowout loss. Michael Porter Jr led the way with 22 points and three boards. Christian Braun totaled 19 points and five rebounds. Bruce Brown finished with 16 points, two rebounds and seven assists, while Ish Smith led the bench with 10 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
The Timberwolves (29-27) were led by Anthony Edwards, accruing 20 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. D'Angelo Russell tallied 18 points and 10 assists. Rudy Gobert gobbled up 16 points and eight rebounds, while Jaden McDaniels generated 14 points, four rebounds and six assists. Jaylen Nowell led the bench with 16 points, four rebounds and four assists.
These teams will have a rematch back in Denver for their next outing on Tuesday. Denver is expected to be at full strength in that game.