Celtics Rout Pistons With Ease
The Boston Celtics defeated the Detroit Pistons, 111-99, at Little Caesars Arena on Monday.
The Celtics (37-16) didn’t have problems getting past the Pistons (14-40), one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference, with a solid outing in which they dominated from start to finish. Boston quickly raced out to a 28-25 lead in the first quarter and didn’t look back the rest of the way, bolstering their advantage following a 34-28 score in the second quarter. Boston made it a double-digit contest and put the game out of reach after a 30-19 score in the third quarter, and the game was all but decided by the time the fourth quarter starter. Detroit won the final quarter by a 27-21 score, but it was not enough to mount a comeback and they secured the victory. With the win, Boston moved to 17-9 on the road while Detroit fell to 7-20 at home.
Jayson Tatum led the way for the Celtics with a 34-point, 11-rebound performance that also included six assists, while Derrick White had an excellent game and finished with 23 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Robert Williams III posted 15 points and 15 rebounds, but he also added two assists and two steals. Sam Hauser notched 15 points and six rebounds, and Malcolm Brogdon recorded 16 points off the bench.
Bojan Bogdanovic led the way for the Pistons with 21 points and three rebounds, while Isaiah Stewart notched a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double. Jaden Ivey recorded 14 points and five assists, and Killian Hayes posted 17 points with nine assists, two rebounds and two steals off the bench. Saddiq Bey delivered 14 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals coming off the bench as well.
The Celtics (37-16) didn’t have problems getting past the Pistons (14-40), one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference, with a solid outing in which they dominated from start to finish. Boston quickly raced out to a 28-25 lead in the first quarter and didn’t look back the rest of the way, bolstering their advantage following a 34-28 score in the second quarter. Boston made it a double-digit contest and put the game out of reach after a 30-19 score in the third quarter, and the game was all but decided by the time the fourth quarter starter. Detroit won the final quarter by a 27-21 score, but it was not enough to mount a comeback and they secured the victory. With the win, Boston moved to 17-9 on the road while Detroit fell to 7-20 at home.
Jayson Tatum led the way for the Celtics with a 34-point, 11-rebound performance that also included six assists, while Derrick White had an excellent game and finished with 23 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Robert Williams III posted 15 points and 15 rebounds, but he also added two assists and two steals. Sam Hauser notched 15 points and six rebounds, and Malcolm Brogdon recorded 16 points off the bench.
Bojan Bogdanovic led the way for the Pistons with 21 points and three rebounds, while Isaiah Stewart notched a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double. Jaden Ivey recorded 14 points and five assists, and Killian Hayes posted 17 points with nine assists, two rebounds and two steals off the bench. Saddiq Bey delivered 14 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals coming off the bench as well.
Cavaliers Dominate In Easy Win Over Wizards
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Washington Wizards, 114-91, at Capital One Arena on Monday.
The Cavaliers (34-22) took control of the game early and didn’t have major problems defeating the Wizards (24-29) despite playing on the road. Cleveland quickly grabbed the lead in the first quarter and never looked back, establishing a double-digit lead after the end of the opening 12 minutes thanks to a 37-25 score. Cleveland bolstered that advantage following a 29-21 score in the second quarter, meaning they held a massive 20-point lead at the halftime break. The Wizards tried to fight back in the second half, but their attempts were unsuccessful, especially after the Cavs also won the third quarter by a 30-26 score. Even though Washington won the final 12 minutes by a 19-18 score, the game was already decided in the first half, and Cleveland cruised their way to an easy victory. With the win, the Cavaliers moved to 12-16 on the road, while the Wizards fell to 12-12 at home.
Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland led the way for the Cavaliers with 23 points each, with Allen adding eight rebounds, three assists and two blocks while Garland tallying five dimes and three steals. Donovan Mitchell recorded 21 points, six rebounds and five assists, and Evan Mobley finished with 16 points, five boards, two assists and two steals. Caris LeVert added 10 points, eight boards, three assists and two steals off the bench.
Kristaps Porzingis led the way for the Wizards with 18 points and seven rebounds to lead Washington, while Daniel Gafford ended with 11 points, eight boards and three blocks. Monte Morris had 10 points, seven assists and three boards, and Deni Avdija finished with 12 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Cavaliers (34-22) took control of the game early and didn’t have major problems defeating the Wizards (24-29) despite playing on the road. Cleveland quickly grabbed the lead in the first quarter and never looked back, establishing a double-digit lead after the end of the opening 12 minutes thanks to a 37-25 score. Cleveland bolstered that advantage following a 29-21 score in the second quarter, meaning they held a massive 20-point lead at the halftime break. The Wizards tried to fight back in the second half, but their attempts were unsuccessful, especially after the Cavs also won the third quarter by a 30-26 score. Even though Washington won the final 12 minutes by a 19-18 score, the game was already decided in the first half, and Cleveland cruised their way to an easy victory. With the win, the Cavaliers moved to 12-16 on the road, while the Wizards fell to 12-12 at home.
Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland led the way for the Cavaliers with 23 points each, with Allen adding eight rebounds, three assists and two blocks while Garland tallying five dimes and three steals. Donovan Mitchell recorded 21 points, six rebounds and five assists, and Evan Mobley finished with 16 points, five boards, two assists and two steals. Caris LeVert added 10 points, eight boards, three assists and two steals off the bench.
Kristaps Porzingis led the way for the Wizards with 18 points and seven rebounds to lead Washington, while Daniel Gafford ended with 11 points, eight boards and three blocks. Monte Morris had 10 points, seven assists and three boards, and Deni Avdija finished with 12 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Clippers Get Past Nets, 124-116
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 124-116, at Barclays Center on Monday night.
The Clippers (31-26) came in as favorites over a significantly short-handed Nets (32-21) squad that had just traded away Kyrie Irving, but they encountered a feisty unit that trailed only 55-53 at the half. Los Angeles ultimately managed to add just one point to its advantage in the third quarter, and after Brooklyn managed to take as much as a 107-99 lead with approximately six minutes remaining, the visitors finished on a torrid 25-9 run over the final 5:55 to seal a hard-fought road victory and overcome Cam Thomas' second straight 40-plus-point tally.
Paul George led the Clippers with 29 points, adding four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kawhi Leonard furnished 24 points, supplementing them with six assists, four rebounds and one steal. Ivica Zubac generated a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double that included two assists, three steals and one block. Norman Powell supplied 14 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Terance Mann and Reggie Jackson produced matching 12-point tallies, with Mann adding nine rebounds and three blocks.
Thomas paced the Nets with 47 points, complementing them with four rebounds and three assists. Edmond Sumner registered 23 points, five boards, three assists and one block. Nic Claxton finished with a 15-point, 16-rebound double-double that included one assist, three blocks and two steals. Royce O'Neale matched Claxton's scoring and also recorded three assists and one rebound.
The Clippers return home to host the Dallas Mavericks in Irving's expected debut Wednesday night, while the Nets remain home and welcome in the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night.
The Clippers (31-26) came in as favorites over a significantly short-handed Nets (32-21) squad that had just traded away Kyrie Irving, but they encountered a feisty unit that trailed only 55-53 at the half. Los Angeles ultimately managed to add just one point to its advantage in the third quarter, and after Brooklyn managed to take as much as a 107-99 lead with approximately six minutes remaining, the visitors finished on a torrid 25-9 run over the final 5:55 to seal a hard-fought road victory and overcome Cam Thomas' second straight 40-plus-point tally.
Paul George led the Clippers with 29 points, adding four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kawhi Leonard furnished 24 points, supplementing them with six assists, four rebounds and one steal. Ivica Zubac generated a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double that included two assists, three steals and one block. Norman Powell supplied 14 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Terance Mann and Reggie Jackson produced matching 12-point tallies, with Mann adding nine rebounds and three blocks.
Thomas paced the Nets with 47 points, complementing them with four rebounds and three assists. Edmond Sumner registered 23 points, five boards, three assists and one block. Nic Claxton finished with a 15-point, 16-rebound double-double that included one assist, three blocks and two steals. Royce O'Neale matched Claxton's scoring and also recorded three assists and one rebound.
The Clippers return home to host the Dallas Mavericks in Irving's expected debut Wednesday night, while the Nets remain home and welcome in the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night.
Bulls Blast Spurs, 128-104
The Chicago Bulls defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 128-104, at United Center on Monday night.
The Bulls (26-27) came in as heavy favorites for the interconference clash and appeared likely to deliver on that designation early with a 39-28 lead through one. However, the Spurs (14-40) fought back to reduce their deficit to three by halftime, and they were still down just five going into the final period. Matters eventually unraveled, however, with Chicago ultimately doubling up San Antonio by a 38-19 margin over the final 12 minutes for the comfortable win.
Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 21 points, adding two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Malaki Barnham turned in 15 points, five boards and four assists. Jakob Poeltl delivered 14 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Josh RIchardson finished with 11 points, three assists and four steals.
Nikola Vucevic paced the Bulls with 22 points, adding 12 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Andre Drummond generated a 21-point, 15-rebound double-double that included one assist, three steals and one block. Zach LaVine netted 20 points, four rebounds and three assists. DeMar DeRozan supplied 19 points, five assists, one rebound and one steal. Coby White turned 12 points, four assists, one rebound and two steals. Patrick Williams and Ayo Dosunmu contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively, with Williams also pulling down six rebounds.
The Spurs remain on the road and visit the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night, while the Bulls hit the road and tangle with the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night.
The Bulls (26-27) came in as heavy favorites for the interconference clash and appeared likely to deliver on that designation early with a 39-28 lead through one. However, the Spurs (14-40) fought back to reduce their deficit to three by halftime, and they were still down just five going into the final period. Matters eventually unraveled, however, with Chicago ultimately doubling up San Antonio by a 38-19 margin over the final 12 minutes for the comfortable win.
Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 21 points, adding two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Malaki Barnham turned in 15 points, five boards and four assists. Jakob Poeltl delivered 14 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Josh RIchardson finished with 11 points, three assists and four steals.
Nikola Vucevic paced the Bulls with 22 points, adding 12 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Andre Drummond generated a 21-point, 15-rebound double-double that included one assist, three steals and one block. Zach LaVine netted 20 points, four rebounds and three assists. DeMar DeRozan supplied 19 points, five assists, one rebound and one steal. Coby White turned 12 points, four assists, one rebound and two steals. Patrick Williams and Ayo Dosunmu contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively, with Williams also pulling down six rebounds.
The Spurs remain on the road and visit the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night, while the Bulls hit the road and tangle with the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night.
Kings Roll Past Rockets
By Dan Bruno
The Sacramento Kings defeated the host Houston Rockets, 140-120, at Toyota Center on Monday evening.
The Kings jumped out to a strong start with a, 31-24, lead after one quarter and kept the momentum going in the second to make it a 17-point game at the break. The hosts came out better in the third and managed to trim the deficit back to 11, heading into the final quarter. The Kings reclaimed dominance in the fourth and poured in 41 points in the quarter to confidently close out the road win. This marks the third straight loss for the Rockets.
Keegan Murray led the Kings with 30 points, six rebounds and two steals, in 33 minutes. Malik Monk followed up with 20 points and two assists, while Domantas Sabonis totaled 17 points, seven rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. The Kings shot 58.4 percent from the field, including 21-of-41 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jalen Green led the Rockets with 27 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 33 minutes. Kenyon Martin followed up with 18 points and eight rebounds, while Eric Gordon added 16 points, eight assists, two steals and a block. The Rockets shot 50 percent from the field, including 13-of-32 from deep.
The Kings (30-23) and Rockets (13-41) clash again in Houston on Wednesday.
The Kings jumped out to a strong start with a, 31-24, lead after one quarter and kept the momentum going in the second to make it a 17-point game at the break. The hosts came out better in the third and managed to trim the deficit back to 11, heading into the final quarter. The Kings reclaimed dominance in the fourth and poured in 41 points in the quarter to confidently close out the road win. This marks the third straight loss for the Rockets.
Keegan Murray led the Kings with 30 points, six rebounds and two steals, in 33 minutes. Malik Monk followed up with 20 points and two assists, while Domantas Sabonis totaled 17 points, seven rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. The Kings shot 58.4 percent from the field, including 21-of-41 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jalen Green led the Rockets with 27 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 33 minutes. Kenyon Martin followed up with 18 points and eight rebounds, while Eric Gordon added 16 points, eight assists, two steals and a block. The Rockets shot 50 percent from the field, including 13-of-32 from deep.
The Kings (30-23) and Rockets (13-41) clash again in Houston on Wednesday.
Mavs Stun Jazz In Utah
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the host Utah Jazz, 124-111, at Vivint Arena on Monday evening.
The Jazz jumped out to a great start with a, 37-25, lead after one quarter, but the visitors turned up their play in the second and rallied to cut it to a two-point game by halftime. The Mavs kept the momentum going in the third and held on to a four-point lead heading into the final frame. The Jazz could not keep up through the fourth and fell short for a second straight loss.
Josh Green tallied 29 points, six rebounds and two assists, and Jaden Hardy tallied 29 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals to lead the way for the Mavericks. Dwight Powell added 12 points, 16 rebounds, two assists and a block, while Tim Hardaway tallied 17 points, three rebounds and two assists. The Mavs shot 46.6 percent from the field, including 15-of-39 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jordan Clarkson led the Jazz with 26 points, four rebounds and two assists, in 32 minutes. Lauri Markkanen followed up with 19 points, seven rebounds, two steals and a block, while Mike Conley totaled 10 points and 11 assists. The Jazz shot 47.1 percent from the field, including 6-of-31 from deep.
The Jazz (27-28) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Timberwolves on Wednesday. The Mavericks (29-26) take on the Clippers in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
The Jazz jumped out to a great start with a, 37-25, lead after one quarter, but the visitors turned up their play in the second and rallied to cut it to a two-point game by halftime. The Mavs kept the momentum going in the third and held on to a four-point lead heading into the final frame. The Jazz could not keep up through the fourth and fell short for a second straight loss.
Josh Green tallied 29 points, six rebounds and two assists, and Jaden Hardy tallied 29 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals to lead the way for the Mavericks. Dwight Powell added 12 points, 16 rebounds, two assists and a block, while Tim Hardaway tallied 17 points, three rebounds and two assists. The Mavs shot 46.6 percent from the field, including 15-of-39 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jordan Clarkson led the Jazz with 26 points, four rebounds and two assists, in 32 minutes. Lauri Markkanen followed up with 19 points, seven rebounds, two steals and a block, while Mike Conley totaled 10 points and 11 assists. The Jazz shot 47.1 percent from the field, including 6-of-31 from deep.
The Jazz (27-28) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Timberwolves on Wednesday. The Mavericks (29-26) take on the Clippers in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
Warriors Throttle Thunder, 141-114
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 141-114, at Chase Center on Monday.
While Oklahoma City led for the opening 18 minutes of this game, Golden State never relinquished the lead in the second half. They outscored Oklahoma City, 29-16, in the second quarter to take control and put the game away behind a 44-26 third quarter. They maintained a double-digit lead for the closing 17 minutes and got their lead up to 29 points at times. The Warriors shot 58 percent from the field and 52 percent from three-point range (26-of-50) while holding the Thunder to 48 percent from the field and 34 percent from long range (11-of-32). Golden State out-rebounded Oklahoma City, 52-46, while out-assisting them, 43-21. They also outscored them in second-chance points, 23-5.
The Thunder (25-28) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, accruing 20 points and four assists. Josh Giddey collected 15 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Tre Mann led the bench with 18 points and two boards.
The Warriors (28-26) were led by Klay Thompson, collecting 42 points and three rebounds on 12-of-16 from long range. Jordan Poole provided 21 points, four rebounds and 12 assists. Andrew Wiggins amassed 18 points, three rebounds and four assists, while Draymond Green finished with seven points, 10 rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks. Donte DiVincenzo led the bench with 14 points, four rebounds and seven assists.
On deck for Golden State is a road matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday. As for OKC, they play the second half of a back-to-back set on Tuesday, staying in Cali to play the Los Angeles Lakers.
While Oklahoma City led for the opening 18 minutes of this game, Golden State never relinquished the lead in the second half. They outscored Oklahoma City, 29-16, in the second quarter to take control and put the game away behind a 44-26 third quarter. They maintained a double-digit lead for the closing 17 minutes and got their lead up to 29 points at times. The Warriors shot 58 percent from the field and 52 percent from three-point range (26-of-50) while holding the Thunder to 48 percent from the field and 34 percent from long range (11-of-32). Golden State out-rebounded Oklahoma City, 52-46, while out-assisting them, 43-21. They also outscored them in second-chance points, 23-5.
The Thunder (25-28) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, accruing 20 points and four assists. Josh Giddey collected 15 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Tre Mann led the bench with 18 points and two boards.
The Warriors (28-26) were led by Klay Thompson, collecting 42 points and three rebounds on 12-of-16 from long range. Jordan Poole provided 21 points, four rebounds and 12 assists. Andrew Wiggins amassed 18 points, three rebounds and four assists, while Draymond Green finished with seven points, 10 rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks. Donte DiVincenzo led the bench with 14 points, four rebounds and seven assists.
On deck for Golden State is a road matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday. As for OKC, they play the second half of a back-to-back set on Tuesday, staying in Cali to play the Los Angeles Lakers.
Bucks Defeat Trail Blazers, 127-108
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 127-108, at Moda Center on Monday.
A 30-22 first quarter set the foundation for Milwaukee in this victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. They put things away behind a 37-23 third quarter, getting their lead up to 26 points after a 15-2 run in that frame. They held a double-digit lead for the final 23 minutes. The Bucks shot 54 percent from the field and 38 percent from three-point range (16-of-42) while holding the Trail Blazers to 41 percent from the field and 25 percent from long range (9-of-36). Milwaukee also out-rebounded Portland, 60-42.
The Bucks (37-17) were led by Brook Lopez, finishing with 27 points and nine rebounds. Giannis Antetokounmpo accrued 24 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists. Those two combined to shoot 18-of-26 from the field. Jrue Holiday had 20 points, four rebounds and eight assists, while Khris Middleton led the bench with 13 points, three rebounds and five assists.
The Trail Blazers (26-28) were led by Damian Lillard, collecting 28 points, four rebounds and five assists. Anfernee Simons amassed 21 points and five assists. Josh Hart had 14 points and eight boards, while Drew Eubanks generated 10 points, four rebounds and five assists. Jerami Grant also totaled 13 points, three rebounds and two blocks.
On deck for Portland is a home matchup with the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday. As for Milwaukee, they stay west to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday for their next outing.
A 30-22 first quarter set the foundation for Milwaukee in this victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. They put things away behind a 37-23 third quarter, getting their lead up to 26 points after a 15-2 run in that frame. They held a double-digit lead for the final 23 minutes. The Bucks shot 54 percent from the field and 38 percent from three-point range (16-of-42) while holding the Trail Blazers to 41 percent from the field and 25 percent from long range (9-of-36). Milwaukee also out-rebounded Portland, 60-42.
The Bucks (37-17) were led by Brook Lopez, finishing with 27 points and nine rebounds. Giannis Antetokounmpo accrued 24 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists. Those two combined to shoot 18-of-26 from the field. Jrue Holiday had 20 points, four rebounds and eight assists, while Khris Middleton led the bench with 13 points, three rebounds and five assists.
The Trail Blazers (26-28) were led by Damian Lillard, collecting 28 points, four rebounds and five assists. Anfernee Simons amassed 21 points and five assists. Josh Hart had 14 points and eight boards, while Drew Eubanks generated 10 points, four rebounds and five assists. Jerami Grant also totaled 13 points, three rebounds and two blocks.
On deck for Portland is a home matchup with the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday. As for Milwaukee, they stay west to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday for their next outing.