Cavaliers Secure Easy Win Over Pistons
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Detroit Pistons, 113-85, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Wednesday.
The Cavaliers (35-22) and the Pistons (14-42) are moving through opposite paths this season, and this game was the perfect example to show why one of these teams is a contender and why the other team has been in the midst of a rebuilding process for quite a while. Cleveland dominated early on and led by 18 points following the first quarter (32-14), but the Pistons didn’t go down without a fight and posted resistance, winning both the second (26-19) and third (28-25) quarters. Cleveland was still up by eight points entering the final 12 minutes of action, but they didn’t allow a potential comeback for Detroit. The Cavaliers closed things out following a 37-17 score in the fourth and breezed their way to an easy victory in front of their fans. With the win, Cleveland moved to 23-6 at home, while the Pistons fell to 7-21 on the road.
Jarrett Allen led the way for the Cavaliers with 20 points and 14 rebounds, while Caris LeVert ended with 15 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Ricky Rubio impressed and finished with 14 points, eight dimes and four steals, and Evan Mobley recorded 19 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Dean Wade posted 10 points and nine rebounds off the bench.
Bojan Bogdanovic had 15 points, three rebounds and three assists for Detroit and led them in scoring. Jalen Duren recorded 14 points, nine rebounds, three blocks and two assists, and Jaden Ivey notched 10 points in 26 minutes. Isaiah Stewart posted nine points, seven rebounds and three assists across 28 minutes.
The Cavaliers (35-22) and the Pistons (14-42) are moving through opposite paths this season, and this game was the perfect example to show why one of these teams is a contender and why the other team has been in the midst of a rebuilding process for quite a while. Cleveland dominated early on and led by 18 points following the first quarter (32-14), but the Pistons didn’t go down without a fight and posted resistance, winning both the second (26-19) and third (28-25) quarters. Cleveland was still up by eight points entering the final 12 minutes of action, but they didn’t allow a potential comeback for Detroit. The Cavaliers closed things out following a 37-17 score in the fourth and breezed their way to an easy victory in front of their fans. With the win, Cleveland moved to 23-6 at home, while the Pistons fell to 7-21 on the road.
Jarrett Allen led the way for the Cavaliers with 20 points and 14 rebounds, while Caris LeVert ended with 15 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Ricky Rubio impressed and finished with 14 points, eight dimes and four steals, and Evan Mobley recorded 19 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Dean Wade posted 10 points and nine rebounds off the bench.
Bojan Bogdanovic had 15 points, three rebounds and three assists for Detroit and led them in scoring. Jalen Duren recorded 14 points, nine rebounds, three blocks and two assists, and Jaden Ivey notched 10 points in 26 minutes. Isaiah Stewart posted nine points, seven rebounds and three assists across 28 minutes.
Wizards Use Second-Half Surge To Defeat Hornets
The Washington Wizards defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 118-104, at Capital One Arena on Thursday.
The Wizards (25-29) had to work harder than expected, but in the end, they got past the Hornets (15-41) thanks to an impressive performance in the second half. Washington and Charlotte played a tight game in the opening quarter, however, and the first 12 minutes ended with a 32-31 lead for the Wizards. Charlotte responded with a 30-29 score in the second quarter and things were tied at the break, but the Wizards pulled away for good in the third quarter following a 27-15 score. Washington sealed the deal with a 30-28 score in the fourth quarter as well. With the win, the Wizards moved to 13-12 at home while the Hornets fell to 8-24 on the road.
Kristaps Porzingis led the way for the Wizards with an impressive 36-point, nine-rebound performance that also included two assists and two blocks, while Deni Avdija notched 20 points and 13 rebounds across 37 minutes. Bradley Beal had 17 points and 10 assists, while Delon Wright also dished out 10 dimes and added six rebounds. Daniel Gafford notched 13 points and five rebounds.
P.J. Washington was the leading scorer for the Hornets with 20 points, five rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks, while LaMelo Ball finished with 16 points, six rebounds and four assists. Terry Rozier had 19 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals. Gordon Hayward finished with 15 points. Mason Plumlee had 10 points and seven rebounds.
The Wizards (25-29) had to work harder than expected, but in the end, they got past the Hornets (15-41) thanks to an impressive performance in the second half. Washington and Charlotte played a tight game in the opening quarter, however, and the first 12 minutes ended with a 32-31 lead for the Wizards. Charlotte responded with a 30-29 score in the second quarter and things were tied at the break, but the Wizards pulled away for good in the third quarter following a 27-15 score. Washington sealed the deal with a 30-28 score in the fourth quarter as well. With the win, the Wizards moved to 13-12 at home while the Hornets fell to 8-24 on the road.
Kristaps Porzingis led the way for the Wizards with an impressive 36-point, nine-rebound performance that also included two assists and two blocks, while Deni Avdija notched 20 points and 13 rebounds across 37 minutes. Bradley Beal had 17 points and 10 assists, while Delon Wright also dished out 10 dimes and added six rebounds. Daniel Gafford notched 13 points and five rebounds.
P.J. Washington was the leading scorer for the Hornets with 20 points, five rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks, while LaMelo Ball finished with 16 points, six rebounds and four assists. Terry Rozier had 19 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals. Gordon Hayward finished with 15 points. Mason Plumlee had 10 points and seven rebounds.
Celtics Best 76ers, 106-99
The Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 106-99, at TD Garden on Wednesday night.
The Celtics (39-16) came into the contest as modest home favorites against one of their toughest challenges, and they appeared up to the challenge early. Boston forged a 30-27 lead through one and managed to add another point to its advantage prior to halftime. The 76ers (34-19) then fell behind by three more points during the third quarter, but Philadelphia managed to pull within three with just under four minutes left before the hosts finished on an 8-4 run over the final 3:16 to seal the victory.
Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 28 points, adding seven rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. James Harden generated a 26-point, 11-assist double-double that included three rebounds, one steal and one block. De'Anthony Melton furnished 12 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal.
Derrick White and Malcolm Brogdon co-led the Celtics with matching 19-point, three-assist tallies and added six and five rebounds, respectively. Grant Williams and Blake Griffin produced 15 points apiece, with Williams also posting eight boards, five assists and one steal. Sam Hauser supplied 14 points and eight boards. Jayson Tatum registered 12 points, nine rebounds, one steal and one block.
The 76ers return home to host the New York Knicks on Friday night, while the Celtics remain home and host the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night.
The Celtics (39-16) came into the contest as modest home favorites against one of their toughest challenges, and they appeared up to the challenge early. Boston forged a 30-27 lead through one and managed to add another point to its advantage prior to halftime. The 76ers (34-19) then fell behind by three more points during the third quarter, but Philadelphia managed to pull within three with just under four minutes left before the hosts finished on an 8-4 run over the final 3:16 to seal the victory.
Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 28 points, adding seven rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. James Harden generated a 26-point, 11-assist double-double that included three rebounds, one steal and one block. De'Anthony Melton furnished 12 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal.
Derrick White and Malcolm Brogdon co-led the Celtics with matching 19-point, three-assist tallies and added six and five rebounds, respectively. Grant Williams and Blake Griffin produced 15 points apiece, with Williams also posting eight boards, five assists and one steal. Sam Hauser supplied 14 points and eight boards. Jayson Tatum registered 12 points, nine rebounds, one steal and one block.
The 76ers return home to host the New York Knicks on Friday night, while the Celtics remain home and host the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night.
Heat Outlasts Pacers, 116-111
The Miami Heat defeated the Indiana Pacers, 116-111, at Miami-Dade Arena on Wednesday night.
The Heat (30-25) opened the game with a hot hand on offense, compiling 39 first-quarter points on their way to a nine-point lead. However, the Pacers (25-31) impressively one-upped their hosts in the second with a 33-21 advantage during the period to take a three-point advantage into intermission. Miami managed to turn it up on the defensive end coming out of halftime, however, holding Indiana to 20 points in the third quarter to regain a six-point edge heading into the final period. The visitors would claw all the way back to get within one with just under six minutes remaining, but the Heat's 17-13 edge from that point forward sealed the victory.
Buddy Hield led the Pacers with 29 points, adding seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Myles Turner turned in a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two blocks. T.J. McConnell supplied 18 points, six assists and three rebounds. Tyrese Haliburton delivered 11 points, 10 assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Andrew Nembhard netted 10 points.
Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 38 points, supplementing them with nine rebounds, three assists and one steal. Jimmy Butler totaled 25 points, seven assists, five rebounds and steal. Gabe Vincent managed 17 points, four boards, three assists and one steal. Tyler Herro managed 15 points, six rebounds, three assists and one block. Caleb Martin posted 12 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and four steals.
The Pacers return home to host the Phoenix Suns on Friday night while the Heat host the Houston Rockets on Friday night as well.
The Heat (30-25) opened the game with a hot hand on offense, compiling 39 first-quarter points on their way to a nine-point lead. However, the Pacers (25-31) impressively one-upped their hosts in the second with a 33-21 advantage during the period to take a three-point advantage into intermission. Miami managed to turn it up on the defensive end coming out of halftime, however, holding Indiana to 20 points in the third quarter to regain a six-point edge heading into the final period. The visitors would claw all the way back to get within one with just under six minutes remaining, but the Heat's 17-13 edge from that point forward sealed the victory.
Buddy Hield led the Pacers with 29 points, adding seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Myles Turner turned in a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two blocks. T.J. McConnell supplied 18 points, six assists and three rebounds. Tyrese Haliburton delivered 11 points, 10 assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Andrew Nembhard netted 10 points.
Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 38 points, supplementing them with nine rebounds, three assists and one steal. Jimmy Butler totaled 25 points, seven assists, five rebounds and steal. Gabe Vincent managed 17 points, four boards, three assists and one steal. Tyler Herro managed 15 points, six rebounds, three assists and one block. Caleb Martin posted 12 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and four steals.
The Pacers return home to host the Phoenix Suns on Friday night while the Heat host the Houston Rockets on Friday night as well.
Raptors Topple Spurs, 112-98
The Toronto Raptors defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 112-98, at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night.
The Raptors (26-30) came out of the gates hot, building a 34-24 lead through one. The Spurs (14-41) fought back in the second to whittle their deficit to three prior to halftime, but Toronto regained control during the third by forging a 31-21 advantage during the period and then kept San Antonio at a comfortable distance in the final quarter for the win.
Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 22 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. Josh Richardson totaled 14 points, seven boards, three assists, three blocks and one steal. Doug McDermott provided 13 points, three assists and one rebound. Jakob Poeltl supplied 12 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Keita Bates-Diop contributed 10 points, three boards, one assist and one steal.
Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with a 37-point, 10-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one steal. Chris Boucher generated an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one assist, three steals and three blocks. Fred VanVleet managed 16 points, four assists, two rebounds, three steals and one block. Gary Trent went for 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Scottie Barnes and Precious Achiuwa contributed 10 points and one steal apiece while pulling down nine and seven boards, respectively. Barnes added four assists while Achiuwa recorded two blocks.
The Spurs remain on the road and visit the Detroit Pistons on Friday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the Utah Jazz on Friday night.
The Raptors (26-30) came out of the gates hot, building a 34-24 lead through one. The Spurs (14-41) fought back in the second to whittle their deficit to three prior to halftime, but Toronto regained control during the third by forging a 31-21 advantage during the period and then kept San Antonio at a comfortable distance in the final quarter for the win.
Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 22 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. Josh Richardson totaled 14 points, seven boards, three assists, three blocks and one steal. Doug McDermott provided 13 points, three assists and one rebound. Jakob Poeltl supplied 12 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Keita Bates-Diop contributed 10 points, three boards, one assist and one steal.
Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with a 37-point, 10-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one steal. Chris Boucher generated an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one assist, three steals and three blocks. Fred VanVleet managed 16 points, four assists, two rebounds, three steals and one block. Gary Trent went for 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Scottie Barnes and Precious Achiuwa contributed 10 points and one steal apiece while pulling down nine and seven boards, respectively. Barnes added four assists while Achiuwa recorded two blocks.
The Spurs remain on the road and visit the Detroit Pistons on Friday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the Utah Jazz on Friday night.
Kings Come Up Clutch To Close Out Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The Sacramento Kings defeated the host Houston Rockets, 130-128, at Toyota Center on Wednesday evening.
The Rockets jumped out to a strong start and led, 37-30, after one quarter. The Kings came out stronger and managed to trim it down to a four-point game by the break. The visitors kept the momentum going in the third and pushed ahead to hold a two-point edge heading into the final quarter. Both sides kept up the fight in the fourth but after multiple lead changes, De'Aaron Fox came up clutch at the foul line with 0.1 seconds left on the clock to secure a second consecutive win for the Kings.
De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 31 points, five rebounds, 11 assists and two steals, in 38 minutes. Domantas Sabonis followed up with 22 points, nine rebounds, five assists and a steal, while Malik Monk tallied 17 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. The Kings shot 50 percent from the field, including 10-of-30 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jalen Green led the Rockets with 41 points, two rebounds and two assists, in 37 minutes. Alperen Sengun followed up with 18 points, nine rebounds, 11 assists, a steal and a block, while Jae'Sean Tate finished with 16 points, six rebounds and two assists. The Rockets shot 54.7 percent from the field, including 10-of-22 from deep.
The Rockets (13-42) will look to bounce back as they take on the Heat in Miami on Friday. The Kings (31-23) play host to the Mavericks on Friday.
The Rockets jumped out to a strong start and led, 37-30, after one quarter. The Kings came out stronger and managed to trim it down to a four-point game by the break. The visitors kept the momentum going in the third and pushed ahead to hold a two-point edge heading into the final quarter. Both sides kept up the fight in the fourth but after multiple lead changes, De'Aaron Fox came up clutch at the foul line with 0.1 seconds left on the clock to secure a second consecutive win for the Kings.
De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 31 points, five rebounds, 11 assists and two steals, in 38 minutes. Domantas Sabonis followed up with 22 points, nine rebounds, five assists and a steal, while Malik Monk tallied 17 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. The Kings shot 50 percent from the field, including 10-of-30 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jalen Green led the Rockets with 41 points, two rebounds and two assists, in 37 minutes. Alperen Sengun followed up with 18 points, nine rebounds, 11 assists, a steal and a block, while Jae'Sean Tate finished with 16 points, six rebounds and two assists. The Rockets shot 54.7 percent from the field, including 10-of-22 from deep.
The Rockets (13-42) will look to bounce back as they take on the Heat in Miami on Friday. The Kings (31-23) play host to the Mavericks on Friday.
Timberwolves Blow Past Jazz
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the host Utah Jazz, 143-118, at Vivint Arena on Wednesday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start, but the Timberwolves held the edge for most of the first quarter before taking a two-point advantage into the second. The visitors turned it up a notch in the second and outscored the Jazz, 44-36, to take a 10-point lead into the break. The Timberwolves kept the momentum going in the third and outscored the hosts by another 19 points to make it a 29-point deficit heading into the final quarter. The hosts had no answers down the stretch, as the Timberwolves closed out the road win. This marks the third straight loss for the Jazz.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 31 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Jaylen Nowell followed up with 30 points, four rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Luka Garza tallied 25 points, three rebounds and three assists. The Timberwolves shot 57.1 percent from the field, including 23-of-43 from deep.
Meanwhile, Collin Sexton led the Jazz with 22 points, five rebounds and five assists, in 31 minutes. Lauri Markkanen followed up with 21 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Walker Kessler totaled 16 points, nine rebounds, three blocks and a steal. The Jazz shot 41.9 percent from the field, including 12-of-34 from long range.
The Jazz (27-29) will look to bounce back as they take on the Raptors in Toronto on Friday. The Timberwolves (30-28) take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Friday.
The game got out to a competitive start, but the Timberwolves held the edge for most of the first quarter before taking a two-point advantage into the second. The visitors turned it up a notch in the second and outscored the Jazz, 44-36, to take a 10-point lead into the break. The Timberwolves kept the momentum going in the third and outscored the hosts by another 19 points to make it a 29-point deficit heading into the final quarter. The hosts had no answers down the stretch, as the Timberwolves closed out the road win. This marks the third straight loss for the Jazz.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 31 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Jaylen Nowell followed up with 30 points, four rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Luka Garza tallied 25 points, three rebounds and three assists. The Timberwolves shot 57.1 percent from the field, including 23-of-43 from deep.
Meanwhile, Collin Sexton led the Jazz with 22 points, five rebounds and five assists, in 31 minutes. Lauri Markkanen followed up with 21 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Walker Kessler totaled 16 points, nine rebounds, three blocks and a steal. The Jazz shot 41.9 percent from the field, including 12-of-34 from long range.
The Jazz (27-29) will look to bounce back as they take on the Raptors in Toronto on Friday. The Timberwolves (30-28) take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Friday.
Mavericks Defeat Clippers, 110-104
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the host Los Angeles Clippers, 110-104, at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday.
Dallas started this game on a 21-8 run, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. That was capped off with a 41-25 opening frame, getting their lead up to 19 points at times. The Mavericks shot 53 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range while holding the Clippers to 44 percent from the field and 36 percent from long range. Dallas also out-assisted Los Angeles, 26-21, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 24-6.
The Mavericks (29-26) were led by the newly-acquired Kyrie Irving, collecting 24 points, four rebounds and five assists. Tim Hardaway Jr had 19 points, five rebounds and six assists. Reggie Bullock amassed 18 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Josh Green totaled 14 points, five rebounds and two steals.
The Clippers (31-27) were led by Norman Powell, providing 24 points, seven rebounds and four steals off the bench. Terance Mann led the starters with 21 points, three rebounds and four assists. Paul George accrued 20 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Kawhi Leonard finished with 18 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Dallas traveling to face the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles remaining home to play the Milwaukee Bucks.
Dallas started this game on a 21-8 run, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. That was capped off with a 41-25 opening frame, getting their lead up to 19 points at times. The Mavericks shot 53 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range while holding the Clippers to 44 percent from the field and 36 percent from long range. Dallas also out-assisted Los Angeles, 26-21, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 24-6.
The Mavericks (29-26) were led by the newly-acquired Kyrie Irving, collecting 24 points, four rebounds and five assists. Tim Hardaway Jr had 19 points, five rebounds and six assists. Reggie Bullock amassed 18 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Josh Green totaled 14 points, five rebounds and two steals.
The Clippers (31-27) were led by Norman Powell, providing 24 points, seven rebounds and four steals off the bench. Terance Mann led the starters with 21 points, three rebounds and four assists. Paul George accrued 20 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Kawhi Leonard finished with 18 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Dallas traveling to face the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles remaining home to play the Milwaukee Bucks.
Blazers Defeat Warriors, 125-122
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Golden State Warriors, 125-122, at Moda Center on Wednesday.
There were 11 ties and 16 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 11 points. Golden State actually led 114-110 with 5:30 remaining but Portland went on a 9-0 run across the next four minutes to take control of this game. The Trail Blazers shot 55 percent from the field while holding the Warriors to 47 percent shooting. Portland also out-rebounded Golden State, 52-36, while outscoring them in the paint, 66-42.
The Warriors (28-27) were led by Jordan Poole, providing 38 points and seven assists. Klay Thompson totaled 31 points, three rebounds, six assists and two steals. Andrew Wiggins accrued 18 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and four steals, while Donte DiVincenzo led the bench with 18 points, two rebounds, two assists and three assists.
The Trail Blazers (27-28) were led by Damian Lillard, tallying 33 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists. Jerami Grant generated 22 points and four rebounds. Anfernee Simons amassed 11 points, two rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Shaedon Sharpe led the bench with 13 points and seven rebounds.
On deck for Portland is a home matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday. As for Golden State, they return to action on Saturday in a home matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers.
There were 11 ties and 16 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 11 points. Golden State actually led 114-110 with 5:30 remaining but Portland went on a 9-0 run across the next four minutes to take control of this game. The Trail Blazers shot 55 percent from the field while holding the Warriors to 47 percent shooting. Portland also out-rebounded Golden State, 52-36, while outscoring them in the paint, 66-42.
The Warriors (28-27) were led by Jordan Poole, providing 38 points and seven assists. Klay Thompson totaled 31 points, three rebounds, six assists and two steals. Andrew Wiggins accrued 18 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and four steals, while Donte DiVincenzo led the bench with 18 points, two rebounds, two assists and three assists.
The Trail Blazers (27-28) were led by Damian Lillard, tallying 33 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists. Jerami Grant generated 22 points and four rebounds. Anfernee Simons amassed 11 points, two rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Shaedon Sharpe led the bench with 13 points and seven rebounds.
On deck for Portland is a home matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday. As for Golden State, they return to action on Saturday in a home matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers.