Pistons Need Two OT To Get Past Spurs
The Detroit Pistons are coming off a double-overtime 138-131 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday at Little Caesars Arena.
The Pistons (15-42) and the Spurs (14-42) played a game between two of the most struggling teams in the league, and while two overtimes were needed, in the end the Pistons ended up securing the win while showing the ability to compete against almost either team in the league. Detroit got off to a slow start, however, and the Spurs jumped out to a 28-19 score in the first quarter only to see the Pistons turn things around following a 34-26 score in the second quarter. Detroit also won the third quarter by a 38-29 score and came close to closing the game out, but the Spurs had a solution for that and won the final quarter by a 30-22 score. Two overtimes were needed to find a winner, though, and the Pistons won the contest with absolute ease. With the win, Detroit moved to a 6-21 record at home, while the Spurs fell to 5-21 on the road.
Bojan Bogdanovic was impressive and led the Pistons by a 32-point performance, while Jalen Duran recorded 30 points, 17 rebounds, three assists and four blocks. Isaiah Stewart recorded 15 points and 11 rebounds, and Jaden Ivey posted 17 points with eight rebounds and eight assists. Killian Hayes had four points, six assists and four rebounds, and Hamidou Diallo recorded 14 points off the bench.
Zach Collins led the way for the Spurs with 29 points, 11 rebounds and three assists, while Malaki Branham posted 27 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Keita Bates-Diop notched 15 points, five rebounds and five assists. Devonte’ Graham made his debut and dazzled with 31 points and three assists off the bench.
The Pistons (15-42) and the Spurs (14-42) played a game between two of the most struggling teams in the league, and while two overtimes were needed, in the end the Pistons ended up securing the win while showing the ability to compete against almost either team in the league. Detroit got off to a slow start, however, and the Spurs jumped out to a 28-19 score in the first quarter only to see the Pistons turn things around following a 34-26 score in the second quarter. Detroit also won the third quarter by a 38-29 score and came close to closing the game out, but the Spurs had a solution for that and won the final quarter by a 30-22 score. Two overtimes were needed to find a winner, though, and the Pistons won the contest with absolute ease. With the win, Detroit moved to a 6-21 record at home, while the Spurs fell to 5-21 on the road.
Bojan Bogdanovic was impressive and led the Pistons by a 32-point performance, while Jalen Duran recorded 30 points, 17 rebounds, three assists and four blocks. Isaiah Stewart recorded 15 points and 11 rebounds, and Jaden Ivey posted 17 points with eight rebounds and eight assists. Killian Hayes had four points, six assists and four rebounds, and Hamidou Diallo recorded 14 points off the bench.
Zach Collins led the way for the Spurs with 29 points, 11 rebounds and three assists, while Malaki Branham posted 27 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Keita Bates-Diop notched 15 points, five rebounds and five assists. Devonte’ Graham made his debut and dazzled with 31 points and three assists off the bench.
Suns Secure Easy Win Over Pacers
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Indiana Pacers, 117-104, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday.
The Suns (31-27) grabbed headlines before the trade deadline after acquiring Kevin Durant, and while they lost some rotational pieces, they still secured a comfortable win over the Pacers (25-32). Phoenix set the tone of the game early and raced out to a 30-24 score in the first quarter, and they made it a double-digit contest following a 30-23 score in the second one. Phoenix didn’t stop there, however, and the Suns also won the third quarter by a 35-30 score, so the game was completely out of reach for the Pacers with only 12 minutes left on the clock. The Pacers won the final quarter by a 27-22 score, but that wasn’t enough to mount a comeback, and Phoenix easily closed the game. With the win, the Suns moved to 12-18 on the road, while the Pacers fell to 17-13 at home.
Deandre Ayton led the way for the Suns with 22 points and 11 rebounds, while Devin Booker notched 21 points, five assists and four rebounds. Chris Paul delivered 19 points and nine assists, but he also added two rebounds and two steals. Josh Okogie delivered 17 points, six rebounds and three steals, and Torrey Craig had an 11-point, 12-rebound double-double.
Tyrese Haliburton recorded 18 points, five assists and three steals to lead the Pacers, while Buddy Hield posted 14 points. Andrew Nembhard had 10 assists but went scoreless. Bennedict Mathurin had 22 points off the bench, and Isaiah Jackson recorded 14 points with five rebounds off the bench as well. T.J. McConnell delivered nine points while adding five boards, two assists and two steals.
The Suns (31-27) grabbed headlines before the trade deadline after acquiring Kevin Durant, and while they lost some rotational pieces, they still secured a comfortable win over the Pacers (25-32). Phoenix set the tone of the game early and raced out to a 30-24 score in the first quarter, and they made it a double-digit contest following a 30-23 score in the second one. Phoenix didn’t stop there, however, and the Suns also won the third quarter by a 35-30 score, so the game was completely out of reach for the Pacers with only 12 minutes left on the clock. The Pacers won the final quarter by a 27-22 score, but that wasn’t enough to mount a comeback, and Phoenix easily closed the game. With the win, the Suns moved to 12-18 on the road, while the Pacers fell to 17-13 at home.
Deandre Ayton led the way for the Suns with 22 points and 11 rebounds, while Devin Booker notched 21 points, five assists and four rebounds. Chris Paul delivered 19 points and nine assists, but he also added two rebounds and two steals. Josh Okogie delivered 17 points, six rebounds and three steals, and Torrey Craig had an 11-point, 12-rebound double-double.
Tyrese Haliburton recorded 18 points, five assists and three steals to lead the Pacers, while Buddy Hield posted 14 points. Andrew Nembhard had 10 assists but went scoreless. Bennedict Mathurin had 22 points off the bench, and Isaiah Jackson recorded 14 points with five rebounds off the bench as well. T.J. McConnell delivered nine points while adding five boards, two assists and two steals.
Sixers Secure Easy Win Over Knicks
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the New York Knicks, 119-108, at Wells Fargo Center on Friday.
The 76ers (35-19) got off to a slow start but managed to come back from behind and secured an easy win over the Knicks (30-27). New York looked good in the early going and jumped out to a 36-28 score in the first quarter, but the 76ers responded with a 31-29 score in the second quarter and showed signs of a potential comeback. Philadelphia closed out the gap even further with a 33-28 score in the third quarter, and there was just one point separating both teams entering the final 12 minutes of action. The Sixers left their best basketball for the fourth quarter and limited the Knicks to just 15 points, outscoring them by a 27-15 score and winning with ease. With the win, the Sixers moved to 21-8 at home, while the Knicks fell to 16-12 on the road.
Joel Embiid was the best player for the Sixers and finished with 35 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and two blocks, while James Harden came close to putting up a triple-double while ending with 20 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds. Tobias Harris finished with 12 points, four rebounds and four assists, and Tyrese Maxey notched 27 points coming off the bench. Georges Niang had 13 points and six rebounds.
Julius Randle led the way for the Knicks with 30 points and 10 rebounds, while Jalen Brunson also had 30 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. RJ Barrett notched 19 points, three rebounds and two assists, and Immanuel Quickley posted 13 points with three assists coming off the bench.
The 76ers (35-19) got off to a slow start but managed to come back from behind and secured an easy win over the Knicks (30-27). New York looked good in the early going and jumped out to a 36-28 score in the first quarter, but the 76ers responded with a 31-29 score in the second quarter and showed signs of a potential comeback. Philadelphia closed out the gap even further with a 33-28 score in the third quarter, and there was just one point separating both teams entering the final 12 minutes of action. The Sixers left their best basketball for the fourth quarter and limited the Knicks to just 15 points, outscoring them by a 27-15 score and winning with ease. With the win, the Sixers moved to 21-8 at home, while the Knicks fell to 16-12 on the road.
Joel Embiid was the best player for the Sixers and finished with 35 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and two blocks, while James Harden came close to putting up a triple-double while ending with 20 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds. Tobias Harris finished with 12 points, four rebounds and four assists, and Tyrese Maxey notched 27 points coming off the bench. Georges Niang had 13 points and six rebounds.
Julius Randle led the way for the Knicks with 30 points and 10 rebounds, while Jalen Brunson also had 30 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. RJ Barrett notched 19 points, three rebounds and two assists, and Immanuel Quickley posted 13 points with three assists coming off the bench.
Celtics Outlast Hornets, 127-116
The Boston Celtics defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 127-116, at TD Garden on Friday night.
The Celtics (40-16) played out the first half like the heavy favorites they came into the contest as, leading to a 71-53 advantage by halftime. However, the underdog Hornets (15-42) were undeterred, outscoring Boston by a 63-56 margin over the final two quarters to make matters somewhat interesting late. Charlotte was as close as within 10 points on multiple occasions in the closing minutes before the hosts closed matters out.
Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 27 points, adding three assists, one rebound and three steals. Lonzo Ball generated a 24-point, 10-assist double-double that included nine rebounds and one steal. P.J. Washington furnished 17 points, seven rebounds, one assist, three blocks and one steal. Mark Williams generated an 11-point, 12-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block.
Jayson Tatum paced the Celtics with 41 points, supplementing them with four rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Derrick White followed with a 33-point, 10-assist double-double that included three rebounds, three blocks and one steal. Sam Hauser and the debuting Mike Muscala provided 12 points apiece while recording three and two assists, respectively.
The Hornets return home to host the Denver Nuggets on Saturday evening, while the Celtics remain home and welcome in the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday afternoon.
The Celtics (40-16) played out the first half like the heavy favorites they came into the contest as, leading to a 71-53 advantage by halftime. However, the underdog Hornets (15-42) were undeterred, outscoring Boston by a 63-56 margin over the final two quarters to make matters somewhat interesting late. Charlotte was as close as within 10 points on multiple occasions in the closing minutes before the hosts closed matters out.
Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 27 points, adding three assists, one rebound and three steals. Lonzo Ball generated a 24-point, 10-assist double-double that included nine rebounds and one steal. P.J. Washington furnished 17 points, seven rebounds, one assist, three blocks and one steal. Mark Williams generated an 11-point, 12-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block.
Jayson Tatum paced the Celtics with 41 points, supplementing them with four rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Derrick White followed with a 33-point, 10-assist double-double that included three rebounds, three blocks and one steal. Sam Hauser and the debuting Mike Muscala provided 12 points apiece while recording three and two assists, respectively.
The Hornets return home to host the Denver Nuggets on Saturday evening, while the Celtics remain home and welcome in the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday afternoon.
Jazz Outscore Raptors, 122-116
The Utah Jazz defeated the Toronto Raptors, 122-116, at Scotiabank Arena on Friday night.
The Raptors (26-31) unsurprisingly jumped out to the early 34-28 lead through one, and although the Jazz (28-29) managed to slice their deficit in half prior to halftime, Toronto seemingly regained control by outscoring Utah, 35-25 during the third quarter. However, the visitors ultimately shocked their hosts with an out-of-nowhere 22-4 run over the final 4:38 to secure the surprisingly comeback victory.
Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler co-led the Jazz with matching 23-point, nine-rebound tallies, with Markkanen adding five assists. Collin Sexton supplied 22 points, six assists, five rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Kelly Olynyk delivered 15 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, one steal and one block. Rudy Gay netted 12 points.
Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with 35 points, complementing them with six rebounds, four assists and three steals. Gary Trent compiled 19 points, five boards, four assists, three steals and one block. Fred VanVleet registered 17 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Precious Achiuwa managed 16 points, four rebounds and four assists. Scottie Barnes contributed 12 points, nine assists and seven rebounds.
The Jazz remain on the road and visit the New York Knicks on Saturday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the Detroit Pistons on Sunday afternoon.
The Raptors (26-31) unsurprisingly jumped out to the early 34-28 lead through one, and although the Jazz (28-29) managed to slice their deficit in half prior to halftime, Toronto seemingly regained control by outscoring Utah, 35-25 during the third quarter. However, the visitors ultimately shocked their hosts with an out-of-nowhere 22-4 run over the final 4:38 to secure the surprisingly comeback victory.
Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler co-led the Jazz with matching 23-point, nine-rebound tallies, with Markkanen adding five assists. Collin Sexton supplied 22 points, six assists, five rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Kelly Olynyk delivered 15 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, one steal and one block. Rudy Gay netted 12 points.
Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with 35 points, complementing them with six rebounds, four assists and three steals. Gary Trent compiled 19 points, five boards, four assists, three steals and one block. Fred VanVleet registered 17 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Precious Achiuwa managed 16 points, four rebounds and four assists. Scottie Barnes contributed 12 points, nine assists and seven rebounds.
The Jazz remain on the road and visit the New York Knicks on Saturday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the Detroit Pistons on Sunday afternoon.
Butler, Heat Stun Rockets At Buzzer
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 97-95, at Miami-Dade Arena on Friday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Rockets led, 29-28, after one quarter. The Heat came out stronger in the second and earned a two-point edge by halftime. Both sides came out stagnant in the third and tallied 17 points each, as the hosts carried their two-point lead into the final frame. The Rockets pulled ahead early in the fourth, but the Heat came up clutch down the stretch and sealed their second straight win thanks to a last-second dunk by Jimmy Butler. This marks the fifth straight loss for the Rockets.
Tyler Herro led the Heat with 31 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, a block and a steal, in 37 minutes. Bam Adebayo followed up with 20 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block, while Jimmy Butler tallied 16 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block. The Heat shot 41.6 percent from the field, including 12-of-38 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jabari Smith led the Rockets with 22 points, eight rebounds and a block, in 34 minutes. Kenyon Martin followed up with 17 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks, while Alperen Sengun added 12 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Rockets shot 41.7 percent from the field, including 7-of-30 from deep.
The Rockets (13-43) will look to bounce back as they face the 76ers in Philly on Monday. The Heat (31-25) take on the Magic in Orlando on Saturday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Rockets led, 29-28, after one quarter. The Heat came out stronger in the second and earned a two-point edge by halftime. Both sides came out stagnant in the third and tallied 17 points each, as the hosts carried their two-point lead into the final frame. The Rockets pulled ahead early in the fourth, but the Heat came up clutch down the stretch and sealed their second straight win thanks to a last-second dunk by Jimmy Butler. This marks the fifth straight loss for the Rockets.
Tyler Herro led the Heat with 31 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, a block and a steal, in 37 minutes. Bam Adebayo followed up with 20 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block, while Jimmy Butler tallied 16 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block. The Heat shot 41.6 percent from the field, including 12-of-38 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jabari Smith led the Rockets with 22 points, eight rebounds and a block, in 34 minutes. Kenyon Martin followed up with 17 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks, while Alperen Sengun added 12 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Rockets shot 41.7 percent from the field, including 7-of-30 from deep.
The Rockets (13-43) will look to bounce back as they face the 76ers in Philly on Monday. The Heat (31-25) take on the Magic in Orlando on Saturday.
Grizzlies Top Timberwolves In Memphis
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 128-107, at FedEx Forum on Friday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Timberwolves led, 32-31, after one quarter. The Grizzlies turned up their play in the second and outscored the visitors, 38-26, to claim an 11-point advantage at the break. Both sides came out strong in the third, but the hosts maintained the upper hand and pushed their advantage to 17, heading into the final frame. The Timberwolves had no answers down the stretch, while the Grizzlies held on for their second straight win.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 32 points, nine rebounds, nine assists and three steals, in 33 minutes. Desmond Bane followed up with 20 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals, while Santi Aldama tallied 18 points and four rebounds. The Grizzlies shot 58.3 percent from the field, including 10-of-25 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jaylen Nowell led the Timberwolves with 21 points on 9-of-16 shooting, off the bench. Anthony Edwards followed up with 17 points, two rebounds, five assists, two blocks and a steal, while Kyle Anderson added 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Timberwolves shot 46.6 percent from the field, including 15-of-37 from long range.
The Timberwolves (30-29) will look to bounce back as face the Mavericks in Dallas on Monday. The Grizzlies (34-21) take on the Celtics in Boston on Sunday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Timberwolves led, 32-31, after one quarter. The Grizzlies turned up their play in the second and outscored the visitors, 38-26, to claim an 11-point advantage at the break. Both sides came out strong in the third, but the hosts maintained the upper hand and pushed their advantage to 17, heading into the final frame. The Timberwolves had no answers down the stretch, while the Grizzlies held on for their second straight win.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 32 points, nine rebounds, nine assists and three steals, in 33 minutes. Desmond Bane followed up with 20 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals, while Santi Aldama tallied 18 points and four rebounds. The Grizzlies shot 58.3 percent from the field, including 10-of-25 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jaylen Nowell led the Timberwolves with 21 points on 9-of-16 shooting, off the bench. Anthony Edwards followed up with 17 points, two rebounds, five assists, two blocks and a steal, while Kyle Anderson added 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Timberwolves shot 46.6 percent from the field, including 15-of-37 from long range.
The Timberwolves (30-29) will look to bounce back as face the Mavericks in Dallas on Monday. The Grizzlies (34-21) take on the Celtics in Boston on Sunday.
Cavs Cruise Past Pelicans
By Dan Bruno
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the host New Orleans Pelicans, 118-107, at Smoothie King Center on Friday evening.
The Cavs jumped out to a great start with a, 38-28, lead after one quarter and kept the pressure on through the second to make it a 17-point game by halftime. The Pelicans had no answers in the third quarter, as the visitors added another two points to their advantage to take a 19-point cushion into the final frame. The hosts put up a fight in the fourth, but it was too little, too late, as the Cavs cruised to their fifth straight win.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 30 points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Evan Mobley followed up with 28 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks, while Jarrett Allen tallied 20 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and two blocks. The Cavs shot 56.5 percent from the field, including 10-of-28 from deep.
Meanwhile, Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 25 points, three rebounds, eight assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Trey Murphy followed up with 17 points and four rebounds, while C.J. McCollum totaled 12 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals. The Pelicans shot 47.6 percent from the field, including 9-of-24 from long range.
The Pelicans (29-28) will look to bounce back as they take on the Thunder in OKC on Monday. The Cavs (36-22) play host to the Bulls on Saturday.
The Cavs jumped out to a great start with a, 38-28, lead after one quarter and kept the pressure on through the second to make it a 17-point game by halftime. The Pelicans had no answers in the third quarter, as the visitors added another two points to their advantage to take a 19-point cushion into the final frame. The hosts put up a fight in the fourth, but it was too little, too late, as the Cavs cruised to their fifth straight win.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 30 points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Evan Mobley followed up with 28 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks, while Jarrett Allen tallied 20 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and two blocks. The Cavs shot 56.5 percent from the field, including 10-of-28 from deep.
Meanwhile, Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 25 points, three rebounds, eight assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Trey Murphy followed up with 17 points and four rebounds, while C.J. McCollum totaled 12 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals. The Pelicans shot 47.6 percent from the field, including 9-of-24 from long range.
The Pelicans (29-28) will look to bounce back as they take on the Thunder in OKC on Monday. The Cavs (36-22) play host to the Bulls on Saturday.
Thunder Defeat Blazers, 138-129
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 138-129, at Moda Center on Friday.
Neither team led by more than 10 points until the final minutes in this game, with Oklahoma City riding a 35-24 fourth quarter to their win. They actually went on a 33-9 run in that frame to grab that game-high 13-point lead, despite there being 10 ties and 19 lead changes before that game-deciding run. The Thunder shot 57 percent from the field, 50 percent from three-point range and 91 percent from the free-throw line. Oklahoma City tripled up Portland in steals, 9-3, winning the turnover battle, 18-10. OKC also outscored Portland in the paint, 70-42.
The Thunder (27-28) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, accruing 44 points, three rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Josh Giddey collected 19 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Jalen Williams amassed 13 points, four rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Luguentz Dort led the bench with 18 points.
The Trail Blazers (27-29) were led by Damian Lillard, finishing with 38 points, two rebounds and nine assists. Jerami Grant totaled 23 points, four rebounds and two assists. Anfernee Simons accumulated 11 points, three rebounds and six assists, while Shaedon Sharpe led the bench with 13 points, three rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
Both teams are off until Monday, with Portland playing host to the Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City returning home to play the New Orleans Pelicans.
Neither team led by more than 10 points until the final minutes in this game, with Oklahoma City riding a 35-24 fourth quarter to their win. They actually went on a 33-9 run in that frame to grab that game-high 13-point lead, despite there being 10 ties and 19 lead changes before that game-deciding run. The Thunder shot 57 percent from the field, 50 percent from three-point range and 91 percent from the free-throw line. Oklahoma City tripled up Portland in steals, 9-3, winning the turnover battle, 18-10. OKC also outscored Portland in the paint, 70-42.
The Thunder (27-28) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, accruing 44 points, three rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Josh Giddey collected 19 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Jalen Williams amassed 13 points, four rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Luguentz Dort led the bench with 18 points.
The Trail Blazers (27-29) were led by Damian Lillard, finishing with 38 points, two rebounds and nine assists. Jerami Grant totaled 23 points, four rebounds and two assists. Anfernee Simons accumulated 11 points, three rebounds and six assists, while Shaedon Sharpe led the bench with 13 points, three rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
Both teams are off until Monday, with Portland playing host to the Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City returning home to play the New Orleans Pelicans.
Mavericks Defeat Kings, 122-114
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the host Sacramento Kings, 122-114, at Golden 1 Center on Friday.
Dallas got out to a 45-25 lead after the first quarter, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. They actually held a double-digit lead for the majority of the final three quarters, with Sacramento never getting within a six-point margin after the opening six minutes. The Mavericks shot 18-of-43 from three-point range while the Kings connected on just 9-of-27. In addition, Dallas recorded 34 assists to nine turnovers, while Sacramento had 21 assists to 14 turnovers. The Mavericks bench also outscored the Kings bench, 43-24.
The Mavericks (31-26) were led by Kyrie Irving, collecting 25 points, three rebounds and 10 assists. Josh Green generated 17 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Tim Hardaway Jr had 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Reggie Bullock totaled 13 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Christian Wood led the bench with 13 points, three rebounds and two assists.
The Kings (31-24) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 33 points, six rebounds and five assists on 10-of-16 from the field. Domantas Sabonis tallied 18 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Keegan Murray amassed 16 points, three rebounds and two blocks, while Kevin Huerter accrued 15 points and five boards.
These teams will have a rare back-to-back rematch on Saturday for their next outing.
Dallas got out to a 45-25 lead after the first quarter, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. They actually held a double-digit lead for the majority of the final three quarters, with Sacramento never getting within a six-point margin after the opening six minutes. The Mavericks shot 18-of-43 from three-point range while the Kings connected on just 9-of-27. In addition, Dallas recorded 34 assists to nine turnovers, while Sacramento had 21 assists to 14 turnovers. The Mavericks bench also outscored the Kings bench, 43-24.
The Mavericks (31-26) were led by Kyrie Irving, collecting 25 points, three rebounds and 10 assists. Josh Green generated 17 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Tim Hardaway Jr had 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Reggie Bullock totaled 13 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Christian Wood led the bench with 13 points, three rebounds and two assists.
The Kings (31-24) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 33 points, six rebounds and five assists on 10-of-16 from the field. Domantas Sabonis tallied 18 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Keegan Murray amassed 16 points, three rebounds and two blocks, while Kevin Huerter accrued 15 points and five boards.
These teams will have a rare back-to-back rematch on Saturday for their next outing.
Bucks Defeat Clippers, 119-106
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the host Los Angeles Clippers, 119-106, at Crypto.com Arena on Friday.
Milwaukee started this game on a 14-2 run and took control with a 32-24 second quarter. Los Angeles recaptured the lead for one minute in the third quarter, but the Bucks closed things out with a 38-30 fourth quarter. The Bucks out-rebounded the Clippers, 55-40, while out-assisting them, 28-17. Milwaukee also won the offensive rebounding battle, 10-3, outscoring LA in second-chance points, 20-2. The Bucks shot 17-of-39 from three-point range while holding the Clips to 11-of-33.
The Bucks (39-17) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, collecting 35 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals. Brook Lopez amassed 22 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks. Jrue Holiday had 19 points, five rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Jevon Carter led the bench with 13 points and two rebounds.
The Clippers (31-28) were led by Brandon Boston, totaling 20 points and two rebounds in a rare start. Paul George provided 19 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, while Marcus Morris scored 15 points. Norman Powell led the bench with 16 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals. Ivica Zubac had six points, eight rebounds and three blocks.
Both teams are off until Tuesday, with Milwaukee playing host to the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles remaining home to face the Golden State Warriors.
Milwaukee started this game on a 14-2 run and took control with a 32-24 second quarter. Los Angeles recaptured the lead for one minute in the third quarter, but the Bucks closed things out with a 38-30 fourth quarter. The Bucks out-rebounded the Clippers, 55-40, while out-assisting them, 28-17. Milwaukee also won the offensive rebounding battle, 10-3, outscoring LA in second-chance points, 20-2. The Bucks shot 17-of-39 from three-point range while holding the Clips to 11-of-33.
The Bucks (39-17) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, collecting 35 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals. Brook Lopez amassed 22 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks. Jrue Holiday had 19 points, five rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Jevon Carter led the bench with 13 points and two rebounds.
The Clippers (31-28) were led by Brandon Boston, totaling 20 points and two rebounds in a rare start. Paul George provided 19 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, while Marcus Morris scored 15 points. Norman Powell led the bench with 16 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals. Ivica Zubac had six points, eight rebounds and three blocks.
Both teams are off until Tuesday, with Milwaukee playing host to the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles remaining home to face the Golden State Warriors.