Cavaliers Top Spurs Thanks To Strong Start
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 117-109, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Monday.
The Cavaliers (38-22) enjoyed an excellent start to the game and didn’t have problems to establish their terms against the Spurs (14-44), racing out to a 34-19 advantage, and they’d never relinquish that advantage. The rest of the game was not as one-sided as the opening 12 minutes, but the Cavaliers were often in control. Cleveland won the second quarter by a 31-30 score, and while the Spurs looked far better in the second half, it was not enough to mount a comeback. San Antonio won the third quarter by a 32-26 score and the fourth one by a 28-26 score, but that as not enough, and the Cavaliers escaped with an eight-point win. With the win, the Cavaliers moved to 25-6 at home, while the Spurs fell to 5-23 on the road.
Donovan Mitchell had one of his best performances of the season and finished with 41 points, five assists and three rebounds to lead the Cavaliers. Darius Garland ended up with 16 points and seven assists, while Jarrett Allen ended with a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds while adding three blocks and two steals. Evan Mobley also had a double-double of 15 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks.
Keldon Johnson was the best player for the Spurs and ended with 25 points and four assists, while Malaki Branham recorded 18 points, two assists and two steals. Zach Collins recorded 11 points, six assists, five rebounds and three steals, and Keita Bates-Diop notched 14 points with six boards. Devonte’ Graham posted 12 points and eight assists coming off the bench. Jeremy Sochan posted 10 points.
The Cavaliers (38-22) enjoyed an excellent start to the game and didn’t have problems to establish their terms against the Spurs (14-44), racing out to a 34-19 advantage, and they’d never relinquish that advantage. The rest of the game was not as one-sided as the opening 12 minutes, but the Cavaliers were often in control. Cleveland won the second quarter by a 31-30 score, and while the Spurs looked far better in the second half, it was not enough to mount a comeback. San Antonio won the third quarter by a 32-26 score and the fourth one by a 28-26 score, but that as not enough, and the Cavaliers escaped with an eight-point win. With the win, the Cavaliers moved to 25-6 at home, while the Spurs fell to 5-23 on the road.
Donovan Mitchell had one of his best performances of the season and finished with 41 points, five assists and three rebounds to lead the Cavaliers. Darius Garland ended up with 16 points and seven assists, while Jarrett Allen ended with a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds while adding three blocks and two steals. Evan Mobley also had a double-double of 15 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks.
Keldon Johnson was the best player for the Spurs and ended with 25 points and four assists, while Malaki Branham recorded 18 points, two assists and two steals. Zach Collins recorded 11 points, six assists, five rebounds and three steals, and Keita Bates-Diop notched 14 points with six boards. Devonte’ Graham posted 12 points and eight assists coming off the bench. Jeremy Sochan posted 10 points.
Jazz Top Pacers In Tight Battle
The Utah Jazz defeated the Indiana Pacers, 123-117, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Monday.
The Jazz (29-30) and the Pacers (25-34) played out a tough contest and it went down to the wire, but in the end, Utah escaped with the victory thanks to their performance in the second half, and particularly in the final 12 minutes of action. Indiana enjoyed a better start and jumped out to a 33-27 lead in the first quarter, but Utah put up a fight and turned things around just before the halftime break, outscoring the Pacers by a 26-18 score and securing a two-point lead. The Pacers made it a one-point game following the third quarter after a 37-36 score, but Utah didn’t want any surprises, and the Jazz closed the game out with a 34-29 score in the final 12 minutes of action. With the win, the Jazz moved to 11-18 on the road, while the Pacers fell to 17-14 at home.
Jordan Clarkson and Lauri Markkanen both led the way for the Jazz with 29 points each, though Markkanen also added 11 rebounds while Clarkson chipped in with three assists. Collin Sexton posted 18 points, six assists and two steals, and Kelly Olynyk had a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds while also adding two assists. No other Utah player scored in double digits.
Tyrese Haliburton posted 30 points and 12 assists while also adding three steals, and Aaron Nesmith recorded 19 points with six rebounds. Daniel Theis started and recorded 11 points with five boards and three assists, and Buddy Hield was awful from the field, posting eight points while shooting 3-for-13 from the field. Bennedict Mathurin had 21 points off the bench, and Isaiah Jackson recorded 11 points with five boards as well.
The Jazz (29-30) and the Pacers (25-34) played out a tough contest and it went down to the wire, but in the end, Utah escaped with the victory thanks to their performance in the second half, and particularly in the final 12 minutes of action. Indiana enjoyed a better start and jumped out to a 33-27 lead in the first quarter, but Utah put up a fight and turned things around just before the halftime break, outscoring the Pacers by a 26-18 score and securing a two-point lead. The Pacers made it a one-point game following the third quarter after a 37-36 score, but Utah didn’t want any surprises, and the Jazz closed the game out with a 34-29 score in the final 12 minutes of action. With the win, the Jazz moved to 11-18 on the road, while the Pacers fell to 17-14 at home.
Jordan Clarkson and Lauri Markkanen both led the way for the Jazz with 29 points each, though Markkanen also added 11 rebounds while Clarkson chipped in with three assists. Collin Sexton posted 18 points, six assists and two steals, and Kelly Olynyk had a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds while also adding two assists. No other Utah player scored in double digits.
Tyrese Haliburton posted 30 points and 12 assists while also adding three steals, and Aaron Nesmith recorded 19 points with six rebounds. Daniel Theis started and recorded 11 points with five boards and three assists, and Buddy Hield was awful from the field, posting eight points while shooting 3-for-13 from the field. Bennedict Mathurin had 21 points off the bench, and Isaiah Jackson recorded 11 points with five boards as well.
76ers Top Rockets, 123-104
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Houston Rockets, 123-104, at Wells Fargo Center on Monday night.
The 76ers (37-19) encountered a feisty Rockets (13-44) early, as Philadelphia was only able to forge a three-point lead through one and held a modest seven-point advantage by halftime. However, the home squad was able to keep adding to its edge throughout the second half, leading to the 19-point victory. The Sixers shot 56.1 percent, including 44.1 percent from three-point range.
Jalen Green led the Rockets with 29 points, adding four assists, three rebounds and two steals. Kenyon Martin Jr. furnished 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal. Alperen Sengun delivered 12 points, eight boards, one assist and two steals. Jabari Smith generated a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double that included two assists.
James Harden paced the 76ers with a 28-point, 10-assist double-double that included two rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Tyrese Maxey toppled 26 points, six assists, five rebounds and two steals. Joel Embiid supplied 23 points, six boards, four assists and one steal. Tobias Harris registered 11 points, six rebounds, two steals and one block.
The Rockets remain on the road and visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, while the 76ers remain home and host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night.
The 76ers (37-19) encountered a feisty Rockets (13-44) early, as Philadelphia was only able to forge a three-point lead through one and held a modest seven-point advantage by halftime. However, the home squad was able to keep adding to its edge throughout the second half, leading to the 19-point victory. The Sixers shot 56.1 percent, including 44.1 percent from three-point range.
Jalen Green led the Rockets with 29 points, adding four assists, three rebounds and two steals. Kenyon Martin Jr. furnished 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal. Alperen Sengun delivered 12 points, eight boards, one assist and two steals. Jabari Smith generated a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double that included two assists.
James Harden paced the 76ers with a 28-point, 10-assist double-double that included two rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Tyrese Maxey toppled 26 points, six assists, five rebounds and two steals. Joel Embiid supplied 23 points, six boards, four assists and one steal. Tobias Harris registered 11 points, six rebounds, two steals and one block.
The Rockets remain on the road and visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, while the 76ers remain home and host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night.
Hornets Outlast Hawks, 144-138
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 144-138, at Spectrum Center on Monday night.
The Hornets (16-43) came out of the gates hot on the offensive end, compiling 36 first-quarter points. While the Hawks (29-29) struck back with 41 points in the second period, they only made a three-point dent in their deficit prior to halftime. Charlotte was able to then add another seven points to its advantage in the third, and although Atlanta was able to get as close as two points late, the hosts had just enough to pull out the wild win.
Trae Young led the Hawks with a 25-point, 14-assist double-double that included two rebounds and two steals. Clint Capela delivered 22 points. seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. De'Andre Hunter turned in 21 points, seven boards and one assist. Dejounte Murray supplied 20 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Onyeka Okongwu and Saddiq Bey mustered matching 12-point contributions while collecting seven and five rebounds, respectively. Okongwu added three steals and two blocks.
LaMelo Ball paced the Hornets with a 30-point, 15-assist double-double that included six rebounds. Terry Rozier registered 29 points, five assists, four rebounds and two blocks. Gordon Hayward delivered 26 points, eight assists, five rebounds and two steals. P.J. Washington posted 22 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Mark Williams and Dennis Smith, Jr. mustered 15 and 12 points, respectively, with Williams recording five boards, two steals and two blocks.
The Hawks return home to host the New York Knicks on Wednesday night, while the Hornets remain home and host the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night.
The Hornets (16-43) came out of the gates hot on the offensive end, compiling 36 first-quarter points. While the Hawks (29-29) struck back with 41 points in the second period, they only made a three-point dent in their deficit prior to halftime. Charlotte was able to then add another seven points to its advantage in the third, and although Atlanta was able to get as close as two points late, the hosts had just enough to pull out the wild win.
Trae Young led the Hawks with a 25-point, 14-assist double-double that included two rebounds and two steals. Clint Capela delivered 22 points. seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. De'Andre Hunter turned in 21 points, seven boards and one assist. Dejounte Murray supplied 20 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Onyeka Okongwu and Saddiq Bey mustered matching 12-point contributions while collecting seven and five rebounds, respectively. Okongwu added three steals and two blocks.
LaMelo Ball paced the Hornets with a 30-point, 15-assist double-double that included six rebounds. Terry Rozier registered 29 points, five assists, four rebounds and two blocks. Gordon Hayward delivered 26 points, eight assists, five rebounds and two steals. P.J. Washington posted 22 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Mark Williams and Dennis Smith, Jr. mustered 15 and 12 points, respectively, with Williams recording five boards, two steals and two blocks.
The Hawks return home to host the New York Knicks on Wednesday night, while the Hornets remain home and host the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night.
Nuggets Squeak By Heat, 112-108
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat, 112-108, at Miami-Dade Arena on Monday night.
The Heat (32-26) came of the gates hot with a 36-27 lead through one, but the Nuggets (40-18) clawed back over the middle periods with a 62-47 advantage that afforded them a six-point edge going into the final period. Miami was able to eventually get within three with five seconds remaining, but a pair of Bruce Brown free throws sealed the upset win.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with a 27-point, 12-rebound double-double that included eight assists. Michael Porter turned in 17 points, six rebounds, one steal and one block. Brown finished with 16 points, three assists and two rebounds. Jeff Green supplied 12 points, two rebounds and one assist. Vlatko Cancar managed 10 points, six assists, five boards, one steal and one block. Christian Braun and Thomas Bryant contributed matching 10-point efforts, with Braun adding four rebounds and four assists.
Jimmy Butler paced the Heat with a 24-point, 10-rebound double-double that included nine assists and one steal. Max Strus registered 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one steal. Bam Adebayo furnished 19 points, two rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Gabe Vincent provided 15 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal.
The Nuggets return home to host the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, while the Heat hits the road and visits the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night.
The Heat (32-26) came of the gates hot with a 36-27 lead through one, but the Nuggets (40-18) clawed back over the middle periods with a 62-47 advantage that afforded them a six-point edge going into the final period. Miami was able to eventually get within three with five seconds remaining, but a pair of Bruce Brown free throws sealed the upset win.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with a 27-point, 12-rebound double-double that included eight assists. Michael Porter turned in 17 points, six rebounds, one steal and one block. Brown finished with 16 points, three assists and two rebounds. Jeff Green supplied 12 points, two rebounds and one assist. Vlatko Cancar managed 10 points, six assists, five boards, one steal and one block. Christian Braun and Thomas Bryant contributed matching 10-point efforts, with Braun adding four rebounds and four assists.
Jimmy Butler paced the Heat with a 24-point, 10-rebound double-double that included nine assists and one steal. Max Strus registered 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one steal. Bam Adebayo furnished 19 points, two rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Gabe Vincent provided 15 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal.
The Nuggets return home to host the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, while the Heat hits the road and visits the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night.
Knicks Close Out Nets At Madison Square Garden
By Dan Bruno
The New York Knicks defeated the visiting Brooklyn Nets, 124-106, at Madison Square Garden on Monday evening.
The Knicks got out to a strong start and led, 32-26, after one quarter. The Nets turned it around in the second and outscored the hosts, 35-26, to claim a three-point lead by halftime. The hosts reclaimed control in the third, as they outscored the Nets by 13 points in the quarter to take a 10-point cushion into the final frame. The visitors had no answers down the stretch, as the Knicks held on for their second straight win.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 40 points, two rebounds, five assists and a block, in 36 minutes. Josh Hart followed up with 27 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Julius Randle totaled 18 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block. The Knicks shot 54.2 percent from the field, including 15-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Spencer Dinwiddie led the Nets with 28 points, three rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Cameron Johnson followed up with 14 points, four rebounds and a steal, while Nicolas Claxton tallied 11 points, six rebounds and a block. The Nets shot 44.9 percent from the field, including 12-of-29 from deep.
The Nets (33-24) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Heat on Wednesday. The Knicks (32-27) take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Wednesday.
The Knicks got out to a strong start and led, 32-26, after one quarter. The Nets turned it around in the second and outscored the hosts, 35-26, to claim a three-point lead by halftime. The hosts reclaimed control in the third, as they outscored the Nets by 13 points in the quarter to take a 10-point cushion into the final frame. The visitors had no answers down the stretch, as the Knicks held on for their second straight win.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 40 points, two rebounds, five assists and a block, in 36 minutes. Josh Hart followed up with 27 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Julius Randle totaled 18 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block. The Knicks shot 54.2 percent from the field, including 15-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Spencer Dinwiddie led the Nets with 28 points, three rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Cameron Johnson followed up with 14 points, four rebounds and a steal, while Nicolas Claxton tallied 11 points, six rebounds and a block. The Nets shot 44.9 percent from the field, including 12-of-29 from deep.
The Nets (33-24) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Heat on Wednesday. The Knicks (32-27) take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Magic Top Bulls In Orlando
By Dan Bruno
The Orlando Magic defeated the host Chicago Bulls, 100-91, at United Center on Monday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start, as the Magic held a four-point lead after one quarter. The score stayed tight through the second, but the visitors stayed in control with a five-point advantage at the break. The Bulls could not gain their footing in the third, as the Magic pushed their lead to eight points heading into the final frame. The Bulls had no answers down the stretch and fell short for a fourth straight loss, as the Magic held on for the home win.
Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 22 points, four rebounds, three assists and three blocks, in 35 minutes. Markelle Fultz tallied 18 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists and a block, while Franz Wagner finished with 18 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Magic shot 46.9 percent from the field, including 8-of-27 from deep.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 26 points, nine rebounds and five assists, in 40 minutes. DeMar DeRozan followed up with 19 points, three rebounds, six assists and a block, while Nikola Vucevic totaled 13 points, 13 rebounds and two steals. The Bulls shot 40.7 percent from the field, including 3-of-21 from long range.
The Bulls (26-31) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pacers in Indiana on Wednesday. The Magic (24-34) take on the Raptors in Toronto on Tuesday.
The game got out to a competitive start, as the Magic held a four-point lead after one quarter. The score stayed tight through the second, but the visitors stayed in control with a five-point advantage at the break. The Bulls could not gain their footing in the third, as the Magic pushed their lead to eight points heading into the final frame. The Bulls had no answers down the stretch and fell short for a fourth straight loss, as the Magic held on for the home win.
Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 22 points, four rebounds, three assists and three blocks, in 35 minutes. Markelle Fultz tallied 18 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists and a block, while Franz Wagner finished with 18 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Magic shot 46.9 percent from the field, including 8-of-27 from deep.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 26 points, nine rebounds and five assists, in 40 minutes. DeMar DeRozan followed up with 19 points, three rebounds, six assists and a block, while Nikola Vucevic totaled 13 points, 13 rebounds and two steals. The Bulls shot 40.7 percent from the field, including 3-of-21 from long range.
The Bulls (26-31) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pacers in Indiana on Wednesday. The Magic (24-34) take on the Raptors in Toronto on Tuesday.
Pelicans Hold Off Thunder In OKC
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder, 103-100, at Paycom Center on Monday evening.
The Pelicans got out to a strong start and led, 33-25, after one quarter and they maintained control through the second to take a nine-point lead into the break. The Thunder came out stronger in the third and trimmed it down to a three-point game heading into the final frame. The visitors reclaimed control early in the fourth and rallied to an 11-point lead, which was enough to keep the edge the rest of the way.
Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 34 points and four rebounds, in 32 minutes. Jonas Valanciunas tallied 14 points, eight rebounds and two assists, while Jose Alvarado tallied 14 points, two assists, a steal and a block. The Pelicans shot 52.7 percent from the field, including 9-of-30 from long range.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 24 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 39 minutes. Jalen Williams followed up with 22 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, while Josh Giddey tallied 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a steal. The Thunder shot 42.2 percent from the field, including 9-of-33 from deep.
The Thunder (27-29) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Rockets on Wednesday. The Pelicans (30-28) take on the Lakers in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
The Pelicans got out to a strong start and led, 33-25, after one quarter and they maintained control through the second to take a nine-point lead into the break. The Thunder came out stronger in the third and trimmed it down to a three-point game heading into the final frame. The visitors reclaimed control early in the fourth and rallied to an 11-point lead, which was enough to keep the edge the rest of the way.
Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 34 points and four rebounds, in 32 minutes. Jonas Valanciunas tallied 14 points, eight rebounds and two assists, while Jose Alvarado tallied 14 points, two assists, a steal and a block. The Pelicans shot 52.7 percent from the field, including 9-of-30 from long range.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 24 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 39 minutes. Jalen Williams followed up with 22 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, while Josh Giddey tallied 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a steal. The Thunder shot 42.2 percent from the field, including 9-of-33 from deep.
The Thunder (27-29) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Rockets on Wednesday. The Pelicans (30-28) take on the Lakers in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
T'Wolves Defeat Mavericks, 124-121
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the host Dallas Mavericks, 124-121, at American Airlines Center on Monday.
While Dallas grabbed the first lead in this game. Minnesota never relinquished the lead after a 33-23 first quarter. They actually got their lead up to 26 points at times in the third quarter, but Dallas made things close behind a 39-24 fourth quarter. They had a chance at the buzzer but committed a turnover on their final possession, down by three. The Timberwolves shot 58 percent from the field while holding the Mavericks to 51 percent shooting. Minnesota also out-assisted Dallas, 28-21.
The Timberwolves (31-29) were led by Anthony Edwards, accruing 32 points and five rebounds. Rudy Gobert totaled 21 points and 14 rebounds on 9-of-9 from the field. Jaden McDaniels had 19 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Mike Conley collected 12 points, three rebounds and nine assists. Kyle Anderson led the bench with 12 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals.
The Mavericks (31-28) were led by Kyrie Irving, scoring 26 points in the fourth quarter to finish with 36 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Luka Doncic tallied 33 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. The other three starters combined for 15 points and one assist. Christian Wood led the bench with 22 points, five rebounds and two assists.
On deck for Dallas is a road matchup with the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. As for Minnesota, they return home to play the Washington Wizards on Thursday.
While Dallas grabbed the first lead in this game. Minnesota never relinquished the lead after a 33-23 first quarter. They actually got their lead up to 26 points at times in the third quarter, but Dallas made things close behind a 39-24 fourth quarter. They had a chance at the buzzer but committed a turnover on their final possession, down by three. The Timberwolves shot 58 percent from the field while holding the Mavericks to 51 percent shooting. Minnesota also out-assisted Dallas, 28-21.
The Timberwolves (31-29) were led by Anthony Edwards, accruing 32 points and five rebounds. Rudy Gobert totaled 21 points and 14 rebounds on 9-of-9 from the field. Jaden McDaniels had 19 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Mike Conley collected 12 points, three rebounds and nine assists. Kyle Anderson led the bench with 12 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals.
The Mavericks (31-28) were led by Kyrie Irving, scoring 26 points in the fourth quarter to finish with 36 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Luka Doncic tallied 33 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. The other three starters combined for 15 points and one assist. Christian Wood led the bench with 22 points, five rebounds and two assists.
On deck for Dallas is a road matchup with the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. As for Minnesota, they return home to play the Washington Wizards on Thursday.
Warriors Defeat Wizards, 135-126
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Washington Wizards, 135-126, at Chase Center on Monday.
While Washington had a 15-point lead midway through the second quarter, Golden State outscored them in that frame, 42-27, to take control of this game. They never relinquished the lead after that, thanks to a 35-27 third quarter. There was a 35-point swing in a 21-minute span in this Warriors win. The Warriors shot 20-of-40 from three-point range while the Wizrds connected on just 12-of-28. Golden State also out-assisted Washington, 40-24, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 19-10. Washington lost despite shooting 60 percent from the field.
The Wizards (26-30) were led by Kristaps Porzingis, providing 34 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Bradley Beal finished with 33 points, three rebounds and four assists. Daniel Gafford generated nine points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Kendrick Nunn led the bench with 13 points, two rebounds and six assists.
The Warriors (29-28) were led by Andrew Wiggins, amassing 29 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Klay Thompson tallied 27 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals. Jordan Poole collected 14 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Kevon Looney compiled 13 points, 13 rebounds and four assists. Donte DiVincenzo led the bench with 17 points, three assists and two steals.
Washington has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Tuesday, staying on the road to play the Portland Trail Blazers. As for Golden State, they play on Tuesday as well, traveling to face the Los Angeles Clippers.
While Washington had a 15-point lead midway through the second quarter, Golden State outscored them in that frame, 42-27, to take control of this game. They never relinquished the lead after that, thanks to a 35-27 third quarter. There was a 35-point swing in a 21-minute span in this Warriors win. The Warriors shot 20-of-40 from three-point range while the Wizrds connected on just 12-of-28. Golden State also out-assisted Washington, 40-24, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 19-10. Washington lost despite shooting 60 percent from the field.
The Wizards (26-30) were led by Kristaps Porzingis, providing 34 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Bradley Beal finished with 33 points, three rebounds and four assists. Daniel Gafford generated nine points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Kendrick Nunn led the bench with 13 points, two rebounds and six assists.
The Warriors (29-28) were led by Andrew Wiggins, amassing 29 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Klay Thompson tallied 27 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals. Jordan Poole collected 14 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Kevon Looney compiled 13 points, 13 rebounds and four assists. Donte DiVincenzo led the bench with 17 points, three assists and two steals.
Washington has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Tuesday, staying on the road to play the Portland Trail Blazers. As for Golden State, they play on Tuesday as well, traveling to face the Los Angeles Clippers.
Trail Blazers Defeat Lakers, 127-115
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, 127-115, at Moda Center on Monday.
While LA led by nine points midway through the first quarter, Portland finished that frame on a 29-5 run to take control of this game. That capped off a 34-19 first quarter, with Portland maintaining a double-digit lead for the final three frames. They got their lead up to 27 points at times. The Trail Blazers shot 47 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range (23-of-47) while holding the Lakers to 44 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range (12-of-37).
The Lakers (26-32) were led by Anthony Davis, collecting 19 points, 20 rebounds and three blocks. Malik Beasley led the bench with 22 points, two rebounds and two steals. D'Angelo Russell registered 16 points, three rebounds and four assists, while Troy Brown Jr totaled 13 points and two assists.
The Trail Blazers (28-29) were led by Damian Lillard, finishing with 40 points, six rebounds and five assists. Anfernee Simons amassed 14 points, three rebounds and six assists. Matisse Thybulle got a rare start and tallied 14 points, six rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Shadeon Sharpe led the bench with 15 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals.
Portland has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Tuesday, playing host to the Washington Wizards. As for LA, they return to action on Wednesday in a home matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans.
While LA led by nine points midway through the first quarter, Portland finished that frame on a 29-5 run to take control of this game. That capped off a 34-19 first quarter, with Portland maintaining a double-digit lead for the final three frames. They got their lead up to 27 points at times. The Trail Blazers shot 47 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range (23-of-47) while holding the Lakers to 44 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range (12-of-37).
The Lakers (26-32) were led by Anthony Davis, collecting 19 points, 20 rebounds and three blocks. Malik Beasley led the bench with 22 points, two rebounds and two steals. D'Angelo Russell registered 16 points, three rebounds and four assists, while Troy Brown Jr totaled 13 points and two assists.
The Trail Blazers (28-29) were led by Damian Lillard, finishing with 40 points, six rebounds and five assists. Anfernee Simons amassed 14 points, three rebounds and six assists. Matisse Thybulle got a rare start and tallied 14 points, six rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Shadeon Sharpe led the bench with 15 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals.
Portland has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Tuesday, playing host to the Washington Wizards. As for LA, they return to action on Wednesday in a home matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans.