Pacers Mount Comeback To Get Past Bulls
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Chicago Bulls, 117-113, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday,
The Pacers (26-34) had to engage in a tough battle to get past the Bulls (26-32) in Indiana’s final game before the 2023 All-Star break, and it wasn’t easy by any means, as the Pacers had to mount a significant comeback to get back following an early deficit. Chicago looked dominant in the early going and raced out to a 39-15 score in the opening 12 minutes, but the Pacers showed signs of life in the second quarter, outscoring their rivals by a 27-19 score just before the break. The Bulls were still leading by double digits, but the Pacers carried the momentum of the second quarter into the second half and won the third quarter by 12 points, outscoring Chicago by a 40-28 score. The Bulls couldn’t hold on to their lead with only 12 minutes left, and the Pacers completed the comeback with a 35-27 score in the final quarter. With the win, the Pacers moved to 18-14 at home, while the Bulls fell to 10-20 on the road.
Buddy Hield led the way for the Pacers with 27 points and four rebounds, while Aaron Nesmith posted 21 points, seven boards and three assists. Myles Turner came close to a double-double after racking up 17 points and nine rebounds, and he also provided three blocks. Tyrese Haliburton notched 16 points and eight assists, while Chris Duarte and Bennedict Mathurin each had 14 points while coming off the bench.
Zach LaVine led the way for the Bulls despite the loss with 35 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, while Nikola Vucevic delivered 19 points and seven rebounds. Ayo Dosunmu ended up with 15 points, five assists and four rebounds, and Patrick Williams had 11 points. Coby White impressed off the bench and delivered 25 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals across 33 minutes.
The Pacers (26-34) had to engage in a tough battle to get past the Bulls (26-32) in Indiana’s final game before the 2023 All-Star break, and it wasn’t easy by any means, as the Pacers had to mount a significant comeback to get back following an early deficit. Chicago looked dominant in the early going and raced out to a 39-15 score in the opening 12 minutes, but the Pacers showed signs of life in the second quarter, outscoring their rivals by a 27-19 score just before the break. The Bulls were still leading by double digits, but the Pacers carried the momentum of the second quarter into the second half and won the third quarter by 12 points, outscoring Chicago by a 40-28 score. The Bulls couldn’t hold on to their lead with only 12 minutes left, and the Pacers completed the comeback with a 35-27 score in the final quarter. With the win, the Pacers moved to 18-14 at home, while the Bulls fell to 10-20 on the road.
Buddy Hield led the way for the Pacers with 27 points and four rebounds, while Aaron Nesmith posted 21 points, seven boards and three assists. Myles Turner came close to a double-double after racking up 17 points and nine rebounds, and he also provided three blocks. Tyrese Haliburton notched 16 points and eight assists, while Chris Duarte and Bennedict Mathurin each had 14 points while coming off the bench.
Zach LaVine led the way for the Bulls despite the loss with 35 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, while Nikola Vucevic delivered 19 points and seven rebounds. Ayo Dosunmu ended up with 15 points, five assists and four rebounds, and Patrick Williams had 11 points. Coby White impressed off the bench and delivered 25 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals across 33 minutes.
Spurs Topple Hornets, 120-110
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 120-110, at Spectrum Center on Wednesday night.
The two struggling squads opened what was expected to be a high-scoring affair in very competitive fashion, matching each other bucket for bucket during a first quarter that finished in a 32-32 tie. The Hornets (17-43) managed to forge a three-point lead going into halftime and had extended their advantage over the Spurs (14-45) to seven going into the final period. While San Antonio got as close as within one just past the halfway point of the fourth quarter, the hosts finished on a 17-8 run in the final 5:52 for the win.
Malaki Branham led the Spurs with 23 points, adding six rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Keldon Johnson provided 21 points, eight boards and four assists. Doug McDermott supplied 17 points and four rebounds. Zach Collins contributed a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double that included five assists and one steal. Keita Bates-Diop registered 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals.
LaMelo Ball paced the Hornets with a 28-point, 12-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included one steal. P.J. Washington mustered a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist, three blocks and one steal. Gordon Hayward registered 16 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal. Mark Williams generated a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double that included four blocks. Svi Mykhailiuk matched Williams' scoring and also pulled down two rebounds. Bryce McGowens netted 11 points, three assists, one rebound and two steals. Dennis Smith Jr. offered 10 points, nine assists, five rebounds and three steals.
The Spurs return to action after the All-Star break on Thursday night, Feb. 23 on the road against the Mavericks, while the Hornets next visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, Feb. 24 to open up their stretch run.
The two struggling squads opened what was expected to be a high-scoring affair in very competitive fashion, matching each other bucket for bucket during a first quarter that finished in a 32-32 tie. The Hornets (17-43) managed to forge a three-point lead going into halftime and had extended their advantage over the Spurs (14-45) to seven going into the final period. While San Antonio got as close as within one just past the halfway point of the fourth quarter, the hosts finished on a 17-8 run in the final 5:52 for the win.
Malaki Branham led the Spurs with 23 points, adding six rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Keldon Johnson provided 21 points, eight boards and four assists. Doug McDermott supplied 17 points and four rebounds. Zach Collins contributed a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double that included five assists and one steal. Keita Bates-Diop registered 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals.
LaMelo Ball paced the Hornets with a 28-point, 12-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included one steal. P.J. Washington mustered a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist, three blocks and one steal. Gordon Hayward registered 16 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal. Mark Williams generated a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double that included four blocks. Svi Mykhailiuk matched Williams' scoring and also pulled down two rebounds. Bryce McGowens netted 11 points, three assists, one rebound and two steals. Dennis Smith Jr. offered 10 points, nine assists, five rebounds and three steals.
The Spurs return to action after the All-Star break on Thursday night, Feb. 23 on the road against the Mavericks, while the Hornets next visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, Feb. 24 to open up their stretch run.
Knicks Dominate Hawks, 122-101
The New York Knicks defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 122-101, at State Farm Arena on Wednesday night.
The Knicks (33-27) didn't waste any time setting the right tone in what was projected to be a tough road matchup, establishing a 37-21 lead through one and then adding another six points to their advantage prior to halftime. Atlanta was able to put a seven-point dent in their deficit during what was their best quarter of play in the third, but New York's 31-25 edge in the fourth quarter allowed the visitors to win going away.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 28 points, complementing them with nine rebounds and five assists. Julius Randle generated a 25-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists. R.J. Barrett delivered 17 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal. Immanuel Quickley supplied 14 points, four boards, two assists and one steal, while Josh Hart finished with 13 points, five rebounds, two assists and one block.
De'Andre Hunter paced the Hawks with 20 points, supplementing them with four rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Trae Young turned in a 19-point, 11-assist double-double that included one rebound and four steals. A.J. Griffin managed 12 points and two rebounds, while Clint Capela registered 10 points, eight rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.
The Knicks next visit the Washington Wizards to kick off the post-All-Star-break stretch run on Friday, February 24th, while the Hawks will host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday the 24th as well following the layoff.
The Knicks (33-27) didn't waste any time setting the right tone in what was projected to be a tough road matchup, establishing a 37-21 lead through one and then adding another six points to their advantage prior to halftime. Atlanta was able to put a seven-point dent in their deficit during what was their best quarter of play in the third, but New York's 31-25 edge in the fourth quarter allowed the visitors to win going away.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 28 points, complementing them with nine rebounds and five assists. Julius Randle generated a 25-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists. R.J. Barrett delivered 17 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal. Immanuel Quickley supplied 14 points, four boards, two assists and one steal, while Josh Hart finished with 13 points, five rebounds, two assists and one block.
De'Andre Hunter paced the Hawks with 20 points, supplementing them with four rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Trae Young turned in a 19-point, 11-assist double-double that included one rebound and four steals. A.J. Griffin managed 12 points and two rebounds, while Clint Capela registered 10 points, eight rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.
The Knicks next visit the Washington Wizards to kick off the post-All-Star-break stretch run on Friday, February 24th, while the Hawks will host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday the 24th as well following the layoff.
Celtics Thump Pistons, 127-109
The Boston Celtics take on the Detroit Pistons, 127-109, at TD Garden on Wednesday night.
The Celtics (42-17) received some good news leading up to tip-off in the form of confirmed availability for Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart, who'd been sidelined with an illness and an ankle injury, respectively. Boston then opened the game strong with a 31-26 lead through one that had grown to 15 by halftime. The Pistons (15-44) put together their best stretch of play in the third with a 38-point haul that helped cut their deficit by seven points, but the hosts' 30-20 edge over the final 12 minutes sealed the comfortable win.
Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pistons with 28 points, adding five rebounds and two assists. Jaden Ivey furnished 17 points, five boards, four assists and one steal. Isaiah Stewart managed 14 points, six rebounds and one block. James Wiseman supplied 11 points and five boards. Killian Hayes registered 10 points, nine assists, two rebounds and two steals, and Hamidou Diallo matched Hayes' scoring.
Tatum paced the Celtics with 38 points, supplementing them with nine rebounds and seven assists. Malcolm Brogdon compiled 25 points, six assists and three boards. Al Horford provided 11 points and seven rebounds, while Derrick White matched his scoring and also contributed six assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block.
The Pistons return to action after the All-Star break with a visit to the Orlando Magic on Thursday, Feb. 23, while the Celtics visit the Indiana Pacers on the 23rd as well.
The Celtics (42-17) received some good news leading up to tip-off in the form of confirmed availability for Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart, who'd been sidelined with an illness and an ankle injury, respectively. Boston then opened the game strong with a 31-26 lead through one that had grown to 15 by halftime. The Pistons (15-44) put together their best stretch of play in the third with a 38-point haul that helped cut their deficit by seven points, but the hosts' 30-20 edge over the final 12 minutes sealed the comfortable win.
Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pistons with 28 points, adding five rebounds and two assists. Jaden Ivey furnished 17 points, five boards, four assists and one steal. Isaiah Stewart managed 14 points, six rebounds and one block. James Wiseman supplied 11 points and five boards. Killian Hayes registered 10 points, nine assists, two rebounds and two steals, and Hamidou Diallo matched Hayes' scoring.
Tatum paced the Celtics with 38 points, supplementing them with nine rebounds and seven assists. Malcolm Brogdon compiled 25 points, six assists and three boards. Al Horford provided 11 points and seven rebounds, while Derrick White matched his scoring and also contributed six assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block.
The Pistons return to action after the All-Star break with a visit to the Orlando Magic on Thursday, Feb. 23, while the Celtics visit the Indiana Pacers on the 23rd as well.
Nets Use Strong Second Half To Defeat Heat
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Miami Heat, 116-105, at Barclays Center on Wednesday.
The Nets (33-24) delivered a solid performance to defeat another playoff hopeful in the Eastern Conference, the Heat (32-26), in each team’s final game before the 2023 All-Star Break. The Nets looked good in the early going and grabbed the lead following the first quarter by a 26-25 score, but Miami responded with a 31-26 score in the second quarter, grabbing a four-point lead entering halftime. The Nets were not ready to give up, however, and they recovered the lead by winning the third quarter by a 31-24 score, and they’d close the game out with ease following a 33-25 score in the final 12 minutes, ultimately winning the game by a double-digit margin. With the win, the Nets moved to 17-11 at home, while the Heat fell to 13-16 on the road.
Mikal Bridges had one of the best performances of his career and recorded 45 points to lead Brooklyn to victory, while adding eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Cameron Johnson posted 18 points and three assists, and no other Brooklyn starter scored in double digits. Cam Thomas was the only other player who surpassed the 10-point mark, as he ended with 19 points, four assists and two boards.
All five starters scored in double digits for the Heat, with Bam Adebayo recording 24 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and two blocks. Caleb Martin and Jimmy Butler each had 13 points, though Butler also added six assists and three rebounds, while Martin pulled down seven boards. Gabe Vincent finished with 21 points, and Max Strus recorded 18 points while also adding four rebounds.
The Nets (33-24) delivered a solid performance to defeat another playoff hopeful in the Eastern Conference, the Heat (32-26), in each team’s final game before the 2023 All-Star Break. The Nets looked good in the early going and grabbed the lead following the first quarter by a 26-25 score, but Miami responded with a 31-26 score in the second quarter, grabbing a four-point lead entering halftime. The Nets were not ready to give up, however, and they recovered the lead by winning the third quarter by a 31-24 score, and they’d close the game out with ease following a 33-25 score in the final 12 minutes, ultimately winning the game by a double-digit margin. With the win, the Nets moved to 17-11 at home, while the Heat fell to 13-16 on the road.
Mikal Bridges had one of the best performances of his career and recorded 45 points to lead Brooklyn to victory, while adding eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Cameron Johnson posted 18 points and three assists, and no other Brooklyn starter scored in double digits. Cam Thomas was the only other player who surpassed the 10-point mark, as he ended with 19 points, four assists and two boards.
All five starters scored in double digits for the Heat, with Bam Adebayo recording 24 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and two blocks. Caleb Martin and Jimmy Butler each had 13 points, though Butler also added six assists and three rebounds, while Martin pulled down seven boards. Gabe Vincent finished with 21 points, and Max Strus recorded 18 points while also adding four rebounds.
76ers Hold On To Get Past Cavaliers
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 118-112, at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday.
The 76ers (37-19) moved to 22-8 at home and will enter the 2023 All-Star break in high spirits following this win against another Eastern contender, the Cavaliers (38-22), a team that fell to 13-16 when playing on the road. Philadelphia got off to a strong start and that was enough to get the job done, however, as the Sixers raced out to a 38-24 lead in the first quarter and later bolstered that to a 25-14 score in the second quarter, building a huge advantage with 24 minutes left to go. However, the Cavaliers played the second half with a different attitude, and it could be said the only lacked time to complete the comeback. Cleveland won the third quarter by a 32-24 score and the fourth one by a 42-31 score, but that was not enough to get the job done. The Sixers held on when it mattered the most, and they managed to escape with a win in what could easily be a preview of a potential Eastern Conference Finals come playoff time.
Joel Embiid led the way for the 76ers with 29 points and 14 rebounds, but he also added five assists and two steals. James Harden also chipped in with a double-double after recording 19 points and 12 assists, but he also had four rebounds. De’Anthony Melton had 17 points and four assists, and Tobias Harris posted 13 points. P.J. Tucker ended up with 10 points.
Donovan Mitchell led the way for the Cavaliers with 33 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Darius Garland had a strong game and posted 27 points with six boards, three steals and two rebounds. Jarrett Allen had 12 points, seven boards and four assists, and Evan Mobley sniffed a double-double after recording 23 points with nine rebounds. No other Cleveland player scored in double digits in this contest.
The 76ers (37-19) moved to 22-8 at home and will enter the 2023 All-Star break in high spirits following this win against another Eastern contender, the Cavaliers (38-22), a team that fell to 13-16 when playing on the road. Philadelphia got off to a strong start and that was enough to get the job done, however, as the Sixers raced out to a 38-24 lead in the first quarter and later bolstered that to a 25-14 score in the second quarter, building a huge advantage with 24 minutes left to go. However, the Cavaliers played the second half with a different attitude, and it could be said the only lacked time to complete the comeback. Cleveland won the third quarter by a 32-24 score and the fourth one by a 42-31 score, but that was not enough to get the job done. The Sixers held on when it mattered the most, and they managed to escape with a win in what could easily be a preview of a potential Eastern Conference Finals come playoff time.
Joel Embiid led the way for the 76ers with 29 points and 14 rebounds, but he also added five assists and two steals. James Harden also chipped in with a double-double after recording 19 points and 12 assists, but he also had four rebounds. De’Anthony Melton had 17 points and four assists, and Tobias Harris posted 13 points. P.J. Tucker ended up with 10 points.
Donovan Mitchell led the way for the Cavaliers with 33 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Darius Garland had a strong game and posted 27 points with six boards, three steals and two rebounds. Jarrett Allen had 12 points, seven boards and four assists, and Evan Mobley sniffed a double-double after recording 23 points with nine rebounds. No other Cleveland player scored in double digits in this contest.
Thunder Throttles Rockets, 133-96
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Houston Rockets, 133-96, at Paycom Center on Wednesday night.
The Thunder (28-29) had put 153 points on the Rockets (13-45) in their most recent encounter, and Wednesday's matchup looked to be headed in the same direction from the onset. Oklahoma City racked up 38 points apiece in the first two quarters to take a 22-point lead into halftime before snuffing out the possibility of any desperate comeback by adding another 16 points to its advantage with a 40-point haul in the third quarter on the way to the 37-point victory.
Jabari Smith led the Rockets with 15 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Jalen Green registered 14 points, two rebounds, two assists and one block. Jae'Sean Tate turned in 11 points, two rebounds and one assist. Tari Eason and Josh Christopher contributed matching 10-point tallies while recording three rebounds and three assists, respectively.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander paced the Thunder with 29 points, adding six assists, two rebounds and two blocks. Luguentz Dort totaled 15 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Josh Giddey supplied 13 points, six assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Jalen Williams matched Giddey's scoring and also recorded four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Dario Saric posted 12 points, five boards and one steal. Jaylin Williams mustered eight points, 16 rebounds and two steals.
The Rockets return to action after the All-Star break with a visit to the Golden State Warriors on Friday night, Feb. 24, while the Thunder visit the Utah Jazz on Thursday night, Feb. 23.
The Thunder (28-29) had put 153 points on the Rockets (13-45) in their most recent encounter, and Wednesday's matchup looked to be headed in the same direction from the onset. Oklahoma City racked up 38 points apiece in the first two quarters to take a 22-point lead into halftime before snuffing out the possibility of any desperate comeback by adding another 16 points to its advantage with a 40-point haul in the third quarter on the way to the 37-point victory.
Jabari Smith led the Rockets with 15 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Jalen Green registered 14 points, two rebounds, two assists and one block. Jae'Sean Tate turned in 11 points, two rebounds and one assist. Tari Eason and Josh Christopher contributed matching 10-point tallies while recording three rebounds and three assists, respectively.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander paced the Thunder with 29 points, adding six assists, two rebounds and two blocks. Luguentz Dort totaled 15 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Josh Giddey supplied 13 points, six assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Jalen Williams matched Giddey's scoring and also recorded four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Dario Saric posted 12 points, five boards and one steal. Jaylin Williams mustered eight points, 16 rebounds and two steals.
The Rockets return to action after the All-Star break with a visit to the Golden State Warriors on Friday night, Feb. 24, while the Thunder visit the Utah Jazz on Thursday night, Feb. 23.
Grizzlies Defeat Jazz, 117-111
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 117-111, at FedEx Forum on Wednesday.
The Grizzlies started this game on a 17-7 run, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. They got their lead up to 24 points at times, but Utah cut it down to a one-point margin in the final five minutes. With that said, they never tied or recaptured the lead after that 17-7 start. The Grizzlies defenses dominated, recording 13 steals and nine blocks, while the Jazz had two steals and eight blocks. That led to Memphis winning the turnover battle, 23-4, outscoring them in points off of turnovers, 40-3.
The Jazz (29-31) were led by Kelly Olynyk, collecting 28 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. Jordan Clarkson compiled 20 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Ochai Agbaji scored 17 points in a rare start, while Walker Kessler finished with 10 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks. Talen Horton-Tucker led the bench with 15 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two blocks.
The Grizzlies (35-22) were led by Jaren Jackson Jr, generating 26 points, nine rebounds, five steals and four blocks. Desmond Bane amassed 24 points, six rebounds and four assists. Ja Morant totaled 20 points, eight rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Brandon Clarke finished with eight points, 10 rebounds, three assists, four steals and three blocks.
Both of these teams will head into the All-Star break. Both clubs return to action on February 23, with Memphis traveling to face the Philadelphia 76ers and Utah returning home to play the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Grizzlies started this game on a 17-7 run, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. They got their lead up to 24 points at times, but Utah cut it down to a one-point margin in the final five minutes. With that said, they never tied or recaptured the lead after that 17-7 start. The Grizzlies defenses dominated, recording 13 steals and nine blocks, while the Jazz had two steals and eight blocks. That led to Memphis winning the turnover battle, 23-4, outscoring them in points off of turnovers, 40-3.
The Jazz (29-31) were led by Kelly Olynyk, collecting 28 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. Jordan Clarkson compiled 20 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Ochai Agbaji scored 17 points in a rare start, while Walker Kessler finished with 10 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks. Talen Horton-Tucker led the bench with 15 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two blocks.
The Grizzlies (35-22) were led by Jaren Jackson Jr, generating 26 points, nine rebounds, five steals and four blocks. Desmond Bane amassed 24 points, six rebounds and four assists. Ja Morant totaled 20 points, eight rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Brandon Clarke finished with eight points, 10 rebounds, three assists, four steals and three blocks.
Both of these teams will head into the All-Star break. Both clubs return to action on February 23, with Memphis traveling to face the Philadelphia 76ers and Utah returning home to play the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Nuggets Defeat Mavericks, 118-109
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Dallas Mavericks, 118-109, at Ball Arena on Wednesday.
Denver led for all but one minute in this game, thanks to a 35-18 second quarter. They got their lead up to 21 points at times and held a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half until the final shot of the game. The Nuggets shot 57 percent from the field while holding the Mavericks to 46 percent shooting. Denver also out-assisted Dallas, 34-25, while out-rebounding them, 49-39. The Nuggets outscored the Mavericks in the paint, 64-38, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 19-9.
The Mavericks (31-29) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 37 points, four rebounds, nine assists and four steals. He was the only starter in double figures. Dwight Powell amassed eight points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Christian Wood led the bench with 17 points, four rebounds and two assists.
The Nuggets (41-18) were led by Jeff Green, providing 24 points off the bench. Michael Porter Jr led the starters with 22 points, five rebounds and two blocks. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope compiled 14 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals, while Nikola Jokic finished with 14 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists.
Both teams will head into the All-Star break. They both return to action on February 23, with Denver traveling to face the Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas returning home to play the San Antonio Spurs.
Denver led for all but one minute in this game, thanks to a 35-18 second quarter. They got their lead up to 21 points at times and held a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half until the final shot of the game. The Nuggets shot 57 percent from the field while holding the Mavericks to 46 percent shooting. Denver also out-assisted Dallas, 34-25, while out-rebounding them, 49-39. The Nuggets outscored the Mavericks in the paint, 64-38, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 19-9.
The Mavericks (31-29) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 37 points, four rebounds, nine assists and four steals. He was the only starter in double figures. Dwight Powell amassed eight points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Christian Wood led the bench with 17 points, four rebounds and two assists.
The Nuggets (41-18) were led by Jeff Green, providing 24 points off the bench. Michael Porter Jr led the starters with 22 points, five rebounds and two blocks. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope compiled 14 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals, while Nikola Jokic finished with 14 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists.
Both teams will head into the All-Star break. They both return to action on February 23, with Denver traveling to face the Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas returning home to play the San Antonio Spurs.
Lakers Defeat Pelicans, 120-102
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting New Orleans Pelicans, 120-102, at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday.
A 38-25 first quarter set the foundation for Los Angeles in this victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. They put things away behind a 34-24 third quarter, getting their lead up to 20 points at times. That allowed them to maintain a double-digit lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. The Lakers shot 53 percent from the field while holding the Pelicans to 44 percent shooting. Los Angeles out-assisted New Orleans, 32-24, while outscoring them in the paint, 56-48. LA also outscored New Orleans in fastbreak points, 19-6.
The Pelicans (30-29) were led by Brandon Ingram, finishing with 25 points and four rebounds. C.J. McCollum collected 22 points, six rebounds, nine assists and two blocks. Jonas Valanciunas amassed 12 points, 11 rebounds and two assists. Herbert Jones had 11 points, three rebounds and five assists, while Wily Hernangomez led the bench with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
The Lakers (27-32) were led by Anthony Davis, accruing 28 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two blocks on 13-of-17 shooting. LeBron James compiled 21 points, six rebounds and six assists. D'Angelo Russell registered 21 points, two rebounds and seven assists, while Dennis Schroder led the bench with 10 points and two assists.
These teams will head into the All-Star break. Both clubs will return to action on February 23, with LA playing host to the Golden State Warriors and New Orleans traveling north to face the Toronto Raptors.
A 38-25 first quarter set the foundation for Los Angeles in this victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. They put things away behind a 34-24 third quarter, getting their lead up to 20 points at times. That allowed them to maintain a double-digit lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. The Lakers shot 53 percent from the field while holding the Pelicans to 44 percent shooting. Los Angeles out-assisted New Orleans, 32-24, while outscoring them in the paint, 56-48. LA also outscored New Orleans in fastbreak points, 19-6.
The Pelicans (30-29) were led by Brandon Ingram, finishing with 25 points and four rebounds. C.J. McCollum collected 22 points, six rebounds, nine assists and two blocks. Jonas Valanciunas amassed 12 points, 11 rebounds and two assists. Herbert Jones had 11 points, three rebounds and five assists, while Wily Hernangomez led the bench with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
The Lakers (27-32) were led by Anthony Davis, accruing 28 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two blocks on 13-of-17 shooting. LeBron James compiled 21 points, six rebounds and six assists. D'Angelo Russell registered 21 points, two rebounds and seven assists, while Dennis Schroder led the bench with 10 points and two assists.
These teams will head into the All-Star break. Both clubs will return to action on February 23, with LA playing host to the Golden State Warriors and New Orleans traveling north to face the Toronto Raptors.