Bucks Pull Away Late, Defeat Suns
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Phoenix Suns, 104-101, at Fiserv Forum on Sunday.
The Bucks (43-17) and the Suns (33-29) are two teams with legit aspirations of making a deep playoff run, and even though both teams were missing their biggest stars in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant, respectively, this was still an intense game that went down to the wire and was only decided in the final stages of the contest. Milwaukee looked better in the early going and jumped out to a 33-26 score in the first quarter, and they’d keep that seven-point advantage alive after the second quarter finished with a 20-20 score. The Suns showed signs of life in the third quarter and reduced the deficit to just one point following a 28-22 score, and both teams went back and forth in the final 12 minutes. The game was tied until the very last minute, but the Bucks executed better down the stretch, and that was enough to seal the victory. With the win, Milwaukee moved to 26-5 at home, while Phoenix fell to 12-19 on the road.
Jrue Holiday led the way for the Bucks with 33 points, five assists and four rebounds, while Brook Lopez had an excellent two-way performance after posting 22 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks. Bobby Portis recorded 10 points, six assists and a block, and Khris Middleton thrived off the bench with 11 points, 10 rebounds and six assists across 25 minutes. Jae Crowder had seven points, three rebounds and two assists. No other Bucks player scored in double digits here.
Deandre Ayton had a 22-point, 11-rebound double-double, and Devin Booker finished as Phoenix’s highest scorer with 24 points while adding eight assists and four rebounds. Chris Paul delivered 18 points, seven assists and five rebounds, and Josh Okogie notched 11 points with seven rebounds and three steals. No other Phoenix player scored in double digits.
The Bucks (43-17) and the Suns (33-29) are two teams with legit aspirations of making a deep playoff run, and even though both teams were missing their biggest stars in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant, respectively, this was still an intense game that went down to the wire and was only decided in the final stages of the contest. Milwaukee looked better in the early going and jumped out to a 33-26 score in the first quarter, and they’d keep that seven-point advantage alive after the second quarter finished with a 20-20 score. The Suns showed signs of life in the third quarter and reduced the deficit to just one point following a 28-22 score, and both teams went back and forth in the final 12 minutes. The game was tied until the very last minute, but the Bucks executed better down the stretch, and that was enough to seal the victory. With the win, Milwaukee moved to 26-5 at home, while Phoenix fell to 12-19 on the road.
Jrue Holiday led the way for the Bucks with 33 points, five assists and four rebounds, while Brook Lopez had an excellent two-way performance after posting 22 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks. Bobby Portis recorded 10 points, six assists and a block, and Khris Middleton thrived off the bench with 11 points, 10 rebounds and six assists across 25 minutes. Jae Crowder had seven points, three rebounds and two assists. No other Bucks player scored in double digits here.
Deandre Ayton had a 22-point, 11-rebound double-double, and Devin Booker finished as Phoenix’s highest scorer with 24 points while adding eight assists and four rebounds. Chris Paul delivered 18 points, seven assists and five rebounds, and Josh Okogie notched 11 points with seven rebounds and three steals. No other Phoenix player scored in double digits.
Hawks Hold On To Defeat Nets
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 129.127, at StateFarm Arena on Sunday.
The Hawks (31-30) have gone undefeated since the departure of Nate McMillan as head coach, but they had to work hard in this one to get past the Nets (34-26), a win that moved Atlanta to 17-12 at home, while the Nets fell to 16-15 on the road. Atlanta looked better in the early going and dominated the first quarter, racing out to a 37-29 score in the first 12 minutes, but the Nets showed they wouldn’t go down without a fight when they won the second quarter by a 28-27 score. Brooklyn also won the third quarter by a 37-33 score and was quite close to completing the comeback in the final 12 minutes, but Atlanta held on. Even though the Nets won the final quarter by a 33-32 score, the Hawks won in the final play of the game when Trae Young nailed the game-winning shot, a 12-foot jumpshot that gave the Hawks the lead with 0.1 seconds left in the game.
Trae Young led the Hawks in this win with 34 points, eight assists, three rebounds and two steals, while Dejounte Murray looked impressive and finished with 28 points, four dimes and three boards. John Collins returned to the starting lineup and finished with 12 points and four rebounds, while Clint Capela pulled down 12 rebounds while scoring six points. Bogdan Bogdanovic had 22 points off the bench, and Onyeka Okongwu had 10 points with seven boards.
Cameron Johnson led the way for the Nets with 27 points, three rebounds and two steals, while Mikal Bridges ended with 24 points, five boards, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Spencer Dinwiddie finished with 20 points, eight assists and four rebounds. Nic Claxton had eight points with 11 rebounds. Dorian Finney-Smith posted 12 points and eight rebounds.
The Hawks (31-30) have gone undefeated since the departure of Nate McMillan as head coach, but they had to work hard in this one to get past the Nets (34-26), a win that moved Atlanta to 17-12 at home, while the Nets fell to 16-15 on the road. Atlanta looked better in the early going and dominated the first quarter, racing out to a 37-29 score in the first 12 minutes, but the Nets showed they wouldn’t go down without a fight when they won the second quarter by a 28-27 score. Brooklyn also won the third quarter by a 37-33 score and was quite close to completing the comeback in the final 12 minutes, but Atlanta held on. Even though the Nets won the final quarter by a 33-32 score, the Hawks won in the final play of the game when Trae Young nailed the game-winning shot, a 12-foot jumpshot that gave the Hawks the lead with 0.1 seconds left in the game.
Trae Young led the Hawks in this win with 34 points, eight assists, three rebounds and two steals, while Dejounte Murray looked impressive and finished with 28 points, four dimes and three boards. John Collins returned to the starting lineup and finished with 12 points and four rebounds, while Clint Capela pulled down 12 rebounds while scoring six points. Bogdan Bogdanovic had 22 points off the bench, and Onyeka Okongwu had 10 points with seven boards.
Cameron Johnson led the way for the Nets with 27 points, three rebounds and two steals, while Mikal Bridges ended with 24 points, five boards, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Spencer Dinwiddie finished with 20 points, eight assists and four rebounds. Nic Claxton had eight points with 11 rebounds. Dorian Finney-Smith posted 12 points and eight rebounds.
Bulls Roll Past Wizards For Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls defeated the visiting Washington Wizards, 102-82, at United Center on Sunday.
The game got out to a tight start as the Wizards led, 27-25, after one quarter. The Bulls gained momentum in the second and pulled ahead with a two-point lead by halftime. The hosts carried the momentum into the third and expanded their lead to seven, heading into the final frame. The visitors had no response in the fourth as the Bulls charged to the finish and closed out their second straight win. This marks the second straight loss for the Hawks.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 29 points, two rebounds, six assists and two steals, in 35 minutes. Zach LaVine followed up with 27 points, four assists and a block, while Nikola Vucevic totaled 16 points and 13 rebounds. The Bulls shot 50.6 percent from the field, including 8-of-30 from long distance.
Meanwhile, Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 18 points, seven rebounds and eight assists, in 37 minutes. Daniel Gafford followed up with 15 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and a block, while Delon Wright tallied 14 points and four rebounds. The Wizards shot 42.1 percent from the field, including 6-of-28 from deep.
The Wizards (28-32) will look to bounce back as they take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Tuesday. The Bulls (28-33) take on the Raptors in Toronto on Tuesday.
The game got out to a tight start as the Wizards led, 27-25, after one quarter. The Bulls gained momentum in the second and pulled ahead with a two-point lead by halftime. The hosts carried the momentum into the third and expanded their lead to seven, heading into the final frame. The visitors had no response in the fourth as the Bulls charged to the finish and closed out their second straight win. This marks the second straight loss for the Hawks.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 29 points, two rebounds, six assists and two steals, in 35 minutes. Zach LaVine followed up with 27 points, four assists and a block, while Nikola Vucevic totaled 16 points and 13 rebounds. The Bulls shot 50.6 percent from the field, including 8-of-30 from long distance.
Meanwhile, Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 18 points, seven rebounds and eight assists, in 37 minutes. Daniel Gafford followed up with 15 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and a block, while Delon Wright tallied 14 points and four rebounds. The Wizards shot 42.1 percent from the field, including 6-of-28 from deep.
The Wizards (28-32) will look to bounce back as they take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Tuesday. The Bulls (28-33) take on the Raptors in Toronto on Tuesday.
Lakers Rally Back To Stun Mavs
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the host Dallas Mavericks, 111-108, at American Airlines Center on Sunday.
The Mavs jumped out to a strong start and led, 28-16, after one quarter. The Lakers picked up the pace in the second, but the hosts kept up and maintained a 14-point lead at the break. The visitors kept pressing in the third and managed to trim it down to a three-point game heading into the final quarter. Both sides fought hard down the stretch, but the Lakers came up clutch in the end to earn their third straight win.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 30 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and a steal, in 37 minutes. LeBron James followed up with 26 points, eight rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, while Jarred Vanderbilt totaled 15 points, 17 rebounds and four steals. The Lakers shot 43.3 percent from the field, including 6-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 26 points, nine rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Kyrie Irving followed up with 21 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, while Tim Hardaway added 17 points, four rebounds, two assists and a block. The Mavs shot 41.9 percent from the field, including 20-of-49 from deep.
The Mavericks (32-30) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pacers on Tuesday. The Lakers (29-32) take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Tuesday.
The Mavs jumped out to a strong start and led, 28-16, after one quarter. The Lakers picked up the pace in the second, but the hosts kept up and maintained a 14-point lead at the break. The visitors kept pressing in the third and managed to trim it down to a three-point game heading into the final quarter. Both sides fought hard down the stretch, but the Lakers came up clutch in the end to earn their third straight win.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 30 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and a steal, in 37 minutes. LeBron James followed up with 26 points, eight rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, while Jarred Vanderbilt totaled 15 points, 17 rebounds and four steals. The Lakers shot 43.3 percent from the field, including 6-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 26 points, nine rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Kyrie Irving followed up with 21 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, while Tim Hardaway added 17 points, four rebounds, two assists and a block. The Mavs shot 41.9 percent from the field, including 20-of-49 from deep.
The Mavericks (32-30) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pacers on Tuesday. The Lakers (29-32) take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Tuesday.
Cavaliers Throttle Raptors, 118-93
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Toronto Raptors, 118-93, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Sunday evening.
The Cavaliers (39-25) came into the contest as solid favorites, and their first-half performance put them firmly on the path to making good on that designation. Cleveland had doubled up its six-point first-quarter lead by halftime, and they enjoyed a 16-point advantage over the Raptors (30-32) going into the final period. The hosts then essentially sealed the win with a 13-2 run over the first 3:13 of the fourth quarter, giving them the necessary cushion to win going away.
Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 25 points, adding eight rebounds and five assists. Jakob Poeltl furnished 13 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Scottie Barnes supplied 12 points, five assists, three rebounds and two blocks.
Donovan Mitchell paced the Cavaliers with 35 points, complementing them with six rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Jarrett Allen generated a 23-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one assist. Darius Garland and Evan Mobley turned in matching 18-point tallies while recording 11 assists and nine boards, respectively.
The Raptors return home to host the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night, while the Cavaliers visit the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night.
The Cavaliers (39-25) came into the contest as solid favorites, and their first-half performance put them firmly on the path to making good on that designation. Cleveland had doubled up its six-point first-quarter lead by halftime, and they enjoyed a 16-point advantage over the Raptors (30-32) going into the final period. The hosts then essentially sealed the win with a 13-2 run over the first 3:13 of the fourth quarter, giving them the necessary cushion to win going away.
Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 25 points, adding eight rebounds and five assists. Jakob Poeltl furnished 13 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Scottie Barnes supplied 12 points, five assists, three rebounds and two blocks.
Donovan Mitchell paced the Cavaliers with 35 points, complementing them with six rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Jarrett Allen generated a 23-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one assist. Darius Garland and Evan Mobley turned in matching 18-point tallies while recording 11 assists and nine boards, respectively.
The Raptors return home to host the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night, while the Cavaliers visit the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night.
Kings Top Thunder, 124-115
The Sacramento Kings defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, 124-115, at Paycom Center on Sunday night.
The Kings (35-25) checked in as solid road favorites and began delivering on that designation early, forging a 36-26 lead through one. However, the Thunder (28-31) clawed back during the middle periods, outscoring Sacramento by a 64-58 margin to head into the final period trailing by only four points. Nevertheless, the visitors proved to have plenty of closing power, never trailing in the fourth quarter on the way to a nine-point victory.
De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 33 points, complementing them with eight assists, three rebounds and two steals. Keegan Murray posted 20 points, six boards, two assists and three steals. Trey Lyles delivered 16 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal. Domantas Sabonis generated a 14-point, 15-rebound double-double that included eight assists. Malik Monk totaled 12 points, three rebounds and two assists.
Isaiah Joe paced the Thunder with 24 points, adding three assists. Josh Giddey and Luguentz Dort contributed matching 18-point efforts while recording seven and five rebounds, respectively. Jalen Williams furnished 15 points, four assists, two rebounds and three steals. Lindy Waters III registered 12 points, seven boards, one assist and two steals.
The two teams reconvene for a rematch at Paycom Center on Tuesday night.
The Kings (35-25) checked in as solid road favorites and began delivering on that designation early, forging a 36-26 lead through one. However, the Thunder (28-31) clawed back during the middle periods, outscoring Sacramento by a 64-58 margin to head into the final period trailing by only four points. Nevertheless, the visitors proved to have plenty of closing power, never trailing in the fourth quarter on the way to a nine-point victory.
De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 33 points, complementing them with eight assists, three rebounds and two steals. Keegan Murray posted 20 points, six boards, two assists and three steals. Trey Lyles delivered 16 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal. Domantas Sabonis generated a 14-point, 15-rebound double-double that included eight assists. Malik Monk totaled 12 points, three rebounds and two assists.
Isaiah Joe paced the Thunder with 24 points, adding three assists. Josh Giddey and Luguentz Dort contributed matching 18-point efforts while recording seven and five rebounds, respectively. Jalen Williams furnished 15 points, four assists, two rebounds and three steals. Lindy Waters III registered 12 points, seven boards, one assist and two steals.
The two teams reconvene for a rematch at Paycom Center on Tuesday night.
Warriors Defeat T'Wolves, 109-104
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 109-104, at Chase Center on Sunday.
Minnesota held the lead for the entirety of the first half and all but five minutes in this game, but Golden State completed their comeback behind a 31-17 fourth quarter. They trailed by 14 points at times but went on a 29-9 run in that final frame to finish off the comeback. The Warriors dominated down low, out-rebounding the Timberwolves, 65-55. Golden State also shot 16-of-22 from the free-throw line, while Minnesota connected on just 11-of-21.
The Timberwolves (31-32) were led by Naz Reid, finishing with 30 points, nine rebounds, three assists, five steals and two blocks. Kyle Anderson collected 12 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Anthony Edwards accrued 12 points, five rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks, while Jaden McDaniels amassed 12 points, three rebounds and three steals.
The Warriors (31-30) were led by Klay Thompson, compiling 32 points, five rebounds and four assists. Donte DiVincenzo totaled 21 points, eight rebounds, five assists and four steals. Jordan Poole provided 15 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Kevon Looney generated 12 points, 17 rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Minnesota traveling to face the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State remaining home to play the Portland Trail Blazers.
Minnesota held the lead for the entirety of the first half and all but five minutes in this game, but Golden State completed their comeback behind a 31-17 fourth quarter. They trailed by 14 points at times but went on a 29-9 run in that final frame to finish off the comeback. The Warriors dominated down low, out-rebounding the Timberwolves, 65-55. Golden State also shot 16-of-22 from the free-throw line, while Minnesota connected on just 11-of-21.
The Timberwolves (31-32) were led by Naz Reid, finishing with 30 points, nine rebounds, three assists, five steals and two blocks. Kyle Anderson collected 12 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Anthony Edwards accrued 12 points, five rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks, while Jaden McDaniels amassed 12 points, three rebounds and three steals.
The Warriors (31-30) were led by Klay Thompson, compiling 32 points, five rebounds and four assists. Donte DiVincenzo totaled 21 points, eight rebounds, five assists and four steals. Jordan Poole provided 15 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Kevon Looney generated 12 points, 17 rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Minnesota traveling to face the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State remaining home to play the Portland Trail Blazers.
Trail Blazers Defeat Rockets, 131-114
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 131-114, at Moda Center on Sunday.
Portland held the lead for all but one minute in this game, thanks to a 41-27 second quarter. They got their lead up to 23 points at times in the third quarter, leading by at least five points for the final 30 minutes of this game. The Trail Blazers shot 55 percent from the field and 53 percent from three-point range (21-of-40) while holding the Rockets to 45 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range (7-of-26). Portland also shot 27-of-35 from the free-throw line, while Houston connected on 17-of-25.
The Rockets (13-47) were led by Alperen Sengun, tallying 17 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Jae'Sean Tate totaled 17 points, two rebounds and two assists. KJ Martin collected 14 points, eight rebounds and four assists, while Daishen Nix led the bench with 16 points and three assists. Tari Eason also provided 15 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals off the bench.
The Trail Blazers (29-31) were led by Damian Lillard, finishing with 71 points, six rebounds and six assists on 23-of-39 from the field and 13-of-22 from three-point range. That's the highest total in the NBA this season and the eighth-highest-scoring game in NBA history. Jerami Grant was the only other starter in double figures, amassing 13 points and five rebounds. Nassir Little led the bench with 11 points, nine rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday against tough teams, with Houston returning home to play the Denver Nuggets and Portland traveling to face the Golden State Warriors.
Portland held the lead for all but one minute in this game, thanks to a 41-27 second quarter. They got their lead up to 23 points at times in the third quarter, leading by at least five points for the final 30 minutes of this game. The Trail Blazers shot 55 percent from the field and 53 percent from three-point range (21-of-40) while holding the Rockets to 45 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range (7-of-26). Portland also shot 27-of-35 from the free-throw line, while Houston connected on 17-of-25.
The Rockets (13-47) were led by Alperen Sengun, tallying 17 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Jae'Sean Tate totaled 17 points, two rebounds and two assists. KJ Martin collected 14 points, eight rebounds and four assists, while Daishen Nix led the bench with 16 points and three assists. Tari Eason also provided 15 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals off the bench.
The Trail Blazers (29-31) were led by Damian Lillard, finishing with 71 points, six rebounds and six assists on 23-of-39 from the field and 13-of-22 from three-point range. That's the highest total in the NBA this season and the eighth-highest-scoring game in NBA history. Jerami Grant was the only other starter in double figures, amassing 13 points and five rebounds. Nassir Little led the bench with 11 points, nine rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday against tough teams, with Houston returning home to play the Denver Nuggets and Portland traveling to face the Golden State Warriors.
Nuggets Defeat Clippers in OT, 134-124
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Los Angeles Clippers in overtime, 134-124, at Ball Arena on Sunday.
While Denver held the lead for the opening 43 minutes of this game, there were six ties and four lead changes across the closing five minutes to send the game into overtime. The Nuggets got out to a 7-0 start in that extra frame, though, outscoring the Clippers, 14-4, in the overtime session. Denver shot 51 percent from the field while holding Los Angeles below 49 percent shooting. The Nuggets also out-rebounded the Clippers, 65-41, while out-assisting them, 35-24. Denver outscored LA in the paint, 62-46, and in second-chance points, 23-11.
The Clippers (33-30) were led by Kawi Leonard, collecting 33 points, six rebounds and two assists. Paul George provided 23 points, four rebounds and four assists. Russell Westbrook registered 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and five steals, while Mason Plumlee totaled seven points, 10 rebounds and two blocks.
The Nuggets (43-19) were led by Nikola Jokic, finishing with 40 points, 17 rebounds, 10 assists and three steals. Michael Porter Jr amassed 29 points and 11 rebounds. Jamal Murray tallied 21 points, five rebounds, 13 assists and two steals, while Bruce Brown led the bench with 13 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Los Angeles playing host to the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver traveling to face the Houston Rockets.
While Denver held the lead for the opening 43 minutes of this game, there were six ties and four lead changes across the closing five minutes to send the game into overtime. The Nuggets got out to a 7-0 start in that extra frame, though, outscoring the Clippers, 14-4, in the overtime session. Denver shot 51 percent from the field while holding Los Angeles below 49 percent shooting. The Nuggets also out-rebounded the Clippers, 65-41, while out-assisting them, 35-24. Denver outscored LA in the paint, 62-46, and in second-chance points, 23-11.
The Clippers (33-30) were led by Kawi Leonard, collecting 33 points, six rebounds and two assists. Paul George provided 23 points, four rebounds and four assists. Russell Westbrook registered 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and five steals, while Mason Plumlee totaled seven points, 10 rebounds and two blocks.
The Nuggets (43-19) were led by Nikola Jokic, finishing with 40 points, 17 rebounds, 10 assists and three steals. Michael Porter Jr amassed 29 points and 11 rebounds. Jamal Murray tallied 21 points, five rebounds, 13 assists and two steals, while Bruce Brown led the bench with 13 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Los Angeles playing host to the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver traveling to face the Houston Rockets.