Bulls Hold Off Pistons, Escape With Win
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Detroit Pistons, 117-115, at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday.
The Bulls (29-34) have been slumping of late and their playoff chances are getting more and more complicated, but they escaped with a massive win over the Pistons (15-48), a result that keeps their Play-in chances alive. It was not an easy game for Chicago, however, as Detroit came quite close to securing a massive comeback in the latter stages of the contest. Chicago looked good in the early going, though, securing a 38-36 lead in the first quarter and bolstering it to a 15-point lead at the break following a 31-18 score in the second quarter. The Pistons showed signs of pulling a comeback in the second half, though, and they were particularly dominant in the final 12 minutes where they outscored the Bulls by a 29-16 score. Unfortunately for them, they didn’t have enough time to turn things around and had to settle for a loss. Chicago moved to 11-21 on the road with the win, while the Pistons fell to 8-23 at home.
Zach LaVine was massive for the Bulls and finished with 41 points, while DeMar DeRozan chipped in with 21 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Nikola Vucevic had 12 points and nine rebounds, while Patrick Beverley chipped in with 10 rebounds and 10 assists while scoring five points. Coby White had 14 points off the bench and Patrick Williams finished with 11 points with two blocks.
Bojan Bogdanovic had 34 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Jaden Ivey ended with 18 points, four rebounds and two assists. Killian Hayes delivered 11 points, seven assists, two rebounds and three steals across 24 minutes. Hamidou Diallo had 19 points coming off the bench, while Alec Burks posted 11 points and four rebounds.
The Bulls (29-34) have been slumping of late and their playoff chances are getting more and more complicated, but they escaped with a massive win over the Pistons (15-48), a result that keeps their Play-in chances alive. It was not an easy game for Chicago, however, as Detroit came quite close to securing a massive comeback in the latter stages of the contest. Chicago looked good in the early going, though, securing a 38-36 lead in the first quarter and bolstering it to a 15-point lead at the break following a 31-18 score in the second quarter. The Pistons showed signs of pulling a comeback in the second half, though, and they were particularly dominant in the final 12 minutes where they outscored the Bulls by a 29-16 score. Unfortunately for them, they didn’t have enough time to turn things around and had to settle for a loss. Chicago moved to 11-21 on the road with the win, while the Pistons fell to 8-23 at home.
Zach LaVine was massive for the Bulls and finished with 41 points, while DeMar DeRozan chipped in with 21 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Nikola Vucevic had 12 points and nine rebounds, while Patrick Beverley chipped in with 10 rebounds and 10 assists while scoring five points. Coby White had 14 points off the bench and Patrick Williams finished with 11 points with two blocks.
Bojan Bogdanovic had 34 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Jaden Ivey ended with 18 points, four rebounds and two assists. Killian Hayes delivered 11 points, seven assists, two rebounds and three steals across 24 minutes. Hamidou Diallo had 19 points coming off the bench, while Alec Burks posted 11 points and four rebounds.
Suns Defeat Hornets In Kevin Durant's Debut
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 105-91, at Spectrum Center on Wednesday.
The Suns (34-29) grabbed headlines Wednesday since Kevin Durant debuted for the team, and the star forward didn’t disappoint while leading the way for Phoenix in a comfortable win over a struggling Hornets (20-44) team. Phoenix looked good from the early going and quickly raced out to a 27-22 lead in the first quarter, and they bolstered their lead toward a double-digit advantage after a 30-19 score in the second quarter. The Hornets showed signs of mounting a comeback after they won the third quarter by a 32-22 score, but the Suns didn’t want to entertain any surprises. Phoenix won the final quarter by a 26-18 score, and that allowed them to secure an easy win here. With the victory, the Suns moved to 13-19 on the road, while the Hornets fell to 11-19 on the road.
Kevin Durant had 23 points, six rebounds, two assists and two blocks in his Suns debut. Devin Booker was the leading scorer after pouring 37 points, seven assists, six rebounds and two blocks. Chris Paul only had two points (1-8 FG) but chipped in with 11 assists, two rebounds and two steals. Deandre Ayton had a double-double of 16 points and 16 rebounds while adding four assists. The Suns shot 47.2 percent from the field.
Kelly Oubre Jr. was the leading scorer for the Hornets with 26 points and also added nine rebounds and a block. Terry Rozier finished with 20 points, six rebounds and five assists. Mark Williams had a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds. Gordon Hayward contributed 15 points, four assists and two rebounds. Charlotte shot 36.4 percent from the field.
The Suns (34-29) grabbed headlines Wednesday since Kevin Durant debuted for the team, and the star forward didn’t disappoint while leading the way for Phoenix in a comfortable win over a struggling Hornets (20-44) team. Phoenix looked good from the early going and quickly raced out to a 27-22 lead in the first quarter, and they bolstered their lead toward a double-digit advantage after a 30-19 score in the second quarter. The Hornets showed signs of mounting a comeback after they won the third quarter by a 32-22 score, but the Suns didn’t want to entertain any surprises. Phoenix won the final quarter by a 26-18 score, and that allowed them to secure an easy win here. With the victory, the Suns moved to 13-19 on the road, while the Hornets fell to 11-19 on the road.
Kevin Durant had 23 points, six rebounds, two assists and two blocks in his Suns debut. Devin Booker was the leading scorer after pouring 37 points, seven assists, six rebounds and two blocks. Chris Paul only had two points (1-8 FG) but chipped in with 11 assists, two rebounds and two steals. Deandre Ayton had a double-double of 16 points and 16 rebounds while adding four assists. The Suns shot 47.2 percent from the field.
Kelly Oubre Jr. was the leading scorer for the Hornets with 26 points and also added nine rebounds and a block. Terry Rozier finished with 20 points, six rebounds and five assists. Mark Williams had a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds. Gordon Hayward contributed 15 points, four assists and two rebounds. Charlotte shot 36.4 percent from the field.
Celtics Edge Cavaliers, 117-113
The Boston Celtics defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 117-113, at TD Garden on Wednesday night.
The Celtics (45-18) came into the contest looking to atone for a lackluster loss to the New York Knicks on Monday, and after emerging from the first quarter with a two-point deficit, Boston came back to establish a three-point lead over the Cavaliers (39-26) by halftime. The hosts then enjoyed their most productive quarter coming out of intermission, compiling 41 points to extend their advantage to 18 points heading into the final period. However, Cleveland battled back to get within five points with 27 seconds remaining before a pair of Marcus Smart and Jayson Tatum free throws apiece helped seal a hard-fought home win for Joe Mazzulla's squad.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 44 points, adding five assists and four rebounds. Darius Garland delivered 29 points, nine assists, three rebounds and four steals. Evan Mobley generated a 12-point, 13-rebound double-double that included one assist and one steal. Caris LeVert furnished 10 points, six rebounds and three assists.
Tatum paced the Celtics with a 41-point, 11-rebound double-double that included eight assists. Al Horford provided 23 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and one block. Jaylen Brown registered 16 points, four assists and three boards. Smart recorded 14 points, two assists and three steals. Robert Williams generated an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double that included three assists, two blocks and one steal.
The Cavaliers return home to face the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night, while the Celtics remain home and host the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night.
The Celtics (45-18) came into the contest looking to atone for a lackluster loss to the New York Knicks on Monday, and after emerging from the first quarter with a two-point deficit, Boston came back to establish a three-point lead over the Cavaliers (39-26) by halftime. The hosts then enjoyed their most productive quarter coming out of intermission, compiling 41 points to extend their advantage to 18 points heading into the final period. However, Cleveland battled back to get within five points with 27 seconds remaining before a pair of Marcus Smart and Jayson Tatum free throws apiece helped seal a hard-fought home win for Joe Mazzulla's squad.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 44 points, adding five assists and four rebounds. Darius Garland delivered 29 points, nine assists, three rebounds and four steals. Evan Mobley generated a 12-point, 13-rebound double-double that included one assist and one steal. Caris LeVert furnished 10 points, six rebounds and three assists.
Tatum paced the Celtics with a 41-point, 11-rebound double-double that included eight assists. Al Horford provided 23 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and one block. Jaylen Brown registered 16 points, four assists and three boards. Smart recorded 14 points, two assists and three steals. Robert Williams generated an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double that included three assists, two blocks and one steal.
The Cavaliers return home to face the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night, while the Celtics remain home and host the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night.
Embiid-less 76ers Thump Heat, 119-96
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Miami Heat, 119-96, at Miami-Dade Arena on Wednesday night.
The Heat (33-30) had edged the 76ers (40-21) at Wells Fargo Center on Monday night, and early in Wednesday's contest, they appeared to be on the way to an even bigger success, especially with Joel Embiid out due to foot soreness. However, Miami's four-point edge after one quarter quickly evaporated and then some courtesy of Philadelphia's 37-15 advantage in the second. The 18-point lead that sent the visitors into halftime proved to be more than enough cushion, but the Sixers ultimately added to it and finished with a 23-point margin of victory.
Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 27 points, adding seven assists, four rebounds and one steal. James Harden delivered 23 points, seven boards, five assists and one block. Tobias Harris supplied 18 points, six rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Paul Reed generated a 16-point, 14-rebound double-double that included two blocks. Shake Milton poured in 12 points.
Bam Adebayo paced the Heat with 20 points, complementing with eight rebounds, two assists and one steal. Jimmy Butler registered 16 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Max Strus offered 13 points, five boards and two assists. Tyler Herro managed 11 points, six assists and one rebound.
The 76ers remain on the road and visit the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night, while the Heat remains home and hosts the New York Knicks on Friday night.
The Heat (33-30) had edged the 76ers (40-21) at Wells Fargo Center on Monday night, and early in Wednesday's contest, they appeared to be on the way to an even bigger success, especially with Joel Embiid out due to foot soreness. However, Miami's four-point edge after one quarter quickly evaporated and then some courtesy of Philadelphia's 37-15 advantage in the second. The 18-point lead that sent the visitors into halftime proved to be more than enough cushion, but the Sixers ultimately added to it and finished with a 23-point margin of victory.
Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 27 points, adding seven assists, four rebounds and one steal. James Harden delivered 23 points, seven boards, five assists and one block. Tobias Harris supplied 18 points, six rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Paul Reed generated a 16-point, 14-rebound double-double that included two blocks. Shake Milton poured in 12 points.
Bam Adebayo paced the Heat with 20 points, complementing with eight rebounds, two assists and one steal. Jimmy Butler registered 16 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Max Strus offered 13 points, five boards and two assists. Tyler Herro managed 11 points, six assists and one rebound.
The 76ers remain on the road and visit the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night, while the Heat remains home and hosts the New York Knicks on Friday night.
Knicks Throttle Nets, 142-118
The New York Knicks defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 142-118, at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night.
The Knicks (37-27) checked in blistering hot with a six-game winning streak that most recently included a signature win over the Boston Celtics, and they immediately demonstrated they still had a hot hand in the first 12 minutes. New York scored 47 first-quarter points on its way to a 24-point halftime lead, and they subsequently played the overwhelmed Nets (34-28) to a 61-61 draw in the second half.
Cameron Johnson led the Nets with 33 points, complementing them with two rebounds and one block. Mikal Bridges totaled 21 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Cam Thomas netted 15 points, while Spencer Dinwiddie contributed an 11-point, 10-assist double-double that included two rebounds and two steals. Seth Curry registered 10 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with 39 points, supplementing them with six assists and five rebounds. Quentin Grimes offered 22 points, three rebounds and one assist. Julius Randle supplied 21 points, eight boards and eight assists. Immanuel Quickley and R.J. Barrett posted matching 15-point efforts while adding three and two rebounds, respectively. Mitchell Robinson generated a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist, one steal and one block.
The Nets remain on the road and visit the Boston Celtics on Friday night, while the Knicks visit the Miami Heat on Friday night as well.
The Knicks (37-27) checked in blistering hot with a six-game winning streak that most recently included a signature win over the Boston Celtics, and they immediately demonstrated they still had a hot hand in the first 12 minutes. New York scored 47 first-quarter points on its way to a 24-point halftime lead, and they subsequently played the overwhelmed Nets (34-28) to a 61-61 draw in the second half.
Cameron Johnson led the Nets with 33 points, complementing them with two rebounds and one block. Mikal Bridges totaled 21 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Cam Thomas netted 15 points, while Spencer Dinwiddie contributed an 11-point, 10-assist double-double that included two rebounds and two steals. Seth Curry registered 10 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with 39 points, supplementing them with six assists and five rebounds. Quentin Grimes offered 22 points, three rebounds and one assist. Julius Randle supplied 21 points, eight boards and eight assists. Immanuel Quickley and R.J. Barrett posted matching 15-point efforts while adding three and two rebounds, respectively. Mitchell Robinson generated a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist, one steal and one block.
The Nets remain on the road and visit the Boston Celtics on Friday night, while the Knicks visit the Miami Heat on Friday night as well.
Grizzlies Cruise To Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the host Houston Rockets, 113-99, at Toyota Center on Wednesday evening.
The Grizzlies got out to a strong start and led, 25-19, after one quarter, but the Rockets stuck with it and cut it to a three-point game by halftime. The Grizzles reclaimed dominance in the third, where they outscored the hosts by 14 points, to take a 17-point cushion in to the final frame. The Rockets had no answers down the stretch, as the Grizzlies earned the third straight win.
Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 30 points, nine rebounds, six assists and a block, in 29 minutes. Ja Morant followed up with 20 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while Jaren Jackson added 17 points, four rebounds and five blocks. The Grizzlies shot 48.2 percent from the field, including 17-of-41 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jalen Green led the Rockets with 20 points, three rebounds, three assists and a block, in 29 minutes. Kenyon Martin followed up with 19 points, and six rebounds, while Jae'Sean Tate, Kevin Porter and Alperen Sengun chipped in 11 points each. The Rockets shot 40 percent from the field, including 11-of-34 from long range.
The Rockets (13-49) will look to bounce back as they face the Spurs in San Antonio on Saturday. The Grizzlies (38-23) take on the Nuggets in Denver on Friday.
The Grizzlies got out to a strong start and led, 25-19, after one quarter, but the Rockets stuck with it and cut it to a three-point game by halftime. The Grizzles reclaimed dominance in the third, where they outscored the hosts by 14 points, to take a 17-point cushion in to the final frame. The Rockets had no answers down the stretch, as the Grizzlies earned the third straight win.
Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 30 points, nine rebounds, six assists and a block, in 29 minutes. Ja Morant followed up with 20 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while Jaren Jackson added 17 points, four rebounds and five blocks. The Grizzlies shot 48.2 percent from the field, including 17-of-41 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jalen Green led the Rockets with 20 points, three rebounds, three assists and a block, in 29 minutes. Kenyon Martin followed up with 19 points, and six rebounds, while Jae'Sean Tate, Kevin Porter and Alperen Sengun chipped in 11 points each. The Rockets shot 40 percent from the field, including 11-of-34 from long range.
The Rockets (13-49) will look to bounce back as they face the Spurs in San Antonio on Saturday. The Grizzlies (38-23) take on the Nuggets in Denver on Friday.
Bucks Rally To 16th Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 139-117, at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday evening.
The game got out to a tight start and the Bucks held on to a two-point lead after one quarter. They picked up the pace in the second and outscored the visitors, 45-37, to take a 10-point lead into the break. The Magic had no response in the third, as the hosts stayed in front and carried a 12-point cushion into the final frame. The Bucks did not let up in the fourth and rallied to the 22-point blowout for their 16th straight win.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 31 points, seven rebounds, six assists and a block, in 28 minutes. Jrue Holiday followed up with 23 points, four rebounds and nine assists, while Brook Lopez tallied 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Bucks shot 52.1 percent from the field, including 26-of-56 from long range.
Meanwhile, Cole Anthony led the Magic with 28 points, seven rebounds and four assists, in 33 minutes off the bench. Markelle Fultz followed up with 21 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while Wendell Carter tallied 19 points, 10 rebounds and a block. The Magic shot 45.7 percent from the field, including 9-of-33 from deep.
The Magic (26-37) will look to bounce back as they take on the Hornets in Charlotte on Friday. The Bucks (45-17) play host to the 76ers on Saturday.
The game got out to a tight start and the Bucks held on to a two-point lead after one quarter. They picked up the pace in the second and outscored the visitors, 45-37, to take a 10-point lead into the break. The Magic had no response in the third, as the hosts stayed in front and carried a 12-point cushion into the final frame. The Bucks did not let up in the fourth and rallied to the 22-point blowout for their 16th straight win.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 31 points, seven rebounds, six assists and a block, in 28 minutes. Jrue Holiday followed up with 23 points, four rebounds and nine assists, while Brook Lopez tallied 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Bucks shot 52.1 percent from the field, including 26-of-56 from long range.
Meanwhile, Cole Anthony led the Magic with 28 points, seven rebounds and four assists, in 33 minutes off the bench. Markelle Fultz followed up with 21 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while Wendell Carter tallied 19 points, 10 rebounds and a block. The Magic shot 45.7 percent from the field, including 9-of-33 from deep.
The Magic (26-37) will look to bounce back as they take on the Hornets in Charlotte on Friday. The Bucks (45-17) play host to the 76ers on Saturday.
Lakers Topple Thunder, 123-117
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, 123-117, at Paycom Center on Wednesday night.
The Lakers (30-33) found out shortly before tip-off that they'd have to make do without Anthony Davis (foot) in addition to LeBron James (foot), but they appeared undeterred while carving out a 31-30 lead through one. The Thunder (28-34) managed to eliminate that narrow deficit and established a three-point advantage going into halftime, but Los Angeles regained control with a 33-24 edge during the third quarter. Although Oklahoma City got within five points on multiple occasions during the latter portion of the final period, the visitors managed to keep them off the scoreboard over the final 26 seconds on the way to the upset road win.
Dennis Schroder led the Lakers with 26 points, adding six assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Troy Brown and Austin Reaves generated matching 19-point, four-assist, one-steal efforts. Lonnie Walker furnished 13 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal. Mo Bamba managed 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Malik Beasley chipped in 11 points, six boards and two assists.
Jalen Williams paced the Thunder with 24 points, supplementing them with seven assists, four rebounds and two steals. Josh Giddey turned in 22 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds. Luguentz Dort totaled 19 points, two rebounds, two assists and one block. Isaiah Joe compiled 15 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Dario Saric posted 13 points and two boards.
The Lakers return home to host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night, while the Thunder remains home and hosts the Utah Jazz on Friday night as well.
The Lakers (30-33) found out shortly before tip-off that they'd have to make do without Anthony Davis (foot) in addition to LeBron James (foot), but they appeared undeterred while carving out a 31-30 lead through one. The Thunder (28-34) managed to eliminate that narrow deficit and established a three-point advantage going into halftime, but Los Angeles regained control with a 33-24 edge during the third quarter. Although Oklahoma City got within five points on multiple occasions during the latter portion of the final period, the visitors managed to keep them off the scoreboard over the final 26 seconds on the way to the upset road win.
Dennis Schroder led the Lakers with 26 points, adding six assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Troy Brown and Austin Reaves generated matching 19-point, four-assist, one-steal efforts. Lonnie Walker furnished 13 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal. Mo Bamba managed 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Malik Beasley chipped in 11 points, six boards and two assists.
Jalen Williams paced the Thunder with 24 points, supplementing them with seven assists, four rebounds and two steals. Josh Giddey turned in 22 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds. Luguentz Dort totaled 19 points, two rebounds, two assists and one block. Isaiah Joe compiled 15 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Dario Saric posted 13 points and two boards.
The Lakers return home to host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night, while the Thunder remains home and hosts the Utah Jazz on Friday night as well.
Pelicans Defeat Trail Blazers, 121-110
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 121-110, at Moda Center on Wednesday.
There were 13 ties and 15 lead changes through the opening 40 minutes of this game, but New Orleans rode a 31-19 fourth quarter to their win. Portland actually started that quarter on a 6-2 run, but New Orleans outscored them 29-13 over the closing 10 minutes. The Pelicans shot 52 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range while holding the Trail Blazers to 44 percent from the field and 29 percent from long range. New Orleans also won the turnover battle, 14-6.
The Pelicans (31-32) were led by Brandon Ingram, collecting 40 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. C.J. McCollum compiled 24 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. The other three starters combined for just 19 points. Jaxson Hayes led the bench with 15 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Trail Blazers (29-33) were led by Damian Lillard, finishing with 41 points and eight rebounds. Jerami Grant generated 28 points, four rebounds and three assists. Matisse Thybulle tallied 12 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four blocks, while Cam Reddish led the bench with 13 points, three rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with New Orleans staying on the road to pface lay the Golden State Warriors and Portland traveling to play the Atlanta Hawks.
There were 13 ties and 15 lead changes through the opening 40 minutes of this game, but New Orleans rode a 31-19 fourth quarter to their win. Portland actually started that quarter on a 6-2 run, but New Orleans outscored them 29-13 over the closing 10 minutes. The Pelicans shot 52 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range while holding the Trail Blazers to 44 percent from the field and 29 percent from long range. New Orleans also won the turnover battle, 14-6.
The Pelicans (31-32) were led by Brandon Ingram, collecting 40 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. C.J. McCollum compiled 24 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. The other three starters combined for just 19 points. Jaxson Hayes led the bench with 15 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Trail Blazers (29-33) were led by Damian Lillard, finishing with 41 points and eight rebounds. Jerami Grant generated 28 points, four rebounds and three assists. Matisse Thybulle tallied 12 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four blocks, while Cam Reddish led the bench with 13 points, three rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with New Orleans staying on the road to pface lay the Golden State Warriors and Portland traveling to play the Atlanta Hawks.