Magic Make Easy Work Of Hornets
The Orlando Magic defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 117-106, at Spectrum Center on Friday.
The Magic (27-37) might be 10 games below the .500 threshold, but they keep piling up wins and show they are not going to give up until they’re mathematically eliminated, and their win over the Hornets (20-45) was a game in which they didn’t have major problems outside of a late comeback attempt from Charlotte. Orlando got off to a strong start and grabbed the lead following a 31-26 score in the opening 12 minutes, but the Magic would pull away for good following an 11-point differential in the second quarter (33-22). The Magic didn’t step the foot off the gas in the third quarter either, and they marched into the final period holding an 18-point lead. The Hornets tried to mount a comeback and outscored the Magic by seven points in the fourth, but it was not enough to turn things around, and Orlando sealed the win. The Magic improved to 12-21 on the road with the win, while the Hornets fell to 11-20 at home.
Paolo Banchero led the way for the Magic in this win, as he ended with 31 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Wendell Carter ended with 12 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Both Markelle Fultz and Gary Harris notched nine points, four rebounds and two steals, though Fultz also dished out four assists. Cole Anthony had 16 points and four assists off the bench, with Jalen Suggs adding 15 points and five boards. Moritz Wagner added 13 points and six boards.
Kelly Oubre Jr. posted a 29-point, 10-rebound performance that also included two assists and two steals, while Terry Rozier delivered 22 points, six assists, two boards and two steals. Gordon Hayward had 17 points and seven assists, and Mark Williams chipped in with 13 points and seven boards while playing 28 minutes.
The Magic (27-37) might be 10 games below the .500 threshold, but they keep piling up wins and show they are not going to give up until they’re mathematically eliminated, and their win over the Hornets (20-45) was a game in which they didn’t have major problems outside of a late comeback attempt from Charlotte. Orlando got off to a strong start and grabbed the lead following a 31-26 score in the opening 12 minutes, but the Magic would pull away for good following an 11-point differential in the second quarter (33-22). The Magic didn’t step the foot off the gas in the third quarter either, and they marched into the final period holding an 18-point lead. The Hornets tried to mount a comeback and outscored the Magic by seven points in the fourth, but it was not enough to turn things around, and Orlando sealed the win. The Magic improved to 12-21 on the road with the win, while the Hornets fell to 11-20 at home.
Paolo Banchero led the way for the Magic in this win, as he ended with 31 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Wendell Carter ended with 12 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Both Markelle Fultz and Gary Harris notched nine points, four rebounds and two steals, though Fultz also dished out four assists. Cole Anthony had 16 points and four assists off the bench, with Jalen Suggs adding 15 points and five boards. Moritz Wagner added 13 points and six boards.
Kelly Oubre Jr. posted a 29-point, 10-rebound performance that also included two assists and two steals, while Terry Rozier delivered 22 points, six assists, two boards and two steals. Gordon Hayward had 17 points and seven assists, and Mark Williams chipped in with 13 points and seven boards while playing 28 minutes.
Hawks Use Strong Start To Defeat Trail Blazers
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, 129-111, at StateFarm Arena on Friday.
The Hawks (32-31) once again moved over the .500 threshold and delivered a dominant performance to get past the Trail Blazers (29-34), as Damian Lillard had another excellent game for Portland, but his solo efforts were not enough to get the win here. Atlanta set the tone as soon as the action started and jumped out to a 31-19 lead following the first quarter, and that would be an advantage the Hawks would never relinquish. Even though the Trail Blazers put up a fight in the second quarter, a period they won by a 30-28 score, the Hawks essentially killed the game with a 38-27 score in the third quarter. The final 12 minutes saw the Blazers won by a 35-32 score, but that wouldn’t matter much, as the Hawks had the game wrapped up early in the second half. The Hawks moved to 18-13 at home with the win, while the Trail Blazers fell to 12-19 on the road with this loss.
Dejounte Murray was the leading scorer for the Hawks with 41 points, but he also added six assists and five rebounds, while Trae Young had an excellent all-around performance with 23 points, 11 assists, seven rebounds and two steals across 29 minutes. Deandre Hunter posted 17 points and four rebounds, while Clint Capela had an excellent double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds.
Damian Lillard was the best player for the Blazers in this game and finished with 33 points and eight assists, but he also added four rebounds and two steals. Cam Reddish impressed against his former team and posted 25 points, but he also added three rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Jerami Grant stuffed the stat sheet admirably and finished with 14 points, five rebounds, four assists, three blocks and two steals.
The Hawks (32-31) once again moved over the .500 threshold and delivered a dominant performance to get past the Trail Blazers (29-34), as Damian Lillard had another excellent game for Portland, but his solo efforts were not enough to get the win here. Atlanta set the tone as soon as the action started and jumped out to a 31-19 lead following the first quarter, and that would be an advantage the Hawks would never relinquish. Even though the Trail Blazers put up a fight in the second quarter, a period they won by a 30-28 score, the Hawks essentially killed the game with a 38-27 score in the third quarter. The final 12 minutes saw the Blazers won by a 35-32 score, but that wouldn’t matter much, as the Hawks had the game wrapped up early in the second half. The Hawks moved to 18-13 at home with the win, while the Trail Blazers fell to 12-19 on the road with this loss.
Dejounte Murray was the leading scorer for the Hawks with 41 points, but he also added six assists and five rebounds, while Trae Young had an excellent all-around performance with 23 points, 11 assists, seven rebounds and two steals across 29 minutes. Deandre Hunter posted 17 points and four rebounds, while Clint Capela had an excellent double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds.
Damian Lillard was the best player for the Blazers in this game and finished with 33 points and eight assists, but he also added four rebounds and two steals. Cam Reddish impressed against his former team and posted 25 points, but he also added three rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Jerami Grant stuffed the stat sheet admirably and finished with 14 points, five rebounds, four assists, three blocks and two steals.
Nets Mount Massive Comeback To Defeat Celtics
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Boston Celtics, 115-105, at TD Garden on Friday.
The Nets (35-28) delivered the biggest comeback win of the season Friday after erasing a 28-point deficit to stun the Celtics (45-19) in Boston. The win pushed Brooklyn’s road record over the .500 threshold (17-16), while the Celtics have now gone 25-8 when playing at home and remain one of the best home teams in The Association. The Celtics enjoyed a dominant spell in the opening 12 minutes and outscored the Nets by an impressive 37-15 score, but Brooklyn began showing signs of a turnaround following a 40-27 score in the second period. The Nets never looked back the rest of the way, though, also winning the third quarter by a 34-20 score – grabbing the lead in the process and closing the game out for good. Brooklyn also outscored the Celtics in the fourth quarter (26-21) to complete the largest comeback of the 2022-23 NBA season.
Mikal Bridges led the way for the Nets thanks to his 38-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included four assists, while Cameron Johnson had a strong game as well thanks to his 20 points, five boards and three assists. Nic Claxton only had two points, but he pulled down 11 rebounds and also added three blocks. Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian-Finney Smith each had 17 points, with Dinwiddie also having eight assists, three steals and three rebounds.
Jaylen Brown was the star for the Celtics and finished with 35 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals, while Jayson Tatum delivered a double-double of 22 points and 13 boards that also included five assists and two blocks. Marcus Smart had 13 points as well.
The Nets (35-28) delivered the biggest comeback win of the season Friday after erasing a 28-point deficit to stun the Celtics (45-19) in Boston. The win pushed Brooklyn’s road record over the .500 threshold (17-16), while the Celtics have now gone 25-8 when playing at home and remain one of the best home teams in The Association. The Celtics enjoyed a dominant spell in the opening 12 minutes and outscored the Nets by an impressive 37-15 score, but Brooklyn began showing signs of a turnaround following a 40-27 score in the second period. The Nets never looked back the rest of the way, though, also winning the third quarter by a 34-20 score – grabbing the lead in the process and closing the game out for good. Brooklyn also outscored the Celtics in the fourth quarter (26-21) to complete the largest comeback of the 2022-23 NBA season.
Mikal Bridges led the way for the Nets thanks to his 38-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included four assists, while Cameron Johnson had a strong game as well thanks to his 20 points, five boards and three assists. Nic Claxton only had two points, but he pulled down 11 rebounds and also added three blocks. Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian-Finney Smith each had 17 points, with Dinwiddie also having eight assists, three steals and three rebounds.
Jaylen Brown was the star for the Celtics and finished with 35 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals, while Jayson Tatum delivered a double-double of 22 points and 13 boards that also included five assists and two blocks. Marcus Smart had 13 points as well.
Suns Throttle Bulls, 125-104
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Chicago Bulls, 125-104, at United Center on Friday night.
The Suns (35-29) came into the contest buoyed by their impressive win over the Charlotte Hornets in their first game with Kevin Durant on the floor Wednesday, and they clearly carried the momentum over into the first quarter versus the Bulls (29-35). Phoenix already had a 40-29 lead after one, but Chicago turned the tables to win the second quarter by a 35-20 margin and take a four-point lead into halftime. However, the second half would belong to the visitors, who outscored their hosts, 65-40, over the final 24 minutes.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 35 points, adding six assists, five rebounds, one steal and one block. Josh Okogie furnished 25 points and four boards. Kevin Durant supplied 20 points, nine boards, six assists, one steal and one block. Chris Paul generated an 11-point, 10-assist double-double that included six rebounds and two steals. Damion Lee netted 10 points.
DeMar DeRozan paced the Bulls with 31 points, complementing them with six assists and two steals. Zach LaVine registered 27 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Nikola Vucevic totaled 13 points, nine boards, two assists and one steal.
The Suns remain on the road and visit the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday afternoon, while the Bulls remain home and host the Indiana Pacers on Sunday afternoon as well.
The Suns (35-29) came into the contest buoyed by their impressive win over the Charlotte Hornets in their first game with Kevin Durant on the floor Wednesday, and they clearly carried the momentum over into the first quarter versus the Bulls (29-35). Phoenix already had a 40-29 lead after one, but Chicago turned the tables to win the second quarter by a 35-20 margin and take a four-point lead into halftime. However, the second half would belong to the visitors, who outscored their hosts, 65-40, over the final 24 minutes.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 35 points, adding six assists, five rebounds, one steal and one block. Josh Okogie furnished 25 points and four boards. Kevin Durant supplied 20 points, nine boards, six assists, one steal and one block. Chris Paul generated an 11-point, 10-assist double-double that included six rebounds and two steals. Damion Lee netted 10 points.
DeMar DeRozan paced the Bulls with 31 points, complementing them with six assists and two steals. Zach LaVine registered 27 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Nikola Vucevic totaled 13 points, nine boards, two assists and one steal.
The Suns remain on the road and visit the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday afternoon, while the Bulls remain home and host the Indiana Pacers on Sunday afternoon as well.
Knicks Edge Heat, 122-120
The New York Knicks defeated the Miami Heat, 122-120, at Miami-Dade Arena on Friday night.
As is often the case between two similarly talented teams, the Knicks (38-27) and Heat (33-31) would end up seeing their contest decided in the final seconds Friday night. The game was truly a tale of two halves, with New York building a seemingly secure 15-point lead by halftime and Miami ultimately outscoring its visitors by a 64-51 margin in the final two quarters. However, after the hosts clawed all the way back to take a 120-119 advantage with 23 seconds remaining, Julius Randle capped off the Knicks' final possession with a 26-foot stepback jumper that found the net with 1.1 seconds left for the win.
Randle led the Knicks with 43 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, three assists and one block. Jalen Brunson supplied 25 points, eight assists, two rebounds and two steals. Immanuel Quickley registered 21 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. R.J. Barrett went for 17 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Jimmy Butler paced the Heat with 33 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, five assists and two steals. Tyler Herro furnished 29 points, eight boards, six assists and one steal. Bam Adebayo managed 18 points, four rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Caleb Martin turned in 14 points, four boards and one assist.
The Knicks remain on the road and visit the Boston Celtics on Saturday night, while the Heat remains home and hosts the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night.
As is often the case between two similarly talented teams, the Knicks (38-27) and Heat (33-31) would end up seeing their contest decided in the final seconds Friday night. The game was truly a tale of two halves, with New York building a seemingly secure 15-point lead by halftime and Miami ultimately outscoring its visitors by a 64-51 margin in the final two quarters. However, after the hosts clawed all the way back to take a 120-119 advantage with 23 seconds remaining, Julius Randle capped off the Knicks' final possession with a 26-foot stepback jumper that found the net with 1.1 seconds left for the win.
Randle led the Knicks with 43 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, three assists and one block. Jalen Brunson supplied 25 points, eight assists, two rebounds and two steals. Immanuel Quickley registered 21 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. R.J. Barrett went for 17 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Jimmy Butler paced the Heat with 33 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, five assists and two steals. Tyler Herro furnished 29 points, eight boards, six assists and one steal. Bam Adebayo managed 18 points, four rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Caleb Martin turned in 14 points, four boards and one assist.
The Knicks remain on the road and visit the Boston Celtics on Saturday night, while the Heat remains home and hosts the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night.
Thunder Decimates Jazz, 130-103
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Utah Jazz, 130-103, at Paycom Arena on Friday night.
The Jazz (31-33) and Thunder (29-34) had played a 120-119 overtime thriller in their first meeting back on Feb. 23 that Utah emerged victorious from, and Friday's game appeared destined to be another high-scoring affair during a 63-point first quarter that the hosts emerged from with a 34-29 lead. Oklahoma City then appeared took control by adding another 10 points to its advantage prior to halftime, and the Thunder still owned an eight-point edge heading into the final period before outscoring the visitors, 33-19, in the final 12 minutes.
Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block. Simone Fontecchio supplied 16 points, three rebounds, one assist and one block. Kelly Olynyk turned in 15 points, three boards, three assists and three blocks. Kris Dunn delivered 11 points, six rebounds, six assists, three steals and one block. Walker Kessler generated a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double that included four blocks.
Aaron Wiggins paced the Thunder with 27 points, complementing them with four rebounds and two steals. Jalen Williams totaled 20 points, six rebounds, four assists, four steals and one block. Luguentz Dort registered 19 points, three assists, two rebounds four steals and one block. Josh Giddey managed an 18-point, 13-assist double-double that included six rebounds, one steal and one block. Isaiah Joe furnished 17 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Dario Saric contributed 11 points, four rebounds and one assist.
The two teams reconvene for a rematch at Paycom Center on Sunday night.
The Jazz (31-33) and Thunder (29-34) had played a 120-119 overtime thriller in their first meeting back on Feb. 23 that Utah emerged victorious from, and Friday's game appeared destined to be another high-scoring affair during a 63-point first quarter that the hosts emerged from with a 34-29 lead. Oklahoma City then appeared took control by adding another 10 points to its advantage prior to halftime, and the Thunder still owned an eight-point edge heading into the final period before outscoring the visitors, 33-19, in the final 12 minutes.
Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block. Simone Fontecchio supplied 16 points, three rebounds, one assist and one block. Kelly Olynyk turned in 15 points, three boards, three assists and three blocks. Kris Dunn delivered 11 points, six rebounds, six assists, three steals and one block. Walker Kessler generated a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double that included four blocks.
Aaron Wiggins paced the Thunder with 27 points, complementing them with four rebounds and two steals. Jalen Williams totaled 20 points, six rebounds, four assists, four steals and one block. Luguentz Dort registered 19 points, three assists, two rebounds four steals and one block. Josh Giddey managed an 18-point, 13-assist double-double that included six rebounds, one steal and one block. Isaiah Joe furnished 17 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Dario Saric contributed 11 points, four rebounds and one assist.
The two teams reconvene for a rematch at Paycom Center on Sunday night.
Nuggets Rally To Top Grizzlies
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, 113-97, at Ball Arena on Friday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Nuggets led by one, after one quarter, but the Grizzlies pulled ahead early in the second and held on to an eight-point advantage at the break. The hosts regained momentum in the third and earned a brief lead before the score was tied at 80, heading into the final quarter. The Nuggets picked up the pace in the fourth and outscored the Grizzlies, 33-17, the rest of the way to close out their third straight win.
Michael Porter led the Nuggets with 26 points, eight rebounds and a steal, in 30 minutes. Jamal Murray followed up with 22 points, five rebounds, nine assists and two steals, while Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double with 18 points, 18 rebounds and 10 assists. The Nuggets shot 46 percent from the field, including 8-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile, Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 27 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and two steals, in 33 minutes. Desmond Bane followed up with 19 points and four rebounds, while Jaren Jackson finished with 15 points, five rebounds and three blocks. The Grizzlies shot 36.9 percent from the field, including 11-of-32 from deep.
The Grizzlies (38-24) will look to bounce back as they take on the Clippers in Los Angeles on Sunday. The Nuggets (45-19) play host to the Raptors on Monday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Nuggets led by one, after one quarter, but the Grizzlies pulled ahead early in the second and held on to an eight-point advantage at the break. The hosts regained momentum in the third and earned a brief lead before the score was tied at 80, heading into the final quarter. The Nuggets picked up the pace in the fourth and outscored the Grizzlies, 33-17, the rest of the way to close out their third straight win.
Michael Porter led the Nuggets with 26 points, eight rebounds and a steal, in 30 minutes. Jamal Murray followed up with 22 points, five rebounds, nine assists and two steals, while Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double with 18 points, 18 rebounds and 10 assists. The Nuggets shot 46 percent from the field, including 8-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile, Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 27 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and two steals, in 33 minutes. Desmond Bane followed up with 19 points and four rebounds, while Jaren Jackson finished with 15 points, five rebounds and three blocks. The Grizzlies shot 36.9 percent from the field, including 11-of-32 from deep.
The Grizzlies (38-24) will look to bounce back as they take on the Clippers in Los Angeles on Sunday. The Nuggets (45-19) play host to the Raptors on Monday.
Warriors Hold Off Pelicans At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting New Orleans Pelicans, 108-99, at Chase Center on Friday evening.
The Pelicans got out to a strong start and led, 35-21, after one quarter, but the hosts bounced back in the second and cut it to a three-point game by halftime. The Warriors kept the momentum going in the third and gained a four-point edge heading into the final frame. The visitors kept up the fight in the fourth and grabbed a brief edge, but the Warriors answered once again and rallied to their fifth straight win.
Klay Thompson led the Warriors with 27 points, four rebounds and a steal, in 34 minutes. Jonathan Kuminga followed up with 19 points, seven rebounds, four steals and a block, while Kevon Looney finished with 10 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. The Warriors shot 51.3 percent from the field, including 10-of-31 from deep.
Meanwhile, C.J. McCollum led the Pelicans with 25 points, six rebounds, five assists and a block, in 40 minutes. Brandon Ingram followed up with 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Trey Murphy added 15 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Pelicans shot 44.2 percent from the field, including 10-of-29 from long range.
The Pelicans (31-33) will look to bounce back as they face the Kings in Sacramento on Monday. The Warriors (34-30) take on the Lakers in Los Angeles on Sunday.
The Pelicans got out to a strong start and led, 35-21, after one quarter, but the hosts bounced back in the second and cut it to a three-point game by halftime. The Warriors kept the momentum going in the third and gained a four-point edge heading into the final frame. The visitors kept up the fight in the fourth and grabbed a brief edge, but the Warriors answered once again and rallied to their fifth straight win.
Klay Thompson led the Warriors with 27 points, four rebounds and a steal, in 34 minutes. Jonathan Kuminga followed up with 19 points, seven rebounds, four steals and a block, while Kevon Looney finished with 10 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. The Warriors shot 51.3 percent from the field, including 10-of-31 from deep.
Meanwhile, C.J. McCollum led the Pelicans with 25 points, six rebounds, five assists and a block, in 40 minutes. Brandon Ingram followed up with 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Trey Murphy added 15 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Pelicans shot 44.2 percent from the field, including 10-of-29 from long range.
The Pelicans (31-33) will look to bounce back as they face the Kings in Sacramento on Monday. The Warriors (34-30) take on the Lakers in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Kings Defeat Clippers, 128-127
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Los Angeles Clippers, 128-127, at Golden 1 Center on Friday.
There were nine ties and 10 lead changes through the opening three quarters of this game, with neither team leading by more than eight points. The Kings went on a 22-8 run spanning between the third and fourth quarters to take a game-high 13-point lead, but Los Angeles made things close in the final minute. There were actually four lead changes in the closing 52 seconds, with Domantas Sabonis knocking down two game-winning free throws with seven seconds remaining. Paul George missed a game-winning three at the buzzer for the Clippers. Second-chance points were the only real advantage for Sacramento, outscoring Los Angeles, 17-9, on the offensive glass. They also out-rebounded them, 47-42.
The Clippers (33-33) were led by Paul George, providing 28 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Russell Westbrook tallied 27 points, two rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks on 12-of-16 from the field. Eric Gordon amassed 21 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Mason Plumlee totaled 13 points, eight rebounds and three assists, Robert Covington led the bench with 15 points, four rebounds and two steals.
The Kings (37-25) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 33 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Sabonis had 23 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists on 10-of-13 shooting. Harrison Barnes collected 20 points and seven rebounds, while Kevin Huerter scored 18 points. Keegan Murray rounded out the starting lineup with 14 points and five boards.
Sacramento has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, playing host to the Minnesota Timberwolves. As for LA, they return to action on Sunday in a home matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies.
There were nine ties and 10 lead changes through the opening three quarters of this game, with neither team leading by more than eight points. The Kings went on a 22-8 run spanning between the third and fourth quarters to take a game-high 13-point lead, but Los Angeles made things close in the final minute. There were actually four lead changes in the closing 52 seconds, with Domantas Sabonis knocking down two game-winning free throws with seven seconds remaining. Paul George missed a game-winning three at the buzzer for the Clippers. Second-chance points were the only real advantage for Sacramento, outscoring Los Angeles, 17-9, on the offensive glass. They also out-rebounded them, 47-42.
The Clippers (33-33) were led by Paul George, providing 28 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Russell Westbrook tallied 27 points, two rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks on 12-of-16 from the field. Eric Gordon amassed 21 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Mason Plumlee totaled 13 points, eight rebounds and three assists, Robert Covington led the bench with 15 points, four rebounds and two steals.
The Kings (37-25) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 33 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Sabonis had 23 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists on 10-of-13 shooting. Harrison Barnes collected 20 points and seven rebounds, while Kevin Huerter scored 18 points. Keegan Murray rounded out the starting lineup with 14 points and five boards.
Sacramento has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, playing host to the Minnesota Timberwolves. As for LA, they return to action on Sunday in a home matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies.
T'Wolves Defeat Lakers, 110-102
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the host Los Angeles Lakers, 110-102, at Crypto.com Arena on Friday.
While there were eight lead changes through the opening 20 minutes, Minnesota never relinquished the lead in the second half. They got their lead up to 14 points at times in the final quarter, with LA never taking a game-tying shot over the closing 20 minutes. The Timberwolves shot 47 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range while holding the Lakers to 42 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range. Minnesota also outscored Los Angeles in the paint, 56-44, and in fastbreak points, 26-10.
The Timberwolves (33-32) were led by Rudy Gobert, collecting 22 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Anthony Edwards accrued 18 points, five rebounds, two assists, four steals and two blocks. Mike Conley collected 14 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Naz Reid led the bench with 15 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Lakers (30-34) were led by Anthony Davis, finishing with 38 points, five rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Malik Beasley totaled 15 points and eight rebounds. Dennis Schroder generated six points and 12 assists, while Lonnie Walker led the bench with 10 points and five rebounds. Troy Brown Jr totaled eight points, six rebounds, two assists and three steals.
Minnesota has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, staying in Cali to face the Sacramento Kings. As for LA, they return to action on Sunday in a home matchup with the Golden State Warriors.
While there were eight lead changes through the opening 20 minutes, Minnesota never relinquished the lead in the second half. They got their lead up to 14 points at times in the final quarter, with LA never taking a game-tying shot over the closing 20 minutes. The Timberwolves shot 47 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range while holding the Lakers to 42 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range. Minnesota also outscored Los Angeles in the paint, 56-44, and in fastbreak points, 26-10.
The Timberwolves (33-32) were led by Rudy Gobert, collecting 22 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Anthony Edwards accrued 18 points, five rebounds, two assists, four steals and two blocks. Mike Conley collected 14 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Naz Reid led the bench with 15 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Lakers (30-34) were led by Anthony Davis, finishing with 38 points, five rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Malik Beasley totaled 15 points and eight rebounds. Dennis Schroder generated six points and 12 assists, while Lonnie Walker led the bench with 10 points and five rebounds. Troy Brown Jr totaled eight points, six rebounds, two assists and three steals.
Minnesota has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, staying in Cali to face the Sacramento Kings. As for LA, they return to action on Sunday in a home matchup with the Golden State Warriors.