Suns Top Mavericks In Thrilling Contest
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 130-126, at American Airlines Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Suns (36-29) and the Mavericks (33-32) are two playoff hopefuls in the Western Conference, and this game lived up to the hype of a matchup involving some of the biggest names in the NBA such as Kevin Durant, Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and Devin Booker, just to name a few. It was a game where Phoenix looked better in the early going, and the Suns jumped out to a 31-25 lead in the first quarter. Dallas responded with a 37-28 score in the second quarter and were on top at the break, but the Suns fought back in the third quarter and posted a 37-33 score, meaning the Suns were up by one with just 12 minutes left on the clock. The game was tight until the final stages, but a shot from Durant late in the fourth quarter essentially sealed the game for the Suns, with Luka Doncic failing to convert a lay-up from close range afterward and Durant icing out the game with free throws down the stretch. With the win, the Suns moved to 15-19 on the road, while the Mavericks fell to 21-13 at home.
Kevin Durant led the way for the Suns with 37 points, seven rebounds and three assists, while Devin Booker chipped in with 36 points, 10 assists and five rebounds. Chris Paul posted 11 points, six rebounds and seven assists, and Deandre Ayton finished with nine points while adding 16 rebounds. Josh Okogie had nine points, and Ish Wainwright added 12 points coming off the bench.
Luka Doncic had 34 points, nine rebounds and four assists to lead Dallas, while Kyrie Irving ended with 30 points, seven assists and four rebounds. Reggie Bullock posted 10 points while adding three boards and two steals. Tim Hardaway had 21 points and made six of his eight shots from deep, while Christian Wood ended with 17 points and three boards off the bench. Dwight Powell ended with four points.
The Suns (36-29) and the Mavericks (33-32) are two playoff hopefuls in the Western Conference, and this game lived up to the hype of a matchup involving some of the biggest names in the NBA such as Kevin Durant, Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and Devin Booker, just to name a few. It was a game where Phoenix looked better in the early going, and the Suns jumped out to a 31-25 lead in the first quarter. Dallas responded with a 37-28 score in the second quarter and were on top at the break, but the Suns fought back in the third quarter and posted a 37-33 score, meaning the Suns were up by one with just 12 minutes left on the clock. The game was tight until the final stages, but a shot from Durant late in the fourth quarter essentially sealed the game for the Suns, with Luka Doncic failing to convert a lay-up from close range afterward and Durant icing out the game with free throws down the stretch. With the win, the Suns moved to 15-19 on the road, while the Mavericks fell to 21-13 at home.
Kevin Durant led the way for the Suns with 37 points, seven rebounds and three assists, while Devin Booker chipped in with 36 points, 10 assists and five rebounds. Chris Paul posted 11 points, six rebounds and seven assists, and Deandre Ayton finished with nine points while adding 16 rebounds. Josh Okogie had nine points, and Ish Wainwright added 12 points coming off the bench.
Luka Doncic had 34 points, nine rebounds and four assists to lead Dallas, while Kyrie Irving ended with 30 points, seven assists and four rebounds. Reggie Bullock posted 10 points while adding three boards and two steals. Tim Hardaway had 21 points and made six of his eight shots from deep, while Christian Wood ended with 17 points and three boards off the bench. Dwight Powell ended with four points.
Pacers Hold On To Get Past Bulls
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Chicago Bulls, 125-122, at United Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Pacers (29-36) took another step toward fighting for a Play-In spot and took care of a direct opponent, the Bulls (29-36), with a solid win after overcoming a slow start to the contest. Chicago looked better in the early stages and jumped out to a 35-30 score in the opening 12 minutes of action, but the Pacers responded quickly and grabbed the lead following a 37-25 score in the second quarter, racing out to a seven-point advantage at the break. Chicago didn’t give up and looked like the better team in the second half, outscoring their rivals by 29-28 in the third quarter and 33-30 in the final 12 minutes of action, but that was not enough to mount the comeback. Even though the Bulls came up close to turning things around, the Pacers held on and escaped with the victory. The Pacers moved to 11-21 away from home with the win, while the Bulls fell to 18-15 at home.
Tyrese Haliburton was doubtful to play due to a calf injury, but he started and finished with 29 points and 11 assists, leading the team to victory. Myles Turner ended with 16 points, three rebounds and three blocks, and Jordan Nwora delivered 10 points with five rebounds and two dimes. Bennedict Mathurin had 17 points with four boards and three asissts, Chris Duarte chipped in with 15 points and Oshae Brissett had 10 points, all three from the bench.
Zach LaVine was dominant for Chicago and scored a game-high 42 points while adding four rebounds and four assists, while DeMar DeRozan finished with 23 points, five rebounds and three assists. Nikola Vucevic stuffed the stat sheet and delivered 12 points, nine rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks. Patrick Williams ended with 14 points.
The Pacers (29-36) took another step toward fighting for a Play-In spot and took care of a direct opponent, the Bulls (29-36), with a solid win after overcoming a slow start to the contest. Chicago looked better in the early stages and jumped out to a 35-30 score in the opening 12 minutes of action, but the Pacers responded quickly and grabbed the lead following a 37-25 score in the second quarter, racing out to a seven-point advantage at the break. Chicago didn’t give up and looked like the better team in the second half, outscoring their rivals by 29-28 in the third quarter and 33-30 in the final 12 minutes of action, but that was not enough to mount the comeback. Even though the Bulls came up close to turning things around, the Pacers held on and escaped with the victory. The Pacers moved to 11-21 away from home with the win, while the Bulls fell to 18-15 at home.
Tyrese Haliburton was doubtful to play due to a calf injury, but he started and finished with 29 points and 11 assists, leading the team to victory. Myles Turner ended with 16 points, three rebounds and three blocks, and Jordan Nwora delivered 10 points with five rebounds and two dimes. Bennedict Mathurin had 17 points with four boards and three asissts, Chris Duarte chipped in with 15 points and Oshae Brissett had 10 points, all three from the bench.
Zach LaVine was dominant for Chicago and scored a game-high 42 points while adding four rebounds and four assists, while DeMar DeRozan finished with 23 points, five rebounds and three assists. Nikola Vucevic stuffed the stat sheet and delivered 12 points, nine rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks. Patrick Williams ended with 14 points.
Anthony Davis Shines As Lakers Defeat Warriors
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Golden State Warriors, 113-105, at crypto.com Arena on Sunday afternoon.
The Lakers (30-34) and the Warriors (34-30) are battling for playoff spots, but the Lakers overcame the challenge of the reigning champions, as well as the return of Stephen Curry, with a huge effort from Anthony Davis, who has been thriving in absence of LeBron James. The Lakers got off to an impressive start in this game and raced out to a double-digit lead in the first quarter (33-18), but the Warriors didn’t want to give up early and responded with a 36-22 score in the second quarter, meaning the Lakers held a one-point lead at the break. Los Angeles recovered control of the contest in the second half and won the final two quarters, 23-18 and 35-33, and they ended up winning the game with ease. The Lakers moved to 15-15 at home with the win, while the Warriors fell to 7-23 on the road.
Anthony Davis was the star of the game for the Lakers since he finished with 39 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Jarred Vanderbilt posted a 10-point, 13-rebound double-double while also adding four assists. Troy Brown finished with 14 points and eight rebounds, and Dennis Schroder posted 11 points with six assists. Malik Beasley finished with 12 points, and Austin Reaves recorded 16 points with also adding eight assists coming off the bench.
Stephen Curry was the leading scorer for the Warriors with 27 points and six assists, while Klay Thompson ended with 22 points, five boards and three assists. Donte DiVincenzo delivered 11 points, seven rebounds and six assists, and Draymond Green finished with 15 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Jordan Poole had 10 points (3-11 FG) while coming off the bench.
The Lakers (30-34) and the Warriors (34-30) are battling for playoff spots, but the Lakers overcame the challenge of the reigning champions, as well as the return of Stephen Curry, with a huge effort from Anthony Davis, who has been thriving in absence of LeBron James. The Lakers got off to an impressive start in this game and raced out to a double-digit lead in the first quarter (33-18), but the Warriors didn’t want to give up early and responded with a 36-22 score in the second quarter, meaning the Lakers held a one-point lead at the break. Los Angeles recovered control of the contest in the second half and won the final two quarters, 23-18 and 35-33, and they ended up winning the game with ease. The Lakers moved to 15-15 at home with the win, while the Warriors fell to 7-23 on the road.
Anthony Davis was the star of the game for the Lakers since he finished with 39 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Jarred Vanderbilt posted a 10-point, 13-rebound double-double while also adding four assists. Troy Brown finished with 14 points and eight rebounds, and Dennis Schroder posted 11 points with six assists. Malik Beasley finished with 12 points, and Austin Reaves recorded 16 points with also adding eight assists coming off the bench.
Stephen Curry was the leading scorer for the Warriors with 27 points and six assists, while Klay Thompson ended with 22 points, five boards and three assists. Donte DiVincenzo delivered 11 points, seven rebounds and six assists, and Draymond Green finished with 15 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Jordan Poole had 10 points (3-11 FG) while coming off the bench.
Nets Handle Hornets, 102-86
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 102-86, at Barclays Center on Sunday evening.
The Nets (36-28) were hoping to carry over the momentum from a memorable second-half comeback against the Boston Celtics on Friday night, and the first half corroborated they still had just as hot a hand. Brooklyn amassed 70 first-half points on the way to a 29-point halftime lead over the Hornets (20-46), which made the fact they scored only 32 total points in the final two quarters a non-issue.
Kelly Oubre led the Hornets with 17 points, adding seven rebounds and one block. Terry Rozier delivered 16 points, four boards and four assists. Dennis Smith contributed 15 points, six rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Gordon Hayward supplied 12 points, four rebounds, three assists and one block. Mark Williams generated a 10-point, 14-rebound double-double and one steal.
Mikal Bridges paced the Nets with 33 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, two assists and one block. Spencer Dinwiddie registered 24 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and one steal. Joe Harris contributed 12 points, while Cameron Johnson generated an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists.
The Hornets remain on the road and visit the New York Knicks on Tuesday night, while the Nets hit the road and tangle with the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night as well.
The Nets (36-28) were hoping to carry over the momentum from a memorable second-half comeback against the Boston Celtics on Friday night, and the first half corroborated they still had just as hot a hand. Brooklyn amassed 70 first-half points on the way to a 29-point halftime lead over the Hornets (20-46), which made the fact they scored only 32 total points in the final two quarters a non-issue.
Kelly Oubre led the Hornets with 17 points, adding seven rebounds and one block. Terry Rozier delivered 16 points, four boards and four assists. Dennis Smith contributed 15 points, six rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Gordon Hayward supplied 12 points, four rebounds, three assists and one block. Mark Williams generated a 10-point, 14-rebound double-double and one steal.
Mikal Bridges paced the Nets with 33 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, two assists and one block. Spencer Dinwiddie registered 24 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and one steal. Joe Harris contributed 12 points, while Cameron Johnson generated an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists.
The Hornets remain on the road and visit the New York Knicks on Tuesday night, while the Nets hit the road and tangle with the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night as well.
Trail Blazers Edge Magic, 122-119
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Orlando Magic, 122-119, at Amway Center on Sunday evening.
The two teams engaged in a back-and-forth affair for nearly 48 full minutes, with neither team winning any quarter by more than four points. Ultimately, the Magic (27-38) was within one with as little as nine seconds remaining before a pair of Jerami Grant and Damian Lillard free throws apiece sealed a hard-fought road win for the Trail Blazers (30-34).
Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 41 points, adding nine rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block. Grant totaled 20 points, seven assists, six rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Cam Reddish supplied 16 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Drew Eubanks posted 13 points, six boards, three assists and one steal. Nassir Little managed 11 points, five rebounds, three assists and one block.
Paolo Banchero paced the Magic with 26 points, complementing them with five rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Franz Wagner pitched in 24 points, six assists, two rebounds and one steal. Markelle Fultz and Moritz Wagner produced 15 points apiece while recording eight assists and seven rebounds, respectively. Fultz also added four rebounds and four steals. Jalen Suggs furnished 15 points as well, supplementing them with four boards, two assists and three steals.
The Trail Blazers remain on the road and visit the Detroit Pistons on Monday night, while the Magic host the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night.
The two teams engaged in a back-and-forth affair for nearly 48 full minutes, with neither team winning any quarter by more than four points. Ultimately, the Magic (27-38) was within one with as little as nine seconds remaining before a pair of Jerami Grant and Damian Lillard free throws apiece sealed a hard-fought road win for the Trail Blazers (30-34).
Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 41 points, adding nine rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block. Grant totaled 20 points, seven assists, six rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Cam Reddish supplied 16 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Drew Eubanks posted 13 points, six boards, three assists and one steal. Nassir Little managed 11 points, five rebounds, three assists and one block.
Paolo Banchero paced the Magic with 26 points, complementing them with five rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Franz Wagner pitched in 24 points, six assists, two rebounds and one steal. Markelle Fultz and Moritz Wagner produced 15 points apiece while recording eight assists and seven rebounds, respectively. Fultz also added four rebounds and four steals. Jalen Suggs furnished 15 points as well, supplementing them with four boards, two assists and three steals.
The Trail Blazers remain on the road and visit the Detroit Pistons on Monday night, while the Magic host the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night.
Rockets Blow Out Spurs In Houston
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 142-110, at Toyota Center on Sunday evening.
The hosts jumped out to a great start and led, 38-24, after one quarter. The Spurs came out stronger in the second but could only cut it to a 10-point game by halftime. The Rockets picked up the momentum again in the third and outscored the visitors by 11 points in the quarter to take a 21-point cushion into the final frame. The Spurs had no answers in the fourth, as the Rockets charged to their second straight win.
Jalen Green led the Spurs with 31 points, two rebounds and two assists, in 27 minutes. Kevin Porter followed up with 19 points, four rebounds, 13 assists and a steal, while Alperen Sengun finished with 15 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, three steals and a block. The Rockets shot 61.2 percent from the field, including 13-of-24 from long range.
Meanwhile, Keita Bates-Diop led the Spurs with 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting, in 23 minutes. Charles Bassey finished with 14 points, six rebounds, two assists and a block, while Devonte' Graham tallied 14 points, two rebounds and four assists. The Spurs shot 46.2 percent from the field, including 11-of-34 from deep.
The Spurs (16-49) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nuggets on Friday. The Rockets (15-49) play host to the Nets on Tuesday.
The hosts jumped out to a great start and led, 38-24, after one quarter. The Spurs came out stronger in the second but could only cut it to a 10-point game by halftime. The Rockets picked up the momentum again in the third and outscored the visitors by 11 points in the quarter to take a 21-point cushion into the final frame. The Spurs had no answers in the fourth, as the Rockets charged to their second straight win.
Jalen Green led the Spurs with 31 points, two rebounds and two assists, in 27 minutes. Kevin Porter followed up with 19 points, four rebounds, 13 assists and a steal, while Alperen Sengun finished with 15 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, three steals and a block. The Rockets shot 61.2 percent from the field, including 13-of-24 from long range.
Meanwhile, Keita Bates-Diop led the Spurs with 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting, in 23 minutes. Charles Bassey finished with 14 points, six rebounds, two assists and a block, while Devonte' Graham tallied 14 points, two rebounds and four assists. The Spurs shot 46.2 percent from the field, including 11-of-34 from deep.
The Spurs (16-49) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nuggets on Friday. The Rockets (15-49) play host to the Nets on Tuesday.
Thunder Cruise Past Jazz In OKC
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 129-119, at Paycom Center on Sunday evening.
The Thunder jumped out to a great start with a, 35-29, lead after one quarter and kept up the pace through the second to take a 19-point lead at the break. The Jazz came out better to start the third but could only trim it to a 17-point deficit heading into the final frame. The visitors kept pushing in the fourth but it was not enough, as the Thunder held on for second straight win. This marks the third consecutive loss for the Jazz.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 38 points, seven rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block, in 37 minutes. Jalen Williams followed up with 32 points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks, while Josh Giddey added 24 points, nine rebounds, nine assists and two steals. The Thunder shot 50.6 percent from the field, including 14-of-37 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jordan Clarkson led the Jazz with 18 points, four rebounds, 13 assists and two steals, in 34 minutes. Walker Kessler followed up with 17 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks, while Kelly Olynyk totaled 15 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. The Jazz shot 48.9 percent from the field, including 11-of-37 from deep.
The Jazz (31-34) will look to bounce back as they take on the Mavericks in Dallas on Tuesday. The Thunder (30-34) play host to the Warriors on Tuesday.
The Thunder jumped out to a great start with a, 35-29, lead after one quarter and kept up the pace through the second to take a 19-point lead at the break. The Jazz came out better to start the third but could only trim it to a 17-point deficit heading into the final frame. The visitors kept pushing in the fourth but it was not enough, as the Thunder held on for second straight win. This marks the third consecutive loss for the Jazz.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 38 points, seven rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block, in 37 minutes. Jalen Williams followed up with 32 points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks, while Josh Giddey added 24 points, nine rebounds, nine assists and two steals. The Thunder shot 50.6 percent from the field, including 14-of-37 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jordan Clarkson led the Jazz with 18 points, four rebounds, 13 assists and two steals, in 34 minutes. Walker Kessler followed up with 17 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks, while Kelly Olynyk totaled 15 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. The Jazz shot 48.9 percent from the field, including 11-of-37 from deep.
The Jazz (31-34) will look to bounce back as they take on the Mavericks in Dallas on Tuesday. The Thunder (30-34) play host to the Warriors on Tuesday.
Knicks Defeat Celtics in 2OT, 131-129
The New York Knicks defeated the host Boston Celtics in 2OT, 131-129, at TD Garden on Sunday.
There were 15 ties and 12 lead changes in this game, taking two overtime to determine a winner. The Knicks started the second overtime on a 5-0 run and never relinquished the lead after that. Boston actually had a game-high 14-point lead in the third quarter, while New York had a game-high 11-point lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter. New York ended up shooting 50 percent from the field while holding Boston to 39 percent shooting. The Knicks outscored the Celtics in the paint, 56-42.
The Knicks (39-27) were led by Immanuel Quickley, collecting 38 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, four steals and two blocks across 55 minutes. Julius Randle registered 31 points, nine rebounds and four assists. RJ Barrett tallied 29 points, 11 rebounds and three assists, while Mitchell Robinson amassed 13 points and 14 rebounds.
The Celtics (45-20) were led by Jayson Tatum, totaling 40 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Jaylen Brown finished with 29 points, eight rebounds and four steals. Al Horford had 20 points, 14 rebounds, six assists and two blocks, while Marcus Smart accrued 13 points, three rebounds and four assists. Derrick White rounded out the starting lineup with 12 points, six rebounds and four assists.
Boston has to play the second half of a B2B on Monday, traveling to face the Cleveland Cavaliers. As for New York, they return to action on Tuesday in a home matchup with the Charlotte Hornets.
There were 15 ties and 12 lead changes in this game, taking two overtime to determine a winner. The Knicks started the second overtime on a 5-0 run and never relinquished the lead after that. Boston actually had a game-high 14-point lead in the third quarter, while New York had a game-high 11-point lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter. New York ended up shooting 50 percent from the field while holding Boston to 39 percent shooting. The Knicks outscored the Celtics in the paint, 56-42.
The Knicks (39-27) were led by Immanuel Quickley, collecting 38 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, four steals and two blocks across 55 minutes. Julius Randle registered 31 points, nine rebounds and four assists. RJ Barrett tallied 29 points, 11 rebounds and three assists, while Mitchell Robinson amassed 13 points and 14 rebounds.
The Celtics (45-20) were led by Jayson Tatum, totaling 40 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Jaylen Brown finished with 29 points, eight rebounds and four steals. Al Horford had 20 points, 14 rebounds, six assists and two blocks, while Marcus Smart accrued 13 points, three rebounds and four assists. Derrick White rounded out the starting lineup with 12 points, six rebounds and four assists.
Boston has to play the second half of a B2B on Monday, traveling to face the Cleveland Cavaliers. As for New York, they return to action on Tuesday in a home matchup with the Charlotte Hornets.
Bucks Defeat Wizards, 117-111
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the host Washington Wizards, 117-111, at Capital One Arena on Sunday.
Milwaukee held the lead for all but a handful of minutes in this game, thanks to a 59-48 first half. Washington briefly recaptured the lead early in the fourth quarter, but Milwaukee never relinquished the lead over the closing eight minutes. The Bucks shot 46 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range (22-of-49) while holding the Wizards to 43 percent from the field and 26 percent from long range (8-of-31). Milwaukee also out-assisted Washington. 30-21.
The Bucks (46-18) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, accruing 23 points, 10 rebounds, 13 assists and three blocks. Jevon Carter led the bench with 20 points and two boards. Jrue Holiday had 19 points, two rebounds and seven assists, while Brook Lopez totaled 15 points, six rebounds and three blocks. Joe Ingles also provided 14 points, two rebounds and three assists off the bench.
The Wizards (30-34) were led by Bradley Beal, finishing with 33 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Kristaps Porzingis provided 24 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Deni Avdija led the bench with 17 points, six rebounds, two assists and three steals, while Delon Wright amassed 10 points, three rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Washington traveling to face the Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee staying on the road to play the Orlando Magic.
Milwaukee held the lead for all but a handful of minutes in this game, thanks to a 59-48 first half. Washington briefly recaptured the lead early in the fourth quarter, but Milwaukee never relinquished the lead over the closing eight minutes. The Bucks shot 46 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range (22-of-49) while holding the Wizards to 43 percent from the field and 26 percent from long range (8-of-31). Milwaukee also out-assisted Washington. 30-21.
The Bucks (46-18) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, accruing 23 points, 10 rebounds, 13 assists and three blocks. Jevon Carter led the bench with 20 points and two boards. Jrue Holiday had 19 points, two rebounds and seven assists, while Brook Lopez totaled 15 points, six rebounds and three blocks. Joe Ingles also provided 14 points, two rebounds and three assists off the bench.
The Wizards (30-34) were led by Bradley Beal, finishing with 33 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Kristaps Porzingis provided 24 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Deni Avdija led the bench with 17 points, six rebounds, two assists and three steals, while Delon Wright amassed 10 points, three rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Washington traveling to face the Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee staying on the road to play the Orlando Magic.
Clippers Defeat Grizzlies, 135-129
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, 135-129, at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday.
This was a true tale of four quarters, with Los Angeles riding a 38-17 fourth quarter to their win. The Clippers actually had a game-high 11-point lead early in the third quarter, but the Grizzlies outscored them in that frame, 51-30. That gave them a 16-point lead late in that quarter, but the Clippers rode a 17-0 run in the fourth to complete their comeback win. Los Angeles shot 33-of-35 from the free-throw line, while Memphis connected on just 11-of-15. The Clippers also out-rebounded the Grizzlies, 59-28, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 21-2.
The Grizzlies (38-25) were led by Desmond Bane, finishing with 30 points, four rebounds and six assists. Tyus Jones tallied 25 points, three rebounds, 12 assists and five steals. Jaren Jackson Jr generated 24 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks, while Luke Kennard led the bench with 15 points, three rebounds and four assists.
The Clippers (34-33) were led by Paul George, providing 42 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Kawhi Leonard collected 34 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Russell Westbrook totaled nine points, five rebounds and six assists, while Eric Gordon led the bench with 17 points, two rebounds and two assists. Ivica Zubac accrued six points, nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
On deck for Memphis is a road matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. As for the Clippers, they return to action on Wednesday in a home matchup with the Toronto Raptors.
This was a true tale of four quarters, with Los Angeles riding a 38-17 fourth quarter to their win. The Clippers actually had a game-high 11-point lead early in the third quarter, but the Grizzlies outscored them in that frame, 51-30. That gave them a 16-point lead late in that quarter, but the Clippers rode a 17-0 run in the fourth to complete their comeback win. Los Angeles shot 33-of-35 from the free-throw line, while Memphis connected on just 11-of-15. The Clippers also out-rebounded the Grizzlies, 59-28, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 21-2.
The Grizzlies (38-25) were led by Desmond Bane, finishing with 30 points, four rebounds and six assists. Tyus Jones tallied 25 points, three rebounds, 12 assists and five steals. Jaren Jackson Jr generated 24 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks, while Luke Kennard led the bench with 15 points, three rebounds and four assists.
The Clippers (34-33) were led by Paul George, providing 42 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Kawhi Leonard collected 34 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Russell Westbrook totaled nine points, five rebounds and six assists, while Eric Gordon led the bench with 17 points, two rebounds and two assists. Ivica Zubac accrued six points, nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
On deck for Memphis is a road matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. As for the Clippers, they return to action on Wednesday in a home matchup with the Toronto Raptors.