Cavaliers Top Celtics In Thrilling Contest
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Boston Celtics, 118-114, in overtime at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Monday.
Two top teams in the Eastern Conference went head to head, and the Cavaliers (41-26) came out on top in a thrilling contest against the Celtics (45-21). The game went to overtime for the third time in four head-to-head meetings between these two clubs. Boston looked dominant in the early stages of the game and raced out to a 33-26 lead in the first quarter, an advantage that would become a double-digit figure following a 35-30 score in the second quarter. However, the Cavs came out strong in the second half. Even though Boston won the third quarter by a 24-22 score, the Cavaliers were dominant in the final 12 minutes and forced overtime following a 31-17 result. Boston had a golden opportunity to win the game with 0.8 seconds left, but Grant Williams missed two clutch free throws, sending the game to overtime. Cleveland carried all the momentum heading into OT and ended up winning the game following a 9-5 score in the final five minutes of action. With the win, the Cavaliers moved to 28-7 when playing at home, while the Celtics fell to 20-12 on the road.
Donovan Mitchell recorded his eighth 40-point performance, plus added 11 boards and four assists. Guard Darius Garland posted a double-double of 17 points and 12 assists. Evan Mobley had 25 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks, while Jarrett Allen finished with four points, six rebounds and three assists. Lamar Stevens had eight points and eight rebounds off the bench.
Jaylen Brown was the leading scorer for the Celtics thanks to his 32 points, but he also added 13 rebounds and nine assists with Jayson Tatum sidelined due to a knee injury. Derrick White had 12 points, three rebounds and two assists, and Marcus Smart finished with 11 points, five assists, three boards and two steals. Malcolm Brogdon finished with 24 points, five assists and four boards.
Two top teams in the Eastern Conference went head to head, and the Cavaliers (41-26) came out on top in a thrilling contest against the Celtics (45-21). The game went to overtime for the third time in four head-to-head meetings between these two clubs. Boston looked dominant in the early stages of the game and raced out to a 33-26 lead in the first quarter, an advantage that would become a double-digit figure following a 35-30 score in the second quarter. However, the Cavs came out strong in the second half. Even though Boston won the third quarter by a 24-22 score, the Cavaliers were dominant in the final 12 minutes and forced overtime following a 31-17 result. Boston had a golden opportunity to win the game with 0.8 seconds left, but Grant Williams missed two clutch free throws, sending the game to overtime. Cleveland carried all the momentum heading into OT and ended up winning the game following a 9-5 score in the final five minutes of action. With the win, the Cavaliers moved to 28-7 when playing at home, while the Celtics fell to 20-12 on the road.
Donovan Mitchell recorded his eighth 40-point performance, plus added 11 boards and four assists. Guard Darius Garland posted a double-double of 17 points and 12 assists. Evan Mobley had 25 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks, while Jarrett Allen finished with four points, six rebounds and three assists. Lamar Stevens had eight points and eight rebounds off the bench.
Jaylen Brown was the leading scorer for the Celtics thanks to his 32 points, but he also added 13 rebounds and nine assists with Jayson Tatum sidelined due to a knee injury. Derrick White had 12 points, three rebounds and two assists, and Marcus Smart finished with 11 points, five assists, three boards and two steals. Malcolm Brogdon finished with 24 points, five assists and four boards.
Trail Blazers Hold On To Defeat Pistons
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Detroit Pistons, 110-104, at Little Caesars Arena on Monday night.
The Trail Blazers (31-34) had to work harder than expected but ended up getting the win over a struggling Pistons (15-50) team that became the first team in the league to reach 50 losses. Portland enjoyed a strong start and raced out to a 31-18 lead, and they wouldn’t look back the rest of the way despite the fact the Pistons were active trying to turn things around. Detroit won the second quarter and made it a single-digits game following a 33-28 score, but the Trail Blazers recovered the double-digit advantage in the third quarter after outscoring their rivals by a 30-23 score. The Pistons attempted a late rally in the fourth and outscored Portland by a 30-21 score, but it was not enough, and the Pistons ended up getting the victory. The Trail Blazers moved to 14-19 on the road with the win, while the Pistons fell to 8-24 when playing at home.
Damian Lillard led the way for the Trail Blazers in this win thanks to a 31-point performance that also included 13 rebounds and 12 assists. Jerami Grant was massive as well, finishing with 26 points and six points, while Cam Reddish ended with 13 points, eight assists, six rebounds and two steals. Drew Eubanks notched 10 points, three rebounds, two blocks and two assists, and Trendon Watford chipped in with 12 points off the bench.
Isaiah Livers led the way for the Pistons with 17 points and five rebounds, while Jaden Ivey had a double-double of 13 points and 13 assists. James Wiseman notched 12 points, seven boards and three blocks, and Alec Burks ended with 13 points with six rebounds and four dimes. Marvin Bagley III chipped in with 10 points and eight rebounds.
The Trail Blazers (31-34) had to work harder than expected but ended up getting the win over a struggling Pistons (15-50) team that became the first team in the league to reach 50 losses. Portland enjoyed a strong start and raced out to a 31-18 lead, and they wouldn’t look back the rest of the way despite the fact the Pistons were active trying to turn things around. Detroit won the second quarter and made it a single-digits game following a 33-28 score, but the Trail Blazers recovered the double-digit advantage in the third quarter after outscoring their rivals by a 30-23 score. The Pistons attempted a late rally in the fourth and outscored Portland by a 30-21 score, but it was not enough, and the Pistons ended up getting the victory. The Trail Blazers moved to 14-19 on the road with the win, while the Pistons fell to 8-24 when playing at home.
Damian Lillard led the way for the Trail Blazers in this win thanks to a 31-point performance that also included 13 rebounds and 12 assists. Jerami Grant was massive as well, finishing with 26 points and six points, while Cam Reddish ended with 13 points, eight assists, six rebounds and two steals. Drew Eubanks notched 10 points, three rebounds, two blocks and two assists, and Trendon Watford chipped in with 12 points off the bench.
Isaiah Livers led the way for the Pistons with 17 points and five rebounds, while Jaden Ivey had a double-double of 13 points and 13 assists. James Wiseman notched 12 points, seven boards and three blocks, and Alec Burks ended with 13 points with six rebounds and four dimes. Marvin Bagley III chipped in with 10 points and eight rebounds.
76ers Outlast Pacers, 147-143
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Indiana Pacers, 147-143, at Gainbridge Fiedhouse on Monday night.
The teams played a competitive game throughout, with neither the 76ers (42-22) nor the Pacers (29-37) prevailing in any of the first three quarters by more than one point. Ultimately, Philadelphia pulled ahead by as much as 11 points with less than six minutes remaining, but Indiana's 22-14 run from that point forward made matters interesting. Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey then sealed the win for Philly by scoring the final six points for the Sixers.
Embiid led the 76ers with 42 points, adding five rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block. Maxey furnished 24 points. Jalen McDaniels supplied 20 points, eight boards and one steal. Shake Milton added 15 points and three assists. James Harden mustered a 14-point, 20-assist double-double that included nine rebounds.
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 40 points, complementing them with 16 assists, three rebounds and one steal. Jordan Nwora registered 16 points, two boards and one assist. Buddy Hield turned in 15 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Jalen Smith furnished 14 points, two rebounds and two blocks. Bennedict Maturin poured in 13 points, while T.J. McConnell posted 12 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals. Myles Turner netted 10 points and one block.
The 76ers hit the road and visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night, while the Pacers remain home and host the Houston Rockets on Thursday night.
The teams played a competitive game throughout, with neither the 76ers (42-22) nor the Pacers (29-37) prevailing in any of the first three quarters by more than one point. Ultimately, Philadelphia pulled ahead by as much as 11 points with less than six minutes remaining, but Indiana's 22-14 run from that point forward made matters interesting. Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey then sealed the win for Philly by scoring the final six points for the Sixers.
Embiid led the 76ers with 42 points, adding five rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block. Maxey furnished 24 points. Jalen McDaniels supplied 20 points, eight boards and one steal. Shake Milton added 15 points and three assists. James Harden mustered a 14-point, 20-assist double-double that included nine rebounds.
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 40 points, complementing them with 16 assists, three rebounds and one steal. Jordan Nwora registered 16 points, two boards and one assist. Buddy Hield turned in 15 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Jalen Smith furnished 14 points, two rebounds and two blocks. Bennedict Maturin poured in 13 points, while T.J. McConnell posted 12 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals. Myles Turner netted 10 points and one block.
The 76ers hit the road and visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night, while the Pacers remain home and host the Houston Rockets on Thursday night.
Heat Edge Hawks In Miami
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat defeated the visiting Atlanta Hawks, 130-128, at Miami-Dade Arena on Monday evening.
The Hawks jumped out to a great start with a, 43-33, lead after one quarter. The Heat brought some defense in the second and managed to trim it back to a five-point game by halftime. Both sides came out strong in the third, but the hosts maintained momentum and trailed by just four, heading into the final quarter. The Heat rallied to the lead early in the fourth and stayed a couple steps ahead the rest of the way to secure their second straight win.
Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 26 points, nine rebounds, nine assists and nine assists, in 33 minutes. Victor Oladipo followed up with 22 points, two rebounds, three assists and two blocks, while Caleb Martin added 21 points, four rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The Heat host 53.2 percent from the field, including 16-of-29 from deep.
Meanwhile, Trae Young led the Hawks with 25 points, seven rebounds and a steal, in 34 minutes. Dejounte Murray followed up with 23 points, four rebounds, eight assists and two steals, while Saddiq Bey tallied 17 points, six rebounds and three assists. The Hawks shot 55.4 percent from the field, including 9-of-29 from long range.
The Hawks (32-33) will look to bounce back as they take on the Wizards in Washington on Wednesday. The Heat (35-31) play host to the Cavaliers on Wednesday.
The Hawks jumped out to a great start with a, 43-33, lead after one quarter. The Heat brought some defense in the second and managed to trim it back to a five-point game by halftime. Both sides came out strong in the third, but the hosts maintained momentum and trailed by just four, heading into the final quarter. The Heat rallied to the lead early in the fourth and stayed a couple steps ahead the rest of the way to secure their second straight win.
Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 26 points, nine rebounds, nine assists and nine assists, in 33 minutes. Victor Oladipo followed up with 22 points, two rebounds, three assists and two blocks, while Caleb Martin added 21 points, four rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The Heat host 53.2 percent from the field, including 16-of-29 from deep.
Meanwhile, Trae Young led the Hawks with 25 points, seven rebounds and a steal, in 34 minutes. Dejounte Murray followed up with 23 points, four rebounds, eight assists and two steals, while Saddiq Bey tallied 17 points, six rebounds and three assists. The Hawks shot 55.4 percent from the field, including 9-of-29 from long range.
The Hawks (32-33) will look to bounce back as they take on the Wizards in Washington on Wednesday. The Heat (35-31) play host to the Cavaliers on Wednesday.
Nuggets Rally To Top Raptors
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Toronto Raptors, 118-113, at Ball Arena on Monday evening.
The Raptors got out to a good start with a, 34-29, lead after one quarter. They stayed in front through the second and held a three-point edge at halftime. The score stayed close through the third, but the visitors managed to create more separation, with a five-point advantage going into the final frame. The Nuggets did not quit and finally took control in the final minute, where they came up clutch to seal their fourth straight win.
Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 24 points, five assists and three steals, in 33 minutes. Michael Porter followed up with 20 points, five rebounds and a steal, while Aaron Gordon added 19 points, six rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block. Nikola Jokic finished one assist shy of a triple-double, with 17 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists.
Meanwhile Fred VanVleet led the Raptors with 21 points, 14 assists and two steals, in 35 minutes. Pascal Siakam followed up with 19 points, four rebounds, four assists and a block, while Jakob Poeltl tallied 18 points, nine rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block. The Raptors shot 50 percent from the field, including 10-of-27 from deep.
The Raptors (32-34) will look to bounce back as they take on the Clippers in L.A. on Wednesday. The Nuggets (46-19) play host to the Bulls on Wednesday.
The Raptors got out to a good start with a, 34-29, lead after one quarter. They stayed in front through the second and held a three-point edge at halftime. The score stayed close through the third, but the visitors managed to create more separation, with a five-point advantage going into the final frame. The Nuggets did not quit and finally took control in the final minute, where they came up clutch to seal their fourth straight win.
Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 24 points, five assists and three steals, in 33 minutes. Michael Porter followed up with 20 points, five rebounds and a steal, while Aaron Gordon added 19 points, six rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block. Nikola Jokic finished one assist shy of a triple-double, with 17 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists.
Meanwhile Fred VanVleet led the Raptors with 21 points, 14 assists and two steals, in 35 minutes. Pascal Siakam followed up with 19 points, four rebounds, four assists and a block, while Jakob Poeltl tallied 18 points, nine rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block. The Raptors shot 50 percent from the field, including 10-of-27 from deep.
The Raptors (32-34) will look to bounce back as they take on the Clippers in L.A. on Wednesday. The Nuggets (46-19) play host to the Bulls on Wednesday.
Kings Defeat Pelicans, 123-108
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting New Orleans Pelicans, 123-108, at Golden 1 Center on Monday.
While there were seven ties and five lead changes through the opening 30 minutes, Sacramento rode a 38-20 third quarter to their win. That allowed them to maintain a double-digit lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter, getting their lead up to 24 points at times. The Kings shot 57 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range while holding the Pelicans to 54 percent from the field and 38 percent from long range. Sacramento also recorded 39 assists to 10 turnovers, while New Orleans had 29 assists to 16 turnovers.
The Pelicans (31-34) were led by Brandon Ingram, collecting 24 points, three rebounds and seven assists. Jonas Valanciunas amassed 19 points, 12 rebounds and three assists. Trey Murphy totaled 17 points, five rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. CJ McCollum compiled 14 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Herbert Jones had 13 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.
The Kings (38-26) were led by Kevin Huerter, finishing with 25 points, five rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Domantas Sabonis tallied 19 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Davion Mitchell started and amassed 15 points and six assists. Harrison Barnes generated 14 points, three rebounds and three assists. while Trey Lyles led the bench with 14 points, five rebounds and four assists.
On deck for New Orleans is a home matchup with the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. As for Sacramento, they return to action on Thursday in a home matchup with the New York Knicks.
While there were seven ties and five lead changes through the opening 30 minutes, Sacramento rode a 38-20 third quarter to their win. That allowed them to maintain a double-digit lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter, getting their lead up to 24 points at times. The Kings shot 57 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range while holding the Pelicans to 54 percent from the field and 38 percent from long range. Sacramento also recorded 39 assists to 10 turnovers, while New Orleans had 29 assists to 16 turnovers.
The Pelicans (31-34) were led by Brandon Ingram, collecting 24 points, three rebounds and seven assists. Jonas Valanciunas amassed 19 points, 12 rebounds and three assists. Trey Murphy totaled 17 points, five rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. CJ McCollum compiled 14 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Herbert Jones had 13 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.
The Kings (38-26) were led by Kevin Huerter, finishing with 25 points, five rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Domantas Sabonis tallied 19 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Davion Mitchell started and amassed 15 points and six assists. Harrison Barnes generated 14 points, three rebounds and three assists. while Trey Lyles led the bench with 14 points, five rebounds and four assists.
On deck for New Orleans is a home matchup with the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. As for Sacramento, they return to action on Thursday in a home matchup with the New York Knicks.