Wizards Use Strong Second Half, Defeat Pistons
The Washington Wizards defeated the Detroit Pistons, 119-117, at Little Caesars Arena on Tuesday.
The Wizards (31-34) didn’t look their best in the first half. However, an improved effort in the second 24 minutes allowed Washington to get past the Pistons (15-51). Washington jumped out to a 29-26 score in the first quarter, but Detroit responded with a 32-24 score in the second quarter. The Wizards showed an improved attitude in the second half and recovered the lead following a 36-30 score. Washington closed the game after winning the final quarter by a 30-29 score. The Wizards improved to 16-19 on the road with the win, while the Pistons fell to 8-25 at home – one of the worst home records in The Association.
Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 32 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Kristaps Porzingis delivered 24 points and seven rebounds, and Kyle Kuzma chipped in with 23 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Delon Wright only scored three points but added six assists, five steals and three rebounds. Corey Kispert added 16 points off the bench. Washington shot 58 percent from the field and 48 percent from deep.
Jaden Ivey paced the Pistons with a 26-point, 12-assist double-double. James Wiseman posted 21 points, five rebounds and three assists, and Marvin Bagley delivered 15 points with five boards and four assists. Eugene Omoruyi posted 15 points off the bench. The duo of Cory Joseph and R.J. Hampton posted matching 11-point tallies. Detroit shot 51.2 percent from the field and 43.3 percent from deep.
The Wizards (31-34) didn’t look their best in the first half. However, an improved effort in the second 24 minutes allowed Washington to get past the Pistons (15-51). Washington jumped out to a 29-26 score in the first quarter, but Detroit responded with a 32-24 score in the second quarter. The Wizards showed an improved attitude in the second half and recovered the lead following a 36-30 score. Washington closed the game after winning the final quarter by a 30-29 score. The Wizards improved to 16-19 on the road with the win, while the Pistons fell to 8-25 at home – one of the worst home records in The Association.
Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 32 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Kristaps Porzingis delivered 24 points and seven rebounds, and Kyle Kuzma chipped in with 23 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Delon Wright only scored three points but added six assists, five steals and three rebounds. Corey Kispert added 16 points off the bench. Washington shot 58 percent from the field and 48 percent from deep.
Jaden Ivey paced the Pistons with a 26-point, 12-assist double-double. James Wiseman posted 21 points, five rebounds and three assists, and Marvin Bagley delivered 15 points with five boards and four assists. Eugene Omoruyi posted 15 points off the bench. The duo of Cory Joseph and R.J. Hampton posted matching 11-point tallies. Detroit shot 51.2 percent from the field and 43.3 percent from deep.
Bucks Top Magic Away From Home
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Orlando Magic, 134-123, at Amway Center on Tuesday.
The Bucks (47-18) have been the best team in the league over the last few weeks, and they keep fighting for the best record in the Eastern Conference. Despite playing on the road, they used a strong start to get past the Magic (27-39). Milwaukee looked excellent in the first quarter and established a double-digit lead following a 36-26 score. The Bucks maintained the lead in the second and third quarters, but the Magic kept the game close after scores of 34-34 and 32-32, respectively. Milwaukee closed the game out after winning the final 12-minute period by a 32-31 score. The Bucks moved to 20-12 on the road with the win. Meanwhile, the Magic fell to 15-18 when playing at home.
Brook Lopez led the way for the Bucks with 26 points, six rebounds and three blocks. Khris Middleton and Jevon Carter posted matching 24-point tallies, with Middleton adding 11 assists and Carter chipping in with five dimes. Bobby Portis recorded a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double. Jae Crowder filled the stat sheet off the bench with 15 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Milwaukee shot 59 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from deep.
Franz Wagner led the way for Orlando with 21 points, six assists and three rebounds. Paolo Banchero recorded 20 points, four boards and three dimes. Moritz Wagner filled the stat sheet thanks to 18 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Markelle Fultz delivered 16 points and four dimes. Cole Anthony impressed with a 23-point effort off the bench. Orlando shot 50 percent from the field and 30 percent from deep.
The Bucks (47-18) have been the best team in the league over the last few weeks, and they keep fighting for the best record in the Eastern Conference. Despite playing on the road, they used a strong start to get past the Magic (27-39). Milwaukee looked excellent in the first quarter and established a double-digit lead following a 36-26 score. The Bucks maintained the lead in the second and third quarters, but the Magic kept the game close after scores of 34-34 and 32-32, respectively. Milwaukee closed the game out after winning the final 12-minute period by a 32-31 score. The Bucks moved to 20-12 on the road with the win. Meanwhile, the Magic fell to 15-18 when playing at home.
Brook Lopez led the way for the Bucks with 26 points, six rebounds and three blocks. Khris Middleton and Jevon Carter posted matching 24-point tallies, with Middleton adding 11 assists and Carter chipping in with five dimes. Bobby Portis recorded a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double. Jae Crowder filled the stat sheet off the bench with 15 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Milwaukee shot 59 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from deep.
Franz Wagner led the way for Orlando with 21 points, six assists and three rebounds. Paolo Banchero recorded 20 points, four boards and three dimes. Moritz Wagner filled the stat sheet thanks to 18 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Markelle Fultz delivered 16 points and four dimes. Cole Anthony impressed with a 23-point effort off the bench. Orlando shot 50 percent from the field and 30 percent from deep.
76ers Dominate Timberwolves, 117-94
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 117-94, at Target Center on Tuesday night.
The 76ers (43-22) came in red hot on the offensive end, but they were only able to generate a moderate offensive output during a first quarter from which they emerged with a 27-24 deficit. However, Philadelphia turned it on at that point, outscoring the Timberwolves (34-33) by a 34-18 margin during the second quarter to take a 13-point lead into halftime. The visitors then added another six points to their advantage in the third, setting the stage for the blowout victory.
Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 39 points, adding seven rebounds, four assists, three blocks and one steal. Tyrese Maxey furnished 27 points, five assists, four boards, one steal and one block. De'Anthony Melton managed 11 points, seven rebounds and one assist. Tobias Harris posted a 10-point, 14-rebound double-double that included four assists, four steals and one block.
Anthony Edwards paced the Timberwolves with 32 points, complementing them with seven rebounds and one assist. Taurean Prince turned in 13 points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Naz Reid compiled 11 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal.
The 76ers return home to host the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night, while the Timberwolves remain home and host the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night as well.
The 76ers (43-22) came in red hot on the offensive end, but they were only able to generate a moderate offensive output during a first quarter from which they emerged with a 27-24 deficit. However, Philadelphia turned it on at that point, outscoring the Timberwolves (34-33) by a 34-18 margin during the second quarter to take a 13-point lead into halftime. The visitors then added another six points to their advantage in the third, setting the stage for the blowout victory.
Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 39 points, adding seven rebounds, four assists, three blocks and one steal. Tyrese Maxey furnished 27 points, five assists, four boards, one steal and one block. De'Anthony Melton managed 11 points, seven rebounds and one assist. Tobias Harris posted a 10-point, 14-rebound double-double that included four assists, four steals and one block.
Anthony Edwards paced the Timberwolves with 32 points, complementing them with seven rebounds and one assist. Taurean Prince turned in 13 points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Naz Reid compiled 11 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal.
The 76ers return home to host the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night, while the Timberwolves remain home and host the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night as well.
Hornets Surprise Knicks, 112-105
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the New York Knicks, 112-105, at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night.
The Hornets (21-46) came into the contest as the biggest underdog of the night, and early on, it appeared that designation was warranted. Charlotte was down by 16 points at halftime thanks in large part to the Knicks' (39-28) 45-point second quarter, but the final 24 minutes would surprisingly belong to the visitors. New York was outscored, 62-39, in the second half, leading to the surprising upset road victory.
Kelly Oubre led the Hornets with 27 points, adding five rebounds, two assists and one block. Terry Rozier delivered 25 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Gordon Hayward totaled 23 points, nine boards, eight assists and one block. P.J. Washington furnished 13 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal.
R.J. Barrett paced the Knicks with 27 points, complementing them with six boards and four assists. Julius Randle posted 16 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Mitchell Robinson and Immanuel Quickley generated matching 14-point tallies while producing eight rebounds and five assists, respectively. Quentin Grimes contributed 12 points, four rebounds and two assists. Josh Hart managed 10 points, eight rebounds and two assists.
The Hornets remain on the road and visit the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night, while the Knicks hit the road and visit the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night as well.
The Hornets (21-46) came into the contest as the biggest underdog of the night, and early on, it appeared that designation was warranted. Charlotte was down by 16 points at halftime thanks in large part to the Knicks' (39-28) 45-point second quarter, but the final 24 minutes would surprisingly belong to the visitors. New York was outscored, 62-39, in the second half, leading to the surprising upset road victory.
Kelly Oubre led the Hornets with 27 points, adding five rebounds, two assists and one block. Terry Rozier delivered 25 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Gordon Hayward totaled 23 points, nine boards, eight assists and one block. P.J. Washington furnished 13 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal.
R.J. Barrett paced the Knicks with 27 points, complementing them with six boards and four assists. Julius Randle posted 16 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Mitchell Robinson and Immanuel Quickley generated matching 14-point tallies while producing eight rebounds and five assists, respectively. Quentin Grimes contributed 12 points, four rebounds and two assists. Josh Hart managed 10 points, eight rebounds and two assists.
The Hornets remain on the road and visit the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night, while the Knicks hit the road and visit the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night as well.
Nets Roll Past Rockets In Houston
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the host Houston Rockets, 118-96, at Toyota Center on Tuesday evening.
The Rockets got out to a strong start and led by five, after one quarter. The Nets turned things around in the second and outscored the hosts, 32-22, to take a five-point advantage into the break. The Nets carried the momentum into the third and pushed their way to a 14-point lead heading into the final quarter.
The Rockets had no answer in the fourth, as the Nets rallied to their third straight win.
MIkal Bridges led the Nets with 30 points, five assists, two blocks and a steal, in 36 minutes. Spencer Dinwiddie followed up with 23 points, four assists and a block, while Nicolas Claxton totaled 18 points, 13 rebounds, four blocks and a steal. The Nets shot 49.4 percent from the field, including 15-of-40 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jalen Green led the Rockets with 25 points, two rebounds, a steal and a block, in 37 minutes. Alperen Sengun followed up with 16 points, 12 rebounds and two assists, while Jabari Smith finished with 15 points and eight rebounds. The Rockets shot 43.4 percent from the field, including 7-of-26 from deep.
The Rockets (15-50) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Pacers in Indiana on Thursday. The Nets (37-28) take on the Bucks in Milwaukee on Thursday.
The Rockets got out to a strong start and led by five, after one quarter. The Nets turned things around in the second and outscored the hosts, 32-22, to take a five-point advantage into the break. The Nets carried the momentum into the third and pushed their way to a 14-point lead heading into the final quarter.
The Rockets had no answer in the fourth, as the Nets rallied to their third straight win.
MIkal Bridges led the Nets with 30 points, five assists, two blocks and a steal, in 36 minutes. Spencer Dinwiddie followed up with 23 points, four assists and a block, while Nicolas Claxton totaled 18 points, 13 rebounds, four blocks and a steal. The Nets shot 49.4 percent from the field, including 15-of-40 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jalen Green led the Rockets with 25 points, two rebounds, a steal and a block, in 37 minutes. Alperen Sengun followed up with 16 points, 12 rebounds and two assists, while Jabari Smith finished with 15 points and eight rebounds. The Rockets shot 43.4 percent from the field, including 7-of-26 from deep.
The Rockets (15-50) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Pacers in Indiana on Thursday. The Nets (37-28) take on the Bucks in Milwaukee on Thursday.
Thunder Close Out Warriors in OKC
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Golden State Warriors, 137-128, at Paycom Center on Tuesday evening.
The Thunder jumped out to a great start with a, 40-30, lead after one quarter. The Warriors turned up their play in the second and managed to trim it to a four-point game by halftime. Both sides came out strong in the third, but the Thunder stayed in control with a six-point advantage heading into the final frame. The visitors kept up the fight in the fourth, but the Thunder did not lose grip on their way to a third consecutive win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 33 points, three rebounds, six assists and two steals, in 36 minutes. Josh Giddey totaled 17 points, 11 rebounds and 17 assists, while Luguentz Dort recorded 18 points, eight rebounds and two steals. The Thunder shot 53.2 percent from the field, including 17-of-37 from long range.
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 40 points, six rebounds and seven assists, in 35 minutes. Klay Thompson followed up with 23 points, four rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, while Jonathan Kuminga added 21 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Warriors shot 52.8 percent from the field, including 20-of-51 from deep.
The Warriors (34-32) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Grizzlies in Memphis on Thursday. The Thunder (31-34) take on the Suns in Phoenix on Wednesday.
The Thunder jumped out to a great start with a, 40-30, lead after one quarter. The Warriors turned up their play in the second and managed to trim it to a four-point game by halftime. Both sides came out strong in the third, but the Thunder stayed in control with a six-point advantage heading into the final frame. The visitors kept up the fight in the fourth, but the Thunder did not lose grip on their way to a third consecutive win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 33 points, three rebounds, six assists and two steals, in 36 minutes. Josh Giddey totaled 17 points, 11 rebounds and 17 assists, while Luguentz Dort recorded 18 points, eight rebounds and two steals. The Thunder shot 53.2 percent from the field, including 17-of-37 from long range.
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 40 points, six rebounds and seven assists, in 35 minutes. Klay Thompson followed up with 23 points, four rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, while Jonathan Kuminga added 21 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Warriors shot 52.8 percent from the field, including 20-of-51 from deep.
The Warriors (34-32) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Grizzlies in Memphis on Thursday. The Thunder (31-34) take on the Suns in Phoenix on Wednesday.
Mavericks Defeat Jazz, 120-116
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 120-116, at American Airlines Center on Tuesday.
There were seven ties and 17 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than eight points in the second half. With that said, the Mavericks finished the game on a 13-8 run over the closing three minutes to pull out their win. The Mavericks shot 47 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range while holding the Jazz to 45 percent from the field and 34 percent from long range. Dallas also doubled up Utah in fastbreak scoring, 24-12.
The Jazz (31-35) were led by Lauri Markkanen, finishing with 33 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Talen Horton-Tucker tallied 21 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kelly Olynyk amassed 12 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kris Dunn led the bench with 11 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
The Mavericks (34-32) were led by Kyrie Irving, collecting 33 points, six rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Luka Doncic tallied 29 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and two steals., Tim Hardaway Jr led the bench with 24 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Justin Holiday had 11 points, two rebounds, two assists, two steals and three blocks.
Dallas has to play again on Wednesday, traveling to face the New Orleans Pelicans. As for Utah, they return to action on Thursday in a road matchup with the Orlando Magic.
There were seven ties and 17 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than eight points in the second half. With that said, the Mavericks finished the game on a 13-8 run over the closing three minutes to pull out their win. The Mavericks shot 47 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range while holding the Jazz to 45 percent from the field and 34 percent from long range. Dallas also doubled up Utah in fastbreak scoring, 24-12.
The Jazz (31-35) were led by Lauri Markkanen, finishing with 33 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Talen Horton-Tucker tallied 21 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kelly Olynyk amassed 12 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kris Dunn led the bench with 11 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
The Mavericks (34-32) were led by Kyrie Irving, collecting 33 points, six rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Luka Doncic tallied 29 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and two steals., Tim Hardaway Jr led the bench with 24 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Justin Holiday had 11 points, two rebounds, two assists, two steals and three blocks.
Dallas has to play again on Wednesday, traveling to face the New Orleans Pelicans. As for Utah, they return to action on Thursday in a road matchup with the Orlando Magic.
Lakers Defeat Grizzlies, 112-103
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, 112-103, at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday.
There were 13 ties and 15 lead changes in this game, with neither team grabbing a double-digit lead. The largest lead was the final margin, with Los Angeles finishing the game on a 24-8 run over the closing eight minutes. That capped off a 56-46 second half. The Lakers shot 46 percent from the field while holding the Grizzlies below 39 percent shooting. Los Angeles out-rebounded Memphis, 68-51, while out-assisting them, 27-18. The Lakers also outscored the Grizzlies in fastbreak scoring, 20-13.
The Grizzlies (38-26) were led by Jaren Jackson Jr, collecting 26 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Tyus Jones tallied 16 points, three rebounds and three assists. Dillon Brooks scored 13 points but missed 12 of his 17 shots. Xavier Tillman totaled 11 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and four steals. Desmond Bane shot 3-of-14 to amass seven points, five rebounds and five assists.
The Lakers (32-34) were led by Anthony Davis, accruing 30 points, 22 rebounds, three assists and two blocks on 11-of-17 from the field. Dennis Schroder generated 17 points, six rebounds and nine assists. Troy Brown Jr had 13 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves led the bench with 17 points apiece. Rui also had six boards, while Reaves registered four rebounds and seven assists.
Memphis returns to action on Thursday in a home matchup with the Golden State Warriors. As for LA, they return to action on Friday in a home matchup with the Toronto Raptors.
There were 13 ties and 15 lead changes in this game, with neither team grabbing a double-digit lead. The largest lead was the final margin, with Los Angeles finishing the game on a 24-8 run over the closing eight minutes. That capped off a 56-46 second half. The Lakers shot 46 percent from the field while holding the Grizzlies below 39 percent shooting. Los Angeles out-rebounded Memphis, 68-51, while out-assisting them, 27-18. The Lakers also outscored the Grizzlies in fastbreak scoring, 20-13.
The Grizzlies (38-26) were led by Jaren Jackson Jr, collecting 26 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Tyus Jones tallied 16 points, three rebounds and three assists. Dillon Brooks scored 13 points but missed 12 of his 17 shots. Xavier Tillman totaled 11 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and four steals. Desmond Bane shot 3-of-14 to amass seven points, five rebounds and five assists.
The Lakers (32-34) were led by Anthony Davis, accruing 30 points, 22 rebounds, three assists and two blocks on 11-of-17 from the field. Dennis Schroder generated 17 points, six rebounds and nine assists. Troy Brown Jr had 13 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves led the bench with 17 points apiece. Rui also had six boards, while Reaves registered four rebounds and seven assists.
Memphis returns to action on Thursday in a home matchup with the Golden State Warriors. As for LA, they return to action on Friday in a home matchup with the Toronto Raptors.