Hornets Top Pistons In Battle Of Rebuilding Teams
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Detroit Pistons, 113-103, at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday.
The Hornets (22-46) and the Pistons (15-52) are stuck in rebuilding processes that might last a few more years. However, Charlotte escaped with the win in this battle of franchises already thinking about next season. The Hornets enjoyed a strong start and secured a 31-23 lead following the first quarter, and they made it a nine-point game at the halftime break following a 28-27 score in the second 12-minute period. Charlotte didn’t slow things down and won the third quarter by a 34-33 score. They closed the game when the final 12 minutes ended with a 30-30 tie. The Hornets moved to 11-26 on the road with the win, while the Pistons fell to 8-26 at home. The Hornets also shot the ball better, making 50 percent of their field goals compared to Detroit’s 44.9, and they won the turnover battle as well, 13-19.
Kelly Oubre Jr. led the way for the Hornets with 27 points and four rebounds. Terry Rozier came close to a double-double after posting 21 points and nine assists while adding six rebounds. P.J. Washington recorded 20 points, five rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Dennis Smith Jr. finished with 14 points, three assists and three steals off the bench. Nick Richards posted 13 points with nine rebounds. Gordon Hayward had two points (1-9 FG) with five rebounds and six assists.
Cory Joseph led the Pistons in scoring with a 17-point performance in 24 minutes off the bench. Jaden Ivey and James Wiseman posted matching 16-point tallies, with Ivey also adding six assists and three boards while Wiseman racked up 13 rebounds. Isaiah Livers finished with 13 points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Hornets (22-46) and the Pistons (15-52) are stuck in rebuilding processes that might last a few more years. However, Charlotte escaped with the win in this battle of franchises already thinking about next season. The Hornets enjoyed a strong start and secured a 31-23 lead following the first quarter, and they made it a nine-point game at the halftime break following a 28-27 score in the second 12-minute period. Charlotte didn’t slow things down and won the third quarter by a 34-33 score. They closed the game when the final 12 minutes ended with a 30-30 tie. The Hornets moved to 11-26 on the road with the win, while the Pistons fell to 8-26 at home. The Hornets also shot the ball better, making 50 percent of their field goals compared to Detroit’s 44.9, and they won the turnover battle as well, 13-19.
Kelly Oubre Jr. led the way for the Hornets with 27 points and four rebounds. Terry Rozier came close to a double-double after posting 21 points and nine assists while adding six rebounds. P.J. Washington recorded 20 points, five rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Dennis Smith Jr. finished with 14 points, three assists and three steals off the bench. Nick Richards posted 13 points with nine rebounds. Gordon Hayward had two points (1-9 FG) with five rebounds and six assists.
Cory Joseph led the Pistons in scoring with a 17-point performance in 24 minutes off the bench. Jaden Ivey and James Wiseman posted matching 16-point tallies, with Ivey also adding six assists and three boards while Wiseman racked up 13 rebounds. Isaiah Livers finished with 13 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Pacers Outlast Rockets in OT, 132-125
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Houston Rockets in overtime, 132-125, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Thursday night.
The Pacers (30-37) wasted no time delivering on their status as solid home favorites early, jumping out to a 38-27 lead through one. The Rockets (15-51) did shave five points from their deficit before halftime, but Indiana held a seven-point edge going into the final period. However, Houston played its best defense in the final 12 minutes, holding the hosts to 17 points and forcing overtime with a Jabari Smith three-pointer with 5.1 seconds remaining. However, the Pacers eventually made up for it in the extra period, finishing the game on a 12-6 run over the final 2:40.
Smith led the Rockets with a 30-point, 12-rebound double-double that included three assists, two steals and one block. Jalen Green supplied 24 points, four assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Kenyon Martin provided 23 points, four rebounds, one assist and two steals. Alperen Sengun registered 14 points, eight boards, three assists and two blocks. Jae'Sean Tate delivered 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one block.
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with a 29-point, 19-assist double-double that included two rebounds. Myles Turner contributed 21 points, five rebounds, one assist, seven blocks and one steal. Jordan Nwora supplied 18 points, five rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Buddy Hield collected 17 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Andrew Nembhard turned in 14 points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals. T.J. McConnell managed 13 points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals. Aaron Nesmith and Chris Duarte furnished matching 10-point contributions while recording seven and three rebounds, respectively.
The Rockets return home to host the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night, while the Pacers hit the road and face the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night as well.
The Pacers (30-37) wasted no time delivering on their status as solid home favorites early, jumping out to a 38-27 lead through one. The Rockets (15-51) did shave five points from their deficit before halftime, but Indiana held a seven-point edge going into the final period. However, Houston played its best defense in the final 12 minutes, holding the hosts to 17 points and forcing overtime with a Jabari Smith three-pointer with 5.1 seconds remaining. However, the Pacers eventually made up for it in the extra period, finishing the game on a 12-6 run over the final 2:40.
Smith led the Rockets with a 30-point, 12-rebound double-double that included three assists, two steals and one block. Jalen Green supplied 24 points, four assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Kenyon Martin provided 23 points, four rebounds, one assist and two steals. Alperen Sengun registered 14 points, eight boards, three assists and two blocks. Jae'Sean Tate delivered 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one block.
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with a 29-point, 19-assist double-double that included two rebounds. Myles Turner contributed 21 points, five rebounds, one assist, seven blocks and one steal. Jordan Nwora supplied 18 points, five rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Buddy Hield collected 17 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Andrew Nembhard turned in 14 points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals. T.J. McConnell managed 13 points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals. Aaron Nesmith and Chris Duarte furnished matching 10-point contributions while recording seven and three rebounds, respectively.
The Rockets return home to host the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night, while the Pacers hit the road and face the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night as well.
Jazz Snap Four-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz defeated the host Orlando Magic, 131-124, at Amway Center on Thursday evening.
The Jazz jumped out to a quick nine-point lead, but the Magic rallied back to grab a one-point edge by the end of the first frame. The score stayed close early in the second, but Jazz closed the quarter on an, 11-5, run to claim a six-point advantage at the break. The pace picked up in the third where the Magic outscored the hosts, 41-35, to go up by two, heading into the final quarter. Both sides kept up the fight in the fourth and the score was tied at 118, with under three minutes left, but the Jazz took control in the clutch to secure the road win and end a four-game slide. This marks the third straight loss for the Magic.
Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 31 points, five rebounds, two assists and a block, in 34 minutes. Talen Horton-Tucker 23 points, eight assists and steal, while Simone Fontecchio added 17 points, two rebounds, two assists and three steals. The Jazz shot 55.7 percent from the field, including 13-of-34 from deep.
Meanwhile, Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 26 points, eight rebounds, two assists and a block, in 34 minutes. Markelle Fultz followed up with 25 points, three rebounds and six assists, while Franz Wagner added 24 points on 9-of-21 shooting. The Magic shot 46.8 percent from the field, including 16-of-34 from long range.
The Magic (27-40) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Heat on Saturday. The Jazz (32-35) take on the Hornets in Utah on Saturday.
The Jazz jumped out to a quick nine-point lead, but the Magic rallied back to grab a one-point edge by the end of the first frame. The score stayed close early in the second, but Jazz closed the quarter on an, 11-5, run to claim a six-point advantage at the break. The pace picked up in the third where the Magic outscored the hosts, 41-35, to go up by two, heading into the final quarter. Both sides kept up the fight in the fourth and the score was tied at 118, with under three minutes left, but the Jazz took control in the clutch to secure the road win and end a four-game slide. This marks the third straight loss for the Magic.
Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 31 points, five rebounds, two assists and a block, in 34 minutes. Talen Horton-Tucker 23 points, eight assists and steal, while Simone Fontecchio added 17 points, two rebounds, two assists and three steals. The Jazz shot 55.7 percent from the field, including 13-of-34 from deep.
Meanwhile, Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 26 points, eight rebounds, two assists and a block, in 34 minutes. Markelle Fultz followed up with 25 points, three rebounds and six assists, while Franz Wagner added 24 points on 9-of-21 shooting. The Magic shot 46.8 percent from the field, including 16-of-34 from long range.
The Magic (27-40) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Heat on Saturday. The Jazz (32-35) take on the Hornets in Utah on Saturday.
Grizzlies Thump Warriors, 131-110
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Golden State Warriors, 131-110, at FedEx Forum on Thursday night.
The Grizzlies (39-26) came into the contest looking to atone for a loss to the Lakers in their most recent contest and snap a three-game skid in the process, and they immediately set the tone by taking a 48-28 lead over the Warriors (34-33) through one. However, Golden State was able to outscore Memphis, 65-51, over the middle quarters to head into the final period with a manageable seven-point deficit. The close call seemed to wake up the hosts, which opened the fourth quarter with a 14-6 run over the first 3:44 on the way to a 32-17 advantage in the final 12 minutes.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 29 points, adding seven rebounds, four assists and one steal. Jordan Poole supplied 22 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Draymond Green delivered 16 points, seven assists, five rebounds and three steals. Klay Thompson turned in 14 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal. Ty Jerome compiled 11 points, three assists, two rebounds and steal.
Tyus Jones paced the Grizzlies with a 22-point, 11-assist double-double that included four rebounds and three steals. Desmond Bane managed 21 points, six assists and two rebounds. Jaren Jackson matched Bane's scoring and also provided nine boards, three assists, one steal and one block. Santi Aldama registered 15 points, seven rebounds and one assist. Dillon Brooks furnished 14 points, six assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Xavier Tillman pitched in 10 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Warriors return home to host the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night, while the Grizzlies remain home and host the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night.
The Grizzlies (39-26) came into the contest looking to atone for a loss to the Lakers in their most recent contest and snap a three-game skid in the process, and they immediately set the tone by taking a 48-28 lead over the Warriors (34-33) through one. However, Golden State was able to outscore Memphis, 65-51, over the middle quarters to head into the final period with a manageable seven-point deficit. The close call seemed to wake up the hosts, which opened the fourth quarter with a 14-6 run over the first 3:44 on the way to a 32-17 advantage in the final 12 minutes.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 29 points, adding seven rebounds, four assists and one steal. Jordan Poole supplied 22 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Draymond Green delivered 16 points, seven assists, five rebounds and three steals. Klay Thompson turned in 14 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal. Ty Jerome compiled 11 points, three assists, two rebounds and steal.
Tyus Jones paced the Grizzlies with a 22-point, 11-assist double-double that included four rebounds and three steals. Desmond Bane managed 21 points, six assists and two rebounds. Jaren Jackson matched Bane's scoring and also provided nine boards, three assists, one steal and one block. Santi Aldama registered 15 points, seven rebounds and one assist. Dillon Brooks furnished 14 points, six assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Xavier Tillman pitched in 10 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Warriors return home to host the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night, while the Grizzlies remain home and host the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night.
Bucks Hold On For Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Brooklyn Nets, 118-113, at Fiserv Forum on Thursday evening.
The Bucks jumped out to a great start with a, 37-20, lead after one quarter. Both sides brought the fight in the second, but the Bucks held on to a 17-point cushion at the break. The Nets came out stronger in the third and outscored the host by 10, to cut it to a seven-point game heading into the final frame. The Nets kept pressing in the fourth and cut it to a two-point game with 46 seconds left, but the Bucks held their ground and closed out their third straight win. This marks the end of three-game win streak for the Nets.
Bobby Portis led the Bucks with 28 points, 13 rebounds and two assists, in 30 minutes. Brook Lopez followed up with 24 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, nine blocks and a steal, while Grayson Allen added 19 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Bucks shot 42.7 percent from the field, including 19-of-49 from deep.
Meanwhile, Patty Mills led ht Nets with 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, in 31 minutes. Cam Thomas followed up with 21 points and four rebounds, while Dru Smith tallied 17 points, two rebounds, four assists and a block. The Nets shot 39.4 percent from the field, including 14-of-36 from long range.
The Nets (37-29) will look to bounce back as they face the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Friday. The Bucks (48-18) take on the Warriors in Golden State on Saturday.
The Bucks jumped out to a great start with a, 37-20, lead after one quarter. Both sides brought the fight in the second, but the Bucks held on to a 17-point cushion at the break. The Nets came out stronger in the third and outscored the host by 10, to cut it to a seven-point game heading into the final frame. The Nets kept pressing in the fourth and cut it to a two-point game with 46 seconds left, but the Bucks held their ground and closed out their third straight win. This marks the end of three-game win streak for the Nets.
Bobby Portis led the Bucks with 28 points, 13 rebounds and two assists, in 30 minutes. Brook Lopez followed up with 24 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, nine blocks and a steal, while Grayson Allen added 19 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Bucks shot 42.7 percent from the field, including 19-of-49 from deep.
Meanwhile, Patty Mills led ht Nets with 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, in 31 minutes. Cam Thomas followed up with 21 points and four rebounds, while Dru Smith tallied 17 points, two rebounds, four assists and a block. The Nets shot 39.4 percent from the field, including 14-of-36 from long range.
The Nets (37-29) will look to bounce back as they face the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Friday. The Bucks (48-18) take on the Warriors in Golden State on Saturday.
Kings Defeat Knicks, 122-117
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting New York Knicks, 122-117, at Golden 1 Center on Thursday.
While New York grabbed the first lead in this game, Sacramento never relinquished the lead over the final 45 minutes. A 30-23 first quarter set the foundation, but a 39-30 second quarter was too much for NY to overcome. Sacramento got their lead up to 21 points at times, even though New York tied the game late, which was their only tie in the game. The Kings shot 52 percent from the field and 31 percent from three-point range while holding the Knicks to 42 percent from the field and 26 percent from long range.
The Knicks (39-29) were led by RJ Barrett, tallying 25 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Julius Randle registered 23 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two steals. Jalen Brunson didn't return after halftime but still had 19 points, two rebounds and two assists. Josh Hart led the bench with nine points, 15 rebounds, seven assists and three steals.
The Kings (39-26) were led by Domantas Sabonis, finishing with 24 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. De'Aaron Fox collected 23 points, three rebounds, seven assists and four steals. Kevin Huerter totaled 14 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Malik Monk led the bench with 19 points, five rebounds and five assists.
Sacramento returns to action on Saturday in a road matchup with the Phoenix Suns. As for New York, they also return to action on Saturday, playing the LA Clippers on the road.
While New York grabbed the first lead in this game, Sacramento never relinquished the lead over the final 45 minutes. A 30-23 first quarter set the foundation, but a 39-30 second quarter was too much for NY to overcome. Sacramento got their lead up to 21 points at times, even though New York tied the game late, which was their only tie in the game. The Kings shot 52 percent from the field and 31 percent from three-point range while holding the Knicks to 42 percent from the field and 26 percent from long range.
The Knicks (39-29) were led by RJ Barrett, tallying 25 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Julius Randle registered 23 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two steals. Jalen Brunson didn't return after halftime but still had 19 points, two rebounds and two assists. Josh Hart led the bench with nine points, 15 rebounds, seven assists and three steals.
The Kings (39-26) were led by Domantas Sabonis, finishing with 24 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. De'Aaron Fox collected 23 points, three rebounds, seven assists and four steals. Kevin Huerter totaled 14 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Malik Monk led the bench with 19 points, five rebounds and five assists.
Sacramento returns to action on Saturday in a road matchup with the Phoenix Suns. As for New York, they also return to action on Saturday, playing the LA Clippers on the road.