Pistons Snap Losing Streak, Defeat Pacers
The Detroit Pistons defeated the Indiana Pacers, 117-97, at Little Caesars Arena on Monday.
The Pistons (16-53) and the Pacers (31-38) were extremely shorthanded for this contest since both teams were missing some of their best players due to injury concerns. However, Detroit came out on top and secured the win dominantly. Detroit established control of the game early and jumped to a dominant 38-20 score following the first quarter. The Pacers kept things close in the second quarter following a 29-29 score, but the Pistons would pull away again in the second half with a 24-19 score in the third quarter. The game was decided by the time the fourth quarter started, so the Pacers winning that period by a 29-26 score didn’t matter much. The Pistons moved to 9-27 at home with the win, while the Pacers fell to 12-22 on the road.
Cory Joseph led all scorers with 22 points off the bench while adding five rebounds and five assists across 32 minutes. James Wiseman had an 18-point, 14-rebound double-double, and Rodney McGruder added 18 points. McGruder also posted five boards, two assists and a steal. Killian Hayes finished with a 10-point, 11-assist double-double. Eugene Omoruyi delivered 16 points, six rebounds, three steals and two assists. R.J. Hampton chipped in 15 points, six rebounds and three assists.
Jordan Nwora led the Pacers with 20 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals off the bench. Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith had 15-point tallies each, with Nembhard also adding seven assists and Nesmith recording six rebounds, four dimes and two steals. Buddy Hield had a rough night and ended with seven points (3-12 FG) and eight boards.
The Pistons (16-53) and the Pacers (31-38) were extremely shorthanded for this contest since both teams were missing some of their best players due to injury concerns. However, Detroit came out on top and secured the win dominantly. Detroit established control of the game early and jumped to a dominant 38-20 score following the first quarter. The Pacers kept things close in the second quarter following a 29-29 score, but the Pistons would pull away again in the second half with a 24-19 score in the third quarter. The game was decided by the time the fourth quarter started, so the Pacers winning that period by a 29-26 score didn’t matter much. The Pistons moved to 9-27 at home with the win, while the Pacers fell to 12-22 on the road.
Cory Joseph led all scorers with 22 points off the bench while adding five rebounds and five assists across 32 minutes. James Wiseman had an 18-point, 14-rebound double-double, and Rodney McGruder added 18 points. McGruder also posted five boards, two assists and a steal. Killian Hayes finished with a 10-point, 11-assist double-double. Eugene Omoruyi delivered 16 points, six rebounds, three steals and two assists. R.J. Hampton chipped in 15 points, six rebounds and three assists.
Jordan Nwora led the Pacers with 20 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals off the bench. Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith had 15-point tallies each, with Nembhard also adding seven assists and Nesmith recording six rebounds, four dimes and two steals. Buddy Hield had a rough night and ended with seven points (3-12 FG) and eight boards.
Timberwolves Cruise To Win Over Hawks
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 136-115, at StateFarm Arena on Monday.
The Timberwolves (35-34) moved over the .500 threshold with a convincing win over the Hawks (34-35) after setting the tone early. Minnesota raced out to a 40-29 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, and the Timberwolves would bolster that advantage ever further following a 36-23 score in the second quarter. The Timberwolves were in control thanks to a 24-point lead at the break, but the Hawks showed some signs of life and won the third quarter by a 33-30 score. That would be everything they’d be able to muster, though. The final quarter ended with a 30-30 score, allowing Minnesota to cruise its way to an easy victory. The Timberwolves moved to 15-18 on the road with a win, while the Hawks fell to 18-15 at home.
Anthony Edwards led the way for Minnesota with 32 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Kyle Anderson posted the third triple-double of his career and finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists. Rudy Gobert also had 14 points while adding eight rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Mike Conley had 21 points and six assists. Jalen McDaniels posted 19 points. Luka Garza had 14 points and three rebounds.
Trae Young led the Hawks with a game-high 41 points and seven assists. Deandre Hunter had 15 points, and Clint Capela posted a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two blocks. Dejounte Murray notched 11 points and five rebounds. Onyeka Okongwu posted 16 points and 14 rebounds off the bench.
The Timberwolves (35-34) moved over the .500 threshold with a convincing win over the Hawks (34-35) after setting the tone early. Minnesota raced out to a 40-29 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, and the Timberwolves would bolster that advantage ever further following a 36-23 score in the second quarter. The Timberwolves were in control thanks to a 24-point lead at the break, but the Hawks showed some signs of life and won the third quarter by a 33-30 score. That would be everything they’d be able to muster, though. The final quarter ended with a 30-30 score, allowing Minnesota to cruise its way to an easy victory. The Timberwolves moved to 15-18 on the road with a win, while the Hawks fell to 18-15 at home.
Anthony Edwards led the way for Minnesota with 32 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Kyle Anderson posted the third triple-double of his career and finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists. Rudy Gobert also had 14 points while adding eight rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Mike Conley had 21 points and six assists. Jalen McDaniels posted 19 points. Luka Garza had 14 points and three rebounds.
Trae Young led the Hawks with a game-high 41 points and seven assists. Deandre Hunter had 15 points, and Clint Capela posted a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two blocks. Dejounte Murray notched 11 points and five rebounds. Onyeka Okongwu posted 16 points and 14 rebounds off the bench.
Grizzlies Topple Short-Handed Mavericks, 104-88
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 104-88, at American Airlines Center on Monday night.
Both teams came into Monday's contest missing their star point guards, as Ja Morant (personal) and Luka Doncic (thigh) both remained sidelined for the Grizzlies (41-26) and Mavericks (34-35), respectively. However, Dallas had the additional challenge of having to navigate another absence from Kyrie Irving (foot), yet the first half was highly competitive and finished with the hosts clinging to a one-point lead at halftime. However, Memphis was able to take control of the contest in the third quarter by forging a 36-21 advantage, allowing them to eventually win going away.
Desmond Bane paced the Grizzlies with 23 points, adding seven rebounds and seven assists. Dillon Brooks and David Roddy generated matching 19-point tallies while adding five assists and five rebounds, respectively. Tyus Jones furnished 13 points, five boards and three assists. Santi Aldama supplied 10 points, nine rebounds and three assists.
Jaden Hardy led the Mavericks with 28 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Josh Green provided 23 points, seven assists and five boards. Justin Holiday and McKinley Wright IV co-led the bench with nine points apiece, with Wright adding six rebounds, three assists and one steal.
The Grizzlies remain on the road and visit the Miami Heat on Wednesday night, while the Mavericks hit the road and visit the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night as well.
Both teams came into Monday's contest missing their star point guards, as Ja Morant (personal) and Luka Doncic (thigh) both remained sidelined for the Grizzlies (41-26) and Mavericks (34-35), respectively. However, Dallas had the additional challenge of having to navigate another absence from Kyrie Irving (foot), yet the first half was highly competitive and finished with the hosts clinging to a one-point lead at halftime. However, Memphis was able to take control of the contest in the third quarter by forging a 36-21 advantage, allowing them to eventually win going away.
Desmond Bane paced the Grizzlies with 23 points, adding seven rebounds and seven assists. Dillon Brooks and David Roddy generated matching 19-point tallies while adding five assists and five rebounds, respectively. Tyus Jones furnished 13 points, five boards and three assists. Santi Aldama supplied 10 points, nine rebounds and three assists.
Jaden Hardy led the Mavericks with 28 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Josh Green provided 23 points, seven assists and five boards. Justin Holiday and McKinley Wright IV co-led the bench with nine points apiece, with Wright adding six rebounds, three assists and one steal.
The Grizzlies remain on the road and visit the Miami Heat on Wednesday night, while the Mavericks hit the road and visit the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night as well.
Heat Edges Jazz, 119-115
The Miami Heat defeated the Utah Jazz, 119-115, at Miami-Dade Arena on Monday night.
The first half between the two postseason hopefuls was unsurprisingly very competitive, with the Jazz (33-36) erasing a seven-point first-quarter deficit during the second quarter and taking a one-point lead into halftime. The Heat (37-33) was able to send matters into the final period knotted up at 90, and they ultimately sealed the victory with a Tyler Herro three-pointer and pair of Bam Adebayo free throws within the final minute.
Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 38 points, adding eight rebounds, one assist, three steals and one block. Simone Fontechhio totaled 23 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal. Ochai Agbaji supplied 14 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Jimmy Butler paced the Heat with 24 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks. Herro and Gabe Vincent pitched in 18 points apiece, with Herro also producing six rebounds, two assists and one steal and Vincent turning in three rebounds, three assists and three steals. Adebayo finished with 16 points, nine boards, three assists, one steal and one block. Kevin Love and Victor Oladipo posted 11 points each.
The Jazz return home to host the Boston Celtics on Saturday night, while the Heat remains home and hosts the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night.
The first half between the two postseason hopefuls was unsurprisingly very competitive, with the Jazz (33-36) erasing a seven-point first-quarter deficit during the second quarter and taking a one-point lead into halftime. The Heat (37-33) was able to send matters into the final period knotted up at 90, and they ultimately sealed the victory with a Tyler Herro three-pointer and pair of Bam Adebayo free throws within the final minute.
Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 38 points, adding eight rebounds, one assist, three steals and one block. Simone Fontechhio totaled 23 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal. Ochai Agbaji supplied 14 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Jimmy Butler paced the Heat with 24 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks. Herro and Gabe Vincent pitched in 18 points apiece, with Herro also producing six rebounds, two assists and one steal and Vincent turning in three rebounds, three assists and three steals. Adebayo finished with 16 points, nine boards, three assists, one steal and one block. Kevin Love and Victor Oladipo posted 11 points each.
The Jazz return home to host the Boston Celtics on Saturday night, while the Heat remains home and hosts the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night.
Rockets Stun Celtics In Houston
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets defeated the visiting Boston Celtics, 111-109, at Toyota Center on Monday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Rockets led, 31-29, after one quarter. The hosts created separation through the second and held on to a seven-point lead at the break. The Rockets kept the momentum going in the third and rallied to a game-high 13-point lead, before the visitors cut it back to a five-point deficit heading into the final quarter. The Celtics brought it to a two-point game early in the quarter, but the Rockets came up clutch down the stretch to hang on for the home win.
Jalen Green led the Rockets with 28 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 40 minutes. Jabari Smith followed up with 24 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, while Kevin Porter tallied 14 points, six rebounds, 13 assists and three steals. The Rockets shot 44.4 percent from the field, including 11-of-35 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 43 points, five rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, in 39 minutes. Jayson Tatum followed up with 22 points, eight rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Malcolm Brogdon added 20 points, two rebounds and two steals. The Celtics shot 44.8 percent from the field, including 12-of-42 from deep.
The Celtics (47-22) will look to bounce back as they take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Wednesday. The Rockets (16-52) play host to the Lakers on Wednesday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Rockets led, 31-29, after one quarter. The hosts created separation through the second and held on to a seven-point lead at the break. The Rockets kept the momentum going in the third and rallied to a game-high 13-point lead, before the visitors cut it back to a five-point deficit heading into the final quarter. The Celtics brought it to a two-point game early in the quarter, but the Rockets came up clutch down the stretch to hang on for the home win.
Jalen Green led the Rockets with 28 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 40 minutes. Jabari Smith followed up with 24 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, while Kevin Porter tallied 14 points, six rebounds, 13 assists and three steals. The Rockets shot 44.4 percent from the field, including 11-of-35 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 43 points, five rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, in 39 minutes. Jayson Tatum followed up with 22 points, eight rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Malcolm Brogdon added 20 points, two rebounds and two steals. The Celtics shot 44.8 percent from the field, including 12-of-42 from deep.
The Celtics (47-22) will look to bounce back as they take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Wednesday. The Rockets (16-52) play host to the Lakers on Wednesday.
Warriors Defeat Suns, 123-112
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns, 123-112, at Chase Center on Monday.
A 43-21 first quarter carried Golden State to their wire-to-wire win, getting their lead up to 25 points at times. Phoenix actually never had a game-tying attempt after the opening 41 seconds. The Warriors shot 54 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range (19-of-39) while holding the Suns to 48 percent from the field and 19 percent from long range (4-of-21). Golden State also outscored Phoenix in fastbreak points, 19-9.
The Suns (37-31) were led by Devin Booker, tallying 32 points, four rebounds and two steals. Deandre Ayton accrued 27 points and 12 rebounds. Chris Paul collected 11 points, five rebounds and 11 assists, while Josh Okogie totaled 11 points, three rebounds and two assists. No other player had more than nine points, five rebounds or three assists.
The Warriors (36-33) were led by Klay Thompson, compiling 38 points and five rebounds. Stephen Curry finished with 23 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Donte DiVincenzo amassed 10 points and three assists, while Kevon Looney accumulated nine points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Jordan Poole led the bench with 20 points and six assists.
Phoenix has to play again on Tuesday, playing host to the Milwaukee Bucks. As for Golden State, they return to action on Wednesday in a road matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers.
A 43-21 first quarter carried Golden State to their wire-to-wire win, getting their lead up to 25 points at times. Phoenix actually never had a game-tying attempt after the opening 41 seconds. The Warriors shot 54 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range (19-of-39) while holding the Suns to 48 percent from the field and 19 percent from long range (4-of-21). Golden State also outscored Phoenix in fastbreak points, 19-9.
The Suns (37-31) were led by Devin Booker, tallying 32 points, four rebounds and two steals. Deandre Ayton accrued 27 points and 12 rebounds. Chris Paul collected 11 points, five rebounds and 11 assists, while Josh Okogie totaled 11 points, three rebounds and two assists. No other player had more than nine points, five rebounds or three assists.
The Warriors (36-33) were led by Klay Thompson, compiling 38 points and five rebounds. Stephen Curry finished with 23 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Donte DiVincenzo amassed 10 points and three assists, while Kevon Looney accumulated nine points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Jordan Poole led the bench with 20 points and six assists.
Phoenix has to play again on Tuesday, playing host to the Milwaukee Bucks. As for Golden State, they return to action on Wednesday in a road matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Bucks Defeat Kings, 133-124
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the host Sacramento Kings, 133-124, at Golden 1 Center on Monday.
While Sacramento led for 29 of the opening 30 minutes in this game, Milwaukee rode a 37-25 third quarter to their win. They put things away behind a 43-37 fourth quarter, finishing on a 27-16 run over the final six minutes. The Bucks shot 58 percent from the field and 46 percent from three-point range while holding the Kings to 44 percent from the field and 42 percent from long range. Milwaukee got 119 points from their five starters. The Bucks also outscored the Kings in the paint, 60-48.
The Bucks (49-19) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, collecting 46 points, 12 rebounds and four assists on 19-of-28 from the field. Khris Middleton compiled 31 points, three rebounds and nine assists. Brook Lopez totaled 23 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Jrue Holiday had 11 points, six rebounds and eight assists.
The Kings (40-27) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 35 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kevin Huerter amassed 28 points and three assists on 8-of-11 from long range, Domantas Sabonis tallied 23 points, 17 rebounds and 15 assists, while Harrison Barnes had 14 points and four boards.
Milwaukee has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Tuesday, staying on the road to face the Phoenix Suns. As for Sacramento, they return to action on Wednesday in a road matchup with the Chicago Bulls.
While Sacramento led for 29 of the opening 30 minutes in this game, Milwaukee rode a 37-25 third quarter to their win. They put things away behind a 43-37 fourth quarter, finishing on a 27-16 run over the final six minutes. The Bucks shot 58 percent from the field and 46 percent from three-point range while holding the Kings to 44 percent from the field and 42 percent from long range. Milwaukee got 119 points from their five starters. The Bucks also outscored the Kings in the paint, 60-48.
The Bucks (49-19) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, collecting 46 points, 12 rebounds and four assists on 19-of-28 from the field. Khris Middleton compiled 31 points, three rebounds and nine assists. Brook Lopez totaled 23 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Jrue Holiday had 11 points, six rebounds and eight assists.
The Kings (40-27) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 35 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kevin Huerter amassed 28 points and three assists on 8-of-11 from long range, Domantas Sabonis tallied 23 points, 17 rebounds and 15 assists, while Harrison Barnes had 14 points and four boards.
Milwaukee has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Tuesday, staying on the road to face the Phoenix Suns. As for Sacramento, they return to action on Wednesday in a road matchup with the Chicago Bulls.