Knicks Storm Back To Defeat Nuggets
The New York Knicks defeated the Denver Nuggets, 116-110, at Madison Square Garden on Saturday afternoon.
The Knicks (42-30) have been among the best teams in the Eastern Conference in recent weeks, and they secured a solid home win over the Nuggets (47-24). New York enjoyed a strong start and raced out to a 36-28 lead in the first quarter, but Denver responded with a 39-26 score in the second quarter. The Nuggets had a five-point lead entering the second half, but the Knicks answered back and recovered control of the contest following a 29-24 score. New York tightened things up in the final 12 minutes and limited Denver to 19 fourth-quarter points. That was enough for the Knicks to win after outscoring their rivals by a 25-19 result in the final quarter. The Knicks moved to 20-16 at home with the win, while the Nuggets fell to 17-18 on the road.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 24 points and five assists. Julius Randle delivered 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists. RJ Barrett notched 21 points and four boards. Mitchell Robinson recorded eight points, nine rebounds and three assists. Josh Hart ended with 13 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three steals off the bench. Immanuel Quickley had 10 points. New York shot 49.4 percent from the field.
Nikola Jokic sniffed a triple-double and delivered 24 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Jamal Murray was Denver’s leading scorer and finished with 25 points, six assists and four rebounds. Aaron Gordon posted 14 points, seven assists and five boards. Michael Porter Jr. had 11 points and added five boards.
The Knicks (42-30) have been among the best teams in the Eastern Conference in recent weeks, and they secured a solid home win over the Nuggets (47-24). New York enjoyed a strong start and raced out to a 36-28 lead in the first quarter, but Denver responded with a 39-26 score in the second quarter. The Nuggets had a five-point lead entering the second half, but the Knicks answered back and recovered control of the contest following a 29-24 score. New York tightened things up in the final 12 minutes and limited Denver to 19 fourth-quarter points. That was enough for the Knicks to win after outscoring their rivals by a 25-19 result in the final quarter. The Knicks moved to 20-16 at home with the win, while the Nuggets fell to 17-18 on the road.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 24 points and five assists. Julius Randle delivered 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists. RJ Barrett notched 21 points and four boards. Mitchell Robinson recorded eight points, nine rebounds and three assists. Josh Hart ended with 13 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three steals off the bench. Immanuel Quickley had 10 points. New York shot 49.4 percent from the field.
Nikola Jokic sniffed a triple-double and delivered 24 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Jamal Murray was Denver’s leading scorer and finished with 25 points, six assists and four rebounds. Aaron Gordon posted 14 points, seven assists and five boards. Michael Porter Jr. had 11 points and added five boards.
Magic Pull Upset, Secure Win Over Clippers
The Orlando Magic defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, 113-108, at crypto.com Arena on Saturday.
The Magic (29-42) didn't have it easy and had to mount a late comeback, but they found a way to pull the upset and defeat the Clippers (37-34) on the road. The Magic enjoyed a strong start and grabbed the lead following the first quarter with a 31-30 score. They made it a two-point advantage at the break with a 26-25 score in the second quarter. However, the Clippers played with a different attitude in the second half, which showed, as they turned things around with a 27-17 score in the third quarter. Los Angeles looked in control thanks to an eight-point lead, but the Magic had other plans and responded with a comeback of their own. Orlando won the final quarter by a 39-26 score and pulled away with a shocking win away from home against a playoff contender in the Western Conference. The Magic moved to 13-23 on the road with the win, while the Clippers fell to 19-16 at home.
Markelle Fultz scored a career-high 28 points to lead the Magic in this comeback win, and he also added six rebounds, four assists and four steals. Wendell Carter Jr. finished with 27 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks. Franz Wagner had 20 points, four rebounds and four assists. Cole Anthony chipped in with 18 points coming off the bench. Paolo Banchero only had 12 points, six boards and six dimes.
Paul George scored a game-high 30 points for the losing cause. He also added three rebounds and two steals. Ivica Zubac had a 16-point, 16-rebound double-double. Russell Westbrook had 14 points, nine assists and five rebounds. Marcus Morris had 13 points. Robert Covington added 11 points.
The Magic (29-42) didn't have it easy and had to mount a late comeback, but they found a way to pull the upset and defeat the Clippers (37-34) on the road. The Magic enjoyed a strong start and grabbed the lead following the first quarter with a 31-30 score. They made it a two-point advantage at the break with a 26-25 score in the second quarter. However, the Clippers played with a different attitude in the second half, which showed, as they turned things around with a 27-17 score in the third quarter. Los Angeles looked in control thanks to an eight-point lead, but the Magic had other plans and responded with a comeback of their own. Orlando won the final quarter by a 39-26 score and pulled away with a shocking win away from home against a playoff contender in the Western Conference. The Magic moved to 13-23 on the road with the win, while the Clippers fell to 19-16 at home.
Markelle Fultz scored a career-high 28 points to lead the Magic in this comeback win, and he also added six rebounds, four assists and four steals. Wendell Carter Jr. finished with 27 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks. Franz Wagner had 20 points, four rebounds and four assists. Cole Anthony chipped in with 18 points coming off the bench. Paolo Banchero only had 12 points, six boards and six dimes.
Paul George scored a game-high 30 points for the losing cause. He also added three rebounds and two steals. Ivica Zubac had a 16-point, 16-rebound double-double. Russell Westbrook had 14 points, nine assists and five rebounds. Marcus Morris had 13 points. Robert Covington added 11 points.
76ers Blast Pacers, 141-121
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Indiana Pacers, 141-121, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday night.
The 76ers (48-22) set a dominant tone right out of the gate, jumping out to a 34-24 lead through one. The Pacers (32-39) were much more successful on the offensive end in the second quarter while amassing 37 points, but Philadelphia still added another point to its advantage going into halftime. After each team matched each other bucket for bucket in the third quarter, the visitors won going away by forging a 35-26 lead in the final 12 minutes.
Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey co-led the 76ers with matching 31-point, seven-assist tallies, with Embiid adding seven rebounds and two blocks. Tobias Harris furnished 24 points, five boards, four assists and two blocks. De'Anthony Melton delivered 14 points, five boards, five assists, six steals and one block. Georges Niang and Paul Reed generated matching 10-point, one-assist, one-steal contributions off the bench.
Aaron Nesmith led the Pacers with 25 points, complementing them with six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Andrew Nembhard turned in 22 points, two assists and one rebound. Myles Turner posted 20 points, five rebounds, two assists and one block. Jordan Nwora, Buddy Hield and Jalen Smith managed matching 13-point tallies. Nwora and Smith recorded nine and five rebounds, respectively, with Nwora adding five assists.
The 76ers remain on the road and visit the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night, while the Pacers visit the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night as well.
The 76ers (48-22) set a dominant tone right out of the gate, jumping out to a 34-24 lead through one. The Pacers (32-39) were much more successful on the offensive end in the second quarter while amassing 37 points, but Philadelphia still added another point to its advantage going into halftime. After each team matched each other bucket for bucket in the third quarter, the visitors won going away by forging a 35-26 lead in the final 12 minutes.
Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey co-led the 76ers with matching 31-point, seven-assist tallies, with Embiid adding seven rebounds and two blocks. Tobias Harris furnished 24 points, five boards, four assists and two blocks. De'Anthony Melton delivered 14 points, five boards, five assists, six steals and one block. Georges Niang and Paul Reed generated matching 10-point, one-assist, one-steal contributions off the bench.
Aaron Nesmith led the Pacers with 25 points, complementing them with six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Andrew Nembhard turned in 22 points, two assists and one rebound. Myles Turner posted 20 points, five rebounds, two assists and one block. Jordan Nwora, Buddy Hield and Jalen Smith managed matching 13-point tallies. Nwora and Smith recorded nine and five rebounds, respectively, with Nwora adding five assists.
The 76ers remain on the road and visit the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night, while the Pacers visit the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night as well.
Raptors Topple Timberwolves, 122-107
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 122-107, at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday night.
The Raptors (35-36) came into the night aiming to extend a two-game hitting streak, and they got off to a positive start by forging a 32-26 lead through one. Toronto's advantage over the short-handed Timberwolves (35-37) was up to eight by halftime, and the hosts then enjoyed a 56-49 edge in the second half for the double-digit win.
Naz Reid led the Timberwolves with 22 points, adding four rebounds and one assist. Jaden McDaniels delivered 18 points, six rebounds, one assist and one block. Rudy Gobert generated a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double that included three assists and one block. Kyle Anderson and Mike Conley posted matching 12-point efforts, with Anderson adding seven rebounds and five assists.
Fred VanVleet paced the Raptors with 28 points, complementing them with seven assists. three rebounds and two steals. Pascal Siakam followed with a 27-point, 10-rebound double-double that included six assists. Gary Trent registered 19 points, three rebounds, three assists and five steals. O.G. Anunoby turned in 15 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal. Jakob Poeltl furnished a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists. Scottie Barnes managed 10 points, four rebounds and two assists.
The Timberwolves remain on the road and visit the New York Knicks on Monday night, while the Raptors visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night.
The Raptors (35-36) came into the night aiming to extend a two-game hitting streak, and they got off to a positive start by forging a 32-26 lead through one. Toronto's advantage over the short-handed Timberwolves (35-37) was up to eight by halftime, and the hosts then enjoyed a 56-49 edge in the second half for the double-digit win.
Naz Reid led the Timberwolves with 22 points, adding four rebounds and one assist. Jaden McDaniels delivered 18 points, six rebounds, one assist and one block. Rudy Gobert generated a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double that included three assists and one block. Kyle Anderson and Mike Conley posted matching 12-point efforts, with Anderson adding seven rebounds and five assists.
Fred VanVleet paced the Raptors with 28 points, complementing them with seven assists. three rebounds and two steals. Pascal Siakam followed with a 27-point, 10-rebound double-double that included six assists. Gary Trent registered 19 points, three rebounds, three assists and five steals. O.G. Anunoby turned in 15 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal. Jakob Poeltl furnished a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists. Scottie Barnes managed 10 points, four rebounds and two assists.
The Timberwolves remain on the road and visit the New York Knicks on Monday night, while the Raptors visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night.
Bulls Hold On At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls defeated the visiting Miami Heat, 113-99, at United Center on Saturday evening.
The Bulls jumped out to a great start with a, 33-19, lead after one quarter and kept the momentum going in the second to make it a 25-point deficit by halftime. The Heat turned it up in the third and outscored the hosts by 12, to cut it to a 13-point game heading into the final quarter. The visitors kept the momentum going and brought it to a four-point game, with eight minutes left, but the Bulls reclaimed control and closed out their second straight win.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 24 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and three steals, in 41 minutes. Zach LaVine tallied 18 points, four rebounds, seven assists and a block, while Coby White added 18 points, six assists and two steals. The Bulls shot 56.3 percent from the field, including 17-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 24 points and seven rebounds, in 33 minutes. Bam Adebayo followed up with 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Max Strus added 20 points, three rebounds and four assists. The Heat shot 42.7 percent from the field, including 10-of-37 from deep.
The Heat (38-34) will look to bounce back as they face the Pistons in Detroit on Sunday. The Bulls (33-37) take on the 76ers in Philly on Monday.
The Bulls jumped out to a great start with a, 33-19, lead after one quarter and kept the momentum going in the second to make it a 25-point deficit by halftime. The Heat turned it up in the third and outscored the hosts by 12, to cut it to a 13-point game heading into the final quarter. The visitors kept the momentum going and brought it to a four-point game, with eight minutes left, but the Bulls reclaimed control and closed out their second straight win.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 24 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and three steals, in 41 minutes. Zach LaVine tallied 18 points, four rebounds, seven assists and a block, while Coby White added 18 points, six assists and two steals. The Bulls shot 56.3 percent from the field, including 17-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 24 points and seven rebounds, in 33 minutes. Bam Adebayo followed up with 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Max Strus added 20 points, three rebounds and four assists. The Heat shot 42.7 percent from the field, including 10-of-37 from deep.
The Heat (38-34) will look to bounce back as they face the Pistons in Detroit on Sunday. The Bulls (33-37) take on the 76ers in Philly on Monday.
Kings Confident In Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The Sacramento Kings defeated the host Washington Wizards, 132-118, at Capital One Arena on Saturday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start and the Kings held a, 37-33, lead after one quarter. The visitors carried the momentum into the second and pushed it to an 11-point game by halftime. The Wizards came out stronger in the third but could not cut into the deficit, as the Kings took a 12-point cushion into the final frame. The Wizards had no answers down the stretch, as the Kings held on for their third straight win.
Domantas Sabonis led the Kings with 30 points, nine rebounds, 10 assists, a steal and a block, in 33 minutes. Terence Davis followed up with 21 points, seven rebounds and two steals, while Keegan Murray tallied 19 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. The Kings shot 55.8 percent from the field, including 22-of-37 from long range.
Meanwhile, Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 33 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 32 minutes. Bradley Beal followed up with 20 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Corey Kispert added 13 points, five rebounds and three assists. The Wizards shot 45.1 percent from the field, including 13-of-36 from deep.
The Wizards (32-39) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Magic in Orlando on Tuesday. The Kings (43-27) take on the Jazz in Utah on Monday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start and the Kings held a, 37-33, lead after one quarter. The visitors carried the momentum into the second and pushed it to an 11-point game by halftime. The Wizards came out stronger in the third but could not cut into the deficit, as the Kings took a 12-point cushion into the final frame. The Wizards had no answers down the stretch, as the Kings held on for their third straight win.
Domantas Sabonis led the Kings with 30 points, nine rebounds, 10 assists, a steal and a block, in 33 minutes. Terence Davis followed up with 21 points, seven rebounds and two steals, while Keegan Murray tallied 19 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. The Kings shot 55.8 percent from the field, including 22-of-37 from long range.
Meanwhile, Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 33 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 32 minutes. Bradley Beal followed up with 20 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Corey Kispert added 13 points, five rebounds and three assists. The Wizards shot 45.1 percent from the field, including 13-of-36 from deep.
The Wizards (32-39) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Magic in Orlando on Tuesday. The Kings (43-27) take on the Jazz in Utah on Monday.
Grizzlies Defeat Warriors, 133-119
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Golden State Warriors, 133-119, at FedEx Forum on Saturday.
A 33-23 first quarter set the foundation for Memphis in this win, maintaining the lead for the final three quarters. The Grizzlies also got their lead up to 20 points at times, riding a 29-19 fourth quarter to a blowout win. Memphis shot 55 percent from the field and 47 percent from three-point range while holding Golden State to 43 percent from the field and 37 percent from long range. The Grizzlies also recorded 35 assists to six turnovers, while the Warriors had 27 assists to 13 turnovers.
The Warriors (36-36) were led by Jonathan Kuminga, providing 24 points, eight rebounds and three assists off the bench. Jordan Poole totaled 21 points and three assists. Stephen Curry led the starters with 16 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Draymond Green generated 11 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
The Grizzlies (43-27) were led by Jaren Jackson Jr, finishing with 31 points, seven rebounds, three assists and four blocks. Desmond Bane amassed 26 points, four rebounds and two assists. Dillon Brooks had 18 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Xavier Tillman tallied 14 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two steals. Tyus Jones also accumulated 13 points, two rebounds and 14 assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Golden State to traveling to face the Houston Rockets and Memphis remaining home to play the Dallas Mavericks.
A 33-23 first quarter set the foundation for Memphis in this win, maintaining the lead for the final three quarters. The Grizzlies also got their lead up to 20 points at times, riding a 29-19 fourth quarter to a blowout win. Memphis shot 55 percent from the field and 47 percent from three-point range while holding Golden State to 43 percent from the field and 37 percent from long range. The Grizzlies also recorded 35 assists to six turnovers, while the Warriors had 27 assists to 13 turnovers.
The Warriors (36-36) were led by Jonathan Kuminga, providing 24 points, eight rebounds and three assists off the bench. Jordan Poole totaled 21 points and three assists. Stephen Curry led the starters with 16 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Draymond Green generated 11 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
The Grizzlies (43-27) were led by Jaren Jackson Jr, finishing with 31 points, seven rebounds, three assists and four blocks. Desmond Bane amassed 26 points, four rebounds and two assists. Dillon Brooks had 18 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Xavier Tillman tallied 14 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two steals. Tyus Jones also accumulated 13 points, two rebounds and 14 assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Golden State to traveling to face the Houston Rockets and Memphis remaining home to play the Dallas Mavericks.
Jazz Defeat Celtics, 118-117
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Boston Celtics, 118-117, at Vivint Arena on Saturday.
While there were only three ties and five lead changes in this game, it stayed within a seven-point margin for the entirety of the second half. Utah actually finished the game on a 10-3 run over the closing 2:15 to prevail. They forced Boston to miss four of their final five shots in that deciding stretch. The Celtics also held the lead for over 40 minutes of this 48-minute game. Utah out-rebounded Boston, 62-49, while outscoring them in the paint, 48-30. The Jazz also outscored the Celtics in second-chance points, 20-8, out-rebounding them on the offensive end, 17-5.
The Celtics (49-23) were led by Jaylen Brown, collecting 25 points, four rebounds and six assists. Grant Williams amassed 23 points, four rebounds and two assists. Jayson Tatum tallied 15 points, three rebounds and six assists, while Derrick White had 10 points, five rebounds and four assists. Malcolm Brogdon led the bench with 16 points, five rebounds and four assists.
The Jazz (34-36) were led by Lauri Markkanen, finishing with 28 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Talen Horton-Tucker totaled 19 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Kelly Olynyk accrued 13 points, 13 rebounds and six assists, while Walker Kessler compiled 12 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks.
On deck for Utah is a home matchup with the Sacramento Kings on Monday. As for Boston, they return to action on Tuesday in a road meeting with the Kings as well.
While there were only three ties and five lead changes in this game, it stayed within a seven-point margin for the entirety of the second half. Utah actually finished the game on a 10-3 run over the closing 2:15 to prevail. They forced Boston to miss four of their final five shots in that deciding stretch. The Celtics also held the lead for over 40 minutes of this 48-minute game. Utah out-rebounded Boston, 62-49, while outscoring them in the paint, 48-30. The Jazz also outscored the Celtics in second-chance points, 20-8, out-rebounding them on the offensive end, 17-5.
The Celtics (49-23) were led by Jaylen Brown, collecting 25 points, four rebounds and six assists. Grant Williams amassed 23 points, four rebounds and two assists. Jayson Tatum tallied 15 points, three rebounds and six assists, while Derrick White had 10 points, five rebounds and four assists. Malcolm Brogdon led the bench with 16 points, five rebounds and four assists.
The Jazz (34-36) were led by Lauri Markkanen, finishing with 28 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Talen Horton-Tucker totaled 19 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Kelly Olynyk accrued 13 points, 13 rebounds and six assists, while Walker Kessler compiled 12 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks.
On deck for Utah is a home matchup with the Sacramento Kings on Monday. As for Boston, they return to action on Tuesday in a road meeting with the Kings as well.