Nuggets Hold On To Defeat Nets
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 108-102, at Barclays Center on Sunday.
The Nuggets (48-24) suffered a loss to the New York Knicks in the first leg of this back-to-back set. However, they managed to bounce back and delivered an improved performance to get past the Nets (39-32) in the game that opened Sunday’s slate. Denver looked good in the early stages of the contest and jumped out to a 33-21 score in the first quarter, and they bolstered that advantage to 15 points following a 30-27 score at halftime. The Nuggets made it a 20-point game following a 28-23 score in the third quarter. However, Brooklyn mounted a comeback in the final 12 minutes and outscored Denver by a 31-17 score in the fourth quarter. That late charge was not enough to mount a comeback, and the Nuggets escaped with the win. Denver moved to 18-18 on the road with the win, while the Nets fell to 19-14 at home.
Nikola Jokic led the way for the Nuggets with a triple-double of 22 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists. Michael Porter was Denver’s leading scorer with 28 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Jamal Murray finished with 25 points and eight assists. Aaron Gordon had 10 points, four rebounds and two assists. Denver shot 52.5 percent from the field and 52.2 percent from three-point range.
Mikal Bridges led the way for the Nets with 23 points. Nic Claxton recorded 19 points and eight rebounds. Cameron Johnson filled the stat sheet by adding 14 points, six rebounds, two assists, four steals and a block. Spencer Dinwiddie delivered 11 assists and scored eight points. Seth Curry had 12 points off the bench.
The Nuggets (48-24) suffered a loss to the New York Knicks in the first leg of this back-to-back set. However, they managed to bounce back and delivered an improved performance to get past the Nets (39-32) in the game that opened Sunday’s slate. Denver looked good in the early stages of the contest and jumped out to a 33-21 score in the first quarter, and they bolstered that advantage to 15 points following a 30-27 score at halftime. The Nuggets made it a 20-point game following a 28-23 score in the third quarter. However, Brooklyn mounted a comeback in the final 12 minutes and outscored Denver by a 31-17 score in the fourth quarter. That late charge was not enough to mount a comeback, and the Nuggets escaped with the win. Denver moved to 18-18 on the road with the win, while the Nets fell to 19-14 at home.
Nikola Jokic led the way for the Nuggets with a triple-double of 22 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists. Michael Porter was Denver’s leading scorer with 28 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Jamal Murray finished with 25 points and eight assists. Aaron Gordon had 10 points, four rebounds and two assists. Denver shot 52.5 percent from the field and 52.2 percent from three-point range.
Mikal Bridges led the way for the Nets with 23 points. Nic Claxton recorded 19 points and eight rebounds. Cameron Johnson filled the stat sheet by adding 14 points, six rebounds, two assists, four steals and a block. Spencer Dinwiddie delivered 11 assists and scored eight points. Seth Curry had 12 points off the bench.
Thunder Stun Suns With Second-Half Comeback
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Phoenix Suns, 124-120, at Paycom Center on Sunday.
The Thunder (35-36) moved closer to the .500 mark with a huge win over a Western Conference contender such as the Suns (38-33) at home. However, the Thunder had to work hard to get the win as they got off to a slow start and needed to come from behind in the second half. Phoenix jumped to a 31-25 lead in the first quarter and made it a double-digit game at halftime following a 38-32 score in the second quarter. Oklahoma City showed signs of life and reduced the deficit to just six points after following a 33-27 third quarter, and they completed the comeback in the final 12 minutes. The Thunder outscored the Suns 34-24 in the fourth quarter and pulled the upset in front of their fans. With the win, Oklahoma City moved to 22-15 at home. Meanwhile, the Suns fell to 15-21 on the road.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for the Thunder with 40 points, five rebounds and four assists across 35 minutes. Luguentz Dort finished with 20 points and three rebounds. Josh Giddey delivered 16 points, six rebounds and six assists. Jaylin Williams finished with 10 points and six rebounds. Isaiah Joe had 15 points and five boards coming off the bench.
Devin Booker recorded 46 points to lead the Suns in this loss and was one of two starters that scored in double digits. The other was Chris Paul, who posted a 14-point, 13-rebound double-double. Terrence Ross notched 12 points and four rebounds coming off the bench. Landry Shamet returned to action and recorded 10 points across 20 minutes coming off the bench.
The Thunder (35-36) moved closer to the .500 mark with a huge win over a Western Conference contender such as the Suns (38-33) at home. However, the Thunder had to work hard to get the win as they got off to a slow start and needed to come from behind in the second half. Phoenix jumped to a 31-25 lead in the first quarter and made it a double-digit game at halftime following a 38-32 score in the second quarter. Oklahoma City showed signs of life and reduced the deficit to just six points after following a 33-27 third quarter, and they completed the comeback in the final 12 minutes. The Thunder outscored the Suns 34-24 in the fourth quarter and pulled the upset in front of their fans. With the win, Oklahoma City moved to 22-15 at home. Meanwhile, the Suns fell to 15-21 on the road.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for the Thunder with 40 points, five rebounds and four assists across 35 minutes. Luguentz Dort finished with 20 points and three rebounds. Josh Giddey delivered 16 points, six rebounds and six assists. Jaylin Williams finished with 10 points and six rebounds. Isaiah Joe had 15 points and five boards coming off the bench.
Devin Booker recorded 46 points to lead the Suns in this loss and was one of two starters that scored in double digits. The other was Chris Paul, who posted a 14-point, 13-rebound double-double. Terrence Ross notched 12 points and four rebounds coming off the bench. Landry Shamet returned to action and recorded 10 points across 20 minutes coming off the bench.
Spurs Rally To Defeat Hawks
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 126-118, at AT and T Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Spurs (19-52) bounced back from back-to-back overtime losses to defeat the Hawks (35-36) in front of their fans in Dejounte Murray’s return to San Antonio for the first time since he was traded to Atlanta. The Hawks got a better start and jumped to a 40-34 lead in the first quarter. Atlanta didn’t step off the gas and took complete control of the contest with a 43-27 score in the second quarter. However, the Spurs responded with a dominant second half. They won the third quarter by a 39-20 score, making it a three-point game with only 12 minutes left. San Antonio completed the comeback with a 26-15 score in the fourth quarter to escape with the victory. The Spurs moved to 13-25 at home with the win, while the Hawks fell to 16-21 on the road.
Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell led the way for the Spurs with 29 points each. Johnson also added 12 rebounds and five assists, while Vassell posted two rebounds, three assists and three steals. Tre Jones finished with 11 points and six assists. Zach Collins notched 19 points, eight rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks. Julian Champagnie delivered 11 points and three rebounds off the bench.
Dejounte Murray led the way for the Hawks with 22 points, eight assists and six rebounds. Trae Young had nine points and only made four of his 15 field goals. Clint Capela recorded 15 points and 12 rebounds. John Collins delivered 14 points and six rebounds. Deandre Hunter chipped in with 12 points and five boards. Onyeka Okongwu had 17 points and seven rebounds off the bench. AJ Griffin had 15 points and seven boards off the bench as well.
The Spurs (19-52) bounced back from back-to-back overtime losses to defeat the Hawks (35-36) in front of their fans in Dejounte Murray’s return to San Antonio for the first time since he was traded to Atlanta. The Hawks got a better start and jumped to a 40-34 lead in the first quarter. Atlanta didn’t step off the gas and took complete control of the contest with a 43-27 score in the second quarter. However, the Spurs responded with a dominant second half. They won the third quarter by a 39-20 score, making it a three-point game with only 12 minutes left. San Antonio completed the comeback with a 26-15 score in the fourth quarter to escape with the victory. The Spurs moved to 13-25 at home with the win, while the Hawks fell to 16-21 on the road.
Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell led the way for the Spurs with 29 points each. Johnson also added 12 rebounds and five assists, while Vassell posted two rebounds, three assists and three steals. Tre Jones finished with 11 points and six assists. Zach Collins notched 19 points, eight rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks. Julian Champagnie delivered 11 points and three rebounds off the bench.
Dejounte Murray led the way for the Hawks with 22 points, eight assists and six rebounds. Trae Young had nine points and only made four of his 15 field goals. Clint Capela recorded 15 points and 12 rebounds. John Collins delivered 14 points and six rebounds. Deandre Hunter chipped in with 12 points and five boards. Onyeka Okongwu had 17 points and seven rebounds off the bench. AJ Griffin had 15 points and seven boards off the bench as well.
Heat Tops Pistons, 112-100
The Miami Heat defeated the Detroit Pistons, 112-100, at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday evening.
The Pistons (16-56) opened the contest in sharp form, emerging from the first quarter with a 29-26 lead. The two teams would then take turns throttling the other over the next two quarters, with the Heat (39-34) taking a five-point lead into halftime courtesy of a 26-18 second-quarter advantage and Detroit bouncing back to outscore Miami, 34-22, to take a seven-point edge into the final period. However, the visitors would regain their momentum, eventually pulling ahead for good via a Tyler Herro three-pointer with 3:20 remaining, the start of 14-2 game-ending run.
Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 26 points, complementing them with 10 assists, four rebounds and one steal. Bam Adebayo generated a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double that included five assists and three blocks. Herro furnished 19 points, six boards and four assists. Caleb Martin supplied 13 points, five rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Kevin Love delivered 12 points, eight boards and two assists.
James Wiseman paced the Pistons with a 22-point, 13-rebound double-double. Cory Joseph managed 16 points, three rebounds and two assists. Rodney McGruder registered 15 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals. Marvin Bagley compiled 14 points, four assists, three rebounds and one block. Killian Hayes mustered a 13-point, 11-assist double-double that included four rebounds and two steals. Jaden Ivey offered 11 points, five assists and four rebounds.
The Heat return home to host the New York Knicks on Wednesday night, while the Pistons visit the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night.
The Pistons (16-56) opened the contest in sharp form, emerging from the first quarter with a 29-26 lead. The two teams would then take turns throttling the other over the next two quarters, with the Heat (39-34) taking a five-point lead into halftime courtesy of a 26-18 second-quarter advantage and Detroit bouncing back to outscore Miami, 34-22, to take a seven-point edge into the final period. However, the visitors would regain their momentum, eventually pulling ahead for good via a Tyler Herro three-pointer with 3:20 remaining, the start of 14-2 game-ending run.
Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 26 points, complementing them with 10 assists, four rebounds and one steal. Bam Adebayo generated a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double that included five assists and three blocks. Herro furnished 19 points, six boards and four assists. Caleb Martin supplied 13 points, five rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Kevin Love delivered 12 points, eight boards and two assists.
James Wiseman paced the Pistons with a 22-point, 13-rebound double-double. Cory Joseph managed 16 points, three rebounds and two assists. Rodney McGruder registered 15 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals. Marvin Bagley compiled 14 points, four assists, three rebounds and one block. Killian Hayes mustered a 13-point, 11-assist double-double that included four rebounds and two steals. Jaden Ivey offered 11 points, five assists and four rebounds.
The Heat return home to host the New York Knicks on Wednesday night, while the Pistons visit the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night.
Pelicans Best Rockets, 117-107
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Houston Rockets, 117-107, at Toyota Center on Sunday night.
The Pelicans (34-37) came into the contest with plenty of urgency in their quest to secure their postseason spot, and they played the first half like a team on a mission while building a 64-44 lead over the first 24 minutes. The Rockets (18-53) enjoyed a brief post-intermission surge in the third quarter to knock six points from their deficit, and although Houston also outscored New Orleans by a 29-25 margin in the final period, the outcome was never in doubt. The Pels shot 49.4 percent, including 41.9 percent from behind the arc, and saw all five starters score in double digits.
Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum co-led the Pelicans with matching 26-point contributions, with Ingram adding nine assists and McCollum recording six boards and five assists. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 21-point, 12-rebound double-double that included two assists, two blocks and one steal. Trey Murphy and Herbert Jones mustered 14 and 13 points, respectively, while tallying four rebounds apiece.
Jalen Green paced the Rockets with 40 points, supplementing them four boards, one assist and one steal. Kevin Porter supplied 25 points, five rebounds and four assists. Tari Eason registered 10 points, five rebounds and one block. Alperen Sengun with nine points, seven boards, six assists, one steal and one block.
The Pelicans return home and host the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night, while the Rockets remain home and host the Golden State Warriors on Monday night.
The Pelicans (34-37) came into the contest with plenty of urgency in their quest to secure their postseason spot, and they played the first half like a team on a mission while building a 64-44 lead over the first 24 minutes. The Rockets (18-53) enjoyed a brief post-intermission surge in the third quarter to knock six points from their deficit, and although Houston also outscored New Orleans by a 29-25 margin in the final period, the outcome was never in doubt. The Pels shot 49.4 percent, including 41.9 percent from behind the arc, and saw all five starters score in double digits.
Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum co-led the Pelicans with matching 26-point contributions, with Ingram adding nine assists and McCollum recording six boards and five assists. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 21-point, 12-rebound double-double that included two assists, two blocks and one steal. Trey Murphy and Herbert Jones mustered 14 and 13 points, respectively, while tallying four rebounds apiece.
Jalen Green paced the Rockets with 40 points, supplementing them four boards, one assist and one steal. Kevin Porter supplied 25 points, five rebounds and four assists. Tari Eason registered 10 points, five rebounds and one block. Alperen Sengun with nine points, seven boards, six assists, one steal and one block.
The Pelicans return home and host the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night, while the Rockets remain home and host the Golden State Warriors on Monday night.
Bucks Defeat Raptors, 118-111
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Toronto Raptors, 118-111, at Fiserv Forum on Sunday.
There were six ties and 12 lead changes in this game, with neither team ever grabbing a double-digit lead. With that said, Milwaukee finished the game behind a 29-16 fourth quarter, maintaining the lead for the closing nine minutes. The Bucks shot 52 percent from the field while holding the Raptors to 44 percent shooting. Milwaukee also shot 16-of-21 from the free-throw line, while Toronto connected on just 9-of-12. Milwaukee out-assisted Toronto, 35-25, while out-blocking them, 8-4.
The Raptors (35-37) were led by Fred VanVleet, finishing with 23 points, four rebounds and 11 assists. OG Anunoby amassed 22 points and four rebounds. Jakob Poeltl provided 20 points, six rebounds and two blocks, while Pascal Siakam collected 13 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Gary Trent Jr led the bench with 18 points.
The Bucks (51-20) were led by Brook Lopez, totaling 26 points, five rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Giannis Antetokounmpo compiled 22 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks. Khris Middleton generated 20 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Bobby Portis led the bench with 14 points and nine rebounds.
Both teams are off until Wednesday, with Milwaukee remaining home to play the struggling San Antonio Spurs and Toronto returning home to face the Indiana Pacers.
There were six ties and 12 lead changes in this game, with neither team ever grabbing a double-digit lead. With that said, Milwaukee finished the game behind a 29-16 fourth quarter, maintaining the lead for the closing nine minutes. The Bucks shot 52 percent from the field while holding the Raptors to 44 percent shooting. Milwaukee also shot 16-of-21 from the free-throw line, while Toronto connected on just 9-of-12. Milwaukee out-assisted Toronto, 35-25, while out-blocking them, 8-4.
The Raptors (35-37) were led by Fred VanVleet, finishing with 23 points, four rebounds and 11 assists. OG Anunoby amassed 22 points and four rebounds. Jakob Poeltl provided 20 points, six rebounds and two blocks, while Pascal Siakam collected 13 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Gary Trent Jr led the bench with 18 points.
The Bucks (51-20) were led by Brook Lopez, totaling 26 points, five rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Giannis Antetokounmpo compiled 22 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks. Khris Middleton generated 20 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Bobby Portis led the bench with 14 points and nine rebounds.
Both teams are off until Wednesday, with Milwaukee remaining home to play the struggling San Antonio Spurs and Toronto returning home to face the Indiana Pacers.
Clippers Defeat Blazers, 117-102
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 117-102, at Moda Center on Sunday.
While there were three ties in this game, Los Angeles won in wire-to-wire fashion after a 36-30 first quarter. They also closed the game on a 14-5 run over the final seven minutes to cap off their double-digit victory. The Clippers shot 12-of-28 from three-point range, while the Trail Blazers connected on just 6-of-29. LA also out-rebounded Portland, 56-46, while winning the turnover battle, 13-9.
The Clippers (38-34) were led by Paul George, providing 29 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four steals. Kawhi Leonard collected 24 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Ivica Zubac amassed 14 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Russell Westbrook tallied nine points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists, while Eric Gordon led the bench with 20 points.
The Trail Blazers (31-40) were led by Jusuf Nurkic, totaling 23 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Damian Lillard had 21 points, seven rebounds and nine assists on just 4-of-17 shooting. Anfernee Simons accrued 16 points, three rebounds and six assists, while Trendon Watford led the bench with 12 points and three boards.
On deck for Los Angeles is a home matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday. As for Portland, they're off until Wednesday, when they travel to face the Utah Jazz.
While there were three ties in this game, Los Angeles won in wire-to-wire fashion after a 36-30 first quarter. They also closed the game on a 14-5 run over the final seven minutes to cap off their double-digit victory. The Clippers shot 12-of-28 from three-point range, while the Trail Blazers connected on just 6-of-29. LA also out-rebounded Portland, 56-46, while winning the turnover battle, 13-9.
The Clippers (38-34) were led by Paul George, providing 29 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four steals. Kawhi Leonard collected 24 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Ivica Zubac amassed 14 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Russell Westbrook tallied nine points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists, while Eric Gordon led the bench with 20 points.
The Trail Blazers (31-40) were led by Jusuf Nurkic, totaling 23 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Damian Lillard had 21 points, seven rebounds and nine assists on just 4-of-17 shooting. Anfernee Simons accrued 16 points, three rebounds and six assists, while Trendon Watford led the bench with 12 points and three boards.
On deck for Los Angeles is a home matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday. As for Portland, they're off until Wednesday, when they travel to face the Utah Jazz.
Lakers Defeat Magic, 111-105
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 111-105, at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday.
While there were only three ties and three lead changes in this game, the Lakers never led by more than 10 points in the second half. They actually never relinquished the lead after a 28-25 first quarter, taking a 10-point lead into the half. The game was tied at 103-103 with 58 seconds remaining, but LA closed on an 8-2 run to complete their win. The Lakers shot 46 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range while holding the Magic to 40 percent from the field and 26 percent from long range. LA also tripled up Orlando in blocks, 9-3.
The Magic (29-44) were led by Franz Wagner, tallying 21 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Paolo Banchero provided 21 points, six rebounds and three assists. Wendell Carter Jr amassed 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Markelle Fultz finished with 12 points, three rebounds and 10 assists. Cole Anthony led the bench with 17 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Lakers (35-37) were led by Austin Reaves, scoring a career-high 35 points off the bench. He also had six rebounds and six assists. D'Angelo Russell led the starters with 18 points, six assists and two blocks. Anthony Davis accrued 15 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and four blocks, while Troy Brown and Dennis Schroder had 12 points apiece.
On deck for Orlando is a home matchup with the Washington Wizards on Tuesday. As for Los Angeles, they return to action on Wednesday in a home meeting with the Phoenix Suns.
While there were only three ties and three lead changes in this game, the Lakers never led by more than 10 points in the second half. They actually never relinquished the lead after a 28-25 first quarter, taking a 10-point lead into the half. The game was tied at 103-103 with 58 seconds remaining, but LA closed on an 8-2 run to complete their win. The Lakers shot 46 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range while holding the Magic to 40 percent from the field and 26 percent from long range. LA also tripled up Orlando in blocks, 9-3.
The Magic (29-44) were led by Franz Wagner, tallying 21 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Paolo Banchero provided 21 points, six rebounds and three assists. Wendell Carter Jr amassed 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Markelle Fultz finished with 12 points, three rebounds and 10 assists. Cole Anthony led the bench with 17 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Lakers (35-37) were led by Austin Reaves, scoring a career-high 35 points off the bench. He also had six rebounds and six assists. D'Angelo Russell led the starters with 18 points, six assists and two blocks. Anthony Davis accrued 15 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and four blocks, while Troy Brown and Dennis Schroder had 12 points apiece.
On deck for Orlando is a home matchup with the Washington Wizards on Tuesday. As for Los Angeles, they return to action on Wednesday in a home meeting with the Phoenix Suns.