Bulls Edge 76ers In Double-Overtime
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls defeated the host Philadelphia 76ers, 109-105, at Wells Fargo Center on Monday evening.
The Sixers got out to a solid start and led by five points after one quarter. The Bulls bounce back in the second and outscored the hosts, 27-18, to take a four-point lead into the break. Both sides came out strong in the third, but the visitors maintained a one-point edge head into the final frame. The Sixers kept up the pressure and gained a brief lead late in the quarter but neither side could break away as the score was tied at 91, to end regulation. The first overtime period stayed tight and resolved nothing, score tied at 99, heading into double-OT. The Sixers grabbed the first lead in the period, but the Bulls closed the game on an, 8-0, run to secure their third straight win.
Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 26 points, two rebounds, seven assists, three steals and a block, in 47 minutes. DeMar DeRozan followed up with 25 points, eight rebounds, two assists, three steals and a block, while Nikola Vucevic tallied 21 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and four steals. The Bulls shot 41.5 percent from the field, including 7-of-33 from deep.
Meanwhile, Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 37 points, 16 rebounds, three blocks and a steal, in 44 minutes. Tyrese Maxey finished with 22 points, five rebounds, six assists and a block, while Tobias Harris added 14 points, nine rebounds, a steal and a block.
The 76ers (48-23) and Bulls (34-37) meet again in Chicago on Wednesday.
The Sixers got out to a solid start and led by five points after one quarter. The Bulls bounce back in the second and outscored the hosts, 27-18, to take a four-point lead into the break. Both sides came out strong in the third, but the visitors maintained a one-point edge head into the final frame. The Sixers kept up the pressure and gained a brief lead late in the quarter but neither side could break away as the score was tied at 91, to end regulation. The first overtime period stayed tight and resolved nothing, score tied at 99, heading into double-OT. The Sixers grabbed the first lead in the period, but the Bulls closed the game on an, 8-0, run to secure their third straight win.
Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 26 points, two rebounds, seven assists, three steals and a block, in 47 minutes. DeMar DeRozan followed up with 25 points, eight rebounds, two assists, three steals and a block, while Nikola Vucevic tallied 21 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and four steals. The Bulls shot 41.5 percent from the field, including 7-of-33 from deep.
Meanwhile, Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 37 points, 16 rebounds, three blocks and a steal, in 44 minutes. Tyrese Maxey finished with 22 points, five rebounds, six assists and a block, while Tobias Harris added 14 points, nine rebounds, a steal and a block.
The 76ers (48-23) and Bulls (34-37) meet again in Chicago on Wednesday.
Hornets Top Pacers, 115-109
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Indiana Pacers, 115-109, at Spectrum Center on Monday night.
The Pacers (32-40) opened the game in a dominant fashion that didn't hint whatsoever at what was to come, as they owned a 40-22 lead over the Hornets (23-50) after one. However, Charlotte would progressively claw back to whittle its deficit to three entering the fourth quarter, and after falling behind again by as much as nine with 6:23 remaining, the home squad finished the game on a 19-4 run over the final 5:29 for the comeback victory.
Myles Turner and Buddy Hield co-led the Pacers with matching 20-point efforts while pulling down seven and four rebounds, respectively and Turner also dishing out five assists. Bennedict Mathurin furnished 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Isaiah Jackson generated a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three blocks and one steal. Jalen Smith went for 10 points, six rebounds, one assist and one block.
Kelly Oubre paced the Hornets with 28 points, supplementing them three rebounds and four steals. Terry Rozier supplied 23 points, nine assists, one rebound and two steals. Gordon Hayward posted 22 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal. Nick Richards generated a 14-point, 17-rebound double-double that included one assist and two blocks. P.J. Washington turned in 10 points, three assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block.
The Pacers remain on the road and visit the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night while the Hornets hit the road and visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday night.
The Pacers (32-40) opened the game in a dominant fashion that didn't hint whatsoever at what was to come, as they owned a 40-22 lead over the Hornets (23-50) after one. However, Charlotte would progressively claw back to whittle its deficit to three entering the fourth quarter, and after falling behind again by as much as nine with 6:23 remaining, the home squad finished the game on a 19-4 run over the final 5:29 for the comeback victory.
Myles Turner and Buddy Hield co-led the Pacers with matching 20-point efforts while pulling down seven and four rebounds, respectively and Turner also dishing out five assists. Bennedict Mathurin furnished 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Isaiah Jackson generated a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three blocks and one steal. Jalen Smith went for 10 points, six rebounds, one assist and one block.
Kelly Oubre paced the Hornets with 28 points, supplementing them three rebounds and four steals. Terry Rozier supplied 23 points, nine assists, one rebound and two steals. Gordon Hayward posted 22 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal. Nick Richards generated a 14-point, 17-rebound double-double that included one assist and two blocks. P.J. Washington turned in 10 points, three assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block.
The Pacers remain on the road and visit the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night while the Hornets hit the road and visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday night.
Timberwolves Outlast Knicks, 140-134
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the New York Knicks, 140-134, at Madison Square Garden on Monday night.
The Timberwolves (36-37) checked into the tough interconference matchup looking to put an end to an especially untimely three-game skid, and they got off to an excellent start in that regard with a 42-32 lead through one. Minnesota still held a nine-point advantage over the Knicks (42-31) going into halftime, but New York had whittled its deficit to one going into the final period. The hosts then got up by as much as five on multiple occasions in the fourth quarter, but the T-Wolves managed to finish on a 16-5 run over the final 4:20 to secure the critical road victory and overcome Julius Randle's 57-point outburst.
Taurean Prince led the Timberwolves with 35 points, complementing them with five rebounds and two assists. Mike Conley generated a 24-point, 11-assist double-double that included four rebounds, two steals and one block. Jaden McDaniels furnished 18 points and four boards. Rudy Gobert delivered 16 points, seven boards, three assists, one steal and one block. Jaylen Nowell totaled 14 points, four assists, one rebound, three steals and one block. Naz Reid supplied 12 points, three assists, two rebounds and one block. Kyle Anderson provided 10 points, nine rebounds, five assists and one steal.
Randle added four rebounds and one assist to his game-high scoring total. Jalen Brunson generated a 23-point, 10-assist double-double that included two rebounds and two steals. Immanuel Quickley registered 19 points, three assists, one rebound and one steal. R.J. Barrett finished with 13 points, three assists and two rebounds.
The Timberwolves return home to host the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night, while the Knicks visit the Miami Heat on Wednesday night as well.
The Timberwolves (36-37) checked into the tough interconference matchup looking to put an end to an especially untimely three-game skid, and they got off to an excellent start in that regard with a 42-32 lead through one. Minnesota still held a nine-point advantage over the Knicks (42-31) going into halftime, but New York had whittled its deficit to one going into the final period. The hosts then got up by as much as five on multiple occasions in the fourth quarter, but the T-Wolves managed to finish on a 16-5 run over the final 4:20 to secure the critical road victory and overcome Julius Randle's 57-point outburst.
Taurean Prince led the Timberwolves with 35 points, complementing them with five rebounds and two assists. Mike Conley generated a 24-point, 11-assist double-double that included four rebounds, two steals and one block. Jaden McDaniels furnished 18 points and four boards. Rudy Gobert delivered 16 points, seven boards, three assists, one steal and one block. Jaylen Nowell totaled 14 points, four assists, one rebound, three steals and one block. Naz Reid supplied 12 points, three assists, two rebounds and one block. Kyle Anderson provided 10 points, nine rebounds, five assists and one steal.
Randle added four rebounds and one assist to his game-high scoring total. Jalen Brunson generated a 23-point, 10-assist double-double that included two rebounds and two steals. Immanuel Quickley registered 19 points, three assists, one rebound and one steal. R.J. Barrett finished with 13 points, three assists and two rebounds.
The Timberwolves return home to host the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night, while the Knicks visit the Miami Heat on Wednesday night as well.
Warriors Top Rockets In Houston
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors defeated the host Houston Rockets, 121-108, at Toyota Center on Monday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start, while the Warriors pushed to a five-point lead by the end of one quarter. The visitors kept the momentum going in the second and rallied to a nine-point advantage, before the Rockets brought it back to a five-point game at halftime. The Rockets turned it up a notch in the third and earned a brief lead, but the Warriors reclaimed a four-point edge heading into the final frame. The Warriors kept the pressure on in the fourth and outscored the hosts, 37-28, in the quarter to close out the road win and end a three-game slide.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 30 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block, in 36 minutes. Klay Thompson followed up with 29 points, seven rebounds, a steal and a block, while Jonathan Kuminga added 17 points, three rebounds, four assists and a block. The Warriors shot 50 percent from the field, including 17-of-48 from long range.
Meanwhile, Tari Eason lead the Rockets with 21 points, 12 rebounds and four steals, in 31 minutes. Jabari Smith totaled 17 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, while Kevin Porter added 17 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals. The Rockets shot 41.9 percent from the field, including 10-of-36 from deep.
The Rockets (18-54) will look to bounce back as they take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Wednesday. The Warriors (37-36) take on the Mavericks in Dallas on Wednesday.
The game got out to a competitive start, while the Warriors pushed to a five-point lead by the end of one quarter. The visitors kept the momentum going in the second and rallied to a nine-point advantage, before the Rockets brought it back to a five-point game at halftime. The Rockets turned it up a notch in the third and earned a brief lead, but the Warriors reclaimed a four-point edge heading into the final frame. The Warriors kept the pressure on in the fourth and outscored the hosts, 37-28, in the quarter to close out the road win and end a three-game slide.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 30 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block, in 36 minutes. Klay Thompson followed up with 29 points, seven rebounds, a steal and a block, while Jonathan Kuminga added 17 points, three rebounds, four assists and a block. The Warriors shot 50 percent from the field, including 17-of-48 from long range.
Meanwhile, Tari Eason lead the Rockets with 21 points, 12 rebounds and four steals, in 31 minutes. Jabari Smith totaled 17 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, while Kevin Porter added 17 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals. The Rockets shot 41.9 percent from the field, including 10-of-36 from deep.
The Rockets (18-54) will look to bounce back as they take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Wednesday. The Warriors (37-36) take on the Mavericks in Dallas on Wednesday.
Grizzlies Hold Off Mavs For Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Dallas Mavericks, 112-108, at FedEx Forum on Monday evening.
The game got out to a tight start as the Grizzlies led, 30-28, after one quarter. The score stayed tight in the second, but visitors managed to squeeze in front with a three-point lead at the break. The Mavericks kept the momentum going in the third and rallied to a 13-point lead heading into the final frame. The Grizzlies did not back down and outscored the visitors, 29-12, in the fourth to close out their third straight win. The Grizzlies are now 6-3 in nine games since Ja Morant has been sidelined.
Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies with 28 points, four rebounds and a block, in 23 minutes. Santi Aldama followed up with 22 points, 14 rebounds and two assists, while Desmond Bane finished with 17 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Grizzlies shot 46.1 percent from the field, including 10-of-35 from deep.
Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving led the Mavs with 28 points, four rebounds, two blocks and a steal, in 33 minutes. Christian Wood tallied 20 points, nine rebounds and six assists, while Jaden Hardy added 20 points, three rebounds, four assists and a steal. The Mavs shot 46.4 percent from the field, including 11-of-36 from long range.
The Mavericks (36-36) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Warriors on Wednesday. The Grizzlies (44-27) play host to the Rockets on Wednesday.
The game got out to a tight start as the Grizzlies led, 30-28, after one quarter. The score stayed tight in the second, but visitors managed to squeeze in front with a three-point lead at the break. The Mavericks kept the momentum going in the third and rallied to a 13-point lead heading into the final frame. The Grizzlies did not back down and outscored the visitors, 29-12, in the fourth to close out their third straight win. The Grizzlies are now 6-3 in nine games since Ja Morant has been sidelined.
Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies with 28 points, four rebounds and a block, in 23 minutes. Santi Aldama followed up with 22 points, 14 rebounds and two assists, while Desmond Bane finished with 17 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Grizzlies shot 46.1 percent from the field, including 10-of-35 from deep.
Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving led the Mavs with 28 points, four rebounds, two blocks and a steal, in 33 minutes. Christian Wood tallied 20 points, nine rebounds and six assists, while Jaden Hardy added 20 points, three rebounds, four assists and a steal. The Mavs shot 46.4 percent from the field, including 11-of-36 from long range.
The Mavericks (36-36) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Warriors on Wednesday. The Grizzlies (44-27) play host to the Rockets on Wednesday.
Jazz Defeat Kings, 128-120
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings, 128-120, at Vivint Arena on Monday.
While Utah got out to a 25-point lead and held the lead for the opening three quarters, this game wasn't decided until the final seconds. Sacramento fought back with a 43-27 third quarter, forcing six ties and eight lead changes in the fourth quarter. With that said, the Jazz closed things by outscoring the Kings in that frame, 33-25, after a 40-19 first quarter. Utah shot 52 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while holding Sacramento to 42 percent from the field and 37 percent from long range. They also outscored them in the paint, 56-38.
The Kings (43-28) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 37 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Keegan Murray amassed 22 points and six rebounds. Harrison Barnes had 16 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Domantas Sabonis collected 11 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists. Malik Monk led the bench with 15 points, three rebounds and three assists.
The Jazz (35-36) were led by Ochai Agbaji, accruing 27 points, five rebounds and three assists. Kelly Olynyk accumulated 19 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Walker Kessler compiled 10 points, eight rebounds and five blocks, while Talen Horton-Tucker tallied 10 points, six rebounds and four assists. Kris Dunn led the bench with 18 points, two rebounds and 10 assists.
Sacramento has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Tuesday, returning home to play the Boston Celtics. As for Utah, they return to action on Wednesday in a home matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers.
While Utah got out to a 25-point lead and held the lead for the opening three quarters, this game wasn't decided until the final seconds. Sacramento fought back with a 43-27 third quarter, forcing six ties and eight lead changes in the fourth quarter. With that said, the Jazz closed things by outscoring the Kings in that frame, 33-25, after a 40-19 first quarter. Utah shot 52 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while holding Sacramento to 42 percent from the field and 37 percent from long range. They also outscored them in the paint, 56-38.
The Kings (43-28) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 37 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Keegan Murray amassed 22 points and six rebounds. Harrison Barnes had 16 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Domantas Sabonis collected 11 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists. Malik Monk led the bench with 15 points, three rebounds and three assists.
The Jazz (35-36) were led by Ochai Agbaji, accruing 27 points, five rebounds and three assists. Kelly Olynyk accumulated 19 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Walker Kessler compiled 10 points, eight rebounds and five blocks, while Talen Horton-Tucker tallied 10 points, six rebounds and four assists. Kris Dunn led the bench with 18 points, two rebounds and 10 assists.
Sacramento has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Tuesday, returning home to play the Boston Celtics. As for Utah, they return to action on Wednesday in a home matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers.