Pacers Mount Comeback To Defeat Thunder
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, 121-117, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday.
The Pacers (34-44) enjoyed a strong start and an even stronger finish to get past the Thunder (38-40) at home. Indiana secured a 36-32 lead in the first quarter and kept that advantage following a 29-29 score in the second quarter. Holding a four-point lead at the break was not enough, and the Thunder turned things around with a 33-25 score in the third quarter. The Pacers delivered a comeback in the final 12 minutes, though, and they won the game after a 31-23 score in the final period.
T.J. McConnell was impressive off the bench, leading the Pacers with a near triple-double of 21 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Andrew Nembhard posted 18 points, six assists and three rebounds. Bennedict Mathurin notched 15 points and four boards. Jalen Smith had 12 points and 15 rebounds. Jordan Nwora delivered 13 points, six rebounds and six assists. Aaron Nesmith notched nine points and six boards. Buddy Hield and Isaiah Jackson had 13 points each.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered 39 points and nine assists. Josh Giddey notched 21 points and seven boards. Luguentz Dort posted 12 points and 10 rebounds. Jalen Williams ended with 14 points, six rebounds and six assists. Aaron Wiggins recorded 12 points and three rebounds off the bench.
The Pacers (34-44) enjoyed a strong start and an even stronger finish to get past the Thunder (38-40) at home. Indiana secured a 36-32 lead in the first quarter and kept that advantage following a 29-29 score in the second quarter. Holding a four-point lead at the break was not enough, and the Thunder turned things around with a 33-25 score in the third quarter. The Pacers delivered a comeback in the final 12 minutes, though, and they won the game after a 31-23 score in the final period.
T.J. McConnell was impressive off the bench, leading the Pacers with a near triple-double of 21 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Andrew Nembhard posted 18 points, six assists and three rebounds. Bennedict Mathurin notched 15 points and four boards. Jalen Smith had 12 points and 15 rebounds. Jordan Nwora delivered 13 points, six rebounds and six assists. Aaron Nesmith notched nine points and six boards. Buddy Hield and Isaiah Jackson had 13 points each.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered 39 points and nine assists. Josh Giddey notched 21 points and seven boards. Luguentz Dort posted 12 points and 10 rebounds. Jalen Williams ended with 14 points, six rebounds and six assists. Aaron Wiggins recorded 12 points and three rebounds off the bench.
76ers Hold On To Get Past Pacers
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Toronto Raptors, 117-110, at Wells Fargo Center on Friday.
The 76ers (51-26) enjoyed a strong start, and while they fnished on a sour note, they still escaped with a seven-point win over the Raptors (38-39). Philadelphia looked impressive in the first quarter and raced out to a 31-30 lead in the first quarter. The 76ers would go on to bolster their lead after a 46-27 score in the second quarter. Toronto managed to slow things down in the third quarter and won 29-22. The Raptors kept the momentum going and outscored Philly by a 24-18 score in the final minutes. However, it was not enough to mount a comeback and the 76ers held on to get the win.
Joel Embiid led the way for the 76ers with 25 points and 12 rebounds. James Harden followed up with 23 points and 11 assists. De'Anthony Melton delivered 13 points, four rebounds and three assists. Tyrese Maxey finished with 13 points and six assists. Paul Reed came off the bench and finished with 11 points and six boards across 14 minutes.
Scottie Barnes came close to a triple-double and finished with 29 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Fred VanVleet delivered 19 points, six assists and five rebounds. Jakob Poeltl recorded a double-double of 14 points and 10 boards. O.G. Anunoby posted 17 points, three rebounds and three assists. Pascal Siakam had 14 points, seven assists and four boards across 42 minutes.
The 76ers (51-26) enjoyed a strong start, and while they fnished on a sour note, they still escaped with a seven-point win over the Raptors (38-39). Philadelphia looked impressive in the first quarter and raced out to a 31-30 lead in the first quarter. The 76ers would go on to bolster their lead after a 46-27 score in the second quarter. Toronto managed to slow things down in the third quarter and won 29-22. The Raptors kept the momentum going and outscored Philly by a 24-18 score in the final minutes. However, it was not enough to mount a comeback and the 76ers held on to get the win.
Joel Embiid led the way for the 76ers with 25 points and 12 rebounds. James Harden followed up with 23 points and 11 assists. De'Anthony Melton delivered 13 points, four rebounds and three assists. Tyrese Maxey finished with 13 points and six assists. Paul Reed came off the bench and finished with 11 points and six boards across 14 minutes.
Scottie Barnes came close to a triple-double and finished with 29 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Fred VanVleet delivered 19 points, six assists and five rebounds. Jakob Poeltl recorded a double-double of 14 points and 10 boards. O.G. Anunoby posted 17 points, three rebounds and three assists. Pascal Siakam had 14 points, seven assists and four boards across 42 minutes.
Magic Mount Comeback To Defeat Wizards
The Orlando Magic defeated the Washington Wizards, 116-109, at Capital One Arena on Friday.
The Magic (33-44) had to come from behind in the fourth quarter to secure a tight win over the Wizards (34-43) despite playing on the road. Orlando got off to a slow start and the Wizards took advantage of that to secure a 32-24 lead following the first quarter. The Magic bounced back in the second quarter and reduced the differential to just three points following a 36-31 score in the second 12-minute period. Washington restored the advantage and made it a double-digit game after a 33-25 score in the third quarter, and led by as much as 16 points. The Magic turned things around down the stretch and mounted an impressive comeback, though. They won the final quarter by a 31-13 score, and that allowed them to secure a huge road win.
Paolo Banchero led the way for the Magic with 30 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. Markelle Fultz ended up with 25 points, six boards and four dimes. Franz Wagner posted 20 points and five rebounds. Wendell Carter came close to a double-double after notching 11 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Cole Anthony made his presence felt off the bench with 16 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
Corey Kispert led the way for the Wizards with 27 points. Daniel Gafford notched a double-double after posting 18 points and 13 rebounds. Delon Wright delivered 21 points and nine rebounds while adding four assists. Kendrick Nunn looked good off the bench and finished with 12 points, three rebounds and two dimes.
The Magic (33-44) had to come from behind in the fourth quarter to secure a tight win over the Wizards (34-43) despite playing on the road. Orlando got off to a slow start and the Wizards took advantage of that to secure a 32-24 lead following the first quarter. The Magic bounced back in the second quarter and reduced the differential to just three points following a 36-31 score in the second 12-minute period. Washington restored the advantage and made it a double-digit game after a 33-25 score in the third quarter, and led by as much as 16 points. The Magic turned things around down the stretch and mounted an impressive comeback, though. They won the final quarter by a 31-13 score, and that allowed them to secure a huge road win.
Paolo Banchero led the way for the Magic with 30 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. Markelle Fultz ended up with 25 points, six boards and four dimes. Franz Wagner posted 20 points and five rebounds. Wendell Carter came close to a double-double after notching 11 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Cole Anthony made his presence felt off the bench with 16 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
Corey Kispert led the way for the Wizards with 27 points. Daniel Gafford notched a double-double after posting 18 points and 13 rebounds. Delon Wright delivered 21 points and nine rebounds while adding four assists. Kendrick Nunn looked good off the bench and finished with 12 points, three rebounds and two dimes.
Bulls Blast Hornets, 121-91
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 121-91, at Spectrum Center on Friday night.
The Bulls (37-40) came into the contest with the urgency created by their status as the No. 10 seed, and they played like it during a first half by jumping out to a 62-46 lead. The Hornets (26-52) were able to put a three-point dent in their deficit in the third quarter, but Chicago's 31-14 advantage in the final period definitively squashed any hopes of a comeback.
Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan co-led the Bulls with matching 23-point contributions while recording three rebounds apiece along with three and four assists, respectively. Nikola Vucevic delivered 21 points and eight boards. Patrick Williams netted 15 points. Coby White supplied 11 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal.
James Bouknight paced the Hornets with 22 points, supplementing them with six boards and four assists. Svi Mykhailiuk totaled 16 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal. JT Thor managed 10 points and three rebounds.
The Bulls return home to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday afternoon, while the Hornets remain home and host the Toronto Raptors on Sunday afternoon.
The Bulls (37-40) came into the contest with the urgency created by their status as the No. 10 seed, and they played like it during a first half by jumping out to a 62-46 lead. The Hornets (26-52) were able to put a three-point dent in their deficit in the third quarter, but Chicago's 31-14 advantage in the final period definitively squashed any hopes of a comeback.
Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan co-led the Bulls with matching 23-point contributions while recording three rebounds apiece along with three and four assists, respectively. Nikola Vucevic delivered 21 points and eight boards. Patrick Williams netted 15 points. Coby White supplied 11 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal.
James Bouknight paced the Hornets with 22 points, supplementing them with six boards and four assists. Svi Mykhailiuk totaled 16 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal. JT Thor managed 10 points and three rebounds.
The Bulls return home to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday afternoon, while the Hornets remain home and host the Toronto Raptors on Sunday afternoon.
Celtics Get By Jazz, 122-114
The Boston Celtics defeated the Utah Jazz, 122-114, at TD Garden on Friday night.
The Celtics (54-24) were heavy favorites coming in, but it was the more desperate Jazz (36-41) that exited the first quarter with a two-point lead. However, Boston proceeded to outscore Utah by a 66-49 margin in the middle periods to take a 15-point advantage into the final period, and although the visitors enjoyed a 36-29 edge in the final 12 minutes, they never serious threatened.
Talen Horton-Tucker led the Jazz with 28 points, complementing them with eight rebounds and seven assists. Walker Kessler generated a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and three blocks. Kris Dunn supplied 16 points, four rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Ochai Agbaji and Simone Fontecchio turned in matching 12-point contributions while pulling down seven and four rebounds, respectively.
Jayson Tatum paced the Celtics with 39 points, complementing them with 11 rebounds, three assists and three steals. Malcolm Brogdon registered 19 points, seven assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Marcus Smart posted 14 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Grant Williams delivered 13 points, five rebounds, two assists and one block. Jaylen Brown provided 12 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal.
The Jazz remain on the road and visit the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday afternoon, while the Celtics hit the road and visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night.
The Celtics (54-24) were heavy favorites coming in, but it was the more desperate Jazz (36-41) that exited the first quarter with a two-point lead. However, Boston proceeded to outscore Utah by a 66-49 margin in the middle periods to take a 15-point advantage into the final period, and although the visitors enjoyed a 36-29 edge in the final 12 minutes, they never serious threatened.
Talen Horton-Tucker led the Jazz with 28 points, complementing them with eight rebounds and seven assists. Walker Kessler generated a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and three blocks. Kris Dunn supplied 16 points, four rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Ochai Agbaji and Simone Fontecchio turned in matching 12-point contributions while pulling down seven and four rebounds, respectively.
Jayson Tatum paced the Celtics with 39 points, complementing them with 11 rebounds, three assists and three steals. Malcolm Brogdon registered 19 points, seven assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Marcus Smart posted 14 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Grant Williams delivered 13 points, five rebounds, two assists and one block. Jaylen Brown provided 12 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal.
The Jazz remain on the road and visit the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday afternoon, while the Celtics hit the road and visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night.
Knicks Topple Cavaliers, 130-116
The New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 130-116, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Friday night.
Both clubs came out of the gates blistering hot, with the Cavaliers (48-30) exiting the first quarter with a 47-42 lead. However, the Knicks (45-33) outscored Cleveland by a 37-25 margin in the second quarter to take a seven-point advantage into halftime, but their edge was down to three going into the final period. New York recovered with a superb defensive effort in the final period, outpacing its hosts by a 25-14 margin in the final 12 minutes.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 48 points, complementing them with nine assists and four rebounds. RJ Barrett, Quentin Grimes and Immanuel Quickley all contributed 14 points while recording seven, three and four boards, respectively. Obi Toppin netted 12 points. Josh Hart registered 11 points, seven rebounds and one assist, while Mitchell Robinson generated a 10-point, 14-rebound double-double that included one assist, two steals and two blocks.
Donovan Mitchell paced the Cavaliers with 42 points, supplementing them with five assists, four rebounds and one block. Darius Garland totaled 20 points, nine assists and three rebounds. Caris LeVert furnished 15 points, seven assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Evan Mobley and Cedi Osman pitched in 14 points each, with Mobley adding seven rebounds, five assists and three blocks.
The Knicks return home to host the Washington Wizards on Sunday evening, while the Cavaliers remain home and host the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night.
Both clubs came out of the gates blistering hot, with the Cavaliers (48-30) exiting the first quarter with a 47-42 lead. However, the Knicks (45-33) outscored Cleveland by a 37-25 margin in the second quarter to take a seven-point advantage into halftime, but their edge was down to three going into the final period. New York recovered with a superb defensive effort in the final period, outpacing its hosts by a 25-14 margin in the final 12 minutes.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 48 points, complementing them with nine assists and four rebounds. RJ Barrett, Quentin Grimes and Immanuel Quickley all contributed 14 points while recording seven, three and four boards, respectively. Obi Toppin netted 12 points. Josh Hart registered 11 points, seven rebounds and one assist, while Mitchell Robinson generated a 10-point, 14-rebound double-double that included one assist, two steals and two blocks.
Donovan Mitchell paced the Cavaliers with 42 points, supplementing them with five assists, four rebounds and one block. Darius Garland totaled 20 points, nine assists and three rebounds. Caris LeVert furnished 15 points, seven assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Evan Mobley and Cedi Osman pitched in 14 points each, with Mobley adding seven rebounds, five assists and three blocks.
The Knicks return home to host the Washington Wizards on Sunday evening, while the Cavaliers remain home and host the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night.
Nets Rally Past Hawks
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the visiting Atlanta Hawks, 124-107, at Barclays Center on Friday evening.
The Hawks got out to a strong start and led, 33-25, after one quarter, but the hosts bounced back in the second and rallied to a four-point edge by halftime. The Nets carried the momentum into the third and outscored the Hawks, 42-24, in the quarter to make it a 22-point deficit heading into the final frame. The visitors kept up the fight in the fourth but it was not enough, as the Nets closed out their second straight win.
Mikal Bridges led the Nets with 42 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Dorian Finney-Smith followed up with 19 points, eight rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, while Nicolas Claxton totaled 14 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and a steal. The Nets shot 55.7 percent from the field, including 15-of-33 from long range.
Meanwhile, Dejounte Murray led the Hawks with 21 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals, in 36 minutes. Saddiq Bey followed up with 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Onyeka Okongwu and Bogdan Bogdanovic added 12 points each. The Hawks shot 42.9 percent from the field, including 8-of-37 from deep.
The Hawks (38-39) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Mavericks on Sunday. The Nets (42-35) play host to the Jazz on Sunday.
The Hawks got out to a strong start and led, 33-25, after one quarter, but the hosts bounced back in the second and rallied to a four-point edge by halftime. The Nets carried the momentum into the third and outscored the Hawks, 42-24, in the quarter to make it a 22-point deficit heading into the final frame. The visitors kept up the fight in the fourth but it was not enough, as the Nets closed out their second straight win.
Mikal Bridges led the Nets with 42 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Dorian Finney-Smith followed up with 19 points, eight rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, while Nicolas Claxton totaled 14 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and a steal. The Nets shot 55.7 percent from the field, including 15-of-33 from long range.
Meanwhile, Dejounte Murray led the Hawks with 21 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals, in 36 minutes. Saddiq Bey followed up with 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Onyeka Okongwu and Bogdan Bogdanovic added 12 points each. The Hawks shot 42.9 percent from the field, including 8-of-37 from deep.
The Hawks (38-39) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Mavericks on Sunday. The Nets (42-35) play host to the Jazz on Sunday.
Rockets Outlast Pistons In Houston
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets defeated the visiting Detroit Pistons, 121-115, at Toyota Center on Friday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Rockets held a three-point edge after one quarter. The Pistons grabbed the upper hand in the second and carried a three-point edge into halftime. Both sides brought a solid effort in the third, while the Pistons retained a one-point lead heading into the final frame. The score stayed closed through the fourth, but the Rockets took control in the final minutes and closed out the home win. This marks the eighth straight loss for the Pistons.
Kevin Porter led the Rockets with 33 points, three rebounds and four steals, in 38 minutes. Jalen Green followed up with 32 points and five assists, while Alperen Sengun totaled 15 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists. The Rockets shot 45.8 percent from the field, including 11-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile, Marvin Bagley led the Pistons with 21 points and three rebounds, in 34 minutes. Jaden Ivey followed up with 18 points, three rebounds, nine assists and two steals, while Cory Joseph added 17 points, four rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block. The Pistons shot 48.3 percent from the field, including 11-of-35 from deep.
The Pistons (16-61) will look to bounce back as they take on the Magic in Orlando on Sunday. The Rockets (19-59) play host to the Lakers on Sunday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Rockets held a three-point edge after one quarter. The Pistons grabbed the upper hand in the second and carried a three-point edge into halftime. Both sides brought a solid effort in the third, while the Pistons retained a one-point lead heading into the final frame. The score stayed closed through the fourth, but the Rockets took control in the final minutes and closed out the home win. This marks the eighth straight loss for the Pistons.
Kevin Porter led the Rockets with 33 points, three rebounds and four steals, in 38 minutes. Jalen Green followed up with 32 points and five assists, while Alperen Sengun totaled 15 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists. The Rockets shot 45.8 percent from the field, including 11-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile, Marvin Bagley led the Pistons with 21 points and three rebounds, in 34 minutes. Jaden Ivey followed up with 18 points, three rebounds, nine assists and two steals, while Cory Joseph added 17 points, four rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block. The Pistons shot 48.3 percent from the field, including 11-of-35 from deep.
The Pistons (16-61) will look to bounce back as they take on the Magic in Orlando on Sunday. The Rockets (19-59) play host to the Lakers on Sunday.
Lakers Rally For Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the host Minnesota Timberwolves, 123-111, at Target Center on Friday evening.
The Timberwolves got out to a good start and led through the first quarter, but the Lakers cut it two a two-point game heading into the second. The visitors kept the momentum going and grabbed a brief edge, before the Timberwolves charged to a 10-point lead by halftime. The Lakers brought a better effort in the third and outscored the hosts, 35-18, in the quarter to claim a seven-point advantage heading into the final frame. The Lakers kept the pressure on in the fourth and held strong to close out their second straight win.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 38 points, 17 rebounds, two blocks and a steal, in 37 minutes. LeBron James followed up with 18 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, two blocks and a steal, while D'Angelo Russell added 12 points, 10 assists and two steals. The Lakers shot 50 percent from the field, including 9-of-22 from long range.
Meanwhile, Mike Conley led the Timberwolves with 25 points, three rebounds, seven assists and three steals, in 32 minutes. Karl-Anthony Towns followed up with 23 points, eight rebounds and three assists, while Rudy Gobert totaled 14 points, 11 rebounds and two steals. The Timberwolves shot 43.2 percent from the field, including 13-of-39 from deep.
The Timberwolves (39-39) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Trail Blazers on Sunday. The Lakers (39-38) take on the Rockets in Houston on Sunday.
The Timberwolves got out to a good start and led through the first quarter, but the Lakers cut it two a two-point game heading into the second. The visitors kept the momentum going and grabbed a brief edge, before the Timberwolves charged to a 10-point lead by halftime. The Lakers brought a better effort in the third and outscored the hosts, 35-18, in the quarter to claim a seven-point advantage heading into the final frame. The Lakers kept the pressure on in the fourth and held strong to close out their second straight win.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 38 points, 17 rebounds, two blocks and a steal, in 37 minutes. LeBron James followed up with 18 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, two blocks and a steal, while D'Angelo Russell added 12 points, 10 assists and two steals. The Lakers shot 50 percent from the field, including 9-of-22 from long range.
Meanwhile, Mike Conley led the Timberwolves with 25 points, three rebounds, seven assists and three steals, in 32 minutes. Karl-Anthony Towns followed up with 23 points, eight rebounds and three assists, while Rudy Gobert totaled 14 points, 11 rebounds and two steals. The Timberwolves shot 43.2 percent from the field, including 13-of-39 from deep.
The Timberwolves (39-39) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Trail Blazers on Sunday. The Lakers (39-38) take on the Rockets in Houston on Sunday.
Grizzlies Bounce Clippers In Memphis
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Los Angeles Clippers, 108-94, at FedEx Forum Friday evening.
The Clippers jumped out to a strong start with a, 34-21, lead after one quarter, but the Grizzlies responded in the second and rallied to claim a four-point lead at the break. The hosts carried the momentum into the third and added another 10 points to their advantage to make it a 14-point deficit heading into the final frame. The Clippers could not make any progress in the fourth, as the Grizzlies closed out the home win.
Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 22 points, three rebounds, nine assists and three steals, in 38 minutes. Luke Kennard followed up with 17 points and six rebounds, while Xavier Tillman totaled 14 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. The Grizzlies shot 44.8 percent from the field, including 9-of-33 from deep.
Meanwhile, Norman Powell led the Clippers with 16 points and two assists, off the bench. Ivica Zubac followed up with 15 points, 15 rebounds, two steals and a block, while Russell Westbrook tallied four points, four rebounds, 11 assists, a steal and a block. The Clippers shot 37.8 percent from the field, including 11-of-35 from long range.
The Clippers (41-37) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Saturday. The Grizzlies (49-28) clash with the Bulls in Chicago on Sunday.
The Clippers jumped out to a strong start with a, 34-21, lead after one quarter, but the Grizzlies responded in the second and rallied to claim a four-point lead at the break. The hosts carried the momentum into the third and added another 10 points to their advantage to make it a 14-point deficit heading into the final frame. The Clippers could not make any progress in the fourth, as the Grizzlies closed out the home win.
Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 22 points, three rebounds, nine assists and three steals, in 38 minutes. Luke Kennard followed up with 17 points and six rebounds, while Xavier Tillman totaled 14 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. The Grizzlies shot 44.8 percent from the field, including 9-of-33 from deep.
Meanwhile, Norman Powell led the Clippers with 16 points and two assists, off the bench. Ivica Zubac followed up with 15 points, 15 rebounds, two steals and a block, while Russell Westbrook tallied four points, four rebounds, 11 assists, a steal and a block. The Clippers shot 37.8 percent from the field, including 11-of-35 from long range.
The Clippers (41-37) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Saturday. The Grizzlies (49-28) clash with the Bulls in Chicago on Sunday.
Warriors Defeat Spurs, 130-115
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 130-115, at Chase Center on Friday.
While there were five ties and eight lead changes through the opening three quarters of this game, Golden State rode a 43-27 fourth quarter to their blowout win. They got their lead up to 18 points at times in that final frame, starting it on an 11-2 run to take control. The Warriors shot 51 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while holding the Spurs to 46 percent from the field and 40 percent from long range. Golden State also out-assisted San Antonio, 37-27.
The Spurs (19-58) were led by Keldon Johnson, collecting 22 points and four assists. Malaki Branham amassed 19 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Keita Bates-Diop had 14 points and seven rebounds, while Sandro Mamukelashvili accrued 13 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. Tre Jones totaled 10 points, two rebounds and six assists.
The Warriors (41-37) were led by Stephen Curry, compiling 33 points, two rebounds and five assists. Klay Thompson amassed 32 points, two rebounds and two assists. Jonathan Kuminga generated 17 points and eight rebounds, while Draymond Green finished with four points, six rebounds and 11 assists. Jordan Poole led the bench with 27 points, two rebounds and six assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with San Antonio staying on the road to play the Sacramento Kings and Golden State traveling to play the Denver Nuggets.
While there were five ties and eight lead changes through the opening three quarters of this game, Golden State rode a 43-27 fourth quarter to their blowout win. They got their lead up to 18 points at times in that final frame, starting it on an 11-2 run to take control. The Warriors shot 51 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while holding the Spurs to 46 percent from the field and 40 percent from long range. Golden State also out-assisted San Antonio, 37-27.
The Spurs (19-58) were led by Keldon Johnson, collecting 22 points and four assists. Malaki Branham amassed 19 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Keita Bates-Diop had 14 points and seven rebounds, while Sandro Mamukelashvili accrued 13 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. Tre Jones totaled 10 points, two rebounds and six assists.
The Warriors (41-37) were led by Stephen Curry, compiling 33 points, two rebounds and five assists. Klay Thompson amassed 32 points, two rebounds and two assists. Jonathan Kuminga generated 17 points and eight rebounds, while Draymond Green finished with four points, six rebounds and 11 assists. Jordan Poole led the bench with 27 points, two rebounds and six assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with San Antonio staying on the road to play the Sacramento Kings and Golden State traveling to play the Denver Nuggets.
Kings Defeat Spurs, 138-114
The Sacramento Kings defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 138-114, at Moda Center on Friday.
Sacramento won all four individual quarters in this game, maintaining the lead for the final three quarters. They got their lead up to 27 points at times and led by at least seven points for the entirety of the second half. The Kings shot 61 percent from the field while holding the Trail Blazers below 48 percent shooting. Sacramento recorded 38 assists to 13 turnovers, while Portland had 29 assists to 19 turnovers. They also outscored the Trail Blazers in the paint, 64-36.
The Kings (47-30) were led by Domantas Sabonis, collecting 20 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists and two steals. De'Aaron Fox finished with 20 points, eight rebounds, 11 assists and two steals. Keegan Murray amassed 20 points, three rebounds, three assists and three blocks, while Malik Monk led the bench with 20 points, two rebounds and five assists. All of those guys shot above 50 percent from the field.
The Trail Blazers (32-45) were led by Shaedon Sharpe, tallying 27 points, three rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Drew Eubanks amassed 18 points, 10 rebounds and two steals. Skylar Mays generated 14 points, two rebounds and six assists, while Kevin Knox led the bench with nine points, four rebounds and five assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Sacramento returning home to play the San Antonio Spurs and Portland playing the Minnesota Timberwolves on the road.
Sacramento won all four individual quarters in this game, maintaining the lead for the final three quarters. They got their lead up to 27 points at times and led by at least seven points for the entirety of the second half. The Kings shot 61 percent from the field while holding the Trail Blazers below 48 percent shooting. Sacramento recorded 38 assists to 13 turnovers, while Portland had 29 assists to 19 turnovers. They also outscored the Trail Blazers in the paint, 64-36.
The Kings (47-30) were led by Domantas Sabonis, collecting 20 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists and two steals. De'Aaron Fox finished with 20 points, eight rebounds, 11 assists and two steals. Keegan Murray amassed 20 points, three rebounds, three assists and three blocks, while Malik Monk led the bench with 20 points, two rebounds and five assists. All of those guys shot above 50 percent from the field.
The Trail Blazers (32-45) were led by Shaedon Sharpe, tallying 27 points, three rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Drew Eubanks amassed 18 points, 10 rebounds and two steals. Skylar Mays generated 14 points, two rebounds and six assists, while Kevin Knox led the bench with nine points, four rebounds and five assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Sacramento returning home to play the San Antonio Spurs and Portland playing the Minnesota Timberwolves on the road.
Suns Defeat Nuggets, 100-93
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Denver Nuggets, 100-93, at Footprint Center on Friday.
A 32-20 first quarter allowed Phoenix to cruise to their win, maintaining the lead for the final three frames. They led by 20 points at the half and got their lead up to 27 points at times. Phoenix shot 42 percent from the field, 37 percent from three-point range and 76 percent from the free-throw line, while Denver shot 40 percent from the field, 23 percent from long range and 55 percent from the free-throw line. The Suns also out-assisted the Nuggets, 28-19.
The Nuggets (51-26) were led by Aaron Gordon, accruing 26 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two steals. Bruce Brown had 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals. Reggie Jackson started and totaled 13 points, two rebounds and four assists, while Deandre Jordan led the team in boards, finishing with five points, 12 rebounds and three steals.
The Suns (42-35) were led by Kevin Durant, collecting 30 points, four rebounds, two assists and two blocks on 11-of-15 shooting. Devin Booker finished with 27 points, two rebounds and six assists. Josh Okogie generated 14 points and five rebounds, while Deandre Ayton amassed eight points and 10 boards. Chris Paul provided five points, six rebounds and 13 assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday against Western Conference foes, with Denver playing host to the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix traveling to play the Oklahoma City Thunder.
A 32-20 first quarter allowed Phoenix to cruise to their win, maintaining the lead for the final three frames. They led by 20 points at the half and got their lead up to 27 points at times. Phoenix shot 42 percent from the field, 37 percent from three-point range and 76 percent from the free-throw line, while Denver shot 40 percent from the field, 23 percent from long range and 55 percent from the free-throw line. The Suns also out-assisted the Nuggets, 28-19.
The Nuggets (51-26) were led by Aaron Gordon, accruing 26 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two steals. Bruce Brown had 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals. Reggie Jackson started and totaled 13 points, two rebounds and four assists, while Deandre Jordan led the team in boards, finishing with five points, 12 rebounds and three steals.
The Suns (42-35) were led by Kevin Durant, collecting 30 points, four rebounds, two assists and two blocks on 11-of-15 shooting. Devin Booker finished with 27 points, two rebounds and six assists. Josh Okogie generated 14 points and five rebounds, while Deandre Ayton amassed eight points and 10 boards. Chris Paul provided five points, six rebounds and 13 assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday against Western Conference foes, with Denver playing host to the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix traveling to play the Oklahoma City Thunder.