Raptors Secure Key Win Over Hornets
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 128-108, at Spectrum Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Raptors (39-39) moved to .500 with a solid win over the Hornets (26-53) on the road, and this result allowed them to move closer to a spot in the Play-in Tournament. The Raptors looked dominant in the first quarter and quickly raced out to a 10-point lead in the first quarter after a 35-25 score. Toronto bolstered its advantage and made it a 15-point game following a 32-27 score in the second quarter. Even though Charlotte won the third quarter by a 37-34 score, it was not enough to mount a potential comeback. Toronto closed things out with a 27-19 score and closed things out with an easy 20-point win. The Raptors moved to 13-25 on the road while the Hornets fell to 13-26 at home.
Pascal Siakam led the way for the Raptors with 36 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. O.G. Anunoby delivered 23 points and seven boards. Fred VanVleet looked impressive with 20 assists and 20 points. Jakob Poeltl recorded 16 points, nine rebounds, four blocks and three assists. Scottie Barnes posted 12 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Toronto shot 53.8 percent from the field.
Svi Mikhailiuk recorded 26 points, five rebounds and four assists to lead the Hornets. Mark Williams posted a 15-point, 12-rebound double-double. Theo Maledon dished out 14 assists while adding eight points and eight rebounds. Bryce McGowens posted 11 points, two rebounds and two assists. James Bouknight had 21 points across 25 minutes off the bench. Charlotte shot 49.4 percent from the field.
The Raptors (39-39) moved to .500 with a solid win over the Hornets (26-53) on the road, and this result allowed them to move closer to a spot in the Play-in Tournament. The Raptors looked dominant in the first quarter and quickly raced out to a 10-point lead in the first quarter after a 35-25 score. Toronto bolstered its advantage and made it a 15-point game following a 32-27 score in the second quarter. Even though Charlotte won the third quarter by a 37-34 score, it was not enough to mount a potential comeback. Toronto closed things out with a 27-19 score and closed things out with an easy 20-point win. The Raptors moved to 13-25 on the road while the Hornets fell to 13-26 at home.
Pascal Siakam led the way for the Raptors with 36 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. O.G. Anunoby delivered 23 points and seven boards. Fred VanVleet looked impressive with 20 assists and 20 points. Jakob Poeltl recorded 16 points, nine rebounds, four blocks and three assists. Scottie Barnes posted 12 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Toronto shot 53.8 percent from the field.
Svi Mikhailiuk recorded 26 points, five rebounds and four assists to lead the Hornets. Mark Williams posted a 15-point, 12-rebound double-double. Theo Maledon dished out 14 assists while adding eight points and eight rebounds. Bryce McGowens posted 11 points, two rebounds and two assists. James Bouknight had 21 points across 25 minutes off the bench. Charlotte shot 49.4 percent from the field.
Bulls Mount Comeback To Defeat Grizzlies
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 128-107, at United Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Bulls (38-40) remain alive in the race for a spot in the Play-in Tournament and secured a vital win over the Grizzlies (49-29) behind the support of their fans. The Bulls endured a slow start, however, and the Grizzlies looked good in the early going following a 36-25 score in the first quarter. Memphis bolstered that advantage and led by 15 points at the half-time break following a 32-28 score in the second quarter. Chicago played the second half with a different attitude and looked brutally dominant in the third quarter. Aided by excellent execution on the attack and top-notch defense, the Bulls outscored the Grizzlies by a 40-16 score in the third quarter and turned a 15-point deficit into a nine-point lead. Chicago would then proceed to close the game out following a 35-23 score in the final 12 minutes. With the win, the Bulls moved to 21-18 at home while the Grizzlies fell to 15-23 on the road.
Zach LaVine led the way for the Bulls with 36 points, nine assists and three rebounds. DeMar DeRozan finished with 31 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Nikola Vucevic finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds while also adding two assists. Patrick Williams notched 12 points, three rebounds and three blocks coming off the bench. Coby White impressed with 19 points, six rebounds and four dimes off the bench as well.
Ja Morant finished with a 17-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double to lead Memphis. Jaren Jackson Jr. was the Grizzlies’ highest scorer with 31 points while adding eight rebounds and a block. Desmond Bane posted 21 points, five rebounds and four assists. Dillon Brooks had 14 points, four assists and four boards.
The Bulls (38-40) remain alive in the race for a spot in the Play-in Tournament and secured a vital win over the Grizzlies (49-29) behind the support of their fans. The Bulls endured a slow start, however, and the Grizzlies looked good in the early going following a 36-25 score in the first quarter. Memphis bolstered that advantage and led by 15 points at the half-time break following a 32-28 score in the second quarter. Chicago played the second half with a different attitude and looked brutally dominant in the third quarter. Aided by excellent execution on the attack and top-notch defense, the Bulls outscored the Grizzlies by a 40-16 score in the third quarter and turned a 15-point deficit into a nine-point lead. Chicago would then proceed to close the game out following a 35-23 score in the final 12 minutes. With the win, the Bulls moved to 21-18 at home while the Grizzlies fell to 15-23 on the road.
Zach LaVine led the way for the Bulls with 36 points, nine assists and three rebounds. DeMar DeRozan finished with 31 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Nikola Vucevic finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds while also adding two assists. Patrick Williams notched 12 points, three rebounds and three blocks coming off the bench. Coby White impressed with 19 points, six rebounds and four dimes off the bench as well.
Ja Morant finished with a 17-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double to lead Memphis. Jaren Jackson Jr. was the Grizzlies’ highest scorer with 31 points while adding eight rebounds and a block. Desmond Bane posted 21 points, five rebounds and four assists. Dillon Brooks had 14 points, four assists and four boards.
Blazers Come From Behind To Defeat Timberwolves
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 107-105, at Target Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Trail Blazers (33-45) are out of the playoff race, but delivered a shocking result here with a tight win over a Timberwolves (39-40) team that remains alive in the race to earn an automatic postseason berth. Portland looked better in the early going and jumped out to a 31-29 score in the first quarter. However, the Timberwolves showed their credentials of a potential playoff contender and won the second quarter by a 33-25 score. Minnesota held on to its advantage in the third quarter despite Portland winning that period by a 26-24 score, but the differential was just four points entering the final 12 minutes of play. The Trail Blazers executed better down the stretch and won the game following a 25-19 score in the fourth quarter. Kyle Anderson could have won it for Minnesota, but he missed a driving lay-up with 0.1 seconds left on the clock. The Blazers moved to 16-22 on the road with the win, while the Timberwolves fell to 21-19 at home.
Shaedon Sharpe led the way for the Trail Blazers and finished with 27 points, six rebounds and six assists across 35 minutes. Trendon Watford posted 15 points, three rebounds and two assists. Skylar Mays finished with 13 points, nine assists and three rebounds. Drew Eubanks had 12 points, five rebounds, three blocks, two assists and two steals. Kevin Knox II posted 19 points, four rebounds and three steals.
Anthony Edwards was the best player for Minnesota and posted 37 points while adding six assists and five rebounds. Rudy Gobert had 10 points, 15 rebounds and three assists. Jaden McDaniels had 10 points, three rebounds, four blocks and two steals. Mike Conley had 11 points, six assists and four rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns delivered eight points, nine rebounds and three assists. Kyle Anderson ended with 13 points.
The Trail Blazers (33-45) are out of the playoff race, but delivered a shocking result here with a tight win over a Timberwolves (39-40) team that remains alive in the race to earn an automatic postseason berth. Portland looked better in the early going and jumped out to a 31-29 score in the first quarter. However, the Timberwolves showed their credentials of a potential playoff contender and won the second quarter by a 33-25 score. Minnesota held on to its advantage in the third quarter despite Portland winning that period by a 26-24 score, but the differential was just four points entering the final 12 minutes of play. The Trail Blazers executed better down the stretch and won the game following a 25-19 score in the fourth quarter. Kyle Anderson could have won it for Minnesota, but he missed a driving lay-up with 0.1 seconds left on the clock. The Blazers moved to 16-22 on the road with the win, while the Timberwolves fell to 21-19 at home.
Shaedon Sharpe led the way for the Trail Blazers and finished with 27 points, six rebounds and six assists across 35 minutes. Trendon Watford posted 15 points, three rebounds and two assists. Skylar Mays finished with 13 points, nine assists and three rebounds. Drew Eubanks had 12 points, five rebounds, three blocks, two assists and two steals. Kevin Knox II posted 19 points, four rebounds and three steals.
Anthony Edwards was the best player for Minnesota and posted 37 points while adding six assists and five rebounds. Rudy Gobert had 10 points, 15 rebounds and three assists. Jaden McDaniels had 10 points, three rebounds, four blocks and two steals. Mike Conley had 11 points, six assists and four rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns delivered eight points, nine rebounds and three assists. Kyle Anderson ended with 13 points.
Nets Hold On To Defeat Jazz
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Utah Jazz, 111-110, at Barclays Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Nets (43-35) took another step toward clinching a playoff berth Sunday with a tight win against a Jazz (36-42) team that fell just short of mounting a comeback in the fourth quarter. Brooklyn looked dominant in the first quarter and raced out to a 30-17 lead in the opening 12 minutes of action. The Nets kept fighting hard despite losing the second quarter by a 25-23 score, and they bolstered their advantage following a 32-26 score in the third one. It seemed as if the Nets were going to cruise their way to victory, but the Jazz had other plans. Utah won the final quarter by a 42-26 score, but that was not enough to complete the comeback. The Jazz could have won it at the buzzer, but Kelly Olynyk missed an 18-foot pull-up jumper, allowing the Nets to secure the win. Brooklyn moved to 22-16 at home with the win, while the Jazz fell to 14-26 on the road.
Mikal Bridges led the way for the Nets with 30 points, seven rebounds, two assists and three steals. Spencer Dinwiddie had 17 points, 12 assists and four rebounds. Nic Claxton finished with 14 points and seven rebounds. Cameron Johnson recorded 18 points, six rebounds and two assists. The Nets shot 44.2 percent from the field.
Talen Horton-Tucker posted 32 points, eight assists and four rebounds to lead the Jazz. Lauri Markkanen had 23 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals. Kelly Olynyk posted seven points, 15 rebounds and five assists. Ochai Agbaji delivered 19 points. Kris Dunn finished with 13 points and three assists off the bench. Utah shot 44 percent from the field and 25 percent from deep.
The Nets (43-35) took another step toward clinching a playoff berth Sunday with a tight win against a Jazz (36-42) team that fell just short of mounting a comeback in the fourth quarter. Brooklyn looked dominant in the first quarter and raced out to a 30-17 lead in the opening 12 minutes of action. The Nets kept fighting hard despite losing the second quarter by a 25-23 score, and they bolstered their advantage following a 32-26 score in the third one. It seemed as if the Nets were going to cruise their way to victory, but the Jazz had other plans. Utah won the final quarter by a 42-26 score, but that was not enough to complete the comeback. The Jazz could have won it at the buzzer, but Kelly Olynyk missed an 18-foot pull-up jumper, allowing the Nets to secure the win. Brooklyn moved to 22-16 at home with the win, while the Jazz fell to 14-26 on the road.
Mikal Bridges led the way for the Nets with 30 points, seven rebounds, two assists and three steals. Spencer Dinwiddie had 17 points, 12 assists and four rebounds. Nic Claxton finished with 14 points and seven rebounds. Cameron Johnson recorded 18 points, six rebounds and two assists. The Nets shot 44.2 percent from the field.
Talen Horton-Tucker posted 32 points, eight assists and four rebounds to lead the Jazz. Lauri Markkanen had 23 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals. Kelly Olynyk posted seven points, 15 rebounds and five assists. Ochai Agbaji delivered 19 points. Kris Dunn finished with 13 points and three assists off the bench. Utah shot 44 percent from the field and 25 percent from deep.
Hawks Edge Mavericks in OT, 132-130
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Dallas Mavericks in overtime,132-130, at State Farm Arena on Sunday evening.
Both clubs came into the contest looking to firm up their individual postseason picture, and the Hawks (39-39) had the hotter hand early while jumping out to a 37-29 lead through one. The Mavericks (37-42) had sliced their eight-point deficit in half by intermission and had whittled it to three going into the final period, and Dallas ultimately forced overtime when JaVale McGee sunk the second of two free-throw attempts with a tenth of a second remaining in regulation. The extra period was also hotly contested, with Atlanta escaping after Trae Young drained two late free throws and Luka Doncic's desperation three-point attempt from the corner at the buzzer just missed finding the net.
Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks with 41 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Doncic managed 22 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and one block. Christian Wood generated an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double that included three assists and one block. Josh Green supplied 13 points, five boards, four assists and one steal. McGee registered 11 points, six rebounds and one assist.
Dejounte Murray paced the Hawks with 25 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, four assists and one steal. Young finished with a 24-point, 12-assist double-double that included three rebounds and one steal. John Collins generated an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist and two steals. Bogdan Bogdanovic contributed 16 points, while Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu furnished matching 14-point efforts while pulling down 11 and five rebounds, respectively. Saddiq Bey delivered 13 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Mavericks return home to host the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night, while the Hawks hit the road and face the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night.
Both clubs came into the contest looking to firm up their individual postseason picture, and the Hawks (39-39) had the hotter hand early while jumping out to a 37-29 lead through one. The Mavericks (37-42) had sliced their eight-point deficit in half by intermission and had whittled it to three going into the final period, and Dallas ultimately forced overtime when JaVale McGee sunk the second of two free-throw attempts with a tenth of a second remaining in regulation. The extra period was also hotly contested, with Atlanta escaping after Trae Young drained two late free throws and Luka Doncic's desperation three-point attempt from the corner at the buzzer just missed finding the net.
Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks with 41 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Doncic managed 22 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and one block. Christian Wood generated an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double that included three assists and one block. Josh Green supplied 13 points, five boards, four assists and one steal. McGee registered 11 points, six rebounds and one assist.
Dejounte Murray paced the Hawks with 25 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, four assists and one steal. Young finished with a 24-point, 12-assist double-double that included three rebounds and one steal. John Collins generated an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist and two steals. Bogdan Bogdanovic contributed 16 points, while Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu furnished matching 14-point efforts while pulling down 11 and five rebounds, respectively. Saddiq Bey delivered 13 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Mavericks return home to host the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night, while the Hawks hit the road and face the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night.
Knicks Top Wizards, 118-109
The New York Knicks defeated the Washington Wizards, 118-109, at Madison Square Garden on Sunday evening.
The Knicks (46-33) checked into the contest running hot with three consecutive wins, but they encountered a feisty Wizards (34-44) hanging on to its playoff hopes by a thread early on. New York held just a 34-31 lead through one, and Washington's 30-19 second-quarter advantage sent the visitors into halftime with a seven-point edge. However, the hosts would seize back control for good by outscoring the Wizards by a 33-18 margin in the third quarter and then keeping them at a comfortable distance the rest of the way.
Corey Kispert led the Wizards with 29 points, adding three rebounds. Johnny Davis furnished 16 points, six boards and three assists. Taj Gibson managed 14 points, two rebounds and one assist. Jordan Goodwin and Kendrick Nunn generated matching 11-point contributions, with Goodwin also producing seven boards and six assists.
Jalen Brunson and Quentin Grimes co-led the Knicks with 27 points while dishing out eight and five assists, respectively. Immanuel Quickely delivered 22 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. Obi Toppin furnished 21 points, four assists, one rebound, two steals and one block.
The Wizards return home to host the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night, while the Knicks hit the road and tangle with the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night.
The Knicks (46-33) checked into the contest running hot with three consecutive wins, but they encountered a feisty Wizards (34-44) hanging on to its playoff hopes by a thread early on. New York held just a 34-31 lead through one, and Washington's 30-19 second-quarter advantage sent the visitors into halftime with a seven-point edge. However, the hosts would seize back control for good by outscoring the Wizards by a 33-18 margin in the third quarter and then keeping them at a comfortable distance the rest of the way.
Corey Kispert led the Wizards with 29 points, adding three rebounds. Johnny Davis furnished 16 points, six boards and three assists. Taj Gibson managed 14 points, two rebounds and one assist. Jordan Goodwin and Kendrick Nunn generated matching 11-point contributions, with Goodwin also producing seven boards and six assists.
Jalen Brunson and Quentin Grimes co-led the Knicks with 27 points while dishing out eight and five assists, respectively. Immanuel Quickely delivered 22 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. Obi Toppin furnished 21 points, four assists, one rebound, two steals and one block.
The Wizards return home to host the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night, while the Knicks hit the road and tangle with the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night.
Magic Blasts Pistons, 128-102
The Orlando Magic defeated the Detroit Pistons,128-102, at Amway Center on Sunday evening.
The Magic (34-44) came into the evening trying to hang on to its slim play-in hopes, and they got matters off on the right foot by establishing a 34-29 lead through one. However, it was in the second quarter when the game turned for good, as Orlando outscored the Pistons (16-61) by a 29-15 margin in the second quarter. The 19-point halftime lead was already sizable enough, but the hosts ensured there would be no second-half comeback by forging a 65-58 edge over the final two quarters.
Killian Hayes led the Pistons with 20 points, adding seven assists and two rebounds. Eugene Omoruyi totaled 19 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jaden Ivey delivered 14 points, six assists, three rebounds and one steal. James Wiseman generated a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist. Isaiah Livers supplied 10 points, six boards, one assist and one block.
Jalen Suggs paced the Magic with 18 points, complementing them with two assists, two rebounds, four steals and one block. Cole Anthony totaled 17 points, six boards and three assists. Franz Wagner registered 16 points, eight assists, five rebounds and three steals. Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter produced matching 14-point, nine-rebound tallies while recording three assists and three steals, respectively. Goga Bitadze went for 13 points, three rebounds, three assists and one block. Markelle Fultz and Moritz Wagner pitched in 11 points each, with Fultz adding six assists, two rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
The Pistons return home to host the Miami Heat on Tuesday night, while the Magic remain home and host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night as well.
The Magic (34-44) came into the evening trying to hang on to its slim play-in hopes, and they got matters off on the right foot by establishing a 34-29 lead through one. However, it was in the second quarter when the game turned for good, as Orlando outscored the Pistons (16-61) by a 29-15 margin in the second quarter. The 19-point halftime lead was already sizable enough, but the hosts ensured there would be no second-half comeback by forging a 65-58 edge over the final two quarters.
Killian Hayes led the Pistons with 20 points, adding seven assists and two rebounds. Eugene Omoruyi totaled 19 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jaden Ivey delivered 14 points, six assists, three rebounds and one steal. James Wiseman generated a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist. Isaiah Livers supplied 10 points, six boards, one assist and one block.
Jalen Suggs paced the Magic with 18 points, complementing them with two assists, two rebounds, four steals and one block. Cole Anthony totaled 17 points, six boards and three assists. Franz Wagner registered 16 points, eight assists, five rebounds and three steals. Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter produced matching 14-point, nine-rebound tallies while recording three assists and three steals, respectively. Goga Bitadze went for 13 points, three rebounds, three assists and one block. Markelle Fultz and Moritz Wagner pitched in 11 points each, with Fultz adding six assists, two rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
The Pistons return home to host the Miami Heat on Tuesday night, while the Magic remain home and host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night as well.
Spurs Stun Kings In OT
By Dan Bruno
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the host Sacramento Kings, 142-134, at Golden 1 Center on Sunday evening.
The Kings rallied to an early nine-point lead, but the Spurs fought back to grab a two-point edge by the end of the first quarter. The score stayed tight through the second, but the Spurs maintained the upper hand with a five-point advantage at the break. The visitors kept the pressure on and rallied to an 11-point lead in the third, but the Kings managed to cut it back to a four-point game heading into the fourth. Neither side could break away in the fourth and the score was tied at 123, after four quarters. The Spurs turned up in the extra frame and outscored the hosts, 19-11, to close out the road win.
Doug McDermott led the Spurs with 30 points on 9-of-15 shooting, in 28 minutes off the bench. Julian Champagnie followed up with 26 points, six rebounds and a steal, while Tre Jones tallied 17 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists and a steal. The Spurs shot 53.1 percent from the field, including 13-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 28 points, four rebounds and four assists, in 38 minutes. Domantas Sabonis followed up with 26 points, eight rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block, while Keegan Murray finished with 18 points, four rebounds and a steal. The Kings shot 47.6 percent from the field, including 11-of-44 from long range.
The Kings (47-31) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Pelicans in New Orleans on Tuesday. The Spurs (20-58) take on the Suns in Phoenix on Tuesday.
The Kings rallied to an early nine-point lead, but the Spurs fought back to grab a two-point edge by the end of the first quarter. The score stayed tight through the second, but the Spurs maintained the upper hand with a five-point advantage at the break. The visitors kept the pressure on and rallied to an 11-point lead in the third, but the Kings managed to cut it back to a four-point game heading into the fourth. Neither side could break away in the fourth and the score was tied at 123, after four quarters. The Spurs turned up in the extra frame and outscored the hosts, 19-11, to close out the road win.
Doug McDermott led the Spurs with 30 points on 9-of-15 shooting, in 28 minutes off the bench. Julian Champagnie followed up with 26 points, six rebounds and a steal, while Tre Jones tallied 17 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists and a steal. The Spurs shot 53.1 percent from the field, including 13-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 28 points, four rebounds and four assists, in 38 minutes. Domantas Sabonis followed up with 26 points, eight rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block, while Keegan Murray finished with 18 points, four rebounds and a steal. The Kings shot 47.6 percent from the field, including 11-of-44 from long range.
The Kings (47-31) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Pelicans in New Orleans on Tuesday. The Spurs (20-58) take on the Suns in Phoenix on Tuesday.
Lakers Roll Past Rockets
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the host Houston Rockets, 134-109, at Toyota Center on Sunday evening.
The Lakers jumped out to a great start with a 14-point lead after one quarter. The Rockets came out stronger in the second and trimmed it back to a 10-point game at the break. The visitors reclaimed dominance in the third, as they outscored the Rockets by eight points, to make it an 18-point deficit heading into the final frame.The Lakers took no chances in the fourth and confidently closed out their third straight win.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 40 points, nine rebounds and two blocks, in 30 minutes. Rui Hachimura followed up with 20 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks, while LeBron James finished with 18 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists and a block. The Lakers shot 55.9 percent from the field, including 9-of-30 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jalen Green led the Rockets with 24 points, three rebounds and seven assists, in 40 minutes. Kevin Porter followed up with 20 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Alperen Sengun added 18 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two steals. The Rockets shot 43.1 percent from the field, including 13-of-34 from deep.
The Rockets (19-60) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nuggets on Tuesday. The Lakers (40-38) take on the Jazz in Utah on Tuesday.
The Lakers jumped out to a great start with a 14-point lead after one quarter. The Rockets came out stronger in the second and trimmed it back to a 10-point game at the break. The visitors reclaimed dominance in the third, as they outscored the Rockets by eight points, to make it an 18-point deficit heading into the final frame.The Lakers took no chances in the fourth and confidently closed out their third straight win.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 40 points, nine rebounds and two blocks, in 30 minutes. Rui Hachimura followed up with 20 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks, while LeBron James finished with 18 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists and a block. The Lakers shot 55.9 percent from the field, including 9-of-30 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jalen Green led the Rockets with 24 points, three rebounds and seven assists, in 40 minutes. Kevin Porter followed up with 20 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Alperen Sengun added 18 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two steals. The Rockets shot 43.1 percent from the field, including 13-of-34 from deep.
The Rockets (19-60) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nuggets on Tuesday. The Lakers (40-38) take on the Jazz in Utah on Tuesday.
Suns Hold Off Thunder In OKC
By Dan Bruno
The Phoenix Suns defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder, 128-118, at Paycom Center on Sunday evening.
The game got out to a tight start, tied at 27, after one quarter. The Suns turned it up a notch in the second and outscored the hosts, 42-28, to claim a 14-point advantage by halftime. The Thunder came out stronger in the third and trimmed it back to a nine-point game heading into the final quarter. The Suns held their ground through the fourth and held on to close out their fifth straight win.
Kevin Durant led the Suns with 35 points, five rebounds, five assists and two blocks, in 35 minutes. Devin Booker followed up with 22 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and a steal, while Deandre Ayton tallied 19 points and 11 rebounds. The Suns shot 56.8 percent from the field, including 13-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 39 points, three rebounds, five assists and two steals, in 38 minutes. Josh Giddey followed up with 16 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, while Luguentz Dort finished with 14 points, eight rebounds and two assists. The Thunder shot 40.9 percent from the field, including 11-of-32 from deep.
The Thunder (38-41) will look to bounce back as they take on the Warriors in Golden State on Tuesday. The Suns (43-35) play host to the Spurs on Tuesday.
The game got out to a tight start, tied at 27, after one quarter. The Suns turned it up a notch in the second and outscored the hosts, 42-28, to claim a 14-point advantage by halftime. The Thunder came out stronger in the third and trimmed it back to a nine-point game heading into the final quarter. The Suns held their ground through the fourth and held on to close out their fifth straight win.
Kevin Durant led the Suns with 35 points, five rebounds, five assists and two blocks, in 35 minutes. Devin Booker followed up with 22 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and a steal, while Deandre Ayton tallied 19 points and 11 rebounds. The Suns shot 56.8 percent from the field, including 13-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 39 points, three rebounds, five assists and two steals, in 38 minutes. Josh Giddey followed up with 16 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, while Luguentz Dort finished with 14 points, eight rebounds and two assists. The Thunder shot 40.9 percent from the field, including 11-of-32 from deep.
The Thunder (38-41) will look to bounce back as they take on the Warriors in Golden State on Tuesday. The Suns (43-35) play host to the Spurs on Tuesday.
Cavaliers Defeat Pacers, 115-105
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the visiting Indiana Pacers, 115-105, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Sunday.
There were 10 ties and 14 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 11 points until the final minutes. That was Cleveland, who rode a 29-18 fourth quarter to their comeback victory. The Cavs went on an 8-2 run in a six-minute span in that final frame to take control of this game. Cleveland shot 49 percent from the field while holding Indiana to 43 percent shooting. The Cavaliers outscored the Pacers in the paint, 68-42, while winning the turnover battle, 15-10.
The Pacers (34-45) were led by Bennedict Mathurin, finishing with 19 points, nine rebounds and two blocks. Jordan Nwora amassed 15 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Aaron Nesmith accrued 14 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Andrew Nembhard collected 13 points, two rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Jalen Smith led the bench with 12 points, eight rebounds and two blocks.
The Cavaliers (49-30) were led by Donovan Mitchell, collecting 40 points, six rebounds and three steals. Darius Garland generated 20 points, three rebounds, six assists and two steals. Jarrett Allen amassed 15 points and seven rebounds, while Evan Mobley tallied 14 points, 16 rebounds, four assists and four blocks. Caris LeVert led the bench with 15 points, three rebounds, four assists and three blocks.
On deck for Cleveland is a road matchup with the Orlando Magic on Tuesday. As for Indiana, they return to action on Wednesday in a home matchup with the New York Knicks.
There were 10 ties and 14 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 11 points until the final minutes. That was Cleveland, who rode a 29-18 fourth quarter to their comeback victory. The Cavs went on an 8-2 run in a six-minute span in that final frame to take control of this game. Cleveland shot 49 percent from the field while holding Indiana to 43 percent shooting. The Cavaliers outscored the Pacers in the paint, 68-42, while winning the turnover battle, 15-10.
The Pacers (34-45) were led by Bennedict Mathurin, finishing with 19 points, nine rebounds and two blocks. Jordan Nwora amassed 15 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Aaron Nesmith accrued 14 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Andrew Nembhard collected 13 points, two rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Jalen Smith led the bench with 12 points, eight rebounds and two blocks.
The Cavaliers (49-30) were led by Donovan Mitchell, collecting 40 points, six rebounds and three steals. Darius Garland generated 20 points, three rebounds, six assists and two steals. Jarrett Allen amassed 15 points and seven rebounds, while Evan Mobley tallied 14 points, 16 rebounds, four assists and four blocks. Caris LeVert led the bench with 15 points, three rebounds, four assists and three blocks.
On deck for Cleveland is a road matchup with the Orlando Magic on Tuesday. As for Indiana, they return to action on Wednesday in a home matchup with the New York Knicks.
Bucks Defeat Sixers, 117-104
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Philadelphia 76ers, 117-104, at Fiserv Forum on Sunday.
A 29-13 start carried Milwaukee to their victory, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. They also got out to a 41-26 lead after that opening frame, and Philly never had a game-tying shot after that hot start. The Bucks shot 58 percent from the field while holding the Sixers to 46 percent shooting. Milwaukee also out-rebounded Philly, 50-38, while out-assisting them, 28-19.
The Sixers (51-27) were led by Tyrese Maxey, tallying 29 points, four rebounds and two assists. Joel Embiid finished with 28 points, nine rebounds and five assists. James Harden had 11 points, two rebounds and six assists, while Tobias Harris totaled six points, three rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Danuel House led the bench with 10 points.
The Bucks (56-22) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, accruing 33 points, 14 rebounds, six assists and three blocks on 13-of-17 shooting. Brook Lopez amassed 21 points and six rebounds. Khris Middleton collected 19 points, three rebounds and nine assists, while Jrue Holiday compiled 18 points, three rebounds, three assists and four steals. Bobby Portis led the bench with 18 points and five boards.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Philly returning home to face the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee traveling to face the Washington Wizards.
A 29-13 start carried Milwaukee to their victory, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. They also got out to a 41-26 lead after that opening frame, and Philly never had a game-tying shot after that hot start. The Bucks shot 58 percent from the field while holding the Sixers to 46 percent shooting. Milwaukee also out-rebounded Philly, 50-38, while out-assisting them, 28-19.
The Sixers (51-27) were led by Tyrese Maxey, tallying 29 points, four rebounds and two assists. Joel Embiid finished with 28 points, nine rebounds and five assists. James Harden had 11 points, two rebounds and six assists, while Tobias Harris totaled six points, three rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Danuel House led the bench with 10 points.
The Bucks (56-22) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, accruing 33 points, 14 rebounds, six assists and three blocks on 13-of-17 shooting. Brook Lopez amassed 21 points and six rebounds. Khris Middleton collected 19 points, three rebounds and nine assists, while Jrue Holiday compiled 18 points, three rebounds, three assists and four steals. Bobby Portis led the bench with 18 points and five boards.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Philly returning home to face the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee traveling to face the Washington Wizards.
Nuggets Defeat Warriors, 112-110
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Golden State Warriors, 112-110, at Ball Arena on Sunday.
While Golden State led for the majority of the first half, Denver never relinquished the lead in the fourth quarter. They outscored the Warriors in the middle frames, 63-51, and grabbed a game-high 12-point lead in the final moments. Golden State finished strong but missed two game-winning threes at the buzzer. The Nuggets shot 44 percent from the field and 27 percent from three-point range while holding the Warriors to 40 percent from the field and 21 percent from long range. The Nuggets also won the turnover battle, 15-11.
The Warriors (41-38) were led by Klay Thompson, tallying 25 points, five rebounds and four assists. Stephen Curry collected 21 points, three rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Those two combined to shoot 17-of-56 from the field. Donte DiVincenzo amassed 18 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Kevon Looney had six points and 14 rebounds.
The Nuggets (52-26) were led by Michael Porter Jr, providing 29 points and 11 rebounds. Jamal Murray tallied 26 points, three rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks. Aaron Gordon amassed 13 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while Bruce Brown led the bench with 14 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Denver traveling to face the Houston Rockets and Golden State returning home to play the Oklahoma City Thunder.
While Golden State led for the majority of the first half, Denver never relinquished the lead in the fourth quarter. They outscored the Warriors in the middle frames, 63-51, and grabbed a game-high 12-point lead in the final moments. Golden State finished strong but missed two game-winning threes at the buzzer. The Nuggets shot 44 percent from the field and 27 percent from three-point range while holding the Warriors to 40 percent from the field and 21 percent from long range. The Nuggets also won the turnover battle, 15-11.
The Warriors (41-38) were led by Klay Thompson, tallying 25 points, five rebounds and four assists. Stephen Curry collected 21 points, three rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Those two combined to shoot 17-of-56 from the field. Donte DiVincenzo amassed 18 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Kevon Looney had six points and 14 rebounds.
The Nuggets (52-26) were led by Michael Porter Jr, providing 29 points and 11 rebounds. Jamal Murray tallied 26 points, three rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks. Aaron Gordon amassed 13 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while Bruce Brown led the bench with 14 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Denver traveling to face the Houston Rockets and Golden State returning home to play the Oklahoma City Thunder.