Heat Pull Away Late To Defeat Pistons
The Miami Heat defeated the Detroit Pistons, 118-105, at Little Caesars Arena on Tuesday.
The Heat (42-37) assured to end the season with a winning record thanks to a comfortable win over the Pistons (16-63). Miami looked good in the early going and raced out to a 31-27 score in the first quarter, and the Heat bolstered their lead even further following a 28-25 score in the second quarter. The Heat didn’t step off the gas in the second half, but the Pistons showed signs of life with a 27-21 third quarter, making it a one-point game with only 12 minutes left. The Heat pulled away when they needed it the most, and they won the final quarter by a 38-26 score, ultimately securing the victory. The win moved the Heat to 16-23 on the road, while the Pistons fell to 9-31 at home.
Jimmy Butler led the way for the Heat with 27 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and four steals. Gabe Vincent finished with 22 points, three rebounds and two assists. Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo both produced 18 points and two assists, with Adebayo also adding four boards and two steals while Herro grabbed five rebounds. Kyle Lowry delivered 11 points and five assists. Max Strus ended with nine points.
Jaden Ivey led the way for Detroit with 30 points and seven assists. Jalen Duren posted a double-double of 20 points and 14 rebounds. James Wiseman had 14 points and six rebounds. Isaiah Livers recorded 15 points and three boards. Eugene Omoruyi notched 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Heat (42-37) assured to end the season with a winning record thanks to a comfortable win over the Pistons (16-63). Miami looked good in the early going and raced out to a 31-27 score in the first quarter, and the Heat bolstered their lead even further following a 28-25 score in the second quarter. The Heat didn’t step off the gas in the second half, but the Pistons showed signs of life with a 27-21 third quarter, making it a one-point game with only 12 minutes left. The Heat pulled away when they needed it the most, and they won the final quarter by a 38-26 score, ultimately securing the victory. The win moved the Heat to 16-23 on the road, while the Pistons fell to 9-31 at home.
Jimmy Butler led the way for the Heat with 27 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and four steals. Gabe Vincent finished with 22 points, three rebounds and two assists. Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo both produced 18 points and two assists, with Adebayo also adding four boards and two steals while Herro grabbed five rebounds. Kyle Lowry delivered 11 points and five assists. Max Strus ended with nine points.
Jaden Ivey led the way for Detroit with 30 points and seven assists. Jalen Duren posted a double-double of 20 points and 14 rebounds. James Wiseman had 14 points and six rebounds. Isaiah Livers recorded 15 points and three boards. Eugene Omoruyi notched 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Cavaliers Mount Comeback To Defeat Magic
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Orlando Magic, 117-113, at Amway Center on Tuesday.
The Cavaliers (50-30) had to work harder than expected and endured a slow start, but they ultimately secured a win against the Magic (34-45). Orlando looked good in the early minutes and secured a 29-23 lead following the first quarter. However, the Cavaliers showed signs of a comeback and responded with a 35-30 score in the second quarter, making it a one-point game at halftime. The Cavaliers took the lead in the third quarter with a 35-32 score and grabbed a two-point lead entering the final 12 minutes of action. Cleveland closed the game with a 24-22 score in the fourth. With the win, Cleveland moved to 19-21 on the road. Meanwhile, the Magic moved to 20-20 at home.
Donovan Mitchell delivered an impressive performance and finished with 43 points, five rebounds and four assists. Darius Garland recorded 16 points and 10 assists. Jarrett Allen mustered 12 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Evan Mobley recorded 14 points, seven boards and four dimes. Caris LeVert thrived off the bench and finished with 19 points and three rebounds across 36 minutes.
Markelle Fultz scored 23 points for Orlando, adding eight assists and two rebounds. Paolo Banchero had a double-double of 20 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Wendell Carter Jr. and Franz Wagner each posted 17 points. Carter also posted 12 rebounds, three assists and two steals. Wagner pulled down six boards. Cole Anthony notched 15 points, five assists and four rebounds.
The Cavaliers (50-30) had to work harder than expected and endured a slow start, but they ultimately secured a win against the Magic (34-45). Orlando looked good in the early minutes and secured a 29-23 lead following the first quarter. However, the Cavaliers showed signs of a comeback and responded with a 35-30 score in the second quarter, making it a one-point game at halftime. The Cavaliers took the lead in the third quarter with a 35-32 score and grabbed a two-point lead entering the final 12 minutes of action. Cleveland closed the game with a 24-22 score in the fourth. With the win, Cleveland moved to 19-21 on the road. Meanwhile, the Magic moved to 20-20 at home.
Donovan Mitchell delivered an impressive performance and finished with 43 points, five rebounds and four assists. Darius Garland recorded 16 points and 10 assists. Jarrett Allen mustered 12 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Evan Mobley recorded 14 points, seven boards and four dimes. Caris LeVert thrived off the bench and finished with 19 points and three rebounds across 36 minutes.
Markelle Fultz scored 23 points for Orlando, adding eight assists and two rebounds. Paolo Banchero had a double-double of 20 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Wendell Carter Jr. and Franz Wagner each posted 17 points. Carter also posted 12 rebounds, three assists and two steals. Wagner pulled down six boards. Cole Anthony notched 15 points, five assists and four rebounds.
Bucks Top Wizards, Move Closer To East Top Seed
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Washington Wizards, 140-128, at Capital One Arena on Tuesday.
The Bucks (57-22) secured a comfortable victory over the Wizards (34-45) despite playing on the road, and Milwaukee moved close to claiming the top seed in the East with only three games left in the regular season. The Bucks took control of the game early and raced out to a 32-29 lead in the first quarter, and they made it a double-digit contest with a 43-33 score in the second quarter. Milwaukee closed things out with a 39-35 score in the third quarters. The Wizards won the final 12 minutes by a 31-26 score, but that was not enough to mount a comeback. The Bucks moved to 26-14 on the road with the win, while the Wizards fell to 18-21 at home.
Giannis Antetokounmpo posted 28 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, and his triple-double in 33 minutes led Milwaukee to victory. Jrue Holiday also came close to a triple-double and notched 26 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds. Brook Lopez scored 20 points, and even though he didn’t grab rebounds, he ended with five blocks. Jae Crowder notched 19 points and nine rebounds. Bobby Portis had 19 points, 20 rebounds and four assists off the bench.
Johnny Davis led the way for the Wizards with 20 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kendrick Nunn posted 24 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals off the bench. Corey Kispert delivered 12 points and four boards. Daniel Gafford recorded 15 points and seven rebounds. Jordan Goodwin finished with 14 points and nine assists as well.
The Bucks (57-22) secured a comfortable victory over the Wizards (34-45) despite playing on the road, and Milwaukee moved close to claiming the top seed in the East with only three games left in the regular season. The Bucks took control of the game early and raced out to a 32-29 lead in the first quarter, and they made it a double-digit contest with a 43-33 score in the second quarter. Milwaukee closed things out with a 39-35 score in the third quarters. The Wizards won the final 12 minutes by a 31-26 score, but that was not enough to mount a comeback. The Bucks moved to 26-14 on the road with the win, while the Wizards fell to 18-21 at home.
Giannis Antetokounmpo posted 28 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, and his triple-double in 33 minutes led Milwaukee to victory. Jrue Holiday also came close to a triple-double and notched 26 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds. Brook Lopez scored 20 points, and even though he didn’t grab rebounds, he ended with five blocks. Jae Crowder notched 19 points and nine rebounds. Bobby Portis had 19 points, 20 rebounds and four assists off the bench.
Johnny Davis led the way for the Wizards with 20 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kendrick Nunn posted 24 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals off the bench. Corey Kispert delivered 12 points and four boards. Daniel Gafford recorded 15 points and seven rebounds. Jordan Goodwin finished with 14 points and nine assists as well.
Raptors Handle Hornets, 120-100
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 120-100, at Spectrum Center on Tuesday night.
The Raptors (40-39) came into the game with exponentially more at stake than the Hornets (26-54), but it was Charlotte that emerged from the first quarter with a 29-25 lead. However, Toronto changed the dynamic of the game for good with a 69-46 advantage in the middle periods, setting up the comfortable win. Toronto shot 47.7 percent, including 45.5 percent from distance, and forced 17 turnovers while only committing six.
Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with a 22-point, 14-rebound double-double that included four assists, two steals and two blocks. Chris Boucher furnished 21 points and two boards. O.G. Anunoby delivered 17 points, five assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Fred VanVleet supplied 16 points, six assists, one rebound, four steals and one block. Precious Achiuwa totaled 12 points, four boards, one assist and one steal.
Bryce McGowens paced the Hornets with 20 points, complementing them with six boards and three assists. Nick Richards generated an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one assist. Svi Mykhailiuk managed 17 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal. Theo Maledon and JT Thor contributed matching 13-point tallies while posting seven rebounds and 11 assists, respectively. Maledon also turned in six rebounds and two steals.
The Raptors remain on the road and visit the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night, while the Hornets remain home and host the Houston Rockets on Friday night.
The Raptors (40-39) came into the game with exponentially more at stake than the Hornets (26-54), but it was Charlotte that emerged from the first quarter with a 29-25 lead. However, Toronto changed the dynamic of the game for good with a 69-46 advantage in the middle periods, setting up the comfortable win. Toronto shot 47.7 percent, including 45.5 percent from distance, and forced 17 turnovers while only committing six.
Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with a 22-point, 14-rebound double-double that included four assists, two steals and two blocks. Chris Boucher furnished 21 points and two boards. O.G. Anunoby delivered 17 points, five assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Fred VanVleet supplied 16 points, six assists, one rebound, four steals and one block. Precious Achiuwa totaled 12 points, four boards, one assist and one steal.
Bryce McGowens paced the Hornets with 20 points, complementing them with six boards and three assists. Nick Richards generated an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one assist. Svi Mykhailiuk managed 17 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal. Theo Maledon and JT Thor contributed matching 13-point tallies while posting seven rebounds and 11 assists, respectively. Maledon also turned in six rebounds and two steals.
The Raptors remain on the road and visit the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night, while the Hornets remain home and host the Houston Rockets on Friday night.
Timberwolves Edge Nets,107-102
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 107-102, at Barclays Center on Tuesday night.
The Timberwolves (40-40) entered the game in the midst of an untimely three-game skid but played with urgency early, leading to a 31-24 lead through one. However, the Nets (43-36) managed to erase their deficit and take a three-point advantage into halftime, setting up another potential Minnesota loss. The visitors came out of intermission a different team, however, outscoring Brooklyn by a 56-48 margin in the final two quarters, including a 7-2 run over the final minute.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 23 points, adding five rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Karl-Anthony Towns generated a 22-point, 14-rebound double-double that included five assists. Mike Conley netted 18 points. Jaden McDaniels supplied 15 points, six boards, three steals and one block. Rudy Gobert contributed a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block.
Spencer Dinwiddie paced the Nets with 30 points, complementing them with six assists, three rebounds and one block. Mikal Bridges netted 24 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Dorian Finney-Smith and Cameron Johnson pitched in matching 14-point , three-assist tallies, with Finney-Smith adding 10 rebounds.
The Timberwolves remain on the road and visit the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday afternoon, while the Nets visit the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.
The Timberwolves (40-40) entered the game in the midst of an untimely three-game skid but played with urgency early, leading to a 31-24 lead through one. However, the Nets (43-36) managed to erase their deficit and take a three-point advantage into halftime, setting up another potential Minnesota loss. The visitors came out of intermission a different team, however, outscoring Brooklyn by a 56-48 margin in the final two quarters, including a 7-2 run over the final minute.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 23 points, adding five rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Karl-Anthony Towns generated a 22-point, 14-rebound double-double that included five assists. Mike Conley netted 18 points. Jaden McDaniels supplied 15 points, six boards, three steals and one block. Rudy Gobert contributed a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block.
Spencer Dinwiddie paced the Nets with 30 points, complementing them with six assists, three rebounds and one block. Mikal Bridges netted 24 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Dorian Finney-Smith and Cameron Johnson pitched in matching 14-point , three-assist tallies, with Finney-Smith adding 10 rebounds.
The Timberwolves remain on the road and visit the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday afternoon, while the Nets visit the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.
Kings Top Pelicans, 121-103
The Sacramento Kings defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 121-103, at Smoothie King Center on Tuesday night.
The Kings (48-31) entered the game likely playing for nothing more than momentum going into the postseason, but they came out of the gates with urgency and a hot hand that netted 65 first-half points. That netted an 11-point advantage, and Sacramento then forged a 56-49 second-half edge over the Pelicans (40-39) to win going away.
De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 23 points, adding nine assists, five rebounds and one steal. Keegan Murray delivered 21 points, six boards, one assist and one block. Malik Monk supplied 17 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Domantas Sabonis offered a 16-point, 12-rebound, 11-assist triple-double. Harrison Barnes matched Sabonis' total and recorded three steals.
Brandon Ingram paced the Pelicans with 22 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block. Trey Murphy registered 17 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas furnished 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists. C.J. McCollum and Dyson Daniels offered matching 12-point tallies while recording five and four rebounds, respectively. Herbert Jones managed 11 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal.
The Kings remain on the road and visit the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, while the Pelicans remain home and host the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night as well.
The Kings (48-31) entered the game likely playing for nothing more than momentum going into the postseason, but they came out of the gates with urgency and a hot hand that netted 65 first-half points. That netted an 11-point advantage, and Sacramento then forged a 56-49 second-half edge over the Pelicans (40-39) to win going away.
De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 23 points, adding nine assists, five rebounds and one steal. Keegan Murray delivered 21 points, six boards, one assist and one block. Malik Monk supplied 17 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Domantas Sabonis offered a 16-point, 12-rebound, 11-assist triple-double. Harrison Barnes matched Sabonis' total and recorded three steals.
Brandon Ingram paced the Pelicans with 22 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block. Trey Murphy registered 17 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas furnished 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists. C.J. McCollum and Dyson Daniels offered matching 12-point tallies while recording five and four rebounds, respectively. Herbert Jones managed 11 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal.
The Kings remain on the road and visit the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, while the Pelicans remain home and host the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night as well.
Hawks Roll Past Bulls In Chicago
By Dan Bruno
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the host Chicago Bulls, 123-105, at United Center on Tuesday evening.
The Hawks jumped out to a great start with a, 36-26, lead after one quarter, and they stayed in control through the second to take a 12-point lead into the break. The Bulls brought a better effort in the third but could only trim two points off the deficit, as the visitors carried a 10-point lead into the final frame. The hosts had no answers down the stretch as the Hawks held on for their second straight win.
Bogdan Bogdanovic led the Hawks with 26 points, four rebounds and five assists, in 33 minutes. Saddiq Bey followed up with 18 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Dejounte Murray tallied 17 points, three rebounds, nine assists and a steal. The Hawks shot 55.8 percent from the field, including 10-of-28 from deep.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 26 points, three rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. DeMar DeRozan followed up with 21 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Nikola Vucevic added 19 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. The Bulls shot 46.1 percent from the field, including 7-of-31 from long range.
The Bulls (38-41) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Bucks in Milwaukee on Wednesday. The Hawks (40-39) play host to the Wizards on Wednesday.
The Hawks jumped out to a great start with a, 36-26, lead after one quarter, and they stayed in control through the second to take a 12-point lead into the break. The Bulls brought a better effort in the third but could only trim two points off the deficit, as the visitors carried a 10-point lead into the final frame. The hosts had no answers down the stretch as the Hawks held on for their second straight win.
Bogdan Bogdanovic led the Hawks with 26 points, four rebounds and five assists, in 33 minutes. Saddiq Bey followed up with 18 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Dejounte Murray tallied 17 points, three rebounds, nine assists and a steal. The Hawks shot 55.8 percent from the field, including 10-of-28 from deep.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 26 points, three rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. DeMar DeRozan followed up with 21 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Nikola Vucevic added 19 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. The Bulls shot 46.1 percent from the field, including 7-of-31 from long range.
The Bulls (38-41) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Bucks in Milwaukee on Wednesday. The Hawks (40-39) play host to the Wizards on Wednesday.
Rockets Stun Nuggets In Houston
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets defeated the visiting Denver Nuggets, 124-103, at Toyota Center on Tuesday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Rockets led, 31-30, after one quarter. The Nuggets gained some momentum in the second and claimed a three-point edge at the break. Both sides brought a solid effort in the third, while the Rockets managed to claim the upper hand with a one-point lead heading into the final frame. The hosts rallied to an 11-point lead four minutes into the fourth quarter and kept control the rest of the way to close the upset win over the top team in the West.
Jalen Green led the Nuggets with 32 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 39 minutes. Alperen Sengun totaled 20 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and a block, while Kevin Porter finished with 20 points, three rebounds, nine assists and two steals. The Rockets shot 46.1 percent from the field, including 12-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile, Michael Porter led the Nuggets with 23 points, seven rebounds and a block, in 33 minutes. Nikola Jokic followed up with 14 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and two steals, while Aaron Gordon added 13 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four blocks. The Nuggets shot 47.1 percent from the field, including 11-of-36 from deep.
The Nuggets (52-27) will look to bounce back as they take on the Suns in Phoenix on Thursday. The Rockets (20-60) face the Hornets in Charlotte on Friday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Rockets led, 31-30, after one quarter. The Nuggets gained some momentum in the second and claimed a three-point edge at the break. Both sides brought a solid effort in the third, while the Rockets managed to claim the upper hand with a one-point lead heading into the final frame. The hosts rallied to an 11-point lead four minutes into the fourth quarter and kept control the rest of the way to close the upset win over the top team in the West.
Jalen Green led the Nuggets with 32 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 39 minutes. Alperen Sengun totaled 20 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and a block, while Kevin Porter finished with 20 points, three rebounds, nine assists and two steals. The Rockets shot 46.1 percent from the field, including 12-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile, Michael Porter led the Nuggets with 23 points, seven rebounds and a block, in 33 minutes. Nikola Jokic followed up with 14 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and two steals, while Aaron Gordon added 13 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four blocks. The Nuggets shot 47.1 percent from the field, including 11-of-36 from deep.
The Nuggets (52-27) will look to bounce back as they take on the Suns in Phoenix on Thursday. The Rockets (20-60) face the Hornets in Charlotte on Friday.
Embiid Scores 52 To Lead Sixers Past Celtics
By Dan Bruno
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the visiting Boston Celtics, 103-101, at Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday evening.
Joel Embiid put up a monstrous effort with 52 points on 20-of-25 shooting to lead the 76ers to the home win. The Sixers jumped out to a quick, 10-2, start and held on to a six-point lead after one quarter. The score stayed tight through the second, but the hosts maintained a seven-point advantage at the break. Neither side could get an offensive rhythm going in the third, but the Celtics managed to trim it to a five-point game heading into the final quarter. The visitors kept the pressure on in the fourth and grabbed a brief lead, but the 76ers stepped up in the clutch and closed out the home win.
Embiid added 13 rebounds, six assists and two blocks to his game-high, 52 points in 39 minutes of action. James Harden followed up with 20 points, five rebounds, 10 assists, two blocks and a steal, while Tobias Harris added five points, six rebounds and two assists. The 76ers shot 50 percent from the field, including 11-of-29 from long range.
Meanwhile, Derrick White led the Celtics with 26 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks, in 40 minutes. Jayson Tatum followed up with 19 points, six rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Malcolm Brogdon tallied 18 points, four rebounds and three assists. The Celtics shot 41.8 percent from the field, including 15-of-45 from deep.
The Celtics (54-25) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Raptors on Wednesday. The 76ers (52-27) play host to the Heat on Thursday.
Joel Embiid put up a monstrous effort with 52 points on 20-of-25 shooting to lead the 76ers to the home win. The Sixers jumped out to a quick, 10-2, start and held on to a six-point lead after one quarter. The score stayed tight through the second, but the hosts maintained a seven-point advantage at the break. Neither side could get an offensive rhythm going in the third, but the Celtics managed to trim it to a five-point game heading into the final quarter. The visitors kept the pressure on in the fourth and grabbed a brief lead, but the 76ers stepped up in the clutch and closed out the home win.
Embiid added 13 rebounds, six assists and two blocks to his game-high, 52 points in 39 minutes of action. James Harden followed up with 20 points, five rebounds, 10 assists, two blocks and a steal, while Tobias Harris added five points, six rebounds and two assists. The 76ers shot 50 percent from the field, including 11-of-29 from long range.
Meanwhile, Derrick White led the Celtics with 26 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks, in 40 minutes. Jayson Tatum followed up with 19 points, six rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Malcolm Brogdon tallied 18 points, four rebounds and three assists. The Celtics shot 41.8 percent from the field, including 15-of-45 from deep.
The Celtics (54-25) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Raptors on Wednesday. The 76ers (52-27) play host to the Heat on Thursday.
Grizzlies Rally To Hold Off Trail Blazers
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Portland Trail Blazers, 119-109, at FedEx Forum on Tuesday evening.
The Grizzlies jumped out to a strong start with a, 41-25, lead after one quarter. The Trail Blazers turned the tide in the second and outscored the hosts, 37-25, to cut it to a four-point game by halftime. The Blazers kept up the fight in the third and managed to trim it to a one-point game heading into the final frame. The score stayed tight early in the fourth, but the Grizzlies closed the game on an, 18-8, run to secure the home win.
Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 30 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a block, in 36 minutes. Ja Morant followed up with 23 points, six rebounds nine assists, a steal and a block, while Luke Kennard added 20 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Grizzlies shot 48.3 percent from the field, including 18-of-48 from deep.
Meanwhile, Skylar Mays led the Trail Blazers with 24 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Shaedon Sharpe followed up with 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Jabari Walker added 16 points and six rebounds. The Trail Blazers shot 43.3 percent from the field, including 14-of-42 from long range.
The Trail Blazers (33-45) will look to bounce back as they take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Thursday. The Grizzlies (49-29) face the Pelicans in New Orleans on Wednesday.
The Grizzlies jumped out to a strong start with a, 41-25, lead after one quarter. The Trail Blazers turned the tide in the second and outscored the hosts, 37-25, to cut it to a four-point game by halftime. The Blazers kept up the fight in the third and managed to trim it to a one-point game heading into the final frame. The score stayed tight early in the fourth, but the Grizzlies closed the game on an, 18-8, run to secure the home win.
Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 30 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a block, in 36 minutes. Ja Morant followed up with 23 points, six rebounds nine assists, a steal and a block, while Luke Kennard added 20 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Grizzlies shot 48.3 percent from the field, including 18-of-48 from deep.
Meanwhile, Skylar Mays led the Trail Blazers with 24 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Shaedon Sharpe followed up with 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Jabari Walker added 16 points and six rebounds. The Trail Blazers shot 43.3 percent from the field, including 14-of-42 from long range.
The Trail Blazers (33-45) will look to bounce back as they take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Thursday. The Grizzlies (49-29) face the Pelicans in New Orleans on Wednesday.
Lakers Defeat Jazz in OT, 135-133
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the host Utah Jazz in OT, 135-133, at Vivint Arena on Tuesday.
There were seven ties and 13 lead changes in this game, taking an overtime session to determine a winner. Utah actually ripped off a 10-0 run at the end of regulation to get the game into overtime. It was nip-and-tuck in the extra session until LeBron James hit a game-winning lay-up with 27 seconds remaining. Talen Horton-Tucker missed a game-tying shot in the closing seconds. Los Angeles doubled up Utah in offensive rebounds, 12-6 while tripling them up in second-chance points, 15-5.
The Lakers (41-38) were led by LeBron, collecting 37 points, five rebounds and six assists. Austin Reaves accrued 28 points, three rebounds and six assists. Anthony Davis tallied 21 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks, while Dennis Schroder generated 18 points, three rebounds and four assists.
The Jazz (36-43) were led by Kelly Olynyk, compiling 23 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Horton-Tucker totaled 23 points, four rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Ochai Agbaji amassed 22 points, four rebounds, three assists and two blocks, while Damian Jones led the bench with 16 points and eight boards.
Los Angeles has to play again on Wednesday, traveling to face the Los Angeles Clippers. As for Utah, they return to action on Thursday in a home matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
There were seven ties and 13 lead changes in this game, taking an overtime session to determine a winner. Utah actually ripped off a 10-0 run at the end of regulation to get the game into overtime. It was nip-and-tuck in the extra session until LeBron James hit a game-winning lay-up with 27 seconds remaining. Talen Horton-Tucker missed a game-tying shot in the closing seconds. Los Angeles doubled up Utah in offensive rebounds, 12-6 while tripling them up in second-chance points, 15-5.
The Lakers (41-38) were led by LeBron, collecting 37 points, five rebounds and six assists. Austin Reaves accrued 28 points, three rebounds and six assists. Anthony Davis tallied 21 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks, while Dennis Schroder generated 18 points, three rebounds and four assists.
The Jazz (36-43) were led by Kelly Olynyk, compiling 23 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Horton-Tucker totaled 23 points, four rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Ochai Agbaji amassed 22 points, four rebounds, three assists and two blocks, while Damian Jones led the bench with 16 points and eight boards.
Los Angeles has to play again on Wednesday, traveling to face the Los Angeles Clippers. As for Utah, they return to action on Thursday in a home matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Warriors Defeat Thunder, 136-125
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 136-125, at Chase Center on Tuesday.
While this game was tied at 115-115 with 6:30 remaining, Golden State ripped off a 21-5 run to take control of this game. A 34-27 third quarter started the foundation for that run, capping off their comeback behind a 33-19 fourth quarter. That completed a 67-46 second half, with Golden State's first lead happening in the final 10 minutes. Golden State shot 20-of-47 from three-point range, while Oklahoma City connected on just 11-of-32. The Warriors also out-rebounded the Thunder, 64-43, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 30-9.
The Thunder (38-42) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, accruing 32 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Jalen Williams amassed 19 points, four rebounds and two assists. Luguentz Dort totaled 17 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Josh Giddey generated 15 points, six rebounds and five assists. Isaiah Joe led the bench with 14 points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Warriors (42-38) were led by Stephen Curry, collecting 34 points, five rebounds and six assists. Jordan Poole provided 30 points, two rebounds and four assists. Draymond Green finished with 17 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks, while Donte DiVincenzo led the bench with 16 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals.
On deck for Oklahoma City is a road matchup with the Utah Jazz on Thursday. As for Golden State, they travel to face the Sacramento Kings on Friday for their next outing.
While this game was tied at 115-115 with 6:30 remaining, Golden State ripped off a 21-5 run to take control of this game. A 34-27 third quarter started the foundation for that run, capping off their comeback behind a 33-19 fourth quarter. That completed a 67-46 second half, with Golden State's first lead happening in the final 10 minutes. Golden State shot 20-of-47 from three-point range, while Oklahoma City connected on just 11-of-32. The Warriors also out-rebounded the Thunder, 64-43, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 30-9.
The Thunder (38-42) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, accruing 32 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Jalen Williams amassed 19 points, four rebounds and two assists. Luguentz Dort totaled 17 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Josh Giddey generated 15 points, six rebounds and five assists. Isaiah Joe led the bench with 14 points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Warriors (42-38) were led by Stephen Curry, collecting 34 points, five rebounds and six assists. Jordan Poole provided 30 points, two rebounds and four assists. Draymond Green finished with 17 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks, while Donte DiVincenzo led the bench with 16 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals.
On deck for Oklahoma City is a road matchup with the Utah Jazz on Thursday. As for Golden State, they travel to face the Sacramento Kings on Friday for their next outing.
Suns Defeat Spurs, 115-94
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 115-94, at Footprint Center on Tuesday.
A 42-25 first quarter carried Phoenix to this easy victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. They got their lead up to 31 points at times and led by at least nine points for the closing three quarters. The Suns shot 48 percent from the field while holding the Spurs to 38 percent shooting. Phoenix also out-rebounded San Antonio, 68-43, while outscoring them in the paint, 52-38.
The Spurs (20-59) were led by Malaki Branham, tallying 21 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Tre Jones totaled 20 points, three rebounds and nine assists. Keita Bates-Diop has 13 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Sandro Mamukelashvili generated 13 points, eight rebounds and two assists.
The Suns (44-35) were led by Devin Booker, collecting 27 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals. Chris Paul provided 22 points, two rebounds and three assists. Deandre Ayton amassed 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Kevin Durant had 18 points, five rebounds and two assists. Torrey Craig led the bench with 15 points, 10 rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Thursday, with Phoenix playing host to the Denver Nuggets and San Antonio returning home to play the Portland Trail Blazers.
A 42-25 first quarter carried Phoenix to this easy victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. They got their lead up to 31 points at times and led by at least nine points for the closing three quarters. The Suns shot 48 percent from the field while holding the Spurs to 38 percent shooting. Phoenix also out-rebounded San Antonio, 68-43, while outscoring them in the paint, 52-38.
The Spurs (20-59) were led by Malaki Branham, tallying 21 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Tre Jones totaled 20 points, three rebounds and nine assists. Keita Bates-Diop has 13 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Sandro Mamukelashvili generated 13 points, eight rebounds and two assists.
The Suns (44-35) were led by Devin Booker, collecting 27 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals. Chris Paul provided 22 points, two rebounds and three assists. Deandre Ayton amassed 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Kevin Durant had 18 points, five rebounds and two assists. Torrey Craig led the bench with 15 points, 10 rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Thursday, with Phoenix playing host to the Denver Nuggets and San Antonio returning home to play the Portland Trail Blazers.