Nets Move Closer To Playoff Berth, Top Pistons
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Detroit Pistons, 123-108, at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday.
The Nets (44-36) moved closer to earning a playoff berth with a comfortable win over the Pistons (16-64). Brooklyn enjoyed a strong start and raced to a 47-34 lead in the first quarter, and Detroit was never able to recover. The Nets bolstered their advantage even further with a 27-23 score in the second quarter. Detroit looked good in the second half and outscored the Nets by a 33-22 score in the third quarter, sparking the chance of a comeback. The Nets closed things out with a 27-18 score in the final 12 minutes.
Mikal Bridges led the way for the Nets with 26 points, six assists and three rebounds. Nic Claxton posted 19 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Cameron Johnson and Royce O'Neale delivered 15 points each, with O'Neale also adding seven rebounds and eight assists while Johnson grabbed five boards. Joe Harris notched 18 points off the bench. Day'Ron Sharpe had 10 points and seven boards.
Jaden Ivey led the way for the Pistons with 23 points, 10 assists and five rebounds. Jalen Duren recorded 18 points and eight boards. James Wiseman delivered 16 points. R.J. Hampton notched 27 points and five rebounds off the bench across 34 minutes off the bench. Cory Joseph notched 12 points, three rebounds and four assists.
The Nets (44-36) moved closer to earning a playoff berth with a comfortable win over the Pistons (16-64). Brooklyn enjoyed a strong start and raced to a 47-34 lead in the first quarter, and Detroit was never able to recover. The Nets bolstered their advantage even further with a 27-23 score in the second quarter. Detroit looked good in the second half and outscored the Nets by a 33-22 score in the third quarter, sparking the chance of a comeback. The Nets closed things out with a 27-18 score in the final 12 minutes.
Mikal Bridges led the way for the Nets with 26 points, six assists and three rebounds. Nic Claxton posted 19 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Cameron Johnson and Royce O'Neale delivered 15 points each, with O'Neale also adding seven rebounds and eight assists while Johnson grabbed five boards. Joe Harris notched 18 points off the bench. Day'Ron Sharpe had 10 points and seven boards.
Jaden Ivey led the way for the Pistons with 23 points, 10 assists and five rebounds. Jalen Duren recorded 18 points and eight boards. James Wiseman delivered 16 points. R.J. Hampton notched 27 points and five rebounds off the bench across 34 minutes off the bench. Cory Joseph notched 12 points, three rebounds and four assists.
Quickley, Grimes Lead Knicks Past Pacers
The New York Knicks defeated the Indiana Pacers, 138-129, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday.
The Knicks (47-33) secured a solid win over the Pacers (34-46) despite playing on the road. New York looked good in the early going and raced to a 38-29 lead in the first quarter. However, the Pacers responded with a 38-32 score in the second quarter and reduced the deficit to just three points. New York recovered the advantage following a 35-31 score and closed things out with a 33-31 score in the final 12 minutes.
Immanuel Quickley came close to tying his career-high mark of 39 points, and he also added nine assists with six rebounds. Quentin Grimes had a career-high 36 points, and he also added six rebounds with five assists. Obi Toppin had 32 points, six assists and three rebounds. Mitchell Robinson had a 14-point, 16-rebound double-double-double. Josh Hart grabbed 12 rebounds and dished out seven assists while adding six points. Isaiah Hartenstein had eight points, seven rebounds and two assists off the bench.
Jalen Smith had 19 points to lead the Pacers. Bennedict Mathurin had 17 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard both had 12 points, and Nembhard also added nine assists. Jordan Nwora delivered 11 points. T.J. McConnell posted 18 points, 12 assists and five boards while coming off the bench.
The Knicks (47-33) secured a solid win over the Pacers (34-46) despite playing on the road. New York looked good in the early going and raced to a 38-29 lead in the first quarter. However, the Pacers responded with a 38-32 score in the second quarter and reduced the deficit to just three points. New York recovered the advantage following a 35-31 score and closed things out with a 33-31 score in the final 12 minutes.
Immanuel Quickley came close to tying his career-high mark of 39 points, and he also added nine assists with six rebounds. Quentin Grimes had a career-high 36 points, and he also added six rebounds with five assists. Obi Toppin had 32 points, six assists and three rebounds. Mitchell Robinson had a 14-point, 16-rebound double-double-double. Josh Hart grabbed 12 rebounds and dished out seven assists while adding six points. Isaiah Hartenstein had eight points, seven rebounds and two assists off the bench.
Jalen Smith had 19 points to lead the Pacers. Bennedict Mathurin had 17 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard both had 12 points, and Nembhard also added nine assists. Jordan Nwora delivered 11 points. T.J. McConnell posted 18 points, 12 assists and five boards while coming off the bench.
Hawks Blast Wizards, 134-116
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Washington Wizards, 134-116, at State Farm Arena on Wednesday night.
The Hawks (41-39) came into the contest looking to potentially improve on their postseason position, and they had the fortune of facing a short-handed and eliminated Wizards (34-46) team. However, Washington played competitively out of the gate, and the first quarter concluded with Atlanta holding a slim 33-32 lead. Nevertheless, the hosts ended up taking control of the game during the middle periods, outscoring the visitors by a 73-58 margin in that span on the way to the relatively comfortable victory.
Daniel Gafford led the Wizards with a 25-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist, two blocks and one steal. Johnny Davis furnished 20 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Kendrick Nunn delivered 15 points, four assists and one rebound. Jay Huff registered 14 points, four rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal. Corey Kispert netted 12 points, while Jordan Goodwin and Quenton Jackson contributed matching 10-point, two-rebound tallies, with Goodwin adding six assists and four steals.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with a 25-point, 16-assist double-double that included two rebounds. John Collins went for 23 points and three rebounds. Dejounte Murray supplied 19 points, seven boards, two assists and two steals. Jalen Johnson and A.J. Griffin managed 16 points apiece while recording eight and three rebounds, respectively. Saddiq Bey contributed 10 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The Wizards return home to host the Miami Heat on Friday night, while the Hawks remain home and host the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night as well.
The Hawks (41-39) came into the contest looking to potentially improve on their postseason position, and they had the fortune of facing a short-handed and eliminated Wizards (34-46) team. However, Washington played competitively out of the gate, and the first quarter concluded with Atlanta holding a slim 33-32 lead. Nevertheless, the hosts ended up taking control of the game during the middle periods, outscoring the visitors by a 73-58 margin in that span on the way to the relatively comfortable victory.
Daniel Gafford led the Wizards with a 25-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist, two blocks and one steal. Johnny Davis furnished 20 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Kendrick Nunn delivered 15 points, four assists and one rebound. Jay Huff registered 14 points, four rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal. Corey Kispert netted 12 points, while Jordan Goodwin and Quenton Jackson contributed matching 10-point, two-rebound tallies, with Goodwin adding six assists and four steals.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with a 25-point, 16-assist double-double that included two rebounds. John Collins went for 23 points and three rebounds. Dejounte Murray supplied 19 points, seven boards, two assists and two steals. Jalen Johnson and A.J. Griffin managed 16 points apiece while recording eight and three rebounds, respectively. Saddiq Bey contributed 10 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The Wizards return home to host the Miami Heat on Friday night, while the Hawks remain home and host the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night as well.
Celtics Edge Raptors, 97-93
The Boston Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors, 97-93, at TD Garden on Wednesday night.
The Celtics (55-25) came into the night with their hopes of recapturing the Eastern Conference's top seed all but dashed and Jayson Tatum (hip) out of action, but that didn't deter them from building a 56-44 lead by halftime. The Raptors (40-40) bounced back to chip away five points from their deficit in the third and then held Boston to 18 points in the final 12 minutes, but a pair of late Malcolm Brogdon free throws sealed the close victory.
Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with a 28-point, 11-rebound double-double that included four assists and two steals. Scottie Barnes offered 18 points, eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Precious Achiuwa delivered 16 points, nine boards and one block. O.G. Anunoby supplied 12 points, four rebounds, two assists, four steals and three blocks. Jakob Poeltl registered 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Malcolm Brogdon paced the Celtics with 29 points, complementing them with five rebounds and three assists. Jaylen Brown generated a 25-point, 11-rebound double-double that included five assists. Derrick White turned in 17 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Mike Muscala offered 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and one block.
The two teams reconvene at TD Garden on Friday night for a rematch.
The Celtics (55-25) came into the night with their hopes of recapturing the Eastern Conference's top seed all but dashed and Jayson Tatum (hip) out of action, but that didn't deter them from building a 56-44 lead by halftime. The Raptors (40-40) bounced back to chip away five points from their deficit in the third and then held Boston to 18 points in the final 12 minutes, but a pair of late Malcolm Brogdon free throws sealed the close victory.
Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with a 28-point, 11-rebound double-double that included four assists and two steals. Scottie Barnes offered 18 points, eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Precious Achiuwa delivered 16 points, nine boards and one block. O.G. Anunoby supplied 12 points, four rebounds, two assists, four steals and three blocks. Jakob Poeltl registered 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Malcolm Brogdon paced the Celtics with 29 points, complementing them with five rebounds and three assists. Jaylen Brown generated a 25-point, 11-rebound double-double that included five assists. Derrick White turned in 17 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Mike Muscala offered 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and one block.
The two teams reconvene at TD Garden on Friday night for a rematch.
Shorthanded Bucks Handle Bulls In Milwaukee
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls, 105-92, at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday evening.
Despite missing Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee), the Bucks were too much for the Bulls. The Bucks jumped out to a great start with an early, 20-9, lead and a seven-point advantage after one quarter. The Bulls took control in the second and outscored the hosts, 30-21, to claim a two-point edge by halftime. Both sides brought a solid effort in the third, but the Bucks pulled ahead once again for a three-point edge heading into the final frame. The hosts kept the momentum going in the fourth and confidently closed out their third straight win.
Bobby Portis led the Bucks with 27 points, 13 rebounds and a steal, in 37 minutes. Brook Lopez followed up with 26 points, seven rebounds and a block, while Jrue Holiday totaled 20 points, eight rebounds, 15 assists and two steals. The Bucks shot 42.4 percent from the field, including 18-of-46 from long range.
Meanwhile, Nikola Vucevic led the Bulls with 21 points, 11 rebounds and four assists, in 34 minutes. Coby White followed up with 14 points and six rebounds, while Zach LaVine tallied 13 points, five rebounds, seven assists and a block. The Bulls shot 43.4 percent from the field, including 11-of-33 from deep.
The Bulls will look to bounce back as they clash with the Mavericks in Dallas on Friday. The Bucks (58-22) play host to the Grizzlies on Friday.
Despite missing Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee), the Bucks were too much for the Bulls. The Bucks jumped out to a great start with an early, 20-9, lead and a seven-point advantage after one quarter. The Bulls took control in the second and outscored the hosts, 30-21, to claim a two-point edge by halftime. Both sides brought a solid effort in the third, but the Bucks pulled ahead once again for a three-point edge heading into the final frame. The hosts kept the momentum going in the fourth and confidently closed out their third straight win.
Bobby Portis led the Bucks with 27 points, 13 rebounds and a steal, in 37 minutes. Brook Lopez followed up with 26 points, seven rebounds and a block, while Jrue Holiday totaled 20 points, eight rebounds, 15 assists and two steals. The Bucks shot 42.4 percent from the field, including 18-of-46 from long range.
Meanwhile, Nikola Vucevic led the Bulls with 21 points, 11 rebounds and four assists, in 34 minutes. Coby White followed up with 14 points and six rebounds, while Zach LaVine tallied 13 points, five rebounds, seven assists and a block. The Bulls shot 43.4 percent from the field, including 11-of-33 from deep.
The Bulls will look to bounce back as they clash with the Mavericks in Dallas on Friday. The Bucks (58-22) play host to the Grizzlies on Friday.
Pelicans Hang On In Overtime
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, 138-131, at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Grizzlies led, 34-32, after one quarter. The visitors picked up momentum in the second and outscored the Pelicans, 35-20, to claim a 17-point lead heading into the break. The Pelicans brought a better effort in the third and outscored the visitors, 33-21, to cut it to a five-point game heading into the final quarter. The visitors stayed in front early in the fourth, but the Pelicans rallied in front until Jaren Jackson came up clutch at the foul line for the Grizzlies and tied it up at 124 , with 0.1 seconds left in regulation. However, the Pelicans reclaimed control in the extra frame and closed out the home win, which also cements their place in the play-in tournament.
Herbert Jones led the way for the Pelicans with 35 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three blocks, in 44 minutes of action. CJ McCollum followed up with 31 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Trey Murphy totaled 30 points, two rebounds, four assists and three steals. The Pelicans shot 50 percent from the field, including 21-of-39 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies with 40 points, nine rebounds, three assists, four blocks and a steal, in 41 minutes. Dillon Brooks followed up with 25 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Desmond Bane tallied 24 points, four rebounds, five assists and a steal. The Grizzlies shot 48.1 percent from the field, including 12-of-36 from deep.
The Grizzlies (50-30) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Bucks in Milwaukee on Friday. The Pelicans (41-39) play host to the Knicks on Friday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Grizzlies led, 34-32, after one quarter. The visitors picked up momentum in the second and outscored the Pelicans, 35-20, to claim a 17-point lead heading into the break. The Pelicans brought a better effort in the third and outscored the visitors, 33-21, to cut it to a five-point game heading into the final quarter. The visitors stayed in front early in the fourth, but the Pelicans rallied in front until Jaren Jackson came up clutch at the foul line for the Grizzlies and tied it up at 124 , with 0.1 seconds left in regulation. However, the Pelicans reclaimed control in the extra frame and closed out the home win, which also cements their place in the play-in tournament.
Herbert Jones led the way for the Pelicans with 35 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three blocks, in 44 minutes of action. CJ McCollum followed up with 31 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Trey Murphy totaled 30 points, two rebounds, four assists and three steals. The Pelicans shot 50 percent from the field, including 21-of-39 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies with 40 points, nine rebounds, three assists, four blocks and a steal, in 41 minutes. Dillon Brooks followed up with 25 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Desmond Bane tallied 24 points, four rebounds, five assists and a steal. The Grizzlies shot 48.1 percent from the field, including 12-of-36 from deep.
The Grizzlies (50-30) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Bucks in Milwaukee on Friday. The Pelicans (41-39) play host to the Knicks on Friday.
Mavericks Defeat Kings, 123-119
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings, 123-119, at American Airlines Center on Wednesday.
There were seven ties and 16 lead changes in this game, with Dallas riding a 32-21 third quarter to their victory. They also outscored Sacramento, 31-27, in the fourth quarter, finishing the game on a 17-12 run over the closing six minutes. The Mavericks shot 49 percent from the field and 46 percent from three-point range while holding the Kings to 43 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range. Dallas also recorded seven blocks, while Sacramento had just one.
The Kings (47-33) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 28 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Domantas Sabonis tallied 19 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Harrison Barnes had 16 points and five rebounds, while Kevin Huerter accrued 14 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals. Malik Monk led the bench with 13 points, five rebounds and four assists.
The Mavericks (38-42) were led by Kyrie Irving, collecting 31 points, four rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Luka Doncic generated 29 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Tim Hardaway Jr totaled 24 points, four rebounds and four assists. Christian Wood led the bench with 14 points, four rebounds and three blocks.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Sacramento returning home to face the Golden State Warriors and Dallas remaining home to play the Chicago Bulls.
There were seven ties and 16 lead changes in this game, with Dallas riding a 32-21 third quarter to their victory. They also outscored Sacramento, 31-27, in the fourth quarter, finishing the game on a 17-12 run over the closing six minutes. The Mavericks shot 49 percent from the field and 46 percent from three-point range while holding the Kings to 43 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range. Dallas also recorded seven blocks, while Sacramento had just one.
The Kings (47-33) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 28 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Domantas Sabonis tallied 19 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Harrison Barnes had 16 points and five rebounds, while Kevin Huerter accrued 14 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals. Malik Monk led the bench with 13 points, five rebounds and four assists.
The Mavericks (38-42) were led by Kyrie Irving, collecting 31 points, four rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Luka Doncic generated 29 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Tim Hardaway Jr totaled 24 points, four rebounds and four assists. Christian Wood led the bench with 14 points, four rebounds and three blocks.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Sacramento returning home to face the Golden State Warriors and Dallas remaining home to play the Chicago Bulls.
Clippers Defeat Lakers, 125-118
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, 125-118, at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday.
The Clippers held the lead for all but one minute in the battle of LA, marking their 11th straight win in this series. They actually led 71-52 at the half and led by at least six points for the final three quarters of this game. The Clippers shot 52 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while holding the Lakers to 51 percent from the field and 41 percent from long range. The Clips also got 55 points from their four bench players, while the other LA team had 23 points from their five bench players.
The Lakers (41-39) were led by LeBron James, scoring 30 points in the second half to finish with 33 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Anthony Davis accrued 17 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Austin Reaves had 20 points and four rebounds, while D'Angelo Russell registered 15 points, three rebounds and seven assists.
The Clippers (42-38) were led by Kawhi Leonard, collecting 25 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Norman Powell provided 27 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals off the bench. Ivica Zubac totaled 17 points, 13 rebounds and two steals. Russell Westbrook tallied 14 points, three rebounds and four assists, while Bones Hyland had 14 points, two rebounds and four assists.
On deck for the Lakers is a home matchup with the Phoenix Suns on Friday. As for the Clippers, they return to action on Saturday in a home meeting with the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Clippers held the lead for all but one minute in the battle of LA, marking their 11th straight win in this series. They actually led 71-52 at the half and led by at least six points for the final three quarters of this game. The Clippers shot 52 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while holding the Lakers to 51 percent from the field and 41 percent from long range. The Clips also got 55 points from their four bench players, while the other LA team had 23 points from their five bench players.
The Lakers (41-39) were led by LeBron James, scoring 30 points in the second half to finish with 33 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Anthony Davis accrued 17 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Austin Reaves had 20 points and four rebounds, while D'Angelo Russell registered 15 points, three rebounds and seven assists.
The Clippers (42-38) were led by Kawhi Leonard, collecting 25 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Norman Powell provided 27 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals off the bench. Ivica Zubac totaled 17 points, 13 rebounds and two steals. Russell Westbrook tallied 14 points, three rebounds and four assists, while Bones Hyland had 14 points, two rebounds and four assists.
On deck for the Lakers is a home matchup with the Phoenix Suns on Friday. As for the Clippers, they return to action on Saturday in a home meeting with the Portland Trail Blazers.