Pistons Hold On, Defeat Pacers
The Detroit Pistons defeated the Indiana Pacers, 122-115, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday.
The Pistons (17-64) got off to a start and had to hold off a Pacers (34-47) comeback attempt in the second half, but they ultimately got the job done to secure their second victory since the All-Star break. Detroit enjoyed a solid start and jumped to a 35-27 lead in the first quarter. The Pistons would make it a double-digit game by the halftime break after outscoring Indiana by eight points (38-30) in the second quarter. The Pacers responded in the second half, winning the third quarter by 30-23. Indiana kept trying to mount a comeback and won the final 12 minutes by a 28-26 score. However, it was not enough to turn things around, and the Pistons secured the victory. With the win, the Pistons moved to 8-32 on the road. Meanwhile, the Pacers fell to 20-21 at home.
Jaden Ivey led the way for the Pistons with 29 points, nine assists, five rebounds and two steals. Killian Hayes mustered 28 points, six assists, four rebounds and four steals. R.J. Hampton had 10 points, six rebounds and two assists. Jalen Duren had a double-double of 10 points and 10 boards. Cory Joseph finished with 18 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals. Marvin Bagley III chipped in with 14 points and five boards off the bench.
Buddy Hield was the leading scorer for the Pacers and finished with 22 points off the bench. Andrew Nembhard posted 12 points and 10 assists. Isaiah Jackson notched 15 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. Bennedict Mathurin delivered 16 points, four boards, three dimes and two steals. Jordan Nwora had 13 points and added six boards.
The Pistons (17-64) got off to a start and had to hold off a Pacers (34-47) comeback attempt in the second half, but they ultimately got the job done to secure their second victory since the All-Star break. Detroit enjoyed a solid start and jumped to a 35-27 lead in the first quarter. The Pistons would make it a double-digit game by the halftime break after outscoring Indiana by eight points (38-30) in the second quarter. The Pacers responded in the second half, winning the third quarter by 30-23. Indiana kept trying to mount a comeback and won the final 12 minutes by a 28-26 score. However, it was not enough to turn things around, and the Pistons secured the victory. With the win, the Pistons moved to 8-32 on the road. Meanwhile, the Pacers fell to 20-21 at home.
Jaden Ivey led the way for the Pistons with 29 points, nine assists, five rebounds and two steals. Killian Hayes mustered 28 points, six assists, four rebounds and four steals. R.J. Hampton had 10 points, six rebounds and two assists. Jalen Duren had a double-double of 10 points and 10 boards. Cory Joseph finished with 18 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals. Marvin Bagley III chipped in with 14 points and five boards off the bench.
Buddy Hield was the leading scorer for the Pacers and finished with 22 points off the bench. Andrew Nembhard posted 12 points and 10 assists. Isaiah Jackson notched 15 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. Bennedict Mathurin delivered 16 points, four boards, three dimes and two steals. Jordan Nwora had 13 points and added six boards.
Wizards Pull Upset To Defeat Heat
The Washington Wizards defeated the Miami Heat, 114-108, at Capital One Arena on Friday.
The Wizards (35-46) pulled a gigantic upset and secured the victory over the Heat (43-38), sending Miami to the play-in tournament. Washington enjoyed a solid start and grabbed the lead in the first quarter following a 26-23 score in the first quarter. Miami showed a response and won the second quarter by a 28-27 score. However, the Wizards restored the lead in the third quarter and raced to a double-digit lead after a 36-20 score in the third quarter. The Heat tried to fight back and won the final 12-minute period by a 37-25 score, but that was not enough. With the win, the Wizards moved to 19-21 at home. Meanwhile, the Heat fell to 17-24 on the road.
Daniel Gafford led the Wizards with 22 points and eight rebounds while adding four assists. Corey Kispert finished with 19 points and three rebounds. Johnny Davis posted 16 points and four assists. Delon Wright notched 11 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Jay Huff posted 13 points, four rebounds and two assists off the bench. Xavier Cooks recorded 10 points and nine rebounds, but he also added three steals.
Victor Oladipo was the leading scorer for the Heat and finished with 30 points off the bench. He also added four rebounds and two steals. Cody Zeller had 17 points and five rebounds. Max Strus posted 11 points and three rebounds. Jamal Cain had 12 points and seven boards off the bench.
The Wizards (35-46) pulled a gigantic upset and secured the victory over the Heat (43-38), sending Miami to the play-in tournament. Washington enjoyed a solid start and grabbed the lead in the first quarter following a 26-23 score in the first quarter. Miami showed a response and won the second quarter by a 28-27 score. However, the Wizards restored the lead in the third quarter and raced to a double-digit lead after a 36-20 score in the third quarter. The Heat tried to fight back and won the final 12-minute period by a 37-25 score, but that was not enough. With the win, the Wizards moved to 19-21 at home. Meanwhile, the Heat fell to 17-24 on the road.
Daniel Gafford led the Wizards with 22 points and eight rebounds while adding four assists. Corey Kispert finished with 19 points and three rebounds. Johnny Davis posted 16 points and four assists. Delon Wright notched 11 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Jay Huff posted 13 points, four rebounds and two assists off the bench. Xavier Cooks recorded 10 points and nine rebounds, but he also added three steals.
Victor Oladipo was the leading scorer for the Heat and finished with 30 points off the bench. He also added four rebounds and two steals. Cody Zeller had 17 points and five rebounds. Max Strus posted 11 points and three rebounds. Jamal Cain had 12 points and seven boards off the bench.
Rockets Defeat Hornets In Battle Of Eliminated Teams
The Houston Rockets defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 112-109, at Spectrum Center on Friday.
The Rockets (21-60) clinched their 21st win of the season with a tight win over the Hornets (26-55), but it was not an easy game. In fact, Houston had to stop a comeback from Charlotte, as the Hornets came close to turning things around late in the fourth quarter. Things started well for the Hornets after winning the first quarter by a 26-25 score, but the Rockets responded and won the second quarter 30-23, earning a six-point lead at the break. Houston bolstered its advantage even further and led by 12 points after three quarters. The Hornets tried to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter and outscored Houston by a 36-27 score. However, that was not enough to flip the script, and the Rockets escaped with the victory.
Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green led the Rockets with 26 points each in this game. Porter Jr. also added five assists, three rebounds and two steals, while Green finished with six assists and three boards. Alperen Sengun had a double-double of 14 points and 21 rebounds, but he also added three assists, two steals and a block. Jabari Smith had 13 points and three blocks. Kenyon Martin Jr. had 14 points while adding six rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Svi Mykhailiuk led the Hornets with 25 points, five rebounds and five assists. Theo Maledon finished with 22 points, eight assists and five steals. Mark Williams had a 12-point, 13-rebound double-double. J.T. Thor ended with 10 points and five rebounds.
The Rockets (21-60) clinched their 21st win of the season with a tight win over the Hornets (26-55), but it was not an easy game. In fact, Houston had to stop a comeback from Charlotte, as the Hornets came close to turning things around late in the fourth quarter. Things started well for the Hornets after winning the first quarter by a 26-25 score, but the Rockets responded and won the second quarter 30-23, earning a six-point lead at the break. Houston bolstered its advantage even further and led by 12 points after three quarters. The Hornets tried to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter and outscored Houston by a 36-27 score. However, that was not enough to flip the script, and the Rockets escaped with the victory.
Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green led the Rockets with 26 points each in this game. Porter Jr. also added five assists, three rebounds and two steals, while Green finished with six assists and three boards. Alperen Sengun had a double-double of 14 points and 21 rebounds, but he also added three assists, two steals and a block. Jabari Smith had 13 points and three blocks. Kenyon Martin Jr. had 14 points while adding six rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Svi Mykhailiuk led the Hornets with 25 points, five rebounds and five assists. Theo Maledon finished with 22 points, eight assists and five steals. Mark Williams had a 12-point, 13-rebound double-double. J.T. Thor ended with 10 points and five rebounds.
76ers Outlast Hawks in OT, 136-131
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Atlanta Hawks in overtime, 136-131, at State Farm Arena on Friday night.
Both teams checked in looking to build some momentum prior to the postseason, but the 76ers (53-28) rested their entire starting five. However, that didn't stop them from jumping out to a 32-31 lead over the Hawks (41-40) through one, but Atlanta outscored Philadelphia by a 32-21 margin in the second to take a 10-point advantage into halftime. Nevertheless, the short-handed visitors clawed all the way back during the second half and forced the extra period with a Jaden Springer dunk with just over 25 seconds remaining. In overtime, Georges Niang came through with a critical 24-foot three-pointer with 12.1 seconds remaining to give the Sixers their final five-point margin of victory.
Jalen McDaniels and Niang co-led the 76ers with 24 points each while recording 11 and six rebounds, respectively. McDaniels added three assists and three steals. Danuel House registered 22 points, three boards, three assists and one steal. Springer furnished 19 points, three assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Shake Milton contributed a 15-point, 16-assist double-double that included four rebounds. Montrezl Harrell turned in an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one steal. Paul Reed managed 10 points, eight rebounds, one assist and two steals.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with a 27-point, 20-assist double-double that included three rebounds and four steals. John Collins compiled 19 points, eight rebounds and one block. Dejounte Murray matched Collins' scoring and added four assists, one rebound and one steal. Saddiq Bey posted 15 points, three boards and one assist. De'Andre Hunter contributed 14 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal. Clint Capela provided 12 points, four boards, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Onyeka Okongwu recorded 10 points, eight rebounds and two blocks.
The 76ers pay a visit to the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday afternoon to close out the regular season, while the Hawks finish off their campaign with a visit to the Boston Celtics on Sunday afternoon.
Both teams checked in looking to build some momentum prior to the postseason, but the 76ers (53-28) rested their entire starting five. However, that didn't stop them from jumping out to a 32-31 lead over the Hawks (41-40) through one, but Atlanta outscored Philadelphia by a 32-21 margin in the second to take a 10-point advantage into halftime. Nevertheless, the short-handed visitors clawed all the way back during the second half and forced the extra period with a Jaden Springer dunk with just over 25 seconds remaining. In overtime, Georges Niang came through with a critical 24-foot three-pointer with 12.1 seconds remaining to give the Sixers their final five-point margin of victory.
Jalen McDaniels and Niang co-led the 76ers with 24 points each while recording 11 and six rebounds, respectively. McDaniels added three assists and three steals. Danuel House registered 22 points, three boards, three assists and one steal. Springer furnished 19 points, three assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Shake Milton contributed a 15-point, 16-assist double-double that included four rebounds. Montrezl Harrell turned in an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one steal. Paul Reed managed 10 points, eight rebounds, one assist and two steals.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with a 27-point, 20-assist double-double that included three rebounds and four steals. John Collins compiled 19 points, eight rebounds and one block. Dejounte Murray matched Collins' scoring and added four assists, one rebound and one steal. Saddiq Bey posted 15 points, three boards and one assist. De'Andre Hunter contributed 14 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal. Clint Capela provided 12 points, four boards, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Onyeka Okongwu recorded 10 points, eight rebounds and two blocks.
The 76ers pay a visit to the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday afternoon to close out the regular season, while the Hawks finish off their campaign with a visit to the Boston Celtics on Sunday afternoon.
Celtics Topple Raptors, 121-102
The Boston Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors, 121-102, at TD Garden on Friday night.
Both teams came into the night with their postseason position essentially locked in. However, only one, the Raptors (40-41) played with the lack of urgency that would potentially accompany that circumstance, as the Celtics (56-25) already owned a 34-16 lead through one. Boston scored another 34 points prior to halftime to take a 28-point advantage into intermission. Toronto played like a more interested team in the second half, but the hosts still won going away.
Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 19 points, adding three rebounds, two assists and four steals. Precious Achiuwa furnished 16 points, seven boards and one steal. Fred VanVleet delivered 12 points, eight assists and two steals. Dalano Blanton registered 10 points and two rebounds.
Sam Hauser paced the Celtics with 26 points, complementing them with five rebounds and two assists. Payton Pritchard supplied 22 points, five assists and four boards. Jayson Tatum registered 21 points. four assists and three rebounds. Derrick White generated a 12-point, 10-assist double-double that included six rebounds and one steal. Mike Muscala and Al Horford posted 11 points apiece while compiling seven and five rebounds, respectively. Horford added three assists and three blocks.
The Raptors wrap up the regular season Sunday afternoon against the Milwaukee Bucks, while the Celtics remain home and host the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday afternoon.
Both teams came into the night with their postseason position essentially locked in. However, only one, the Raptors (40-41) played with the lack of urgency that would potentially accompany that circumstance, as the Celtics (56-25) already owned a 34-16 lead through one. Boston scored another 34 points prior to halftime to take a 28-point advantage into intermission. Toronto played like a more interested team in the second half, but the hosts still won going away.
Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 19 points, adding three rebounds, two assists and four steals. Precious Achiuwa furnished 16 points, seven boards and one steal. Fred VanVleet delivered 12 points, eight assists and two steals. Dalano Blanton registered 10 points and two rebounds.
Sam Hauser paced the Celtics with 26 points, complementing them with five rebounds and two assists. Payton Pritchard supplied 22 points, five assists and four boards. Jayson Tatum registered 21 points. four assists and three rebounds. Derrick White generated a 12-point, 10-assist double-double that included six rebounds and one steal. Mike Muscala and Al Horford posted 11 points apiece while compiling seven and five rebounds, respectively. Horford added three assists and three blocks.
The Raptors wrap up the regular season Sunday afternoon against the Milwaukee Bucks, while the Celtics remain home and host the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday afternoon.
Nets Top Magic, 101-84
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Orlando Magic, 101-84, at Barclays Center on Friday night.
The Nets (45-36) checked into the contest needing to win to ensure their hold on the valuable No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference, but they encountered a feisty Magic (34-47) team early and led by a slim 27-23 margin after one. However, Brooklyn would change the dynamic of the game in the second quarter by outscoring Orlando, 31-16, heading into intermission. The visitors made a three-point dent in their deficit during the third quarter, but the outcome wasn't every truly in doubt the rest of the way.
Cole Anthony led the Magic with 14 points, complementing them with nine rebounds and six assists. Goga Bitadze and Franz Wagner generated matching 12-point tallies while registering 15 and five rebounds, respectively. Kevon Harris delivered 10 points, three boards and a block.
Mikal Bridges paced the Nets with 22 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Cameron Johnson totaled 18 points, five rebounds, one assist and four steals. Nic Claxton generated a 14-point, 15-rebound double-double that included two assists, two steals and one block. Seth Curry netted 13 points.
The Magic closes out the regular season against the Miami Heat on Sunday afternoon while the Nets host the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday afternoon as well.
The Nets (45-36) checked into the contest needing to win to ensure their hold on the valuable No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference, but they encountered a feisty Magic (34-47) team early and led by a slim 27-23 margin after one. However, Brooklyn would change the dynamic of the game in the second quarter by outscoring Orlando, 31-16, heading into intermission. The visitors made a three-point dent in their deficit during the third quarter, but the outcome wasn't every truly in doubt the rest of the way.
Cole Anthony led the Magic with 14 points, complementing them with nine rebounds and six assists. Goga Bitadze and Franz Wagner generated matching 12-point tallies while registering 15 and five rebounds, respectively. Kevon Harris delivered 10 points, three boards and a block.
Mikal Bridges paced the Nets with 22 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Cameron Johnson totaled 18 points, five rebounds, one assist and four steals. Nic Claxton generated a 14-point, 15-rebound double-double that included two assists, two steals and one block. Seth Curry netted 13 points.
The Magic closes out the regular season against the Miami Heat on Sunday afternoon while the Nets host the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday afternoon as well.
Pelicans Defeat Knicks, 113-105
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the visiting New York Knicks, 113-105, at Smoothie King Center on Friday.
There were nine ties and 16 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 11 points. With that said, New Orleans finished the game on a 14-5 run over the closing five minutes to complete their win. The Knicks missed five of their final six shots and committed two turnovers in that closing stretch. New Orleans shot 53 percent from the field and 95 percent from the free-throw line, while New York shot 43 percent from the field and 75 percent from the charity stripe. The Pels also out-assisted the Knicks, 27-19.
The Knicks (47-34) were led by RJ Barrett, collecting 28 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Immanuel Quickley compiled 24 points, five rebounds and two assists. Quentin Grimes generated 14 points, two rebounds and two assists, while Obi Toppin totaled 10 points and four rebounds. Josh Hart led the bench with eight points, six rebounds and two assists.
The Pelicans (42-39) were led by Trey Murphy, tallying 31 points, three rebounds and two assists. CJ McCollum had 23 points, five rebounds and four assists. Brandon Ingram finished with 18 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, while Herbert Jones accrued 15 points, four rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Jonas Valanciunas provided eight points, 12 rebounds and three blocks.
Both teams will close out their regular season on Sunday, with New Orleans traveling to face the Minnesota Timberwolves and New York playing host to the Indiana Pacers.
There were nine ties and 16 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 11 points. With that said, New Orleans finished the game on a 14-5 run over the closing five minutes to complete their win. The Knicks missed five of their final six shots and committed two turnovers in that closing stretch. New Orleans shot 53 percent from the field and 95 percent from the free-throw line, while New York shot 43 percent from the field and 75 percent from the charity stripe. The Pels also out-assisted the Knicks, 27-19.
The Knicks (47-34) were led by RJ Barrett, collecting 28 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Immanuel Quickley compiled 24 points, five rebounds and two assists. Quentin Grimes generated 14 points, two rebounds and two assists, while Obi Toppin totaled 10 points and four rebounds. Josh Hart led the bench with eight points, six rebounds and two assists.
The Pelicans (42-39) were led by Trey Murphy, tallying 31 points, three rebounds and two assists. CJ McCollum had 23 points, five rebounds and four assists. Brandon Ingram finished with 18 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, while Herbert Jones accrued 15 points, four rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Jonas Valanciunas provided eight points, 12 rebounds and three blocks.
Both teams will close out their regular season on Sunday, with New Orleans traveling to face the Minnesota Timberwolves and New York playing host to the Indiana Pacers.
Grizzlies Defeat Bucks, 137-116
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the host Milwaukee Bucks, 137-116, at Fiserv Forum on Friday.
Milwaukee rested all five starters in this game, allowing Memphis to cruise to an easy win. They rode a 37-15 third quarter to their victory, leading by at least 15 points for the closing 20 minutes. The Grizzlies shot 57 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range while holding the Bucks to 45 percent from the field and 42 percent from long range. Memphis also recorded 38 assists to 12 turnovers, while Milwaukee had 30 assists to 17 turnovers. The Griz outscored the Bucks in the paint, 62-34, and in fastbreak scoring, 33-9.
The Grizzlies (51-30) were led by Jaren Jackson Jr, generating 36 points, four rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Luke Kennard compiled 19 points, four rebounds and five assists. Desmond Bane had 16 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Ja Morant tallied 12 points, six rebounds and eight assists. John Konchar led the bench with 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists and five steals.
The Bucks (58-23) were led by Lindell Wiggington, accruing 25 points, five rebounds and 11 assists. Jae Crowder amassed 24 points and two steals. Marjon Beauchamp totaled 13 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks, while Goran Dragic led the bench with 14 points, six rebounds and four assists.
These teams will close out their regular season on Sunday, with Memphis traveling to face the Oklahoma City Thunder and Milwaukee traveling north to face the Toronto Raptors.
Milwaukee rested all five starters in this game, allowing Memphis to cruise to an easy win. They rode a 37-15 third quarter to their victory, leading by at least 15 points for the closing 20 minutes. The Grizzlies shot 57 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range while holding the Bucks to 45 percent from the field and 42 percent from long range. Memphis also recorded 38 assists to 12 turnovers, while Milwaukee had 30 assists to 17 turnovers. The Griz outscored the Bucks in the paint, 62-34, and in fastbreak scoring, 33-9.
The Grizzlies (51-30) were led by Jaren Jackson Jr, generating 36 points, four rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Luke Kennard compiled 19 points, four rebounds and five assists. Desmond Bane had 16 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Ja Morant tallied 12 points, six rebounds and eight assists. John Konchar led the bench with 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists and five steals.
The Bucks (58-23) were led by Lindell Wiggington, accruing 25 points, five rebounds and 11 assists. Jae Crowder amassed 24 points and two steals. Marjon Beauchamp totaled 13 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks, while Goran Dragic led the bench with 14 points, six rebounds and four assists.
These teams will close out their regular season on Sunday, with Memphis traveling to face the Oklahoma City Thunder and Milwaukee traveling north to face the Toronto Raptors.
Bulls Defeat Mavericks, 115-112
The Chicago Bulls defeated the host Dallas Mavericks, 115-112, at American Airlines Center on Friday.
While Dallas led for the majority of this game, Chicago rode a 30-21 fourth quarter to their comeback win. This loss eliminated Dallas from playoff contention. The Bulls shot 52 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range while holding the Mavericks to 45 percent from the field and 33 percent from long range. Chicago out-rebounded Dallas, 55-47, while outscoring them in the paint, 56-42.
The Bulls (39-42) were led by Coby White, collecting 24 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists. Patrick Williams had 23 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Nikola Vucevic finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds and four assists, while Ayo Dosunmu amassed 12 points, nine rebounds and five assists.
The Mavericks (38-43) only starter to score in double figures was Luka Doncic, who had 13 points, five rebounds and three assists in just one quarter of action. Markieff Morris and McKinley Wright led the bench with 13 points apiece. Justin Holiday had 11 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Their bench had 78 points in this tanking game.
Both teams close out their regular season on Sunday, with Dallas playing host to the San Antonio Spurs and Chicago returning home to play the Detroit Pistons.
While Dallas led for the majority of this game, Chicago rode a 30-21 fourth quarter to their comeback win. This loss eliminated Dallas from playoff contention. The Bulls shot 52 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range while holding the Mavericks to 45 percent from the field and 33 percent from long range. Chicago out-rebounded Dallas, 55-47, while outscoring them in the paint, 56-42.
The Bulls (39-42) were led by Coby White, collecting 24 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists. Patrick Williams had 23 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Nikola Vucevic finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds and four assists, while Ayo Dosunmu amassed 12 points, nine rebounds and five assists.
The Mavericks (38-43) only starter to score in double figures was Luka Doncic, who had 13 points, five rebounds and three assists in just one quarter of action. Markieff Morris and McKinley Wright led the bench with 13 points apiece. Justin Holiday had 11 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Their bench had 78 points in this tanking game.
Both teams close out their regular season on Sunday, with Dallas playing host to the San Antonio Spurs and Chicago returning home to play the Detroit Pistons.
Warriors Cruise Past Shorthanded Kings
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors defeated the host Sacramento Kings, 119-97, at Golden 1 Center on Friday evening.
The Warriors jumped out to a great start with a, 32-16, lead after one quarter. The hosts came out stronger in the second and managed to trim it to a five-point game by halftime. The Warriors reclaimed the momentum in the third quarter and rallied to a 13-point advantage heading into the final frame. The Kings had no answers in the fourth, while the Warriors cruised to their second straight win.
Klay Thompson led the Warriors with 29 points, two rebounds, two assists and two blocks, in 35 minutes. Stephen Curry followed up with 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block, while Donte DiVincenzo added 18 points, six rebounds, nine assists and a steal. The Warriors shot 52.6 percent from the field, including 16-of-36 from deep.
Meanwhile, Chimezie Metu totaled 15 points and nine rebounds, while Trey Lyles finished with 15 points, eight rebounds and a block to lead the Kings. Harrison Barnes added 13 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Kings shot 38.8 percent from the field, including 11-of-39 from long range.
The Kings (48-32) look to bounce back as they clash with the Nuggets in Denver for their season finale. The Warriors (43-38) close out their season against the Trail Blazers in Portland on Sunday.
The Warriors jumped out to a great start with a, 32-16, lead after one quarter. The hosts came out stronger in the second and managed to trim it to a five-point game by halftime. The Warriors reclaimed the momentum in the third quarter and rallied to a 13-point advantage heading into the final frame. The Kings had no answers in the fourth, while the Warriors cruised to their second straight win.
Klay Thompson led the Warriors with 29 points, two rebounds, two assists and two blocks, in 35 minutes. Stephen Curry followed up with 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block, while Donte DiVincenzo added 18 points, six rebounds, nine assists and a steal. The Warriors shot 52.6 percent from the field, including 16-of-36 from deep.
Meanwhile, Chimezie Metu totaled 15 points and nine rebounds, while Trey Lyles finished with 15 points, eight rebounds and a block to lead the Kings. Harrison Barnes added 13 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Kings shot 38.8 percent from the field, including 11-of-39 from long range.
The Kings (48-32) look to bounce back as they clash with the Nuggets in Denver for their season finale. The Warriors (43-38) close out their season against the Trail Blazers in Portland on Sunday.
Lakers Roll Past Suns In L.A.
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns, 121-107, at Crypto.com Arena on Friday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Suns led, 34-30, after one quarter. Both sides kept up the pace in the second, while the Lakers managed to cut it to a one-point game by halftime. The hosts carried the momentum into the third, where they outscored the Suns, 35-27, to claim a seven-point lead heading into the final frame. The Lakers kept their focus in the fourth and stayed one step ahead the rest of the way to secure the home win and maintain their shot at sixth place in the West.
D'Angelo Russell led the Lakers with 24 points, three rebounds and three assists. Austin Reaves followed up with 22 points, five assists and a steal, while Malik Beasley added 21 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Lakers shot 48.9 percent from the field, including 18-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, Torrey Craig led the Suns with 18 points, six rebounds, four blocks and a steal, in 29 minutes. Jock Landale followed up with 17 points, 10 rebounds and two assists, while Josh Okogie added 16 points, six rebounds and two assists. The Suns shot 41.3 percent from the field, including 9-of-36 from deep.
The Suns (45-36) look to bounce back as they play host to the Clippers in their final game of the season. The Lakers (42-39) close out their season at home against the Jazz on Sunday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Suns led, 34-30, after one quarter. Both sides kept up the pace in the second, while the Lakers managed to cut it to a one-point game by halftime. The hosts carried the momentum into the third, where they outscored the Suns, 35-27, to claim a seven-point lead heading into the final frame. The Lakers kept their focus in the fourth and stayed one step ahead the rest of the way to secure the home win and maintain their shot at sixth place in the West.
D'Angelo Russell led the Lakers with 24 points, three rebounds and three assists. Austin Reaves followed up with 22 points, five assists and a steal, while Malik Beasley added 21 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Lakers shot 48.9 percent from the field, including 18-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, Torrey Craig led the Suns with 18 points, six rebounds, four blocks and a steal, in 29 minutes. Jock Landale followed up with 17 points, 10 rebounds and two assists, while Josh Okogie added 16 points, six rebounds and two assists. The Suns shot 41.3 percent from the field, including 9-of-36 from deep.
The Suns (45-36) look to bounce back as they play host to the Clippers in their final game of the season. The Lakers (42-39) close out their season at home against the Jazz on Sunday.