Nuggets Work Hard To Get Past Grizzlies
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 108-104, at FedExForum on Friday.
The Nuggets (2-0) remain perfect in their quest to defend their NBA title and secured a solid road win over a Grizzlies team that remains winless (0-2). The Nuggets looked like the better team as soon as the game started and opened things up with a 25-18 score following the first quarter. However, the Grizzlies didn’t give up and reduced the deficit to five points at the break following a 38-36 score in the second quarter. The Nuggets recovered control of the game after a 28-23 score in the third quarter and seemed ready to close the game out. Memphis responded with an excellent performance in the fourth quarter and outscored Denver by a 25-19 score in the final 12 minutes, but it was not enough to mount a comeback. The Nuggets closed the game out and secured the victory despite Memphis’ attempts to turn things around down the stretch.
Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray both paced the Nuggets with 22 points each. Jokic also recorded 12 rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block, while Murray added five assists. Aaron Gordon was the only other Denver player who scored in double digits after ending with 10 points, three assists and three steals. Reggie Jackson stepped his game up from the bench and ended with 16 points and six dimes.
All five starters scored in double digits for the Grizzlies. Jaren Jackson Jr. was the best player for Memphis with 21 points, nine rebounds, three blocks and two assists. Marcus Smart recorded 20 points, five assists and five steals. Desmond Bane had 15 points, three boards, three assists and two steals. Xavier Tillman notched 13 points, eight boards, two assists and three steals. Ziaire Williams posted 11 points and nine rebounds.
The Nuggets (2-0) remain perfect in their quest to defend their NBA title and secured a solid road win over a Grizzlies team that remains winless (0-2). The Nuggets looked like the better team as soon as the game started and opened things up with a 25-18 score following the first quarter. However, the Grizzlies didn’t give up and reduced the deficit to five points at the break following a 38-36 score in the second quarter. The Nuggets recovered control of the game after a 28-23 score in the third quarter and seemed ready to close the game out. Memphis responded with an excellent performance in the fourth quarter and outscored Denver by a 25-19 score in the final 12 minutes, but it was not enough to mount a comeback. The Nuggets closed the game out and secured the victory despite Memphis’ attempts to turn things around down the stretch.
Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray both paced the Nuggets with 22 points each. Jokic also recorded 12 rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block, while Murray added five assists. Aaron Gordon was the only other Denver player who scored in double digits after ending with 10 points, three assists and three steals. Reggie Jackson stepped his game up from the bench and ended with 16 points and six dimes.
All five starters scored in double digits for the Grizzlies. Jaren Jackson Jr. was the best player for Memphis with 21 points, nine rebounds, three blocks and two assists. Marcus Smart recorded 20 points, five assists and five steals. Desmond Bane had 15 points, three boards, three assists and two steals. Xavier Tillman notched 13 points, eight boards, two assists and three steals. Ziaire Williams posted 11 points and nine rebounds.
Pistons Secure Road Win Over Hornets
The Detroit Pistons defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 111-99, at Spectrum Center on Friday.
The Pistons (1-1) secured their first win and delivered a solid display to get past the Hornets (1-1) on the road. Led by six players who scored in double digits, Detroit was in complete control of the contest right from the get-go and secured a double-digit lead following the first 12 minutes of action (32-21). The Hornets showed some signs of life in the second quarter and reduced the deficit to seven points after a 26-22 score. However, they never threatened too much and were never really close to mounting a comeback. The Pistons won the final two quarters, 29-28 and 28-24, and they ended up cruising their way to an easy win against another lowly Eastern Conference opponent.
Alec Burks was the best player for the Pistons despite coming off the bench, as he ended with a 27 plus-minus and posted 24 points, four rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. Jaden Ivey was productive off the bench, too, and recorded 18 points with four assists. Isaiah Stewart had 15 points and seven rebounds, and Jalen Duren impressed on both ends of the court with a 14-point, 17-rebound double-double. Duren also notched three assists, two steals and two blocks. Cade Cunningham finished with 12 points and six assists.
LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier paced the Hornets with 20 points each. Ball was far more complete, however, as he also added nine rebounds and nine assists, while Rozier delivered three boards and an assist. Gordon Hayward finished with 19 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals. P.J. Washington had 13 points, three boards, three assists and two steals. Brandon Miller posted 17 points and six boards off the bench.
The Pistons (1-1) secured their first win and delivered a solid display to get past the Hornets (1-1) on the road. Led by six players who scored in double digits, Detroit was in complete control of the contest right from the get-go and secured a double-digit lead following the first 12 minutes of action (32-21). The Hornets showed some signs of life in the second quarter and reduced the deficit to seven points after a 26-22 score. However, they never threatened too much and were never really close to mounting a comeback. The Pistons won the final two quarters, 29-28 and 28-24, and they ended up cruising their way to an easy win against another lowly Eastern Conference opponent.
Alec Burks was the best player for the Pistons despite coming off the bench, as he ended with a 27 plus-minus and posted 24 points, four rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. Jaden Ivey was productive off the bench, too, and recorded 18 points with four assists. Isaiah Stewart had 15 points and seven rebounds, and Jalen Duren impressed on both ends of the court with a 14-point, 17-rebound double-double. Duren also notched three assists, two steals and two blocks. Cade Cunningham finished with 12 points and six assists.
LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier paced the Hornets with 20 points each. Ball was far more complete, however, as he also added nine rebounds and nine assists, while Rozier delivered three boards and an assist. Gordon Hayward finished with 19 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals. P.J. Washington had 13 points, three boards, three assists and two steals. Brandon Miller posted 17 points and six boards off the bench.
Knicks Get Past Hawks, 126-120
The New York Knicks defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 126-120, at State Farm Arena on Friday night.
The Knicks (1-1) had fallen just short of the Boston Celtics in their season opener, but they appeared intent on preventing another stumble right from the opening tip. New York owned a 35-31 lead over the Hawks (0-2) through one and kept its foot on the gas in the second, extending its lead by another four points prior to halftime. Each team matched the other bucket for bucket in the third, which gave the visitors enough cushion to withstand several late Atlanta surges that narrowed the Knicks' advantage to one point on multiple occasions.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 31 points, adding five assists and three rebounds. RJ Barrett furnished 26 points, adding six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Julius Randle generated a 17-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included nine assists. Donte DiVincenzo produced 16 points, two boards, one assist, one steal and one block, while Immanuel Quickley supplied 11 points, six boards, six assists and one steal.
De'Andre Hunter paced the Hawks with 27 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, one assist and one block. Trae Young and Dejounte Murray posted matching 18-point contributions while dishing out 12 and six assists, respectively. Murray also added seven rebounds. Bogdan Bogdanovic netted 16 points, three assists, one rebound and one steal, while Clint Capela provided a 13-point, 13-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block.
The Knicks remain on the road and visit to the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night, while the Hawks tangle with the Milwaukee Bucks on the road on Sunday night.
The Knicks (1-1) had fallen just short of the Boston Celtics in their season opener, but they appeared intent on preventing another stumble right from the opening tip. New York owned a 35-31 lead over the Hawks (0-2) through one and kept its foot on the gas in the second, extending its lead by another four points prior to halftime. Each team matched the other bucket for bucket in the third, which gave the visitors enough cushion to withstand several late Atlanta surges that narrowed the Knicks' advantage to one point on multiple occasions.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 31 points, adding five assists and three rebounds. RJ Barrett furnished 26 points, adding six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Julius Randle generated a 17-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included nine assists. Donte DiVincenzo produced 16 points, two boards, one assist, one steal and one block, while Immanuel Quickley supplied 11 points, six boards, six assists and one steal.
De'Andre Hunter paced the Hawks with 27 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, one assist and one block. Trae Young and Dejounte Murray posted matching 18-point contributions while dishing out 12 and six assists, respectively. Murray also added seven rebounds. Bogdan Bogdanovic netted 16 points, three assists, one rebound and one steal, while Clint Capela provided a 13-point, 13-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block.
The Knicks remain on the road and visit to the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night, while the Hawks tangle with the Milwaukee Bucks on the road on Sunday night.
Celtics Topple Heat, 119-111
The Boston Celtics defeated the Miami Heat, 119-111, at TD Garden on Friday night.
The Celtics (2-0) came in off an impressive season-opening performance versus the Knicks, but it was the Heat (1-1) that was the more efficient team early and emerged from the first quarter with a 28-25 lead. Boston then erased that deficit and built a five-point advantage going into intermission, but Miami returned the favor in the third to take a one-point edge into the final period. However, the hosts were the most effective when it counted, scoring 32 points in the final 12 minutes while limiting the visitors to 23. Both teams shot over 40.0 percent from three-point range, but the Celtics won the rebounding battle by a 55-45 margin.
Tyler Herro led the Heat with 28 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, six assists and one steal. Bam Adebayo supplied 27 points, seven boards, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Jimmy Butler registered 14 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Kyle Lowry delivered 13 points, eight rebounds, five assists and one block.
Derrick White paced the Celtics with 28 points, adding six rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal. Jaylen Brown totaled 27 points, six boards, one assist and two steals. Jayson Tatum managed 22 points, eight rebounds, five assists and one steal. Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis generated matching 17-point contributions while pulling down 10 and nine rebounds, respectively. Holiday added seven assists.
The Heat remains on the road and tangles with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night, while the Celtics hit the road and face the Washington Wizards on Monday night.
The Celtics (2-0) came in off an impressive season-opening performance versus the Knicks, but it was the Heat (1-1) that was the more efficient team early and emerged from the first quarter with a 28-25 lead. Boston then erased that deficit and built a five-point advantage going into intermission, but Miami returned the favor in the third to take a one-point edge into the final period. However, the hosts were the most effective when it counted, scoring 32 points in the final 12 minutes while limiting the visitors to 23. Both teams shot over 40.0 percent from three-point range, but the Celtics won the rebounding battle by a 55-45 margin.
Tyler Herro led the Heat with 28 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, six assists and one steal. Bam Adebayo supplied 27 points, seven boards, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Jimmy Butler registered 14 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Kyle Lowry delivered 13 points, eight rebounds, five assists and one block.
Derrick White paced the Celtics with 28 points, adding six rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal. Jaylen Brown totaled 27 points, six boards, one assist and two steals. Jayson Tatum managed 22 points, eight rebounds, five assists and one steal. Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis generated matching 17-point contributions while pulling down 10 and nine rebounds, respectively. Holiday added seven assists.
The Heat remains on the road and tangles with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night, while the Celtics hit the road and face the Washington Wizards on Monday night.
Thunder Edges Cavaliers, 108-105
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 108-105, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Friday night.
The Thunder (2-0) wasted no time establishing a lead in enemy territory, doubling up a five-point first-quarter lead by halftime. However, the Cavaliers (1-1) began to claw back in the third period, when they knocked six points off their deficit. Cleveland would claw all the way back to take as much as a 10-point advantage with as little as 2:37 remaining, but OKC's game-ending 18-5 run fueled by well-balanced contributions across the Thunder's starting five secured the furious comeback victory.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 34 points, supplementing them with 11 rebounds, five steals, four assists and one block. Luguentz Dort furnished 25 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Chet Holmgren generated a 16-point, 13-rebound double-double that included two assists, seven blocks and one steal. Jalen Williams registered 14 points, five boards, two assists and one steal.
Donovan Mitchell paced the Cavaliers with 43 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks. Caris LeVert managed 17 points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Evan Mobley compiled 14 points, 15 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Isaac Okoro recorded 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block.
The Thunder returns home to host the defending champion Denver Nuggets on Sunday afternoon, while the Cavaliers remain home and host the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night.
The Thunder (2-0) wasted no time establishing a lead in enemy territory, doubling up a five-point first-quarter lead by halftime. However, the Cavaliers (1-1) began to claw back in the third period, when they knocked six points off their deficit. Cleveland would claw all the way back to take as much as a 10-point advantage with as little as 2:37 remaining, but OKC's game-ending 18-5 run fueled by well-balanced contributions across the Thunder's starting five secured the furious comeback victory.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 34 points, supplementing them with 11 rebounds, five steals, four assists and one block. Luguentz Dort furnished 25 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Chet Holmgren generated a 16-point, 13-rebound double-double that included two assists, seven blocks and one steal. Jalen Williams registered 14 points, five boards, two assists and one steal.
Donovan Mitchell paced the Cavaliers with 43 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks. Caris LeVert managed 17 points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Evan Mobley compiled 14 points, 15 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Isaac Okoro recorded 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block.
The Thunder returns home to host the defending champion Denver Nuggets on Sunday afternoon, while the Cavaliers remain home and host the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night.
Bulls Stun Raptors In OT
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls defeated the visiting Toronto Raptors, 104-103, at United Center on Friday evening.
Alex Caruso buried a three with 2.1 seconds on the clock in overtime to close out the Bulls' first win. The Raptors had an early 14-2 lead to start the game, but the Bulls fought back to take a 24-18 lead into the second quarter. Neither side could find much of a rhythm, while the Bulls kept control and carried a seven-point advantage into halftime. The Raptors came out with a better effort in the third and outscored the hosts by 10 points to take a three-point edge into the fourth. The Raptors led by 17 points with five minutes left on the clock, but the Bulls mounted a ferocious rally to tie the game and force overtime. The Bulls kept the determination alive through overtime and thanks to Caruso's late three, closed out their first win of the season.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 33 points, four rebounds, three assists, four steals and a block, in 41 minutes. Coby White followed up with 17 points, six rebounds, eight assists and a steal, while Alex Caruso added 13 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. The Bulls shot 37.4 percent from the field, including 8-for-39 from deep.
Meanwhile, Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 22 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks, in 39 minutes. Pascal Siakam followed up with 18 points, eight rebounds and two assists, while Gary Trent added 16 points off the bench. The Raptors shot 47 percent from the field, including 9-for-36 from long range.
The Raptors (1-1) are right back in action on Saturday as they host the 76ers. The Bulls (1-1) are also in action on Saturday, in Detroit.
Alex Caruso buried a three with 2.1 seconds on the clock in overtime to close out the Bulls' first win. The Raptors had an early 14-2 lead to start the game, but the Bulls fought back to take a 24-18 lead into the second quarter. Neither side could find much of a rhythm, while the Bulls kept control and carried a seven-point advantage into halftime. The Raptors came out with a better effort in the third and outscored the hosts by 10 points to take a three-point edge into the fourth. The Raptors led by 17 points with five minutes left on the clock, but the Bulls mounted a ferocious rally to tie the game and force overtime. The Bulls kept the determination alive through overtime and thanks to Caruso's late three, closed out their first win of the season.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 33 points, four rebounds, three assists, four steals and a block, in 41 minutes. Coby White followed up with 17 points, six rebounds, eight assists and a steal, while Alex Caruso added 13 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. The Bulls shot 37.4 percent from the field, including 8-for-39 from deep.
Meanwhile, Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 22 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks, in 39 minutes. Pascal Siakam followed up with 18 points, eight rebounds and two assists, while Gary Trent added 16 points off the bench. The Raptors shot 47 percent from the field, including 9-for-36 from long range.
The Raptors (1-1) are right back in action on Saturday as they host the 76ers. The Bulls (1-1) are also in action on Saturday, in Detroit.
Wembanyama, Spurs Top Rockets
By Dan Bruno
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 126-122, at Frost Bank Center on Friday evening.
Victor Wembanyama was essential in helping his team win their first game of the season, as he scored the tying bucket late in regulation and also the opening points of overtime to help his team come through in the end. The Spurs were out to a solid start in the game and led 25-23 after one quarter. The Rockets tied the score by halftime and came out stronger in the third quarter to claim a seven-point cushion heading into the final frame. Nonetheless, the Spurs fought back and outscored the visitors 35-28 in fourth to force overtime. The Spurs kept the momentum going in the extra period, where they outscored the Rockets 15-11 to complete the comeback.
Devin Vassell led the way for the Spurs with 25 points, three rebounds and two assists, in 40 minutes. Wembanyama followed up with 21 points 12 rebounds, two steals and three blocks, while Keldon Johnson totaled 20 points, four rebounds, four assists and one block. The Spurs shot 48.9 percent from the field including 13-for-42 from long range.
Meanwhile, Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 25 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and a block, in 41 minutes. Fred VanVleet followed up with 24 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists, while Jalen Green tallied 22 points, five rebounds and four assists. The Rockets shot 52 percent from the field including 8-for-32 from long range.
The Rockets will look to bounce back as they play host to the Warriors on Sunday. The Spurs take on the Clippers in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Victor Wembanyama was essential in helping his team win their first game of the season, as he scored the tying bucket late in regulation and also the opening points of overtime to help his team come through in the end. The Spurs were out to a solid start in the game and led 25-23 after one quarter. The Rockets tied the score by halftime and came out stronger in the third quarter to claim a seven-point cushion heading into the final frame. Nonetheless, the Spurs fought back and outscored the visitors 35-28 in fourth to force overtime. The Spurs kept the momentum going in the extra period, where they outscored the Rockets 15-11 to complete the comeback.
Devin Vassell led the way for the Spurs with 25 points, three rebounds and two assists, in 40 minutes. Wembanyama followed up with 21 points 12 rebounds, two steals and three blocks, while Keldon Johnson totaled 20 points, four rebounds, four assists and one block. The Spurs shot 48.9 percent from the field including 13-for-42 from long range.
Meanwhile, Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 25 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and a block, in 41 minutes. Fred VanVleet followed up with 24 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists, while Jalen Green tallied 22 points, five rebounds and four assists. The Rockets shot 52 percent from the field including 8-for-32 from long range.
The Rockets will look to bounce back as they play host to the Warriors on Sunday. The Spurs take on the Clippers in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Doncic Drives Mavs Past Nets
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 125-120, at American Airlines Center on Friday evening.
Luka Doncic dropped 49 points to lift the Mavs to their second straight win. The game got out to a slow start but the score stayed close through the first quarter, and the Mavericks led 26-25 at the end of the frame. Things picked up in the second, where the Nets outscored the hosts 34-31. Both sides kept the pace in the second half, while the Mavericks trimmed one point off the deficit and trailed 89-88 going into the final quarter. The Mavs kept the momentum going in the fourth and despite trailing for the first half of the quarter, they came up clutch in the final minutes to secure the home win.
Luka Doncic poured in 49 points on 16-for-25 shooting and logged 10 rebounds and seven assists, in 36 minutes of action. Tim Hardaway followed up with 19 points and four rebounds off the bench, while Kyrie Irving added 17 points, seven rebounds and six assists. The Mavericks shot 48.4 percent from the field including 15-for-36 from deep.
Meanwhile, Cam Thomas led the way for the Nets with 30 points, seven rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, in 33 minutes of action. Spencer Dinwiddie followed up with 23 points, three rebounds and eight assists, while Mikal Bridges added 18 points four rebounds and three assists. The Nets shot 48.9 percent from the field including 21-for-43 from long range.
The Nets (0-2) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Hornets in Charlotte on Monday. The Mavs hope to keep momentum going as they take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Monday.
Luka Doncic dropped 49 points to lift the Mavs to their second straight win. The game got out to a slow start but the score stayed close through the first quarter, and the Mavericks led 26-25 at the end of the frame. Things picked up in the second, where the Nets outscored the hosts 34-31. Both sides kept the pace in the second half, while the Mavericks trimmed one point off the deficit and trailed 89-88 going into the final quarter. The Mavs kept the momentum going in the fourth and despite trailing for the first half of the quarter, they came up clutch in the final minutes to secure the home win.
Luka Doncic poured in 49 points on 16-for-25 shooting and logged 10 rebounds and seven assists, in 36 minutes of action. Tim Hardaway followed up with 19 points and four rebounds off the bench, while Kyrie Irving added 17 points, seven rebounds and six assists. The Mavericks shot 48.4 percent from the field including 15-for-36 from deep.
Meanwhile, Cam Thomas led the way for the Nets with 30 points, seven rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, in 33 minutes of action. Spencer Dinwiddie followed up with 23 points, three rebounds and eight assists, while Mikal Bridges added 18 points four rebounds and three assists. The Nets shot 48.9 percent from the field including 21-for-43 from long range.
The Nets (0-2) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Hornets in Charlotte on Monday. The Mavs hope to keep momentum going as they take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Monday.
Jazz Defeat Clippers, 120-118
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Los Angeles Clippers, 120-118, at Vivint Arena on Friday.
While Utah held the lead for the first 40 minutes of this game, it wasn't decided until the final shot. In fact, there were four ties and six lead changes in the closing six minutes, with Jordan Clarkson hitting a game-winning three with 29 seconds remaining. Kawhi Leonard and Russell Westbrook both missed shots on the next possession for LA. Utah out-assisted Los Angeles, 27-17, while out-rebounding them, 54-44. The Jazz also outscored them in second-chance points, 33-8, and in fastbreak scoring, 18-5.
The Clippers (1-1) were led by Paul George, collecting 36 points and four rebounds. Kawhi Leonard finished with 25 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals. Russell Westbrook tallied four points, nine rebounds and four assists, while Norman Powell led the bench with 20 points and three boards. Bones Hyland had 12 points and two rebounds.
The Jazz (1-1) were led by Lauri Markkanen, providing 35 points, 12 rebounds and three assists. Jordan Clarkson amassed 13 points, four rebounds and six assists. John Collins compiled 13 points and 12 boards, while Talen Horton-Tucker totaled 10 points, three rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Kelly Olynyk led the bench with 15 points, four rebounds and three assists.
On deck for Utah is a road matchup with the Phoenix Suns on Saturday. As for Los Angeles, they play host to the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday for their next outing.
While Utah held the lead for the first 40 minutes of this game, it wasn't decided until the final shot. In fact, there were four ties and six lead changes in the closing six minutes, with Jordan Clarkson hitting a game-winning three with 29 seconds remaining. Kawhi Leonard and Russell Westbrook both missed shots on the next possession for LA. Utah out-assisted Los Angeles, 27-17, while out-rebounding them, 54-44. The Jazz also outscored them in second-chance points, 33-8, and in fastbreak scoring, 18-5.
The Clippers (1-1) were led by Paul George, collecting 36 points and four rebounds. Kawhi Leonard finished with 25 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals. Russell Westbrook tallied four points, nine rebounds and four assists, while Norman Powell led the bench with 20 points and three boards. Bones Hyland had 12 points and two rebounds.
The Jazz (1-1) were led by Lauri Markkanen, providing 35 points, 12 rebounds and three assists. Jordan Clarkson amassed 13 points, four rebounds and six assists. John Collins compiled 13 points and 12 boards, while Talen Horton-Tucker totaled 10 points, three rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Kelly Olynyk led the bench with 15 points, four rebounds and three assists.
On deck for Utah is a road matchup with the Phoenix Suns on Saturday. As for Los Angeles, they play host to the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday for their next outing.
Magic Defeat Blazers, 102-97
The Orlando Magic defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 102-97, at Moda Center on Friday.
There were only five ties and four lead changes in this game, with Orlando riding a 63-55 first half to their win. They never relinquished the lead in the second half after that but never led by more than 13 points. The Magic shot 46 percent from the field and 32 percent from three-point range while holding the Trail Blazers to 40 percent from the field and 28 percent from long range. Orlando also out-assisted Portland, 22-15, while outscoring them in the paint, 50-38.
The Magic (2-0) were led by Franz Wagner, finishing with 23 points, five rebounds and three assists. Paolo Banchero provided 14 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Jalen Suggs had 11 points, five rebounds, two assists, four steals and two blocks, while Cole Anthony led the bench with 18 points, four rebounds and two assists.
The Trail Blazers (0-2) were led by Shaedon Sharpe, tallying 24 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jerami Grant generated 15 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Deandre Ayton amassed 14 points and 15 boards. Malcolm Brogdon led the bench with 18 points and seven rebounds.
On deck for Portland is a road matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday. As for Orlando, they face the Los Angeles Lakers on the road on Monday for their next outing.
There were only five ties and four lead changes in this game, with Orlando riding a 63-55 first half to their win. They never relinquished the lead in the second half after that but never led by more than 13 points. The Magic shot 46 percent from the field and 32 percent from three-point range while holding the Trail Blazers to 40 percent from the field and 28 percent from long range. Orlando also out-assisted Portland, 22-15, while outscoring them in the paint, 50-38.
The Magic (2-0) were led by Franz Wagner, finishing with 23 points, five rebounds and three assists. Paolo Banchero provided 14 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Jalen Suggs had 11 points, five rebounds, two assists, four steals and two blocks, while Cole Anthony led the bench with 18 points, four rebounds and two assists.
The Trail Blazers (0-2) were led by Shaedon Sharpe, tallying 24 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jerami Grant generated 15 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Deandre Ayton amassed 14 points and 15 boards. Malcolm Brogdon led the bench with 18 points and seven rebounds.
On deck for Portland is a road matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday. As for Orlando, they face the Los Angeles Lakers on the road on Monday for their next outing.
Warriors Defeat Kings, 122-114
The Golden State Warriors defeated the host Sacramento Kings, 122-114, at Golden 1 Center on Friday.
It took eight ties and eight lead changes to determine a winner in this game, with Golden State riding a 39-27 third quarter to their win. They outscored the Kings, 75-55, in the middle quarters, getting their lead up to 18 points in the final frame. The Warriors shot 55 percent from the field, 44 percent from three-point range and 86 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Kings to 44 percent from the field, 30 percent from long range and 69 percent from the charity stripe. Golden State also out-assisted Sacramento, 32-24.
The Warriors (1-1) were led by Stephen Curry, collecting 41 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals on 14-of-19 from the field. Klay Thompson tallied 18 points, three rebounds and four assists. Andrew Wiggins amassed 11 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks, while Chris Paul provided 10 points, two rebounds, 12 assists and three steals. Kevon Looney also had eight points, 12 rebounds, six assists and three steals.
The Kings (1-1) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 39 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Domantas Sabonis accrued 19 points, 18 rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Keegan Murray amassed 16 points, seven rebounds and two steals, while Harrison Barnes had 10 points and four rebounds.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Sacramento remaining home to face the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State staying on the road to play the Houston Rockets.
It took eight ties and eight lead changes to determine a winner in this game, with Golden State riding a 39-27 third quarter to their win. They outscored the Kings, 75-55, in the middle quarters, getting their lead up to 18 points in the final frame. The Warriors shot 55 percent from the field, 44 percent from three-point range and 86 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Kings to 44 percent from the field, 30 percent from long range and 69 percent from the charity stripe. Golden State also out-assisted Sacramento, 32-24.
The Warriors (1-1) were led by Stephen Curry, collecting 41 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals on 14-of-19 from the field. Klay Thompson tallied 18 points, three rebounds and four assists. Andrew Wiggins amassed 11 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks, while Chris Paul provided 10 points, two rebounds, 12 assists and three steals. Kevon Looney also had eight points, 12 rebounds, six assists and three steals.
The Kings (1-1) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 39 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Domantas Sabonis accrued 19 points, 18 rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Keegan Murray amassed 16 points, seven rebounds and two steals, while Harrison Barnes had 10 points and four rebounds.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Sacramento remaining home to face the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State staying on the road to play the Houston Rockets.