Pelicans Use Strong Start To Get Past Knicks
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the New York Knicks, 96-87, at Smoothie King Center on Saturday.
The Pelicans (2-0) remain perfect and delivered another strong performance on the offensive side of the ball, while the Knicks (1-2) were quite poor once again and struggled to get things offensively. New Orleans jumped to a 26-12 lead in the first quarter and never looked back since then. The Knicks showed some signs of life in the second quarter, but the Pelicans extended their lead even further and were up by 18 points at halftime (55-37). The Knicks outscored the Pels in the second half, mainly after a 31-22 score in the third quarter, but the game was already decided by the time the fourth quarter started. The Pelicans rested their starters in the final minutes and closed the game with ease.
Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson paced the Pelicans in this win and both combined for 50 points. Ingram finished with a game-high 26 points, while Williamson posted 24 points. Ingram also added seven rebounds and three assists. CJ McCollum delivered 12 points, seven assists, four steals and three rebounds. Herbert Jones finished with 10 points. The Pelicans shot 46 percent from the field and 27.3 percent from three-point range.
Only four New York players scored in double digits. RJ Barrett was the team-leading scorer with 18 points, three rebounds and two assists. Jalen Brunson had another subpar outing in terms of efficiency (4-14 FG, 1-5 3Pt), but he posted 14 points. Mitchell Robinson ended with eight points and 15 rebounds. Julius Randle had another double-double after notching 10 points and 12 boards.
The Pelicans (2-0) remain perfect and delivered another strong performance on the offensive side of the ball, while the Knicks (1-2) were quite poor once again and struggled to get things offensively. New Orleans jumped to a 26-12 lead in the first quarter and never looked back since then. The Knicks showed some signs of life in the second quarter, but the Pelicans extended their lead even further and were up by 18 points at halftime (55-37). The Knicks outscored the Pels in the second half, mainly after a 31-22 score in the third quarter, but the game was already decided by the time the fourth quarter started. The Pelicans rested their starters in the final minutes and closed the game with ease.
Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson paced the Pelicans in this win and both combined for 50 points. Ingram finished with a game-high 26 points, while Williamson posted 24 points. Ingram also added seven rebounds and three assists. CJ McCollum delivered 12 points, seven assists, four steals and three rebounds. Herbert Jones finished with 10 points. The Pelicans shot 46 percent from the field and 27.3 percent from three-point range.
Only four New York players scored in double digits. RJ Barrett was the team-leading scorer with 18 points, three rebounds and two assists. Jalen Brunson had another subpar outing in terms of efficiency (4-14 FG, 1-5 3Pt), but he posted 14 points. Mitchell Robinson ended with eight points and 15 rebounds. Julius Randle had another double-double after notching 10 points and 12 boards.
Pistons Secure Comfortable Win Over Bulls
The Detroit Pistons defeated the Chicago Bulls, 118-102, at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday.
The Pistons (2-1) delivered one of their best performances of the young 2023-24 NBA season and cruised to an easy victory over a struggling Bulls (1-2) team. Detroit looked dominant in the early going and grabbed a 29-26 lead in the first quarter, but they were even better in the second quarter and established a double-digit lead following a 28-18 score. Up by 13 points entering the second half, the Bulls knew they had their backs against the wall and reduced the deficit to just seven points. However, the Pistons didn’t allow the Bulls to mount a comeback. Detroit won the final quarter by an expressive 34-25 score and closed the game out with ease.
Cade Cunningham was the main scorer for the Pistons after recording a 25-point, 10-assist double-double. Jalen Duren had a monster game after notching 23 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Isaiah Stewart came close to notching a double-double after putting up 14 points and nine rebounds. Alec Burks was impressive off the bench and delivered 18 points. Detroit shot 52.3 percent from the field.
Zach LaVine had a career-best performance and finished with 51 points, but he could not lift the Bulls to victory. DeMar DeRozan notched 20 points, four assists and two blocks. Nikola Vucevic posted 12 points and four rebounds. No other Chicago player scored in double digits. It’s worth noting that LaVine had 50 percent of the Bulls’ total point haul. Chicago shot 41.9 percent from the field.
The Pistons (2-1) delivered one of their best performances of the young 2023-24 NBA season and cruised to an easy victory over a struggling Bulls (1-2) team. Detroit looked dominant in the early going and grabbed a 29-26 lead in the first quarter, but they were even better in the second quarter and established a double-digit lead following a 28-18 score. Up by 13 points entering the second half, the Bulls knew they had their backs against the wall and reduced the deficit to just seven points. However, the Pistons didn’t allow the Bulls to mount a comeback. Detroit won the final quarter by an expressive 34-25 score and closed the game out with ease.
Cade Cunningham was the main scorer for the Pistons after recording a 25-point, 10-assist double-double. Jalen Duren had a monster game after notching 23 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Isaiah Stewart came close to notching a double-double after putting up 14 points and nine rebounds. Alec Burks was impressive off the bench and delivered 18 points. Detroit shot 52.3 percent from the field.
Zach LaVine had a career-best performance and finished with 51 points, but he could not lift the Bulls to victory. DeMar DeRozan notched 20 points, four assists and two blocks. Nikola Vucevic posted 12 points and four rebounds. No other Chicago player scored in double digits. It’s worth noting that LaVine had 50 percent of the Bulls’ total point haul. Chicago shot 41.9 percent from the field.
Grizzlies Come Up Short In Loss To Wizards
The Washington Wizards defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 113-106, at Capital One Arena on Saturday.
The Wizards (1-1) secured the victory in their home opener and didn’t have significant problems to get past a struggling Grizzlies (0-3) team that has been suffering from the absence of some key players and expected starters. Washington looked like the better team in the early stages and raced to a 25-22 score in the first quarter, but they pulled away for good following a 37-24 score. A 15-point lead for the Wizards seemed like the game was already decided, but the Grizzlies responded in the second half thanks to an uptick in attitude and intensity. The Grizzlies won the third (34-30) and fourth (26-21) quarters, but that was insufficient to mount a comeback. A few key plays down the stretch from Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole iced the game for Washington.
Poole was the leading scorer for the Wizards thanks to a 27-point output that also included four rebounds, two assists and a steal. Kuzma finished with a 21-point, 13-rebound double-double. Kuzma also added two assists and a steal. Tre Jones notched 14 points and seven assists. Daniel Gafford and Deni Avdija each had 10 points, though Gafford posted a double-double since he also grabbed 11 rebounds.
Desmond Bane was the best player for the Grizzlies thanks to his 26 points, and he also added five assists. Ziaire Williams recorded 16 points and 10 rebounds, and he has done a good job since playing as a starter. Jaren Jackson delivered 16 points and five rebounds. David Roddy delivered 14 points, six rebounds and two assists.
The Wizards (1-1) secured the victory in their home opener and didn’t have significant problems to get past a struggling Grizzlies (0-3) team that has been suffering from the absence of some key players and expected starters. Washington looked like the better team in the early stages and raced to a 25-22 score in the first quarter, but they pulled away for good following a 37-24 score. A 15-point lead for the Wizards seemed like the game was already decided, but the Grizzlies responded in the second half thanks to an uptick in attitude and intensity. The Grizzlies won the third (34-30) and fourth (26-21) quarters, but that was insufficient to mount a comeback. A few key plays down the stretch from Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole iced the game for Washington.
Poole was the leading scorer for the Wizards thanks to a 27-point output that also included four rebounds, two assists and a steal. Kuzma finished with a 21-point, 13-rebound double-double. Kuzma also added two assists and a steal. Tre Jones notched 14 points and seven assists. Daniel Gafford and Deni Avdija each had 10 points, though Gafford posted a double-double since he also grabbed 11 rebounds.
Desmond Bane was the best player for the Grizzlies thanks to his 26 points, and he also added five assists. Ziaire Williams recorded 16 points and 10 rebounds, and he has done a good job since playing as a starter. Jaren Jackson delivered 16 points and five rebounds. David Roddy delivered 14 points, six rebounds and two assists.
Pacers Roll Past Cavs
By Dan Bruno
The Indiana Pacers defeated the host Cleveland Cavaliers, 125-113, at Rocket mortgage Fieldhouse on Saturday evening.
Despite missing Donovan Mitchell (hamstring) and Darius Garland (hamstring), the Cavaliers got out to a good start and led 37-31, after one quarter. However, the Pacers took over in the second, where they outscored the hosts 29-12, to take an 11-point lead into half time. The Cavaliers came out strong again in the third quarter and managed trim seven points off the deficit, making it a four-point game heading into the final frame, but the Pacers kept their focus and pushed their lead back up to seven points mid way through the quarter. The Pacers remained in control the rest of the way and closed out their second straight win to start the season.
Aaron Nesmith led the Pacers with 26 points on 10-for-16 shooting, including 5-for-9 from long range, in 30 minutes off the bench. Tyrese Haliburton followed up with 21 points, eight rebounds and 13 assists, while Myles Turner totaled 20 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks. The Pacers shot 49 percent from the field including 15-for-38 from deep.
Meanwhile, Evan Mobley led the way for the Cavs with 33 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and three blocks, in 33 minutes of action. Caris LeVert followed up with 31 points, five rebounds, eight assists and a steal, while Max Strus totaled 21 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. The Cavs shot 43.4 percent from the field, including 12-for-31 from long range.
The Cavs (1-2) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Knicks on Tuesday. The Pacers (2-0) play host to the Bulls on Monday.
Despite missing Donovan Mitchell (hamstring) and Darius Garland (hamstring), the Cavaliers got out to a good start and led 37-31, after one quarter. However, the Pacers took over in the second, where they outscored the hosts 29-12, to take an 11-point lead into half time. The Cavaliers came out strong again in the third quarter and managed trim seven points off the deficit, making it a four-point game heading into the final frame, but the Pacers kept their focus and pushed their lead back up to seven points mid way through the quarter. The Pacers remained in control the rest of the way and closed out their second straight win to start the season.
Aaron Nesmith led the Pacers with 26 points on 10-for-16 shooting, including 5-for-9 from long range, in 30 minutes off the bench. Tyrese Haliburton followed up with 21 points, eight rebounds and 13 assists, while Myles Turner totaled 20 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks. The Pacers shot 49 percent from the field including 15-for-38 from deep.
Meanwhile, Evan Mobley led the way for the Cavs with 33 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and three blocks, in 33 minutes of action. Caris LeVert followed up with 31 points, five rebounds, eight assists and a steal, while Max Strus totaled 21 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. The Cavs shot 43.4 percent from the field, including 12-for-31 from long range.
The Cavs (1-2) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Knicks on Tuesday. The Pacers (2-0) play host to the Bulls on Monday.
Sixers Pick Up First Win Of Season
By Dan Bruno
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the host Toronto Raptors, 114-107, at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday evening.
The Raptors got out to a strong start at home and led 36-27, after one quarter. The 76ers picked up the pace in the second and managed to trim it to a three-point game by halftime. The visitors kept the momentum going in the third quarter and outscored the Raptors 35-20, to take a 12-point lead into the final frame. The Raptors kept up the fight in the fourth and cut it to a five-point deficit with six minutes to go, but the Sixers stayed in control and closed out their first win of the season.
Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey tallied 34 points each to lead the way for the 76ers. Kelly Oubre added 18 points, five rebounds, two assists and three steals, off the bench. The Sixers shot 50 percent from the field, including 10-for-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 24 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two blocks, in 37 minutes. Gary Trent followed up with 17 points, while Dennis Schroeder totaled 15 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. Rookie, Grady Dick also added 16 points on 5-for-8 shooting, off the bench. The Raptors shot 43.7 percent from the field, including 17-for-32 from deep.
The Raptors (1-2) will look to bounce back as they play post to the Trail Blazers on Monday - but first, the 76ers (1-1) play host to the Trail Blazers on Sunday.
The Raptors got out to a strong start at home and led 36-27, after one quarter. The 76ers picked up the pace in the second and managed to trim it to a three-point game by halftime. The visitors kept the momentum going in the third quarter and outscored the Raptors 35-20, to take a 12-point lead into the final frame. The Raptors kept up the fight in the fourth and cut it to a five-point deficit with six minutes to go, but the Sixers stayed in control and closed out their first win of the season.
Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey tallied 34 points each to lead the way for the 76ers. Kelly Oubre added 18 points, five rebounds, two assists and three steals, off the bench. The Sixers shot 50 percent from the field, including 10-for-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 24 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two blocks, in 37 minutes. Gary Trent followed up with 17 points, while Dennis Schroeder totaled 15 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. Rookie, Grady Dick also added 16 points on 5-for-8 shooting, off the bench. The Raptors shot 43.7 percent from the field, including 17-for-32 from deep.
The Raptors (1-2) will look to bounce back as they play post to the Trail Blazers on Monday - but first, the 76ers (1-1) play host to the Trail Blazers on Sunday.
T'Wolves Defeat Heat, 106-90
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Miami Heat, 106-90, at Target Center on Saturday.
There were eight ties and nine lead changes through the opening three quarters of this game, but Minnesota rode a 26-17 fourth quarter to their blowout win. They actually went on a 19-1 run in that final frame to grab a game-high 23-point lead. Neither team led by more than eight points until that lopsided run. The Timberwolves shot 51 percent from the field, 35 percent from three-point range and 75 percent from the free-throw line, while the Heat shot 40 percent from the field, 31 percent from long range and 57 percent from the charity stripe. Minnesota outscored Miami in the paint, 58-38.
The Heat (1-2) were led by Tyler Herro, tallying 22 points, five rebounds and four assists. Bam Adebayo was the only other player in double figures, finishing with 19 points, three rebounds and two assists. Nikola Jovic started and had eight points, 11 rebounds and four assists. Jimmy Butler, Kevin Love and Caleb Martin all missed this game.
The Timberwolves (1-1) leading scorer came off the bench, with Naz Reid registering 25 points, eight rebounds and two steals. Anthony Edwards led the starters with 19 points, two rebounds and seven assists. Mike Conley collected 14 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Rudy Gobert gobbled up 14 points and 14 rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns totaled 12 points, 10 rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Minnesota traveling to face the Atlanta Hawks and Miami staying on the road to play the Milwaukee Bucks.
There were eight ties and nine lead changes through the opening three quarters of this game, but Minnesota rode a 26-17 fourth quarter to their blowout win. They actually went on a 19-1 run in that final frame to grab a game-high 23-point lead. Neither team led by more than eight points until that lopsided run. The Timberwolves shot 51 percent from the field, 35 percent from three-point range and 75 percent from the free-throw line, while the Heat shot 40 percent from the field, 31 percent from long range and 57 percent from the charity stripe. Minnesota outscored Miami in the paint, 58-38.
The Heat (1-2) were led by Tyler Herro, tallying 22 points, five rebounds and four assists. Bam Adebayo was the only other player in double figures, finishing with 19 points, three rebounds and two assists. Nikola Jovic started and had eight points, 11 rebounds and four assists. Jimmy Butler, Kevin Love and Caleb Martin all missed this game.
The Timberwolves (1-1) leading scorer came off the bench, with Naz Reid registering 25 points, eight rebounds and two steals. Anthony Edwards led the starters with 19 points, two rebounds and seven assists. Mike Conley collected 14 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Rudy Gobert gobbled up 14 points and 14 rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns totaled 12 points, 10 rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Minnesota traveling to face the Atlanta Hawks and Miami staying on the road to play the Milwaukee Bucks.
Suns Roll Jazz, 126-104
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 126-104, at Footprint Center on Saturday.
Phoenix outscored Utah by at least six points in each of the first three quarters, maintaining the lead for the final 45 minutes of this 48-minute game. They led by 10 points after the first quarter, by 16 at the half and by 28 points headed into the final frame, getting their lead up to 33 points at times. The Suns shot 53 percent from the field while holding the Jazz to 44 percent shooting. Phoenix also connected on 26-of-28 from the free-throw line, while Utah hit just 12-of-14. The Suns outscored the Jazz in the paint, 64-50, and in fastbreak scoring, 23-6.
The Jazz (1-2) were led by Lauri Markkanen, collecting 19 points, three rebounds and two blocks. John Collins compiled 11 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Collin Sexton led the bench with 14 points, two rebounds and six assists, while Keyonte George generated 12 points, seven rebounds and six assists,
The Suns (2-1) were led by Kevin Durant, tallying 26 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Eric Gordon scored all of his points in the first half, collecting 21 points, two rebounds and four assists. Grayson Allen amassed 17 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Jusuf Nurkic accrued 10 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals.
On deck for Utah is a road matchup with the Denver Nuggets on Monday. As for Phoenix, they stay home to face the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday for their next tussle.
Phoenix outscored Utah by at least six points in each of the first three quarters, maintaining the lead for the final 45 minutes of this 48-minute game. They led by 10 points after the first quarter, by 16 at the half and by 28 points headed into the final frame, getting their lead up to 33 points at times. The Suns shot 53 percent from the field while holding the Jazz to 44 percent shooting. Phoenix also connected on 26-of-28 from the free-throw line, while Utah hit just 12-of-14. The Suns outscored the Jazz in the paint, 64-50, and in fastbreak scoring, 23-6.
The Jazz (1-2) were led by Lauri Markkanen, collecting 19 points, three rebounds and two blocks. John Collins compiled 11 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Collin Sexton led the bench with 14 points, two rebounds and six assists, while Keyonte George generated 12 points, seven rebounds and six assists,
The Suns (2-1) were led by Kevin Durant, tallying 26 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Eric Gordon scored all of his points in the first half, collecting 21 points, two rebounds and four assists. Grayson Allen amassed 17 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Jusuf Nurkic accrued 10 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals.
On deck for Utah is a road matchup with the Denver Nuggets on Monday. As for Phoenix, they stay home to face the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday for their next tussle.