Nuggets Cruise To Easy Win Over Thunder
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, 128-95, at Paycom Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Nuggets (3-0) are doing an excellent job of defending their 2022-23 NBA title and extended their perfect start to the season with an easy win over the Thunder (2-1). Oklahoma City didn’t look good in its home opener, and Denver grabbed control of the contest and never looked back. The Nuggets enjoyed a strong start and secured the lead in the first quarter following a 34-23 result. Denver kept playing aggressive, intense basketball, and the Nuggets made it a double-digit lead following a 35-28 result. A 28-24 score in the third quarter allowed the Nuggets to breeze their way the rest of the game. The Thunder never had a chance of mounting a comeback, and the Nuggets closed things out after a 31-20 score in the final 12 minutes. It was a complete effort from Denver as the team pushed their record to 3-0.
Nikola Jokic was the best player for the Nuggets once again and posted a 28-point, 14-rebound double-double while also adding five assists. Michael Porter Jr. finished with 20 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Jamal Murray also sniffed a double-double after posting 19 points and eight assists. Peyton Watson recorded 17 points coming off the bench. Christian Braun was also impressive and recorded 13 points, seven boards and seven dimes.
Chet Holmgren was the leading scorer for the Thunder and finished with 19 points and four rebounds. Jalen Williams was solid and recorded 13 points, five assists and three rebounds. Luguentz Dort had 10 points. Tre Mann ended with 12 points and five boards in just eight minutes of play off the bench.
The Nuggets (3-0) are doing an excellent job of defending their 2022-23 NBA title and extended their perfect start to the season with an easy win over the Thunder (2-1). Oklahoma City didn’t look good in its home opener, and Denver grabbed control of the contest and never looked back. The Nuggets enjoyed a strong start and secured the lead in the first quarter following a 34-23 result. Denver kept playing aggressive, intense basketball, and the Nuggets made it a double-digit lead following a 35-28 result. A 28-24 score in the third quarter allowed the Nuggets to breeze their way the rest of the game. The Thunder never had a chance of mounting a comeback, and the Nuggets closed things out after a 31-20 score in the final 12 minutes. It was a complete effort from Denver as the team pushed their record to 3-0.
Nikola Jokic was the best player for the Nuggets once again and posted a 28-point, 14-rebound double-double while also adding five assists. Michael Porter Jr. finished with 20 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Jamal Murray also sniffed a double-double after posting 19 points and eight assists. Peyton Watson recorded 17 points coming off the bench. Christian Braun was also impressive and recorded 13 points, seven boards and seven dimes.
Chet Holmgren was the leading scorer for the Thunder and finished with 19 points and four rebounds. Jalen Williams was solid and recorded 13 points, five assists and three rebounds. Luguentz Dort had 10 points. Tre Mann ended with 12 points and five boards in just eight minutes of play off the bench.
Warriors Top Rockets, 106-95
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Houston Rockets, 106-95, at Toyota Center on Sunday evening.
The Warriors (2-1) opened the game in good offensive form, extending a two-point first-quarter lead to 10 by halftime. The Rockets (0-3) were able to chip four points from their deficit going into the final period, and although Houston managed to forge several ties and even take a two-point lead in the fourth quarter, a quartet of Stephen Curry three-pointers helped seal the victory for Golden State.
Curry led the Warriors with 24 points, adding seven rebounds, six assists and one block. Klay Thompson furnished 19 points, four boards and one block. Gary Payton supplied 15 points, four rebounds, one assist, three steals and one block. Andrew Wiggins netted 13 points.
Jalen Green paced the Rockets with 21 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, one assist and one block. Jabari Smith delivered 14 points, eight boards, five assists and two steals. Dillon Brooks registered 12 points, four rebounds and two assists.
The Warriors remain on the road and tangle with the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night, while the Rockets remain home and welcome in the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night.
The Warriors (2-1) opened the game in good offensive form, extending a two-point first-quarter lead to 10 by halftime. The Rockets (0-3) were able to chip four points from their deficit going into the final period, and although Houston managed to forge several ties and even take a two-point lead in the fourth quarter, a quartet of Stephen Curry three-pointers helped seal the victory for Golden State.
Curry led the Warriors with 24 points, adding seven rebounds, six assists and one block. Klay Thompson furnished 19 points, four boards and one block. Gary Payton supplied 15 points, four rebounds, one assist, three steals and one block. Andrew Wiggins netted 13 points.
Jalen Green paced the Rockets with 21 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, one assist and one block. Jabari Smith delivered 14 points, eight boards, five assists and two steals. Dillon Brooks registered 12 points, four rebounds and two assists.
The Warriors remain on the road and tangle with the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night, while the Rockets remain home and welcome in the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night.
Hawks Thump Bucks, 127-110
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, 127-110, at Fiserv Forum on Sunday evening.
The Hawks (1-2) came into the contest still in search of their first victory and as underdogs to accomplish it in a tough road environment, but Atlanta jumped out to a surprising 31-25 lead through one and then extended its advantage to 21 points by halftime with a dominant second period. The visitors then helped ensure there would be no Milwaukee post-intermission resurgence by matching the Bucks (1-1) bucket for bucket in the third, paving the way for the comfortable victory.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with a 20-point, 11-assist double-double that included three rebounds and one steal. Bogdan Bogdanovic recorded 17 points, six assists, one rebound and two steals. De'Andre Hunter and Dejounte Murray generated matching 15-point tallies while adding three rebounds and five assists, respectively. Hunter also posted four steals. Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu posted matching 14-point, seven-rebound contributions. Saddiq Bey furnished 13 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Clint Capela generated a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist and one steal.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with a 26-point, 11-rebound double-double that included three assists, two blocks and one steal. Malik Beasley registered 18 points, four rebounds, one assist and two steals. Brook Lopez supplied 13 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Bobby Portis managed 12 points, four rebounds and two assists.
The Hawks return home to host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night, while the Bucks remain home and welcome the Miami Heat in on Monday night as well.
The Hawks (1-2) came into the contest still in search of their first victory and as underdogs to accomplish it in a tough road environment, but Atlanta jumped out to a surprising 31-25 lead through one and then extended its advantage to 21 points by halftime with a dominant second period. The visitors then helped ensure there would be no Milwaukee post-intermission resurgence by matching the Bucks (1-1) bucket for bucket in the third, paving the way for the comfortable victory.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with a 20-point, 11-assist double-double that included three rebounds and one steal. Bogdan Bogdanovic recorded 17 points, six assists, one rebound and two steals. De'Andre Hunter and Dejounte Murray generated matching 15-point tallies while adding three rebounds and five assists, respectively. Hunter also posted four steals. Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu posted matching 14-point, seven-rebound contributions. Saddiq Bey furnished 13 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Clint Capela generated a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist and one steal.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with a 26-point, 11-rebound double-double that included three assists, two blocks and one steal. Malik Beasley registered 18 points, four rebounds, one assist and two steals. Brook Lopez supplied 13 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Bobby Portis managed 12 points, four rebounds and two assists.
The Hawks return home to host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night, while the Bucks remain home and welcome the Miami Heat in on Monday night as well.
Sixers Bounce Blazers In Home Opener
By Dan Bruno
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, 126-98, at Wells Fargo Center on Sunday evening.
The hosts got out to a strong start and led 36-28 after one quarter. The Trailblazers picked up the pace in the second and outscored the 76ers 32-30 to make it a six-point game by halftime. The 76ers turned it up a notch in the third and outscored the visitors by 12 points to take an 18-point cushion into the final frame. The Sixers did not let up in the fourth and added another 10 points to their advantage to close out the 28-point win in their home opener.
Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 35 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and six blocks, in 29 minutes. Tyrese Maxey followed up with 26 points, 10 rebounds and four assists, while Tobias Harris added 24 points, five rebounds, two assists, a steel and two blocks. The Sixers shot 48.8 percent from the field including 11-for-28 from deep.
Meanwhile, Shaedon Sharp led the Trail Blazers with 20 points, five rebounds and two assists, in 36 minutes. Malcolm Brogdon followed up with 18 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Jeremy Grant tallied 17 points, five rebounds, one assist and two blocks. The Trail Blazers shot 38.3 percent from the field, including 7-for-31 from long range.
The Blazers will look to bounce back as they take on the Raptors in Toronto on Monday. The 76ers' next game is on Thursday and is also against the Raptors.
The hosts got out to a strong start and led 36-28 after one quarter. The Trailblazers picked up the pace in the second and outscored the 76ers 32-30 to make it a six-point game by halftime. The 76ers turned it up a notch in the third and outscored the visitors by 12 points to take an 18-point cushion into the final frame. The Sixers did not let up in the fourth and added another 10 points to their advantage to close out the 28-point win in their home opener.
Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 35 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and six blocks, in 29 minutes. Tyrese Maxey followed up with 26 points, 10 rebounds and four assists, while Tobias Harris added 24 points, five rebounds, two assists, a steel and two blocks. The Sixers shot 48.8 percent from the field including 11-for-28 from deep.
Meanwhile, Shaedon Sharp led the Trail Blazers with 20 points, five rebounds and two assists, in 36 minutes. Malcolm Brogdon followed up with 18 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Jeremy Grant tallied 17 points, five rebounds, one assist and two blocks. The Trail Blazers shot 38.3 percent from the field, including 7-for-31 from long range.
The Blazers will look to bounce back as they take on the Raptors in Toronto on Monday. The 76ers' next game is on Thursday and is also against the Raptors.
Clippers Roll Spurs, 123-83
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 123-83, at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday.
Los Angeles never relinquished the lead after a 23-17 first quarter, putting the game away behind a 33-20 second quarter and 37-23 third quarter. The Clippers got their lead up to 41 points at times, leading by at least 24 points for the final 22 minutes of the second half. Los Angeles shot 52 percent from the field while holding San Antonio to 38 percent shooting. The Clippers also won the turnover battle, 25-16, while outscoring the Spurs in the paint, 54-30.
The Spurs (1-2) were led by Devin Vassell, scoring 14 points. Victor Wembenyama totaled 11 points, five rebounds and two assists. Zach Collins compiled nine points, six rebounds and four assists, while Cedi Osman led the bench with 12 points. Keldon Johnson scored just five points on 1-of-9 shooting, while Jeremy Sochan went scoreless.
The Clippers (2-1) were led by Kawhi Leonard, collecting 21 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals. Russell Westbrook amassed 19 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Paul George provided 19 points, four rebounds, five assists and five steals, while Ivica Zubac amassed 16 points and eight rebounds. Bones Hyland led the bench with 18 points and three boards.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with San Antonio staying on the road to face the Phoenix Suns and LA remaining home to play the young Orlando Magic.
Los Angeles never relinquished the lead after a 23-17 first quarter, putting the game away behind a 33-20 second quarter and 37-23 third quarter. The Clippers got their lead up to 41 points at times, leading by at least 24 points for the final 22 minutes of the second half. Los Angeles shot 52 percent from the field while holding San Antonio to 38 percent shooting. The Clippers also won the turnover battle, 25-16, while outscoring the Spurs in the paint, 54-30.
The Spurs (1-2) were led by Devin Vassell, scoring 14 points. Victor Wembenyama totaled 11 points, five rebounds and two assists. Zach Collins compiled nine points, six rebounds and four assists, while Cedi Osman led the bench with 12 points. Keldon Johnson scored just five points on 1-of-9 shooting, while Jeremy Sochan went scoreless.
The Clippers (2-1) were led by Kawhi Leonard, collecting 21 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals. Russell Westbrook amassed 19 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Paul George provided 19 points, four rebounds, five assists and five steals, while Ivica Zubac amassed 16 points and eight rebounds. Bones Hyland led the bench with 18 points and three boards.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with San Antonio staying on the road to face the Phoenix Suns and LA remaining home to play the young Orlando Magic.
Kings Defeat Lakers in OT, 132-127
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Los Angeles Lakers in overtime, 132-127, at Golden 1 Center on Sunday.
While Sacramento held the lead for the first three quarters, it took an overtime session to determine a winner in this game. There were six ties and four lead changes in the fourth quarter and OT, with the Kings closing on a 12-7 run over the final 3:21. Sacramento shot 47 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range while holding Los Angeles to 44 percent from the field and 33 percent from long range. The Kings also outscored the Lakers in the paint, 56-44.
The Lakers (1-2) were led by Anthony Davis, finishing with 30 points, 16 rebounds, two assists, two steals and three blocks. LeBron James tallied 27 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists. Taurean Price amassed 20 points, three rebounds and two assists, while D'Angelo Russell registered 17 points, three rebounds and nine assists. Austin Reaves missed 11 of his 12 shots.
The Kings (2-1) were led by De'Aaron Fox, collecting 37 points, four rebounds and eight assists. Keegan Murray totaled 17 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals. Domantas Sabonis fouled out in regulation but still had 12 points, 15 rebounds and six assists. Malik Monk led the bench with 22 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Los Angeles has to play again on Monday, returning home to face the Orlando Magic. As for Sacramento, they return to action on Wednesday in a road matchup with the Golden State Warriors.
While Sacramento held the lead for the first three quarters, it took an overtime session to determine a winner in this game. There were six ties and four lead changes in the fourth quarter and OT, with the Kings closing on a 12-7 run over the final 3:21. Sacramento shot 47 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range while holding Los Angeles to 44 percent from the field and 33 percent from long range. The Kings also outscored the Lakers in the paint, 56-44.
The Lakers (1-2) were led by Anthony Davis, finishing with 30 points, 16 rebounds, two assists, two steals and three blocks. LeBron James tallied 27 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists. Taurean Price amassed 20 points, three rebounds and two assists, while D'Angelo Russell registered 17 points, three rebounds and nine assists. Austin Reaves missed 11 of his 12 shots.
The Kings (2-1) were led by De'Aaron Fox, collecting 37 points, four rebounds and eight assists. Keegan Murray totaled 17 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals. Domantas Sabonis fouled out in regulation but still had 12 points, 15 rebounds and six assists. Malik Monk led the bench with 22 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Los Angeles has to play again on Monday, returning home to face the Orlando Magic. As for Sacramento, they return to action on Wednesday in a road matchup with the Golden State Warriors.