Bulls Mount Comeback To Defeat Pacers
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Indiana Pacers, 112-105, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Monday.
The Bulls (2-2) needed a bounce-back performance following an awful showing Saturday against the Detroit Pistons. That’s exactly what they accomplished in their visit to the Pacers (2-1), who lost at home for the first time in 2023-24. The Pacers set the tone of the game in the early stages and raced to a 30-27 lead in the first quarter. However, Chicago showed signs of life as the game progressed and reduced the deficit to just two points following a 26-25 score in the second quarter. The Bulls struggled to keep the momentum going and saw the Pacers grab the lead again after a 28-25 score in the third quarter, but Chicago didn’t give up. The Bulls dominated the final 12 minutes of play and outscored the Pacers by a 34-22 score, turning the game upside down and closing out the win with a seven-point differential. With the win, the Bulls moved to 1-1 on the road, while the Pacers fell to 1-1 at home.
Nikola Vucevic delivered his best performance of the season with a stunning effort, racking up 24 points, 17 rebounds and three assists. Zach LaVine finished with 23 points, five rebounds and five boards. DeMar DeRozan again reached the 20-point mark, ending with 20 points and four assists. Jevon Carter looked good off the bench and racked up 11 points, two boards and two assists in 18 minutes.
Myles Turner led the Pacers with a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds, but he also chipped in with three assists and two blocks. Tyrese Haliburton also registered a double-double thanks to his 19 points and 13 assists while adding five boards and two steals. Bennedict Mathurin notched 15 points and four boards. Bruce Brown had 15 points and seven rebounds. Buddy Hield delivered 11 points (4-12 FG) coming off the bench.
The Bulls (2-2) needed a bounce-back performance following an awful showing Saturday against the Detroit Pistons. That’s exactly what they accomplished in their visit to the Pacers (2-1), who lost at home for the first time in 2023-24. The Pacers set the tone of the game in the early stages and raced to a 30-27 lead in the first quarter. However, Chicago showed signs of life as the game progressed and reduced the deficit to just two points following a 26-25 score in the second quarter. The Bulls struggled to keep the momentum going and saw the Pacers grab the lead again after a 28-25 score in the third quarter, but Chicago didn’t give up. The Bulls dominated the final 12 minutes of play and outscored the Pacers by a 34-22 score, turning the game upside down and closing out the win with a seven-point differential. With the win, the Bulls moved to 1-1 on the road, while the Pacers fell to 1-1 at home.
Nikola Vucevic delivered his best performance of the season with a stunning effort, racking up 24 points, 17 rebounds and three assists. Zach LaVine finished with 23 points, five rebounds and five boards. DeMar DeRozan again reached the 20-point mark, ending with 20 points and four assists. Jevon Carter looked good off the bench and racked up 11 points, two boards and two assists in 18 minutes.
Myles Turner led the Pacers with a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds, but he also chipped in with three assists and two blocks. Tyrese Haliburton also registered a double-double thanks to his 19 points and 13 assists while adding five boards and two steals. Bennedict Mathurin notched 15 points and four boards. Bruce Brown had 15 points and seven rebounds. Buddy Hield delivered 11 points (4-12 FG) coming off the bench.
Celtics Dominate Wizards In Easy Road Win
The Boston Celtics defeated the Washington Wizards, 126-107, at Capital One Arena on Monday.
The Celtics (3-0) extended their perfect start with a dominant display against the Wizards (1-2), and this was a game that was over before the first quarter ended. The Celtics ran the Wizards off the court with strong play at both ends and as a result, Boston built a 23-point lead following the first quarter (42-19). Understandably, the Celtics eased things up a bit the rest of the way, though they never allowed the Wizards to come closer to a comeback. In fact, Boston won both the second (35-32) and third (31-24) quarters as well, extending their lead even further and resting their starters down the stretch. Washington won the final quarter by a 32-18 score, but that was just garbage-time basketball. The Celtics' win was never in doubt thanks to their impressive performance on both sides of the ball. Boston moved to 2-0 on the road with the win, while the Wizards fell to 1-1 at home.
Jaylen Brown was enduring a slow start to the season, but he bounced back admirably here with a team-high 36 points while also adding six rebounds, two assists and three steals. Jayson Tatum only needed 28 minutes to score 33 points (14-21 FG), and he also chipped in with six rebounds and three assists. Kristaps Porzingis recorded 15 points, six boards and three dimes. Jrue Holiday had 11 points, five boards and three boards.
Kyle Kuzma was the leading scorer for the Wizards after notching 21 points, and he also contributed five rebounds and four assists to the losing cause. Deni Avdija had 11 points and seven rebounds, while both Jordan Poole and Tre Jones chipped in with 11 points and three boards. Jones also dished out seven assists, while Poole contributed three steals and two dimes. Eugene Omoruyi delivered 14 points and six rebounds off the bench.
The Celtics (3-0) extended their perfect start with a dominant display against the Wizards (1-2), and this was a game that was over before the first quarter ended. The Celtics ran the Wizards off the court with strong play at both ends and as a result, Boston built a 23-point lead following the first quarter (42-19). Understandably, the Celtics eased things up a bit the rest of the way, though they never allowed the Wizards to come closer to a comeback. In fact, Boston won both the second (35-32) and third (31-24) quarters as well, extending their lead even further and resting their starters down the stretch. Washington won the final quarter by a 32-18 score, but that was just garbage-time basketball. The Celtics' win was never in doubt thanks to their impressive performance on both sides of the ball. Boston moved to 2-0 on the road with the win, while the Wizards fell to 1-1 at home.
Jaylen Brown was enduring a slow start to the season, but he bounced back admirably here with a team-high 36 points while also adding six rebounds, two assists and three steals. Jayson Tatum only needed 28 minutes to score 33 points (14-21 FG), and he also chipped in with six rebounds and three assists. Kristaps Porzingis recorded 15 points, six boards and three dimes. Jrue Holiday had 11 points, five boards and three boards.
Kyle Kuzma was the leading scorer for the Wizards after notching 21 points, and he also contributed five rebounds and four assists to the losing cause. Deni Avdija had 11 points and seven rebounds, while both Jordan Poole and Tre Jones chipped in with 11 points and three boards. Jones also dished out seven assists, while Poole contributed three steals and two dimes. Eugene Omoruyi delivered 14 points and six rebounds off the bench.
Nets Claim First Win Of Season Against Hornets
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 133-121, at Spectrum Center on Monday.
The Nets (1-2) clinched their first win of the season and defeated the Hornets (1-2) thanks to a strong start that allowed them to set the tone for the rest of the contest. Brooklyn scored 42 first-quarter points and outscored the Hornets by 19 in the opening 12 minutes. The Nets looked in cruise control the rest of the way, but the Hornets were not going to give up easily. Charlotte won the second quarter by a 32-24 score and reduced the deficit to 11, but the Hornets could not keep the momentum going in the second half. A 33-28 score in the third quarter pretty much closed the game out for Brooklyn, and even though the Hornets won the final 12 minutes by a 38-34 score, it was too much for them to comeback. The Nets moved to 1-1 on the road with the win, while the Hornets fell to 1-2 at home and are yet to play on the road in 2023-24.
Cam Thomas had another impressive performance and keeps showing he has the talent to lead an offense at the NBA level. He racked up 33 points (10-17 FG) while adding two rebounds and two assists. Ben Simmons came close to a triple-double and finished with 11 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Mikal Bridges delivered 24 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Dorian Finney-Smith had 19 points, seven boards and two blocks. Lonnie Walker IV had 19 points, five boards and four dimes.
Terry Rozier had 23 points and nine assists to lead the Hornets. LaMelo Bell finished with just eight points in 22 minutes while shooting 3-12 from the field. Mike Williams ended with 18 points and seven rebounds. P.J. Washington and Gordon Hayward each delivered 15 points, with Washington adding 12 rebounds and Hayward chipping in with five assists. Brandon Miller had 22 points and nine rebounds off the bench.
The Nets (1-2) clinched their first win of the season and defeated the Hornets (1-2) thanks to a strong start that allowed them to set the tone for the rest of the contest. Brooklyn scored 42 first-quarter points and outscored the Hornets by 19 in the opening 12 minutes. The Nets looked in cruise control the rest of the way, but the Hornets were not going to give up easily. Charlotte won the second quarter by a 32-24 score and reduced the deficit to 11, but the Hornets could not keep the momentum going in the second half. A 33-28 score in the third quarter pretty much closed the game out for Brooklyn, and even though the Hornets won the final 12 minutes by a 38-34 score, it was too much for them to comeback. The Nets moved to 1-1 on the road with the win, while the Hornets fell to 1-2 at home and are yet to play on the road in 2023-24.
Cam Thomas had another impressive performance and keeps showing he has the talent to lead an offense at the NBA level. He racked up 33 points (10-17 FG) while adding two rebounds and two assists. Ben Simmons came close to a triple-double and finished with 11 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Mikal Bridges delivered 24 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Dorian Finney-Smith had 19 points, seven boards and two blocks. Lonnie Walker IV had 19 points, five boards and four dimes.
Terry Rozier had 23 points and nine assists to lead the Hornets. LaMelo Bell finished with just eight points in 22 minutes while shooting 3-12 from the field. Mike Williams ended with 18 points and seven rebounds. P.J. Washington and Gordon Hayward each delivered 15 points, with Washington adding 12 rebounds and Hayward chipping in with five assists. Brandon Miller had 22 points and nine rebounds off the bench.
Hawks Handle Timberwolves, 127-113
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 127-113, at State Farm Arena on Monday night.
The Timberwolves (1-2) came out of the gates clicking on all cylinders offensively, putting up a whopping 79 first-half points to take a 19-point lead into halftime. However, the Hawks (2-2) had scored 60 points in their own right over the first two quarters, so they had a chance to climb back into the game with better defensive play. They got just that during a dominant third quarter in which they enjoyed a 38-19 advantage to send the contest deadlocked into the final period, and they continued to suffocate Minnesota over the final 12 minutes by limiting the visitors to 15 points to seal the victory.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 31 points, adding seven assists, five rebounds and one steal. Karl-Anthony Towns generated a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists and one steal. Rudy Gobert posted a 14-point, 13-rebound double-double that included one assist, two blocks and one steal. Naz Reid poured in 13 points. Jaden McDaniels supplied 12 points, three boards, two assists and one block.
Dejounte Murray paced the Hawks with 41 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Trae Young furnished 24 points, eight assists, one rebound and one steal. De'Andre Hunter registered 16 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Jalen Johnson tallied 12 points, five boards, three assists, one steal and one block. Saddiq Bey compiled 11 points, six rebounds, one assist and one block. Onyeka Okongwu turned in 10 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
The Timberwolves return home to host the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday while the Hawks host the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.
The Timberwolves (1-2) came out of the gates clicking on all cylinders offensively, putting up a whopping 79 first-half points to take a 19-point lead into halftime. However, the Hawks (2-2) had scored 60 points in their own right over the first two quarters, so they had a chance to climb back into the game with better defensive play. They got just that during a dominant third quarter in which they enjoyed a 38-19 advantage to send the contest deadlocked into the final period, and they continued to suffocate Minnesota over the final 12 minutes by limiting the visitors to 15 points to seal the victory.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 31 points, adding seven assists, five rebounds and one steal. Karl-Anthony Towns generated a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists and one steal. Rudy Gobert posted a 14-point, 13-rebound double-double that included one assist, two blocks and one steal. Naz Reid poured in 13 points. Jaden McDaniels supplied 12 points, three boards, two assists and one block.
Dejounte Murray paced the Hawks with 41 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Trae Young furnished 24 points, eight assists, one rebound and one steal. De'Andre Hunter registered 16 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Jalen Johnson tallied 12 points, five boards, three assists, one steal and one block. Saddiq Bey compiled 11 points, six rebounds, one assist and one block. Onyeka Okongwu turned in 10 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
The Timberwolves return home to host the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday while the Hawks host the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.
Trail Blazers Topple Raptors, 99-91
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Toronto Raptors, 99-91, at Scotiabank Arena on Monday night.
The Trail Blazers (1-3) weren't in top form offensively coming out of the gate, leading to a 25-21 deficit after one. Portland was able to bring that down to three points before halftime, and they then took a six-point advantage into the fourth quarter courtesy of a 33-24 edge in the third. Defense then took center stage in the final period, when only 36 total points were scored. The Raptors (1-3) remained within striking distance throughout the remainder of the contest and even got as close as two points, but the visitors pulled away late for the eight-point win.
Jerami Grant led the Trail Blazers with 22 points, adding six rebounds, one steal and one block. Malcolm Brogdon supplied 21 points, five assists and three rebounds. Shaedon Sharpe furnished 14 points, five rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Scoot Henderson totaled 11 points, seven assists, four rebounds and two steals. Deandre Ayton generated a 10-point, 23-rebound double-double that included two assists, two blocks and one steal.
Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with matching 20-point contributions while adding 12 and six rebounds, respectively. Jakob Poeltl compiled 14 points, 10 rebounds, one assist and one block. Dennis Schroder and O.G. Anunoby provided 10 points apiece while recording eight assists and three rebounds, respectively.
The Trail Blazers remain on the road and visit the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night, while the Raptors host the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night as well.
The Trail Blazers (1-3) weren't in top form offensively coming out of the gate, leading to a 25-21 deficit after one. Portland was able to bring that down to three points before halftime, and they then took a six-point advantage into the fourth quarter courtesy of a 33-24 edge in the third. Defense then took center stage in the final period, when only 36 total points were scored. The Raptors (1-3) remained within striking distance throughout the remainder of the contest and even got as close as two points, but the visitors pulled away late for the eight-point win.
Jerami Grant led the Trail Blazers with 22 points, adding six rebounds, one steal and one block. Malcolm Brogdon supplied 21 points, five assists and three rebounds. Shaedon Sharpe furnished 14 points, five rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Scoot Henderson totaled 11 points, seven assists, four rebounds and two steals. Deandre Ayton generated a 10-point, 23-rebound double-double that included two assists, two blocks and one steal.
Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with matching 20-point contributions while adding 12 and six rebounds, respectively. Jakob Poeltl compiled 14 points, 10 rebounds, one assist and one block. Dennis Schroder and O.G. Anunoby provided 10 points apiece while recording eight assists and three rebounds, respectively.
The Trail Blazers remain on the road and visit the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night, while the Raptors host the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night as well.
Warriors Blast Pelicans, 130-102
The Golden State Warriors defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 130-102, at Smoothie King Center on Monday night.
The game between the two Western Conference rivals was ultimately a tale of two halves, with the two teams trading blows throughout the first pair of quarters. The Warriors (3-1) went into intermission with a slim two-point lead, but their 39-21 advantage in the third quarter set the tone for a comfortable victory. Golden State shot 52.0 percent overall and enjoyed a massive 64-39 rebounding edge over the Pelicans (2-1).
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 42 points, adding five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Marcus Moody, Trayce Jackson-Davis and Chris Paul scored 13 points apiece, with Paul adding six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Gary Payton supplied 10 points, four boards, one assist, one steal and one block.
CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson co-led the Pelicans with 19 points while adding six and five rebounds, respectively. McCollum also dished out five assists. Jordan Hawkins registered 14 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Matt Ryan poured in 12 points, Jonas Valanciunas turned in 11 points, six rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Kira Lewis matched Valanciunas' scoring and added two assists and one rebound.
The Warriors return home to host the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night, while the Pelicans visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night.
The game between the two Western Conference rivals was ultimately a tale of two halves, with the two teams trading blows throughout the first pair of quarters. The Warriors (3-1) went into intermission with a slim two-point lead, but their 39-21 advantage in the third quarter set the tone for a comfortable victory. Golden State shot 52.0 percent overall and enjoyed a massive 64-39 rebounding edge over the Pelicans (2-1).
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 42 points, adding five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Marcus Moody, Trayce Jackson-Davis and Chris Paul scored 13 points apiece, with Paul adding six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Gary Payton supplied 10 points, four boards, one assist, one steal and one block.
CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson co-led the Pelicans with 19 points while adding six and five rebounds, respectively. McCollum also dished out five assists. Jordan Hawkins registered 14 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Matt Ryan poured in 12 points, Jonas Valanciunas turned in 11 points, six rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Kira Lewis matched Valanciunas' scoring and added two assists and one rebound.
The Warriors return home to host the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night, while the Pelicans visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night.
Bucks Hand Heat Third Straight Loss
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Miami Heat, 122-114, at Fiserv Forum on Monday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start and was tied at 28, after one quarter. The Bucks turned it up a notch in the second and outscored the Heat, 34-24, to take a 10-point advantage into the break. The hosts kept the momentum going in the third, while the Heat came out deflated, resulting in a 24-point cushion for the Bucks heading into the final quarter. The Heat did not give up and poured in 41 points in the fourth quarter, but it was too little, too late, as the Bucks closed out their second win of the season. This also marks the third straight loss for the Heat.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 33 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a block, in 32 minutes. Damian Lillard followed up with 25 points, five rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Bobby Portis tallied 16 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. The Bucks shot 50.6 percent from the field, including 12-for-37 from deep.
Meanwhile, Tyler Herro led the way for the Heat with 35 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 42 minutes. Duncan Robinson followed up with 15 points on 6-for-10 shooting off the bench, while Jimmy Butler was limited to 13 points, four rebounds, four assists and a block. The Heat shot 47.7 percent from the field, including 13-for-34 from long range.
The Heat (1-3) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nets on Wednesday. The Bucks (2-1) take on the Raptors in Toronto on Wednesday.
The game got out to a competitive start and was tied at 28, after one quarter. The Bucks turned it up a notch in the second and outscored the Heat, 34-24, to take a 10-point advantage into the break. The hosts kept the momentum going in the third, while the Heat came out deflated, resulting in a 24-point cushion for the Bucks heading into the final quarter. The Heat did not give up and poured in 41 points in the fourth quarter, but it was too little, too late, as the Bucks closed out their second win of the season. This also marks the third straight loss for the Heat.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 33 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a block, in 32 minutes. Damian Lillard followed up with 25 points, five rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Bobby Portis tallied 16 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. The Bucks shot 50.6 percent from the field, including 12-for-37 from deep.
Meanwhile, Tyler Herro led the way for the Heat with 35 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 42 minutes. Duncan Robinson followed up with 15 points on 6-for-10 shooting off the bench, while Jimmy Butler was limited to 13 points, four rebounds, four assists and a block. The Heat shot 47.7 percent from the field, including 13-for-34 from long range.
The Heat (1-3) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nets on Wednesday. The Bucks (2-1) take on the Raptors in Toronto on Wednesday.
Thunder Close Out Commanding Win
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Detroit Pistons, 124-112, at Paycom Center on Monday evening.
The Thunder got off to a strong start with a 12-point lead after one quarter and a, 59-47, advantage by halftime. Both sides came out even in the third, scoring 32 points each, as it remained a 12-point game heading into the final frame. The Pistons kept up the fight and poured in another 33 points in the fourth, but the Thunder kept pace and closed out their third win of the season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 32 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three steals, in 33 minutes. Josh Giddey followed up with 21 points, seven rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, while Jalen Williams totaled 19 points, seven rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block. The Thunder shot 53 percent from the field, including 13-for-29 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jaden Ivey led the Pistons with 20 points, two rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, in 19 minutes off the bench. Cade Cunningham followed up with 17 points, two rebounds and five assists, while Ausar Thompson totaled 15 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, a steal and three blocks. The Pistons shot 42.9 percent from the field, including 15-for-28 from long range.
The Pistons (2-2) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Trail Blazers on Wednesday. Thunder (3-1) play host to the Pelicans on Wednesday.
The Thunder got off to a strong start with a 12-point lead after one quarter and a, 59-47, advantage by halftime. Both sides came out even in the third, scoring 32 points each, as it remained a 12-point game heading into the final frame. The Pistons kept up the fight and poured in another 33 points in the fourth, but the Thunder kept pace and closed out their third win of the season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 32 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three steals, in 33 minutes. Josh Giddey followed up with 21 points, seven rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, while Jalen Williams totaled 19 points, seven rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block. The Thunder shot 53 percent from the field, including 13-for-29 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jaden Ivey led the Pistons with 20 points, two rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, in 19 minutes off the bench. Cade Cunningham followed up with 17 points, two rebounds and five assists, while Ausar Thompson totaled 15 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, a steal and three blocks. The Pistons shot 42.9 percent from the field, including 15-for-28 from long range.
The Pistons (2-2) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Trail Blazers on Wednesday. Thunder (3-1) play host to the Pelicans on Wednesday.
Mavs Remain Undefeated With Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the host Memphis Grizzlies, 125-110, at FedEx Forum on Monday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Grizzlies led, 36-30, after one quarter. The Mavs shifted their focus in the second and outscored the hosts, 37-25, to claim a six-point edge by halftime. The Mavs picked up where they left off and controlled most of the third, to bring an 11-point lead into the final frame. The Grizzlies had no answers down the stretch and fell for their fourth consecutive loss to start the season. On the other hand, this marks the third straight win for the Mavs.
Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 35 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists, a steal and a block, in 40 minutes. Derrick Jones Jr. followed up with 22 points and four rebounds, while Tim Hardaway added 21 points and five rebounds, in 29 minutes off the bench. The Mavs shot 50 percent from the field, including 23-for-47 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson and Desmond Bane poured in 30 points each to lead the Grizzlies. Marcus Smart added 23 points, five rebounds, nine assists and three steals, but no other player scored in double digits for the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies shot 45.7 percent from the field, including 14-for-37 from deep.
The Grizzlies (0-4) will look to bounce back as they take on the Jazz in Utah on Wednesday. The Mavericks (3-0) play host to the Bulls on Wednesday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Grizzlies led, 36-30, after one quarter. The Mavs shifted their focus in the second and outscored the hosts, 37-25, to claim a six-point edge by halftime. The Mavs picked up where they left off and controlled most of the third, to bring an 11-point lead into the final frame. The Grizzlies had no answers down the stretch and fell for their fourth consecutive loss to start the season. On the other hand, this marks the third straight win for the Mavs.
Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 35 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists, a steal and a block, in 40 minutes. Derrick Jones Jr. followed up with 22 points and four rebounds, while Tim Hardaway added 21 points and five rebounds, in 29 minutes off the bench. The Mavs shot 50 percent from the field, including 23-for-47 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson and Desmond Bane poured in 30 points each to lead the Grizzlies. Marcus Smart added 23 points, five rebounds, nine assists and three steals, but no other player scored in double digits for the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies shot 45.7 percent from the field, including 14-for-37 from deep.
The Grizzlies (0-4) will look to bounce back as they take on the Jazz in Utah on Wednesday. The Mavericks (3-0) play host to the Bulls on Wednesday.
Nuggets Defeat Jazz, 110-102
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 110-102, at Ball Arena on Monday.
A 31-21 first quarter set the foundation for Denver in this victory, holding the lead for all but one minute in this game. They led by at least five points for the final three quarters, getting their lead up to 17 points at times. The Nuggets shot 56 percent from the field while holding the Jazz below 43 percent shooting. Denver also had 32 assists on their 47 made baskets while out-blocking them, 8-2.
The Jazz (1-3) were led by Lauri Markkanen, amassing 27 points, 14 rebounds and five assists. Walker Kessler made 10 of his 11 shots to tally 22 points and 13 rebounds. Talen Horton-Tucker totaled 16 points, three rebounds and eight assists. John Collins had 15 points and nine rebounds, while Collin Sexton led the bench with 12 points.
The Nuggets (4-0) got a triple-double from Nikola Jokic, collecting 27 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists and two blocks on 12-of-16 shooting. Aaron Gordon made 10-of-12 of his shots to finish with 21 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Jamal Murray provided 18 points, three rebounds, 14 assists and two blocks, while Christian Braun led the bench with nine points and eight boards.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Denver traveling to face the Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah returning home to play the struggling Memphis Grizzlies.
A 31-21 first quarter set the foundation for Denver in this victory, holding the lead for all but one minute in this game. They led by at least five points for the final three quarters, getting their lead up to 17 points at times. The Nuggets shot 56 percent from the field while holding the Jazz below 43 percent shooting. Denver also had 32 assists on their 47 made baskets while out-blocking them, 8-2.
The Jazz (1-3) were led by Lauri Markkanen, amassing 27 points, 14 rebounds and five assists. Walker Kessler made 10 of his 11 shots to tally 22 points and 13 rebounds. Talen Horton-Tucker totaled 16 points, three rebounds and eight assists. John Collins had 15 points and nine rebounds, while Collin Sexton led the bench with 12 points.
The Nuggets (4-0) got a triple-double from Nikola Jokic, collecting 27 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists and two blocks on 12-of-16 shooting. Aaron Gordon made 10-of-12 of his shots to finish with 21 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Jamal Murray provided 18 points, three rebounds, 14 assists and two blocks, while Christian Braun led the bench with nine points and eight boards.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Denver traveling to face the Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah returning home to play the struggling Memphis Grizzlies.
Lakers Defeat Magic, 106-103
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 106-103, at Crypto.com Arena on Monday.
There were 10 ties and 13 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 11 points. Orlando actually led 100-96 with three minutes remaining, but Los Angeles finished on a 10-3 run to grab a comeback win. The Lakers shot 53 percent from the field while holding the Magic to 40 percent shooting. LA had 10 blocks, while Orlando had just three, outscoring them in the paint, 54-44.
The Magic (2-1) were led by Gary Harris, providing 17 points, three rebounds and three assists off the bench. Franz Wagner led the starters with 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Jalen Suggs amassed 15 points, eight rebounds and two assists, while Markelle Fultz finished with 14 points, four rebounds, eight assists and two blocks.
The Lakers (2-2) were led by D'Angelo Russell, collecting 28 points, two rebounds and eight assists. Anthony Davis tallied 26 points, 19 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. LeBron James provided 19 points, three rebounds, four assists and three steals, while Austin Reaves accrued 11 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Orlando has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Tuesday, facing the Los Angeles Clippers on the road. As for the Lakers, they return to action on Wednesday against the Clippers as well.
There were 10 ties and 13 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 11 points. Orlando actually led 100-96 with three minutes remaining, but Los Angeles finished on a 10-3 run to grab a comeback win. The Lakers shot 53 percent from the field while holding the Magic to 40 percent shooting. LA had 10 blocks, while Orlando had just three, outscoring them in the paint, 54-44.
The Magic (2-1) were led by Gary Harris, providing 17 points, three rebounds and three assists off the bench. Franz Wagner led the starters with 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Jalen Suggs amassed 15 points, eight rebounds and two assists, while Markelle Fultz finished with 14 points, four rebounds, eight assists and two blocks.
The Lakers (2-2) were led by D'Angelo Russell, collecting 28 points, two rebounds and eight assists. Anthony Davis tallied 26 points, 19 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. LeBron James provided 19 points, three rebounds, four assists and three steals, while Austin Reaves accrued 11 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Orlando has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Tuesday, facing the Los Angeles Clippers on the road. As for the Lakers, they return to action on Wednesday against the Clippers as well.