Pacers Hold Off Rally, Get Past Cavaliers
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 121-116, in the Group Stage of the NBA In-Season Tournament on Friday.
The Pacers (3-2) moved over the .500 mark once again and did it by their strong play in the first half. Indiana showed control of the contest early on and raced to a 36-26 lead over the Cavaliers (2-4), perhaps signaling this would be an easy matchup. The Pacers boosted their lead even further and were up by 17 points at the halftime break following a 34-27 score in the second half. However, the Cavaliers played the second half aggressively and with an entirely different attitude. The Cavaliers came close to mounting a massive comeback but reduced the 17-point deficit to just one point after outscoring the Pacers 34-18 in the third quarter. The final 12 minutes were a back-and-forth affair, and the Cavaliers even held the lead at times. However, the Pacers reacted in the final six minutes and prevented the disaster, outscoring the Cavs 33-29 in the fourth and sealing a five-point win tighter than the score indicated.
Myles Turner led the Pacers in scoring after scoring 27 points and grabbing nine rebounds, but he also chipped in with two steals and two blocks. Bruce Brown had 19 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Tyrese Haliburton recorded an 18-point, 13-assist double-double, but he also chipped in with two rebounds and two steals. Buddy Hield contributed 14 points and five rebounds coming off the bench. Jalen Smith and Aaron Nesmith posted matching 13-point, five-rebound performances despite not starting.
Donovan Mitchell was unstoppable for the Cavaliers and finished with 38 points, nine assists, five rebounds and a steal. Max Strus had 10 points, same as Jarrett Allen, though Allen also had seven boards and two blocks. Evan Mobley recorded a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that also added five assists, four blocks and three steals. Darius Garland recorded 14 points and six assists. Caris LeVert had 13 points off the bench.
The Pacers (3-2) moved over the .500 mark once again and did it by their strong play in the first half. Indiana showed control of the contest early on and raced to a 36-26 lead over the Cavaliers (2-4), perhaps signaling this would be an easy matchup. The Pacers boosted their lead even further and were up by 17 points at the halftime break following a 34-27 score in the second half. However, the Cavaliers played the second half aggressively and with an entirely different attitude. The Cavaliers came close to mounting a massive comeback but reduced the 17-point deficit to just one point after outscoring the Pacers 34-18 in the third quarter. The final 12 minutes were a back-and-forth affair, and the Cavaliers even held the lead at times. However, the Pacers reacted in the final six minutes and prevented the disaster, outscoring the Cavs 33-29 in the fourth and sealing a five-point win tighter than the score indicated.
Myles Turner led the Pacers in scoring after scoring 27 points and grabbing nine rebounds, but he also chipped in with two steals and two blocks. Bruce Brown had 19 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Tyrese Haliburton recorded an 18-point, 13-assist double-double, but he also chipped in with two rebounds and two steals. Buddy Hield contributed 14 points and five rebounds coming off the bench. Jalen Smith and Aaron Nesmith posted matching 13-point, five-rebound performances despite not starting.
Donovan Mitchell was unstoppable for the Cavaliers and finished with 38 points, nine assists, five rebounds and a steal. Max Strus had 10 points, same as Jarrett Allen, though Allen also had seven boards and two blocks. Evan Mobley recorded a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that also added five assists, four blocks and three steals. Darius Garland recorded 14 points and six assists. Caris LeVert had 13 points off the bench.
Bucks Hold On To Defeat Knicks
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the New York Knicks, 110-105, in Group Play of the NBA In-Season Tournament at Fiserv Forum on Friday.
The Bucks (3-2) have endured a tumultuous start to the season and have alternated strong displays with some poor performances. Their Friday performance against the Knicks (2-4) had a little bit of everything. Milwaukee enjoyed a rocky start and saw New York grab a 25-21 lead after the opening 12 minutes, only for the Bucks to flip the script and take absolute control of the contest with a 35-21 score in the second quarter. The Knicks showed signs of life in the third quarter and made it a six-point contest following a 30-26 score, but they could not complete the job down the stretch. Although the Knicks had some excellent moments in the fourth quarter, the Bucks held on and secured the victory. The win moves the Bucks to 3-1 at home, while the Knicks fell to 2-2 on the road.
Damian Lillard led the way for the Hornets with 30 points, four rebounds and four assists. Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 22 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Brook Lopez posted 13 points and five boards, but he stood out defensively with an eight-block outing. Khris Middleton delivered 12 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Jae Crowder had 14 points and MarJon Beauchamp notched 13, both coming off the bench.
Jalen Brunson had one of the best performances of his career and finished with 45 points, five rebounds and four assists. Julius Randle struggled from the field (5-20 FG) and posted 16 points, but he added 12 rebounds, five assists and two steals. Quentin Grimes had 17 points and four rebounds. Mitchell Robinson was scoreless but grabbed 15 rebounds. Immanuel Quickley had 14 points off the bench.
The Bucks (3-2) have endured a tumultuous start to the season and have alternated strong displays with some poor performances. Their Friday performance against the Knicks (2-4) had a little bit of everything. Milwaukee enjoyed a rocky start and saw New York grab a 25-21 lead after the opening 12 minutes, only for the Bucks to flip the script and take absolute control of the contest with a 35-21 score in the second quarter. The Knicks showed signs of life in the third quarter and made it a six-point contest following a 30-26 score, but they could not complete the job down the stretch. Although the Knicks had some excellent moments in the fourth quarter, the Bucks held on and secured the victory. The win moves the Bucks to 3-1 at home, while the Knicks fell to 2-2 on the road.
Damian Lillard led the way for the Hornets with 30 points, four rebounds and four assists. Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 22 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Brook Lopez posted 13 points and five boards, but he stood out defensively with an eight-block outing. Khris Middleton delivered 12 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Jae Crowder had 14 points and MarJon Beauchamp notched 13, both coming off the bench.
Jalen Brunson had one of the best performances of his career and finished with 45 points, five rebounds and four assists. Julius Randle struggled from the field (5-20 FG) and posted 16 points, but he added 12 rebounds, five assists and two steals. Quentin Grimes had 17 points and four rebounds. Mitchell Robinson was scoreless but grabbed 15 rebounds. Immanuel Quickley had 14 points off the bench.
Nets Edge Bulls, 109-107
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Chicago Bulls, 109-107, at United Center on Friday night in an NBA In-Season Tournament clash.
The Nets (3-2) would start and finish strong in the Eastern Conference clash, with Brooklyn building a 35-30 lead through one but then seeing that advantage whittled to one by halftime. The Bulls (2-4) then put their best defensive quarter in the third, when they held Brooklyn to 19 points to take a two-point edge into the final period. The visitors quickly erased their narrow deficit, however, and then never trailed again over the final 9:01, although the home squad did forge a tie and get within one on multiple occasions.
Dorian Finney-Smith led the Nets with 21 points, adding three rebounds and one block. Mikal Bridges provided 20 points, three assists and two rebounds. Cam Thomas supplied 17 points, five boards, four assists and one block. Lonnie Walker and Spencer Dinwiddie netted 11 and 10 points, respectively, with the latter also recording nine assists, three rebounds and two steals.
Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan co-led the Bulls with 24 points apiece while dishing out five and four assists, respectively. LaVine also pulled down seven rebounds. Coby White delivered 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and one block. Nikola Vucevic generated a 13-point, 13-rebound double-double that included three assists. Patrick Williams posted 10 points, five boards, one assist and one block.
The Nets return home to host the Boston Celtics on Saturday night, while the Bulls hit the road to face the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night.
The Nets (3-2) would start and finish strong in the Eastern Conference clash, with Brooklyn building a 35-30 lead through one but then seeing that advantage whittled to one by halftime. The Bulls (2-4) then put their best defensive quarter in the third, when they held Brooklyn to 19 points to take a two-point edge into the final period. The visitors quickly erased their narrow deficit, however, and then never trailed again over the final 9:01, although the home squad did forge a tie and get within one on multiple occasions.
Dorian Finney-Smith led the Nets with 21 points, adding three rebounds and one block. Mikal Bridges provided 20 points, three assists and two rebounds. Cam Thomas supplied 17 points, five boards, four assists and one block. Lonnie Walker and Spencer Dinwiddie netted 11 and 10 points, respectively, with the latter also recording nine assists, three rebounds and two steals.
Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan co-led the Bulls with 24 points apiece while dishing out five and four assists, respectively. LaVine also pulled down seven rebounds. Coby White delivered 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and one block. Nikola Vucevic generated a 13-point, 13-rebound double-double that included three assists. Patrick Williams posted 10 points, five boards, one assist and one block.
The Nets return home to host the Boston Celtics on Saturday night, while the Bulls hit the road to face the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night.
Heat Gets Past Wizards, 121-114
The Miami Heat defeated the Washington Wizards, 121-114, at Kaseya Center on Friday night in an NBA In-Season Tournament matchup.
The Heat (2-4) had gotten their season off to a particularly disappointing season considering their status as defending Eastern Conference champions, and they were surprisingly matched point for point by the Wizards (1-4) in a first quarter that concluded in a 34-34 tie. However, Miami would go on to play its best basketball of the young season yet over the next 24 minutes, outscoring Washington by a 67-47 margin during the middle periods. Washington would tally seven points in the last 1:15 to make the final score deceptively close, but the victory was a fairly convincing one for Erik Spoelstra's squad.
Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 22 points, adding four rebounds and three assists. Jordan Poole supplied 19 points, six assists, one rebound and four steals. Deni Avdija registered 14 points, four rebounds and three assists. Johnny Davis netted 11 points.
Tyler Herro paced the Heat with a 24-point, 10-rebound double-double that included nine assists and two steals. Jimmy Butler furnished 20 points, seven boards, two assists and three steals. Bam Adebayo produced 18 points, four rebounds and three assists. Duncan Robinson matched Adebayo's scoring and also dished out six assists. Thomas Bryant generated 11 points, four rebounds and one block. Josh Richardson registered 10 points, five assists and three boards.
The Wizards remain on the road and tangle with the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night, while the Heat remains home and hosts the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night as well.
The Heat (2-4) had gotten their season off to a particularly disappointing season considering their status as defending Eastern Conference champions, and they were surprisingly matched point for point by the Wizards (1-4) in a first quarter that concluded in a 34-34 tie. However, Miami would go on to play its best basketball of the young season yet over the next 24 minutes, outscoring Washington by a 67-47 margin during the middle periods. Washington would tally seven points in the last 1:15 to make the final score deceptively close, but the victory was a fairly convincing one for Erik Spoelstra's squad.
Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 22 points, adding four rebounds and three assists. Jordan Poole supplied 19 points, six assists, one rebound and four steals. Deni Avdija registered 14 points, four rebounds and three assists. Johnny Davis netted 11 points.
Tyler Herro paced the Heat with a 24-point, 10-rebound double-double that included nine assists and two steals. Jimmy Butler furnished 20 points, seven boards, two assists and three steals. Bam Adebayo produced 18 points, four rebounds and three assists. Duncan Robinson matched Adebayo's scoring and also dished out six assists. Thomas Bryant generated 11 points, four rebounds and one block. Josh Richardson registered 10 points, five assists and three boards.
The Wizards remain on the road and tangle with the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night, while the Heat remains home and hosts the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night as well.
Warriors Outlast Thunder In OKC
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder, 141-139, in NBA In-Season Tournament Group Play at Paycom Center on Friday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Warriors led, 38-33, after one quarter. The Thunder kept it close through the second and managed to trim it to a two-point game heading into the break. Both sides kept up the pace in the third, while the Thunder outscored the visitors, 39-37, to make it a tie game after three quarters. The Thunder pulled ahead early in the fourth and led for most of the quarter, until the Warriors snagged a one-point advantage with 38 seconds left. The Thunder tied it up one more time, before Stephen Curry got the winning layup to drop at the final buzzer, giving the Warriors their fifth straight win.
Stephen Curry led the way for the Warriors with 30 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals, in 31 minutes. Dario Saric followed up with 20 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Klay Thompson tallied 18 points on 6-for-10 shooting. Draymond Green finished with 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and a block. The Warriors shot 53.3 percent from the field, including 18-for-40 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luguentz Dort led the Thunder with 29 points and five rebounds, in 30 minutes. Chet Holmgren followed up with 24 points, eight rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, while Jalen Williams and Josh Giddey added 18 points each. The Thunder shot 51.7 percent from the field, including 24-for-30 from deep.
The Thunder (3-3) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Hawks on Monday. The Warriors (5-1) take on the Cavs in Cleveland on Sunday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Warriors led, 38-33, after one quarter. The Thunder kept it close through the second and managed to trim it to a two-point game heading into the break. Both sides kept up the pace in the third, while the Thunder outscored the visitors, 39-37, to make it a tie game after three quarters. The Thunder pulled ahead early in the fourth and led for most of the quarter, until the Warriors snagged a one-point advantage with 38 seconds left. The Thunder tied it up one more time, before Stephen Curry got the winning layup to drop at the final buzzer, giving the Warriors their fifth straight win.
Stephen Curry led the way for the Warriors with 30 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals, in 31 minutes. Dario Saric followed up with 20 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Klay Thompson tallied 18 points on 6-for-10 shooting. Draymond Green finished with 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and a block. The Warriors shot 53.3 percent from the field, including 18-for-40 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luguentz Dort led the Thunder with 29 points and five rebounds, in 30 minutes. Chet Holmgren followed up with 24 points, eight rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, while Jalen Williams and Josh Giddey added 18 points each. The Thunder shot 51.7 percent from the field, including 24-for-30 from deep.
The Thunder (3-3) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Hawks on Monday. The Warriors (5-1) take on the Cavs in Cleveland on Sunday.
Nuggets Defeat Mavericks, 125-114
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Dallas Mavericks, 125-114, in the NBA In-Season Tournament Group Play at Ball Arena on Friday.
While Dallas grabbed the first lead in this game, Denver rode a 40-24 first quarter to their victory. They led by at least seven points for the final three quarters after that lopsided frame, getting their lead up to 20 points at times. The Nuggets shot 53 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while holding the Mavericks to 48 percent from the field and 41 percent from long range. Denver also out-rebounded Dallas, 58-38, while outscoring them in the paint, 68-40.
The Mavericks (4-1) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 34 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and nine turnovers. Kyrie Irving amassed 22 points, seven assists, four steals and two blocks. Grant Williams totaled 13 points, five rebounds, two assists and two blocks, while Josh Green led the bench with 13 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Nuggets (5-1) were led by Nikola Jokic, finishing with 33 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists on 14-of-16 from the field. Michael Porter Jr provided 24 points, nine rebounds and two blocks. Aaron Gordon accrued 18 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Jamal Murray had 18 points, two rebounds and 13 assists.
Denver has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, playing host to the Chicago Bulls. As for Dallas, they play host to the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday for their next outing.
While Dallas grabbed the first lead in this game, Denver rode a 40-24 first quarter to their victory. They led by at least seven points for the final three quarters after that lopsided frame, getting their lead up to 20 points at times. The Nuggets shot 53 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while holding the Mavericks to 48 percent from the field and 41 percent from long range. Denver also out-rebounded Dallas, 58-38, while outscoring them in the paint, 68-40.
The Mavericks (4-1) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 34 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and nine turnovers. Kyrie Irving amassed 22 points, seven assists, four steals and two blocks. Grant Williams totaled 13 points, five rebounds, two assists and two blocks, while Josh Green led the bench with 13 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Nuggets (5-1) were led by Nikola Jokic, finishing with 33 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists on 14-of-16 from the field. Michael Porter Jr provided 24 points, nine rebounds and two blocks. Aaron Gordon accrued 18 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Jamal Murray had 18 points, two rebounds and 13 assists.
Denver has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, playing host to the Chicago Bulls. As for Dallas, they play host to the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday for their next outing.
Trail Blazers Defeat Grizzlies in OT, 115-113
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies in OT, 115-113, in the NBA In-Season Tournament Group Play at Moda Center on Friday.
There were nine ties and 21 lead changes in this game, taking an overtime session to determine a winner. Neither team led by more than 11 points, with Portland overcoming a 10-point deficit with 3:15 in regulation to send the game into overtime. They started the extra frame on a 13-6 run to take control. The Trail Blazers shot 28-of-36 from the free-throw line, while the Grizzlies connected on just 9-of-13. Portland also outscored Memphis in second-chance points, 23-9.
The Grizzlies (0-6) were led by Desmond Bane, finishing with 33 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, four steals and three blocks. Jaren Jackson Jr generated 30 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. David Roddy started and had 16 points. Marcus Smart accrued eight points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals.
The Trail Blazers (3-3) were led by Jerami Grant, collecting 26 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Malcolm Brogdon compiled 24 points, seven rebounds, 10 assists and three steals. Shaedon Sharpe tallied 22 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Deandre Ayton amassed 16 points, 12 rebounds and two assists.
These teams will run it back on Sunday for their next game.
There were nine ties and 21 lead changes in this game, taking an overtime session to determine a winner. Neither team led by more than 11 points, with Portland overcoming a 10-point deficit with 3:15 in regulation to send the game into overtime. They started the extra frame on a 13-6 run to take control. The Trail Blazers shot 28-of-36 from the free-throw line, while the Grizzlies connected on just 9-of-13. Portland also outscored Memphis in second-chance points, 23-9.
The Grizzlies (0-6) were led by Desmond Bane, finishing with 33 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, four steals and three blocks. Jaren Jackson Jr generated 30 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. David Roddy started and had 16 points. Marcus Smart accrued eight points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals.
The Trail Blazers (3-3) were led by Jerami Grant, collecting 26 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Malcolm Brogdon compiled 24 points, seven rebounds, 10 assists and three steals. Shaedon Sharpe tallied 22 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Deandre Ayton amassed 16 points, 12 rebounds and two assists.
These teams will run it back on Sunday for their next game.