Embiid, Maxey Lift 76ers To Win Over Suns
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Phoenix Suns, 112-100, at Wells Fargo Center on Saturday afternoon.
The 76ers (4-1) remain undefeated at home and delivered another solid performance to secure the victory against a depleted Suns (2-4) team without Devin Booker and Bradley Beal due to injuries. Aided by the support of their fans at Wells Fargo Center, the 76ers took control of the game early on and raced to a 25-24 lead in the first quarter. Philadelphia boosted their advantage even further before the second quarter and made it a seven-point game following a 27-21 score. The Suns showed signs of life in the second half and outscored Philly in the third quarter. Their 30-28 win in the third quarter made it a tight game with only 12 minutes left. However, the 76ers were not ready to concede an upset. Philadelphia won the final quarter by a 32-25 score and eased their way to victory. With the win, the 76ers moved to 3-0 at home. Meanwhile, the Suns fell to 1-2 on the road.
Joel Embiid led the way for the 76ers with 26 points and 11 rebounds while adding three assists. Kelly Oubre Jr. was outstanding as a starter and chipped in with 25 points, three boards and a block. Tyrese Maxey registered a 22-point, 10-assist double-double that also featured five rebounds. Tobias Harris contributed 18 points and 10 rebounds. No other Philadelphia player scored in double digits. The Sixers shot 47.8 percent from the field and 36.7 percent from three-point range.
Kevin Durant led the Suns in scoring with 31 points. Durant also added eight rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal. Jusuf Nurkic had 11 points and nine rebounds, but he also dished out five assists. Eric Gordon contributed 13 points and three assists. Drew Eubanks had 10 points coming off the bench. The Suns looked woeful on offense, hitting just 36 percent of their shots and 25.7 percent of their three-point attempts.
The 76ers (4-1) remain undefeated at home and delivered another solid performance to secure the victory against a depleted Suns (2-4) team without Devin Booker and Bradley Beal due to injuries. Aided by the support of their fans at Wells Fargo Center, the 76ers took control of the game early on and raced to a 25-24 lead in the first quarter. Philadelphia boosted their advantage even further before the second quarter and made it a seven-point game following a 27-21 score. The Suns showed signs of life in the second half and outscored Philly in the third quarter. Their 30-28 win in the third quarter made it a tight game with only 12 minutes left. However, the 76ers were not ready to concede an upset. Philadelphia won the final quarter by a 32-25 score and eased their way to victory. With the win, the 76ers moved to 3-0 at home. Meanwhile, the Suns fell to 1-2 on the road.
Joel Embiid led the way for the 76ers with 26 points and 11 rebounds while adding three assists. Kelly Oubre Jr. was outstanding as a starter and chipped in with 25 points, three boards and a block. Tyrese Maxey registered a 22-point, 10-assist double-double that also featured five rebounds. Tobias Harris contributed 18 points and 10 rebounds. No other Philadelphia player scored in double digits. The Sixers shot 47.8 percent from the field and 36.7 percent from three-point range.
Kevin Durant led the Suns in scoring with 31 points. Durant also added eight rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal. Jusuf Nurkic had 11 points and nine rebounds, but he also dished out five assists. Eric Gordon contributed 13 points and three assists. Drew Eubanks had 10 points coming off the bench. The Suns looked woeful on offense, hitting just 36 percent of their shots and 25.7 percent of their three-point attempts.
Hawks Come From Behind. Top Pelicans
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 123-105, at Smoothie King Center on Saturday evening.
The Hawks (4-2) moved two games over .500 with a solid performance on both ends of the court against a Pelicans (4-2) team welcoming Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson back to their starting lineup. It wasn’t an easy win for the Hawks, however. The Pelicans looked like the better team in the early stages and raced to a 35-27 lead after the opening 12 minutes. However, Atlanta showed some signs of life with a 26-25 score in the second quarter. Atlanta would pull away for good in the second half, as a 41-23 score in the third quarter shifted the momentum of the game entirely. The Hawks didn’t step the foot off the gas in the final quarter and claimed it as well, 29-22, to round out an excellent performance and a comfortable win that was not as easy as originally suggested. The Hawks moved to 2-1 on the road with the win. Meanwhile, the Pelicans fell to 2-2 at home.
Seven Atlanta players scored in double digits in this game. Trae Young led the way with 22 points, 12 assists and five rebounds, while Jalen Johnson also had a double-double of 21 points and 11 boards. Clint Capela recorded 17 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Dejounte Murray sniffed a triple-double with 20 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Onyeka Okongwu delivered 17 points and six rebounds coming off the bench.
Zion Williamson was enormous once again and delivered 25 points, five rebounds and three assists in the loss. Brandon Ingram posted 16 points, seven boards and three dimes. Herbert Jones and CJ McCollum each ended with 13 points, though McCollum also had six assists, two steals and two blocks. Jordan Hawkins chipped in with 15 points off the bench.
The Hawks (4-2) moved two games over .500 with a solid performance on both ends of the court against a Pelicans (4-2) team welcoming Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson back to their starting lineup. It wasn’t an easy win for the Hawks, however. The Pelicans looked like the better team in the early stages and raced to a 35-27 lead after the opening 12 minutes. However, Atlanta showed some signs of life with a 26-25 score in the second quarter. Atlanta would pull away for good in the second half, as a 41-23 score in the third quarter shifted the momentum of the game entirely. The Hawks didn’t step the foot off the gas in the final quarter and claimed it as well, 29-22, to round out an excellent performance and a comfortable win that was not as easy as originally suggested. The Hawks moved to 2-1 on the road with the win. Meanwhile, the Pelicans fell to 2-2 at home.
Seven Atlanta players scored in double digits in this game. Trae Young led the way with 22 points, 12 assists and five rebounds, while Jalen Johnson also had a double-double of 21 points and 11 boards. Clint Capela recorded 17 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Dejounte Murray sniffed a triple-double with 20 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Onyeka Okongwu delivered 17 points and six rebounds coming off the bench.
Zion Williamson was enormous once again and delivered 25 points, five rebounds and three assists in the loss. Brandon Ingram posted 16 points, seven boards and three dimes. Herbert Jones and CJ McCollum each ended with 13 points, though McCollum also had six assists, two steals and two blocks. Jordan Hawkins chipped in with 15 points off the bench.
Hornets Defeat Pacers, 125-124
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the host Indiana Pacers, 125-124, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday.
There were five ties and nine lead changes in this game, with Charlotte finishing on a 23-16 run to prevail. They also had two stops in the final 25 seconds, with Indiana failing to get a shot off at the buzzer. Charlotte shot 53 percent from the field and 100 percent from the free-throw line (23-of-23) while holding Indiana to 48 percent from the field and 75 percent from the charity stripe (12-of-16). The Hornets outscored the Pacers in the paint, 74-40, while doubling them up in blocks, 10-5.
The Hornets (2-3) were led by Mark Williams, collecting a career-high 27 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Gordon Hayward had 23 points, six rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Terry Rozier registered 22 points, six rebounds and three assists before departing with a groin issue. LaMelo Ball amassed 11 points, two rebounds, 11 assists and two steals.
The Pacers (3-3) were led by Tyrese Haliburton, tallying 43 points, two rebounds and 12 assists. Myles Turner totaled 14 points, six rebounds and two assists. Bennedict Mathurin generated eight points, five rebounds and five assists, while Buddy Hield led the bench with 19 points, six rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
On deck for Indiana is a home matchup with the San Antonio Spurs on Monday. As for Charlotte, they play host to the Washington Wizards on Tuesday for their next outing.
There were five ties and nine lead changes in this game, with Charlotte finishing on a 23-16 run to prevail. They also had two stops in the final 25 seconds, with Indiana failing to get a shot off at the buzzer. Charlotte shot 53 percent from the field and 100 percent from the free-throw line (23-of-23) while holding Indiana to 48 percent from the field and 75 percent from the charity stripe (12-of-16). The Hornets outscored the Pacers in the paint, 74-40, while doubling them up in blocks, 10-5.
The Hornets (2-3) were led by Mark Williams, collecting a career-high 27 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Gordon Hayward had 23 points, six rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Terry Rozier registered 22 points, six rebounds and three assists before departing with a groin issue. LaMelo Ball amassed 11 points, two rebounds, 11 assists and two steals.
The Pacers (3-3) were led by Tyrese Haliburton, tallying 43 points, two rebounds and 12 assists. Myles Turner totaled 14 points, six rebounds and two assists. Bennedict Mathurin generated eight points, five rebounds and five assists, while Buddy Hield led the bench with 19 points, six rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
On deck for Indiana is a home matchup with the San Antonio Spurs on Monday. As for Charlotte, they play host to the Washington Wizards on Tuesday for their next outing.
Magic Roll Lakers, 120-101
The Orlando Magic defeated the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, 120-101, at Amway Center on Saturday.
A 39-25 first quarter set the foundation for Orlando in this blowout victory, leading by at least five points for the final three quarters. They actually held a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half, getting their lead up to 25 points at times. The Magic shot 46 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range while holding the Lakers to 44 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range. Orlando out-assisted Los Angeles, 29-18, while out-rebounding them, 58-49. In addition, they outscored them in fastbreak points, 15-5, and in second-chance scoring, 36-15.
The Lakers (3-3) were led by Anthony Davis, tallying 28 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and seven blocks. LeBron James finished with 24 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three steals. Austin Reaves registered 20 points, two rebounds and two assists, while D'Angelo Russell amassed 11 points, four rebounds and four assists.
The Magic (4-2) were led by Franz Wagner, collecting 26 points, five rebounds and two assists. Paolo Banchero provided 25 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists. Goga Bitadze started and totaled 10 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and five blocks. Cole Anthony led the bench with 14 points and five boards, while Mo Wagner had 13 points, eight rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Orlando remaining home to play the Dallas Mavericks and LA staying in Florida to face the Miami Heat.
A 39-25 first quarter set the foundation for Orlando in this blowout victory, leading by at least five points for the final three quarters. They actually held a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half, getting their lead up to 25 points at times. The Magic shot 46 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range while holding the Lakers to 44 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range. Orlando out-assisted Los Angeles, 29-18, while out-rebounding them, 58-49. In addition, they outscored them in fastbreak points, 15-5, and in second-chance scoring, 36-15.
The Lakers (3-3) were led by Anthony Davis, tallying 28 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and seven blocks. LeBron James finished with 24 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three steals. Austin Reaves registered 20 points, two rebounds and two assists, while D'Angelo Russell amassed 11 points, four rebounds and four assists.
The Magic (4-2) were led by Franz Wagner, collecting 26 points, five rebounds and two assists. Paolo Banchero provided 25 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists. Goga Bitadze started and totaled 10 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and five blocks. Cole Anthony led the bench with 14 points and five boards, while Mo Wagner had 13 points, eight rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Orlando remaining home to play the Dallas Mavericks and LA staying in Florida to face the Miami Heat.
Rockets Defeat Kings, 107-89
The Houston Rockets defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings, 107-89, at Toyota Center on Saturday.
There were only two lead changes in this game, with Houston maintaining the lead for all but two minutes. They started the game with a 33-19 first quarter and put it away behind a 36-21 fourth quarter. Houston out-rebounded Sacramento, 63-47, while out-assisting them, 28-20. The Rockets shot 46 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range while holding the Kings to 38 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range. Houston also outscored Sacramento in the paint, 54-42.
The Kings (2-3) were led by Malik Monk, providing 18 points, three rebounds and seven assists off the bench. Harrison Barnes led the starters with 13 points and three rebounds. Domantas Sabonis collected 11 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and two blocks, while Davion Mitchell amassed seven points, three rebounds and five assists.
The Rockets (2-3) were led by Dillon Brooks, finishing with 26 points and nine rebounds. Fred VanVleet tallied 21 points, six rebounds, 12 assists and two blocks. Jabari Smith had 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Alperen Sengun generated 15 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals. Jae'Sean Tate led the bench with 11 points and four boards.
These teams will have a rematch on Monday for their next outing.
There were only two lead changes in this game, with Houston maintaining the lead for all but two minutes. They started the game with a 33-19 first quarter and put it away behind a 36-21 fourth quarter. Houston out-rebounded Sacramento, 63-47, while out-assisting them, 28-20. The Rockets shot 46 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range while holding the Kings to 38 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range. Houston also outscored Sacramento in the paint, 54-42.
The Kings (2-3) were led by Malik Monk, providing 18 points, three rebounds and seven assists off the bench. Harrison Barnes led the starters with 13 points and three rebounds. Domantas Sabonis collected 11 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and two blocks, while Davion Mitchell amassed seven points, three rebounds and five assists.
The Rockets (2-3) were led by Dillon Brooks, finishing with 26 points and nine rebounds. Fred VanVleet tallied 21 points, six rebounds, 12 assists and two blocks. Jabari Smith had 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Alperen Sengun generated 15 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals. Jae'Sean Tate led the bench with 11 points and four boards.
These teams will have a rematch on Monday for their next outing.
Timberwolves Roll Past Jazz
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 123-95, at Target Center on Saturday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start, as the Timberwolves led by two points after one quarter. The score stayed close through the second, but Timberwolves kept the upper hand, with a five-point advantage by halftime. The hosts turned it up a notch in the third and outscored the Jazz by 10 points in the quarter, to carry a 15-point cushion into the final frame. The Jazz had no answers in the fourth, as the Timberwolves cruised to their second straight win.
Anthony Edwards led the way for the Timberwolves with 31 points, eight rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Karl-Anthony Towns followed up with 25 points, seven rebounds and two steals, while Rudy Gobert totaled 11 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks. The T-Wolves shot 55.6 percent from the field, including 9-for-24 from deep.
Meanwhile, Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 22 points, eight rebounds and a block, in 35 minutes. John Collins added 14 points, six rebounds, a steal and a block, while Talen Horton-Tucker finished with 14 points, four rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block. The Jazz shot 38.5 percent from the field, including 12-for-43 from long range.
The Jazz (2-5)) will look to bounce back as they take on the Bulls in Chicago on Monday. The Timberwolves (3-2) play host to the Celtics on Monday.
The game got out to a competitive start, as the Timberwolves led by two points after one quarter. The score stayed close through the second, but Timberwolves kept the upper hand, with a five-point advantage by halftime. The hosts turned it up a notch in the third and outscored the Jazz by 10 points in the quarter, to carry a 15-point cushion into the final frame. The Jazz had no answers in the fourth, as the Timberwolves cruised to their second straight win.
Anthony Edwards led the way for the Timberwolves with 31 points, eight rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Karl-Anthony Towns followed up with 25 points, seven rebounds and two steals, while Rudy Gobert totaled 11 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks. The T-Wolves shot 55.6 percent from the field, including 9-for-24 from deep.
Meanwhile, Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 22 points, eight rebounds and a block, in 35 minutes. John Collins added 14 points, six rebounds, a steal and a block, while Talen Horton-Tucker finished with 14 points, four rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block. The Jazz shot 38.5 percent from the field, including 12-for-43 from long range.
The Jazz (2-5)) will look to bounce back as they take on the Bulls in Chicago on Monday. The Timberwolves (3-2) play host to the Celtics on Monday.
Celtics Hold Off Nets In Brooklyn
By Dan Bruno
The Boston Celtics defeated the host Brooklyn Nets, 124-114, at Barclays Center on Saturday evening.
The score was tied at 34, after one quarter, but the Celtics pulled away for a 12-point lead by halftime. The Nets came out stronger in the third and trimmed it back to a three-point game heading into the final frame. The Celtics stayed a step ahead early in the fourth and rallied to a 10-point lead with five minutes to go, which was enough to hang on for their fifth straight win to start the season.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 32 points and 11 rebounds, in 41 minutes. Jaylen Brown followed up with 23 points, five rebounds, four assists and a block, while Kristaps Porzingis totaled 22 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. The Celtics shot 47.8 percent from the field, including 15-for-45 from deep.
Meanwhile, Cam Thomas led the Nets with 27 points, five rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, in 37 minutes. Spencer Dinwiddie added 19 points, six rebounds and six assists, while Mikal Bridges tallied 19 points, six rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block. The Nets shot 43 percent from the field, including 17-for-52 from long range.
The Nets (3-3) will look to bounce back as they host the Bucks on Monday. The Celtics (5-0) take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Monday.
The score was tied at 34, after one quarter, but the Celtics pulled away for a 12-point lead by halftime. The Nets came out stronger in the third and trimmed it back to a three-point game heading into the final frame. The Celtics stayed a step ahead early in the fourth and rallied to a 10-point lead with five minutes to go, which was enough to hang on for their fifth straight win to start the season.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 32 points and 11 rebounds, in 41 minutes. Jaylen Brown followed up with 23 points, five rebounds, four assists and a block, while Kristaps Porzingis totaled 22 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. The Celtics shot 47.8 percent from the field, including 15-for-45 from deep.
Meanwhile, Cam Thomas led the Nets with 27 points, five rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, in 37 minutes. Spencer Dinwiddie added 19 points, six rebounds and six assists, while Mikal Bridges tallied 19 points, six rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block. The Nets shot 43 percent from the field, including 17-for-52 from long range.
The Nets (3-3) will look to bounce back as they host the Bucks on Monday. The Celtics (5-0) take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Monday.
Nuggets Rise Above Bulls In Denver
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls, 123-101, at Ball Arena on Saturday evening.
The game got out to a slower start, as the Nuggets led, 23-22, after one quarter. The Bulls picked up momentum in the second and led for most of the quarter, taking a two-point lead into the break. The Nuggets responded at another level in the third quarter, outscoring the visitors, 35-21, to take a 12-point lead into the final frame. The hosts did not let up in the fourth and added another 10 points to the margin to close out their second straight win.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 28 points, 16 rebounds, nine assists and three steals, in 33 minutes. Michael Porter followed up with 27 points, six rebounds, two assists, a steal and two blocks, while Aaron Gordon totaled 15 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block. The Nuggets shot 51.9 percent from the field, including 16-for-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, Nikola Vucevic led the Bulls with 19 points, seven rebounds and three assists, in 30 minutes of action. DeMar DeRozan followed up with 17 points, three rebounds and six assists, while Jevon Carter tallied 16 points on 6-for-9 shooting, off the bench. The Bulls shot 45.3 percent from the field, including 7-for-26 from deep.
The Bulls (2-5) will look to bounce back, as they play host to the Jazz on Monday. The Nuggets (6-1) play host to the Pelicans on Monday.
The game got out to a slower start, as the Nuggets led, 23-22, after one quarter. The Bulls picked up momentum in the second and led for most of the quarter, taking a two-point lead into the break. The Nuggets responded at another level in the third quarter, outscoring the visitors, 35-21, to take a 12-point lead into the final frame. The hosts did not let up in the fourth and added another 10 points to the margin to close out their second straight win.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 28 points, 16 rebounds, nine assists and three steals, in 33 minutes. Michael Porter followed up with 27 points, six rebounds, two assists, a steal and two blocks, while Aaron Gordon totaled 15 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block. The Nuggets shot 51.9 percent from the field, including 16-for-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, Nikola Vucevic led the Bulls with 19 points, seven rebounds and three assists, in 30 minutes of action. DeMar DeRozan followed up with 17 points, three rebounds and six assists, while Jevon Carter tallied 16 points on 6-for-9 shooting, off the bench. The Bulls shot 45.3 percent from the field, including 7-for-26 from deep.
The Bulls (2-5) will look to bounce back, as they play host to the Jazz on Monday. The Nuggets (6-1) play host to the Pelicans on Monday.