Suns Cruise To Easy Victory Over Pistons
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Detroit Pistons, 120-106, at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday afternoon.
The Suns (3-4) and the Pistons (2-5) battled in a contest of two teams with 2-4 records. However, there's no doubt these teams had different aspirations entering the campaign. Despite the fact the Suns were shorthanded with Devin Booker (calf) and Bradley Beal (back) out, they didn’t have problems to secure the victory here. Phoenix jumped to a 28-27 lead in the first quarter, but they pulled away in the second quarter following a 30-22 score in the second 12 minutes. The Suns were leading by nine points ahead of the second half, but they didn't step their foot off the gas. A 34-31 score in the third quarter lifted the Suns to a double-digit lead with 12 minutes left. The Pistons tried to fight, but they could not find a way to containing the Suns. Phoenix also won the fourth quarter as well and cruised to an easy win. With the win, the Suns moved to 2-2 on the road, while the Pistons fell to 1-2 at home.
Kevin Durant led the way for the Suns with 41 points (14-27 FG), and he also added five assists and four rebounds. Eric Gordon dazzled in a starting role and finished with 21 points, eight assists and five boards. Grayson Allen also scored in double digits and finished with 14 points and four boards. Josh Okogie was the only other Phoenix scored in double digits and ended with 10 points and seven rebounds across 28 minutes off the bench.
Cade Cunningham was the top scorer for the Pistons and finished with 26 points, six assists and three rebounds. Ausar Thompson came close to a double-double, recording 14 points and nine rebounds while adding four assists. Killian Hayes finished with 13 points and four dimes. Jalen Duren had a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds. Marcus Sasser impressed off the bench with 20 points across 29 minutes.
The Suns (3-4) and the Pistons (2-5) battled in a contest of two teams with 2-4 records. However, there's no doubt these teams had different aspirations entering the campaign. Despite the fact the Suns were shorthanded with Devin Booker (calf) and Bradley Beal (back) out, they didn’t have problems to secure the victory here. Phoenix jumped to a 28-27 lead in the first quarter, but they pulled away in the second quarter following a 30-22 score in the second 12 minutes. The Suns were leading by nine points ahead of the second half, but they didn't step their foot off the gas. A 34-31 score in the third quarter lifted the Suns to a double-digit lead with 12 minutes left. The Pistons tried to fight, but they could not find a way to containing the Suns. Phoenix also won the fourth quarter as well and cruised to an easy win. With the win, the Suns moved to 2-2 on the road, while the Pistons fell to 1-2 at home.
Kevin Durant led the way for the Suns with 41 points (14-27 FG), and he also added five assists and four rebounds. Eric Gordon dazzled in a starting role and finished with 21 points, eight assists and five boards. Grayson Allen also scored in double digits and finished with 14 points and four boards. Josh Okogie was the only other Phoenix scored in double digits and ended with 10 points and seven rebounds across 28 minutes off the bench.
Cade Cunningham was the top scorer for the Pistons and finished with 26 points, six assists and three rebounds. Ausar Thompson came close to a double-double, recording 14 points and nine rebounds while adding four assists. Killian Hayes finished with 13 points and four dimes. Jalen Duren had a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds. Marcus Sasser impressed off the bench with 20 points across 29 minutes.
Raptors Rally Back To Top Spurs
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 123-116, at AT-and-T Center on Sunday evening.
The Spurs got out to a strong start at home with a four-point lead after one quarter and a 19-point advantage at the break. The Raptors turned it up a notch in the third and managed to trim it back to a 15-point deficit heading into the fourth. The visitors kept the momentum going and outscored the Spurs, 39-24, in the fourth to tie the game at 110, forcing overtime. The Raptors maintained control in the extra period and closed out their second win in three outings. It also marks the end of a two-game win streak for the Spurs.
Scottie Barnes led the way for the Raptors with 30 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, three steals and three blocks, in 42 minutes. Dennis Schroder totaled 24 points, three rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block, while O.G. Anunoby added 24 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a steal. The Raptors shot 45.4 percent from the field, including 19-for-48 from long range.
Meanwhile, Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 26 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 38 minutes. Zach Collins followed up with 21 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and a block, while Victor Wembanyama tallied 20 points, nine rebounds, four assists, a steal and five blocks. The Spurs shot 49.5 percent from the field, including 10-for-32 from deep.
The Spurs (3-3) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pacers in Indiana on Monday. The Raptors (3-4) clash with the Mavericks in Dallas on Wednesday.
The Spurs got out to a strong start at home with a four-point lead after one quarter and a 19-point advantage at the break. The Raptors turned it up a notch in the third and managed to trim it back to a 15-point deficit heading into the fourth. The visitors kept the momentum going and outscored the Spurs, 39-24, in the fourth to tie the game at 110, forcing overtime. The Raptors maintained control in the extra period and closed out their second win in three outings. It also marks the end of a two-game win streak for the Spurs.
Scottie Barnes led the way for the Raptors with 30 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, three steals and three blocks, in 42 minutes. Dennis Schroder totaled 24 points, three rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block, while O.G. Anunoby added 24 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a steal. The Raptors shot 45.4 percent from the field, including 19-for-48 from long range.
Meanwhile, Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 26 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 38 minutes. Zach Collins followed up with 21 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and a block, while Victor Wembanyama tallied 20 points, nine rebounds, four assists, a steal and five blocks. The Spurs shot 49.5 percent from the field, including 10-for-32 from deep.
The Spurs (3-3) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pacers in Indiana on Monday. The Raptors (3-4) clash with the Mavericks in Dallas on Wednesday.
Cavaliers Quiet Warriors, 115-104
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Golden State Warriors, 115-104, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Sunday evening.
The Warriors (5-2) looked right at home in enemy territory early, clicking offensively during an opening period where they posted a 30-point total and forged a one-point lead. However, the Cavaliers (3-4) would step it up on both ends of the floor during a second period in which they enjoyed a 28-15 advantage. Golden State was only able to make a three-point dent in its double-digit deficit in the third quarter and then kept the Dubs at bay over the final 12 minutes for relatively comfortable victory.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 28 points, adding four assists, two rebounds and one steal. Draymond Green furnished 18 points, eight assists, three rebounds, three steals and one block. Klay Thompson and Jonathan Kuminga contributed matching 15-point, three-rebound efforts. Andrew Wiggins mustered eight points, five boards and one assist.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 31 points, complementing them with seven assists, two rebounds and two steals. Darius Garland supplied 24 points, seven assists and three rebounds. Max Strus registered 15 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Evan Mobley generated a 13-point, 16-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block. Jarrett Allen posted 12 points, nine rebounds and three assists.
The Warriors remain on the road and pay a visit to the Detroit Pistons on Monday night, while the Cavaliers hit the road and visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night.
The Warriors (5-2) looked right at home in enemy territory early, clicking offensively during an opening period where they posted a 30-point total and forged a one-point lead. However, the Cavaliers (3-4) would step it up on both ends of the floor during a second period in which they enjoyed a 28-15 advantage. Golden State was only able to make a three-point dent in its double-digit deficit in the third quarter and then kept the Dubs at bay over the final 12 minutes for relatively comfortable victory.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 28 points, adding four assists, two rebounds and one steal. Draymond Green furnished 18 points, eight assists, three rebounds, three steals and one block. Klay Thompson and Jonathan Kuminga contributed matching 15-point, three-rebound efforts. Andrew Wiggins mustered eight points, five boards and one assist.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 31 points, complementing them with seven assists, two rebounds and two steals. Darius Garland supplied 24 points, seven assists and three rebounds. Max Strus registered 15 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Evan Mobley generated a 13-point, 16-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block. Jarrett Allen posted 12 points, nine rebounds and three assists.
The Warriors remain on the road and pay a visit to the Detroit Pistons on Monday night, while the Cavaliers hit the road and visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night.
Mavericks Top Hornets, 124-118
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 124-118, at American Airlines Center on Sunday night.
The Hornets (2-4) surprisingly came out of the locker room the hotter team, scoring over 30 points in each of the first two quarters on the way to a 12-point halftime lead. However, the Mavericks (5-1) came out of intermission a different team, eliminating all but one point from their deficit during the third quarter to set up an intriguing final period. Dallas finally pushed ahead of Charlotte with a Tim Hardaway three-pointer with 9:17 remaining and never trailed again, although the visitors did forge a 96-96 tie just before the halfway point of the fourth quarter. The hosts then closed out the victory with a trio of Kyrie Irving free throws in the closing seconds.
LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with a 30-point, 13-assist, 10-rebound triple-double that also included a steal and a block. Gordon Hayward and P.J. Washington posted 20 points apiece while recording eight assists and four rebounds, respectively. Mark Williams generated a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double. Nick Richards posted 12 points, nine boards, one assist and one block.
Luka Donic paced the Mavericks with a 23-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included nine assists and one block. Irving turned in 18 points, 10 assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Grant Williams matched Irving's scoring and also tallied four boards, three assists and one block. Tim Hardaway netted 16 points. Dereck Lively II managed a 15-point, 14-rebound double-double that included one assist and one block. Jaden Hardy supplied 14 points and four boards. Dwight Powell registered 10 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Hornets return home to host the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night, while the Mavericks visit the Orlando Magic on Monday night.
The Hornets (2-4) surprisingly came out of the locker room the hotter team, scoring over 30 points in each of the first two quarters on the way to a 12-point halftime lead. However, the Mavericks (5-1) came out of intermission a different team, eliminating all but one point from their deficit during the third quarter to set up an intriguing final period. Dallas finally pushed ahead of Charlotte with a Tim Hardaway three-pointer with 9:17 remaining and never trailed again, although the visitors did forge a 96-96 tie just before the halfway point of the fourth quarter. The hosts then closed out the victory with a trio of Kyrie Irving free throws in the closing seconds.
LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with a 30-point, 13-assist, 10-rebound triple-double that also included a steal and a block. Gordon Hayward and P.J. Washington posted 20 points apiece while recording eight assists and four rebounds, respectively. Mark Williams generated a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double. Nick Richards posted 12 points, nine boards, one assist and one block.
Luka Donic paced the Mavericks with a 23-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included nine assists and one block. Irving turned in 18 points, 10 assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Grant Williams matched Irving's scoring and also tallied four boards, three assists and one block. Tim Hardaway netted 16 points. Dereck Lively II managed a 15-point, 14-rebound double-double that included one assist and one block. Jaden Hardy supplied 14 points and four boards. Dwight Powell registered 10 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Hornets return home to host the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night, while the Mavericks visit the Orlando Magic on Monday night.
Grizzlies Defeat Trail Blazers, 112-100
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 112-100, at Moda Center on Sunday.
There were six ties and 12 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 12 points. That was the final margin for Memphis, finishing the game on a 26-2 run. They actually trailed 98-86 with just seven minutes remaining but held the Blazers scoreless over the final 5:11. The Grizzlies shot 51 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range while holding the Trail Blazers to 39 percent from the field and 31 percent from long range. Memphis outscored Portland in the paint, 52-34.
The Grizzlies (1-6) were led by Desmond Bane, collecting 30 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Jaren Jackson Jr generated 27 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Marcus Smart amassed 10 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Bismack Biyombo had eight points, 11 rebounds, four assists and three blocks in his debut. Luke Kennard led the bench with 15 points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Trail Blazers (3-4) were led by Jerami Grant, finishing with 27 points, three rebounds and three assists. Malcolm Brogdon tallied 18 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists. Shaedon Sharpe accrued 18 points, eight rebounds and three assists, while Deandre Ayton totaled six points, 11 rebounds and two steals.
On deck for Portland is a road matchup with the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. As for Memphis, they return home to play the Miami Heat on Wednesday as well.
There were six ties and 12 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 12 points. That was the final margin for Memphis, finishing the game on a 26-2 run. They actually trailed 98-86 with just seven minutes remaining but held the Blazers scoreless over the final 5:11. The Grizzlies shot 51 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range while holding the Trail Blazers to 39 percent from the field and 31 percent from long range. Memphis outscored Portland in the paint, 52-34.
The Grizzlies (1-6) were led by Desmond Bane, collecting 30 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Jaren Jackson Jr generated 27 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Marcus Smart amassed 10 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Bismack Biyombo had eight points, 11 rebounds, four assists and three blocks in his debut. Luke Kennard led the bench with 15 points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Trail Blazers (3-4) were led by Jerami Grant, finishing with 27 points, three rebounds and three assists. Malcolm Brogdon tallied 18 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists. Shaedon Sharpe accrued 18 points, eight rebounds and three assists, while Deandre Ayton totaled six points, 11 rebounds and two steals.
On deck for Portland is a road matchup with the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. As for Memphis, they return home to play the Miami Heat on Wednesday as well.