Pacers Pull Away Late, Defeat Jazz
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Utah Jazz, 134-118, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday.
The Pacers (5-3) endured a rough start to this one but managed to pull away in the second half to get past the Jazz (2-7) in front of a 14,509 home crowd. The Pacers and the Jazz went back and forth in the first quarter, which meant the opening 12 minutes finished with a 29-29 tie. However, Indiana didn’t waste time and pulled away in the second quarter after outscoring their rivals by a 38-31 margin. The Jazz managed to reduce the deficit in the third quarter, and a 38-34 score made it a three-point game with 12 minutes on the clock. The Jazz didn’t step their foot off the gas in the fourth, however, and they not only made it a double-digit contest, but they ran away with the victory with ease following a 33-20 score in the final 12 minutes. With the win, the Pacers moved to 4-2 at home, while the Jazz remain winless on the road (0-5).
Aaron Nesmith led the Pacers in this win with 24 points, two rebounds and two steals despite coming off the bench. Bennedict Mathurin and Myles Turner each had 22 points. Mathurin filled the stat sheet with nine rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Turner had six boards and three blocks. Tyrese Haliburton contributed a 16-point, 13-assist double-double that also included six rebounds. Jalen Smith had 16 points and 11 rebounds off the bench.
Jordan Clarkson carried the Jazz despite the loss, as he finished with 33 points, five assists and three rebounds. Lauri Markkanen chipped in with 24 points and nine rebounds. John Collins also sniffed a double-double thanks to his 14 points and nine boards. No other Utah starter scored in double digits. Simone Fontecchio and Collin Sexton each had 10 points as well.
The Pacers (5-3) endured a rough start to this one but managed to pull away in the second half to get past the Jazz (2-7) in front of a 14,509 home crowd. The Pacers and the Jazz went back and forth in the first quarter, which meant the opening 12 minutes finished with a 29-29 tie. However, Indiana didn’t waste time and pulled away in the second quarter after outscoring their rivals by a 38-31 margin. The Jazz managed to reduce the deficit in the third quarter, and a 38-34 score made it a three-point game with 12 minutes on the clock. The Jazz didn’t step their foot off the gas in the fourth, however, and they not only made it a double-digit contest, but they ran away with the victory with ease following a 33-20 score in the final 12 minutes. With the win, the Pacers moved to 4-2 at home, while the Jazz remain winless on the road (0-5).
Aaron Nesmith led the Pacers in this win with 24 points, two rebounds and two steals despite coming off the bench. Bennedict Mathurin and Myles Turner each had 22 points. Mathurin filled the stat sheet with nine rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Turner had six boards and three blocks. Tyrese Haliburton contributed a 16-point, 13-assist double-double that also included six rebounds. Jalen Smith had 16 points and 11 rebounds off the bench.
Jordan Clarkson carried the Jazz despite the loss, as he finished with 33 points, five assists and three rebounds. Lauri Markkanen chipped in with 24 points and nine rebounds. John Collins also sniffed a double-double thanks to his 14 points and nine boards. No other Utah starter scored in double digits. Simone Fontecchio and Collin Sexton each had 10 points as well.
76ers Top Celtics With Late Resurrence In Fourth Quarter
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Boston Celtics, 106-103, at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday.
The 76ers (6-1) and the Celtics (5-2) engaged in a battle of two Eastern Conference contenders, and the game went down to the wire. Boston enjoyed a better start and grabbed a 27-22 lead after the first quarter, but Philly didn’t waste time responding. The 76ers dominated the second quarter and marched into the HT break with a seven-point lead following a 39-27 score. The Sixers made it a 10-point game following a 20-17 score in the third quarter, but the Celtics were ready to mount a comeback. Boston outscored Philadelphia by a 32-25 score in the final 12 minutes, but it was not enough to flip the script. Boston had the chance to even things up in the last seconds, but Kristaps Porzingis missed his 25-foot three-point attempt. With the win, the Sixers move to 5-0 at home. Meanwhile, the Celtics fell to 3-2 on the road.
Joel Embiid led the way for the 76ers with 27 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks. Tyrese Maxey looked impressive and posted 25 points, nine boards, five assists and two blocks. Tobias Harris delivered 17 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Kelly Oubre Jr. accounted for 14 points and eight rebounds. No other Philadelphia player scored in double digits.
All five starters scored in double digits for Boston. Kristaps Porzingis led the way with 29 points, six rebounds and three assists. Jayson Tatum didn’t have his best shooting display (6-14 FG, 2-6 3Pt) but still ended with 16 points, 15 rebounds, six assists and three steals. Jaylen Brown chipped in with 11 points while attempting 13 shots. Derrick White had 19 points and Jrue Holiday delivered 12 points, five boards and five assists.
The 76ers (6-1) and the Celtics (5-2) engaged in a battle of two Eastern Conference contenders, and the game went down to the wire. Boston enjoyed a better start and grabbed a 27-22 lead after the first quarter, but Philly didn’t waste time responding. The 76ers dominated the second quarter and marched into the HT break with a seven-point lead following a 39-27 score. The Sixers made it a 10-point game following a 20-17 score in the third quarter, but the Celtics were ready to mount a comeback. Boston outscored Philadelphia by a 32-25 score in the final 12 minutes, but it was not enough to flip the script. Boston had the chance to even things up in the last seconds, but Kristaps Porzingis missed his 25-foot three-point attempt. With the win, the Sixers move to 5-0 at home. Meanwhile, the Celtics fell to 3-2 on the road.
Joel Embiid led the way for the 76ers with 27 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks. Tyrese Maxey looked impressive and posted 25 points, nine boards, five assists and two blocks. Tobias Harris delivered 17 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Kelly Oubre Jr. accounted for 14 points and eight rebounds. No other Philadelphia player scored in double digits.
All five starters scored in double digits for Boston. Kristaps Porzingis led the way with 29 points, six rebounds and three assists. Jayson Tatum didn’t have his best shooting display (6-14 FG, 2-6 3Pt) but still ended with 16 points, 15 rebounds, six assists and three steals. Jaylen Brown chipped in with 11 points while attempting 13 shots. Derrick White had 19 points and Jrue Holiday delivered 12 points, five boards and five assists.
Wizards Top Hornets In Battle Of Struggling Teams
The Washington Wizards defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 132-116, at Spectrum Center on Wednesday.
The Wizards (2-5) finally snapped their losing skid and inflicted even more damage on a Hornets (2-5) team that looks bound to spend another season near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. The Hornets were supported by their 14,267 fans and jumped to a 29-24 lead in the first 12 minutes. However, the Wizards found a way to turn things around and flip the script completely following a 41-17 score in the second quarter. The double-digit deficit was just too much for the Hornets, and Charlotte could never come back to recover. The third quarter ended with a 38-38 tie, and the final 12 minutes saw the Hornets win by just three points. The Wizards didn’t have problems closing the game out, though. With the win, the Wizards moved to 1-4 on the road, while the Hornets fell to 1-3 at home.
Kyle Kuzma led the way for the Wizards with 33 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Jordan Poole had 11 points, but he only shot 3-for-12 from the field. The bench stepped it up in a big way. Danilo Gallinari and Delon Wright each had 18 points. Gallinari added four rebounds, while Wright contributed four steals, three rebounds and three assists. Landry Smahet had 15 points and Corey Kispert added 12 points with three rebounds and three assists.
LaMelo Ball impressed once again and finished with 34 points and seven assists. Gordon Hayward was impressive and recorded 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals. Mark Williams and P.J. Washington each had 14 points and seven boards, with Williams swatting two shots as well. Brandon Miller had 15 points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Wizards (2-5) finally snapped their losing skid and inflicted even more damage on a Hornets (2-5) team that looks bound to spend another season near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. The Hornets were supported by their 14,267 fans and jumped to a 29-24 lead in the first 12 minutes. However, the Wizards found a way to turn things around and flip the script completely following a 41-17 score in the second quarter. The double-digit deficit was just too much for the Hornets, and Charlotte could never come back to recover. The third quarter ended with a 38-38 tie, and the final 12 minutes saw the Hornets win by just three points. The Wizards didn’t have problems closing the game out, though. With the win, the Wizards moved to 1-4 on the road, while the Hornets fell to 1-3 at home.
Kyle Kuzma led the way for the Wizards with 33 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Jordan Poole had 11 points, but he only shot 3-for-12 from the field. The bench stepped it up in a big way. Danilo Gallinari and Delon Wright each had 18 points. Gallinari added four rebounds, while Wright contributed four steals, three rebounds and three assists. Landry Smahet had 15 points and Corey Kispert added 12 points with three rebounds and three assists.
LaMelo Ball impressed once again and finished with 34 points and seven assists. Gordon Hayward was impressive and recorded 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals. Mark Williams and P.J. Washington each had 14 points and seven boards, with Williams swatting two shots as well. Brandon Miller had 15 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Nets Upend Clippers, 100-93
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, 100-93, at Barclays Center on Wednesday night.
The new-look Clippers (3-4) opened the game in elite defensive form, leading to a 21-13 lead after one. However, that seemed to bring the Nets (4-4) to life, as they racked up 33 points during the second quarter to take a minimal three-point deficit into halftime. Brooklyn had a two-point edge by the start of the fourth and its 12-6 run over the first 3:28 of the final period helped create enough cushion for an eventual seven-point victory.
Paul George led the Clippers with 24 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, one assist, three steals and one block. Kawhi Leonard furnished 17 points, six boards, two assists, one steal and one block. Russell Westbrook furnished 13 points, eight assists and seven boards. James Harden totaled 12 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals. Ivica Zubac and Norman Powell posted 10 points apiece, with Zubac also pulling down 10 rebounds and recording three blocks.
Lonnie Walker led the Nets with 21 points. Cam Thomas contributed 14 points, two boards and one block. Dorian-Finney-Smith and Royce O'Neale generated matching 12-point, two-assist, three-block efforts while recording nine and 10 rebounds, respectively. Day'Ron Sharpe registered 11 points, 10 boards and two steals. Mikal Bridges delivered 10 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Clippers remain on the road and visit the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night, while the Nets visit the Boston Celtics on Friday night as well.
The new-look Clippers (3-4) opened the game in elite defensive form, leading to a 21-13 lead after one. However, that seemed to bring the Nets (4-4) to life, as they racked up 33 points during the second quarter to take a minimal three-point deficit into halftime. Brooklyn had a two-point edge by the start of the fourth and its 12-6 run over the first 3:28 of the final period helped create enough cushion for an eventual seven-point victory.
Paul George led the Clippers with 24 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, one assist, three steals and one block. Kawhi Leonard furnished 17 points, six boards, two assists, one steal and one block. Russell Westbrook furnished 13 points, eight assists and seven boards. James Harden totaled 12 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals. Ivica Zubac and Norman Powell posted 10 points apiece, with Zubac also pulling down 10 rebounds and recording three blocks.
Lonnie Walker led the Nets with 21 points. Cam Thomas contributed 14 points, two boards and one block. Dorian-Finney-Smith and Royce O'Neale generated matching 12-point, two-assist, three-block efforts while recording nine and 10 rebounds, respectively. Day'Ron Sharpe registered 11 points, 10 boards and two steals. Mikal Bridges delivered 10 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Clippers remain on the road and visit the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night, while the Nets visit the Boston Celtics on Friday night as well.
Knicks Blast Spurs, 126-105
The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 126-105, at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night.
The Knicks (4-4) got off to a fast start on both ends of the floor, leading to a dominant 33-16 lead after one. The Spurs (3-5) were much better on the offensive end in the second quarter while totaling 35 points, but they still managed to only make a three-point dent in their deficit. New York then snuffed out any thoughts of a post-halftime surge by San Antonio by outscoring the visitors by a 34-21 margin in the third, setting the stage for the easy win.
Jeremy Sochan led the Spurs with 16 points, complementing them with six rebounds and five assists. Victor Wembanyama and Malaki Branham posted matching 14-point contributions, with Wembanyama also pulling down nine rebounds. Tre Jones furnished 12 points, five assists, one rebound, one steal and one block. Zach Collins supplied 11 points, seven boards, three assists and three blocks. Doug McDermott matched Collins' scoring and also recorded three rebounds and one assist.
Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with 25 points, supplementing them with six assists and two rebounds. R.J. Barrett registered 24 points, six assists, two rebounds and one steal. Julius Randle generated a 23-point, 16-rebound double-double that included five assists and one steal. Immanuel Quickley totaled 19 points and five assists. Isaiah Hartenstein turned in 13 points, three rebounds and two steals.
The Spurs return home to host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night, while the Knicks remain home and host the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday afternoon.
The Knicks (4-4) got off to a fast start on both ends of the floor, leading to a dominant 33-16 lead after one. The Spurs (3-5) were much better on the offensive end in the second quarter while totaling 35 points, but they still managed to only make a three-point dent in their deficit. New York then snuffed out any thoughts of a post-halftime surge by San Antonio by outscoring the visitors by a 34-21 margin in the third, setting the stage for the easy win.
Jeremy Sochan led the Spurs with 16 points, complementing them with six rebounds and five assists. Victor Wembanyama and Malaki Branham posted matching 14-point contributions, with Wembanyama also pulling down nine rebounds. Tre Jones furnished 12 points, five assists, one rebound, one steal and one block. Zach Collins supplied 11 points, seven boards, three assists and three blocks. Doug McDermott matched Collins' scoring and also recorded three rebounds and one assist.
Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with 25 points, supplementing them with six assists and two rebounds. R.J. Barrett registered 24 points, six assists, two rebounds and one steal. Julius Randle generated a 23-point, 16-rebound double-double that included five assists and one steal. Immanuel Quickley totaled 19 points and five assists. Isaiah Hartenstein turned in 13 points, three rebounds and two steals.
The Spurs return home to host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night, while the Knicks remain home and host the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday afternoon.
Suns Edge Bulls in OT, 116-115
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Chicago Bulls in overtime, 116-115, at United Center on Wednesday night.
The Suns (4-4) opened the game in strong offensive form despite being without Devin Booker (calf), recording 36 first-quarter points on their way to an eight-point advantage. However, in a development that would prove emblematic of the see-saw nature of the contest, the Bulls (3-6) came back in the second to wipe out the entirety of their deficit before halftime. The four-point edge Phoenix regained in the third wouldn't last, and the visitors would blow another late four-point advantage in the closing seconds to allow overtime. In the extra period, the Suns took the defining lead with 7.1 seconds on a Jusuf Nurkic layup and survived DeMar DeRozan's would-be go-ahead step back jumper with 3.1 seconds left.
Grayson Allen led the Suns with 26 points, supplementing them with nine rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Kevin Durant followed with 25 points, nine assists, six rebounds, two steals and one block. Nurkic generated a 20-point, 17-rebound double-double that included eight assists and two steals. Bradley Beal made his long-awaited season/team debut and went for 13 points, four rebounds, four assists and one block in 24 minutes.
Nikola Vucevic paced the Bulls with 26 points, complementing them with six rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. DeRozan and Zach LaVine posted matching 22-point tallies while providing seven and eight assists, respectively. LaVine also recorded eight rebounds. Alex Caruso finished with 19 points, four rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks.
The Suns return home to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night, while the Bulls remain home and host the Chicago Bulls on Sunday night.
The Suns (4-4) opened the game in strong offensive form despite being without Devin Booker (calf), recording 36 first-quarter points on their way to an eight-point advantage. However, in a development that would prove emblematic of the see-saw nature of the contest, the Bulls (3-6) came back in the second to wipe out the entirety of their deficit before halftime. The four-point edge Phoenix regained in the third wouldn't last, and the visitors would blow another late four-point advantage in the closing seconds to allow overtime. In the extra period, the Suns took the defining lead with 7.1 seconds on a Jusuf Nurkic layup and survived DeMar DeRozan's would-be go-ahead step back jumper with 3.1 seconds left.
Grayson Allen led the Suns with 26 points, supplementing them with nine rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Kevin Durant followed with 25 points, nine assists, six rebounds, two steals and one block. Nurkic generated a 20-point, 17-rebound double-double that included eight assists and two steals. Bradley Beal made his long-awaited season/team debut and went for 13 points, four rebounds, four assists and one block in 24 minutes.
Nikola Vucevic paced the Bulls with 26 points, complementing them with six rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. DeRozan and Zach LaVine posted matching 22-point tallies while providing seven and eight assists, respectively. LaVine also recorded eight rebounds. Alex Caruso finished with 19 points, four rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks.
The Suns return home to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night, while the Bulls remain home and host the Chicago Bulls on Sunday night.
Rockets Rout Lakers, 128-94
The Houston Rockets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 128-94, at Toyota Center on Wednesday night.
The Rockets (4-3) opened the game in top form on both ends of the floor and didn't really let up, opening up a 32-19 lead through one and expanding that advantage another eight points by halftime. Houston put the final nail in the Lakers' (3-5) proverbial coffin in the third by building its advantage up to 28 points, essentially sealing the victory. The hosts shot a blistering 54.8 percent and enjoyed a 57-34 rebounding advantage over Los Angeles.
With Anthony Davis available but not playing due to hip spasms, Rui Hachimura led the way for the Lakers with 24 points, adding eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. D'Angelo Russell supplied 22 points, four assists, two rebounds and three blocks. LeBron James posted 18 points, six boards and two assists.
Jalen Green paced the Rockets with 28 points, which he scored in just three quarters, complementing them with seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. Alperen Sengun registered 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Jae'Sean Tate netted 14 points. Jabari Smith Jr. compiled 12 points, six rebounds and one steal.
The Lakers remain on the road and visit the Phoenix Suns on Friday night, while the Rockets host the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night as well.
The Rockets (4-3) opened the game in top form on both ends of the floor and didn't really let up, opening up a 32-19 lead through one and expanding that advantage another eight points by halftime. Houston put the final nail in the Lakers' (3-5) proverbial coffin in the third by building its advantage up to 28 points, essentially sealing the victory. The hosts shot a blistering 54.8 percent and enjoyed a 57-34 rebounding advantage over Los Angeles.
With Anthony Davis available but not playing due to hip spasms, Rui Hachimura led the way for the Lakers with 24 points, adding eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. D'Angelo Russell supplied 22 points, four assists, two rebounds and three blocks. LeBron James posted 18 points, six boards and two assists.
Jalen Green paced the Rockets with 28 points, which he scored in just three quarters, complementing them with seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. Alperen Sengun registered 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Jae'Sean Tate netted 14 points. Jabari Smith Jr. compiled 12 points, six rebounds and one steal.
The Lakers remain on the road and visit the Phoenix Suns on Friday night, while the Rockets host the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night as well.
Bucks Hold On To Top Pistons
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Detroit Pistons, 120-118, at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday evening.
The game got out to a tight start as the Bucks led, 24-23, through one quarter. The hosts picked up the pace in the second and outscored the Pistons by nine points in the quarter, to take a 10-point advantage into the break. Giannis Antetokounmpo was tossed from the game early in the third quarter due to picking up a second technical and as a result, the Pistons took over, outscoring the hosts, 43-28, to take a five-point edge into the final quarter. The Bucks regrouped and fought through the fourth, coming up clutch in the final minutes to secure their third straight win. This also marks the sixth consecutive loss for the Pistons.
Damian Lillard led the way for the Bucks with 34 points, two rebounds, three assists and three steals, in 34 minutes. Antetokounmpo finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three blocks, while Bobby Portis totaled 18 points, five rebounds and two assists. The Bucks shot 45.6 percent from the field, including 11-for-37 from long range.
Meanwhile, Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 33 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, in 39 minutes. Marcus Sasser followed up with 26 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Killian Hayes added 14 points, five rebounds, four assists and a steal. The Pistons shot 49.0 percent from the field, including 7-for-29 from deep.
The Pistons (2-7) will look to bounce back as they play host to the 76ers on Friday. The Bucks (5-2) will be right back in action as they take on the Pacers in Indiana on Thursday.
The game got out to a tight start as the Bucks led, 24-23, through one quarter. The hosts picked up the pace in the second and outscored the Pistons by nine points in the quarter, to take a 10-point advantage into the break. Giannis Antetokounmpo was tossed from the game early in the third quarter due to picking up a second technical and as a result, the Pistons took over, outscoring the hosts, 43-28, to take a five-point edge into the final quarter. The Bucks regrouped and fought through the fourth, coming up clutch in the final minutes to secure their third straight win. This also marks the sixth consecutive loss for the Pistons.
Damian Lillard led the way for the Bucks with 34 points, two rebounds, three assists and three steals, in 34 minutes. Antetokounmpo finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three blocks, while Bobby Portis totaled 18 points, five rebounds and two assists. The Bucks shot 45.6 percent from the field, including 11-for-37 from long range.
Meanwhile, Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 33 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, in 39 minutes. Marcus Sasser followed up with 26 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Killian Hayes added 14 points, five rebounds, four assists and a steal. The Pistons shot 49.0 percent from the field, including 7-for-29 from deep.
The Pistons (2-7) will look to bounce back as they play host to the 76ers on Friday. The Bucks (5-2) will be right back in action as they take on the Pacers in Indiana on Thursday.
Timberwolves Blow Past Pelicans
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting New Orleans Pelicans, 122-101, at Target Center on Wednesday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start, but the Timberwolves had the upper hand early and took a four-point lead into the second quarter. The hosts turned up the intensity in the second and outscored the Pelicans, 44-20, in the quarter to take a 28-point cushion into the break. The Pelicans came out better in the third but could not cut into the deficit, as the Timberwolves pushed it to a 29-point game heading into the final quarter. The Pelicans poured in 33 points in the fourth but it was not nearly enough, as the Timberwolves cruised to their fourth straight win. This also marks the third consecutive loss for the Pelicans.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 26 points, three rebounds, eight assists, three steals and two blocks, in 33 minutes. Karl-Anthony Towns followed up with 23 points, three rebounds and a block, while Rudy Gobert totaled 17 points, 21 rebounds and two blocks. The Timberwolves shot 54.9 percent from the field, including 15-for-37 from deep.
Meanwhile, Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 24 points, three rebounds and six assists, in 32 minutes. Jordan Hawkins followed up with 14 points on 4-for-11 shooting, while Matt Ryan chipped in 12 points off the bench. The Pelicans shot 38.7 percent from the field, including 8-for-28 from long range.
The Pelicans (4-4) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Rockets in Houston on Friday. The Timberwolves (5-2) take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Friday.
The game got out to a competitive start, but the Timberwolves had the upper hand early and took a four-point lead into the second quarter. The hosts turned up the intensity in the second and outscored the Pelicans, 44-20, in the quarter to take a 28-point cushion into the break. The Pelicans came out better in the third but could not cut into the deficit, as the Timberwolves pushed it to a 29-point game heading into the final quarter. The Pelicans poured in 33 points in the fourth but it was not nearly enough, as the Timberwolves cruised to their fourth straight win. This also marks the third consecutive loss for the Pelicans.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 26 points, three rebounds, eight assists, three steals and two blocks, in 33 minutes. Karl-Anthony Towns followed up with 23 points, three rebounds and a block, while Rudy Gobert totaled 17 points, 21 rebounds and two blocks. The Timberwolves shot 54.9 percent from the field, including 15-for-37 from deep.
Meanwhile, Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 24 points, three rebounds and six assists, in 32 minutes. Jordan Hawkins followed up with 14 points on 4-for-11 shooting, while Matt Ryan chipped in 12 points off the bench. The Pelicans shot 38.7 percent from the field, including 8-for-28 from long range.
The Pelicans (4-4) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Rockets in Houston on Friday. The Timberwolves (5-2) take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Friday.
Thunder Hold Off Cavs In OKC
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, 128-120, at Paycom Center on Wednesday evening.
The Thunder jumped out to a strong start with a, 36-29, lead after one quarter and kept the pressure on in the second, to take a 13-point lead into halftime. The Cavs picked up their play in the third and outscored the hosts, 30-29, trimming it to a 12-point game heading into the final quarter. The Cavs kept up the fight in the fourth and cut it to a four-point game, but the Thunder reclaimed control and confidently closed out their second straight win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 43 points, seven rebounds, six assists, three steals and a block, in 38 minutes. Chet Holmgren added 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists, a steal and three blocks, while Jalen Williams added 15 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Thunder shot 51.2 percent from the field, including 12-for-28 from distance.
Meanwhile, Caris LeVert led the Cavs with 29 points, five rebounds and five assists, in 34 minutes. Evan Mobley followed up with 22 points, five rebounds, a steal and a block, while Donovan Mitchell tallied 20 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. The Cavs shot 50.6 percent from the field, including 9-for-29 from long range.
The Cavs (3-5) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Warriors in Golden State on Saturday. The Thunder (5-3) take on the Kings in Sacramento on Friday.
The Thunder jumped out to a strong start with a, 36-29, lead after one quarter and kept the pressure on in the second, to take a 13-point lead into halftime. The Cavs picked up their play in the third and outscored the hosts, 30-29, trimming it to a 12-point game heading into the final quarter. The Cavs kept up the fight in the fourth and cut it to a four-point game, but the Thunder reclaimed control and confidently closed out their second straight win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 43 points, seven rebounds, six assists, three steals and a block, in 38 minutes. Chet Holmgren added 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists, a steal and three blocks, while Jalen Williams added 15 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Thunder shot 51.2 percent from the field, including 12-for-28 from distance.
Meanwhile, Caris LeVert led the Cavs with 29 points, five rebounds and five assists, in 34 minutes. Evan Mobley followed up with 22 points, five rebounds, a steal and a block, while Donovan Mitchell tallied 20 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. The Cavs shot 50.6 percent from the field, including 9-for-29 from long range.
The Cavs (3-5) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Warriors in Golden State on Saturday. The Thunder (5-3) take on the Kings in Sacramento on Friday.
Heat Rally For Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat defeated the host Memphis Grizzlies, 108-102, at FedEx Forum on Wednesday evening.
The Heat jumped out to a strong start and led, 33-26, after one quarter. The game tightened up in the second, while the visitors managed to add another point to their advantage, making it an eight-point deficit heading into the break. The Grizzlies came out stronger in the third and outscored the visitors, 30, 23, to cut it down to a one-point game heading into the final quarter. The visitors kept the momentum to start the fourth and claimed a brief lead, but the Heat took over and closed on a 31-21 run, to close out their third straight win.
Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 30 points, 11 rebounds, a steal and three blocks, in 36 minutes. Kyle Lowry followed up with 17 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and a steal, while Jimmy Butler added 15 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Heat shot 45.5 percent from the field, including 11-for-28 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies with 28 points, four rebounds, two assists and a block, in 33 minutes. Desmond Bane followed up with 15 points, five rebounds, three assists, a steal and two blocks, while Luke Kennard added 13 points, two rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Grizzlies shot 38.9 percent from the field, including 11-for-37 from long range.
The Grizzlies (1-7) hope to get on track and find their first home win of the season, as they play host to the Jazz on Friday. The Heat (4-4) take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Saturday.
The Heat jumped out to a strong start and led, 33-26, after one quarter. The game tightened up in the second, while the visitors managed to add another point to their advantage, making it an eight-point deficit heading into the break. The Grizzlies came out stronger in the third and outscored the visitors, 30, 23, to cut it down to a one-point game heading into the final quarter. The visitors kept the momentum to start the fourth and claimed a brief lead, but the Heat took over and closed on a 31-21 run, to close out their third straight win.
Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 30 points, 11 rebounds, a steal and three blocks, in 36 minutes. Kyle Lowry followed up with 17 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and a steal, while Jimmy Butler added 15 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Heat shot 45.5 percent from the field, including 11-for-28 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies with 28 points, four rebounds, two assists and a block, in 33 minutes. Desmond Bane followed up with 15 points, five rebounds, three assists, a steal and two blocks, while Luke Kennard added 13 points, two rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Grizzlies shot 38.9 percent from the field, including 11-for-37 from long range.
The Grizzlies (1-7) hope to get on track and find their first home win of the season, as they play host to the Jazz on Friday. The Heat (4-4) take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Saturday.
Raptors Defeat Mavericks, 127-116
The Toronto Raptors defeated the host Dallas Mavericks, 127-116, at American Airlines Center on Wednesday.
While there were nine ties and 10 lead changes through the opening 30 minutes, Toronto never relinquished the lead over the final 15 minutes. The Raptors outscored the Mavericks in the second and third quarters, 72-55, leading by at least nine points for the entirety of the fourth quarter. Toronto shot 50 percent from the field while holding Dallas below 48 percent shooting. The Raptors also out-rebounded the Mavs, 60-55, while outscoring them in the paint, 72-40.
The Raptors (4-4) were led by Pascal Siakam, providing 31 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. OG Anunoby accrued 26 points, five rebounds and two assists. Dennis Schroder amassed 18 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals. Scottie Barnes had 14 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, four steals and two blocks. Gary Trent Jr led the bench with 16 points.
The Mavericks (6-2) were led by Luka Doncic, finishing with 31 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and four steals. Kyrie Irving collected 22 points, four rebounds and five assists. Derrick Jones Jr totaled 15 points, five rebounds and three blocks, while Tim Hardaway Jr led the bench with 17 points and two boards.
On deck for Dallas is a home matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. As for Toronto, they return to action on Saturday in a road matchup with the Boston Celtics.
While there were nine ties and 10 lead changes through the opening 30 minutes, Toronto never relinquished the lead over the final 15 minutes. The Raptors outscored the Mavericks in the second and third quarters, 72-55, leading by at least nine points for the entirety of the fourth quarter. Toronto shot 50 percent from the field while holding Dallas below 48 percent shooting. The Raptors also out-rebounded the Mavs, 60-55, while outscoring them in the paint, 72-40.
The Raptors (4-4) were led by Pascal Siakam, providing 31 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. OG Anunoby accrued 26 points, five rebounds and two assists. Dennis Schroder amassed 18 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals. Scottie Barnes had 14 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, four steals and two blocks. Gary Trent Jr led the bench with 16 points.
The Mavericks (6-2) were led by Luka Doncic, finishing with 31 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and four steals. Kyrie Irving collected 22 points, four rebounds and five assists. Derrick Jones Jr totaled 15 points, five rebounds and three blocks, while Tim Hardaway Jr led the bench with 17 points and two boards.
On deck for Dallas is a home matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. As for Toronto, they return to action on Saturday in a road matchup with the Boston Celtics.
Nuggets Defeat Warriors, 108-105
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Golden State Warriors, 108-105, at Ball Arena on Wednesday.
There were 10 ties and nine lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than six points for the closing 20 minutes. Stephen Curry missed a game-tying lay-up with just 7.0 seconds remaining, and Klay Thompson couldn't get off a game-tying shot at the buzzer after a missed free-throw by Denver. The Nuggets shot 45 percent from the field while holding the Warriors to 43 percent shooting. Denver recorded seven steals and four blocks, while Golden State had five steals and no blocks. They also outscored them in the paint, 42-32.
The Warriors (6-3) were led by Curry, collecting 23 points, five rebounds and four assists. Thompson tallied 15 points and six rebounds. Andrew Wiggins amassed 11 points and five rebounds, while Kevon Looney had 10 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Chris Paul led the bench with nine points, five rebounds and four assists.
The Nuggets (8-1) were led by Nikola Jokic, finishing with 35 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and three steals. Reggie Jackson registered 20 points, two rebounds and six assists. Michael Porter Jr accrued 17 points, eight rebounds and two assists, while Aaron Gordon generated 14 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and three steals.
On deck for Golden State is a home matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday. As for Denver, they're off until Sunday, when they travel to face the Houston Rockets.
There were 10 ties and nine lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than six points for the closing 20 minutes. Stephen Curry missed a game-tying lay-up with just 7.0 seconds remaining, and Klay Thompson couldn't get off a game-tying shot at the buzzer after a missed free-throw by Denver. The Nuggets shot 45 percent from the field while holding the Warriors to 43 percent shooting. Denver recorded seven steals and four blocks, while Golden State had five steals and no blocks. They also outscored them in the paint, 42-32.
The Warriors (6-3) were led by Curry, collecting 23 points, five rebounds and four assists. Thompson tallied 15 points and six rebounds. Andrew Wiggins amassed 11 points and five rebounds, while Kevon Looney had 10 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Chris Paul led the bench with nine points, five rebounds and four assists.
The Nuggets (8-1) were led by Nikola Jokic, finishing with 35 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and three steals. Reggie Jackson registered 20 points, two rebounds and six assists. Michael Porter Jr accrued 17 points, eight rebounds and two assists, while Aaron Gordon generated 14 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and three steals.
On deck for Golden State is a home matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday. As for Denver, they're off until Sunday, when they travel to face the Houston Rockets.
Kings Defeat Blazers in OT, 121-118
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Portland Trail Blazers in OT, 121-118, at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday.
There were 15 ties and 24 lead changes in this game, taking an overtime session to determine a winner. Sacramento scored the final three points of the overtime session, holding Portland scoreless for the final 1:47. Jerami Grant had two game-tying three-point attempts in the final 10 seconds but missed both of them. The Kings out-rebounded the Trail Blazers, 61-47, while out-assisting them, 32-26. Sacramento also outscored Portland in fastbreak points, 18-9, and in second-chance scoring, 26-10.
The Trail Blazers (3-5) were led by Grant, finishing with 38 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Deandre Ayton amassed 18 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Shaedon Sharpe had 18 points and three assists, while Skylar Mays led the bench with 18 points, two rebounds, 11 assists and two steals. Malcolm Brogdon suffered a hamstring strain in the first quarter.
The Kings (3-4) were led by Domantas Sabonis, collecting 27 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists on 11-of-14 from the field. Kevin Huerter had 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Harrison Barnes totaled 12 points and five boards, while Malik Monk led the bench with 23 points, six rebounds and 10 assists.
On deck for Sacramento is a home matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday. As for Portland, they return to action on Sunday in a road matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers.
There were 15 ties and 24 lead changes in this game, taking an overtime session to determine a winner. Sacramento scored the final three points of the overtime session, holding Portland scoreless for the final 1:47. Jerami Grant had two game-tying three-point attempts in the final 10 seconds but missed both of them. The Kings out-rebounded the Trail Blazers, 61-47, while out-assisting them, 32-26. Sacramento also outscored Portland in fastbreak points, 18-9, and in second-chance scoring, 26-10.
The Trail Blazers (3-5) were led by Grant, finishing with 38 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Deandre Ayton amassed 18 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Shaedon Sharpe had 18 points and three assists, while Skylar Mays led the bench with 18 points, two rebounds, 11 assists and two steals. Malcolm Brogdon suffered a hamstring strain in the first quarter.
The Kings (3-4) were led by Domantas Sabonis, collecting 27 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists on 11-of-14 from the field. Kevin Huerter had 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Harrison Barnes totaled 12 points and five boards, while Malik Monk led the bench with 23 points, six rebounds and 10 assists.
On deck for Sacramento is a home matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday. As for Portland, they return to action on Sunday in a road matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers.