Knicks Cruise To Win Over Hornets
The New York Knicks defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 129-107, at Madison Square Garden on Sunday.
The Knicks (5-4) moved over the .500 mark with an easy win over the Hornets (3-6) at home. The Knicks enjoyed an excellent start to the game and grabbed an early 32-25 lead following the first quarter. Charlotte could not respond, and while the Hornets played better in the second half, the Knicks extended their lead to 10 points (64-54) at halftime. The Knicks pulled away for good in the third quarter with a 35-25 score in the third quarter. New York closed things out in the fourth with a 30-28 score in the final 12 minutes.
RJ Barrett was the leading scorer for the Knicks with 24 points and four rebounds. Jalen Brunson had 20 points. Julius Randle had a strong game and delivered 23 points, five rebounds and five assists. Mitchell Robinson came close to a double-double after recording 10 points and nine rebounds. Immanuel Quickley was solid off the bench and finished with 17 points, nine assists and five rebounds. The Knicks shot 54 percent from the field and 41.7 percent from three-point range.
LaMelo Ball was the highest scorer for the Hornets with 32 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Mark Williams notched 10 points and four boards. Brandon Miller had 11 points. Nick Richards had 16 points and four rebounds coming off the bench. Gordon Hayward struggled and only finished with nine points across 29 minutes. The Hornets shot 46.8 percent from the field but only 34.3 percent from beyond the arc.
The Knicks (5-4) moved over the .500 mark with an easy win over the Hornets (3-6) at home. The Knicks enjoyed an excellent start to the game and grabbed an early 32-25 lead following the first quarter. Charlotte could not respond, and while the Hornets played better in the second half, the Knicks extended their lead to 10 points (64-54) at halftime. The Knicks pulled away for good in the third quarter with a 35-25 score in the third quarter. New York closed things out in the fourth with a 30-28 score in the final 12 minutes.
RJ Barrett was the leading scorer for the Knicks with 24 points and four rebounds. Jalen Brunson had 20 points. Julius Randle had a strong game and delivered 23 points, five rebounds and five assists. Mitchell Robinson came close to a double-double after recording 10 points and nine rebounds. Immanuel Quickley was solid off the bench and finished with 17 points, nine assists and five rebounds. The Knicks shot 54 percent from the field and 41.7 percent from three-point range.
LaMelo Ball was the highest scorer for the Hornets with 32 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Mark Williams notched 10 points and four boards. Brandon Miller had 11 points. Nick Richards had 16 points and four rebounds coming off the bench. Gordon Hayward struggled and only finished with nine points across 29 minutes. The Hornets shot 46.8 percent from the field but only 34.3 percent from beyond the arc.
Nets Hold On To Defeat Wizards
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Washington Wizards, 102-94, at Barclays Center on Sunday.
The Nets (5-5) moved back to .500 with a solid win over the Wizards (2-7). The Nets are moving in the right direction, while the Wizards continue to struggle and are headed for another long year. The Nets established their terms early on, however, after routing the first quarter by a 30-15 score. The Wizards responded, however, and reduced the difference to single digits with a 26-19 second quarter. Washington also won the third quarter by a 31-29 score, and they were headed in the right path toward a comeback. However, the Nets did not want that. Brooklyn won the final quarter by a 24-22 score and that was enough to close the game out.
Mikal Bridges led the way for the Nets in this win with 27 points, 13 rebounds and two assists. Nic Claxton also grabbed 13 rebounds, and he added 10 points to his tally as well. Cameron Johnson finished with 14 points and six rebounds. Spencer Dinwiddie delivered 12 points, but he also added four rebounds and three assists. Royce O'Neale scored in double digits off the bench after notching 10 points, six boards and four dimes. The Nets shot 37.8 percent from the field.
Bilal Coulibaly was the best player for the Wizards and notched 20 points with seven rebounds off the bench. Kyle Kuzma delivered 15 points, four rebounds and three assists. Deni Avdija had 14 points and nine boards. Jordan Poole finished with 12 points and five boards before being ejected. Danilo Gallinari posted 12 points, three rebounds and three assists off the bench. The Wizards shot 37.5 percent from the field.
The Nets (5-5) moved back to .500 with a solid win over the Wizards (2-7). The Nets are moving in the right direction, while the Wizards continue to struggle and are headed for another long year. The Nets established their terms early on, however, after routing the first quarter by a 30-15 score. The Wizards responded, however, and reduced the difference to single digits with a 26-19 second quarter. Washington also won the third quarter by a 31-29 score, and they were headed in the right path toward a comeback. However, the Nets did not want that. Brooklyn won the final quarter by a 24-22 score and that was enough to close the game out.
Mikal Bridges led the way for the Nets in this win with 27 points, 13 rebounds and two assists. Nic Claxton also grabbed 13 rebounds, and he added 10 points to his tally as well. Cameron Johnson finished with 14 points and six rebounds. Spencer Dinwiddie delivered 12 points, but he also added four rebounds and three assists. Royce O'Neale scored in double digits off the bench after notching 10 points, six boards and four dimes. The Nets shot 37.8 percent from the field.
Bilal Coulibaly was the best player for the Wizards and notched 20 points with seven rebounds off the bench. Kyle Kuzma delivered 15 points, four rebounds and three assists. Deni Avdija had 14 points and nine boards. Jordan Poole finished with 12 points and five boards before being ejected. Danilo Gallinari posted 12 points, three rebounds and three assists off the bench. The Wizards shot 37.5 percent from the field.
Grizzlies Use Strong Start To Top Clippers
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, 105-101, at crypto.com Arena on Sunday.
The Grizzlies (2-8) have had a woeful start to the season. However, they found a way to get a road win over the Clippers (3-6) on the road. The Clippers continue to struggle despite having four former All-Stars in the starting five on a regular basis. Memphis enjoyed an excellent start and raced to a 33-20 lead in the first quarter. The Clippers responded in the second quarter, however, and made it a single-digit deficit after a 25-19 score in the second quarter. Despite the edge in momentum, the Clippers could not complete the comeback. The Grizzlies won the third quarter by a 27-23 score and put the game out of reach. The Clippers fought in the final 12 minutes but it was not enough for them to turn things around.
Desmond Bane led the way for the Grizzlies with 27 points, six assists and four rebounds. Bismack Biyombo got the start at center and posted a 13-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Jaren Jackson had 12 points and four rebounds. Marcus Smart dazzled and finished with 17 points, seven assists and three rebounds. Luke Kennard added 13 points off the bench. No other Memphis player scored in double digits.
Paul George was the best player for the Clippers and finished with 26 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Kawhi Leonard had a solid game as well, putting up 14 points, five rebounds and three assists. Russell Westbrook sniffed a double-double after recording 12 points and nine boards. Norman Powell came off the bench and delivered 20 points while adding three assists and two boards. James Harden struggled once again and finished with 11 points (4-12 FG), four rebounds and three assists.
The Grizzlies (2-8) have had a woeful start to the season. However, they found a way to get a road win over the Clippers (3-6) on the road. The Clippers continue to struggle despite having four former All-Stars in the starting five on a regular basis. Memphis enjoyed an excellent start and raced to a 33-20 lead in the first quarter. The Clippers responded in the second quarter, however, and made it a single-digit deficit after a 25-19 score in the second quarter. Despite the edge in momentum, the Clippers could not complete the comeback. The Grizzlies won the third quarter by a 27-23 score and put the game out of reach. The Clippers fought in the final 12 minutes but it was not enough for them to turn things around.
Desmond Bane led the way for the Grizzlies with 27 points, six assists and four rebounds. Bismack Biyombo got the start at center and posted a 13-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Jaren Jackson had 12 points and four rebounds. Marcus Smart dazzled and finished with 17 points, seven assists and three rebounds. Luke Kennard added 13 points off the bench. No other Memphis player scored in double digits.
Paul George was the best player for the Clippers and finished with 26 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Kawhi Leonard had a solid game as well, putting up 14 points, five rebounds and three assists. Russell Westbrook sniffed a double-double after recording 12 points and nine boards. Norman Powell came off the bench and delivered 20 points while adding three assists and two boards. James Harden struggled once again and finished with 11 points (4-12 FG), four rebounds and three assists.
76ers Outlast Pacers, 137-126
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Indiana Pacers, 137-126, at Wells Fargo Center on Sunday evening.
The 76ers (8-1) appeared to be clicking on all cylinders early in the contest, totaling 38 first-quarter points to build an early 11-point lead. Both squads were over the 30-mark in the second, but the Pacers (6-4) were only able to put a two-point dent in their deficit going into halftime. However, Indiana wiped out all but one point of it during a 39-point third period, setting up an intriguing final 12 minutes. The visitors were even able to establish a brief one-point advantage early in the fourth quarter, but they spent the rest of the period in the trail position and never had enough answers defensively.
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with a 25-point, 17-assist double-double that included one rebound, two steals and one block. Myles Turner posted 22 points, five rebounds, three blocks and one steal. Buddy Hield supplied 16 points, four boards, three assists, one steal and one block. Obi Toppin netted 14 points. Jalen Smith furnished 11 points, six rebounds and one assist.
Tyrese Maxey paced the 76ers with 50 points, adding seven rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Joel Embiid generated a 37-point, 13-rebound double-double that included seven assists, one steal and one block. Tobias Harris delivered 18 points, nine rebounds and four assists. De'Anthony Melton registered 10 points, six assists and four rebounds.
The two teams meet for a rematch at Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday night.
The 76ers (8-1) appeared to be clicking on all cylinders early in the contest, totaling 38 first-quarter points to build an early 11-point lead. Both squads were over the 30-mark in the second, but the Pacers (6-4) were only able to put a two-point dent in their deficit going into halftime. However, Indiana wiped out all but one point of it during a 39-point third period, setting up an intriguing final 12 minutes. The visitors were even able to establish a brief one-point advantage early in the fourth quarter, but they spent the rest of the period in the trail position and never had enough answers defensively.
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with a 25-point, 17-assist double-double that included one rebound, two steals and one block. Myles Turner posted 22 points, five rebounds, three blocks and one steal. Buddy Hield supplied 16 points, four boards, three assists, one steal and one block. Obi Toppin netted 14 points. Jalen Smith furnished 11 points, six rebounds and one assist.
Tyrese Maxey paced the 76ers with 50 points, adding seven rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Joel Embiid generated a 37-point, 13-rebound double-double that included seven assists, one steal and one block. Tobias Harris delivered 18 points, nine rebounds and four assists. De'Anthony Melton registered 10 points, six assists and four rebounds.
The two teams meet for a rematch at Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday night.
Mavericks Outscore Pelicans, 136-124
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 136-124, at Smoothie King Center on Sunday night.
The Mavericks' (8-2) considerable offensive firepower has been on display several times early in the new season, and it helped carry Dallas to a double-digit road victory Sunday night. The Mavs opened the game red hot, amassing 67 first-half points to take a 13-point lead into halftime. They then squashed any hopes of a second-half resurgence for the Pelicans (4-6) by outscoring their hosts, 42-31, in the third quarter. The 24-point cushion proved to be enough even when it was halved during the fourth quarter, on a night when the visitors won the turnover battle by an 18-6 margin.
Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks with 35 points, adding seven assists, six rebounds and one block. Luka Doncic furnished 30 points, nine assists, four rebounds and one steal. Tim Hardaway delivered 15 points, nine boards and two assists. Josh Green supplied 13 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Dereck Lively posted 10 points.
Brandon Ingram paced the Pelicans with 20 points, complementing them with five rebounds and five assists. Zion Williamson finished with 18 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal. Dyson Daniels contributed 17 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists and two blocks. Matt Ryan registered 14 points, six boards and two assists. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Jordan Hawkins produced 11 and 10 points, respectively, with Robinson-Earl also pulling down six rebounds.
The Mavericks and Pelicans face off in a rematch at Smoothie King Center on Tuesday night.
The Mavericks' (8-2) considerable offensive firepower has been on display several times early in the new season, and it helped carry Dallas to a double-digit road victory Sunday night. The Mavs opened the game red hot, amassing 67 first-half points to take a 13-point lead into halftime. They then squashed any hopes of a second-half resurgence for the Pelicans (4-6) by outscoring their hosts, 42-31, in the third quarter. The 24-point cushion proved to be enough even when it was halved during the fourth quarter, on a night when the visitors won the turnover battle by an 18-6 margin.
Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks with 35 points, adding seven assists, six rebounds and one block. Luka Doncic furnished 30 points, nine assists, four rebounds and one steal. Tim Hardaway delivered 15 points, nine boards and two assists. Josh Green supplied 13 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Dereck Lively posted 10 points.
Brandon Ingram paced the Pelicans with 20 points, complementing them with five rebounds and five assists. Zion Williamson finished with 18 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal. Dyson Daniels contributed 17 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists and two blocks. Matt Ryan registered 14 points, six boards and two assists. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Jordan Hawkins produced 11 and 10 points, respectively, with Robinson-Earl also pulling down six rebounds.
The Mavericks and Pelicans face off in a rematch at Smoothie King Center on Tuesday night.
Bulls Best Pistons, 119-108
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Detroit Pistons, 119-108, at United Center on Sunday night.
The Pistons (2-9) got quite the jump on the Bulls (4-6) early, establishing a 31-22 lead through one with some sharp offensive play. However, the Bulls (4-6) turned the tables and them some in the second, wiping out the entirety of their deficit and taking a five-point advantage into halftime. Detroit was able to lop two points from its deficit in the third, but Chicago's 35-27 fourth-quarter edge was enough for the victory.
Kevin Knox II led the Pistons with 18 points, adding three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Isaiah Stewart generated a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists. Alec Burks delivered 16 points, four assists and three rebounds. Marvin Bagley registered 14 points, five boards, one assist and one block. Cade Cunningham supplied 10 points, five assists, three rebounds and two blocks.
DeMar DeRozan paced the Bulls with 29 points, adding one rebound, one assist and four blocks. Nikola Vucevic followed with a 21-point, 12-rebound double-double that included four assists, two steals and one block. Zach LaVine furnished 19 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Coby White posted 16 points, seven assists and two steals. Ayo Dosunmu netted 13 points, while Andre Drummond generated an 11-point, 13-rebound double-double that included one assist and two steals.
The Pistons head back home to host the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night, while the Bulls visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night.
The Pistons (2-9) got quite the jump on the Bulls (4-6) early, establishing a 31-22 lead through one with some sharp offensive play. However, the Bulls (4-6) turned the tables and them some in the second, wiping out the entirety of their deficit and taking a five-point advantage into halftime. Detroit was able to lop two points from its deficit in the third, but Chicago's 35-27 fourth-quarter edge was enough for the victory.
Kevin Knox II led the Pistons with 18 points, adding three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Isaiah Stewart generated a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists. Alec Burks delivered 16 points, four assists and three rebounds. Marvin Bagley registered 14 points, five boards, one assist and one block. Cade Cunningham supplied 10 points, five assists, three rebounds and two blocks.
DeMar DeRozan paced the Bulls with 29 points, adding one rebound, one assist and four blocks. Nikola Vucevic followed with a 21-point, 12-rebound double-double that included four assists, two steals and one block. Zach LaVine furnished 19 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Coby White posted 16 points, seven assists and two steals. Ayo Dosunmu netted 13 points, while Andre Drummond generated an 11-point, 13-rebound double-double that included one assist and two steals.
The Pistons head back home to host the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night, while the Bulls visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night.
Rockets Defeat Nuggets, 107-104
The Houston Rockets defeated the visiting Denver Nuggets, 107-104, at Toyota Center on Sunday.
While Denver led for the majority of the opening three quarters, Houston prevailed. They actually trailed 30-23 after the opening frame but outscored the Nuggets 84-72 across the final three quarters. There were seven lead changes in total, with neither team leading by more than 10 points. Nikola Jokic had a 50-footer to tie the game at the buzzer but fell short. Houston's bench outscored Denver's bench, 31-8. The Rockets also shot 23-of-29 from the free-throw line, while the Nugs hit 11-of-14.
The Nuggets (8-2) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 36 points, 21 rebounds and 11 assists. Michael Porter Jr provided 25 points and 10 rebounds. Aaron Gordon accrued 16 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two blocks, while Reggie Jackson generated 14 points, four rebounds and two assists.
The Rockets (6-3) were led by Fred VanVleet, finishing with 26 points, two rebounds and four assists. Alperen Sengun amassed 23 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Jalen Green had nine points, eight rebounds and five assists, despite shooting 1-of-13 from the field. Jeff Green led the bench with 15 points and four boards.
On deck for Denver is a home matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday. As for Houston, they also play the Clippers in their next game, facing them on Friday on the road.
While Denver led for the majority of the opening three quarters, Houston prevailed. They actually trailed 30-23 after the opening frame but outscored the Nuggets 84-72 across the final three quarters. There were seven lead changes in total, with neither team leading by more than 10 points. Nikola Jokic had a 50-footer to tie the game at the buzzer but fell short. Houston's bench outscored Denver's bench, 31-8. The Rockets also shot 23-of-29 from the free-throw line, while the Nugs hit 11-of-14.
The Nuggets (8-2) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 36 points, 21 rebounds and 11 assists. Michael Porter Jr provided 25 points and 10 rebounds. Aaron Gordon accrued 16 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two blocks, while Reggie Jackson generated 14 points, four rebounds and two assists.
The Rockets (6-3) were led by Fred VanVleet, finishing with 26 points, two rebounds and four assists. Alperen Sengun amassed 23 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Jalen Green had nine points, eight rebounds and five assists, despite shooting 1-of-13 from the field. Jeff Green led the bench with 15 points and four boards.
On deck for Denver is a home matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday. As for Houston, they also play the Clippers in their next game, facing them on Friday on the road.
Heat Defeat Spurs, 118-113
The Miami Heat defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 118-113, at AT&T Center on Sunday.
There were seven ties and 10 lead changes in this game, with the majority of those happening in the fourth quarter. The Spurs actually led 98-86 with nine minutes remaining, but the Heat closed the game on a 32-15 to complete their comeback win, Miami shot 28-of-30 from the free-throw line while San Antonio connected on just 10-of-12. The Heat also won the turnover battle, 17-4, outscoring them in points off of turnovers, 33-15.
The Heat (6-4) were led by Duncan Robinson, registering 26 points, five rebounds and four assists. Bam Adebayo accrued 24 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and three steals. Jimmy Butler tallied 19 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Josh Richardson had 12 points, three rebounds and four assists. Dru Smith, Jaime Jaquez and Kevin Love all reached double figures off of the bench.
The Spurs (3-7) were led by Keldon Johnson, collecting 20 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. Zach Collins compiled 18 points, five rebounds and two assists. Victor Wembenyama totaled 18 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. Jeremy Sochane provided 16 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Malaki Branham led the bench with 13 points and seven assists.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with San Antonio traveling to face the Oklahoma City Thunder and Miami playing the Charlotte Hornets on the road as well.
There were seven ties and 10 lead changes in this game, with the majority of those happening in the fourth quarter. The Spurs actually led 98-86 with nine minutes remaining, but the Heat closed the game on a 32-15 to complete their comeback win, Miami shot 28-of-30 from the free-throw line while San Antonio connected on just 10-of-12. The Heat also won the turnover battle, 17-4, outscoring them in points off of turnovers, 33-15.
The Heat (6-4) were led by Duncan Robinson, registering 26 points, five rebounds and four assists. Bam Adebayo accrued 24 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and three steals. Jimmy Butler tallied 19 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Josh Richardson had 12 points, three rebounds and four assists. Dru Smith, Jaime Jaquez and Kevin Love all reached double figures off of the bench.
The Spurs (3-7) were led by Keldon Johnson, collecting 20 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. Zach Collins compiled 18 points, five rebounds and two assists. Victor Wembenyama totaled 18 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. Jeremy Sochane provided 16 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Malaki Branham led the bench with 13 points and seven assists.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with San Antonio traveling to face the Oklahoma City Thunder and Miami playing the Charlotte Hornets on the road as well.
Thunder Defeat Suns, 111-99
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the host Phoenix Suns, 111-99, at Footprint Center on Sunday.
While there were 12 ties and 16 lead changes in this game, Oklahoma City closed on a 17-4 run over the final 5:21 to prevail. That capped off a 31-13 fourth quarter, with their largest lead being the final 12-point margin. Oklahoma City shot 49 percent from the field and 37 percent from three-point range while holding Phoenix to 38 percent from the field and 31 percent from long range. The Thunder recorded 23 assists to seven turnovers, while the Suns had 20 assists to 17 turnovers. They also outscored them in the paint, 50-38, and in fastbreak points, 14-6.
The Thunder (6-4) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, collecting 35 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Jalen Williams amassed 31 points and two steals. Chet Holmgren tallied 18 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks, while Josh Giddey generated 10 points, six rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks. The six bench players combined for eight points.
The Suns (4-6) were led by Kevin Durant, finishing with 28 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Bradley Beal totaled 15 points, eight rebounds and five assists. No other starter had more than eight points or one assist. Drew Eubanks led the bench with 15 points and five boards.
On deck for Oklahoma City is a home matchup with the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday. As for Phoenix, they return to action on Wednesday in a home matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
While there were 12 ties and 16 lead changes in this game, Oklahoma City closed on a 17-4 run over the final 5:21 to prevail. That capped off a 31-13 fourth quarter, with their largest lead being the final 12-point margin. Oklahoma City shot 49 percent from the field and 37 percent from three-point range while holding Phoenix to 38 percent from the field and 31 percent from long range. The Thunder recorded 23 assists to seven turnovers, while the Suns had 20 assists to 17 turnovers. They also outscored them in the paint, 50-38, and in fastbreak points, 14-6.
The Thunder (6-4) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, collecting 35 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Jalen Williams amassed 31 points and two steals. Chet Holmgren tallied 18 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks, while Josh Giddey generated 10 points, six rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks. The six bench players combined for eight points.
The Suns (4-6) were led by Kevin Durant, finishing with 28 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Bradley Beal totaled 15 points, eight rebounds and five assists. No other starter had more than eight points or one assist. Drew Eubanks led the bench with 15 points and five boards.
On deck for Oklahoma City is a home matchup with the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday. As for Phoenix, they return to action on Wednesday in a home matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Timberwolves Notch Sixth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the host Golden State Warriors, 116-110, at Chase Center on Sunday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start, as the Warriors led, 31-29, through one quarter. The hosts carried the momentum into the second and pushed their lead to eight points early in the quarter, but the Timberwolves picked up the pace and rallied to a three-point lead by halftime. The visitors turned it up a notch in the third and outscored the Warriors, 35-22, in the quarter to claim a 16-point cushion heading into the final frame. The Warriors put up a strong fight in the fourth and outscored the visitors by 10 points in the quarter, but it was not enough, as the Timberwolves closed out their sixth straight win. This marks the third straight loss for the Warriors.
Anthony Edwards led the way for the Timberwolves with 33 points, six rebounds, seven assists and two steals, in 38 minutes. Karl-Anthony Towns followed up with 21 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block, while Rudy Gobert totaled 10 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, a steal and five blocks. The Timberwolves shot 52.4 percent from the field, including 9-for-27 from long range.
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 38 points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Klay Thompson followed up with 16 points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Dario Saric chipped in 11 points, 10 rebounds and a steal. The Warriors shot 38.5 percent from the field, including 12-for-43 from deep.
The Timberwolves (7-2) and Warriors (6-5) will clash again in Golden State on Tuesday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start, as the Warriors led, 31-29, through one quarter. The hosts carried the momentum into the second and pushed their lead to eight points early in the quarter, but the Timberwolves picked up the pace and rallied to a three-point lead by halftime. The visitors turned it up a notch in the third and outscored the Warriors, 35-22, in the quarter to claim a 16-point cushion heading into the final frame. The Warriors put up a strong fight in the fourth and outscored the visitors by 10 points in the quarter, but it was not enough, as the Timberwolves closed out their sixth straight win. This marks the third straight loss for the Warriors.
Anthony Edwards led the way for the Timberwolves with 33 points, six rebounds, seven assists and two steals, in 38 minutes. Karl-Anthony Towns followed up with 21 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block, while Rudy Gobert totaled 10 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, a steal and five blocks. The Timberwolves shot 52.4 percent from the field, including 9-for-27 from long range.
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 38 points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Klay Thompson followed up with 16 points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Dario Saric chipped in 11 points, 10 rebounds and a steal. The Warriors shot 38.5 percent from the field, including 12-for-43 from deep.
The Timberwolves (7-2) and Warriors (6-5) will clash again in Golden State on Tuesday.
Lakers Lock In Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Portland Trail Blazers, 116-110, at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday evening.
The game got out to a tight start with a few lead changes in the first quarter, before the Lakers took a three-point edge into the second. The Trail Blazers came out stronger in the second and pulled ahead to a one-point advantage by halftime. The hosts turned it up a notch in the third and outscored the Blazers, 35-23, to make it an 11-point game heading into the final quarter. The visitors kept up the fight in the fourth, but it was not enough as the Lakers held on to close out their second straight win. This marks the third straight loss for the Trail Blazers.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 30 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and three blocks, in 41 minutes. Rui Hachimura followed up with 19 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Cam Reddish and Austin Reaves added 18 points each. The Lakers shot 48.8 percent from the field, including just 4-for-19 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jerami Grant led the Trail Blazers with 23 points, five rebounds and a block, in 41 minutes. Shaedon Sharpe followed up with 19 points, three rebounds and four assists, while Skylar Mays totaled 15 points, four rebounds and 12 assists. The Blazers shot 50 percent from the field, including 13-for-37 from long range.
The Trail Blazers (3-6) will look to get back on track as they clash with the Jazz in Utah on Tuesday. The Lakers (5-5) play host to the Grizzlies on Tuesday.
The game got out to a tight start with a few lead changes in the first quarter, before the Lakers took a three-point edge into the second. The Trail Blazers came out stronger in the second and pulled ahead to a one-point advantage by halftime. The hosts turned it up a notch in the third and outscored the Blazers, 35-23, to make it an 11-point game heading into the final quarter. The visitors kept up the fight in the fourth, but it was not enough as the Lakers held on to close out their second straight win. This marks the third straight loss for the Trail Blazers.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 30 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and three blocks, in 41 minutes. Rui Hachimura followed up with 19 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Cam Reddish and Austin Reaves added 18 points each. The Lakers shot 48.8 percent from the field, including just 4-for-19 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jerami Grant led the Trail Blazers with 23 points, five rebounds and a block, in 41 minutes. Shaedon Sharpe followed up with 19 points, three rebounds and four assists, while Skylar Mays totaled 15 points, four rebounds and 12 assists. The Blazers shot 50 percent from the field, including 13-for-37 from long range.
The Trail Blazers (3-6) will look to get back on track as they clash with the Jazz in Utah on Tuesday. The Lakers (5-5) play host to the Grizzlies on Tuesday.