Murray Shines As Hawks Top Pistons
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Detroit Pistons, 126-120, at Little Caesars Arena on Tuesday.
The Hawks (6-4) had an impressive win over a struggling Pistons (2-10) that has now lost nine games in a row. Atlanta took control of the contest as soon as the action began and quickly raced to a 38-29 lead in the first quarter. However, the Pistons showed some signs of life in the second quarter. Detroit reduced the deficit to just four points after a 31-26 score just before halftime, and it seemed the team could have pushed for a comeback. However, Atlanta managed to control the second half even if Detroit never gave up. A 33-31 score in the third quarter gave the Hawks a six-point lead entering the final 12 minutes of play. The Hawks would eventually close the game out and kept that differential in the dying minutes. The Pistons grabbed the lead with two minutes left, but the Hawks managed to stop them and closed things out.
Dejounte Murray was the best player for the Hawks with Trae Young out, and he finished with 32 points and 10 assists. Murray also added five rebounds and three steals across 38 minutes. Bogdan Bogdanovic delivered 17 points, three rebounds and three assists. Jalen Johnson and Deandre Hunter each posted 16 points, five rebounds and a steal. Hunter also dished out five assists. Saddiq Bey impressed off the bench with 19 points and five rebounds.
Marvin Bagley was the best player for the Pistons thanks to his 22-point, 11-rebound double-double. Ausar Thompson notched another impressive outing, as he ended with 21 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks. Isaiah Stewart had 10 points. Cade Cunningham had nine points and 12 assists. Alec Burks finished with 16 points off the bench. Jaden Ivey also impressed off the bench with 11 points, five boards and five dimes.
The Hawks (6-4) had an impressive win over a struggling Pistons (2-10) that has now lost nine games in a row. Atlanta took control of the contest as soon as the action began and quickly raced to a 38-29 lead in the first quarter. However, the Pistons showed some signs of life in the second quarter. Detroit reduced the deficit to just four points after a 31-26 score just before halftime, and it seemed the team could have pushed for a comeback. However, Atlanta managed to control the second half even if Detroit never gave up. A 33-31 score in the third quarter gave the Hawks a six-point lead entering the final 12 minutes of play. The Hawks would eventually close the game out and kept that differential in the dying minutes. The Pistons grabbed the lead with two minutes left, but the Hawks managed to stop them and closed things out.
Dejounte Murray was the best player for the Hawks with Trae Young out, and he finished with 32 points and 10 assists. Murray also added five rebounds and three steals across 38 minutes. Bogdan Bogdanovic delivered 17 points, three rebounds and three assists. Jalen Johnson and Deandre Hunter each posted 16 points, five rebounds and a steal. Hunter also dished out five assists. Saddiq Bey impressed off the bench with 19 points and five rebounds.
Marvin Bagley was the best player for the Pistons thanks to his 22-point, 11-rebound double-double. Ausar Thompson notched another impressive outing, as he ended with 21 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks. Isaiah Stewart had 10 points. Cade Cunningham had nine points and 12 assists. Alec Burks finished with 16 points off the bench. Jaden Ivey also impressed off the bench with 11 points, five boards and five dimes.
Pacers Hold On To Defeat 76ers
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 123-126, at Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday.
The Pacers (7-4) looked quite good at the start of the contest and didn’t waste time to grab the lead in the first quarter against the 76ers (8-2) by a 36-30 score. The Pacers had all the momentum on their side and pushed their lead even further following a 27-24 score in the second quarter. A nine-point lead seemed something complicated for the 76ers to turn around. However, the 76ers were dominant in the third quarter and outscored their rivals by a 40-32 score, making it a one-point game with 12 minutes left. The Pacers reacted just in time, however. Indiana managed to close the game out with a 37-32 score in the final 12 minutes. It’s worth noting this loss snapped Philadelphia’s eight-game winning streak.
Tyrese Haliburton was the best player for the Pacers and led the team with a 33-point, 15-assist double-double that also included seven rebounds and two steals. Obi Toppin finished with 27 points and six rebounds. Myles Turner chipped in with 17 points and three boards. Bruce Brown recorded 14 points, five boards and three assists. T.J. McConnell impressed with 11 points and three dimes off the bench.
Joel Embiid finished with 39 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and three steals. Tyrese Maxey recorded 27 points, five assists and four rebounds. Tobias Harris recorded 22 points, seven boards and three assists. De'Anthony Melton exploded for 30 points and four rebounds. Surprisingly, no other 76ers player scored more than two points.
The Pacers (7-4) looked quite good at the start of the contest and didn’t waste time to grab the lead in the first quarter against the 76ers (8-2) by a 36-30 score. The Pacers had all the momentum on their side and pushed their lead even further following a 27-24 score in the second quarter. A nine-point lead seemed something complicated for the 76ers to turn around. However, the 76ers were dominant in the third quarter and outscored their rivals by a 40-32 score, making it a one-point game with 12 minutes left. The Pacers reacted just in time, however. Indiana managed to close the game out with a 37-32 score in the final 12 minutes. It’s worth noting this loss snapped Philadelphia’s eight-game winning streak.
Tyrese Haliburton was the best player for the Pacers and led the team with a 33-point, 15-assist double-double that also included seven rebounds and two steals. Obi Toppin finished with 27 points and six rebounds. Myles Turner chipped in with 17 points and three boards. Bruce Brown recorded 14 points, five boards and three assists. T.J. McConnell impressed with 11 points and three dimes off the bench.
Joel Embiid finished with 39 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and three steals. Tyrese Maxey recorded 27 points, five assists and four rebounds. Tobias Harris recorded 22 points, seven boards and three assists. De'Anthony Melton exploded for 30 points and four rebounds. Surprisingly, no other 76ers player scored more than two points.
Heat Gets Past Hornets, 111-105
The Miami Heat defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 111-105, at Spectrum Center on Tuesday night.
The Hornets (3-7) came into the contest as home underdogs, but they played like favorites while jumping out to a 32-24 lead through one. However, the Heat (7-4) would alter the dynamic of the game for good in the second, outscoring Charlotte by a 33-16 score to take a relatively comfortable nine-point advantage into halftime. Miami then managed to hold off its hosts in the second half, sealing the hard-fought road win with the help of Jimmy Butler's quartet of free throws.
Butler led the Heat with 32 points, adding five assists, four rebounds and two steals. Bam Adebayo generated a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double that included four assists, three steals and one block. Duncan Robinson furnished 18 points, eight boards, five assists, one steal and one block. Jaime Jaquez contributed 17 points, five rebounds and one assist. Haywood Highsmith delivered 12 points, four rebounds, two assists, five steals and two blocks.
P.J. Washington paced the Hornets with 32 points, complementing them with six rebounds and one assist. LaMelo Ball generated a 28-point, 11-assist double-double that included six rebounds and three steals. Bryce McGowens supplied 12 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal. Mark Williams registered 11 points, seven rebounds and one steal.
The Heat returns to action Thursday night at home against the Brooklyn Nets, while the Hornets remain home and host the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night.
The Hornets (3-7) came into the contest as home underdogs, but they played like favorites while jumping out to a 32-24 lead through one. However, the Heat (7-4) would alter the dynamic of the game for good in the second, outscoring Charlotte by a 33-16 score to take a relatively comfortable nine-point advantage into halftime. Miami then managed to hold off its hosts in the second half, sealing the hard-fought road win with the help of Jimmy Butler's quartet of free throws.
Butler led the Heat with 32 points, adding five assists, four rebounds and two steals. Bam Adebayo generated a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double that included four assists, three steals and one block. Duncan Robinson furnished 18 points, eight boards, five assists, one steal and one block. Jaime Jaquez contributed 17 points, five rebounds and one assist. Haywood Highsmith delivered 12 points, four rebounds, two assists, five steals and two blocks.
P.J. Washington paced the Hornets with 32 points, complementing them with six rebounds and one assist. LaMelo Ball generated a 28-point, 11-assist double-double that included six rebounds and three steals. Bryce McGowens supplied 12 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal. Mark Williams registered 11 points, seven rebounds and one steal.
The Heat returns to action Thursday night at home against the Brooklyn Nets, while the Hornets remain home and host the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night.
Nets Thump Magic, 124-104
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Orlando Magic, 124-104, at Barclays Center on Tuesday night.
The Nets (6-5) got off to a fast start with a 33-24 lead through one, but the Magic (5-5) roared back to eliminate its deficit and take a three-point advantage into halftime with an even more impressive second quarter. However, Brooklyn had gone back on top by two heading into the final period, and they put the game out of reach with a dominant 36-18 edge over the final 12 minutes.
Franz Wagner led the Magic with 21 points, complementing them with eight rebounds and five assists. Paolo Banchero supplied 19 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Goga Bitadze turned in 14 points, three boards, one assist and two steals. Moritz Wagner and Joe Ingles posted matching 11-point, four-assist tallies while pulling down six and three rebounds, respectively. Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony contributed 10-point, two-assist efforts, with Anthony recording six rebounds.
Spencer Dinwiddie paced the Nets with 29 points, complementing them with nine assists and five rebounds. Mikal Bridges totaled 21 points, five boards, four assists and four steals. Cameron Johnson registered 20 points, five rebounds, two assists and three steals. Royce O'Neale finished with 13 points, four rebounds and one assist. Day'Ron Sharpe and Lonnie Walker netted 11 points each, with Sharpe also pulling down 10 rebounds.
The Magic remains on the road and visits the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night, while the Nets visit the Miami Heat on Thursday night.
The Nets (6-5) got off to a fast start with a 33-24 lead through one, but the Magic (5-5) roared back to eliminate its deficit and take a three-point advantage into halftime with an even more impressive second quarter. However, Brooklyn had gone back on top by two heading into the final period, and they put the game out of reach with a dominant 36-18 edge over the final 12 minutes.
Franz Wagner led the Magic with 21 points, complementing them with eight rebounds and five assists. Paolo Banchero supplied 19 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Goga Bitadze turned in 14 points, three boards, one assist and two steals. Moritz Wagner and Joe Ingles posted matching 11-point, four-assist tallies while pulling down six and three rebounds, respectively. Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony contributed 10-point, two-assist efforts, with Anthony recording six rebounds.
Spencer Dinwiddie paced the Nets with 29 points, complementing them with nine assists and five rebounds. Mikal Bridges totaled 21 points, five boards, four assists and four steals. Cameron Johnson registered 20 points, five rebounds, two assists and three steals. Royce O'Neale finished with 13 points, four rebounds and one assist. Day'Ron Sharpe and Lonnie Walker netted 11 points each, with Sharpe also pulling down 10 rebounds.
The Magic remains on the road and visits the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night, while the Nets visit the Miami Heat on Thursday night.
Thunder Blast Spurs, 123-87
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 123-87, at Paycom Arena on Tuesday night.
The Thunder (7-4) encountered a competitive Spurs (3-8) team early, as their lead was a modest three points after one. However, Oklahoma City would go on to essentially put the game away in the middle quarters, when they outscored San Antonio by a 63-41 margin on the way to the lopsided victory. Gregg Popovich's squad committed 24 turnovers and shot just 38.7 percent while conceding a 51.7 percent success rate to its hosts.
Zach Collins and Julian Champagnie co-led the Spurs with 13 points, adding eight and three rebounds, respectively. Champagnie added four steals and three blocks as part of his other contributions. Devin Vassell furnished 12 points, four assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Malaki Branham netted 11 points.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander paced the Thunder with 28 points, complementing them with six rebounds, five assists and seven steals. Josh Giddey registered 18 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two blocks. Jalen Williams posted 11 points, three assists and two rebounds. Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace and Kenrich Williams each pitched in nine points, with Holmgren and Wallace recording seven and five rebounds, respectively.
The Spurs head back home to host the Sacramento Kings on Friday night, while the Thunder hits the road to visit the Warriors on Thursday night.
The Thunder (7-4) encountered a competitive Spurs (3-8) team early, as their lead was a modest three points after one. However, Oklahoma City would go on to essentially put the game away in the middle quarters, when they outscored San Antonio by a 63-41 margin on the way to the lopsided victory. Gregg Popovich's squad committed 24 turnovers and shot just 38.7 percent while conceding a 51.7 percent success rate to its hosts.
Zach Collins and Julian Champagnie co-led the Spurs with 13 points, adding eight and three rebounds, respectively. Champagnie added four steals and three blocks as part of his other contributions. Devin Vassell furnished 12 points, four assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Malaki Branham netted 11 points.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander paced the Thunder with 28 points, complementing them with six rebounds, five assists and seven steals. Josh Giddey registered 18 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two blocks. Jalen Williams posted 11 points, three assists and two rebounds. Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace and Kenrich Williams each pitched in nine points, with Holmgren and Wallace recording seven and five rebounds, respectively.
The Spurs head back home to host the Sacramento Kings on Friday night, while the Thunder hits the road to visit the Warriors on Thursday night.
Pelicans Snap Five-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the visiting Dallas Mavericks, 131-110, in NBA In-Season Group Play at Smoothie King Center on Tuesday evening.
The Pelicans got out to a strong start and led, 33-26, after one quarter. They kept up the strong play in the second and rallied to take a, 70-54, lead into halftime. The Mavs were not able to find any answers during the break, as they were outscored, 44-31, in the third quarter, making it a 29-point deficit heading into the final frame. The Pelicans kept control through the fourth and held on for the home win, ending a five-game slide.
Brandon Ingram and Jordan Hawkins poured in 25 points each to lead the way for the Pelicans. Zion Williamson added 19 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Herbert Jones tallied 19 points, four rebounds, four assists, five steals and two blocks. The Pelicans shot 52.1 percent from the field, including 14-for-38 from deep.
Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving and Tim Hardaway tallied 17 points each to lead the Mavericks. Luka Doncic was limited to 16 points, two rebounds and two assists, while Grant Williams was the only other player to score in double digits, with 10 points. The Mavs shot 42.2 percent from the field, including 14-for-42 from long range.
The Mavs (8-3) will look to bounce back as they take on the Wizards in Washington on Wednesday. The Pelicans (5-6) play host to the Nuggets on Friday.
The Pelicans got out to a strong start and led, 33-26, after one quarter. They kept up the strong play in the second and rallied to take a, 70-54, lead into halftime. The Mavs were not able to find any answers during the break, as they were outscored, 44-31, in the third quarter, making it a 29-point deficit heading into the final frame. The Pelicans kept control through the fourth and held on for the home win, ending a five-game slide.
Brandon Ingram and Jordan Hawkins poured in 25 points each to lead the way for the Pelicans. Zion Williamson added 19 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Herbert Jones tallied 19 points, four rebounds, four assists, five steals and two blocks. The Pelicans shot 52.1 percent from the field, including 14-for-38 from deep.
Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving and Tim Hardaway tallied 17 points each to lead the Mavericks. Luka Doncic was limited to 16 points, two rebounds and two assists, while Grant Williams was the only other player to score in double digits, with 10 points. The Mavs shot 42.2 percent from the field, including 14-for-42 from long range.
The Mavs (8-3) will look to bounce back as they take on the Wizards in Washington on Wednesday. The Pelicans (5-6) play host to the Nuggets on Friday.
Jazz Earn Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Portland Trail Blazers, 115-99, in NBA In-Season Tournament Group Play at Delta Center on Tuesday evening.
The Jazz got out to a strong start and led, 36-28, after one quarter. The Trail Blazers kept a closer pace in the second, but the Jazz stayed in front and carried a nine-point lead into the break. Both sides tallied 28 points each in the third, but the Jazz kept the upper hand and maintained their nine-point cushion heading into the final frame. The Blazers had no answers in the fourth, as the Jazz finished strong to secure their second straight win. This marks the fourth straight loss for the Trail Blazers.
Jordan Clarkson led the Jazz with 30 points, three assists and two steals, in 33 minutes. Lauri Markkanen followed up with 21 points, nine rebounds and a steal, while John Collins totaled 14 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, a steal and three blocks. The Jazz shot 46.3 percent from the field, including 13-for-43 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jerami Grant led the Trial Blazers with 26 points on 10-for-17 shooting, in 27 minutes. Deandre Ayton followed up with 22 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, while Shaedon Sharpe totaled 17 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals. The Blazers shot 42.0 percent from the field, including 11-for-35 from deep.
The Trail Blazers (3-7) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Cavs on Wednesday. The Jazz (4-7) play host to the Suns on Friday.
The Jazz got out to a strong start and led, 36-28, after one quarter. The Trail Blazers kept a closer pace in the second, but the Jazz stayed in front and carried a nine-point lead into the break. Both sides tallied 28 points each in the third, but the Jazz kept the upper hand and maintained their nine-point cushion heading into the final frame. The Blazers had no answers in the fourth, as the Jazz finished strong to secure their second straight win. This marks the fourth straight loss for the Trail Blazers.
Jordan Clarkson led the Jazz with 30 points, three assists and two steals, in 33 minutes. Lauri Markkanen followed up with 21 points, nine rebounds and a steal, while John Collins totaled 14 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, a steal and three blocks. The Jazz shot 46.3 percent from the field, including 13-for-43 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jerami Grant led the Trial Blazers with 26 points on 10-for-17 shooting, in 27 minutes. Deandre Ayton followed up with 22 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, while Shaedon Sharpe totaled 17 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals. The Blazers shot 42.0 percent from the field, including 11-for-35 from deep.
The Trail Blazers (3-7) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Cavs on Wednesday. The Jazz (4-7) play host to the Suns on Friday.
Nuggets Rally To Top Clippers
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Los Angeles Clippers, 111-108, in NBA In-Season Tournament Group Play at Ball Arena on Tuesday evening.
The game got out to a tight start as the Nuggets led, 28-26, after one quarter. The hosts turned up the heat in the second and pushed ahead to an eight-point lead by halftime. The Clippers bounced back in the third and outscored the Nuggets, 32-24, to tie the score at 84, heading into the final frame. The visitors kept the momentum going and led for most of the fourth, before the Nuggets closed on a, 13-6, run to secure the home win. This marks the sixth straight loss for the Clippers.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 32 points, 16 rebounds, nine assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Aaron Gordon followed up with 20 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Reggie Jackson tallied 18 points, three rebounds, four assists and a block. The Nuggets shot 53.4 percent from the field, including 8-for-23 from long range.
Meanwhile, Paul George led the Clippers with 35 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals, in 40 minutes. James Harden followed up with 21 points, two rebounds and four assists, while Kawhi Leonard tallied 15 points, two rebounds, two assists and five steals. The Clippers shot 43.0 percent from the field, including 13-for-29 from deep.
The Clippers (3-7) will look to end their slide, as they play host to the Rockets on Friday. The Nuggets (9-2) take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Friday.
The game got out to a tight start as the Nuggets led, 28-26, after one quarter. The hosts turned up the heat in the second and pushed ahead to an eight-point lead by halftime. The Clippers bounced back in the third and outscored the Nuggets, 32-24, to tie the score at 84, heading into the final frame. The visitors kept the momentum going and led for most of the fourth, before the Nuggets closed on a, 13-6, run to secure the home win. This marks the sixth straight loss for the Clippers.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 32 points, 16 rebounds, nine assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Aaron Gordon followed up with 20 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Reggie Jackson tallied 18 points, three rebounds, four assists and a block. The Nuggets shot 53.4 percent from the field, including 8-for-23 from long range.
Meanwhile, Paul George led the Clippers with 35 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals, in 40 minutes. James Harden followed up with 21 points, two rebounds and four assists, while Kawhi Leonard tallied 15 points, two rebounds, two assists and five steals. The Clippers shot 43.0 percent from the field, including 13-for-29 from deep.
The Clippers (3-7) will look to end their slide, as they play host to the Rockets on Friday. The Nuggets (9-2) take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Friday.
T'Wolves Defeat Warriors, 104-101
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the host Golden State Warriors, 104-101, at Chase Center on Tuesday.
There was a scuffle just 90 seconds into this game, with Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Jaden McDaniels all getting ejected. That set the foundation for a competitive matchup, taking nine ties and 14 lead changes to determine a winner. Minnesota rode a 28-18 fourth quarter to their comeback win, overcoming a 12-point deficit by Golden State late in the third quarter. The Timberwolves shot 44 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range while holding the Warriors to 42 percent from the field and 33 percent from long range. Minnesota also forced 19 turnovers from this shorthanded Warriors team.
The Timberwolves (8-2) were led by Karl-Anthony Towns, collecting 33 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Anthony Edwards accrued 20 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals. Mike Conley compiled 13 points, two rebounds, eight assists and two steals, while Rudy Gobert had nine points, 13 rebounds, two assists and three blocks.
The Warriors (6-6) were led by Brandin Podziemski, providing 23 points, eight rebounds and five assists off the bench. Dario Saric led the starters with 21 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Chris Paul tallied 15 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals, while Andrew Wiggins amassed nine points, seven rebounds and three steals.
Minnesota has to play the second half of a B2B on Wednesday, traveling to play the Phoenix Suns. As for Golden State, they return to action on Thursday in a home matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
There was a scuffle just 90 seconds into this game, with Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Jaden McDaniels all getting ejected. That set the foundation for a competitive matchup, taking nine ties and 14 lead changes to determine a winner. Minnesota rode a 28-18 fourth quarter to their comeback win, overcoming a 12-point deficit by Golden State late in the third quarter. The Timberwolves shot 44 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range while holding the Warriors to 42 percent from the field and 33 percent from long range. Minnesota also forced 19 turnovers from this shorthanded Warriors team.
The Timberwolves (8-2) were led by Karl-Anthony Towns, collecting 33 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Anthony Edwards accrued 20 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals. Mike Conley compiled 13 points, two rebounds, eight assists and two steals, while Rudy Gobert had nine points, 13 rebounds, two assists and three blocks.
The Warriors (6-6) were led by Brandin Podziemski, providing 23 points, eight rebounds and five assists off the bench. Dario Saric led the starters with 21 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Chris Paul tallied 15 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals, while Andrew Wiggins amassed nine points, seven rebounds and three steals.
Minnesota has to play the second half of a B2B on Wednesday, traveling to play the Phoenix Suns. As for Golden State, they return to action on Thursday in a home matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Lakers Defeat Grizzlies, 134-107
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, 134-107, at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday.
While this wasn't a wire-to-wire win for LA, they never relinquished the lead after a 37-26 first quarter. They closed things with a 37-25 second quarter, leading by at least 15 points for the entirety of the second half. They got their lead up to 31 points at times. The Lakers shot 58 percent from the field and 63 percent from three-point range while holding the Grizzlies to 37 percent from the field and 38 percent from long range. Los Angeles also out-rebounded Memphis, 66-44.
The Grizzlies (2-9) were led by Santi Aldama, providing 24 points, five rebounds, four assists and two blocks off of the bench. David Roddy registered 17 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Desmond Bane led the starters with 15 points and five assists. Marcus Smart suffered an ankle sprain in the first half and was unable to return. Jaren Jackson Jr also missed 13 of his 16 shots.
The Lakers (6-5) were led by D'Angelo Russell, collecting 24 points, three rebounds and five assists. Anthony Davis accrued 19 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and six blocks. LeBron James tallied 16 points, nine rebounds and six assists, while Rui Hachimura led the bench with 23 points and three boards. Austin Reaves also had 16 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists off the bench.
Los Angeles has to play again on Wednesday, remaining home to play the Sacramento Kings. As for Memphis, they return to action on Saturday in a road matchup with the San Antonio Spurs.
While this wasn't a wire-to-wire win for LA, they never relinquished the lead after a 37-26 first quarter. They closed things with a 37-25 second quarter, leading by at least 15 points for the entirety of the second half. They got their lead up to 31 points at times. The Lakers shot 58 percent from the field and 63 percent from three-point range while holding the Grizzlies to 37 percent from the field and 38 percent from long range. Los Angeles also out-rebounded Memphis, 66-44.
The Grizzlies (2-9) were led by Santi Aldama, providing 24 points, five rebounds, four assists and two blocks off of the bench. David Roddy registered 17 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Desmond Bane led the starters with 15 points and five assists. Marcus Smart suffered an ankle sprain in the first half and was unable to return. Jaren Jackson Jr also missed 13 of his 16 shots.
The Lakers (6-5) were led by D'Angelo Russell, collecting 24 points, three rebounds and five assists. Anthony Davis accrued 19 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and six blocks. LeBron James tallied 16 points, nine rebounds and six assists, while Rui Hachimura led the bench with 23 points and three boards. Austin Reaves also had 16 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists off the bench.
Los Angeles has to play again on Wednesday, remaining home to play the Sacramento Kings. As for Memphis, they return to action on Saturday in a road matchup with the San Antonio Spurs.