Mavericks Cruise To Victory Over Wizards
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Washington Wizards, 130-117, at Capital One Arena on Wednesday.
The Mavericks (9-3) enjoyed a solid start to get past the Wizards (2-9) with ease. Dallas scored 41 first-quarter points and established a dominant double-digit win in the opening 12 minutes, racing to a 41-26 score in the first quarter. Dallas didn’t step off the gas and bolstered its advantage even further after a 30-25 score to close out the first half. The 20-point lead was too much for the Wizards, and the Mavericks managed to give minutes to their second-unit guys as a result, with only three players surpassing the 30-minute plateau. The third quarter ended with a 33-32 score for Dallas. Even though the fourth quarter finished with a 34-26 score for the Wizards, there was no chance of a potential comeback. With the win, the Mavericks moved to 5-2 on the road. Meanwhile, Washington fell to 1-3 at home.
Tim Hardaway led the way for the Mavericks with 31 points (11-20 FG), four rebounds and three assists across 27 minutes. Luka Doncic delivered 26 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds. Dereck Lively came close to a double-double after putting up 17 points and nine rebounds, but he also added two assists and two blocks. Derrick Jones recorded 20 points, seven boards and two blocks. Grant Williams recorded 10 points and seven assists. Seth Curry had 15 points.
Kyle Kuzma led the way for Washington with 22 points, six rebounds and three assists. Deni Avdija notched 15 points, four assists, three rebounds and three steals. Jordan Poole had 16 points, five rebounds and three dimes, but at the same time, he shot 6-for-17 from the field. Tyus Jones had 12 points, three rebounds and two assists. Daniel Gafford posted 10 points. Corey Kispert had 12 points off the bench.
The Mavericks (9-3) enjoyed a solid start to get past the Wizards (2-9) with ease. Dallas scored 41 first-quarter points and established a dominant double-digit win in the opening 12 minutes, racing to a 41-26 score in the first quarter. Dallas didn’t step off the gas and bolstered its advantage even further after a 30-25 score to close out the first half. The 20-point lead was too much for the Wizards, and the Mavericks managed to give minutes to their second-unit guys as a result, with only three players surpassing the 30-minute plateau. The third quarter ended with a 33-32 score for Dallas. Even though the fourth quarter finished with a 34-26 score for the Wizards, there was no chance of a potential comeback. With the win, the Mavericks moved to 5-2 on the road. Meanwhile, Washington fell to 1-3 at home.
Tim Hardaway led the way for the Mavericks with 31 points (11-20 FG), four rebounds and three assists across 27 minutes. Luka Doncic delivered 26 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds. Dereck Lively came close to a double-double after putting up 17 points and nine rebounds, but he also added two assists and two blocks. Derrick Jones recorded 20 points, seven boards and two blocks. Grant Williams recorded 10 points and seven assists. Seth Curry had 15 points.
Kyle Kuzma led the way for Washington with 22 points, six rebounds and three assists. Deni Avdija notched 15 points, four assists, three rebounds and three steals. Jordan Poole had 16 points, five rebounds and three dimes, but at the same time, he shot 6-for-17 from the field. Tyus Jones had 12 points, three rebounds and two assists. Daniel Gafford posted 10 points. Corey Kispert had 12 points off the bench.
Knicks Hold On To Defeat Hawks
The New York Knicks defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 116-114, at State Farm Arena on Wednesday.
The Knicks (6-5) moved above the .500 mark once again and secured a tight win over the Hawks (6-5) despite playing on the road. However, it was not easy for New York, and Atlanta worked hard to turn things around, particularly in the latter stages of the fourth quarter. The Knicks looked dominant early on and raced to a 33-22 advantage in the opening 12 minutes. However, the Hawks didn’t waste time to respond and made it a one-point game after outscoring New York by a 34-24 score in the second quarter. The Knicks restored a decent advantage with a 30-25 score and entered the final 12 minutes with a six-point edge. Following the same pattern of the first half, the Hawks attempted a late comeback in the fourth quarter, but their attempt came up short after a 33-29 score in the final 12 minutes. With the win, New York moved to 3-3 at home, while the Hawks fell to 2-3 at home.
Julius Randle led the way for the Knicks with 29 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, Jalen Brunson looked quite good and recorded 24 points with eight assists. Quentin Grimes delivered 11 points. No other starter scored in double digits for the Knicks. Immanuel Quickley impressed off the bench with 20 points and four assists. Isaiah Hartenstein posted 11 points and four rebounds in just 17 minutes. The Knicks shot 47.9 percent from the field and 47.1 percent from deep.
Bogdan Bogdanovic was impressive despite the loss and led the way for the Hawks with 28 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals off the bench. Trae Young scored 15 points but also dished out a season-high 17 assists. Dejounte Murray had 13 points and five rebounds. Jalen Johnson ended with 18 points and five rebounds. Saddiq Bey delivered 16 points and two rebounds off the bench. Clint Capela only had eight points. The Hawks shot 54.7 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from deep.
The Knicks (6-5) moved above the .500 mark once again and secured a tight win over the Hawks (6-5) despite playing on the road. However, it was not easy for New York, and Atlanta worked hard to turn things around, particularly in the latter stages of the fourth quarter. The Knicks looked dominant early on and raced to a 33-22 advantage in the opening 12 minutes. However, the Hawks didn’t waste time to respond and made it a one-point game after outscoring New York by a 34-24 score in the second quarter. The Knicks restored a decent advantage with a 30-25 score and entered the final 12 minutes with a six-point edge. Following the same pattern of the first half, the Hawks attempted a late comeback in the fourth quarter, but their attempt came up short after a 33-29 score in the final 12 minutes. With the win, New York moved to 3-3 at home, while the Hawks fell to 2-3 at home.
Julius Randle led the way for the Knicks with 29 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, Jalen Brunson looked quite good and recorded 24 points with eight assists. Quentin Grimes delivered 11 points. No other starter scored in double digits for the Knicks. Immanuel Quickley impressed off the bench with 20 points and four assists. Isaiah Hartenstein posted 11 points and four rebounds in just 17 minutes. The Knicks shot 47.9 percent from the field and 47.1 percent from deep.
Bogdan Bogdanovic was impressive despite the loss and led the way for the Hawks with 28 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals off the bench. Trae Young scored 15 points but also dished out a season-high 17 assists. Dejounte Murray had 13 points and five rebounds. Jalen Johnson ended with 18 points and five rebounds. Saddiq Bey delivered 16 points and two rebounds off the bench. Clint Capela only had eight points. The Hawks shot 54.7 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from deep.
Celtics Upend 76ers, 117-107
The Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 117-107, at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday night.
The Celtics (9-2) came into the contest knowing they had a tall task on their hands not only due to the matchup, but because they were playing without both Jaylen Brown (illness) and Kristaps Porzingis (knee). However, Boston looked undeterred right from the start, playing a masterful first quarter on both ends of the floor to forge a 37-22 lead through the first 12 minutes. Nevertheless, the 76ers (8-3) were just as impressive in the second, wiping out the entirety of their deficit and taking a one-point lead into halftime. The pendulum swung back the visitors' way in the third, as they generated a 26-17 edge in the third and then remained a step ahead of Philadelphia throughout the final period in the win.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 29 points, adding eight rebounds, six assists and two steals. Derrick White supplied 27 points, five assists, three boards and one steal. Jrue Holiday generated an 18-point, 10-assist double-double that included three assists, one steal and one block. Al Horford delivered 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists and five blocks.
Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey co-led the 76ers with 20 points, with Embiid adding nine rebounds and seven assists and Maxey dishing out five assists. Tobias Harris and De'Anthony Melton posted matching 16-point, seven-rebound tallies, while Robert Covington matched his teammates' scoring and added six boards and two steals.
The Celtics remain on the road and face the Toronto Raptors on Friday night while the 76ers visit the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night as well.
The Celtics (9-2) came into the contest knowing they had a tall task on their hands not only due to the matchup, but because they were playing without both Jaylen Brown (illness) and Kristaps Porzingis (knee). However, Boston looked undeterred right from the start, playing a masterful first quarter on both ends of the floor to forge a 37-22 lead through the first 12 minutes. Nevertheless, the 76ers (8-3) were just as impressive in the second, wiping out the entirety of their deficit and taking a one-point lead into halftime. The pendulum swung back the visitors' way in the third, as they generated a 26-17 edge in the third and then remained a step ahead of Philadelphia throughout the final period in the win.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 29 points, adding eight rebounds, six assists and two steals. Derrick White supplied 27 points, five assists, three boards and one steal. Jrue Holiday generated an 18-point, 10-assist double-double that included three assists, one steal and one block. Al Horford delivered 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists and five blocks.
Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey co-led the 76ers with 20 points, with Embiid adding nine rebounds and seven assists and Maxey dishing out five assists. Tobias Harris and De'Anthony Melton posted matching 16-point, seven-rebound tallies, while Robert Covington matched his teammates' scoring and added six boards and two steals.
The Celtics remain on the road and face the Toronto Raptors on Friday night while the 76ers visit the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night as well.
Bucks Throttle Raptors, 128-112
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Toronto Raptors, 128-112, at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night.
The Bucks (7-4) ruled Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) ahead of Wednesday's contest, but they looked like they didn't miss a beat during a first half in which they extended a 15-point first-quarter lead to a 23-point halftime advantage. Any hopes for a Raptors (5-6) second-half comeback were essentially then squashed during a third quarter in which Toronto was only able to put a two-point dent in its deficit. Milwaukee shot 51.8 percent, including a blistering 51.3 percent from three-point range.
Damian Lillard led the Bucks with 37 point, complementing them with 13 assists, four rebounds and two steals. Malik Beasley delivered 30 points, four boards and one steal. Bobby Portis turned in 18 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Cameron Payne netted 13 points. Khris Middleton registered 11 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Brook Lopez delivered 10 points, eight rebounds, four assists, seven blocks and one steal.
Scottie Barnes paced the Raptors with 29 points, supplementing them with nine rebounds, seven assists and one steal. Jakob Poeltl generated a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one assist, four steals and two blocks. Pascal Siakam finished with 11 points, seven boards, five assists and one block. Precious Achiuwa and Gradey Dick managed matching 11-point contributions while logging four rebounds and two assists, respectively.
The Bucks next visit the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the Boston Celtics on Friday night.
The Bucks (7-4) ruled Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) ahead of Wednesday's contest, but they looked like they didn't miss a beat during a first half in which they extended a 15-point first-quarter lead to a 23-point halftime advantage. Any hopes for a Raptors (5-6) second-half comeback were essentially then squashed during a third quarter in which Toronto was only able to put a two-point dent in its deficit. Milwaukee shot 51.8 percent, including a blistering 51.3 percent from three-point range.
Damian Lillard led the Bucks with 37 point, complementing them with 13 assists, four rebounds and two steals. Malik Beasley delivered 30 points, four boards and one steal. Bobby Portis turned in 18 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Cameron Payne netted 13 points. Khris Middleton registered 11 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Brook Lopez delivered 10 points, eight rebounds, four assists, seven blocks and one steal.
Scottie Barnes paced the Raptors with 29 points, supplementing them with nine rebounds, seven assists and one steal. Jakob Poeltl generated a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one assist, four steals and two blocks. Pascal Siakam finished with 11 points, seven boards, five assists and one block. Precious Achiuwa and Gradey Dick managed matching 11-point contributions while logging four rebounds and two assists, respectively.
The Bucks next visit the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the Boston Celtics on Friday night.
Magic Defeat Bulls, 96-94
The Orlando Magic defeated the host Chicago Bulls, 96-94, at United Center on Wednesday.
A 29-12 second quarter carried Orlando to their win, never relinquishing the lead after the opening frame. With that said, there were nine lead changes in the first quarter, and Chicago tied the game with 7.9 seconds left. Paolo Banchero was the hero for Orlando, knocking down an eight-foot jumper with 1.4 seconds remaining. The Magic shot 39 percent from the field and 29 percent from the field, while the Bulls shot 40 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range in this defensive struggle. Orlando recorded 20 assists to 13 turnovers, while Chicago had 17 assists to 19 turnovers.
The Magic (6-5) were led by Banchero, collecting 17 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Goga Bitadze amassed 15 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Franz Wagner totaled 13 points, two rebounds and three assists, while Jalen Suggs had 10 points, two rebounds, five assists and three steals. Cole Anthony led the bench with 16 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Bulls (4-8) were led by Nikola Vucevic, finishing with 19 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Zach LaVine compiled 19 points, six rebounds and four assists. Alex Caruso led the bench with 16 points, five rebounds and three assists. Andre Drummond provided nine points and 14 rebounds off the pine as well.
These teams will have a rematch on Friday for their next outing. That will be an NBA In-Season Tournament game.
A 29-12 second quarter carried Orlando to their win, never relinquishing the lead after the opening frame. With that said, there were nine lead changes in the first quarter, and Chicago tied the game with 7.9 seconds left. Paolo Banchero was the hero for Orlando, knocking down an eight-foot jumper with 1.4 seconds remaining. The Magic shot 39 percent from the field and 29 percent from the field, while the Bulls shot 40 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range in this defensive struggle. Orlando recorded 20 assists to 13 turnovers, while Chicago had 17 assists to 19 turnovers.
The Magic (6-5) were led by Banchero, collecting 17 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Goga Bitadze amassed 15 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Franz Wagner totaled 13 points, two rebounds and three assists, while Jalen Suggs had 10 points, two rebounds, five assists and three steals. Cole Anthony led the bench with 16 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Bulls (4-8) were led by Nikola Vucevic, finishing with 19 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Zach LaVine compiled 19 points, six rebounds and four assists. Alex Caruso led the bench with 16 points, five rebounds and three assists. Andre Drummond provided nine points and 14 rebounds off the pine as well.
These teams will have a rematch on Friday for their next outing. That will be an NBA In-Season Tournament game.
Suns Defeat T'Wolves, 133-115
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 133-115, at Footprint Center on Wednesday.
A 35-29 first quarter set the foundation for Phoenix in this dominating win, maintaining the lead for the final three quarters after a 41-25 second quarter. They got their lead up to 28 points, leading by at least 15 points for the entirety of the second half. The Suns shot 60 percent from the field and 55 percent from three-point range (17-of-31) while holding the Timberwolves to 46 percent from the field and 19 percent from long range (5-of-27). Phoenix also out-assisted Minnesota, 31-18.
The Timberwolves (8-3) were led by Karl-Anthony Towns, tallying 25 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Mike Conley compiled 14 points, two rebounds and three assists. Anthony Edwards missed 12 of his 16 shots to finish with 13 points, four rebounds and four assists. Naz Reid led the bench with 13 points and four rebounds.
The Suns (5-6) were led by Kevin Durant, finishing with 31 points, six rebounds and six assists on 11-of-15 shooting. Devin Booker also had 31 points, providing four rebounds and five assists as well. Eric Gordon amassed 15 points and three assists, while Grayson Allen accrued 14 points, three rebounds and two assists.
On deck for Phoenix is a road matchup with the Utah Jazz on Friday. As for Minnesota, they return to action on Saturday in a road matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans.
A 35-29 first quarter set the foundation for Phoenix in this dominating win, maintaining the lead for the final three quarters after a 41-25 second quarter. They got their lead up to 28 points, leading by at least 15 points for the entirety of the second half. The Suns shot 60 percent from the field and 55 percent from three-point range (17-of-31) while holding the Timberwolves to 46 percent from the field and 19 percent from long range (5-of-27). Phoenix also out-assisted Minnesota, 31-18.
The Timberwolves (8-3) were led by Karl-Anthony Towns, tallying 25 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Mike Conley compiled 14 points, two rebounds and three assists. Anthony Edwards missed 12 of his 16 shots to finish with 13 points, four rebounds and four assists. Naz Reid led the bench with 13 points and four rebounds.
The Suns (5-6) were led by Kevin Durant, finishing with 31 points, six rebounds and six assists on 11-of-15 shooting. Devin Booker also had 31 points, providing four rebounds and five assists as well. Eric Gordon amassed 15 points and three assists, while Grayson Allen accrued 14 points, three rebounds and two assists.
On deck for Phoenix is a road matchup with the Utah Jazz on Friday. As for Minnesota, they return to action on Saturday in a road matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Kings Notch Fourth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Sacramento Kings defeated the host Los Angeles Lakers, 125-110, at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Kings jumped out to a hot start and led, 38-25, after one quarter. The Lakers picked up their play but could not cut down the deficit, as the Kings held a 13-point cushion at the break. The visitors pick up the momentum again in the third and outscored the Lakers by 11 points in the quarter to make it a 24-point deficit heading into the fourth. The Lakers kept up the fight down the stretch but it was not enough, as the Kings locked in their fourth straight win.
Domantas Sabonis led the Kings with 29 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and a block, in 39 minutes. De'Aaron Fox added 28 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals, while Kevin Huerter totaled 28 points, four rebounds, seven assists and two steals. The Kings shot 50.0 percent from the field, including 16-for-44 from deep.
Meanwhile, LeBron James led the Lakers with 28 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists, four steals and a block, in 35 minutes. D'Angelo Russell added 28 points, five rebounds, five assists and a block, while Anthony Davis was limited to nine points, nine rebounds and four blocks. The Lakers shot 50.6 percent from the field, including 11-for-29 from long range.
The Lakers (6-6) will look to bounce back as they take on the Trail Blazers in Portland on Friday. The Kings (6-4) clash with the Spurs in San Antonio on Friday.
The Kings jumped out to a hot start and led, 38-25, after one quarter. The Lakers picked up their play but could not cut down the deficit, as the Kings held a 13-point cushion at the break. The visitors pick up the momentum again in the third and outscored the Lakers by 11 points in the quarter to make it a 24-point deficit heading into the fourth. The Lakers kept up the fight down the stretch but it was not enough, as the Kings locked in their fourth straight win.
Domantas Sabonis led the Kings with 29 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and a block, in 39 minutes. De'Aaron Fox added 28 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals, while Kevin Huerter totaled 28 points, four rebounds, seven assists and two steals. The Kings shot 50.0 percent from the field, including 16-for-44 from deep.
Meanwhile, LeBron James led the Lakers with 28 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists, four steals and a block, in 35 minutes. D'Angelo Russell added 28 points, five rebounds, five assists and a block, while Anthony Davis was limited to nine points, nine rebounds and four blocks. The Lakers shot 50.6 percent from the field, including 11-for-29 from long range.
The Lakers (6-6) will look to bounce back as they take on the Trail Blazers in Portland on Friday. The Kings (6-4) clash with the Spurs in San Antonio on Friday.
Cavs Take Care Of Business In Portland
By Dan Bruno
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 109-95, at Moda Center on Wednesday evening.
The Cavs got out to a strong start and led, 30-25, after one quarter. They kept the upper hand in the second, pushing their lead to double digits, before the Trail Blazers cut it back to an eight-point game at the break. Both sides brought a solid effort in the third, but the hosts could not gain any ground, as it remained an eight-point game heading into the final quarter. The Cavs turned it up a notch in the fourth and outscored the Blazers by six points in the quarter to secure the road win. This marks the fifth straight loss for the Trail Blazers.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 34 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Evan Mobley followed up with 21 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, a steal and three blocks, while Caris LeVert added 17 points, eight rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block. The Cavs shot 56.0 percent from the field, including 9-for-30 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jerami Grant led the Trail Blazers with 17 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals, in 32 minutes. Duop Reath followed up with 16 points, two rebounds and three assists, while Skylar Mays and Matisse Thybulle chipped in 13 points each. The Blazers shot 37.4 percent from the field, including 13-for-38 from long range.
The Trail Blazers (3-8) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Lakers on Friday. The Cavaliers (5-6) play host to the Pistons on Friday.
The Cavs got out to a strong start and led, 30-25, after one quarter. They kept the upper hand in the second, pushing their lead to double digits, before the Trail Blazers cut it back to an eight-point game at the break. Both sides brought a solid effort in the third, but the hosts could not gain any ground, as it remained an eight-point game heading into the final quarter. The Cavs turned it up a notch in the fourth and outscored the Blazers by six points in the quarter to secure the road win. This marks the fifth straight loss for the Trail Blazers.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 34 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Evan Mobley followed up with 21 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, a steal and three blocks, while Caris LeVert added 17 points, eight rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block. The Cavs shot 56.0 percent from the field, including 9-for-30 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jerami Grant led the Trail Blazers with 17 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals, in 32 minutes. Duop Reath followed up with 16 points, two rebounds and three assists, while Skylar Mays and Matisse Thybulle chipped in 13 points each. The Blazers shot 37.4 percent from the field, including 13-for-38 from long range.
The Trail Blazers (3-8) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Lakers on Friday. The Cavaliers (5-6) play host to the Pistons on Friday.