Knicks Rout Wizards In Easy Win
The New York Knicks defeated the Washington Wizards, 120-99, at Capital One Arena on Friday in the NBA In-Season Tournament.
The Knicks (7-5) didn’t have significant problems to get past the Wizards (2-10). The Knicks looked dominant in the early stages and quickly raced to a 35-25 score following the first quarter. New York also won the second quarter by a 30-29 score, and while Washington had some good moments in the second half, the Knicks’ win was never in doubt. The Wizards won the third quarter by a 30-24 score, but there were no signs of mounting a potential comeback. The Knicks closed the game with a 31-15 score in the final 12 minutes. The Knicks have now gone 4-3 on the road and are 1-1 in the group stage of the In-Season Tournament. Meanwhile, the Wizards fell to 1-4 at home and 0-3 in the In-Season Tournament.
Jalen Brunson was the best player for the Knicks and finished with 32 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Julius Randle notched 22 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and two blocks. Donte DiVincenzo delivered 14 points and four rebounds. Immanuel Quickley was impressive off the bench and ended with 27 points, six rebounds and four assists across 33 minutes.
Kyle Kuzma was the leading scorer for the Wizards and finished with 19 points, four rebounds and five assists. Deni Avdija posted 18 points, four rebounds and two assists. Tyus Jones ended with 11 points, five assists and three rebounds. Daniel Gafford had 10 points. Jordan Poole struggled once again and scored eight points while shooting 2-for-11 from the field.
The Knicks (7-5) didn’t have significant problems to get past the Wizards (2-10). The Knicks looked dominant in the early stages and quickly raced to a 35-25 score following the first quarter. New York also won the second quarter by a 30-29 score, and while Washington had some good moments in the second half, the Knicks’ win was never in doubt. The Wizards won the third quarter by a 30-24 score, but there were no signs of mounting a potential comeback. The Knicks closed the game with a 31-15 score in the final 12 minutes. The Knicks have now gone 4-3 on the road and are 1-1 in the group stage of the In-Season Tournament. Meanwhile, the Wizards fell to 1-4 at home and 0-3 in the In-Season Tournament.
Jalen Brunson was the best player for the Knicks and finished with 32 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Julius Randle notched 22 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and two blocks. Donte DiVincenzo delivered 14 points and four rebounds. Immanuel Quickley was impressive off the bench and ended with 27 points, six rebounds and four assists across 33 minutes.
Kyle Kuzma was the leading scorer for the Wizards and finished with 19 points, four rebounds and five assists. Deni Avdija posted 18 points, four rebounds and two assists. Tyus Jones ended with 11 points, five assists and three rebounds. Daniel Gafford had 10 points. Jordan Poole struggled once again and scored eight points while shooting 2-for-11 from the field.
Bucks Dominate In Easy Win Over Hornets
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 130-99, at Spectrum Center on Friday.
The Bucks (8-4) secured an easy win over the Hornets (3-8), but the game didn’t look like that initially. The Hornets looked good in the early stages and secured a 37-28 score in the first 12 minutes of action. The Bucks responded, however, and a 31-20 score in the second quarter gave them a two-point lead at the break. Milwaukee didn’t step the foot off the gas in the second half and also won the third quarter by a 33-24 score. The Bucks didn’t slow down in the final minutes, and a 38-18 score closed the game out for Milwaukee. With the win, the Bucks moved to 3-3 on the road and 2-0 in the In-Season Tournament. As for the Hornets, they fell to 1-2 in the In-Season Tournament and 1-5 at home.
Seven Milwaukee players scored in double digits here. Damian Lillard was the leading scorer with 27 points, five rebounds and five assists. Malik Beasley recorded 20 points and three assists. Giannis Antetokounmpo only played 28 minutes and finished with 16 points, nine assists, eight rebounds and a steal. Brook Lopez posted 15 points, seven rebounds and six blocks. Khris Middleton had 12 points, and Bobby Portis racked up 13 points with seven boards off the bench.
LaMelo Ball came close to reaching his career-best scoring mark and finished with 37 points, five rebounds and five assists. Mark Williams had a double-double of 11 points and 16 rebounds. Brandon Miller recorded 10 points, four boards and three assists. Miles Bridges made his season debut and finished with 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals off the bench.
The Bucks (8-4) secured an easy win over the Hornets (3-8), but the game didn’t look like that initially. The Hornets looked good in the early stages and secured a 37-28 score in the first 12 minutes of action. The Bucks responded, however, and a 31-20 score in the second quarter gave them a two-point lead at the break. Milwaukee didn’t step the foot off the gas in the second half and also won the third quarter by a 33-24 score. The Bucks didn’t slow down in the final minutes, and a 38-18 score closed the game out for Milwaukee. With the win, the Bucks moved to 3-3 on the road and 2-0 in the In-Season Tournament. As for the Hornets, they fell to 1-2 in the In-Season Tournament and 1-5 at home.
Seven Milwaukee players scored in double digits here. Damian Lillard was the leading scorer with 27 points, five rebounds and five assists. Malik Beasley recorded 20 points and three assists. Giannis Antetokounmpo only played 28 minutes and finished with 16 points, nine assists, eight rebounds and a steal. Brook Lopez posted 15 points, seven rebounds and six blocks. Khris Middleton had 12 points, and Bobby Portis racked up 13 points with seven boards off the bench.
LaMelo Ball came close to reaching his career-best scoring mark and finished with 37 points, five rebounds and five assists. Mark Williams had a double-double of 11 points and 16 rebounds. Brandon Miller recorded 10 points, four boards and three assists. Miles Bridges made his season debut and finished with 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals off the bench.
76ers Top Hawks, 126-116
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 126-116, at State Farm Arena on Friday night in an In-Season Tournament Group Play game.
The 76ers (9-3) were playing their fourth game in six nights Friday, but they looked refreshed during a first quarter in which they forged a 30-24 lead. The Hawks (6-6) came back with their own impressive stretch of play in the second, shaving all but one point from their deficit prior to halftime. However, Philadelphia was able to eventually regain control with a 69-point tally in the second half, which gave them enough cushion to withstand Atlanta's own 60-point haul in the the final two quarters.
Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 32 points, complementing them with eight assists, seven rebounds, two steals and one block. Tobias Harris followed with a 29-point, 10-rebound double-double that included four assists and one steal. Tyrese Maxey furnished 19 points, eight assists, four rebounds and two steals. De'Anthony Melton and Danuel House generated matching 14-point contributions, with Melton adding five assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with a 22-point 13-assist double-double that included two rebounds and one steal. Jalen Johnson delivered 18 points, 10 boards, two assists, three blocks and one steal. Clint Capela generated a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists, one steal and one block. Saddiq Bey matched Capela's scoring and also posted seven rebounds, one assist and one steal. Dejounte Murray and Bogdan Bogdanovic recorded matching 13-point, three-assist efforts, with Bogdanovic also managing three steals among his other contributions.
The 76ers remain on the road and visit the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday afternoon, while the Hawks remain home and host the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night.
The 76ers (9-3) were playing their fourth game in six nights Friday, but they looked refreshed during a first quarter in which they forged a 30-24 lead. The Hawks (6-6) came back with their own impressive stretch of play in the second, shaving all but one point from their deficit prior to halftime. However, Philadelphia was able to eventually regain control with a 69-point tally in the second half, which gave them enough cushion to withstand Atlanta's own 60-point haul in the the final two quarters.
Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 32 points, complementing them with eight assists, seven rebounds, two steals and one block. Tobias Harris followed with a 29-point, 10-rebound double-double that included four assists and one steal. Tyrese Maxey furnished 19 points, eight assists, four rebounds and two steals. De'Anthony Melton and Danuel House generated matching 14-point contributions, with Melton adding five assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with a 22-point 13-assist double-double that included two rebounds and one steal. Jalen Johnson delivered 18 points, 10 boards, two assists, three blocks and one steal. Clint Capela generated a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists, one steal and one block. Saddiq Bey matched Capela's scoring and also posted seven rebounds, one assist and one steal. Dejounte Murray and Bogdan Bogdanovic recorded matching 13-point, three-assist efforts, with Bogdanovic also managing three steals among his other contributions.
The 76ers remain on the road and visit the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday afternoon, while the Hawks remain home and host the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night.
Cavaliers Best Pistons, 108-100
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Detroit Pistons, 108-100, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Friday night in an In-Season Tournament Group Play game.
The Cavaliers (6-6) looked like they were on their way to a rout over the Pistons (2-11) despite missing Donovan Mitchell (hamstring), as Cleveland had forged a 59-45 lead by halftime. However, Detroit came out refocused to an extent in the third quarter and shaved seven points from its deficit, but the visitors never got closer than six points during the final period. The Cavs shot an impressive 51.2 percent, including 42.9 percent from three-point range.
Cade Cunningham paced the Pistons with 20 points, adding eight assists and five rebounds. Isaiah Stewart and Kevin Knox produced matching 11-point, 10-rebound efforts while adding two blocks and two steals, respectively. Jaden Ivey matched his teammate's scoring and also totaled three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Stanley Umude and Alec Burks each posted 10 points while logging six and three rebounds, respectively.
Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 28 points, complementing them with three rebounds and three assists. Evan Mobley and Max Strus produced matching 18-point tallies while adding 10 and seven rebounds, respectively. Strus also supplied four steals. Craig Porter furnished 12 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal. Jarrett Allen registered 10 points, seven boards, two assists and five blocks. Caris LeVert delivered 10 points, one rebound, one assist and two steals.
The Pistons remain on the road and face the Toronto Raptors on Sunday afternoon, while the Cavaliers remain home and welcome in the defending champion Denver Nuggets on Sunday evening.
The Cavaliers (6-6) looked like they were on their way to a rout over the Pistons (2-11) despite missing Donovan Mitchell (hamstring), as Cleveland had forged a 59-45 lead by halftime. However, Detroit came out refocused to an extent in the third quarter and shaved seven points from its deficit, but the visitors never got closer than six points during the final period. The Cavs shot an impressive 51.2 percent, including 42.9 percent from three-point range.
Cade Cunningham paced the Pistons with 20 points, adding eight assists and five rebounds. Isaiah Stewart and Kevin Knox produced matching 11-point, 10-rebound efforts while adding two blocks and two steals, respectively. Jaden Ivey matched his teammate's scoring and also totaled three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Stanley Umude and Alec Burks each posted 10 points while logging six and three rebounds, respectively.
Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 28 points, complementing them with three rebounds and three assists. Evan Mobley and Max Strus produced matching 18-point tallies while adding 10 and seven rebounds, respectively. Strus also supplied four steals. Craig Porter furnished 12 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal. Jarrett Allen registered 10 points, seven boards, two assists and five blocks. Caris LeVert delivered 10 points, one rebound, one assist and two steals.
The Pistons remain on the road and face the Toronto Raptors on Sunday afternoon, while the Cavaliers remain home and welcome in the defending champion Denver Nuggets on Sunday evening.
Kings Outlast Spurs, 129-120
The Sacramento Kings defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 129-120, at AT & T Center on Friday night in an In-Season Tournament Group Play game.
The Kings (7-4) encountered a feisty Spurs (3-9) squad in the first half that played them to a 62-62 tie over the first 24 minutes. Sacramento still couldn't gain any separation in the third, entering the final period with a slim one-point edge. However, a 7-0 run by the visitors between the 5:24 and 3:46 marks of the fourth quarter finally gave the Kings some cushion to work with and helped facilitate the hard-fought victory.
De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 43 points, adding eight rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block. Domantas Sabonis posted a 27-point, 14-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one block. Malik Monk registered 20 points, eight assists, four rebounds and one steal.
Zach Collins paced the Spurs with 28 points, which he supplemented with eight rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block. Victor Wembanyama furnished 27 points, nine boards and two steals. Keldon Johnson supplied 21 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block. Malaki Branham delivered 10 points and five assists.
The Kings visit the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night, while the Spurs host the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night.
The Kings (7-4) encountered a feisty Spurs (3-9) squad in the first half that played them to a 62-62 tie over the first 24 minutes. Sacramento still couldn't gain any separation in the third, entering the final period with a slim one-point edge. However, a 7-0 run by the visitors between the 5:24 and 3:46 marks of the fourth quarter finally gave the Kings some cushion to work with and helped facilitate the hard-fought victory.
De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 43 points, adding eight rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block. Domantas Sabonis posted a 27-point, 14-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one block. Malik Monk registered 20 points, eight assists, four rebounds and one steal.
Zach Collins paced the Spurs with 28 points, which he supplemented with eight rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block. Victor Wembanyama furnished 27 points, nine boards and two steals. Keldon Johnson supplied 21 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block. Malaki Branham delivered 10 points and five assists.
The Kings visit the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night, while the Spurs host the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night.
Celtics Earn Fifth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Boston Celtics defeated the host Toronto Raptors, 108-105, in NBA In-Season Tournament Group Play at Scotiabank Arena on Friday evening.
The Raptors got out to a strong start and led by six points after one quarter, but the Celtics turned the tide in the second, outscoring the hosts by 22, to claim a 16-point lead by halftime. The hosts picked up their play again in the third, where they outscored the Celtics, 32-19, to cut it to a three-point game heading into the final quarter. The Raptors kept up the fight in the fourth, but the Celtics managed to stay a step ahead and hold on for their fifth straight win. This marks the third loss in four games for the Raptors.
Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 23 points, three rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, in 36 minutes. Jayson Tatum followed up with 17 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Kristaps Porzingis added 14 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, a steal and three blocks. The Celtics shot 45.7 percent from the field, including 16-for-46 from deep.
Meanwhile, Pascal Siakam finished with 23 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Dennis Schroder totaled 23 points, seven rebounds and six assists, to lead the Raptors. Scottie Barnes and Gary Trent chipped in 14 points each. The Raptors shot 48.3 percent from the field, including 12-for-33 from long range.
The Raptors (5-7) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pistons on Sunday. The Celtics (10-2) clash with the Grizzlies in Memphis on Sunday.
The Raptors got out to a strong start and led by six points after one quarter, but the Celtics turned the tide in the second, outscoring the hosts by 22, to claim a 16-point lead by halftime. The hosts picked up their play again in the third, where they outscored the Celtics, 32-19, to cut it to a three-point game heading into the final quarter. The Raptors kept up the fight in the fourth, but the Celtics managed to stay a step ahead and hold on for their fifth straight win. This marks the third loss in four games for the Raptors.
Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 23 points, three rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, in 36 minutes. Jayson Tatum followed up with 17 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Kristaps Porzingis added 14 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, a steal and three blocks. The Celtics shot 45.7 percent from the field, including 16-for-46 from deep.
Meanwhile, Pascal Siakam finished with 23 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Dennis Schroder totaled 23 points, seven rebounds and six assists, to lead the Raptors. Scottie Barnes and Gary Trent chipped in 14 points each. The Raptors shot 48.3 percent from the field, including 12-for-33 from long range.
The Raptors (5-7) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pistons on Sunday. The Celtics (10-2) clash with the Grizzlies in Memphis on Sunday.
Pelicans Stun Visiting Nuggets
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the visiting Denver Nuggets, 115-110, in NBA In-Season Tournament Group Play at Smoothie King Center on Friday evening.
The Pelicans jumped out to a great start with a, 36-28, lead after one quarter. They kept the momentum going in the second and pushed their lead to 16, by halftime. The Nuggets brought a better effort in the third and trimmed it back to a nine-point deficit entering the final quarter. The visitors kept up the fight in the fourth, but the Pelicans came up clutch to stay a step ahead and close out their second straight win.
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 26 points, four rebounds, six assists and two blocks, in 33 minutes. Jonas Valanciunas followed up with 22 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a block, while Brandon Ingram tallied 21 points, three rebounds, eight assists and a steal. The Pelicans shot 52.3 percent from the field, including 12-for-23 from long range.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 26 points, 16 rebounds, 18 assists and a block, in 36 minutes. Christian Braun followed up with 25 points, nine rebounds and three assists, while Michael Porter totaled 18 points and 11 rebounds. The Nuggets shot 49.0 percent from the field, including 10-for-40 from deep.
The Nuggets (9-3) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Cavs in Cleveland on Sunday. The Pelicans (6-6) play host to the Timberwolves on Saturday.
The Pelicans jumped out to a great start with a, 36-28, lead after one quarter. They kept the momentum going in the second and pushed their lead to 16, by halftime. The Nuggets brought a better effort in the third and trimmed it back to a nine-point deficit entering the final quarter. The visitors kept up the fight in the fourth, but the Pelicans came up clutch to stay a step ahead and close out their second straight win.
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 26 points, four rebounds, six assists and two blocks, in 33 minutes. Jonas Valanciunas followed up with 22 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a block, while Brandon Ingram tallied 21 points, three rebounds, eight assists and a steal. The Pelicans shot 52.3 percent from the field, including 12-for-23 from long range.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 26 points, 16 rebounds, 18 assists and a block, in 36 minutes. Christian Braun followed up with 25 points, nine rebounds and three assists, while Michael Porter totaled 18 points and 11 rebounds. The Nuggets shot 49.0 percent from the field, including 10-for-40 from deep.
The Nuggets (9-3) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Cavs in Cleveland on Sunday. The Pelicans (6-6) play host to the Timberwolves on Saturday.
Magic Withstand Bulls' Late Rally
By Dan Bruno
The Orlando Magic defeated the host Chicago Bulls, 103-97, in NBA In-Season Tournament Group Play at United Center on Friday evening.
The Magic got out to a strong start and led, 23-16, after one quarter. The Bulls could not keep up in the second and saw the deficit grow to 15 points by halftime. The Magic pushed their lead to 20 points early in the third, but the Bulls fought back to make it a 12-point game heading into the final quarter. The Bulls continued to chip away through the fourth and claimed a brief lead in the final minute, before the Magic came up clutch to close out their second consecutive win against the Bulls in Chicago. This marks the third straight loss for the Bulls.
Franz Wagner led the Magic with 21 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals, in 35 minutes. Jonathan Isaac followed up with 18 points, nine rebounds, a steal and a block, while Gary Harris totaled 15 points, six rebounds, two assists, a steal and two blocks. The Magic shot 48.1 percent from the field, including 11-for-34 from deep.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 34 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 41 minutes. DeMar DeRozan followed up with 23 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Alex Caruso added 18 points, two steals and two blocks. The Bulls shot 44.3 percent from the field, including 10-for-29 from long range.
The Bulls (4-9) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Heat on Saturday. The Magic (7-5) take on the Pacers in Indiana on Sunday.
The Magic got out to a strong start and led, 23-16, after one quarter. The Bulls could not keep up in the second and saw the deficit grow to 15 points by halftime. The Magic pushed their lead to 20 points early in the third, but the Bulls fought back to make it a 12-point game heading into the final quarter. The Bulls continued to chip away through the fourth and claimed a brief lead in the final minute, before the Magic came up clutch to close out their second consecutive win against the Bulls in Chicago. This marks the third straight loss for the Bulls.
Franz Wagner led the Magic with 21 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals, in 35 minutes. Jonathan Isaac followed up with 18 points, nine rebounds, a steal and a block, while Gary Harris totaled 15 points, six rebounds, two assists, a steal and two blocks. The Magic shot 48.1 percent from the field, including 11-for-34 from deep.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 34 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 41 minutes. DeMar DeRozan followed up with 23 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Alex Caruso added 18 points, two steals and two blocks. The Bulls shot 44.3 percent from the field, including 10-for-29 from long range.
The Bulls (4-9) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Heat on Saturday. The Magic (7-5) take on the Pacers in Indiana on Sunday.
Lakers Defeat Trail Blazers, 107-95
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 107-95, in Group Play of the NBA In-Season Tournament at Moda Center on Friday.
The Lakers started this game on a 16-6 run, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. They got their lead up to 17 points at times, with Portland never attempting a game-tying shot over the closing 20 minutes. The Lakers shot 49 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range while holding the Trail Blazers to 40 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range. Los Angeles also out-assisted Portland, 27-17, while outscoring them in the paint, 50-42.
The Lakers (7-6) were led by LeBron James, collecting 35 points, five rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Anthony Davis tallied 16 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, three steals and five blocks. D'Angelo Russell registered 14 points, three rebounds and six assists, while Christian Wood led the bench with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
The Trail Blazers (3-9) were led by Jerami Grant, finishing with 24 points, four rebounds and three assists. DeAndre Ayton amassed 17 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Shaedon Sharpe had 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists and 10 turnovers. Skylar Mays totaled 15 points, five rebounds, eight assists and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Los Angeles returning home to play the Houston Rockets and Portland staying home to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Lakers started this game on a 16-6 run, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. They got their lead up to 17 points at times, with Portland never attempting a game-tying shot over the closing 20 minutes. The Lakers shot 49 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range while holding the Trail Blazers to 40 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range. Los Angeles also out-assisted Portland, 27-17, while outscoring them in the paint, 50-42.
The Lakers (7-6) were led by LeBron James, collecting 35 points, five rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Anthony Davis tallied 16 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, three steals and five blocks. D'Angelo Russell registered 14 points, three rebounds and six assists, while Christian Wood led the bench with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
The Trail Blazers (3-9) were led by Jerami Grant, finishing with 24 points, four rebounds and three assists. DeAndre Ayton amassed 17 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Shaedon Sharpe had 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists and 10 turnovers. Skylar Mays totaled 15 points, five rebounds, eight assists and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Los Angeles returning home to play the Houston Rockets and Portland staying home to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Suns Defeat Jazz, 131-128
The Phoenix Suns defeated the host Utah Jazz, 131-128, in Group Play of the NBA In-Season Tournament at Vivint Arena on Friday.
While Phoenix led for most of this game, there were eight ties and eight lead changes in total. Neither team led by more than nine points in the second half, with Phoenix riding a 7-2 run in the final minute to their victory. The Suns shot 52 percent from the field and 55 percent from three-point range (18-of-33) while holding the Jazz to 51 percent from the field and 44 percent from long range (16-of-36). Phoenix also out-assisted Utah, 35-27, with both teams committing eight turnovers.
The Suns (6-6) were led by Kevin Durant, collecting 38 points, nine rebounds and nine assists on 15-of-22 shooting. Devin Booker had 24 points, four rebounds and 15 assists. Jusuf Nurkic finished with 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Eric Gordon amassed 14 points and two boards. Drew Eubanks led the bench with 11 points and four rebounds.
The Jazz (4-8) were led by Jordan Clarkson, compiling 37 points, three rebounds and five assists. Lauri Markkanen generated 21 points, two rebounds and two blocks. John Collins tallied 15 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks, while Keyonte George accumulated 15 points, three rebounds and six assists. No other player reached double figures in scoring.
These teams will have a rematch on Sunday for their next outing.
While Phoenix led for most of this game, there were eight ties and eight lead changes in total. Neither team led by more than nine points in the second half, with Phoenix riding a 7-2 run in the final minute to their victory. The Suns shot 52 percent from the field and 55 percent from three-point range (18-of-33) while holding the Jazz to 51 percent from the field and 44 percent from long range (16-of-36). Phoenix also out-assisted Utah, 35-27, with both teams committing eight turnovers.
The Suns (6-6) were led by Kevin Durant, collecting 38 points, nine rebounds and nine assists on 15-of-22 shooting. Devin Booker had 24 points, four rebounds and 15 assists. Jusuf Nurkic finished with 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Eric Gordon amassed 14 points and two boards. Drew Eubanks led the bench with 11 points and four rebounds.
The Jazz (4-8) were led by Jordan Clarkson, compiling 37 points, three rebounds and five assists. Lauri Markkanen generated 21 points, two rebounds and two blocks. John Collins tallied 15 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks, while Keyonte George accumulated 15 points, three rebounds and six assists. No other player reached double figures in scoring.
These teams will have a rematch on Sunday for their next outing.
Clippers Defeat Rockets, 106-100
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 106-100, in Group Play of the NBA In-Season Tournament at Crypto.com Arena on Friday.
There were nine ties and 15 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 10 points. James Harden was the hero for Los Angeles, hitting a game-winning four-point play with 6.0 seconds remaining. The Clippers scored the final six points over the closing six seconds, finishing the game on a 12-1 run over the final 2:02. The Clippers shot 13-of-34 from three-point range and 21-of-30 from the free-throw line while the Rockets hit 10-of-31 from long range and 14-of-20 from the charity stripe. They also out-rebounded them, 59-53.
The Rockets (6-4) were led by Alperen Sengun, collecting 23 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Jalen Green amassed 20 points, four rebounds and five assists. Fred VanVleet finished with 19 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists, while Tari Eason led the bench with 12 points, six rebounds and two blocks.
The Clippers (4-7) were led by Kawhi Leonard, compiling 26 points, eight rebounds, two assists and five steals. Harden had 24 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Paul George provided 23 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Ivica Zubac totaled 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
On deck for Los Angeles is a road matchup with the San Antonio Spurs on Monday. As for Houston, they travel to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday for their next outing.
There were nine ties and 15 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 10 points. James Harden was the hero for Los Angeles, hitting a game-winning four-point play with 6.0 seconds remaining. The Clippers scored the final six points over the closing six seconds, finishing the game on a 12-1 run over the final 2:02. The Clippers shot 13-of-34 from three-point range and 21-of-30 from the free-throw line while the Rockets hit 10-of-31 from long range and 14-of-20 from the charity stripe. They also out-rebounded them, 59-53.
The Rockets (6-4) were led by Alperen Sengun, collecting 23 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Jalen Green amassed 20 points, four rebounds and five assists. Fred VanVleet finished with 19 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists, while Tari Eason led the bench with 12 points, six rebounds and two blocks.
The Clippers (4-7) were led by Kawhi Leonard, compiling 26 points, eight rebounds, two assists and five steals. Harden had 24 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Paul George provided 23 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Ivica Zubac totaled 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
On deck for Los Angeles is a road matchup with the San Antonio Spurs on Monday. As for Houston, they travel to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday for their next outing.