76ers Cruise In Win Over Nets
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 121-99, at Barclays Center on Sunday.
The 76ers (10-3) became the first team in the league to reach double-digit victories and didn’t have problems to defeat the Nets (6-7) despite playing on the road. The game was tight in its early stages, but the Sixers already looked like the better team early on and held a 23-22 lead after the first quarter. Philadelphia would pull away for free following a 38-27 score in the second quarter, establishing a double-digit lead at the break. A 33-22 score in the third quarter essentially sealed the win for the Sixers, as the Nets didn’t have enough in them to mount a comeback. Brooklyn won the final quarter by a 28-27 score, but that was not enough to threaten the Sixers’ win. With the win, the Sixers moved to 4-1 on the road, while the Nets fell to 3-4 at home.
Joel Embiid led the way for the 76ers and came close to posting a triple-double after notching 32 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists. Tyrese Maxey delivered 25 points and 10 assists. De’Anthony Melton posted 21 points, five rebounds, three steals and an assist. Tobias Harris had 10 points, five rebounds and two steals. Jaden Springer looked good off the bench and posted 10 points with five rebounds. The Sixers shot 46.8 percent from the field in the win and 45.7 percent from three-point range.
Lonnie Walker IV led the way for the Nets with 26 points coming off the bench while also adding six rebounds and two assists. Mikal Bridges ended with 18 points and three assists. Spencer Dinwiddie delivered 12 points, five assists and four rebounds. Nic Claxton sniffed a double-double and recorded 10 points and nine rebounds. No other Nets player scored in double digits. Cameron Johnson had nine points. The Nets shot 46.9 percent from the field and 39.3 percent from deep.
The 76ers (10-3) became the first team in the league to reach double-digit victories and didn’t have problems to defeat the Nets (6-7) despite playing on the road. The game was tight in its early stages, but the Sixers already looked like the better team early on and held a 23-22 lead after the first quarter. Philadelphia would pull away for free following a 38-27 score in the second quarter, establishing a double-digit lead at the break. A 33-22 score in the third quarter essentially sealed the win for the Sixers, as the Nets didn’t have enough in them to mount a comeback. Brooklyn won the final quarter by a 28-27 score, but that was not enough to threaten the Sixers’ win. With the win, the Sixers moved to 4-1 on the road, while the Nets fell to 3-4 at home.
Joel Embiid led the way for the 76ers and came close to posting a triple-double after notching 32 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists. Tyrese Maxey delivered 25 points and 10 assists. De’Anthony Melton posted 21 points, five rebounds, three steals and an assist. Tobias Harris had 10 points, five rebounds and two steals. Jaden Springer looked good off the bench and posted 10 points with five rebounds. The Sixers shot 46.8 percent from the field in the win and 45.7 percent from three-point range.
Lonnie Walker IV led the way for the Nets with 26 points coming off the bench while also adding six rebounds and two assists. Mikal Bridges ended with 18 points and three assists. Spencer Dinwiddie delivered 12 points, five assists and four rebounds. Nic Claxton sniffed a double-double and recorded 10 points and nine rebounds. No other Nets player scored in double digits. Cameron Johnson had nine points. The Nets shot 46.9 percent from the field and 39.3 percent from deep.
Raptors Cruise To Victory Over Pistons
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Detroit Pistons, 142-113, at Scotiabank Arena on Sunday.
The Raptors (6-7) delivered one of their best performances of the season and moved closer to .500 with a solid win over a struggling Pistons (2-12) team that has now dropped 11 straight games. Toronto established its terms quickly and raced to a 32-20 lead in the first quarter, establishing a lead the team would never relinquish. The Raptors didn’t step off the gas and bolstered their advantage even further following a 37-25 score in the second quarter. The Pistons had no answers in the third quarter and looked sluggish and lost, particularly when trying to generate any half-court offense. The Raptors took advantage of that to outscore their rivals in the third quarter as well, 35-27. The game was over by the time the fourth quarter started, and while Detroit won the final 12 minutes by a 41-38 score, the outcome didn’t change. With the win, the Raptors moved to 4-4 at home. Meanwhile, the Pistons fell to 1-7 on the road.
Pascal Siakam led the way for the Raptors with 23 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Scottie Barnes notched 17 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. Jakob Poeltl delivered 16 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Dennis Schroder had 17 points, but he also added seven assists and two rebounds. Gary Trent Jr. made his presence felt off the bench with 18 points and three assists. Precious Achiuwa added 12 points, six boards and five dimes.
Stanley Umude led the Pistons off the bench with 19 points, four rebounds and three assists. Cade Cunningham was the only starter who scored in double digits after notching 18 points, five boards and four assists. James Wiseman had 15 points off the bench. Alec Burks posted 14 points and four rebounds. Ausar Thompson recorded nine points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Jaden Ivey recorded nine points, four assists and three rebounds.
The Raptors (6-7) delivered one of their best performances of the season and moved closer to .500 with a solid win over a struggling Pistons (2-12) team that has now dropped 11 straight games. Toronto established its terms quickly and raced to a 32-20 lead in the first quarter, establishing a lead the team would never relinquish. The Raptors didn’t step off the gas and bolstered their advantage even further following a 37-25 score in the second quarter. The Pistons had no answers in the third quarter and looked sluggish and lost, particularly when trying to generate any half-court offense. The Raptors took advantage of that to outscore their rivals in the third quarter as well, 35-27. The game was over by the time the fourth quarter started, and while Detroit won the final 12 minutes by a 41-38 score, the outcome didn’t change. With the win, the Raptors moved to 4-4 at home. Meanwhile, the Pistons fell to 1-7 on the road.
Pascal Siakam led the way for the Raptors with 23 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Scottie Barnes notched 17 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. Jakob Poeltl delivered 16 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Dennis Schroder had 17 points, but he also added seven assists and two rebounds. Gary Trent Jr. made his presence felt off the bench with 18 points and three assists. Precious Achiuwa added 12 points, six boards and five dimes.
Stanley Umude led the Pistons off the bench with 19 points, four rebounds and three assists. Cade Cunningham was the only starter who scored in double digits after notching 18 points, five boards and four assists. James Wiseman had 15 points off the bench. Alec Burks posted 14 points and four rebounds. Ausar Thompson recorded nine points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Jaden Ivey recorded nine points, four assists and three rebounds.
Magic Defeat Pacers, 128-116
The Orlando Magic defeated the host Indiana Pacers, 128-116, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday.
Orlando rode a 42-21 first quarter to this wire-to-wire win, maintaining a double-digit lead for the final three frames. They actually led 78-44 at the half and got their lead up to 40 points at times in this lopsided game. The Magic shot 49 percent from the field, 35 percent from three-point range and 83 percent from the free-throw line, while the Pacers shot 44 percent from the field, 26 percent from long range and 77 percent from the charity stripe.
The Magic (8-5) were led by Paolo Banchero, providing 24 points, three rebounds and two blocks. Franz Wagner finished with 19 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Jalen Suggs had 18 points and three rebounds, while Goga Bitadze generated eight points, eight rebounds, two assists and four blocks. Mo Wagner led the bench with 16 points, three rebounds and two assists. Cole Anthony also accrued 15 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Pacers (7-5) were led by Jordan Nwora, tallying 19 points, five rebounds and two steals off the bench. Bennedict Mathurin led the starters with 14 points, six rebounds and three assists. Tyrese Haliburton totaled 12 points, two rebounds and three assists, while Myles Turner amassed 10 points, four rebounds, three assists and three blocks.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday against Eastern Conference foes, with Indiana traveling to face the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando returning home to play the Toronto Raptors.
Orlando rode a 42-21 first quarter to this wire-to-wire win, maintaining a double-digit lead for the final three frames. They actually led 78-44 at the half and got their lead up to 40 points at times in this lopsided game. The Magic shot 49 percent from the field, 35 percent from three-point range and 83 percent from the free-throw line, while the Pacers shot 44 percent from the field, 26 percent from long range and 77 percent from the charity stripe.
The Magic (8-5) were led by Paolo Banchero, providing 24 points, three rebounds and two blocks. Franz Wagner finished with 19 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Jalen Suggs had 18 points and three rebounds, while Goga Bitadze generated eight points, eight rebounds, two assists and four blocks. Mo Wagner led the bench with 16 points, three rebounds and two assists. Cole Anthony also accrued 15 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Pacers (7-5) were led by Jordan Nwora, tallying 19 points, five rebounds and two steals off the bench. Bennedict Mathurin led the starters with 14 points, six rebounds and three assists. Tyrese Haliburton totaled 12 points, two rebounds and three assists, while Myles Turner amassed 10 points, four rebounds, three assists and three blocks.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday against Eastern Conference foes, with Indiana traveling to face the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando returning home to play the Toronto Raptors.
Cavaliers Dispose of Nuggets, 121-109
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Denver Nuggets, 121-109, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Sunday evening.
The Cavaliers (7-6) opened the game in impressive fashion on offense, posting a 66-point tally over the first two quarters to take an eight-lead over the Nuggets (9-4) into halftime. Cleveland's most impressive all-around quarter may have been the third, however, as they enjoyed a 26-17 advantage during the period to build a big enough cushion to eventually secure a double-digit victory.
Michael Porter Jr. led the way for the Nuggets with 21 points, adding six rebounds and one steal. Nikola Jokic generated an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double that included seven assists one steal and one block. Christian Braun netted 13 points, while Aaron Gordon furnished 11 points, five assists, four rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
Darius Garland paced the Cavaliers with 26 points, complementing them with six assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Craig Porter delivered 21 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Evan Mobley generated a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double that included five assists and two blocks. Jarrett Allen finished with 15 points, five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Georges Niang tallied 12 points, while Max Strus managed 11 points, six boards, five assists and one block.
The Nuggets remain on the road and visit the Detroit Pistons on Monday night, while the Cavaliers visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night.
The Cavaliers (7-6) opened the game in impressive fashion on offense, posting a 66-point tally over the first two quarters to take an eight-lead over the Nuggets (9-4) into halftime. Cleveland's most impressive all-around quarter may have been the third, however, as they enjoyed a 26-17 advantage during the period to build a big enough cushion to eventually secure a double-digit victory.
Michael Porter Jr. led the way for the Nuggets with 21 points, adding six rebounds and one steal. Nikola Jokic generated an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double that included seven assists one steal and one block. Christian Braun netted 13 points, while Aaron Gordon furnished 11 points, five assists, four rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
Darius Garland paced the Cavaliers with 26 points, complementing them with six assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Craig Porter delivered 21 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Evan Mobley generated a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double that included five assists and two blocks. Jarrett Allen finished with 15 points, five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Georges Niang tallied 12 points, while Max Strus managed 11 points, six boards, five assists and one block.
The Nuggets remain on the road and visit the Detroit Pistons on Monday night, while the Cavaliers visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night.
King Thump Mavericks, 129-113
The Sacramento Kings defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 129-113, at American Airlines Center on Sunday night.
The Mavericks (9-5) were just slightly better than the Kings (8-4) in a high-scoring first quarter, edging Sacramento by a 36-35 margin. However, the visitors changed the dynamic of the game in the middle periods, outscoring Dallas, 72-60, over that span to take a double-digit lead into the final quarter They'd comfortably hold on to their edge while limiting the hosts to 17 points over the final 12 minutes to secure the noteworthy road victory.
Domantas Sabonis led the Kings with 32 points, adding 13 rebounds and six assists. De'Aaron Fox followed with 30 points, seven assists, four rebounds and three steals. Keegan Murray furnished 17 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Harrison Barnes and Malik Monk provided matching 12-point efforts while dishing out six and three assists, respectively.
Luka Doncic paced the Mavericks with a 25-point, 10-rebound double-double, adding seven assists and three steals. Kyrie Irving totaled 23 points, two rebounds and one assist. Tim Hardaway offered 14 points, two rebounds, two assists and one block. Josh Green supplied 11 points, five assists, four rebounds and two steals.
The Kings remain on the road and visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night, while the Mavericks visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night.
The Mavericks (9-5) were just slightly better than the Kings (8-4) in a high-scoring first quarter, edging Sacramento by a 36-35 margin. However, the visitors changed the dynamic of the game in the middle periods, outscoring Dallas, 72-60, over that span to take a double-digit lead into the final quarter They'd comfortably hold on to their edge while limiting the hosts to 17 points over the final 12 minutes to secure the noteworthy road victory.
Domantas Sabonis led the Kings with 32 points, adding 13 rebounds and six assists. De'Aaron Fox followed with 30 points, seven assists, four rebounds and three steals. Keegan Murray furnished 17 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Harrison Barnes and Malik Monk provided matching 12-point efforts while dishing out six and three assists, respectively.
Luka Doncic paced the Mavericks with a 25-point, 10-rebound double-double, adding seven assists and three steals. Kyrie Irving totaled 23 points, two rebounds and one assist. Tim Hardaway offered 14 points, two rebounds, two assists and one block. Josh Green supplied 11 points, five assists, four rebounds and two steals.
The Kings remain on the road and visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night, while the Mavericks visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night.
Suns Edge Jazz In Barn-Burner
By Dan Bruno
The Phoenix Suns defeated the host Utah Jazz, 140-137, at Delta Center on Sunday evening.
The game got out to a tight start and was tied at 30, after one quarter. The Suns picked up the momentum in the second and gained a five-point edge by halftime, but the Jazz brought a better effort in the third quarter and managed to cut it back to a one-point difference, heading into the fourth. Both sides brought a strong effort in the fourth and after a couple of lead changes, the score was tied at 115, at the end of regulation. Both sides brought the heat in overtime, pouring in 12 points each to make it a tie at 127, forcing a second overtime frame. The pace remained at a high and both sides filled it up, with the Suns getting the last laugh, as they held the edge for the final 43 seconds, closing out their third straight win.
Kevin Durant led the Suns with 39 points, eight rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and two blocks, in 46 minutes. Devin Booker followed up with 26 points, five rebounds, eight assists and a block, while Eric Gordon added 20 points, five rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks. The Suns shot 49.0 percent from the field, including 18-for-45 from deep.
Meanwhile, Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 38 points, 17 rebounds, two steals and two blocks, in 50 minutes. Talen Horton-Tucker followed up with 25 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Jordan Clarkson tallied 22 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. The Jazz shot 41.7 percent from the field, including 15-for-46 from long range.
The Jazz (4-9) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Lakers in L.A. on Tuesday. The Suns (7-6) play host to the Trail Blazers on Tuesday.
The game got out to a tight start and was tied at 30, after one quarter. The Suns picked up the momentum in the second and gained a five-point edge by halftime, but the Jazz brought a better effort in the third quarter and managed to cut it back to a one-point difference, heading into the fourth. Both sides brought a strong effort in the fourth and after a couple of lead changes, the score was tied at 115, at the end of regulation. Both sides brought the heat in overtime, pouring in 12 points each to make it a tie at 127, forcing a second overtime frame. The pace remained at a high and both sides filled it up, with the Suns getting the last laugh, as they held the edge for the final 43 seconds, closing out their third straight win.
Kevin Durant led the Suns with 39 points, eight rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and two blocks, in 46 minutes. Devin Booker followed up with 26 points, five rebounds, eight assists and a block, while Eric Gordon added 20 points, five rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks. The Suns shot 49.0 percent from the field, including 18-for-45 from deep.
Meanwhile, Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 38 points, 17 rebounds, two steals and two blocks, in 50 minutes. Talen Horton-Tucker followed up with 25 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Jordan Clarkson tallied 22 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. The Jazz shot 41.7 percent from the field, including 15-for-46 from long range.
The Jazz (4-9) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Lakers in L.A. on Tuesday. The Suns (7-6) play host to the Trail Blazers on Tuesday.
Celtics Edge Grizzlies In Memphis
By Dan Bruno
The Boston Celtics defeated the host Memphis Grizzlies, 102-100, at FedEx Forum on Sunday evening.
The game got out to a tight start and the Grizzlies held a one-point edge after one quarter. The Celtics picked up their play in the second and took the upper hand for most of the second to earn a three-point lead at the break. The visitors increased their advantage early in the third, but the Grizzlies closed the quarter on a 10-4 run to bring it back to a three-point game heading into the final quarter. The hosts kept the momentum going and exchanged the lead a couple of times in the fourth, but the Celtics scored the go-ahead bucket with a minute left on the clock, which was enough to close out their sixth straight win.
Kristaps Porzingis led the Celtics with 26 points, eight rebounds, a steal and six blocks, in 34 minutes. Jayson Tatum followed up with 20 points, nine rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, while Sam Hauser chipped in 15 points, four rebounds and two steals. The Celtics shot 45.5 percent from the field, including 12-for-31 from deep.
Meanwhile, Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 30 points, two rebounds, eight assists and a steal, in 37 minutes. Santi Aldama followed up with 28 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Jaren Jackson was the only other player to score in double digits, with 17 points, eight rebounds, a steal and a block.
The Grizzlies (3-10) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Rockets in Houston on Wednesday. The Celtics (11-2) take on the Hornets in Charlotte on Monday.
The game got out to a tight start and the Grizzlies held a one-point edge after one quarter. The Celtics picked up their play in the second and took the upper hand for most of the second to earn a three-point lead at the break. The visitors increased their advantage early in the third, but the Grizzlies closed the quarter on a 10-4 run to bring it back to a three-point game heading into the final quarter. The hosts kept the momentum going and exchanged the lead a couple of times in the fourth, but the Celtics scored the go-ahead bucket with a minute left on the clock, which was enough to close out their sixth straight win.
Kristaps Porzingis led the Celtics with 26 points, eight rebounds, a steal and six blocks, in 34 minutes. Jayson Tatum followed up with 20 points, nine rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, while Sam Hauser chipped in 15 points, four rebounds and two steals. The Celtics shot 45.5 percent from the field, including 12-for-31 from deep.
Meanwhile, Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 30 points, two rebounds, eight assists and a steal, in 37 minutes. Santi Aldama followed up with 28 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Jaren Jackson was the only other player to score in double digits, with 17 points, eight rebounds, a steal and a block.
The Grizzlies (3-10) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Rockets in Houston on Wednesday. The Celtics (11-2) take on the Hornets in Charlotte on Monday.
Thunder Throttle Trail Blazers, 134-91
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 134-91, at Moda Center on Sunday.
A 33-21 first quarter carried Oklahoma City to this easy win, taking a 76-43 lead at the half. They held a double-digit lead for the final three quarters and led by at least 25 points for the final 30 minutes of this game. The Thunder got their lead up to 47 points at times. Oklahoma City shot 61 percent from the field, 61 percent from three-point range and 100 percent from the free-throw line, while Portland shot 40 percent from the field, 27 percent from long range and 67 percent from the charity stripe. OKC also out-assisted Portland, 28-21, while outscoring them in the paint, 52-42.
The Thunder (10-4) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, collecting 28 points, three rebounds and four assists on 10-of-13 shooting. Chet Holmgren made all six of his shots to finish with 16 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Josh Giddey generated six points, four rebounds and five assists, while Isaiah Joe led the bench with 15 points.
The Trail Blazers (3-10) were led by Jerami Grant, scoring 14 points. DeAndre Ayton accrued 11 points, five rebounds and two assists. Skylar Mays amassed 11 points, two rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while Jabari Walker led the bench with 13 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Portland remaining home to play the Utah Jazz and Oklahoma City returning home to face the Chicago Bulls.
A 33-21 first quarter carried Oklahoma City to this easy win, taking a 76-43 lead at the half. They held a double-digit lead for the final three quarters and led by at least 25 points for the final 30 minutes of this game. The Thunder got their lead up to 47 points at times. Oklahoma City shot 61 percent from the field, 61 percent from three-point range and 100 percent from the free-throw line, while Portland shot 40 percent from the field, 27 percent from long range and 67 percent from the charity stripe. OKC also out-assisted Portland, 28-21, while outscoring them in the paint, 52-42.
The Thunder (10-4) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, collecting 28 points, three rebounds and four assists on 10-of-13 shooting. Chet Holmgren made all six of his shots to finish with 16 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Josh Giddey generated six points, four rebounds and five assists, while Isaiah Joe led the bench with 15 points.
The Trail Blazers (3-10) were led by Jerami Grant, scoring 14 points. DeAndre Ayton accrued 11 points, five rebounds and two assists. Skylar Mays amassed 11 points, two rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while Jabari Walker led the bench with 13 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Portland remaining home to play the Utah Jazz and Oklahoma City returning home to face the Chicago Bulls.
Lakers Edge Rockets, 105-104
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets, 105-104, at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday night.
The Rockets (6-5) appeared set to continue their recent stellar play early in Sunday's game, as they held an eight-point lead over the Lakers (8-6) and still owned a six-point advantage at halftime. Los Angeles appeared to turn the game around in the third, however, erasing its deficit and taking their own six-point edge going into the final period. Houston clawed all the way back to forge two separate ties in the final minute-plus, but LeBron James' second free throw after a missed first attempt sealed the slim victory for the hosts after Dillon Brooks' desperation 35-footer with one second remaining failed to find the net.
Brooks led the Rockets with 24 points, adding two assists, one rebound and four steals. Alperen Sengun generated a 23-point, 10-rebound double-double that included five assists and one block. Fred VanVleet posted a 15-point, 16-assist double-double that included one rebound and one steal. Jabari Smith Jr. produced 14 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal.
James paced the Lakers with a season-high 37 points, complementing them with eight assists, six rebounds and three steals. Anthony Davis followed with a 27-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists, two steals and one block. Austin Reaves furnished 17 points, six rebounds and six assists. Rui Hachimura delivered 11 points, four boards, two assists and two steals.
The Rockets next visit the Golden State Warriors on Monday night, while the Lakers host the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night.
The Rockets (6-5) appeared set to continue their recent stellar play early in Sunday's game, as they held an eight-point lead over the Lakers (8-6) and still owned a six-point advantage at halftime. Los Angeles appeared to turn the game around in the third, however, erasing its deficit and taking their own six-point edge going into the final period. Houston clawed all the way back to forge two separate ties in the final minute-plus, but LeBron James' second free throw after a missed first attempt sealed the slim victory for the hosts after Dillon Brooks' desperation 35-footer with one second remaining failed to find the net.
Brooks led the Rockets with 24 points, adding two assists, one rebound and four steals. Alperen Sengun generated a 23-point, 10-rebound double-double that included five assists and one block. Fred VanVleet posted a 15-point, 16-assist double-double that included one rebound and one steal. Jabari Smith Jr. produced 14 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal.
James paced the Lakers with a season-high 37 points, complementing them with eight assists, six rebounds and three steals. Anthony Davis followed with a 27-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists, two steals and one block. Austin Reaves furnished 17 points, six rebounds and six assists. Rui Hachimura delivered 11 points, four boards, two assists and two steals.
The Rockets next visit the Golden State Warriors on Monday night, while the Lakers host the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night.