Nuggets Overcome Jokic Ejection To Top Pistons
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Detroit Pistons, 107-103, at Little Caesars Arena on Monday.
The Nuggets (10-4) finally reached the 10-win threshold and took advantage of a struggling Pistons (2-13) team that has now dropped 12 games in a row. The Nuggets, on the other hand, bounced back in the second half of a back-to-back set following their Sunday defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Nuggets, who suffered the ejections of head coach Michael Malone and star center Nikola Jokic in the first half, raced to a 27-23 lead in the first quarter. However, the Nuggets suffered the hit of Jokic's absence and lost the second quarter by a 32-29 score. It seemed as if the Nuggets were going to lose their lead, but they bounced back in the second half. Denver won the third quarter by a 25-24 score and held the lead with only 12 minutes left. The Nuggets closed the game out with a 26-24 score in the fourth quarter.
Reggie Jackson led the way for the Nuggets with 21 points, six assists and three rebounds. Nikola Jokic was ejected in the second quarter and only posted nine points, five rebounds and five assists across 15 minutes. Michael Porter Jr. delivered a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double. Aaron Gordon notched 11 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope stood out and delivered 20 points, three rebounds and three dimes. The Nuggets shot 46 percent from the field and 39.3 percent from three-point range.
Cade Cunningham was the leading scorer for the Pistons and ended with 27 points and nine assists. Marvin Bagley delivered 18 points and eight rebounds. Isaiah Stewart had a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds. Jaden Ivey looked good in a starting role and posted 17 points, four rebounds and three assists. Stanley Umude delivered 11 points off the bench. Ausar Thompson had eight points and seven rebounds. Detroit shot 44.4 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from the field.
The Nuggets (10-4) finally reached the 10-win threshold and took advantage of a struggling Pistons (2-13) team that has now dropped 12 games in a row. The Nuggets, on the other hand, bounced back in the second half of a back-to-back set following their Sunday defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Nuggets, who suffered the ejections of head coach Michael Malone and star center Nikola Jokic in the first half, raced to a 27-23 lead in the first quarter. However, the Nuggets suffered the hit of Jokic's absence and lost the second quarter by a 32-29 score. It seemed as if the Nuggets were going to lose their lead, but they bounced back in the second half. Denver won the third quarter by a 25-24 score and held the lead with only 12 minutes left. The Nuggets closed the game out with a 26-24 score in the fourth quarter.
Reggie Jackson led the way for the Nuggets with 21 points, six assists and three rebounds. Nikola Jokic was ejected in the second quarter and only posted nine points, five rebounds and five assists across 15 minutes. Michael Porter Jr. delivered a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double. Aaron Gordon notched 11 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope stood out and delivered 20 points, three rebounds and three dimes. The Nuggets shot 46 percent from the field and 39.3 percent from three-point range.
Cade Cunningham was the leading scorer for the Pistons and ended with 27 points and nine assists. Marvin Bagley delivered 18 points and eight rebounds. Isaiah Stewart had a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds. Jaden Ivey looked good in a starting role and posted 17 points, four rebounds and three assists. Stanley Umude delivered 11 points off the bench. Ausar Thompson had eight points and seven rebounds. Detroit shot 44.4 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from the field.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Shines, Leads Bucks Over Wizards
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Washington Wizards, 142-129, at Capital One Arena on Monday.
The Bucks (10-4) are trending in the right direction and recorded their fifth consecutive game by topping the Wizards (2-11) thanks to a dominant performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo. Milwaukee established its terms early and raced to a 31-27 lead in the first quarter. The Wizards looked lost, and Milwaukee made it a five-game lead at halftime following a 39-38 score on the second quarter. The Wizards showed signs of mounting a potential comeback in the third quarter and reduced the deficit to just two points after a 37-34 score on the third quarter. Despite the fact the momentum was on the Wizards' side, the Bucks flipped the script and closed the game out. Milwaukee won the final quarter by a 38-27 score and closed the game out effectively.
Giannis Antetokounmpo flirted with a triple-double in this win and finished with 42 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists while shooting an impressive 20-for-23 from the field. Damian Lillard posted 22 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Brook Lopez recorded 16 points and nine boards. Khris Middleton delivered 18 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Bobby Portis ended with 17 points and eight boards off the bench. Malik Beasley had 16 points.
Jordan Poole had an impressive outing compared to his previous games and finished with 30 points. Kyle Kuzma ended with 22 points, 13 assists and three boards. Daniel Gafford chipped in with 14 points and five boards. Tyus Jones delivered 18 points. Bilal Coulibaly and Corey Kispert each had 12 points off the bench.
The Bucks (10-4) are trending in the right direction and recorded their fifth consecutive game by topping the Wizards (2-11) thanks to a dominant performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo. Milwaukee established its terms early and raced to a 31-27 lead in the first quarter. The Wizards looked lost, and Milwaukee made it a five-game lead at halftime following a 39-38 score on the second quarter. The Wizards showed signs of mounting a potential comeback in the third quarter and reduced the deficit to just two points after a 37-34 score on the third quarter. Despite the fact the momentum was on the Wizards' side, the Bucks flipped the script and closed the game out. Milwaukee won the final quarter by a 38-27 score and closed the game out effectively.
Giannis Antetokounmpo flirted with a triple-double in this win and finished with 42 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists while shooting an impressive 20-for-23 from the field. Damian Lillard posted 22 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Brook Lopez recorded 16 points and nine boards. Khris Middleton delivered 18 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Bobby Portis ended with 17 points and eight boards off the bench. Malik Beasley had 16 points.
Jordan Poole had an impressive outing compared to his previous games and finished with 30 points. Kyle Kuzma ended with 22 points, 13 assists and three boards. Daniel Gafford chipped in with 14 points and five boards. Tyus Jones delivered 18 points. Bilal Coulibaly and Corey Kispert each had 12 points off the bench.
Hornets Squeeze By Celtics in OT, 121-118
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Boston Celtics, 121-118, in overtime at Spectrum Center on Monday night.
The Celtics (11-3) opened the game in impressive fashion that portended yet another win for the red-hot squad, as they'd forged a 65-54 lead by halftime after a highly efficient first half. The Hornets (4-9) did manage to make a five-point dent in their deficit in the third, but it was Charlotte's 19-8 run over the final 5;44 of regulation capped off by a LaMelo Ball driving layup with seven seconds remaining that forced overtime. In the extra period, Ball would eventually strike again, feeding Miles Bridges for a tie-breaking 25-foot three-point jumper that would essentially seal the victory.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 45 points, adding 13 rebounds, six assists and two blocks. Payton Pritchard delivered 21 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kristaps Porzingis supplied 17 points, eight rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Jaylen Brown registered 13 points, four rebounds and three assists. Jrue Holiday furnished 11 points, six boards, five assists, two blocks and one steal.
Ball paced the Hornets with 36 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, eight assists, two steals and one block. Gordon Hayward totaled 20 points, five rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Mark Williams generated an 18-point, 16-rebound double-double that included two assists, three blocks and one steal. P.J. Washington netted 15 points, while Bridges posted 14 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and one steal.
The Celtics return home to host the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night, while the Hornets remain home and host the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.
The Celtics (11-3) opened the game in impressive fashion that portended yet another win for the red-hot squad, as they'd forged a 65-54 lead by halftime after a highly efficient first half. The Hornets (4-9) did manage to make a five-point dent in their deficit in the third, but it was Charlotte's 19-8 run over the final 5;44 of regulation capped off by a LaMelo Ball driving layup with seven seconds remaining that forced overtime. In the extra period, Ball would eventually strike again, feeding Miles Bridges for a tie-breaking 25-foot three-point jumper that would essentially seal the victory.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 45 points, adding 13 rebounds, six assists and two blocks. Payton Pritchard delivered 21 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kristaps Porzingis supplied 17 points, eight rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Jaylen Brown registered 13 points, four rebounds and three assists. Jrue Holiday furnished 11 points, six boards, five assists, two blocks and one steal.
Ball paced the Hornets with 36 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, eight assists, two steals and one block. Gordon Hayward totaled 20 points, five rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Mark Williams generated an 18-point, 16-rebound double-double that included two assists, three blocks and one steal. P.J. Washington netted 15 points, while Bridges posted 14 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and one steal.
The Celtics return home to host the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night, while the Hornets remain home and host the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.
Pelicans Rout Kings, 129-93
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Sacramento Kings, 129-93, at Smoothie King Center on Monday night.
The Kings (8-5) started the game off in solid form on either end of the floor, establishing a 31-29 lead through one. However, the Pelicans (7-7) essentially changed the dynamic of the game for good in the second quarter, erasing their narrow deficit and taking a 13-point lead into halftime. Then, New Orleans snuffed out any hopes of a Sacramento comeback in definitive fashion by putting together an utterly dominant third quarter during which they enjoyed a 34-16 advantage. The hosts shot a blistering 54.3 percent while limiting their visitors to a 37.9 percent success rate from the field.
Harrison Barnes led the Kings with 16 points, adding four rebounds and one steal. De'Aaron Fox supplied 14 points, two rebounds and one steal. Domantas Sabonis generated a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included eight assists. JaVale McGee and Kevin Huerter matched Sabonis' scoring, with McGee adding seven rebounds and two steals.
Brandon Ingram paced the Pelicans with 31 points, complementing them with four rebounds and three assists. Zion Williamson delivered 26 points, five assists, three rebounds, three steals and one block. Herbert Jones supplied 18 points, seven boards, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Naji Marshall registered 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 10-point, 13-rebound double-double that included seven assists, three blocks and one steal.
The Kings and Pelicans reconvene for a rematch on Wednesday night.
The Kings (8-5) started the game off in solid form on either end of the floor, establishing a 31-29 lead through one. However, the Pelicans (7-7) essentially changed the dynamic of the game for good in the second quarter, erasing their narrow deficit and taking a 13-point lead into halftime. Then, New Orleans snuffed out any hopes of a Sacramento comeback in definitive fashion by putting together an utterly dominant third quarter during which they enjoyed a 34-16 advantage. The hosts shot a blistering 54.3 percent while limiting their visitors to a 37.9 percent success rate from the field.
Harrison Barnes led the Kings with 16 points, adding four rebounds and one steal. De'Aaron Fox supplied 14 points, two rebounds and one steal. Domantas Sabonis generated a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included eight assists. JaVale McGee and Kevin Huerter matched Sabonis' scoring, with McGee adding seven rebounds and two steals.
Brandon Ingram paced the Pelicans with 31 points, complementing them with four rebounds and three assists. Zion Williamson delivered 26 points, five assists, three rebounds, three steals and one block. Herbert Jones supplied 18 points, seven boards, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Naji Marshall registered 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 10-point, 13-rebound double-double that included seven assists, three blocks and one steal.
The Kings and Pelicans reconvene for a rematch on Wednesday night.
Heat Keep Control In Chicago
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat defeated the host Chicago Bulls, 118-100, at United Center on Monday evening.
The Heat got out to a quick 10-point lead and held on to a, 33-27, advantage after one quarter. They kept control in the second, rallying to a 14-point lead, before the Bulls cut it back to 12-point game at halftime. The Bulls came out better in the third, but the Heat kept pace and maintained a 12-point advantage heading into the final frame. The visitors picked up the momentum again in the fourth and finished strong to close out the road win.
Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 23 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 30 minutes. Duncan Robinson added 22 points, two rebounds and two assists, while Jaime Jaquez tallied 19 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals. The Heat shot 50.0 percent from the field, including 17-for-35 from deep.
Meanwhile, Coby White led the Bulls with 20 points, six rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, in 34 minutes. Nikola Vucevic followed up with 18 points, eight rebounds and two assists, while DeMar DeRozan totaled 15 points, four rebounds, five assists and a block. The Bulls shot 45.7 percent from the field, including 11-for-37 from long range.
The Bulls (5-10) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Thunder in OKC on Wednesday. The Heat (9-5) take on the Cavs in Cleveland on Wednesday.
The Heat got out to a quick 10-point lead and held on to a, 33-27, advantage after one quarter. They kept control in the second, rallying to a 14-point lead, before the Bulls cut it back to 12-point game at halftime. The Bulls came out better in the third, but the Heat kept pace and maintained a 12-point advantage heading into the final frame. The visitors picked up the momentum again in the fourth and finished strong to close out the road win.
Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 23 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 30 minutes. Duncan Robinson added 22 points, two rebounds and two assists, while Jaime Jaquez tallied 19 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals. The Heat shot 50.0 percent from the field, including 17-for-35 from deep.
Meanwhile, Coby White led the Bulls with 20 points, six rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, in 34 minutes. Nikola Vucevic followed up with 18 points, eight rebounds and two assists, while DeMar DeRozan totaled 15 points, four rebounds, five assists and a block. The Bulls shot 45.7 percent from the field, including 11-for-37 from long range.
The Bulls (5-10) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Thunder in OKC on Wednesday. The Heat (9-5) take on the Cavs in Cleveland on Wednesday.
Timberwolves Remain Undefeated At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting New York Knicks, 117-100, at Target Center on Monday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Timberwolves led by three points after one quarter. Neither side could create much separation in the second, while the Knicks trimmed it to a two-point game at the break. The hosts came out on another level in the third and outscored the Knicks, 35-19, in the quarter to make it an 18-point difference heading into the final quarter. The Knicks could not come up with a solution in the fourth, as the Timberwolves cruised to their second straight win, moving to 6-0 at home on the season.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 23 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two steals, in 39 minutes. Karl-Anthony Towns followed up with 20 points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks, while Rudy Gobert added 16 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. The Timberwolves shot 51.2 percent from the field, including 11-for-34 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 25 points, four rebounds and six assists, in 36 minutes. Julius Randle totaled 21 points and 14 rebounds, while Immanuel Quickley chipped in 15 points, off the bench. The Knicks shot 34.8 percent from the field, including 9-for-38 from long range.
The Knicks (8-6) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Heat on Friday. The Timberwolves (10-3) play host to the 76ers on Wednesday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Timberwolves led by three points after one quarter. Neither side could create much separation in the second, while the Knicks trimmed it to a two-point game at the break. The hosts came out on another level in the third and outscored the Knicks, 35-19, in the quarter to make it an 18-point difference heading into the final quarter. The Knicks could not come up with a solution in the fourth, as the Timberwolves cruised to their second straight win, moving to 6-0 at home on the season.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 23 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two steals, in 39 minutes. Karl-Anthony Towns followed up with 20 points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks, while Rudy Gobert added 16 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. The Timberwolves shot 51.2 percent from the field, including 11-for-34 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 25 points, four rebounds and six assists, in 36 minutes. Julius Randle totaled 21 points and 14 rebounds, while Immanuel Quickley chipped in 15 points, off the bench. The Knicks shot 34.8 percent from the field, including 9-for-38 from long range.
The Knicks (8-6) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Heat on Friday. The Timberwolves (10-3) play host to the 76ers on Wednesday.
Clippers Clobber Spurs, 124-99
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 124-99, at AT&T Center on Monday.
Los Angeles won all four individual quarters in this game, maintaining the lead for the final three quarters. With that said, there were 11 lead changes in the opening frame, but Los Angeles held a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. The Clippers shot 47 percent from the field, 33 percent from three-point range and 88 percent from the free-throw line, while the Spurs shot 43 percent from the field, 26 percent from long range and 79 percent from the charity stripe. Los Angeles also recorded 30 assists to seven turnovers, while San Antonio had 23 assists to 16 turnovers.
The Clippers (5-7) were led by Paul George, providing 28 points, five rebounds and six assists. Kawhi Leonard collected 21 points, four rebounds and three assists. James Harden had 13 points, three rebounds, 10 assists and two steals, while Ivica Zubac amassed eight points and 11 boards. Norman Powell led the bench with 19 points and five rebounds.
The Spurs (3-11) were led by Keldon Johnson, finishing with 22 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Zach Collins compiled 12 points, three rebounds and two steals. Victor Wembenyama had just nine points, three rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Cedi Osman led the bench with 17 points and five boards.
These teams will have a rematch on Wednesday for their next outing.
Los Angeles won all four individual quarters in this game, maintaining the lead for the final three quarters. With that said, there were 11 lead changes in the opening frame, but Los Angeles held a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. The Clippers shot 47 percent from the field, 33 percent from three-point range and 88 percent from the free-throw line, while the Spurs shot 43 percent from the field, 26 percent from long range and 79 percent from the charity stripe. Los Angeles also recorded 30 assists to seven turnovers, while San Antonio had 23 assists to 16 turnovers.
The Clippers (5-7) were led by Paul George, providing 28 points, five rebounds and six assists. Kawhi Leonard collected 21 points, four rebounds and three assists. James Harden had 13 points, three rebounds, 10 assists and two steals, while Ivica Zubac amassed eight points and 11 boards. Norman Powell led the bench with 19 points and five rebounds.
The Spurs (3-11) were led by Keldon Johnson, finishing with 22 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Zach Collins compiled 12 points, three rebounds and two steals. Victor Wembenyama had just nine points, three rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Cedi Osman led the bench with 17 points and five boards.
These teams will have a rematch on Wednesday for their next outing.
Warriors Defeat Rockets, 121-116
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 121-116, at Chase Center on Monday.
Golden State never relinquished the lead after a 29-27 first quarter, putting things away behind a 34-26 second quarter. That 10-point halftime lead allowed the Warriors to lead by at least five points for the entirety of the second half. Golden State shot 47 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range (21-of-43) while holding Houston to 46 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range (13-of-41).
The Rockets (6-6) were led by Alperen Sengun, finishing with 30 points, 13 rebounds and five assists. Jabari Smith Jr amassed 17 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Dillon Brooks totaled 16 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Jalen Green generated 16 points, three rebounds and two assists. Fred VanVleet had 10 points, five rebounds and 14 assists.
The Warriors (7-8) were led by Stephen Curry, collecting 32 points and five rebounds. Klay Thompson tallied 20 points, three rebounds and three assists. Chris Paul provided 15 points, six rebounds, 12 assists and two steals, while Andrew Wiggins accrued 12 points and seven rebounds. Dario Saric led the bench with 18 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Houston returning home to play the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State traveling to face the Phoenix Suns.
Golden State never relinquished the lead after a 29-27 first quarter, putting things away behind a 34-26 second quarter. That 10-point halftime lead allowed the Warriors to lead by at least five points for the entirety of the second half. Golden State shot 47 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range (21-of-43) while holding Houston to 46 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range (13-of-41).
The Rockets (6-6) were led by Alperen Sengun, finishing with 30 points, 13 rebounds and five assists. Jabari Smith Jr amassed 17 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Dillon Brooks totaled 16 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Jalen Green generated 16 points, three rebounds and two assists. Fred VanVleet had 10 points, five rebounds and 14 assists.
The Warriors (7-8) were led by Stephen Curry, collecting 32 points and five rebounds. Klay Thompson tallied 20 points, three rebounds and three assists. Chris Paul provided 15 points, six rebounds, 12 assists and two steals, while Andrew Wiggins accrued 12 points and seven rebounds. Dario Saric led the bench with 18 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Houston returning home to play the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State traveling to face the Phoenix Suns.