Magic Pull Upset, Get Past Nuggets
The Orlando Magic defeated the Denver Nuggets, 124-119, at Amway Center on Wednesday.
The Magic (10-5) now sit five games above .500 and continue to play above expectations. This time, they came from behind and outscored the Nuggets (10-5) by 11 points in the final quarter to secure a tight five-point win. The game was cagey, and neither team established a differential early on. However, the Nuggets started to pull away in the second quarter and built a five-point lead by halftime. The Nuggets kept that advantage after a 26-26 score in the third quarter and should have closed things out. However, the Magic had other plans. Led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the Magic outscored the Nuggets by 11 points in the final 12 minutes (42-31) to secure the victory. With the win, the Nuggets fell to 3-5 on the road, while the Magic moved to 5-2 at home.
Franz Wagner led the way for the Magic with 27 points, four assists, three rebounds and two blocks. Paolo Banchero notched 23 points, four assists and three blocks. Jalen Suggs posted 10 points, five rebounds and four assists. Goga Bitadze drained two clutch free throws in the final minute but only had six points and 11 rebounds. Cole Anthony had 20 points off the bench. Joe Ingles and Moritz Wagner each delivered 12 points. The Magic shot 54.3 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from three-point range.
Nikola Jokic was the best player for the Nuggets and posted a triple-double of 30 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists. Reggie Jackson delivered 14 points, nine assists and four rebounds. Michael Porter Jr. had 25 points. Aaron Gordon recorded 15 points, 10 rebounds and two steals. Christian Braun delivered 13 points and seven rebounds. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope notched 10 points despite struggling from the field (3-8 FG, 2-5 3Pt). The Nuggets shot 47.3 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from three-point range.
The Magic (10-5) now sit five games above .500 and continue to play above expectations. This time, they came from behind and outscored the Nuggets (10-5) by 11 points in the final quarter to secure a tight five-point win. The game was cagey, and neither team established a differential early on. However, the Nuggets started to pull away in the second quarter and built a five-point lead by halftime. The Nuggets kept that advantage after a 26-26 score in the third quarter and should have closed things out. However, the Magic had other plans. Led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the Magic outscored the Nuggets by 11 points in the final 12 minutes (42-31) to secure the victory. With the win, the Nuggets fell to 3-5 on the road, while the Magic moved to 5-2 at home.
Franz Wagner led the way for the Magic with 27 points, four assists, three rebounds and two blocks. Paolo Banchero notched 23 points, four assists and three blocks. Jalen Suggs posted 10 points, five rebounds and four assists. Goga Bitadze drained two clutch free throws in the final minute but only had six points and 11 rebounds. Cole Anthony had 20 points off the bench. Joe Ingles and Moritz Wagner each delivered 12 points. The Magic shot 54.3 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from three-point range.
Nikola Jokic was the best player for the Nuggets and posted a triple-double of 30 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists. Reggie Jackson delivered 14 points, nine assists and four rebounds. Michael Porter Jr. had 25 points. Aaron Gordon recorded 15 points, 10 rebounds and two steals. Christian Braun delivered 13 points and seven rebounds. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope notched 10 points despite struggling from the field (3-8 FG, 2-5 3Pt). The Nuggets shot 47.3 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from three-point range.
Hornets Top Wizards In Tight Contest
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Washington Wizards, 117-114, at Spectrum Center on Wednesday.
The Hornets (5-9) defeated the Wizards (2-12) in a contest between two struggling teams in the Eastern Conference. Given how things unfolded, the game could have gone either way. However, Washington enjoyed a stronger start and raced to a 24-21 score in the first quarter. The Wizards remained in control and outscored Charlotte in the second quarter, building a seven-point advantage by halftime. The Wizards made it a double-digit game by the time the third quarter ended following a 35-29 score. However, the Hornets turned things around and flipped the script admirably. A 39-23 score in the final 12 minutes lifted the Hornets to a massive win in front of 16,432 fans at Spectrum Center. With the win, the Hornets moved to 3-6 at home. Meanwhile, the Wizards fell to 1-7 on the road.
LaMelo Ball was the best player for the Hornets and sniffed a triple-double after posting 34 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds. Mikal Bridges was impressive and posted 33 points while adding 11 rebounds. Mark Williams had an 11-point, 14-rebound double-double. Brandon Miller recorded 15 points and three assists. Bryce McGowens notched 13 points and three rebounds off the bench. The Hornets shot 46.7 percent from the field and 43.2 percent from three-point range.
Kyle Kuzma led the way for the Wizards and came close to a triple-double after posting 28 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds. Jordan Poole finished with 24 points, six rebounds, two assists and three steals. Daniel Gafford finished with 15 points and 16 rebounds. Tyus Jones and Deni Avdija each posted 13 points, though Jones also added seven assists. The Wizards shot 45.4 percent from the field and 34.4 percent from deep.
The Hornets (5-9) defeated the Wizards (2-12) in a contest between two struggling teams in the Eastern Conference. Given how things unfolded, the game could have gone either way. However, Washington enjoyed a stronger start and raced to a 24-21 score in the first quarter. The Wizards remained in control and outscored Charlotte in the second quarter, building a seven-point advantage by halftime. The Wizards made it a double-digit game by the time the third quarter ended following a 35-29 score. However, the Hornets turned things around and flipped the script admirably. A 39-23 score in the final 12 minutes lifted the Hornets to a massive win in front of 16,432 fans at Spectrum Center. With the win, the Hornets moved to 3-6 at home. Meanwhile, the Wizards fell to 1-7 on the road.
LaMelo Ball was the best player for the Hornets and sniffed a triple-double after posting 34 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds. Mikal Bridges was impressive and posted 33 points while adding 11 rebounds. Mark Williams had an 11-point, 14-rebound double-double. Brandon Miller recorded 15 points and three assists. Bryce McGowens notched 13 points and three rebounds off the bench. The Hornets shot 46.7 percent from the field and 43.2 percent from three-point range.
Kyle Kuzma led the way for the Wizards and came close to a triple-double after posting 28 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds. Jordan Poole finished with 24 points, six rebounds, two assists and three steals. Daniel Gafford finished with 15 points and 16 rebounds. Tyus Jones and Deni Avdija each posted 13 points, though Jones also added seven assists. The Wizards shot 45.4 percent from the field and 34.4 percent from deep.
Hawks Need Overtime To Defeat Nets
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 147-145, at State Farm Arena on Wednesday.
The Hawks (7-7) finally moved back to .500 with an impressive performance in another high-scoring affair, this time against the Nets (6-8). The game was back and forth from start to finish, and perhaps the best example is that 48 minutes were not enough to find a winner. However, the Hawks were the better team and raced to a 45-33 lead in the first quarter. The Nets responded with a 34-32 score in the second quarter and a 28-23 score in the third quarter, reducing the deficit considerably. The Hawks couldn’t pull away in the final 12 minutes, and instead, the Nets completed the comeback following a 36-31 score. The Hawks were more efficient in overtime, though, and a 16-14 score was enough to give them the win. That said, the win could have gone either way, especially considering how good the Nets looked as the game progressed. With the win, the Hawks moved to 3-5 at home. Meanwhile, the Nets fell to 3-4 on the road.
Trae Young led the way for the Hawks with 43 points, nine assists and four rebounds. Deandre Hunter notched 25 points and 11 rebounds. Dejounte Murray chipped in with 20 points, eight assists, six rebounds and two steals. Clint Capela posted a 14-point, 15-rebound double-double. Jalen Johnson only had seven points. Bogdan Bogdanovic had 14 points off the bench, while Saddiq Bey and Onyeka Okongwu each had 12 points. Okongwu also grabbed 10 rebounds. The Hawks shot 44.0 percent from the field and 36.7 percent from three-point range.
Miles Bridges posted 45 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals to lead the Nets. Spencer Dinwiddie finished with 26 points, 12 assists and six rebounds. Nic Claxton posted 22 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks. Cameron Johnson ended with 23 points. No other Brooklyn player scored in double digits. The Nets shot 48.7 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from three-point range.
The Hawks (7-7) finally moved back to .500 with an impressive performance in another high-scoring affair, this time against the Nets (6-8). The game was back and forth from start to finish, and perhaps the best example is that 48 minutes were not enough to find a winner. However, the Hawks were the better team and raced to a 45-33 lead in the first quarter. The Nets responded with a 34-32 score in the second quarter and a 28-23 score in the third quarter, reducing the deficit considerably. The Hawks couldn’t pull away in the final 12 minutes, and instead, the Nets completed the comeback following a 36-31 score. The Hawks were more efficient in overtime, though, and a 16-14 score was enough to give them the win. That said, the win could have gone either way, especially considering how good the Nets looked as the game progressed. With the win, the Hawks moved to 3-5 at home. Meanwhile, the Nets fell to 3-4 on the road.
Trae Young led the way for the Hawks with 43 points, nine assists and four rebounds. Deandre Hunter notched 25 points and 11 rebounds. Dejounte Murray chipped in with 20 points, eight assists, six rebounds and two steals. Clint Capela posted a 14-point, 15-rebound double-double. Jalen Johnson only had seven points. Bogdan Bogdanovic had 14 points off the bench, while Saddiq Bey and Onyeka Okongwu each had 12 points. Okongwu also grabbed 10 rebounds. The Hawks shot 44.0 percent from the field and 36.7 percent from three-point range.
Miles Bridges posted 45 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals to lead the Nets. Spencer Dinwiddie finished with 26 points, 12 assists and six rebounds. Nic Claxton posted 22 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks. Cameron Johnson ended with 23 points. No other Brooklyn player scored in double digits. The Nets shot 48.7 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from three-point range.
Celtics Edge Bucks, 119-116
The Boston Celtics defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, 119-116, at TD Garden on Wednesday night.
The Celtics (12-3) offered hints of a potential comfortable win early by forging a 29-17 advantage during the opening period and then one-upping a resurgent Bucks (10-5) squad in the second quarter by outscoring them, 38-36. However, the seemingly secure 15-point advantage they enjoyed going into the fourth quarter nearly slipped away, as Milwaukee came back from as much as 19 down to get to within three with 44 seconds remaining before Boston closed matters out. The final score was somewhat deceptive, as Malik Beasley's three-pointer at the buzzer is what led to the three-point final margin of victory.
Brook Lopez led the Bucks with 28 points, adding seven rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Damian Lillard furnished 27 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Giannis Antetokounmpo generated a 21-point, 13-rebound double-double that included five assists and two steals. Khris Middleton posted 12 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal.
Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 26 points, complementing them with eight assists, two rebounds and one steal. Jayson Tatum generated a 23-point, 11-rebound double-double that included four assists and one block. Kristaps Porzingis totaled 21 points, six rebounds and one assist. Derrick White registered 13 points, five assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Al Horford tallied 11 points, eight rebounds, six assists and one block. Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser posted matching 10-point, two-rebound, one-assist contributions.
The Bucks return home to host the Washington Wizards on Friday night, while the Celtics hit the road and visit the Orlando Magic on Friday afternoon.
The Celtics (12-3) offered hints of a potential comfortable win early by forging a 29-17 advantage during the opening period and then one-upping a resurgent Bucks (10-5) squad in the second quarter by outscoring them, 38-36. However, the seemingly secure 15-point advantage they enjoyed going into the fourth quarter nearly slipped away, as Milwaukee came back from as much as 19 down to get to within three with 44 seconds remaining before Boston closed matters out. The final score was somewhat deceptive, as Malik Beasley's three-pointer at the buzzer is what led to the three-point final margin of victory.
Brook Lopez led the Bucks with 28 points, adding seven rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Damian Lillard furnished 27 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Giannis Antetokounmpo generated a 21-point, 13-rebound double-double that included five assists and two steals. Khris Middleton posted 12 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal.
Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 26 points, complementing them with eight assists, two rebounds and one steal. Jayson Tatum generated a 23-point, 11-rebound double-double that included four assists and one block. Kristaps Porzingis totaled 21 points, six rebounds and one assist. Derrick White registered 13 points, five assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Al Horford tallied 11 points, eight rebounds, six assists and one block. Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser posted matching 10-point, two-rebound, one-assist contributions.
The Bucks return home to host the Washington Wizards on Friday night, while the Celtics hit the road and visit the Orlando Magic on Friday afternoon.
Heat Tops Cavaliers, 129-96
The Miami Heat defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 129-96, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Wednesday night.
The Heat (10-5) came out of the gate hot and never let up, building a 37-26 lead through one and expanding it to 14. Miami was even more dominant in the second half, outscoring the Cavaliers (8-7) by a 60-41 margin over the final two quarters. Erik Spoelstra's squad shot 52.3 percent, including 57.1 percent from three-point range.
Kyle Lowry paced the Heat with 28 points, complementing them with three assists and one rebound. Jaime Jaquez delivered 28 points, three assists and one rebound. Orlando Robinson, Josh Richardson and Caleb Martin generated matching 14-point efforts, with Robinson adding nine rebounds and Richardson dishing out five assists. Jimmy Butler, Haywood Highsmith and Thomas Bryant all compiled 10 points apiece, with Butler adding nine assists and Bryant pulling down seven rebounds.
Craig Porter paced the Cavaliers with 16 points, adding five assists, two rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Darius Garland registered 14 points, three assists, one rebound and one steal. Evan Mobley generated a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists. Caris LeVert and Georges Niang managed 12 and 11 points while dishing out three assists and three rebounds, respectively.
The Heat remains on the road and visits the New York Knicks on Friday night, while the Cavaliers remain home and hosts the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night.
The Heat (10-5) came out of the gate hot and never let up, building a 37-26 lead through one and expanding it to 14. Miami was even more dominant in the second half, outscoring the Cavaliers (8-7) by a 60-41 margin over the final two quarters. Erik Spoelstra's squad shot 52.3 percent, including 57.1 percent from three-point range.
Kyle Lowry paced the Heat with 28 points, complementing them with three assists and one rebound. Jaime Jaquez delivered 28 points, three assists and one rebound. Orlando Robinson, Josh Richardson and Caleb Martin generated matching 14-point efforts, with Robinson adding nine rebounds and Richardson dishing out five assists. Jimmy Butler, Haywood Highsmith and Thomas Bryant all compiled 10 points apiece, with Butler adding nine assists and Bryant pulling down seven rebounds.
Craig Porter paced the Cavaliers with 16 points, adding five assists, two rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Darius Garland registered 14 points, three assists, one rebound and one steal. Evan Mobley generated a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists. Caris LeVert and Georges Niang managed 12 and 11 points while dishing out three assists and three rebounds, respectively.
The Heat remains on the road and visits the New York Knicks on Friday night, while the Cavaliers remain home and hosts the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night.
Raptors Outlast Pacers, 132-131
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Indiana Pacers, 132-131, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday night.
The Raptors (7-8) came out of a high-scoring first half with a 68-65 lead over the Pacers (8-6), but Indiana owned a three-point advantage going into the fourth quarter. The game remained tightly contested until the final seconds, when Buddy Hield's would-be game-winning three-point attempt failed to find the net for Indiana.
Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 36 points, supplementing them with 10 rebounds, four assists and one block. Dennis Schroder delivered 26 points, six boards, five assists and one steal. Scottie Barnes provided a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double that included four assists and four steals. Malachi Flynn supplied 14 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block. O.G. Anunoby registered 13 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal.
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with a 33-point, 16-assist double-double that included three rebounds and one block. Buddy Hield turned in 31 points, five assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Myles Turner contributed 17 points, eight rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Obi Toppin finished with 16 points, three rebounds, one assist and two steals. Bruce Brown netted 14 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Raptors head home to visit the Chicago Bulls on Friday night, while the Pacers remain home and host the Detroit Pistons on Friday night.
The Raptors (7-8) came out of a high-scoring first half with a 68-65 lead over the Pacers (8-6), but Indiana owned a three-point advantage going into the fourth quarter. The game remained tightly contested until the final seconds, when Buddy Hield's would-be game-winning three-point attempt failed to find the net for Indiana.
Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 36 points, supplementing them with 10 rebounds, four assists and one block. Dennis Schroder delivered 26 points, six boards, five assists and one steal. Scottie Barnes provided a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double that included four assists and four steals. Malachi Flynn supplied 14 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block. O.G. Anunoby registered 13 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal.
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with a 33-point, 16-assist double-double that included three rebounds and one block. Buddy Hield turned in 31 points, five assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Myles Turner contributed 17 points, eight rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Obi Toppin finished with 16 points, three rebounds, one assist and two steals. Bruce Brown netted 14 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Raptors head home to visit the Chicago Bulls on Friday night, while the Pacers remain home and host the Detroit Pistons on Friday night.
Pelicans Get Past Kings, 117-112
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Sacramento Kings, 117-112, at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday night.
The Pelicans (8-7) got an early jump on the Kings (8-6) for the second straight game, expanding a two-point first-quarter lead to 14 by halftime. The two teams then matched each other bucket for bucket in the third, but Sacramento then clawed all the way back to get within as close as one point late before New Orleans was able to pull away for the narrow victory.
De'Aaron Fox paced the Kings with 26 points, adding five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Domantas Sabonis managed 23 points, nine rebounds, six assists and one block. Harrison Barnes collected 22 points and three rebounds. Trey Lyles supplied 12 points and eight boards. Malik Monk turned in 10 points, five assists, four rebounds and two steals.
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 25 points, supplementing them with six assists and five rebounds. Brandon Ingram furnished 23 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 15-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists. Jordan Hawkins registered 13 points, three assists and two rebounds. Naji Marshall finished with 12 points, six rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block.
The Kings remain n the road and visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night, while the Pelicans visit the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night as well.
The Pelicans (8-7) got an early jump on the Kings (8-6) for the second straight game, expanding a two-point first-quarter lead to 14 by halftime. The two teams then matched each other bucket for bucket in the third, but Sacramento then clawed all the way back to get within as close as one point late before New Orleans was able to pull away for the narrow victory.
De'Aaron Fox paced the Kings with 26 points, adding five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Domantas Sabonis managed 23 points, nine rebounds, six assists and one block. Harrison Barnes collected 22 points and three rebounds. Trey Lyles supplied 12 points and eight boards. Malik Monk turned in 10 points, five assists, four rebounds and two steals.
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 25 points, supplementing them with six assists and five rebounds. Brandon Ingram furnished 23 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 15-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists. Jordan Hawkins registered 13 points, three assists and two rebounds. Naji Marshall finished with 12 points, six rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block.
The Kings remain n the road and visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night, while the Pelicans visit the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night as well.
Rockets Fight Off Grizzlies At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, 111-91, at Toyota Center on Wednesday evening.
The Grizzlies got out to a solid start and led, 28-21, after one quarter. The Rockets picked up the pace in the second and rallied to a brief lead, before the visitors reclaimed a one-point edge going into halftime. The hosts kept the pressure on in the third and pulled ahead for a six-point advantage heading into the final frame. The Rockets kept the momentum going in the fourth, where they outscored the Grizzlies by 14, to run away with the win and move to 7-1 at home on the season.
Jalen Green led the Rockets with 34 points, two rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 30 minutes. Jabari Smith followed up with 18 points, nine rebounds, two assists and a block, while Fred VanVleet totaled 16 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. The Rockets shot 43.5 percent from the field, including 14-for-43 from long distance.
Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson and Desmond Bane totaled 23 points each to lead the way for the Grizzlies. Ziaire Williams followed up with 13 points and two rebounds, while John Konchar was scoreless. but hauled in 11 rebounds, in 29 minutes off the bench. The Grizzlies shot 32.9 percent from the field, including 7-for-32 from deep.
The Grizzlies (3-11) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Suns on Friday. The Rockets (7-6) play host to the Nuggets on Friday.
The Grizzlies got out to a solid start and led, 28-21, after one quarter. The Rockets picked up the pace in the second and rallied to a brief lead, before the visitors reclaimed a one-point edge going into halftime. The hosts kept the pressure on in the third and pulled ahead for a six-point advantage heading into the final frame. The Rockets kept the momentum going in the fourth, where they outscored the Grizzlies by 14, to run away with the win and move to 7-1 at home on the season.
Jalen Green led the Rockets with 34 points, two rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 30 minutes. Jabari Smith followed up with 18 points, nine rebounds, two assists and a block, while Fred VanVleet totaled 16 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. The Rockets shot 43.5 percent from the field, including 14-for-43 from long distance.
Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson and Desmond Bane totaled 23 points each to lead the way for the Grizzlies. Ziaire Williams followed up with 13 points and two rebounds, while John Konchar was scoreless. but hauled in 11 rebounds, in 29 minutes off the bench. The Grizzlies shot 32.9 percent from the field, including 7-for-32 from deep.
The Grizzlies (3-11) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Suns on Friday. The Rockets (7-6) play host to the Nuggets on Friday.
Timberwolves Remain Undefeated At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Philadelphia 76ers, 112-99, at Target Center on Wednesday evening.
The Timberwolves jumped out to a ferocious start and held a, 37-20, lead after one quarter. The Sixers brought a better effort in the second and trimmed the deficit by nine, to make it and eight-point game by halftime. Both sides came out strong in the third, but the hosts pulled ahead later in the quarter, pushing back up to a 12-point advantage heading into the final frame. The visitors had no answers down the stretch, as the Timberwolves closed out their third straight win and moved to 7-0 at home.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 31 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals, in 36 minutes. Karl-Anthony Towns followed up with 23 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks, while Rudy Gobert totaled 13 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. The Timberwolves shot 48.3 percent, including 10-for-26 shooting.
In the absence of Joel Embiid, Marcus Morris, Tyrese Maxey and De'Anthony Melton tallied 16 points each to lead the way for the Sixers. Tobias Harris added 15 points, while Paul Reed chipped in 10, off the bench. The 76ers shot 39.1 percent from the field, including 7-for-32 from long range.
The 76ers (10-5) will look to bounce back as they take on the Thunder in OKC on Saturday. The Timberwolves (11-3) play host to the Kings on Friday.
The Timberwolves jumped out to a ferocious start and held a, 37-20, lead after one quarter. The Sixers brought a better effort in the second and trimmed the deficit by nine, to make it and eight-point game by halftime. Both sides came out strong in the third, but the hosts pulled ahead later in the quarter, pushing back up to a 12-point advantage heading into the final frame. The visitors had no answers down the stretch, as the Timberwolves closed out their third straight win and moved to 7-0 at home.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 31 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals, in 36 minutes. Karl-Anthony Towns followed up with 23 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks, while Rudy Gobert totaled 13 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. The Timberwolves shot 48.3 percent, including 10-for-26 shooting.
In the absence of Joel Embiid, Marcus Morris, Tyrese Maxey and De'Anthony Melton tallied 16 points each to lead the way for the Sixers. Tobias Harris added 15 points, while Paul Reed chipped in 10, off the bench. The 76ers shot 39.1 percent from the field, including 7-for-32 from long range.
The 76ers (10-5) will look to bounce back as they take on the Thunder in OKC on Saturday. The Timberwolves (11-3) play host to the Kings on Friday.
Clippers Keep Win Streak Alive
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 109-102, at Frost Bank Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Clippers got out to a strong start and led, 26-14, after one quarter. The Spurs came out better in the second and managed to trim it to a six-point game by halftime. The Clippers reclaimed the momentum in the third and pushed it back up to a 12-point game heading into the final quarter. The hosts kept up the fight in the fourth, but it was not enough, as the Clippers stayed in front to secure their third straight win. This marks the 10th straight loss for the Spurs.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 26 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 36 minutes. Paul George followed up with 24 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals, while James Harden totaled 16 points, six rebounds, nine assists, a steal and a block. The Clippers shot 45.9 percent from the field, including 9-for-28 from deep.
Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 22 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, a steal and three blocks, in 33 minutes. Jeremy Sochan followed up with 19 points, five rebounds and seven assists, while Zach Collins tallied 16 points, nine rebounds, three assists and a block. The Spurs shot 38.5 percent from the field, including 11-for-38 from long range.
The Spurs (3-12) hope to end the slide as they clash with the Warriors in Golden State on Friday. The Clippers (6-7) play host to the Pelicans on Friday.
The Clippers got out to a strong start and led, 26-14, after one quarter. The Spurs came out better in the second and managed to trim it to a six-point game by halftime. The Clippers reclaimed the momentum in the third and pushed it back up to a 12-point game heading into the final quarter. The hosts kept up the fight in the fourth, but it was not enough, as the Clippers stayed in front to secure their third straight win. This marks the 10th straight loss for the Spurs.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 26 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 36 minutes. Paul George followed up with 24 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals, while James Harden totaled 16 points, six rebounds, nine assists, a steal and a block. The Clippers shot 45.9 percent from the field, including 9-for-28 from deep.
Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 22 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, a steal and three blocks, in 33 minutes. Jeremy Sochan followed up with 19 points, five rebounds and seven assists, while Zach Collins tallied 16 points, nine rebounds, three assists and a block. The Spurs shot 38.5 percent from the field, including 11-for-38 from long range.
The Spurs (3-12) hope to end the slide as they clash with the Warriors in Golden State on Friday. The Clippers (6-7) play host to the Pelicans on Friday.
Thunder Notch Sixth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls, 116-102, at Paycom Center on Wednesday evening.
The Thunder took control early and held a, 26-14, lead after one quarter. The Bulls came out stronger in the second but only managed to trim the deficit by one, making it an 11-point game at halftime. The visitors picked up the pace in the third, but the Thunder did not give up much ground, resting on a seven-point cushion heading into the fourth. The Thunder maintained the upper hand through the final quarter and confidently closed out their sixth straight win, while the Bulls fell to 1-5 on the road.
In addition to his game-high 40 points, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added five rebounds, 12 assists, a steal and three blocks, in 37 minutes. Isaiah Joe followed up with 20 points on 6-for-9 shooting, off the bench, while Chet Holmgren totaled 18 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, a steal and four blocks. The Thunder shot 49.3 percent from the field, including 11-for-29 from long range.
Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 25 points, two rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block, in 37 minutes. Coby White followed up with 23 points, five assists and a steal, while Nikola Vucevic totaled 16 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and two steals. The Bulls shot 38.6 percent from the field, including 17-for-44 from deep.
The Bulls (5-11) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Raptors in Toronto on Friday. The Thunder (11-4) play host to the 76ers on Saturday.
The Thunder took control early and held a, 26-14, lead after one quarter. The Bulls came out stronger in the second but only managed to trim the deficit by one, making it an 11-point game at halftime. The visitors picked up the pace in the third, but the Thunder did not give up much ground, resting on a seven-point cushion heading into the fourth. The Thunder maintained the upper hand through the final quarter and confidently closed out their sixth straight win, while the Bulls fell to 1-5 on the road.
In addition to his game-high 40 points, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added five rebounds, 12 assists, a steal and three blocks, in 37 minutes. Isaiah Joe followed up with 20 points on 6-for-9 shooting, off the bench, while Chet Holmgren totaled 18 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, a steal and four blocks. The Thunder shot 49.3 percent from the field, including 11-for-29 from long range.
Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 25 points, two rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block, in 37 minutes. Coby White followed up with 23 points, five assists and a steal, while Nikola Vucevic totaled 16 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and two steals. The Bulls shot 38.6 percent from the field, including 17-for-44 from deep.
The Bulls (5-11) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Raptors in Toronto on Friday. The Thunder (11-4) play host to the 76ers on Saturday.
Suns Roll Warriors, 123-115
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Golden State Warriors, 123-115, at Footprint Center on Wednesday.
While the Warriors led for the majority of the first half, Phoenix never relinquished the lead in the second half. They actually finished the second quarter on a 23-5 run, outscoring Golden State in that second quarter, 37-16. They got their lead up to 23 points at times, despite Golden State's reserves getting it down to a three-point margin in the final minute. They still never had a game-tying shot in the second half. The Suns shot 44-of-52 from the free-throw line while the Warriors connected on just 19-of-29. They also out-blocked Golden State, 8-3.
The Warriors (7-9) were led by Klay Thompson, totaling 23 points and three rebounds. Stephen Curry collected 16 points, three rebounds and six assists. Chris Paul had six points and six assists before being ejected in the second quarter. Dario Saric led the bench with 17 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals.
The Suns (9-6) were led by Kevin Durant, finishing with 32 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Devin Booker had 25 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists. Eric Gordon amassed 13 points, four assists and three steals, while Josh Okogie led the bench with 12 points and two boards. Nassir Little provided 10 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals off of the bench as well.
Both of these teams return to action on Friday, with Phoenix traveling to face the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State returning home to play the San Antonio Spurs.
While the Warriors led for the majority of the first half, Phoenix never relinquished the lead in the second half. They actually finished the second quarter on a 23-5 run, outscoring Golden State in that second quarter, 37-16. They got their lead up to 23 points at times, despite Golden State's reserves getting it down to a three-point margin in the final minute. They still never had a game-tying shot in the second half. The Suns shot 44-of-52 from the free-throw line while the Warriors connected on just 19-of-29. They also out-blocked Golden State, 8-3.
The Warriors (7-9) were led by Klay Thompson, totaling 23 points and three rebounds. Stephen Curry collected 16 points, three rebounds and six assists. Chris Paul had six points and six assists before being ejected in the second quarter. Dario Saric led the bench with 17 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals.
The Suns (9-6) were led by Kevin Durant, finishing with 32 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Devin Booker had 25 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists. Eric Gordon amassed 13 points, four assists and three steals, while Josh Okogie led the bench with 12 points and two boards. Nassir Little provided 10 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals off of the bench as well.
Both of these teams return to action on Friday, with Phoenix traveling to face the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State returning home to play the San Antonio Spurs.
Trail Blazers Throttle Jazz, 121-105
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 121-105, at Moda Center on Wednesday.
A 32-21 first quarter set the tone for Portland in this blowout victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. They led by 19 points at the half and got their lead up to 32 points in this lopsided victory. They also maintained a double-digit lead for the final three quarters. The Trail Blazers shot 51 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range (17-of-39) while holding the Jazz to 47 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range (10-of-31). Portland recorded 31 assists to 13 turnovers, while Utah had 25 assists to 21 turnovers.
The Jazz (4-11) were led by Lauri Markkanen, amassing 24 points, eight rebounds and three steals. Keyonte George generated 16 points, three rebounds and seven assists. Kelly Olynyk collected 13 points, nine rebounds and five assists, while John Collins totaled 12 points and 11 rebounds.
The Trail Blazers (4-11) were led by Jerami Grant, finishing with 30 points, two rebounds and four assists on 10-of-13 from the field. Malcolm Brogdon tallied 20 points, four rebounds and eight assists. Jabari Walker led the bench with 19 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Shaedon Sharpe had 14 points, four rebounds and four assists.
On deck for Utah is a home matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday. As for Portland, they return to action on Sunday in a road matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks.
A 32-21 first quarter set the tone for Portland in this blowout victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. They led by 19 points at the half and got their lead up to 32 points in this lopsided victory. They also maintained a double-digit lead for the final three quarters. The Trail Blazers shot 51 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range (17-of-39) while holding the Jazz to 47 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range (10-of-31). Portland recorded 31 assists to 13 turnovers, while Utah had 25 assists to 21 turnovers.
The Jazz (4-11) were led by Lauri Markkanen, amassing 24 points, eight rebounds and three steals. Keyonte George generated 16 points, three rebounds and seven assists. Kelly Olynyk collected 13 points, nine rebounds and five assists, while John Collins totaled 12 points and 11 rebounds.
The Trail Blazers (4-11) were led by Jerami Grant, finishing with 30 points, two rebounds and four assists on 10-of-13 from the field. Malcolm Brogdon tallied 20 points, four rebounds and eight assists. Jabari Walker led the bench with 19 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Shaedon Sharpe had 14 points, four rebounds and four assists.
On deck for Utah is a home matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday. As for Portland, they return to action on Sunday in a road matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Mavericks Defeat Lakers, 104-101
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the host Los Angeles Lakers, 104-101, at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday.
While there were 10 lead changes in the first quarter, there weren't any until the final 90 seconds. Dallas went nearly 10 minutes without scoring in the second half, and Los Angeles recaptured the lead with just 1:16 left. Kyrie Irving responded with a game-winning three on the next possession, despite LA outscoring them in the fourth quarter, 30-13. Dallas scored the final five points of the game, with LeBron James missing a game-tying three at the buzzer. The Mavericks won the turnover battle, 11-4, while outscoring LA in fastbreak points, 18-6.
The Mavericks (10-5) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 30 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Irving had 28 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. No other starter scored more than six points. Josh Green led the bench with 15 points and three boards. Dereck Lively led the team with 10 rebounds.
The Lakers (9-7) were led by James, tallying 26 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. D'Angelo Russell registered 15 points, three rebounds and five assists. Taurean Prince totaled 14 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Anthony Davis had 10 points, 14 rebounds and four assists. Austin Reaves led the bench with 17 points, six rebounds and six assists.
Both teams are off until Saturday, with Los Angeles traveling to face the Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas staying in LA to play the Los Angeles Clippers.
While there were 10 lead changes in the first quarter, there weren't any until the final 90 seconds. Dallas went nearly 10 minutes without scoring in the second half, and Los Angeles recaptured the lead with just 1:16 left. Kyrie Irving responded with a game-winning three on the next possession, despite LA outscoring them in the fourth quarter, 30-13. Dallas scored the final five points of the game, with LeBron James missing a game-tying three at the buzzer. The Mavericks won the turnover battle, 11-4, while outscoring LA in fastbreak points, 18-6.
The Mavericks (10-5) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 30 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Irving had 28 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. No other starter scored more than six points. Josh Green led the bench with 15 points and three boards. Dereck Lively led the team with 10 rebounds.
The Lakers (9-7) were led by James, tallying 26 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. D'Angelo Russell registered 15 points, three rebounds and five assists. Taurean Prince totaled 14 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Anthony Davis had 10 points, 14 rebounds and four assists. Austin Reaves led the bench with 17 points, six rebounds and six assists.
Both teams are off until Saturday, with Los Angeles traveling to face the Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas staying in LA to play the Los Angeles Clippers.