Magic Continue To Impress With Celtics Rout
The Orlando Magic defeated the Boston Celtics, 113-96, at Amway Center on Friday.
The Magic (11-5) had an extremely tough test against the Celtics (12-4) but aced it and again showed their credentials following an excellent win over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. However, the Magic had to endure a slow start here as the Celtics raced to a 30-19 lead in the first quarter and looked absolutely in control. However, the Magic showed signs of turning things around when they outscored Boston by 29-26 in the second quarter. The Magic pulled away for good with a 29-18 score in the third and never looked back. The Celtics looked lost and tired down the stretch, and Orlando took advantage of that to close things out. The Magic won the final quarter by a 36-22 score and cruised to victory. Orlando moved to 6-2 at home while pushing their winning streak to six games. Meanwhile, the Celtics fell to 6-4 on the road.
Paolo Banchero led the way for the Magic with 23 points, seven rebounds and five assists across 35 minutes. Franz Wagner finished with 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Jalen Suggs posted 10 points and four rebounds. Moritz Wagner turned heads with his play off the bench and delivered a team-high 27 points. Wagner also grabbed three rebounds. Cole Anthony had 16 points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals. The Magic shot 50.6 percent from the field and 39.3 percent from three-point range.
Jayson Tatum led the way for the Celtics and finished with 26 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Jaylen Brown had 18 points, three rebounds, three steals and two assists. Derrick White finished with 16 points, five boards and four assists. Sam Hauser posted 10 points off the bench. Kristaps Porzingis only had nine points across 22 minutes. The Celtics shot 40.8 percent from the field and 24.1 percent from three-point range.
The Magic (11-5) had an extremely tough test against the Celtics (12-4) but aced it and again showed their credentials following an excellent win over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. However, the Magic had to endure a slow start here as the Celtics raced to a 30-19 lead in the first quarter and looked absolutely in control. However, the Magic showed signs of turning things around when they outscored Boston by 29-26 in the second quarter. The Magic pulled away for good with a 29-18 score in the third and never looked back. The Celtics looked lost and tired down the stretch, and Orlando took advantage of that to close things out. The Magic won the final quarter by a 36-22 score and cruised to victory. Orlando moved to 6-2 at home while pushing their winning streak to six games. Meanwhile, the Celtics fell to 6-4 on the road.
Paolo Banchero led the way for the Magic with 23 points, seven rebounds and five assists across 35 minutes. Franz Wagner finished with 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Jalen Suggs posted 10 points and four rebounds. Moritz Wagner turned heads with his play off the bench and delivered a team-high 27 points. Wagner also grabbed three rebounds. Cole Anthony had 16 points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals. The Magic shot 50.6 percent from the field and 39.3 percent from three-point range.
Jayson Tatum led the way for the Celtics and finished with 26 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Jaylen Brown had 18 points, three rebounds, three steals and two assists. Derrick White finished with 16 points, five boards and four assists. Sam Hauser posted 10 points off the bench. Kristaps Porzingis only had nine points across 22 minutes. The Celtics shot 40.8 percent from the field and 24.1 percent from three-point range.
Devin Booker Leads Suns Rout Over Grizzlies
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 110-89, at FedExForum on Friday.
The Suns (10-6) clinched their 10th win of the season and did it in style, cruising to an easy win over the Grizzlies (3-12) despite the absence of Kevin Durant. The star forward missed Friday’s game with a foot injury, but it is not expected to be serious. Without Durant on the court, Devin Booker took control of the game and carried Phoenix to victory. The Suns established their terms early and raced to a 29-27 lead in the first quarter. However, they would pull away for good in the second quarter when they outscored Memphis by a 33-22 score. The Grizzlies showed signs of a potential comeback when they reduced the deficit to single digits after a 24-19 third quarter. However, The Suns were unwilling to let this game slip away, and they tightened things up in the final stretch to secure an easy win. Phoenix outscored its rivals 29-16 in the final 12 minutes to secure an easy win. The Suns moved to 6-2 on the road with the win, while the Grizzlies remain winless at home (0-7).
Devin Booker was the star of the game for the Suns with 40 points, but he also added five rebounds, four assists and four steals. Eric Gordon had 20 points and two assists. Grayson Allen recorded 14 points and three assists. Jusuf Nurkic only had six points, but he grabbed 10 rebounds, dished out six assists, recorded two steals and added two blocks. Jordan Goodwin impressed off the bench and finished with 14 points and five rebounds. Most of his points came in the second half.
Santi Aldama was the best player for the Grizzlies and finished with 21 points and five rebounds. Jaren Jackson Jr. was the only other player who scored in double digits -- he finished with 13 points, seven boards and two assists. Derrick Rose added 17 points and two rebounds off the bench. David Roddy delivered 14 points and four boards.
The Suns (10-6) clinched their 10th win of the season and did it in style, cruising to an easy win over the Grizzlies (3-12) despite the absence of Kevin Durant. The star forward missed Friday’s game with a foot injury, but it is not expected to be serious. Without Durant on the court, Devin Booker took control of the game and carried Phoenix to victory. The Suns established their terms early and raced to a 29-27 lead in the first quarter. However, they would pull away for good in the second quarter when they outscored Memphis by a 33-22 score. The Grizzlies showed signs of a potential comeback when they reduced the deficit to single digits after a 24-19 third quarter. However, The Suns were unwilling to let this game slip away, and they tightened things up in the final stretch to secure an easy win. Phoenix outscored its rivals 29-16 in the final 12 minutes to secure an easy win. The Suns moved to 6-2 on the road with the win, while the Grizzlies remain winless at home (0-7).
Devin Booker was the star of the game for the Suns with 40 points, but he also added five rebounds, four assists and four steals. Eric Gordon had 20 points and two assists. Grayson Allen recorded 14 points and three assists. Jusuf Nurkic only had six points, but he grabbed 10 rebounds, dished out six assists, recorded two steals and added two blocks. Jordan Goodwin impressed off the bench and finished with 14 points and five rebounds. Most of his points came in the second half.
Santi Aldama was the best player for the Grizzlies and finished with 21 points and five rebounds. Jaren Jackson Jr. was the only other player who scored in double digits -- he finished with 13 points, seven boards and two assists. Derrick Rose added 17 points and two rebounds off the bench. David Roddy delivered 14 points and four boards.
Knicks Top Heat With Huge Fourth-Quarter Comeback
The New York Knicks defeated the Miami Heat, 100-98, at Madison Square Garden on Friday.
The Knicks (9-6) had to grind it out to secure Friday's win. The Heat (10-6) were the better team on prolonged stretches, but they couldn’t close the game out when it mattered the most. The first quarter was a cagey affair, and neither team created much separation, but the Heat was up by three points (28-25) at the end of the initial 12 minutes. The Knicks responded with a 26-22 score in the second quarter, establishing a one-point lead by halftime (51-50). However, the Heat played the third quarter with a different attitude, and they outscored New York 37-20. Miami was up by 16 points entering the fourth and final quarter, but nobody expected the Knicks to come from behind. New York tightened things up defensively and limited Miami to just 11 points. New York won the final quarter by a 29-11 score and secured a massive win in front of their fans. With the win, the Knicks moved to 4-2 at home, while the Heat fell to 6-5 on the road.
Jalen Brunson led the way for the Knicks with 24 points, three rebounds and three assists. Julius Randle delivered 13 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. RJ Barrett had 18 points and seven boards. Josh Hart had 10 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Immanuel Quickley impressed off the bench and finished with 20 points, four rebounds and two assists. The Knicks shot 48.1 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from three-point range.
Jimmy Butler had 23 points, three assists and two rebounds. Bam Adebayo ended with a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists and two steals. Josh Richardson notched 15 points, two assists, two rebounds and two steals. Jaime Jaquez Jr. delivered 15 points coming off the bench. Kyle Lowry ended with 10 points, eight rebounds and two assists. The Heat shot 39.1 percent from the field and 27 percent from deep.
The Knicks (9-6) had to grind it out to secure Friday's win. The Heat (10-6) were the better team on prolonged stretches, but they couldn’t close the game out when it mattered the most. The first quarter was a cagey affair, and neither team created much separation, but the Heat was up by three points (28-25) at the end of the initial 12 minutes. The Knicks responded with a 26-22 score in the second quarter, establishing a one-point lead by halftime (51-50). However, the Heat played the third quarter with a different attitude, and they outscored New York 37-20. Miami was up by 16 points entering the fourth and final quarter, but nobody expected the Knicks to come from behind. New York tightened things up defensively and limited Miami to just 11 points. New York won the final quarter by a 29-11 score and secured a massive win in front of their fans. With the win, the Knicks moved to 4-2 at home, while the Heat fell to 6-5 on the road.
Jalen Brunson led the way for the Knicks with 24 points, three rebounds and three assists. Julius Randle delivered 13 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. RJ Barrett had 18 points and seven boards. Josh Hart had 10 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Immanuel Quickley impressed off the bench and finished with 20 points, four rebounds and two assists. The Knicks shot 48.1 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from three-point range.
Jimmy Butler had 23 points, three assists and two rebounds. Bam Adebayo ended with a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists and two steals. Josh Richardson notched 15 points, two assists, two rebounds and two steals. Jaime Jaquez Jr. delivered 15 points coming off the bench. Kyle Lowry ended with 10 points, eight rebounds and two assists. The Heat shot 39.1 percent from the field and 27 percent from deep.
Raptors Dispose of Bulls, 121-108
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Chicago Bulls, 121-108, at Scotiabank Arena on Friday night in an In-Season Tournament Group Play game.
The Raptors (8-8) came out hot from the opening tip, leading to a commanding 36-22 lead through one. The Bulls (5-12) weren't able to make any dent in their deficit prior to halftime, and Toronto extended its lead to 16 entering the final period on the way to a comfortable home victory. Chicago lost despite shooting 51.2 percent, including 44.4 percent from distance, as Toronto was able to drain an even better 53.0 percent of its attempts overall.
Zach LaVine overcame a questionable tag to lead the Bulls with 36 points, adding four rebounds, three assists and one steal. DeMar DeRozan tallied 19 points, four assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Coby White delivered 14 points, three rebounds and three assists. Patrick Williams finished with 12 points, five boards, one assist and one steal.
O.G. Anunoby led the Raptors with 26 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, three assists and one steal. Pascal Siakam supplied 18 points, eight assists, three rebounds and one steal. Dennis Schroder registered 17 points and five assists. Gary Trent netted 16 points, while Jakob Poeltl generated a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists, two steals and one block. Scottie Barnes managed 13 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal.
The Bulls remain on the road and visit the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday night, while the Raptors visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night as well.
The Raptors (8-8) came out hot from the opening tip, leading to a commanding 36-22 lead through one. The Bulls (5-12) weren't able to make any dent in their deficit prior to halftime, and Toronto extended its lead to 16 entering the final period on the way to a comfortable home victory. Chicago lost despite shooting 51.2 percent, including 44.4 percent from distance, as Toronto was able to drain an even better 53.0 percent of its attempts overall.
Zach LaVine overcame a questionable tag to lead the Bulls with 36 points, adding four rebounds, three assists and one steal. DeMar DeRozan tallied 19 points, four assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Coby White delivered 14 points, three rebounds and three assists. Patrick Williams finished with 12 points, five boards, one assist and one steal.
O.G. Anunoby led the Raptors with 26 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, three assists and one steal. Pascal Siakam supplied 18 points, eight assists, three rebounds and one steal. Dennis Schroder registered 17 points and five assists. Gary Trent netted 16 points, while Jakob Poeltl generated a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists, two steals and one block. Scottie Barnes managed 13 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal.
The Bulls remain on the road and visit the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday night, while the Raptors visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night as well.
Rockets Dispose of Nuggets, 105-86
The Houston Rockets defeated the Denver Nuggets, 105-86, at Toyota Center on Friday night in an In-Season Tournament Group Play game.
The Rockets (8-6) set a dominant tone right out of the gate, establishing a 29-19 lead through one that had morphed into a 60-43 advantage by halftime. The short-handed Nuggets (10-6) were only able to put a two-point dent in their deficit in the third, and Houston then closed out the victory by limiting Denver to only 17 points in the final 12 minutes. The hosts shot an impressive 48.8 percent while limiting the defending champs to a lowly 33.7 percent figure.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with a 38-point, 19-rebound double-double that included eight assists and two steals. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope totaled 20 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals. Michael Porter Jr. registered 14 points, seven boards, one assist, two blocks and one steal.
Jalen Green paced the Rockets with 25 points, complementing them with five rebounds, two assists and three steals. Alperen Sengun followed with 21 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists, two steals and one block. Fred VanVleet generated a 17-point, 11-assist double-double that included six rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Jabari Smith delivered 16 points, 14 rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.
The Nuggets head back home to host the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night, while the Rockets visit the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night.
The Rockets (8-6) set a dominant tone right out of the gate, establishing a 29-19 lead through one that had morphed into a 60-43 advantage by halftime. The short-handed Nuggets (10-6) were only able to put a two-point dent in their deficit in the third, and Houston then closed out the victory by limiting Denver to only 17 points in the final 12 minutes. The hosts shot an impressive 48.8 percent while limiting the defending champs to a lowly 33.7 percent figure.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with a 38-point, 19-rebound double-double that included eight assists and two steals. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope totaled 20 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals. Michael Porter Jr. registered 14 points, seven boards, one assist, two blocks and one steal.
Jalen Green paced the Rockets with 25 points, complementing them with five rebounds, two assists and three steals. Alperen Sengun followed with 21 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists, two steals and one block. Fred VanVleet generated a 17-point, 11-assist double-double that included six rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Jabari Smith delivered 16 points, 14 rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.
The Nuggets head back home to host the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night, while the Rockets visit the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night.
Pacers Finish Strong To Blowout Pistons
By Dan Bruno
The Indiana Pacers defeated the visiting Detroit Pistons, 136-113, in NBA In-Season Tournament Group Play at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday evening.
The Pacers got out to a solid start and led, 33-26, after one quarter. The Pistons turned the tide in the second and outscored the hosts by nine points in the quarter to claim a two-point advantage at the break. Both sides brought a high-scoring effort in the third, while the hosts managed to reclaim a one-point edge heading into the final frame. The Pacers turned it up a notch in the fourth and outscored the visitors, 39-17, in the quarter to close out their third win in five games. This marks the 13th consecutive loss for the Pistons.
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 26 points, two rebounds and 10 assists, in 32 minutes. Myles Turner followed up with 23 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, a steal and five blocks, while Buddy Hield chipped in 18 points and four rebounds.
Meanwhile, Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 31 points, three rebounds and five assists, in 37 minutes. Jaden Ivey followed up with 25 points, two rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, while Jalen Duren totaled 13 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block.
The Pistons (2-14) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Wizards on Monday. The Pacers (9-6) play host to the Trail Blazers on Monday.
The Pacers got out to a solid start and led, 33-26, after one quarter. The Pistons turned the tide in the second and outscored the hosts by nine points in the quarter to claim a two-point advantage at the break. Both sides brought a high-scoring effort in the third, while the hosts managed to reclaim a one-point edge heading into the final frame. The Pacers turned it up a notch in the fourth and outscored the visitors, 39-17, in the quarter to close out their third win in five games. This marks the 13th consecutive loss for the Pistons.
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 26 points, two rebounds and 10 assists, in 32 minutes. Myles Turner followed up with 23 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, a steal and five blocks, while Buddy Hield chipped in 18 points and four rebounds.
Meanwhile, Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 31 points, three rebounds and five assists, in 37 minutes. Jaden Ivey followed up with 25 points, two rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, while Jalen Duren totaled 13 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block.
The Pistons (2-14) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Wizards on Monday. The Pacers (9-6) play host to the Trail Blazers on Monday.
Bucks Hold Off Visitng Wizards
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Washington Wizards, 131-128, in NBA In-Season Tournament Group Play at Fiserv Forum on Friday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Wizards led, 35-34, after one quarter. The score stayed tight through the second as each side added 26 points, leaving a one point edge for the visitors at the break. The Bucks stuck with the effort and pushed their way to a three-point advantage heading into the final frame. Both sides picked up the pace in the fourth, but the hosts secured the upper hand in the clutch to close out their seventh home win of the season. This marks the eighth straight loss for the Wizards.
Brook Lopez led the Bucks with 39 points, seven rebounds, two steals and three blocks, in 32 minutes of action.Giannis Antetokounmpo followed up with 31 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three steals and a block, while Damian Lillard added 31 points, five rebounds and 10 assists.
Meanwhile, Jordan Poole led the Wizards with 26 points, five rebounds and seven assists, in 34 minutes. Tyus Jones and Kyle Kuzma poured in 22 points each, while Corey Kispert followed up with 20 points and five rebounds, off the bench.
The Wizards (2-13) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Hawks on Saturday. The Bucks (11-5) play host to the Trail Blazers on Sunday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Wizards led, 35-34, after one quarter. The score stayed tight through the second as each side added 26 points, leaving a one point edge for the visitors at the break. The Bucks stuck with the effort and pushed their way to a three-point advantage heading into the final frame. Both sides picked up the pace in the fourth, but the hosts secured the upper hand in the clutch to close out their seventh home win of the season. This marks the eighth straight loss for the Wizards.
Brook Lopez led the Bucks with 39 points, seven rebounds, two steals and three blocks, in 32 minutes of action.Giannis Antetokounmpo followed up with 31 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three steals and a block, while Damian Lillard added 31 points, five rebounds and 10 assists.
Meanwhile, Jordan Poole led the Wizards with 26 points, five rebounds and seven assists, in 34 minutes. Tyus Jones and Kyle Kuzma poured in 22 points each, while Corey Kispert followed up with 20 points and five rebounds, off the bench.
The Wizards (2-13) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Hawks on Saturday. The Bucks (11-5) play host to the Trail Blazers on Sunday.
Kings Defeat T'Wolves, 124-111
The Sacramento Kings defeated the host Minnesota Timberwolves, 124-111, in Group Play of the NBA In-Season Tournament at Target Center on Friday.
While Minnesota grabbed the first lead in this game, Sacramento cruised to an easy win after a 38-31 first quarter. They never relinquished the lead after that opening frame, getting their lead up to 22 points. They also led by at least nine points for the entirety of the fourth quarter. The Kings shot 49 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range while holding the Timberwolves to 44 percent from the field and 36 percent from long range. Sacramento also outscored Minnesota in the paint, 58-42, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 26-15.
The Kings (9-6) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 36 points, seven rebounds and 12 assists. Harrison Barnes amassed 18 points, four rebounds and two assists. Domantas Sabonis collected 15 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, three steals and three blocks, Malik Monk led the bench with 17 points and two rebounds.
The Timberwolves (11-4) were led by Anthony Edwards, accruing 35 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Karl-Anthony Towns tallied 27 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. Rudy Gobert generated 12 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks, while Mike Conley compiled six points, three rebounds and nine assists.
On deck for Minnesota is a road matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. As for Sacramento, they're off until Tuesday, when they play host to the Golden State Warriors.
While Minnesota grabbed the first lead in this game, Sacramento cruised to an easy win after a 38-31 first quarter. They never relinquished the lead after that opening frame, getting their lead up to 22 points. They also led by at least nine points for the entirety of the fourth quarter. The Kings shot 49 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range while holding the Timberwolves to 44 percent from the field and 36 percent from long range. Sacramento also outscored Minnesota in the paint, 58-42, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 26-15.
The Kings (9-6) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 36 points, seven rebounds and 12 assists. Harrison Barnes amassed 18 points, four rebounds and two assists. Domantas Sabonis collected 15 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, three steals and three blocks, Malik Monk led the bench with 17 points and two rebounds.
The Timberwolves (11-4) were led by Anthony Edwards, accruing 35 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Karl-Anthony Towns tallied 27 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. Rudy Gobert generated 12 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks, while Mike Conley compiled six points, three rebounds and nine assists.
On deck for Minnesota is a road matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. As for Sacramento, they're off until Tuesday, when they play host to the Golden State Warriors.
Warriors Defeat Spurs, 118-112
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 118-112, in Group Play of the NBA In-Season Tournament at Chase Center on Friday.
Neither team led by double-digits until the third quarter, with Golden State ripping off a 16-0 run in the third to take control of this game. They started the fourth quarter on a 15-2 run to take a game-high 18-point lead. With that said, San Antonio ripped off an 11-0 run in the final three minutes but never attempted a game-tying shot despite getting it down to a three-point margin. The Warriors shot 49 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range (19-of-40) while holding the Spurs to 45 percent from the field and 26 percent from long range (12-of-47). Golden State also out-assisted San Antonio, 35-27. They won despite committing 24 turnovers.
The Spurs (3-13) were led by Devin Vassell, providing 24 points and four rebounds off of the bench. Victor Wembenyama led the starters with 22 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Keldon Johnson collected 22 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and two steals. Zach Collins missed 10 of his 12 shots but still had six points, eight rebounds and six assists.
The Warriors (8-9) were led by Stephen Curry, finishing with 35 points, three rebounds and six assists. Klay Thompson tallied 15 points, three rebounds and six assists. Dario Saric led the bench with 20 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Andrew Wiggins amassed 10 points and four boards, while Chris Paul provided five points, four rebounds and 10 assists.
On deck for San Antonio is a road matchup with the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. As for Golden State, they're off until Tuesday when they play the Sacramento Kings on the road.
Neither team led by double-digits until the third quarter, with Golden State ripping off a 16-0 run in the third to take control of this game. They started the fourth quarter on a 15-2 run to take a game-high 18-point lead. With that said, San Antonio ripped off an 11-0 run in the final three minutes but never attempted a game-tying shot despite getting it down to a three-point margin. The Warriors shot 49 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range (19-of-40) while holding the Spurs to 45 percent from the field and 26 percent from long range (12-of-47). Golden State also out-assisted San Antonio, 35-27. They won despite committing 24 turnovers.
The Spurs (3-13) were led by Devin Vassell, providing 24 points and four rebounds off of the bench. Victor Wembenyama led the starters with 22 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Keldon Johnson collected 22 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and two steals. Zach Collins missed 10 of his 12 shots but still had six points, eight rebounds and six assists.
The Warriors (8-9) were led by Stephen Curry, finishing with 35 points, three rebounds and six assists. Klay Thompson tallied 15 points, three rebounds and six assists. Dario Saric led the bench with 20 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Andrew Wiggins amassed 10 points and four boards, while Chris Paul provided five points, four rebounds and 10 assists.
On deck for San Antonio is a road matchup with the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. As for Golden State, they're off until Tuesday when they play the Sacramento Kings on the road.
Pelicans Defeat Clippers, 116-106
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the host Los Angeles Clippers, 116-106, in Group Play of the NBA In-Season Tournament at Crypto.com Arena on Friday.
New Orleans started this game on a 33-12 run and held the lead for all but a handful of minutes in this game. With that said, LA made the game competitive behind a 32-20 second quarter, with there being seven ties and four lead changes in the third quarter. The Clippers could never get over that big deficit, though, with New Orleans starting the final frame on a 22-11 to take control. The Pelicans shot 49 percent from the field, 42 percent from three-point range and 74 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Clippers to 46 percent from the field, 28 percent from long range and 65 percent from the charity stripe. New Orleans also out-rebounded Los Angeles, 59-48.
The Pelicans (9-7) were led by Zion Williamson, finishing with 32 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Brandon Ingram tallied 30 points, four rebounds and five assists. Herbert Jones had 14 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Jonas Valanciunas totaled 12 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
The Clippers (6-8) were led by Paul George, providing 34 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Kawhi Leonard compiled 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Ivica Zubac amassed 11 points and five rebounds, while James Harden accrued eight points, five rebounds, 10 assists and four steals. Norman Powell led the bench with 20 points and three steals.
Both teams have to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, with LA staying home to face the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans traveling to face the Utah Jazz.
New Orleans started this game on a 33-12 run and held the lead for all but a handful of minutes in this game. With that said, LA made the game competitive behind a 32-20 second quarter, with there being seven ties and four lead changes in the third quarter. The Clippers could never get over that big deficit, though, with New Orleans starting the final frame on a 22-11 to take control. The Pelicans shot 49 percent from the field, 42 percent from three-point range and 74 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Clippers to 46 percent from the field, 28 percent from long range and 65 percent from the charity stripe. New Orleans also out-rebounded Los Angeles, 59-48.
The Pelicans (9-7) were led by Zion Williamson, finishing with 32 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Brandon Ingram tallied 30 points, four rebounds and five assists. Herbert Jones had 14 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Jonas Valanciunas totaled 12 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
The Clippers (6-8) were led by Paul George, providing 34 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Kawhi Leonard compiled 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Ivica Zubac amassed 11 points and five rebounds, while James Harden accrued eight points, five rebounds, 10 assists and four steals. Norman Powell led the bench with 20 points and three steals.
Both teams have to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, with LA staying home to face the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans traveling to face the Utah Jazz.