Bucks Come From Behind, Top Blazers
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, 108-102, at Fiserv Forum on Sunday.
The Bucks (12-5) moved to 8-1 at home and needed a fourth-quarter comeback to secure the victory against the Trail Blazers (4-12) in Damian Lillard’s first game against his former team. With the loss, the Trail Blazers fell to 2-7 away from home. Portland enjoyed a better start and held a 31-26 lead following the first quarter, and the Bucks looked helpless in the early stages. Portland bolstered its lead even further and made it a double-digit game after a 37-26 score in the second quarter. The Bucks showed signs of mounting a potential comeback following a 23-20 score, but they saved the best for last. The Bucks tightened things up defensively and limited Portland to 14 points in the final 12 minutes. In the fourth quarter, Milwaukee outscored Portland by a 33-14 score and completed the comeback win.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for the Bucks with 33 points and 16 rebounds, but he also added six assists and three blocks. Damian Lillard finished with 31 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals against his former team. Malik Beasley notched 14 points and six boards. Brook Lopez posted 10 points, six rebounds, four blocks, three assists and three steals. Bobby Portis added 12 points, eight boards and three blocks off the bench.
Malcolm Brogdon finished with 18 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds. Jerami Grant was the leading scorer with 22 points, two rebounds, two assists and four steals. Shaedon Sharper posted 17 points, three assists, six rebounds and two steals. Deandre Ayton recorded 14 points and 13 rebounds. Scoot Henderson added 13 points off the bench.
The Bucks (12-5) moved to 8-1 at home and needed a fourth-quarter comeback to secure the victory against the Trail Blazers (4-12) in Damian Lillard’s first game against his former team. With the loss, the Trail Blazers fell to 2-7 away from home. Portland enjoyed a better start and held a 31-26 lead following the first quarter, and the Bucks looked helpless in the early stages. Portland bolstered its lead even further and made it a double-digit game after a 37-26 score in the second quarter. The Bucks showed signs of mounting a potential comeback following a 23-20 score, but they saved the best for last. The Bucks tightened things up defensively and limited Portland to 14 points in the final 12 minutes. In the fourth quarter, Milwaukee outscored Portland by a 33-14 score and completed the comeback win.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for the Bucks with 33 points and 16 rebounds, but he also added six assists and three blocks. Damian Lillard finished with 31 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals against his former team. Malik Beasley notched 14 points and six boards. Brook Lopez posted 10 points, six rebounds, four blocks, three assists and three steals. Bobby Portis added 12 points, eight boards and three blocks off the bench.
Malcolm Brogdon finished with 18 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds. Jerami Grant was the leading scorer with 22 points, two rebounds, two assists and four steals. Shaedon Sharper posted 17 points, three assists, six rebounds and two steals. Deandre Ayton recorded 14 points and 13 rebounds. Scoot Henderson added 13 points off the bench.
Celtics Cruise In Win Over Hawks
The Boston Celtics defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 113-103, at TD Garden on Sunday.
The Celtics (13-4) enjoyed a strong start and quickly established their terms against the Hawks (8-8) following a 33-26 score in the first quarter. Boston didn't step off the gas and made it a double-digit contest following a 36-27 second quarter as well. Atlanta looked a bit better in the second half and showed a fighting spirit in the third. The Hawks took advantage of the Celtics' passive approach and reduced the deficit to seven points after a 29-21 score in the third quarter. The Celtics were not entertained by the idea of a comeback, though. Boston won the final quarter by a 23-21 score and closed things out. With the win, the Celtics moved to 7-0 at home. Meanwhile, the Hawks fell to 5-3 away from home.
Jayson Tatum was the best player for the Celtics and finished with 34 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Derrick White posted 15 points and 11 assists. Jaylen Brown notched 21 points, seven boards and three assists. Al Horford pulled down 15 rebounds and only scored six points. Sam Hauser delivered 12 points coming off the bench. The Celtics shot 44.2 percent from the field and 27.7 percent from three-point range.
Trae Young was the best player for the Hawks, finishing with 33 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Deandre Hunter was the only other starter who scored in double digits for the Hawks. He finished with 24 points, four rebounds and two assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic delivered 23 points and seven rebounds coming off the bench. The Hawks shot 40.9 percent from the field and 35.8 percent from beyond the arc.
The Celtics (13-4) enjoyed a strong start and quickly established their terms against the Hawks (8-8) following a 33-26 score in the first quarter. Boston didn't step off the gas and made it a double-digit contest following a 36-27 second quarter as well. Atlanta looked a bit better in the second half and showed a fighting spirit in the third. The Hawks took advantage of the Celtics' passive approach and reduced the deficit to seven points after a 29-21 score in the third quarter. The Celtics were not entertained by the idea of a comeback, though. Boston won the final quarter by a 23-21 score and closed things out. With the win, the Celtics moved to 7-0 at home. Meanwhile, the Hawks fell to 5-3 away from home.
Jayson Tatum was the best player for the Celtics and finished with 34 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Derrick White posted 15 points and 11 assists. Jaylen Brown notched 21 points, seven boards and three assists. Al Horford pulled down 15 rebounds and only scored six points. Sam Hauser delivered 12 points coming off the bench. The Celtics shot 44.2 percent from the field and 27.7 percent from three-point range.
Trae Young was the best player for the Hawks, finishing with 33 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Deandre Hunter was the only other starter who scored in double digits for the Hawks. He finished with 24 points, four rebounds and two assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic delivered 23 points and seven rebounds coming off the bench. The Hawks shot 40.9 percent from the field and 35.8 percent from beyond the arc.
Suns Edge Knicks, 116-113
The Phoenix Suns defeated the New York Knicks, 116-113, at Madison Square Garden on Sunday evening.
Despite playing without Kevin Durant, the Suns (11-6) opened the game by establishing a 34-22 lead through one and still held an eight-point advantage at halftime. While the Knicks (9-7) managed to lop off another five points from their deficit in the third, Phoenix ultimately prevailed in a defensive-themed final period where only 42 points were scored, with Devin Booker delivering the game-winning three-pointer with 1.1 seconds remaining.
Booker led the Suns with 28 points, adding 11 assists, five rebounds and two blocks. Eric Gordon followed with 25 points, two rebounds, two assists and one block. Jordan Goodwin furnished 14 points, seven rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Nassir Little netted 11 points.
Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with 35 points, supplementing them with eight assists, six rebounds and three steals. Julius Randle supplied 28 points, five rebounds and two assists. Immanuel Quickly managed 18 points, two rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.
The Suns remain on the road and face the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night, while the Knicks are back in action Tuesday night at home against the Charlotte Hornets.
Despite playing without Kevin Durant, the Suns (11-6) opened the game by establishing a 34-22 lead through one and still held an eight-point advantage at halftime. While the Knicks (9-7) managed to lop off another five points from their deficit in the third, Phoenix ultimately prevailed in a defensive-themed final period where only 42 points were scored, with Devin Booker delivering the game-winning three-pointer with 1.1 seconds remaining.
Booker led the Suns with 28 points, adding 11 assists, five rebounds and two blocks. Eric Gordon followed with 25 points, two rebounds, two assists and one block. Jordan Goodwin furnished 14 points, seven rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Nassir Little netted 11 points.
Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with 35 points, supplementing them with eight assists, six rebounds and three steals. Julius Randle supplied 28 points, five rebounds and two assists. Immanuel Quickly managed 18 points, two rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.
The Suns remain on the road and face the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night, while the Knicks are back in action Tuesday night at home against the Charlotte Hornets.
Magic Outlast Hornets, 130-117
The Orlando Magic defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 130-117, at Amway Center on Sunday evening.
The Hornets (5-9) came out of the locker room clicking, leading to an impressive 33-25 lead through one. However that seemed to stir the Magic (12-5), which erased their deficit and built a four-point advantage going into halftime with a resurgent second period. Orlando managed to tack on another two points to its edge in the third before finishing off the home victory with a 38-point haul in the final 12 minutes, one aided by the fact Charlotte's LaMelo Ball exited the game after 15 minutes of floor time due to an ankle injury.
Miles Bridges led the Hornets with a 23-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists, one steal and one block. Terry Rozier delivered 22 points, nine assists, one rebound, one steal and one block. Brandon Miller contributed 20 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal. P.J. Washington delivered 13 points, four rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Mark Williams registered 12 points, six boards, one assist, one steal and one block. Gordon Hayward managed 10 points, five rebounds, two assists and one block.
Franz Wagner paced the Magic with 30 points, adding seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. Cole Anthony matched Wagner's scoring and also posted seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals among other contributions. Paolo Banchero turned in 23 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and two steals. Jalen Suggs compiled 12 points, five rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal, while Goga Bitadze and Moritz Wagner had matching 11-point, seven-rebound tallies.
The Hornets face the New York Knicks on the road Tuesday night, while the Magic welcome in the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.
The Hornets (5-9) came out of the locker room clicking, leading to an impressive 33-25 lead through one. However that seemed to stir the Magic (12-5), which erased their deficit and built a four-point advantage going into halftime with a resurgent second period. Orlando managed to tack on another two points to its edge in the third before finishing off the home victory with a 38-point haul in the final 12 minutes, one aided by the fact Charlotte's LaMelo Ball exited the game after 15 minutes of floor time due to an ankle injury.
Miles Bridges led the Hornets with a 23-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists, one steal and one block. Terry Rozier delivered 22 points, nine assists, one rebound, one steal and one block. Brandon Miller contributed 20 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal. P.J. Washington delivered 13 points, four rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Mark Williams registered 12 points, six boards, one assist, one steal and one block. Gordon Hayward managed 10 points, five rebounds, two assists and one block.
Franz Wagner paced the Magic with 30 points, adding seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. Cole Anthony matched Wagner's scoring and also posted seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals among other contributions. Paolo Banchero turned in 23 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and two steals. Jalen Suggs compiled 12 points, five rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal, while Goga Bitadze and Moritz Wagner had matching 11-point, seven-rebound tallies.
The Hornets face the New York Knicks on the road Tuesday night, while the Magic welcome in the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.
Timberwolves Take Care Of Business In Memphis
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the host Memphis Grizzlies, 119-97, at FedEx Forum on Sunday evening.
The Timberwolves got out to a solid start and led, 31-26, after one quarter. The hosts fell off track in the second, where they were outscored by 12 points, as the Timberwolves took a 17-point cushion into the break. The visitors kept the pressure on in the third and packed on another seven points to their advantage, making it a 24-point difference heading into the final quarter. The Grizzlies put up 31 points in the fourth but it was too little, too late, as they fell for their fourth straight loss and dropped to 0-8 at home for the season.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 24 points, five rebounds, seven assists and a block, in 34 minutes. Mike Conley added 18 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and a steal, while Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 18 points, eight rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block.
Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies with 18 points, four rebounds, three assists, a steal and three blocks, in 37 minutes. Santi Aldama followed up with 14 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while Desmond Bane tallied 13 points, two rebounds and four assists.
The Grizzlies (3-13) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Jazz on Wednesday. The Timberwolves (12-4) play host to the Thunder on Tuesday.
The Timberwolves got out to a solid start and led, 31-26, after one quarter. The hosts fell off track in the second, where they were outscored by 12 points, as the Timberwolves took a 17-point cushion into the break. The visitors kept the pressure on in the third and packed on another seven points to their advantage, making it a 24-point difference heading into the final quarter. The Grizzlies put up 31 points in the fourth but it was too little, too late, as they fell for their fourth straight loss and dropped to 0-8 at home for the season.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 24 points, five rebounds, seven assists and a block, in 34 minutes. Mike Conley added 18 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and a steal, while Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 18 points, eight rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block.
Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies with 18 points, four rebounds, three assists, a steal and three blocks, in 37 minutes. Santi Aldama followed up with 14 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while Desmond Bane tallied 13 points, two rebounds and four assists.
The Grizzlies (3-13) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Jazz on Wednesday. The Timberwolves (12-4) play host to the Thunder on Tuesday.
Cavs Hold Off Raptors In Cleveland
By Dan Bruno
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the visiting Toronto Raptors, 105-102, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Sunday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Raptors held a, 28-25, lead after one quarter. The Cavs grabbed a brief lead in the second, but the Raptors rushed back in front for a 10-point advantage by halftime. The Cavs came out on another level in the third and outscored the visitors, 32-20, in the quarter to claim a two-point edge heading into the final frame. Both sides brought a strong effort in the fourth, but the Cavs stayed a step ahead down the stretch to close out the home win.
Darius Garland led the Cavs with 24 points, two rebounds and eight assists, in 41 minutes. Max Strus followed up with 20 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and a block, while Jarrett Allen totaled 18 points, four rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
Meanwhile, Pascal Siakam and Jakob Poeltl totaled 18 points each to lead the Raptors. Dennis Schroder and Scottie Barnes followed up with 15 points each, while Gary Trent chipped in 13 points, off the bench.
The Raptors (8-9) will look to bounce back as they take on the Nets in Brooklyn on Tuesday. The Cavaliers (9-8) play host to the Hawks on Tuesday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Raptors held a, 28-25, lead after one quarter. The Cavs grabbed a brief lead in the second, but the Raptors rushed back in front for a 10-point advantage by halftime. The Cavs came out on another level in the third and outscored the visitors, 32-20, in the quarter to claim a two-point edge heading into the final frame. Both sides brought a strong effort in the fourth, but the Cavs stayed a step ahead down the stretch to close out the home win.
Darius Garland led the Cavs with 24 points, two rebounds and eight assists, in 41 minutes. Max Strus followed up with 20 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and a block, while Jarrett Allen totaled 18 points, four rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
Meanwhile, Pascal Siakam and Jakob Poeltl totaled 18 points each to lead the Raptors. Dennis Schroder and Scottie Barnes followed up with 15 points each, while Gary Trent chipped in 13 points, off the bench.
The Raptors (8-9) will look to bounce back as they take on the Nets in Brooklyn on Tuesday. The Cavaliers (9-8) play host to the Hawks on Tuesday.
Nets Defeat Bulls, 118-109
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls, 118-109, at Barclay's Center on Sunday.
While Chicago led 36-19 after the first quarter, Brooklyn responded with a 44-19 second quarter to take command of this game. They never relinquished the lead after that lopsided frame, leading by at least five points for the entirety of the second half. The Nets shot 49 percent from the field and 47 percent from three-point range (25-of-53) while holding the Bulls to 48 percent from the field and 38 percent from long range (12-of-32). Brooklyn also out-assisted Chicago, 29-21.
The Bulls (5-13) were led by DeMar DeRozan, finishing with 27 points, six rebounds and six assists. Coby White amassed 23 points, five rebounds and four assists. Zach Lavine collected 20 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Patrick Williams totaled 20 points and four boards. Nikola Vucevic had six points, nine rebounds and five assists.
The Nets (8-8) were led by Spencer Dinwiddie, tallying 24 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Lonnie Walker led the bench with 20 points and two steals. Royce O'Neale compiled 20 points, nine rebounds and four assists, while Mikal Bridges had 15 points, two rebounds and six assists. Cam Johnson also generated 10 points, four rebounds and six assists.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Chicago traveling to face the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn remaining home to face the Toronto Raptors.
While Chicago led 36-19 after the first quarter, Brooklyn responded with a 44-19 second quarter to take command of this game. They never relinquished the lead after that lopsided frame, leading by at least five points for the entirety of the second half. The Nets shot 49 percent from the field and 47 percent from three-point range (25-of-53) while holding the Bulls to 48 percent from the field and 38 percent from long range (12-of-32). Brooklyn also out-assisted Chicago, 29-21.
The Bulls (5-13) were led by DeMar DeRozan, finishing with 27 points, six rebounds and six assists. Coby White amassed 23 points, five rebounds and four assists. Zach Lavine collected 20 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Patrick Williams totaled 20 points and four boards. Nikola Vucevic had six points, nine rebounds and five assists.
The Nets (8-8) were led by Spencer Dinwiddie, tallying 24 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Lonnie Walker led the bench with 20 points and two steals. Royce O'Neale compiled 20 points, nine rebounds and four assists, while Mikal Bridges had 15 points, two rebounds and six assists. Cam Johnson also generated 10 points, four rebounds and six assists.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Chicago traveling to face the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn remaining home to face the Toronto Raptors.
Nuggets Defeat Spurs, 132-120
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 132-120, at Ball Arena on Sunday.
While this wasn't necessarily a wire-to-wire win, Denver held the lead for all but the opening three minutes. They led 72-60 at the half and took command with a 35-24 third quarter. They got their lead up to 28 points at times and maintained a double-digit lead for the final 20 minutes. Denver shot 56 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while holding San Antonio to 45 percent from the field and 38 percent from long range. The Nuggets also out-rebounded the Spurs, 53-46, while outscoring them in the paint, 66-48.
The Spurs (3-14) were led by Victor Wembenyama, collecting 22 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, six steals and four blocks. Malaki Branham amassed 15 points, two rebounds and three assists. Keldon Johnson totaled 10 points and two assists, while Devin Vassell led the bench with 19 points and three assists.
The Nuggets (11-6) were led by Nikola Jokic, finishing with 39 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists. Michael Porter Jr provided 25 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Reggie Jackson registered 20 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope compiled 16 points and six assists, while Julian Strawther led the bench with 10 points, four assists and three steals.
Denver has to play again on Monday, traveling to face the Los Angeles Clippers. As for San Antonio, they're off until Thursday, when they play host to the Atlanta Hawks.
While this wasn't necessarily a wire-to-wire win, Denver held the lead for all but the opening three minutes. They led 72-60 at the half and took command with a 35-24 third quarter. They got their lead up to 28 points at times and maintained a double-digit lead for the final 20 minutes. Denver shot 56 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while holding San Antonio to 45 percent from the field and 38 percent from long range. The Nuggets also out-rebounded the Spurs, 53-46, while outscoring them in the paint, 66-48.
The Spurs (3-14) were led by Victor Wembenyama, collecting 22 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, six steals and four blocks. Malaki Branham amassed 15 points, two rebounds and three assists. Keldon Johnson totaled 10 points and two assists, while Devin Vassell led the bench with 19 points and three assists.
The Nuggets (11-6) were led by Nikola Jokic, finishing with 39 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists. Michael Porter Jr provided 25 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Reggie Jackson registered 20 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope compiled 16 points and six assists, while Julian Strawther led the bench with 10 points, four assists and three steals.
Denver has to play again on Monday, traveling to face the Los Angeles Clippers. As for San Antonio, they're off until Thursday, when they play host to the Atlanta Hawks.