Celtics Dominate In Easy Win Over Bulls
The Boston Celtics defeated the Chicago Bulls, 124-97, at TD Garden on Tuesday in the group stage of the NBA In-Season Tournament.
The Celtics (14-4) extended their undefeated record at home to 8-0 with a dominant win over a struggling Bulls (5-14) team. Plus, the win allowed the Celtics to clinch a spot in the next stage of the In-Season Tournament since they covered the differential they needed to move to first place. Boston needed to win by 23 or more points, and they easily surpassed that tally. It was a dominant effort from the Celtics, as they raced to a 31-20 lead in the first quarter and never looked back. It was a 17-point lead by halftime, and Boston kept pushing the lead further in the second half. The Bulls won the final quarter by a 29-27 score, but it was garbage-time basketball at that stage. The Celtics showed the kind of dominance one would expect from a contender against a struggling squad. With the loss, the Bulls fell to 1-8 on the road.
Jaylen Brown was the leading scorer for the Celtics and finished with 30 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Jayson Tatum posted 21 points, seven rebounds and four dimes. Al Horford sniffed a double-double and posted 16 points, nine rebounds, six assists, three blocks and two steals. Jrue Holiday and Derrick White each added 14 points. Holiday had seven rebounds and nine assists, while White racked up seven dimes. Payton Pritchard recorded 11 points off the bench.
DeMar DeRozan and Coby White led the Bulls in scoring with 19 points each. DeRozan also added six assists. Patrick Williams was the only other starter who scored in double digits for Chicago after ending with 14 points. Williams also added seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Ayo Dosunmu delivered 10 points off the bench.
The Celtics (14-4) extended their undefeated record at home to 8-0 with a dominant win over a struggling Bulls (5-14) team. Plus, the win allowed the Celtics to clinch a spot in the next stage of the In-Season Tournament since they covered the differential they needed to move to first place. Boston needed to win by 23 or more points, and they easily surpassed that tally. It was a dominant effort from the Celtics, as they raced to a 31-20 lead in the first quarter and never looked back. It was a 17-point lead by halftime, and Boston kept pushing the lead further in the second half. The Bulls won the final quarter by a 29-27 score, but it was garbage-time basketball at that stage. The Celtics showed the kind of dominance one would expect from a contender against a struggling squad. With the loss, the Bulls fell to 1-8 on the road.
Jaylen Brown was the leading scorer for the Celtics and finished with 30 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Jayson Tatum posted 21 points, seven rebounds and four dimes. Al Horford sniffed a double-double and posted 16 points, nine rebounds, six assists, three blocks and two steals. Jrue Holiday and Derrick White each added 14 points. Holiday had seven rebounds and nine assists, while White racked up seven dimes. Payton Pritchard recorded 11 points off the bench.
DeMar DeRozan and Coby White led the Bulls in scoring with 19 points each. DeRozan also added six assists. Patrick Williams was the only other starter who scored in double digits for Chicago after ending with 14 points. Williams also added seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Ayo Dosunmu delivered 10 points off the bench.
Cavaliers Cruise To Win Over Hawks
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 128-105, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Tuesday in the group stage of the In-Season Tournament.
With this win, the Cavaliers (10-8) moved to 5-5 at home, while the Hawks (8-9) fell to 5-4 on the road. However, the victory was not enough to reach the knockout stages despite the Cavs ending with a 3-1 record in the group stage. Atlanta was the better team early on, though, and raced to a 33-29 lead in the first quarter. Cleveland responded with a 35-28 score in the second quarter and never looked back in the second half. The Cavaliers won the final two quarters with absolute ease, 38-29 and 26-15, allowing them to cruise to an easy win.
Donovan Mitchell carried the Cavaliers to victory here with a 40-point performance that also included 11 rebounds, five assists and three steals. Darius Garland had 19 points and eight assists. Max Strus delivered 11 points, seven assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Evan Mobley mustered a strong double-double of 17 points and 19 rebounds.
Seven Atlanta players scored in double digits here. Deandre Hunter led the way among the starters with 18 points, four rebounds and two assists. Saddiq Bey and Clint Capela chipped in with 14 points each. Capela also grabbed nine rebounds and swatted two shots. Trae Young and Dejounte Murray chipped in with 13 points, and Young also had 10 assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic had 18 points off the bench.
With this win, the Cavaliers (10-8) moved to 5-5 at home, while the Hawks (8-9) fell to 5-4 on the road. However, the victory was not enough to reach the knockout stages despite the Cavs ending with a 3-1 record in the group stage. Atlanta was the better team early on, though, and raced to a 33-29 lead in the first quarter. Cleveland responded with a 35-28 score in the second quarter and never looked back in the second half. The Cavaliers won the final two quarters with absolute ease, 38-29 and 26-15, allowing them to cruise to an easy win.
Donovan Mitchell carried the Cavaliers to victory here with a 40-point performance that also included 11 rebounds, five assists and three steals. Darius Garland had 19 points and eight assists. Max Strus delivered 11 points, seven assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Evan Mobley mustered a strong double-double of 17 points and 19 rebounds.
Seven Atlanta players scored in double digits here. Deandre Hunter led the way among the starters with 18 points, four rebounds and two assists. Saddiq Bey and Clint Capela chipped in with 14 points each. Capela also grabbed nine rebounds and swatted two shots. Trae Young and Dejounte Murray chipped in with 13 points, and Young also had 10 assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic had 18 points off the bench.
Bucks Get Past Short-Handed Heat, 131-124
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Miami Heat, 131-124, in an In-Season Tournament Group Play game at Kaseya Center on Tuesday night.
The Bucks (12-5) had an inherent advantage right out of the gate in that Jimmy Butler was announced as out due to an ankle injury, and Milwaukee seemed set to capitalize when it jumped out to a 31-22 advantage through one. However, the Heat (10-7) sprung to life in the second, wiping out the entirety of their deficit and building a three-point edge heading into halftime thanks to a 40-point haul during the period. After Miami added another point to its edge during the third, the game was knotted at 118-118 as late as the 2:20 mark of the fourth quarter until the visitors finished on a 13-6 run over the final 2:15 to seal the comeback victory.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 33 points, adding 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Damian Lillard supplied 32 points, nine assists and four rebounds. Khris Middleton delivered 17 points, eight boards and two assists. Malik Beasley generated a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist, two blocks and one steal. Brook Lopez went for 12 points, four rebounds and four assists.
Bam Adebayo paced the Heat with a 31-point, 10-rebound double-double that included five assists and two blocks. Kyle Lowry managed 21 points, six assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Josh Richardson delivered 20 points, seven assists and three rebounds. Jaime Jaquez and Caleb Martin netted 14 points apiece, with the former adding six assists and four rebounds among other contributions. Duncan Robinson registered 13 points, three rebounds, three assists and one block.
The Bucks head back to the Midwest to face the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night, while the Heat welcome in the Indiana Pacers on Thursday as well.
The Bucks (12-5) had an inherent advantage right out of the gate in that Jimmy Butler was announced as out due to an ankle injury, and Milwaukee seemed set to capitalize when it jumped out to a 31-22 advantage through one. However, the Heat (10-7) sprung to life in the second, wiping out the entirety of their deficit and building a three-point edge heading into halftime thanks to a 40-point haul during the period. After Miami added another point to its edge during the third, the game was knotted at 118-118 as late as the 2:20 mark of the fourth quarter until the visitors finished on a 13-6 run over the final 2:15 to seal the comeback victory.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 33 points, adding 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Damian Lillard supplied 32 points, nine assists and four rebounds. Khris Middleton delivered 17 points, eight boards and two assists. Malik Beasley generated a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist, two blocks and one steal. Brook Lopez went for 12 points, four rebounds and four assists.
Bam Adebayo paced the Heat with a 31-point, 10-rebound double-double that included five assists and two blocks. Kyle Lowry managed 21 points, six assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Josh Richardson delivered 20 points, seven assists and three rebounds. Jaime Jaquez and Caleb Martin netted 14 points apiece, with the former adding six assists and four rebounds among other contributions. Duncan Robinson registered 13 points, three rebounds, three assists and one block.
The Bucks head back to the Midwest to face the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night, while the Heat welcome in the Indiana Pacers on Thursday as well.
Nets Topple Raptors, 115-103
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Toronto Raptors, 115-103, at Barclays Center on Tuesday night in an In-Season Tournament Group Play game.
The two teams played a competitive first quarter that the Nets (9-8) emerged from with a one-point lead, but that advantage was up to eight points by halftime. However, the Raptors (8-10) erased all but one point from their deficit in the third, but Brooklyn's 39-point tally in the final 12 minutes, which included a key 12-0 run late, sealed the double-digit win.
Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam co-led the Raptors with 17 points each while recording 11 and 10 rebounds, respectively. Barnes added six assists and three steals. Gary Trent Jr. delivered 15 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal. Dennis Schroder furnished 14 points, nine assists, five rebounds and one steal. Chris Boucher netted 13 points, while O.G. Anunoby turned in 10 points, three rebounds and two assists.
Spencer Dinwiddie paced the Nets with 23 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, eight assists and four steals. Mikal Bridges generated a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included five assists. Cameron Johnson and Royce O'Neale totaled 18 points apiece while adding nine and seven rebounds, respectively. Nicolas Claxton registered 15 points, eight rebounds, one steal and four blocks.
The Raptors head home and welcome in the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night, while the Nets remain home and host the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday night.
The two teams played a competitive first quarter that the Nets (9-8) emerged from with a one-point lead, but that advantage was up to eight points by halftime. However, the Raptors (8-10) erased all but one point from their deficit in the third, but Brooklyn's 39-point tally in the final 12 minutes, which included a key 12-0 run late, sealed the double-digit win.
Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam co-led the Raptors with 17 points each while recording 11 and 10 rebounds, respectively. Barnes added six assists and three steals. Gary Trent Jr. delivered 15 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal. Dennis Schroder furnished 14 points, nine assists, five rebounds and one steal. Chris Boucher netted 13 points, while O.G. Anunoby turned in 10 points, three rebounds and two assists.
Spencer Dinwiddie paced the Nets with 23 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, eight assists and four steals. Mikal Bridges generated a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included five assists. Cameron Johnson and Royce O'Neale totaled 18 points apiece while adding nine and seven rebounds, respectively. Nicolas Claxton registered 15 points, eight rebounds, one steal and four blocks.
The Raptors head home and welcome in the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night, while the Nets remain home and host the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday night.
Knicks Too Much For Hornets In New York
By Dan Bruno
The New York Knicks defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets, 115-91, in NBA In-Season Tournament Group Play at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday evening.
Julius Randle tallied a 20 and 20 double-double to lead the Knicks at home. The hosts jumped out to a great start with a, 29-16, lead after one quarter. The Hornets came out stronger in the second and managed to trim the deficit back to nine points by halftime. The Hornets kept the momentum going and cut it down to a one-point game early in the third, but the Knicks reclaimed control and rallied to a 14-point advantage heading into the final period. The Knicks kept up the pace in the fourth and outscored the visitors by 10 points in the quarter to complete the blowout.
Julius Randle led the way for the Knicks with 25 points, 20 rebounds, five assists and two steals, in 34 minutes. Josh Hart followed up with 17 points, six rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, while RJ Barrett finished with 16 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, Brandon Miller led the Hornets with 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Miles Bridges followed up with 13 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block, while Mark Williams totaled 12 points, 12 rebounds and a steal.
The Hornets (5-11) will look to avoid a third straight loss as they play host to the Nets on Thursday. The Knicks (10-7) play host to the Pistons on Thursday.
Julius Randle tallied a 20 and 20 double-double to lead the Knicks at home. The hosts jumped out to a great start with a, 29-16, lead after one quarter. The Hornets came out stronger in the second and managed to trim the deficit back to nine points by halftime. The Hornets kept the momentum going and cut it down to a one-point game early in the third, but the Knicks reclaimed control and rallied to a 14-point advantage heading into the final period. The Knicks kept up the pace in the fourth and outscored the visitors by 10 points in the quarter to complete the blowout.
Julius Randle led the way for the Knicks with 25 points, 20 rebounds, five assists and two steals, in 34 minutes. Josh Hart followed up with 17 points, six rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, while RJ Barrett finished with 16 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, Brandon Miller led the Hornets with 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Miles Bridges followed up with 13 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block, while Mark Williams totaled 12 points, 12 rebounds and a steal.
The Hornets (5-11) will look to avoid a third straight loss as they play host to the Nets on Thursday. The Knicks (10-7) play host to the Pistons on Thursday.
Timberwolves Hold Off Thunder
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 106-103, in NBA In-Season Tournament Group Play at Target Center on Tuesday evening.
The Thunder jumped out to a strong start and led, 29-19, after one quarter. Both sides picked up the pace in the second, and the hosts managed to trim it back to an eight-point game heading into the break. The Timberwolves carried the momentum for most of the third, grabbing a brief lead, before the Thunder reclaimed a two-point edge going into the final quarter. The Timberwolves rallied back in front early in the fourth and stayed a step ahead the rest of the way to close out their second straight win. This marks the second straight loss for the Thunder. Anthony Edwards (hip) left the game late in the third quarter due to injury.
Edwards led the Timberwolves with 21 points, five rebounds and a block, in 28 minutes. Rudy Gobert totaled 17 points, 16 rebounds, a steal and four blocks, while Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 13 points, 10 rebounds and three assists.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 32 points, four rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks, in 34 minutes. Chet Holmgren followed up with 16 points, eight rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block, while Jalen Williams, Josh Giddey and Cason Wallace chipped in 10 points each.
The Thunder (11-6) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Lakers on Thursday. The Timberwolves (13-4) play host to the Jazz on Thursday.
The Thunder jumped out to a strong start and led, 29-19, after one quarter. Both sides picked up the pace in the second, and the hosts managed to trim it back to an eight-point game heading into the break. The Timberwolves carried the momentum for most of the third, grabbing a brief lead, before the Thunder reclaimed a two-point edge going into the final quarter. The Timberwolves rallied back in front early in the fourth and stayed a step ahead the rest of the way to close out their second straight win. This marks the second straight loss for the Thunder. Anthony Edwards (hip) left the game late in the third quarter due to injury.
Edwards led the Timberwolves with 21 points, five rebounds and a block, in 28 minutes. Rudy Gobert totaled 17 points, 16 rebounds, a steal and four blocks, while Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 13 points, 10 rebounds and three assists.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 32 points, four rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks, in 34 minutes. Chet Holmgren followed up with 16 points, eight rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block, while Jalen Williams, Josh Giddey and Cason Wallace chipped in 10 points each.
The Thunder (11-6) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Lakers on Thursday. The Timberwolves (13-4) play host to the Jazz on Thursday.
Mavs Defeat Rockets, 121-115
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 121-115, in Group Play of the NBA In-Season Tournament at American Airlines Center on Tuesday.
While there were only five ties and six lead changes, this game wasn't decided until the final minutes. Houston carried a four-point lead into the final quarter, but Dallas outscored them in that frame, 37-27, to complete their comeback win. The Mavericks shot 35 percent from three-point range and 86 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Rockets to 28 percent from long range and 79 percent from the charity stripe. Dallas also won the turnover battle, 12-7.
The Rockets (8-7) were led by Alperen Sengun, accruing 31 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Dillon Brooks scored 16 points before fouling out. Jabari Smith Jr amassed 16 points, nine rebounds and two assists, while Jalen Green generated 12 points, three rebounds and five assists. Fred VanVleet finished with 10 points, four rebounds and 12 assists.
The Mavericks (11-6) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 41 points, nine rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Kyrie Irving compiled 27 points, two rebounds and five assists. No other starter reached double figures in scoring. Derrick Jones Jr led the bench with 15 points and six boards, while Dante Exum had 12 points and three assists.
Houston has to play again on Wednesday, staying on the road to play the Denver Nuggets. As for Dallas, they return to action on Friday in a home matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies.
While there were only five ties and six lead changes, this game wasn't decided until the final minutes. Houston carried a four-point lead into the final quarter, but Dallas outscored them in that frame, 37-27, to complete their comeback win. The Mavericks shot 35 percent from three-point range and 86 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Rockets to 28 percent from long range and 79 percent from the charity stripe. Dallas also won the turnover battle, 12-7.
The Rockets (8-7) were led by Alperen Sengun, accruing 31 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Dillon Brooks scored 16 points before fouling out. Jabari Smith Jr amassed 16 points, nine rebounds and two assists, while Jalen Green generated 12 points, three rebounds and five assists. Fred VanVleet finished with 10 points, four rebounds and 12 assists.
The Mavericks (11-6) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 41 points, nine rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Kyrie Irving compiled 27 points, two rebounds and five assists. No other starter reached double figures in scoring. Derrick Jones Jr led the bench with 15 points and six boards, while Dante Exum had 12 points and three assists.
Houston has to play again on Wednesday, staying on the road to play the Denver Nuggets. As for Dallas, they return to action on Friday in a home matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Kings Defeat Warriors, 124-123
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Golden State Warriors, 124-123, in Group Play of the NBA In-Season Tournament at Golden 1 Center on Tuesday.
Golden State led for all but two minutes in this game, but Sacramento was able to complete a comeback win. The Warriors led by 24 points near the end of the first half but the Kings rode a 69-51 second half to their comeback victory. Malik Monk was the hero, knocking down a fadeaway jumper with 7.4 seconds left to take a one-point lead. Stephen Curry had a 35-foot prayer at the buzzer to win but fell just short. The Kings scored 26 points off of the 18 turnovers committed by the Warriors. Sacramento also outscored Golden State in the paint, 50-38.
The Warriors (8-10) were led by Stephen Curry, collecting 29 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Andrew Wiggins accrued 29 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Klay Thompson totaled 20 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Draymond Green generated eight points, six rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
The Kings (10-6) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 29 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Kevin Huerter had 21 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Malik Monk led the bench with 21 points, three rebounds and two assists. Domantas Sabonis tallied nine points, eight rebounds and 10 assists.
Sacramento has to play on Wednesday, traveling to face the Los Angeles Clippers. As for Golden State, they return home to play the Clippers on Thursday for their next outing.
Golden State led for all but two minutes in this game, but Sacramento was able to complete a comeback win. The Warriors led by 24 points near the end of the first half but the Kings rode a 69-51 second half to their comeback victory. Malik Monk was the hero, knocking down a fadeaway jumper with 7.4 seconds left to take a one-point lead. Stephen Curry had a 35-foot prayer at the buzzer to win but fell just short. The Kings scored 26 points off of the 18 turnovers committed by the Warriors. Sacramento also outscored Golden State in the paint, 50-38.
The Warriors (8-10) were led by Stephen Curry, collecting 29 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Andrew Wiggins accrued 29 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Klay Thompson totaled 20 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Draymond Green generated eight points, six rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
The Kings (10-6) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 29 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Kevin Huerter had 21 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Malik Monk led the bench with 21 points, three rebounds and two assists. Domantas Sabonis tallied nine points, eight rebounds and 10 assists.
Sacramento has to play on Wednesday, traveling to face the Los Angeles Clippers. As for Golden State, they return home to play the Clippers on Thursday for their next outing.