Lakers Crush Struggling Pistons
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the host Detroit Pistons, 133-107, at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Lakers jumped out to a strong start and led, 38-24, after one quarter. The hosts had no solutions in the second, as the Lakers pushed it to a 17-point difference heading into the break. The visitors came out dominant again in the third and continued to add to their advantage, increasing their cushion to 25 points going into the final frame. The Pistons remained helpless in the fourth and fell short for their 15th consecutive loss.
D'Angelo Russell led the Lakers with 35 points, four rebounds, nine assists, a steal and two blocks, in 34 minutes. Anthony Davis followed up with 28 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, a steal and three blocks, while LeBron James totaled 25 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
Meanwhile, Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 15 points, four rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 23 minutes. Isaiah Livers followed up with 14 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Ausar Thompson and Isaiah Stewart added 12 points each.
The Pistons (2-16) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Knicks in New York on Thursday. The Lakers (11-8) take on the Thunder in OKC on Thursday.
The Lakers jumped out to a strong start and led, 38-24, after one quarter. The hosts had no solutions in the second, as the Lakers pushed it to a 17-point difference heading into the break. The visitors came out dominant again in the third and continued to add to their advantage, increasing their cushion to 25 points going into the final frame. The Pistons remained helpless in the fourth and fell short for their 15th consecutive loss.
D'Angelo Russell led the Lakers with 35 points, four rebounds, nine assists, a steal and two blocks, in 34 minutes. Anthony Davis followed up with 28 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, a steal and three blocks, while LeBron James totaled 25 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
Meanwhile, Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 15 points, four rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 23 minutes. Isaiah Livers followed up with 14 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Ausar Thompson and Isaiah Stewart added 12 points each.
The Pistons (2-16) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Knicks in New York on Thursday. The Lakers (11-8) take on the Thunder in OKC on Thursday.
Magic Defeat Wizards, 139-120
The Orlando Magic defeated the visiting Washington Wizards, 139-120, at Amway Center on Wednesday.
Orlando won all four individual quarters in this blowout victory, maintaining the lead for the final three quarters. They got their lead up to 22 points at times and held a double-digit lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. Orlando shot 61 percent from the field and 63 percent from three-point range while holding Washington to 47 percent from the field and 38 percent from long range. The Magic also out-rebounded the Wizards, 44-29, while out-assisting them, 34-28.
The Wizards (3-15) were led by Kyle Kuzma, collecting 23 points, three rebounds and six assists. Deni Avdija amassed 22 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals. Jordan Poole provided 19 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Corey Kispert led the bench with 13 points, two assists and two steals.
The Magic (13-5) were led by Franz Wagner, amassing 31 points, six rebounds and three assists on 11-of-14 shooting. Jalen Suggs totaled 22 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Cole Anthony led the bench with 25 points, six rebounds, five assists and two blocks, while Joe Ingles had 12 points, four rebounds and six assists.
These teams will have a rematch on Friday for their next outing.
Orlando won all four individual quarters in this blowout victory, maintaining the lead for the final three quarters. They got their lead up to 22 points at times and held a double-digit lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. Orlando shot 61 percent from the field and 63 percent from three-point range while holding Washington to 47 percent from the field and 38 percent from long range. The Magic also out-rebounded the Wizards, 44-29, while out-assisting them, 34-28.
The Wizards (3-15) were led by Kyle Kuzma, collecting 23 points, three rebounds and six assists. Deni Avdija amassed 22 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals. Jordan Poole provided 19 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Corey Kispert led the bench with 13 points, two assists and two steals.
The Magic (13-5) were led by Franz Wagner, amassing 31 points, six rebounds and three assists on 11-of-14 shooting. Jalen Suggs totaled 22 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Cole Anthony led the bench with 25 points, six rebounds, five assists and two blocks, while Joe Ingles had 12 points, four rebounds and six assists.
These teams will have a rematch on Friday for their next outing.
Raptors Upend Suns, 112-105
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Phoenix Suns, 112-105, at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night.
The Raptors (9-10) opened the game clicking on both ends of the floor, leading to a 27-20 lead through one. Both teams matched each other bucket for bucket in the second quarter, and the Suns (11-7) were only able to make a one-point dent in their deficit during the third period. Toronto was then able to hold Phoenix off over the final 12 minutes despite the visitors getting as close as within two points late.
Kevin Durant led the Suns with 30 points, adding six assists, four rebounds and one steal. Jusuf Nurkic generated a 19-point, 14-rebound double-double that included six assists and two blocks. Josh Okogie and Eric Gordon posted matching 10-point contributions while pulling down seven and one rebound, respectively.
Scottie Barnes paced the Raptors with 23 points, supplementing them with seven rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Pascal Siakam supplied 22 points, nine boards, three assists and one steal. Jakob Poeltl registered 17 points, four rebounds, one assist and one block. Precious Achiuwa generated a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist and two steals. Gary Trent and O.G. Anunoby generated matching 13-point contributions while recording five and three rebounds, respectively.
The Suns return home to host the Denver Nuggets on Friday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the New York Knicks on Friday night as well.
The Raptors (9-10) opened the game clicking on both ends of the floor, leading to a 27-20 lead through one. Both teams matched each other bucket for bucket in the second quarter, and the Suns (11-7) were only able to make a one-point dent in their deficit during the third period. Toronto was then able to hold Phoenix off over the final 12 minutes despite the visitors getting as close as within two points late.
Kevin Durant led the Suns with 30 points, adding six assists, four rebounds and one steal. Jusuf Nurkic generated a 19-point, 14-rebound double-double that included six assists and two blocks. Josh Okogie and Eric Gordon posted matching 10-point contributions while pulling down seven and one rebound, respectively.
Scottie Barnes paced the Raptors with 23 points, supplementing them with seven rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Pascal Siakam supplied 22 points, nine boards, three assists and one steal. Jakob Poeltl registered 17 points, four rebounds, one assist and one block. Precious Achiuwa generated a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist and two steals. Gary Trent and O.G. Anunoby generated matching 13-point contributions while recording five and three rebounds, respectively.
The Suns return home to host the Denver Nuggets on Friday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the New York Knicks on Friday night as well.
Pelicans Throttle 76ers, 124-114
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 124-114, at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday night.
The Pelicans (10-9) got CJ McCollum back on the floor Wednesday night and his presence seemed to provide a spark right out of the gate. New Orleans played dominant ball on both ends of the floor during the first half, leading to a 68-48 advantage by intermission. The 76ers (12-6), which were playing without Joel Embiid (illness), fell behind by an additional point in the third, and they never came close to truly threatening over the final 12 minutes.
Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 33 points, complementing them with three assists, one rebound and two steals. De'Anthony Melton furnished 17 points, six assists, three rebounds, three steals and one block. Robert Covington and Tobias Harris posted 12 points apiece while recording seven and four rebounds, respectively. Patrick Beverley delivered 11 points, seven assists, one rebound and one steal.
Zion Williamson paced the Pelicans with 33 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, six assists and three steals. McCollum registered 20 points, five assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Jonas Valanciunas managed 19 points, six rebounds and three assists. Jordan Hawkins contributed 16 points, five rebounds and two assists. Brandon Ingram finished with 15 points, six assists, four boards, one steal and one block.
The 76ers remain on the road and visit the Boston Celtics on Friday night, while the Pelicans remain home and host the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night as well.
The Pelicans (10-9) got CJ McCollum back on the floor Wednesday night and his presence seemed to provide a spark right out of the gate. New Orleans played dominant ball on both ends of the floor during the first half, leading to a 68-48 advantage by intermission. The 76ers (12-6), which were playing without Joel Embiid (illness), fell behind by an additional point in the third, and they never came close to truly threatening over the final 12 minutes.
Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 33 points, complementing them with three assists, one rebound and two steals. De'Anthony Melton furnished 17 points, six assists, three rebounds, three steals and one block. Robert Covington and Tobias Harris posted 12 points apiece while recording seven and four rebounds, respectively. Patrick Beverley delivered 11 points, seven assists, one rebound and one steal.
Zion Williamson paced the Pelicans with 33 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, six assists and three steals. McCollum registered 20 points, five assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Jonas Valanciunas managed 19 points, six rebounds and three assists. Jordan Hawkins contributed 16 points, five rebounds and two assists. Brandon Ingram finished with 15 points, six assists, four boards, one steal and one block.
The 76ers remain on the road and visit the Boston Celtics on Friday night, while the Pelicans remain home and host the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night as well.
Grizzlies Earn First Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 105-91, at FedEx Forum on Wednesday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start, as the Jazz led by one point after one quarter. The hosts turned it up a notch in the second and outscored the Jazz, 36-17, in the quarter to claim an 18-point advantage by halftime. The visitors had no answers in the third, while the Grizzlies stayed in control and pushed it to a 21-point difference heading into the final frame. The Jazz put up a solid effort in the fourth, but it was too little, too late, as the Grizzlies closed out their first home win of the season.
Jaren Jackson led the way for the Grizzlies, with 20 points, six rebounds, a steal and six blocks, in 35 minutes. David Roddy followed up with 19 points and six rebounds, while Desmond Bane totaled 17 points, seven rebounds, nine assists and three steals.
Meanwhile, John Collins led the Jazz with 17 points, four rebounds and a steal in 29 minutes. Simone Fontecchio tallied 12 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Jordan Clarkson finished with 12 points, three rebounds and five assists.
The Jazz (6-12) will look to bounce back as they face the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Thursday. The Grizzlies (4-13) take on the Mavs in Dallas on Friday.
The game got out to a competitive start, as the Jazz led by one point after one quarter. The hosts turned it up a notch in the second and outscored the Jazz, 36-17, in the quarter to claim an 18-point advantage by halftime. The visitors had no answers in the third, while the Grizzlies stayed in control and pushed it to a 21-point difference heading into the final frame. The Jazz put up a solid effort in the fourth, but it was too little, too late, as the Grizzlies closed out their first home win of the season.
Jaren Jackson led the way for the Grizzlies, with 20 points, six rebounds, a steal and six blocks, in 35 minutes. David Roddy followed up with 19 points and six rebounds, while Desmond Bane totaled 17 points, seven rebounds, nine assists and three steals.
Meanwhile, John Collins led the Jazz with 17 points, four rebounds and a steal in 29 minutes. Simone Fontecchio tallied 12 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Jordan Clarkson finished with 12 points, three rebounds and five assists.
The Jazz (6-12) will look to bounce back as they face the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Thursday. The Grizzlies (4-13) take on the Mavs in Dallas on Friday.
Nuggets Hang On To Remain Undefeated At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 134-124, at Ball Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Nuggets jumped out to a great start with a 41-26, lead after one quarter. The visitors picked up their play in the second, but the Nuggets stayed in control and took a 17-point cushion into the break. The Rockets kept up the fight in the third and managed to trim the deficit back to 11, heading into the final quarter. They continued to press in the fourth, but the Nuggets did not give up much ground and held on for their third straight win. This marks the second straight loss for the Rockets, who fall to 0-7 on the road.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 32 points, 10 rebounds, 15 assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Michael Porter followed up with 30 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and a steal, while Jamal Murray finished with 16 points, six rebounds and six assists, in his first game back from injury.
Meanwhile, Jalen Green led the Rockets with 26 points, six rebounds, nine assists and a block, in 34 minutes. Alperen Sengun followed up with 22 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Jabari Smith added 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a block.
The Rockets (8-8) will look to bounce back as they take on the Lakers in L.A. on Saturday. The Nuggets (13-6) clash with the Suns in Phoenix on Friday.
The Nuggets jumped out to a great start with a 41-26, lead after one quarter. The visitors picked up their play in the second, but the Nuggets stayed in control and took a 17-point cushion into the break. The Rockets kept up the fight in the third and managed to trim the deficit back to 11, heading into the final quarter. They continued to press in the fourth, but the Nuggets did not give up much ground and held on for their third straight win. This marks the second straight loss for the Rockets, who fall to 0-7 on the road.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 32 points, 10 rebounds, 15 assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Michael Porter followed up with 30 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and a steal, while Jamal Murray finished with 16 points, six rebounds and six assists, in his first game back from injury.
Meanwhile, Jalen Green led the Rockets with 26 points, six rebounds, nine assists and a block, in 34 minutes. Alperen Sengun followed up with 22 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Jabari Smith added 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a block.
The Rockets (8-8) will look to bounce back as they take on the Lakers in L.A. on Saturday. The Nuggets (13-6) clash with the Suns in Phoenix on Friday.
Clippers Defeat Kings, 131-117
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the host Sacramento Kings, 131-117, at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday.
A 35-27 first quarter set the foundation for Los Angeles in this victory, closing things out with a 37-23 second quarter. They got their lead up to 23 points at times and led by at least 13 points for the final 28 minutes of this game. The Clippers shot 54 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range while holding the Kings to 47 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range. Los Angeles recorded 28 assists to four turnovers, while Sacramento had 22 assists to 14 turnovers. The Clips also recorded eight steals and five blocks, while the Kings had just one steal and two blocks.
The Clippers (8-9) were led by Kawhi Leonard, collecting 34 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks on 14-of-18 from the field. James Harden tallied 26 points, three rebounds, six assists and five steals. Paul George provided 19 points, three rebounds and seven assists. Terance Mann scored 18 points, while Ivica Zubac generated 14 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Russell Westbrook led the bench with nine points, five rebounds and eight assists.
The Kings (10-7) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 40 points, five rebounds and three assists. Domantas Sabonis had 11 points, five rebounds and three assists. Malik Monk led the bench with 15 points, four rebounds and two assists. Harrison Barnes amassed nine points, five rebounds and four assists, while Kevin Huerter totaled seven points, five rebounds and five assists.
Los Angeles has to play again on Thursday, traveling to face the Golden State Warriors. As for Sacramento, they return to action on Saturday in a home matchup with the Denver Nuggets.
A 35-27 first quarter set the foundation for Los Angeles in this victory, closing things out with a 37-23 second quarter. They got their lead up to 23 points at times and led by at least 13 points for the final 28 minutes of this game. The Clippers shot 54 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range while holding the Kings to 47 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range. Los Angeles recorded 28 assists to four turnovers, while Sacramento had 22 assists to 14 turnovers. The Clips also recorded eight steals and five blocks, while the Kings had just one steal and two blocks.
The Clippers (8-9) were led by Kawhi Leonard, collecting 34 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks on 14-of-18 from the field. James Harden tallied 26 points, three rebounds, six assists and five steals. Paul George provided 19 points, three rebounds and seven assists. Terance Mann scored 18 points, while Ivica Zubac generated 14 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Russell Westbrook led the bench with nine points, five rebounds and eight assists.
The Kings (10-7) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 40 points, five rebounds and three assists. Domantas Sabonis had 11 points, five rebounds and three assists. Malik Monk led the bench with 15 points, four rebounds and two assists. Harrison Barnes amassed nine points, five rebounds and four assists, while Kevin Huerter totaled seven points, five rebounds and five assists.
Los Angeles has to play again on Thursday, traveling to face the Golden State Warriors. As for Sacramento, they return to action on Saturday in a home matchup with the Denver Nuggets.