Trail Blazers Complete Comeback, Get Past Cavaliers
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 103-95, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Thursday.
The Trail Blazers (6-12) had to come from behind to get past the Cavaliers (10-9) on Thursday. Portland endured a slow start and looked lost in the first quarter, but the team recovered in the second half and managed to win. With the win, the Trail Blazers moved to 4-7 on the road, while the Cavaliers moved to 5-6 at home. Cleveland looked like the better team in the early stages and raced to a 25-22 lead in the first quarter. The Cavaliers boosted their lead even further in the second quarter and extended their advantage to six points after a 21-18 score. The Trail Blazers responded with a 34-29 score in the third quarter, meaning this game was just a one-point contest with 12 minutes left. The Trail Blazers dominated the final quarter and outscored their rivals by a 29-20 score, completing the comeback and securing the victory.
Shaedon Sharpe led the way for the Trail Blazers with 29 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Jerami Grant finished with 13 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Malcolm Brogdon posted 11 points, seven assists and three rebounds. Deandre Ayton had 10 points and six rebounds. Duop Reath finished with 13 points. Jabari Walker posted six points and grabbed six rebounds.
Donovan Mitchell was the leading scorer for the Pacers with 23 points, seven rebounds, six assists and four steals. Jarrett Allen had 12 points and 10 rebounds. Evan Mobley delivered 20 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Darius Garland finished with 15 points, seven assists and four rebounds.
The Trail Blazers (6-12) had to come from behind to get past the Cavaliers (10-9) on Thursday. Portland endured a slow start and looked lost in the first quarter, but the team recovered in the second half and managed to win. With the win, the Trail Blazers moved to 4-7 on the road, while the Cavaliers moved to 5-6 at home. Cleveland looked like the better team in the early stages and raced to a 25-22 lead in the first quarter. The Cavaliers boosted their lead even further in the second quarter and extended their advantage to six points after a 21-18 score. The Trail Blazers responded with a 34-29 score in the third quarter, meaning this game was just a one-point contest with 12 minutes left. The Trail Blazers dominated the final quarter and outscored their rivals by a 29-20 score, completing the comeback and securing the victory.
Shaedon Sharpe led the way for the Trail Blazers with 29 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Jerami Grant finished with 13 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Malcolm Brogdon posted 11 points, seven assists and three rebounds. Deandre Ayton had 10 points and six rebounds. Duop Reath finished with 13 points. Jabari Walker posted six points and grabbed six rebounds.
Donovan Mitchell was the leading scorer for the Pacers with 23 points, seven rebounds, six assists and four steals. Jarrett Allen had 12 points and 10 rebounds. Evan Mobley delivered 20 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Darius Garland finished with 15 points, seven assists and four rebounds.
Heat Come From Behind To Defeat Pacers
The Miami Heat defeated the Indiana Pacers, 142-132, at Kaseya Center on Thursday.
The Heat (11-8) had to come from behind to secure a victory against the Pacers (9-8) playing at home despite a slow start. Indiana jumped to a 33-38 lead in the first quarter and looked in control of the contest. The Pacers bolstered their lead even further and made it an eight-point game after a 35-31 score in the second quarter. The Pacers seemed in complete control, but the Heat showed signs of life in the second half after a 33-27 score in the third quarter. The Pacers were still up by two points entering the final quarter, but the Heat completed the comeback. Despite losing Bam Adebayo to injury, Miami won the final quarter by a 45-32 score in the final quarter to seal the victory. The Heat moved to 5-2 at home with the win, while the Pacers fell to 3-3 on the road.
Jimmy Butler was the best player for the Heat and finished with 36 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Kyle Lowry ended with 15 points, three rebounds and three assists. Duncan Robinson finished with 16 points. Bam Adebayo finished with seven points, four rebounds and two assists before exiting with a hip problem. Jaime Jaquez impressed off the bench with 24 points and five rebounds. Jason Richardson delivered 19 points, four rebounds and three assists. Cody Martin had 14 points and five boards.
Tyrese Haliburton recorded 44 points, 10 assists and three steals. Myles Turner ended with 13 points and nine rebounds. Buddy Hield chipped in with 12 points, five rebounds and five assists. Obi Toppin had 25 points. Bruce Brown delivered 15 points and six boards. Benedict Mathurin had 12 points and three rebounds off the bench.
The Heat (11-8) had to come from behind to secure a victory against the Pacers (9-8) playing at home despite a slow start. Indiana jumped to a 33-38 lead in the first quarter and looked in control of the contest. The Pacers bolstered their lead even further and made it an eight-point game after a 35-31 score in the second quarter. The Pacers seemed in complete control, but the Heat showed signs of life in the second half after a 33-27 score in the third quarter. The Pacers were still up by two points entering the final quarter, but the Heat completed the comeback. Despite losing Bam Adebayo to injury, Miami won the final quarter by a 45-32 score in the final quarter to seal the victory. The Heat moved to 5-2 at home with the win, while the Pacers fell to 3-3 on the road.
Jimmy Butler was the best player for the Heat and finished with 36 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Kyle Lowry ended with 15 points, three rebounds and three assists. Duncan Robinson finished with 16 points. Bam Adebayo finished with seven points, four rebounds and two assists before exiting with a hip problem. Jaime Jaquez impressed off the bench with 24 points and five rebounds. Jason Richardson delivered 19 points, four rebounds and three assists. Cody Martin had 14 points and five boards.
Tyrese Haliburton recorded 44 points, 10 assists and three steals. Myles Turner ended with 13 points and nine rebounds. Buddy Hield chipped in with 12 points, five rebounds and five assists. Obi Toppin had 25 points. Bruce Brown delivered 15 points and six boards. Benedict Mathurin had 12 points and three rebounds off the bench.
Hornets Squeeze By Nets, 129-128
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 129-128, at Barclays Center on Thursday night.
The Hornets (6-11) came into the contest missing their best all-around player in LaMelo Ball (ankle), but early on, it seemed evident they wouldn't allow it to deter them. Charlotte was down six after one quarter, but they erased the deficit and went into halftime with a two-point lead courtesy of a 42-point second-quarter haul. Brooklyn had regained a four-point edge heading into the final period, and ultimately, the visitors were able to pull out the victory with the help Terry Rozier's seven points over the final 2:38 after the game was knotted at 120.
Rozier led the Hornets with a 37-point, 13-assist double-double that included four rebounds and two steals. Miles Bridges furnished 23 points, five rebounds and two assists. Gordon Hayward supplied 22 points, six boards and six assists. Bryce McGowens delivered 14 points, three assists, two rebounds and one block. Mark Williams generated a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist, three blocks and one steal. P.J. Washington finished with 10 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks.
Cam Thomas paced the Nets with 26 points, adding two rebounds, one assist and one block. Mikal Bridges registered 22 points, nine rebounds, four assists and one steal. Nic Claxton totaled 20 points, 14 boards, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Cameron Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith posted 15 and 14 points, respectively, while pulling down six rebounds apiece.
The Hornets head back home to play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday afternoon, while the Nets remain home and welcome in the Orlando Magic on Saturday night.
The Hornets (6-11) came into the contest missing their best all-around player in LaMelo Ball (ankle), but early on, it seemed evident they wouldn't allow it to deter them. Charlotte was down six after one quarter, but they erased the deficit and went into halftime with a two-point lead courtesy of a 42-point second-quarter haul. Brooklyn had regained a four-point edge heading into the final period, and ultimately, the visitors were able to pull out the victory with the help Terry Rozier's seven points over the final 2:38 after the game was knotted at 120.
Rozier led the Hornets with a 37-point, 13-assist double-double that included four rebounds and two steals. Miles Bridges furnished 23 points, five rebounds and two assists. Gordon Hayward supplied 22 points, six boards and six assists. Bryce McGowens delivered 14 points, three assists, two rebounds and one block. Mark Williams generated a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist, three blocks and one steal. P.J. Washington finished with 10 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks.
Cam Thomas paced the Nets with 26 points, adding two rebounds, one assist and one block. Mikal Bridges registered 22 points, nine rebounds, four assists and one steal. Nic Claxton totaled 20 points, 14 boards, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Cameron Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith posted 15 and 14 points, respectively, while pulling down six rebounds apiece.
The Hornets head back home to play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday afternoon, while the Nets remain home and welcome in the Orlando Magic on Saturday night.
Knicks Get Past Pistons, 118-112
The New York Knicks defeated the Detroit Pistons, 118-112, at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night.
The Knicks (11-7) came out of the gate clicking on all cylinders, racing out to a 31-17 lead through one. However, the Pistons (2-17), which had recently been criticized by their head coach Monty Williams for a lack of fight, impressively erased the entirety of their 14-point deficit prior to halftime. Detroit even took a two-point advantage into the final period with a 33-point third quarter, but New York regained the lead for good just after the nine-minute mark and held off the visitors the rest of the way.
Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 31 points, complementing them with eight assists, two rebounds and two steals. Killian Hayes provided 23 points, four assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Marcus Sasser supplied 17 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal. Jalen Duren generated a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double that included two assists.
Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with 42 points, supplementing them with eight assists, six rebounds and one steal. Julius Randle generated a 29-point, 10-rebound double-double that included eight assists and one block. R.J Barrett registered 15 points, two assists and one rebound. Donte DiVincenzo managed 12 points, three rebounds, two assists and one block.
The Pistons return home to host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night, while the Knicks visit the Toronto Raptors on Friday night.
The Knicks (11-7) came out of the gate clicking on all cylinders, racing out to a 31-17 lead through one. However, the Pistons (2-17), which had recently been criticized by their head coach Monty Williams for a lack of fight, impressively erased the entirety of their 14-point deficit prior to halftime. Detroit even took a two-point advantage into the final period with a 33-point third quarter, but New York regained the lead for good just after the nine-minute mark and held off the visitors the rest of the way.
Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 31 points, complementing them with eight assists, two rebounds and two steals. Killian Hayes provided 23 points, four assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Marcus Sasser supplied 17 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal. Jalen Duren generated a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double that included two assists.
Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with 42 points, supplementing them with eight assists, six rebounds and one steal. Julius Randle generated a 29-point, 10-rebound double-double that included eight assists and one block. R.J Barrett registered 15 points, two assists and one rebound. Donte DiVincenzo managed 12 points, three rebounds, two assists and one block.
The Pistons return home to host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night, while the Knicks visit the Toronto Raptors on Friday night.
Bulls Topple Bucks in OT, 120-113
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, 120-113, in overtime at United Center on Thursday night.
The Bulls (6-14) came out of a hotly contested first quarter with a two-point lead, but the Bucks (13-6) had taken a six-point advantage by halftime. Chicago returned the favor in the third quarter and built as much as a 12-point edge just before the halfway point of the final period before Milwaukee finished on a 24-12 run over the final 6:34 of regulation to force the extra period. However, the hosts bounced back in OT to sting the visitors with their own strong stretch of play, finishing on an 11-3 run in the final 2:28 after falling behind by one.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 26 points, complementing them with 14 rebounds, five assists, five blocks and two assists. Brook Lopez totaled 20 points and four boards. Malik Beasley followed with 19 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Damian Lillard generated an 18-point, 13-assist double-double that included five rebounds, two steals and one block.
Nikola Vucevic generated a 29-point, 10-rebound double-double that included six assists and one steal. Coby White supplied 23 points, seven assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Ayo Dosunmu offered 14 points, six rebounds, six assists and three steals. Patrick Williams supplied 12 points, two rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Jevon Carter and Alex Caruso had 11 points apiece, with the latter adding five assists. Andre Drummond and Torrey Craig generate matching 10-point efforts while pulling down 14 and eight boards, respectively.
The Bucks return home to host the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night, while the Bulls host the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night as well.
The Bulls (6-14) came out of a hotly contested first quarter with a two-point lead, but the Bucks (13-6) had taken a six-point advantage by halftime. Chicago returned the favor in the third quarter and built as much as a 12-point edge just before the halfway point of the final period before Milwaukee finished on a 24-12 run over the final 6:34 of regulation to force the extra period. However, the hosts bounced back in OT to sting the visitors with their own strong stretch of play, finishing on an 11-3 run in the final 2:28 after falling behind by one.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 26 points, complementing them with 14 rebounds, five assists, five blocks and two assists. Brook Lopez totaled 20 points and four boards. Malik Beasley followed with 19 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Damian Lillard generated an 18-point, 13-assist double-double that included five rebounds, two steals and one block.
Nikola Vucevic generated a 29-point, 10-rebound double-double that included six assists and one steal. Coby White supplied 23 points, seven assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Ayo Dosunmu offered 14 points, six rebounds, six assists and three steals. Patrick Williams supplied 12 points, two rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Jevon Carter and Alex Caruso had 11 points apiece, with the latter adding five assists. Andre Drummond and Torrey Craig generate matching 10-point efforts while pulling down 14 and eight boards, respectively.
The Bucks return home to host the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night, while the Bulls host the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night as well.
Timberwolves Rally At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 101-90, at Target Center on Thursday evening.
The Timberwolves picked up their third straight win and improved to, 9-1, at home. The game got out to a competitive start as the Jazz held a, 23-20, lead after one quarter. The visitors pushed their lead up to 12 points early in the second, but the Timberwolves rallied to take a two-point lead into the break. The hosts kept the momentum going in the third and outscored the visitors, 35-19, in the quarter to make it an 18-point game heading into the final frame. The Jazz gave a solid effort in the fourth but did not have enough to make a difference, as they fell to, 1-9, on the road.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the way for the Timberwolves with 32 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, in 37 minutes. Nickeil Alexander-Walker followed up with 20 points, five rebounds, seven assists, five steals and two blocks, while Rudy Gobert totaled 15 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks.
Meanwhile, Simone Fontecchio led the Jazz with 16 points, five rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 34 minutes. Collin Sexton followed up with 14 points, three rebounds and four assists, while Ochai Agbaji added 13 points, six rebounds, three assists and four steals.
The Jazz (6-13) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Trail Blazers on Saturday. The Timberwolves (14-4) take on the Hornets in Charlotte on Saturday.
The Timberwolves picked up their third straight win and improved to, 9-1, at home. The game got out to a competitive start as the Jazz held a, 23-20, lead after one quarter. The visitors pushed their lead up to 12 points early in the second, but the Timberwolves rallied to take a two-point lead into the break. The hosts kept the momentum going in the third and outscored the visitors, 35-19, in the quarter to make it an 18-point game heading into the final frame. The Jazz gave a solid effort in the fourth but did not have enough to make a difference, as they fell to, 1-9, on the road.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the way for the Timberwolves with 32 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, in 37 minutes. Nickeil Alexander-Walker followed up with 20 points, five rebounds, seven assists, five steals and two blocks, while Rudy Gobert totaled 15 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks.
Meanwhile, Simone Fontecchio led the Jazz with 16 points, five rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 34 minutes. Collin Sexton followed up with 14 points, three rebounds and four assists, while Ochai Agbaji added 13 points, six rebounds, three assists and four steals.
The Jazz (6-13) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Trail Blazers on Saturday. The Timberwolves (14-4) take on the Hornets in Charlotte on Saturday.
Hawks Rally To Top Spurs
By Dan Bruno
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 137-135, at Frost Bank Center on Thursday evening.
The Spurs jumped out to a strong start and led, 35-26, after one quarter. The Hawks brought a better effort in the second and chipped five points off the deficit, making it four-point game at the break. Both sides came out with pace in the third quarter, pouring in 39 points apiece, as it remained a four-point advantage for the hosts heading into the final quarter. The Spurs stayed in front for the first half of the quarter, but the Hawks tied it up at the six-minute mark and proceeded to take control down the stretch, closing out the road win. This marks the 13th straight loss for the Spurs.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 45 points, four rebounds, 14 assists and two steals, in 40 minutes. Dejounte Murray followed up with 24 points, three rebounds, two assists and five steals, while Bogdan Bogdanovic added 14 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Sochan led the Spurs with 33 points, eight rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Keldon Johnson delivered 22 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Victor Wembanyama totaled 21 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, two steals and four blocks.
The Spurs (3-15) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Pelicans in New Orleans on Friday. The Hawks (9-9) take on the Bucks in Milwaukee on Saturday.
The Spurs jumped out to a strong start and led, 35-26, after one quarter. The Hawks brought a better effort in the second and chipped five points off the deficit, making it four-point game at the break. Both sides came out with pace in the third quarter, pouring in 39 points apiece, as it remained a four-point advantage for the hosts heading into the final quarter. The Spurs stayed in front for the first half of the quarter, but the Hawks tied it up at the six-minute mark and proceeded to take control down the stretch, closing out the road win. This marks the 13th straight loss for the Spurs.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 45 points, four rebounds, 14 assists and two steals, in 40 minutes. Dejounte Murray followed up with 24 points, three rebounds, two assists and five steals, while Bogdan Bogdanovic added 14 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Sochan led the Spurs with 33 points, eight rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Keldon Johnson delivered 22 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Victor Wembanyama totaled 21 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, two steals and four blocks.
The Spurs (3-15) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Pelicans in New Orleans on Friday. The Hawks (9-9) take on the Bucks in Milwaukee on Saturday.
Thunder Defeat Lakers, 133-110
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, 133-110, at Chesapeake Arena on Thursday.
While Los Angeles got out to a 14-point lead in the first quarter, Oklahoma City took command with a 42-23 second quarter. That allowed them to maintain the lead for the entirety of the second half, maintaining a 15-point lead for the closing 20 minutes of this game. They got their lead up to 23 points at times. The Thunder shot 53 percent from the field while holding the Lakers to 44 percent shooting. OKC also had 29 assists to seven turnovers, while LA had 24 assists to 14 turnovers.
The Lakers (11-9) were led by Anthony Davis, tallying 31 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and two steals. LeBron James collected 21 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. D'Angelo Russell registered 16 points, three rebounds and 10 assists. Austin Reaves led the bench with 14 points, two rebounds and three assists.
The Thunder (12-6) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, accruing 33 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Chet Holmgren had 18 points, five rebounds and two steals. Josh Giddey amassed 14 points and eight rebounds, while Luguentz Dort accumulated 12 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Saturday, with Oklahoma City traveling to face the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles returning home to play the Houston Rockets.
While Los Angeles got out to a 14-point lead in the first quarter, Oklahoma City took command with a 42-23 second quarter. That allowed them to maintain the lead for the entirety of the second half, maintaining a 15-point lead for the closing 20 minutes of this game. They got their lead up to 23 points at times. The Thunder shot 53 percent from the field while holding the Lakers to 44 percent shooting. OKC also had 29 assists to seven turnovers, while LA had 24 assists to 14 turnovers.
The Lakers (11-9) were led by Anthony Davis, tallying 31 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and two steals. LeBron James collected 21 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. D'Angelo Russell registered 16 points, three rebounds and 10 assists. Austin Reaves led the bench with 14 points, two rebounds and three assists.
The Thunder (12-6) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, accruing 33 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Chet Holmgren had 18 points, five rebounds and two steals. Josh Giddey amassed 14 points and eight rebounds, while Luguentz Dort accumulated 12 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Saturday, with Oklahoma City traveling to face the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles returning home to play the Houston Rockets.
Warriors Defeat Clippers, 120-114
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Los Angeles Clippers, 120-114, at Chase Center on Thursday.
A 31-24 first quarter carried Golden State to their win, with Los Angeles never attempting a game-tying shot over the final three frames. The Warriors led by at least five points for the final 20 minutes and got their lead up to 18 points at times. Golden State shot 50 percent from the field while holding Los Angeles to 44 percent shooting. The Warriors out-rebounded the Clippers, 60-48, while out-assisting them, 30-26. The two teams only combined for 13 turnovers.
The Clippers (8-10) were led by Kawhi Leonard, collecting 23 points, seven rebounds and two steals, James Harden had 18 points, three rebounds and seven assists. Ivica Zubac amassed 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Paul George provided 15 points and 10 assists. Russell Westbrook led the bench with 14 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.
The Warriors (9-10) were led by Stephen Curry, compiling 26 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Klay Thompson tallied 22 points, six rebounds and two assists. Draymond Green generated 13 points, five rebounds and five assists. Jonathan Kuminga led the bench with 17 points, six rebounds and three assists. Dario Saric and Brandin Podziemski also dropped 13 points apiece off the bench as well.
These teams will have a rematch on Saturday for their next outing.
A 31-24 first quarter carried Golden State to their win, with Los Angeles never attempting a game-tying shot over the final three frames. The Warriors led by at least five points for the final 20 minutes and got their lead up to 18 points at times. Golden State shot 50 percent from the field while holding Los Angeles to 44 percent shooting. The Warriors out-rebounded the Clippers, 60-48, while out-assisting them, 30-26. The two teams only combined for 13 turnovers.
The Clippers (8-10) were led by Kawhi Leonard, collecting 23 points, seven rebounds and two steals, James Harden had 18 points, three rebounds and seven assists. Ivica Zubac amassed 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Paul George provided 15 points and 10 assists. Russell Westbrook led the bench with 14 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.
The Warriors (9-10) were led by Stephen Curry, compiling 26 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Klay Thompson tallied 22 points, six rebounds and two assists. Draymond Green generated 13 points, five rebounds and five assists. Jonathan Kuminga led the bench with 17 points, six rebounds and three assists. Dario Saric and Brandin Podziemski also dropped 13 points apiece off the bench as well.
These teams will have a rematch on Saturday for their next outing.