Warriors Melt In Road Loss To Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Golden State Warriors, 113-112, at crypto.com Arena on Saturday.
The Clippers (9-10) and the Warriors (9-11) played a tight contest Saturday, but the Warriors should have felt they deserved a better outcome. Golden State led throughout the game, but the team could not close things out down the stretch, and the Clippers took advantage of that to steal the win in the final minutes. The Warriors grabbed an 11-point lead (33-22) and looked in complete control early on, and they bolstered their advantage to 19 points following a 34-26 score in the second quarter. The Clippers showed the will to fight and outscored Golden State by a 37-25 score in the third quarter, and they had all the momentum going their way. The Warriors remained in control until the very last stages of the game, but the Clippers completed the comeback with a late three-pointer from Paul George, and the Warriors could not respond in the final possession of the game. With the win, the Warriors fell to 5-5 on the road, while the Clippers moved to 6-3 at home.
Paul George was the star of the game for the Clippers because, outside of hitting the game-winning shot, he finished with a team-high 25 points while adding six rebounds and six assists. James Harden ended with 21 points, nine assists and five rebounds. Kawhi Leonard posted 20 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Ivica Zubac notched 12 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. Daniel Theis and Norman Powell each had 12 points off the bench.
Stephen Curry led the way for the Warriors with 22 points and 11 assists despite struggling with his shot (7-18 FG). Moses Moody ended with 21 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Draymond Green also had 21 points while adding nine rebounds and four assists. Klay Thompson posted 17 points, six rebounds and two assists. Brandin Podziemski added 12 points, six rebounds, three assists and two blocks off the bench.
The Clippers (9-10) and the Warriors (9-11) played a tight contest Saturday, but the Warriors should have felt they deserved a better outcome. Golden State led throughout the game, but the team could not close things out down the stretch, and the Clippers took advantage of that to steal the win in the final minutes. The Warriors grabbed an 11-point lead (33-22) and looked in complete control early on, and they bolstered their advantage to 19 points following a 34-26 score in the second quarter. The Clippers showed the will to fight and outscored Golden State by a 37-25 score in the third quarter, and they had all the momentum going their way. The Warriors remained in control until the very last stages of the game, but the Clippers completed the comeback with a late three-pointer from Paul George, and the Warriors could not respond in the final possession of the game. With the win, the Warriors fell to 5-5 on the road, while the Clippers moved to 6-3 at home.
Paul George was the star of the game for the Clippers because, outside of hitting the game-winning shot, he finished with a team-high 25 points while adding six rebounds and six assists. James Harden ended with 21 points, nine assists and five rebounds. Kawhi Leonard posted 20 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Ivica Zubac notched 12 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. Daniel Theis and Norman Powell each had 12 points off the bench.
Stephen Curry led the way for the Warriors with 22 points and 11 assists despite struggling with his shot (7-18 FG). Moses Moody ended with 21 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Draymond Green also had 21 points while adding nine rebounds and four assists. Klay Thompson posted 17 points, six rebounds and two assists. Brandin Podziemski added 12 points, six rebounds, three assists and two blocks off the bench.
Timberwolves Hold On To Defeat Hornets
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 123-117, at Spectrum Center on Saturday.
The Timberwolves (15-4) completed a huge win over the Hornets (6-12), though things were quite close at times. Charlotte had the lead until the final minutes of the fourth quarter. However, Minnesota went on an impressive run to seal the win away from home. The Timberwolves enjoyed a solid start to the game and raced to a 30-23 lead in the first quarter. However, the Hornets showed signs of life in the second quarter and responded with a 36-32 score, trimming the deficit to just three points at the halftime break. The Hornets made it a one-point game following a 28-26 score in the third quarter, and they even held a four-point lead late in the fourth quarter. However, Minnesota responded with a 13-3 run to grab a lead they’d never relinquish. The Timberwolves closed the game out and ended up securing a huge win away from home. With the win, the Timberwolves moved to 6-3 on the road, while the Hornets fell to 3-7 at home.
Karl-Anthony Towns was the leading scorer for the Timberwolves and finished with 28 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Rudy Gobert flourished defensively and posted 26 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks. Mike Conley recorded a 14-point, 10-assist double-double while also adding five rebounds. Naz Reid had a massive game off the bench and delivered 23 points, five rebounds and two assists. Kyle Anderson notched 11 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Terry Rozier had 23 points, seven assists and six rebounds to lead the Hornets. Miles Bridges finished with 22 points and four assists. Brandon Miller posted 14 points and five rebounds. Gordon Hayward delivered 17 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Mark Williams had 11 points. P.J. Washington added 18 points off the bench.
The Timberwolves (15-4) completed a huge win over the Hornets (6-12), though things were quite close at times. Charlotte had the lead until the final minutes of the fourth quarter. However, Minnesota went on an impressive run to seal the win away from home. The Timberwolves enjoyed a solid start to the game and raced to a 30-23 lead in the first quarter. However, the Hornets showed signs of life in the second quarter and responded with a 36-32 score, trimming the deficit to just three points at the halftime break. The Hornets made it a one-point game following a 28-26 score in the third quarter, and they even held a four-point lead late in the fourth quarter. However, Minnesota responded with a 13-3 run to grab a lead they’d never relinquish. The Timberwolves closed the game out and ended up securing a huge win away from home. With the win, the Timberwolves moved to 6-3 on the road, while the Hornets fell to 3-7 at home.
Karl-Anthony Towns was the leading scorer for the Timberwolves and finished with 28 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Rudy Gobert flourished defensively and posted 26 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks. Mike Conley recorded a 14-point, 10-assist double-double while also adding five rebounds. Naz Reid had a massive game off the bench and delivered 23 points, five rebounds and two assists. Kyle Anderson notched 11 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Terry Rozier had 23 points, seven assists and six rebounds to lead the Hornets. Miles Bridges finished with 22 points and four assists. Brandon Miller posted 14 points and five rebounds. Gordon Hayward delivered 17 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Mark Williams had 11 points. P.J. Washington added 18 points off the bench.
Cavaliers Hold Off Pistons To Secure Win
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Detroit Pistons, 110-101, at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday.
The Cavaliers (11-9) and the Pistons (2-18) engaged in a tight battle. However, the Cavaliers held on every time the Pistons attempted to turn things around, and they escaped with the victory. Detroit looked better early on and raced to a 30-25 lead in the first quarter, but the Cavaliers flipped the script in the second quarter. A sound defensive performance allowed the Cavs to turn things around and grab the lead before the break with a 29-18 score in the second quarter. The Pistons tried to shift the momentum, and they reduced the lead after winning the third quarter by a 34-31 score. However, the Cavaliers didn’t allow their rivals to complete the comeback. Cleveland closed things out by winning the fourth quarter by a 25-19 score. With the win, the Cavaliers moved to 6-3 on the road. Meanwhile, the Pistons fell to 1-9 at home and extended their losing streak to 19 games.
Max Strus and Darius Garland led the way for the Cavaliers here, finishing with 22 points and five assists each. Strus also had five rebounds, while Garland grabbed two boards and recorded three steals. Donovan Mitchell finished with 20 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. Jarrett Allen contributed 19 points and 11 rebounds. Evan Mobley also grabbed 11 rebounds, but he only scored six points. Georges Niang had 12 points off the bench.
Cade Cunningham had 23 points and 11 assists while adding eight rebounds. Jalen Duren had 17 points and 12 rebounds. Isaiah Stewart recorded 11 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Killian Hayes had 13 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Bogdan Bogdanovic mustered 22 points in his first appearance of the season.
The Cavaliers (11-9) and the Pistons (2-18) engaged in a tight battle. However, the Cavaliers held on every time the Pistons attempted to turn things around, and they escaped with the victory. Detroit looked better early on and raced to a 30-25 lead in the first quarter, but the Cavaliers flipped the script in the second quarter. A sound defensive performance allowed the Cavs to turn things around and grab the lead before the break with a 29-18 score in the second quarter. The Pistons tried to shift the momentum, and they reduced the lead after winning the third quarter by a 34-31 score. However, the Cavaliers didn’t allow their rivals to complete the comeback. Cleveland closed things out by winning the fourth quarter by a 25-19 score. With the win, the Cavaliers moved to 6-3 on the road. Meanwhile, the Pistons fell to 1-9 at home and extended their losing streak to 19 games.
Max Strus and Darius Garland led the way for the Cavaliers here, finishing with 22 points and five assists each. Strus also had five rebounds, while Garland grabbed two boards and recorded three steals. Donovan Mitchell finished with 20 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. Jarrett Allen contributed 19 points and 11 rebounds. Evan Mobley also grabbed 11 rebounds, but he only scored six points. Georges Niang had 12 points off the bench.
Cade Cunningham had 23 points and 11 assists while adding eight rebounds. Jalen Duren had 17 points and 12 rebounds. Isaiah Stewart recorded 11 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Killian Hayes had 13 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Bogdan Bogdanovic mustered 22 points in his first appearance of the season.
Nets Blow Out Magic, 129-101
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Orlando Magic, 129-101, at Barclays Center on Saturday night.
The Magic (14-6) came into the contest having racked up nine straight wins, but there were serious signs of trouble virtually from the opening tip. The Nets (10-9) had built a 43-22 lead by the end of the first quarter, and they'd added another point to that advantage by halftime. Orlando would bounce back to play its best quarter by far in the third while shaving nine points from its deficit, but the hosts' 31-16 edge in the final 12 minutes left no doubt as to who was the best team on the floor Saturday.
Franz Wagner and Cole Anthony co-led the Magic with matching 20-point, five-assist tallies while recording seven and five rebounds, respectively. Paolo Banchero generated a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double that included eight assists and one steal. Moritz Wagner netted 18 points.
Mikal Bridges paced the Nets with 42 points, complementing them with five rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal. Spencer Dinwiddie managed 22 points, four rebounds and three assists. Cam Thomas supplied 20 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Cameron Johnson furnished 14 points, seven boards and three assists. Dorian Finney-Smith produced a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double that included six assists, two steals and one block.
The Magic remains on the road and visits the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night, while the Nets hit the road and visit the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night as well.
The Magic (14-6) came into the contest having racked up nine straight wins, but there were serious signs of trouble virtually from the opening tip. The Nets (10-9) had built a 43-22 lead by the end of the first quarter, and they'd added another point to that advantage by halftime. Orlando would bounce back to play its best quarter by far in the third while shaving nine points from its deficit, but the hosts' 31-16 edge in the final 12 minutes left no doubt as to who was the best team on the floor Saturday.
Franz Wagner and Cole Anthony co-led the Magic with matching 20-point, five-assist tallies while recording seven and five rebounds, respectively. Paolo Banchero generated a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double that included eight assists and one steal. Moritz Wagner netted 18 points.
Mikal Bridges paced the Nets with 42 points, complementing them with five rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal. Spencer Dinwiddie managed 22 points, four rebounds and three assists. Cam Thomas supplied 20 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Cameron Johnson furnished 14 points, seven boards and three assists. Dorian Finney-Smith produced a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double that included six assists, two steals and one block.
The Magic remains on the road and visits the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night, while the Nets hit the road and visit the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night as well.
Bulls Outlast Pelicans, 124-118
The Chicago Bulls defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 124-118, at United Center on Saturday night.
The Bulls (7-14) came in down a key asset in Zach LaVine (foot), but Chicago forged a 32-29 lead over the Pelicans (11-10) in the first 12 minutes. However, New Orleans erased the entirety of its deficit in the second quarter and took an eight-point advantage into halftime. Nevertheless, the hosts retook control of the game in convincing fashion during a third period in which they outscored the visitors by a 36-21 margin, and after the Pelicans fought all the way back to knot the game at 98, the Bulls were able to regain the lead for good to squeak out the victory.
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 27 points, complementing them with five rebounds, three assists and one steal. Brandon Ingram furnished 23 points, six rebounds, six assists and three steals. Herbert Jones supplied 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist.
Coby White paced the Bulls with 31 points. supplementing them with nine rebounds, six assists and one steal. DeMar DeRozan produced a 24-point, 10-assist double-double that included five rebounds. Torrey Craig and Ayo Dosunmu posted 15 points apiece, with Craig adding six boards. Patrick Williams registered 14 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Pelicans remain on the road and visit the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday in an In-Season Tournament Knockout Round game, while the Bulls remain home and host the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night.
The Bulls (7-14) came in down a key asset in Zach LaVine (foot), but Chicago forged a 32-29 lead over the Pelicans (11-10) in the first 12 minutes. However, New Orleans erased the entirety of its deficit in the second quarter and took an eight-point advantage into halftime. Nevertheless, the hosts retook control of the game in convincing fashion during a third period in which they outscored the visitors by a 36-21 margin, and after the Pelicans fought all the way back to knot the game at 98, the Bulls were able to regain the lead for good to squeak out the victory.
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 27 points, complementing them with five rebounds, three assists and one steal. Brandon Ingram furnished 23 points, six rebounds, six assists and three steals. Herbert Jones supplied 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist.
Coby White paced the Bulls with 31 points. supplementing them with nine rebounds, six assists and one steal. DeMar DeRozan produced a 24-point, 10-assist double-double that included five rebounds. Torrey Craig and Ayo Dosunmu posted 15 points apiece, with Craig adding six boards. Patrick Williams registered 14 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Pelicans remain on the road and visit the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday in an In-Season Tournament Knockout Round game, while the Bulls remain home and host the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night.
Pacers Topple Heat, 144-129
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Miami Heat, 144-129, at Kaseya Center on Saturday night.
Both teams came into the contest missing critically important players, with Tyrese Haliburton (knee) and Bam Adebayo (hip) both ruled out. The Heat (11-9) emerged from the first quarter with a six-point lead, but the Pacers (10-8) had erased the entirety of the deficit by halftime with a 40-point total. Indiana kept its foot on the gas in the third, building an eight-point advantage with a 41-point tally in the third and then sealing the victory with a 38-point tally in the final 12 minutes.
Bruce Brown led the Pacers with 30 points, adding four rebounds and two assists. Obi Toppin supplied 22 points, two rebounds, two assists, four blocks and one steal. T.J. McConnell and Aaron Nesmith produced 20 points apiece while adding 11 assists and four rebounds, respectively. Myles Turner registered 17 points, 10 rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Bennedict Mathurin totaled 16 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Jimmy Butler paced the Heat with 33 points, supplementing them with five rebounds and five assists. Caleb Martin managed 18 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Duncan Robinson delivered 17 points, three assists and two rebounds. Orlando Robinson and Josh Richardson contributed matching 16-point, three-assist efforts while adding five and two rebounds, respectively. Kevin Love managed 14 points, five assists and one rebound. Jaime Jaquez finished with 11 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Pacers host the Boston Celtics in an In-Season Tournament Knockout Round game Tuesday night, while the Heat visit the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night.
Both teams came into the contest missing critically important players, with Tyrese Haliburton (knee) and Bam Adebayo (hip) both ruled out. The Heat (11-9) emerged from the first quarter with a six-point lead, but the Pacers (10-8) had erased the entirety of the deficit by halftime with a 40-point total. Indiana kept its foot on the gas in the third, building an eight-point advantage with a 41-point tally in the third and then sealing the victory with a 38-point tally in the final 12 minutes.
Bruce Brown led the Pacers with 30 points, adding four rebounds and two assists. Obi Toppin supplied 22 points, two rebounds, two assists, four blocks and one steal. T.J. McConnell and Aaron Nesmith produced 20 points apiece while adding 11 assists and four rebounds, respectively. Myles Turner registered 17 points, 10 rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Bennedict Mathurin totaled 16 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Jimmy Butler paced the Heat with 33 points, supplementing them with five rebounds and five assists. Caleb Martin managed 18 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Duncan Robinson delivered 17 points, three assists and two rebounds. Orlando Robinson and Josh Richardson contributed matching 16-point, three-assist efforts while adding five and two rebounds, respectively. Kevin Love managed 14 points, five assists and one rebound. Jaime Jaquez finished with 11 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Pacers host the Boston Celtics in an In-Season Tournament Knockout Round game Tuesday night, while the Heat visit the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night.
Bucks Finish Strong Over Hawks
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Atlanta Hawks, 132-121, at Fiserv Forum on Saturday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Bucks led, 42-37, after one quarter. It stayed tight through the second as the hosts led most of the way, before taking a four-point advantage into the break. The Hawks grabbed the edge early in third and stayed in front for most of the quarter, holding on to a two-point lead going into the final frame. The score stayed tight to start the fourth, but the Bucks picked up momentum as time counted down and closed out the win to improve to 9-1 at home.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 32 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and a block, in 36 minutes. Damian Lillard followed up with 25 points, six rebounds, nine assists and a steal, while Cameron Payne tallied 18 points, three rebounds and two assists, off the bench.
Meanwhile, Trae Young led the Hawks with 32 points, two rebounds, 12 assists and two steals, in 37 minutes. Dejounte Murray followed up with 30 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Saddiq Bey tallied 17 points and nine rebounds.
The Hawks (9-10) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nets on Wednesday. The Bucks (14-6) play host to the Knicks on Tuesday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Bucks led, 42-37, after one quarter. It stayed tight through the second as the hosts led most of the way, before taking a four-point advantage into the break. The Hawks grabbed the edge early in third and stayed in front for most of the quarter, holding on to a two-point lead going into the final frame. The score stayed tight to start the fourth, but the Bucks picked up momentum as time counted down and closed out the win to improve to 9-1 at home.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 32 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and a block, in 36 minutes. Damian Lillard followed up with 25 points, six rebounds, nine assists and a steal, while Cameron Payne tallied 18 points, three rebounds and two assists, off the bench.
Meanwhile, Trae Young led the Hawks with 32 points, two rebounds, 12 assists and two steals, in 37 minutes. Dejounte Murray followed up with 30 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Saddiq Bey tallied 17 points and nine rebounds.
The Hawks (9-10) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nets on Wednesday. The Bucks (14-6) play host to the Knicks on Tuesday.
Thunder Hold Off Mavs' Rally
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the host Dallas Mavericks, 126-120, at American Airlines Center on Saturday evening.
The Mavs got out to an early lead, but the Thunder pushed to a six-point advantage heading into the second. The visitors kept the momentum going in the second and outscored the Mavs by 10 points in the quarter, to claim a 16-point lead by halftime. The Mavs did not have any answers in the third and fell behind by as many as 24 points, before trailing by 23, going into the fourth. The hosts did not give up and mounted a furious rally to claim a six-point lead, but they fell apart in the clutch, as the Thunder took over again to close out their second straight win.
Eight players scored in double digits for the Thunder, led by Jalen Williams, who finished with 23 points, five rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 30 minutes. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander followed up with 17 points, three rebounds, nine assists, five steals and a block, while Davis Bertans and Cason Wallace added 15 points each, off the bench.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 36 points, 15 rebounds, 18 assists, two steals and two blocks, in 46 minutes. Derrick Jones followed up with 24 points, four rebounds, a steal and a block, while Dereck Lively totaled 20 points, 16 rebounds, a steal and seven blocks.
The Mavericks (11-8) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Jazz on Wednesday. The Thunder (13-6) take on the Rockets in Houston on Wednesday.
The Mavs got out to an early lead, but the Thunder pushed to a six-point advantage heading into the second. The visitors kept the momentum going in the second and outscored the Mavs by 10 points in the quarter, to claim a 16-point lead by halftime. The Mavs did not have any answers in the third and fell behind by as many as 24 points, before trailing by 23, going into the fourth. The hosts did not give up and mounted a furious rally to claim a six-point lead, but they fell apart in the clutch, as the Thunder took over again to close out their second straight win.
Eight players scored in double digits for the Thunder, led by Jalen Williams, who finished with 23 points, five rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 30 minutes. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander followed up with 17 points, three rebounds, nine assists, five steals and a block, while Davis Bertans and Cason Wallace added 15 points each, off the bench.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 36 points, 15 rebounds, 18 assists, two steals and two blocks, in 46 minutes. Derrick Jones followed up with 24 points, four rebounds, a steal and a block, while Dereck Lively totaled 20 points, 16 rebounds, a steal and seven blocks.
The Mavericks (11-8) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Jazz on Wednesday. The Thunder (13-6) take on the Rockets in Houston on Wednesday.
Suns Come Out On Top In Memphis
By Dan Bruno
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, 116-109, at Footprint Center on Saturday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the score was tied at 27, after one quarter. Neither side could break away in the second, but the Grizzlies held a one-point edge at halftime. The Suns turned it up a notch in the third and outscored the visitors by 13 points in the quarter to take a 12-point advantage into the final frame. The Grizzlies kept up the fight in the fourth but could not complete the rally, as the Suns close out the win and end a two-game slide.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 34 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and a steal, in 37 minutes. Kevin Durant followed up with 27 points, two rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, while Jusuf Nurkic logged 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block.
Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies with 37 points, nine rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, in 35 minutes. Desmond Bane followed up with 27 points, three rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block, while Vince Williams chipped in 12 points, six rebounds and two assists.
The Grizzlies (5-14) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pistons in Detroit on Wednesday. The Suns (12-8) clash with the Lakers in L.A. on Tuesday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the score was tied at 27, after one quarter. Neither side could break away in the second, but the Grizzlies held a one-point edge at halftime. The Suns turned it up a notch in the third and outscored the visitors by 13 points in the quarter to take a 12-point advantage into the final frame. The Grizzlies kept up the fight in the fourth but could not complete the rally, as the Suns close out the win and end a two-game slide.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 34 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and a steal, in 37 minutes. Kevin Durant followed up with 27 points, two rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, while Jusuf Nurkic logged 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block.
Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies with 37 points, nine rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, in 35 minutes. Desmond Bane followed up with 27 points, three rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block, while Vince Williams chipped in 12 points, six rebounds and two assists.
The Grizzlies (5-14) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pistons in Detroit on Wednesday. The Suns (12-8) clash with the Lakers in L.A. on Tuesday.
Jazz Defeat Blazers in OT, 118-113
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Portland Trail Blazers in OT, 118-113, at Vivint Arena on Saturday.
There were seven ties and 11 lead changes in this game, taking an overtime session to determine a winner. With that said, Utah never relinquished the lead in the second half, riding a 12-7 overtime session to their victory. The Jazz shot 49 percent from the field while holding the Trail Blazers to 40 percent shooting. Utah out-assisted Portland, 27-17, while out-rebounding them, 64-49. They also outscored them in the paint, 68-42, while doubling them up in second-chance points, 24-12.
The Trail Blazers (6-13) were led by Malcolm Brogdon, collecting 25 points, three rebounds, six assists and two steals. Shaedon Sharpe tallied 25 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. DeAndre Ayton amassed 10 points and 11 rebounds, while Scoot Henderson led the bench with 17 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Jazz (7-13) were led by Collin Sexton, providing 25 points, four rebounds and five assists off of the bench. Keyonte George generated 21 points, six rebounds and six assists. John Collins compiled 17 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three blocks, while Omer Yurtseven had nine points, 15 rebounds and four assists.
Both teams are off until Wednesday, with Portland staying on the road to face the Golden State Warriors and Utah traveling to play the Dallas Mavericks.
There were seven ties and 11 lead changes in this game, taking an overtime session to determine a winner. With that said, Utah never relinquished the lead in the second half, riding a 12-7 overtime session to their victory. The Jazz shot 49 percent from the field while holding the Trail Blazers to 40 percent shooting. Utah out-assisted Portland, 27-17, while out-rebounding them, 64-49. They also outscored them in the paint, 68-42, while doubling them up in second-chance points, 24-12.
The Trail Blazers (6-13) were led by Malcolm Brogdon, collecting 25 points, three rebounds, six assists and two steals. Shaedon Sharpe tallied 25 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. DeAndre Ayton amassed 10 points and 11 rebounds, while Scoot Henderson led the bench with 17 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Jazz (7-13) were led by Collin Sexton, providing 25 points, four rebounds and five assists off of the bench. Keyonte George generated 21 points, six rebounds and six assists. John Collins compiled 17 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three blocks, while Omer Yurtseven had nine points, 15 rebounds and four assists.
Both teams are off until Wednesday, with Portland staying on the road to face the Golden State Warriors and Utah traveling to play the Dallas Mavericks.
Kings Defeat Nuggets, 123-117
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Denver Nuggets, 123-117, at Golden 1 Center on Saturday.
A 39-20 second quarter carried Sacramento to their win, never relinquishing the lead in the second half. In fact, Denver never attempted a game-tying shot in the second half, despite getting it down to a three-point margin in the final minutes. Sacramento shot 47 percent from three-point range (16-of-34) and 73 percent from the free-throw line while Denver shot 24 percent from long range (6-of-25) and 65 percent from the charity stripe. Denver missed their first 11 threes of the game. The Kings also outscored the Nuggets in fastbreak points, 19-11.
The Nuggets (14-7) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 36 points, 13 rebounds, 14 assists and two steals. Reggie Jackson registered 20 points and eight assists. Aaron Gordon accrued 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists, while Michael Porter Jr amassed 13 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
The Kings (11-7) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 26 points, four rebounds, 16 assists and three steals. Domantas Sabonis generated 17 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists. Kevin Huerter had 16 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Malik Monk led the bench with 26 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals.
On deck for the Kings is a home matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday. As for Denver, they return to action on Wednesday in a road matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers.
A 39-20 second quarter carried Sacramento to their win, never relinquishing the lead in the second half. In fact, Denver never attempted a game-tying shot in the second half, despite getting it down to a three-point margin in the final minutes. Sacramento shot 47 percent from three-point range (16-of-34) and 73 percent from the free-throw line while Denver shot 24 percent from long range (6-of-25) and 65 percent from the charity stripe. Denver missed their first 11 threes of the game. The Kings also outscored the Nuggets in fastbreak points, 19-11.
The Nuggets (14-7) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 36 points, 13 rebounds, 14 assists and two steals. Reggie Jackson registered 20 points and eight assists. Aaron Gordon accrued 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists, while Michael Porter Jr amassed 13 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
The Kings (11-7) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 26 points, four rebounds, 16 assists and three steals. Domantas Sabonis generated 17 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists. Kevin Huerter had 16 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Malik Monk led the bench with 26 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals.
On deck for the Kings is a home matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday. As for Denver, they return to action on Wednesday in a road matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Lakers Defeat Rockets, 107-97
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 107-97, at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday.
While Houston got out to an early lead in this game, Los Angeles rode a 35-14 second quarter to this blowout win. They got their lead up to 19 points at times and maintained a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. The Lakers shot 45 percent from the field while holding the Rockets to 40 percent shooting. Los Angeles won the turnover battle, 16-9, while outscoring Houston in the paint, 54-34.
The Rockets (8-9) were led by Fred VanVleet, finishing with 22 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Alperen Sengun amassed 21 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and Jabari Smith all scored 10 points apiece to round out the starting lineup. Smith also provided nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and three blocks.
The Lakers (12-9) were led by Anthony Davis, accumulating 27 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and five blocks. LeBron James tallied 16 points, four rebounds and seven assists. D'Angelo Russell registered nine points, two rebounds, seven assists and five steals, while Austin Reaves led the bench with 18 points, four rebounds and three steals.
On deck for LA is a home matchup with the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday in the NBA In-Season Tournament. As for Houston, they return to action on Wednesday in a home matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
While Houston got out to an early lead in this game, Los Angeles rode a 35-14 second quarter to this blowout win. They got their lead up to 19 points at times and maintained a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. The Lakers shot 45 percent from the field while holding the Rockets to 40 percent shooting. Los Angeles won the turnover battle, 16-9, while outscoring Houston in the paint, 54-34.
The Rockets (8-9) were led by Fred VanVleet, finishing with 22 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Alperen Sengun amassed 21 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and Jabari Smith all scored 10 points apiece to round out the starting lineup. Smith also provided nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and three blocks.
The Lakers (12-9) were led by Anthony Davis, accumulating 27 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and five blocks. LeBron James tallied 16 points, four rebounds and seven assists. D'Angelo Russell registered nine points, two rebounds, seven assists and five steals, while Austin Reaves led the bench with 18 points, four rebounds and three steals.
On deck for LA is a home matchup with the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday in the NBA In-Season Tournament. As for Houston, they return to action on Wednesday in a home matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder.