Cavaliers Use Strong Start To Defeat Magic
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Orlando Magic, 121-111, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Wednesday.
The Cavaliers (12-9) moved to .500 at home following a tight win over the Magic (14-7). Orlando fell to 5-5 on the road. The Cavaliers enjoyed a dominant start and could have cruised to victory. However, the Magic improved as the game went on, but they fell short of completing the comeback. The Cavaliers secured a 37-20 lead after the first quarter, but Orlando showed signs of life following a 32-28 score in the second 12-minute period. A 34-34 score in the third quarter allowed the Cavaliers to keep the momentum going. While the Magic won the final 12 minutes by a 25-22 score, it was enough to complete the comeback. The Cavaliers won the game by a decent margin and didn’t have problems closing things down the stretch.
Donovan Mitchell was the best player for the Cavaliers and finished with 35 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Darius Garland came close to posting a double-double and finished with 26 points and nine assists. Jarrett Allen only scored eight points, but he grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out two assists. Evan Mobley had 16 points and five rebounds. Max Strus notched 17 points, six assists and five rebounds. Georges Niang had 10 points off the bench.
Paolo Banchero had one of the best games of his career and finished with 42 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Franz Wagner stuffed the stat sheet and posted 14 points, nine assists, six rebounds and three steals. Anthony Black ended with 11 points. Cole Anthony had 19 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks off the bench.
The Cavaliers (12-9) moved to .500 at home following a tight win over the Magic (14-7). Orlando fell to 5-5 on the road. The Cavaliers enjoyed a dominant start and could have cruised to victory. However, the Magic improved as the game went on, but they fell short of completing the comeback. The Cavaliers secured a 37-20 lead after the first quarter, but Orlando showed signs of life following a 32-28 score in the second 12-minute period. A 34-34 score in the third quarter allowed the Cavaliers to keep the momentum going. While the Magic won the final 12 minutes by a 25-22 score, it was enough to complete the comeback. The Cavaliers won the game by a decent margin and didn’t have problems closing things down the stretch.
Donovan Mitchell was the best player for the Cavaliers and finished with 35 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Darius Garland came close to posting a double-double and finished with 26 points and nine assists. Jarrett Allen only scored eight points, but he grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out two assists. Evan Mobley had 16 points and five rebounds. Max Strus notched 17 points, six assists and five rebounds. Georges Niang had 10 points off the bench.
Paolo Banchero had one of the best games of his career and finished with 42 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Franz Wagner stuffed the stat sheet and posted 14 points, nine assists, six rebounds and three steals. Anthony Black ended with 11 points. Cole Anthony had 19 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks off the bench.
Grizzlies Top Pistons In Battle Of Struggling Teams
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Detroit Pistons, 116-102, at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday.
The Grizzlies (6-14) inflicted another wound on the Pistons (2-19), as Detroit suffered an 18th consecutive defeat following another lackluster display. The Grizzlies hard to work hard to get this win, though. They never looked in complete control of the contest, and they had to wait until the final 12 minutes of action to pull away and complete the win. Memphis won the first quarter by a 31-29 score, but the Pistons responded with a 27-21 score in the second quarter. Detroit kept the momentum going in the second half, and despite losing the third quarter by a 30-28 score, they still held a two-point lead with 12 minutes left. The Grizzlies saved the best for last, though, and a 34-18 score in the fourth quarter allowed them to secure the victory. With the win, the Grizzlies moved to 5-6 on the road. Meanwhile, the Pistons fell to 1-10 at home.
Desmond Bane finished with a career-high 49 points, and he also added eight assists, six rebounds and two blocks. Jaren Jackson Jr. delivered 24 points, four rebounds and three blocks. Jaylen Nowell finished with 12 points and four assists. No other Memphis player scored in double digits here. The Grizzlies shot 51.6 percent from the field and 42.3 percent from deep.
Bojan Bogdanovic led the way for the Pistons with 22 points, four rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Jalen Duren posted a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds. Cade Cunningham also had a double-double after ending with 16 points and 10 assists. Killian Hayes notched 12 points, four rebounds and four assists. The Pistons shot 45.1 percent from the field and 31.4 percent from deep.
The Grizzlies (6-14) inflicted another wound on the Pistons (2-19), as Detroit suffered an 18th consecutive defeat following another lackluster display. The Grizzlies hard to work hard to get this win, though. They never looked in complete control of the contest, and they had to wait until the final 12 minutes of action to pull away and complete the win. Memphis won the first quarter by a 31-29 score, but the Pistons responded with a 27-21 score in the second quarter. Detroit kept the momentum going in the second half, and despite losing the third quarter by a 30-28 score, they still held a two-point lead with 12 minutes left. The Grizzlies saved the best for last, though, and a 34-18 score in the fourth quarter allowed them to secure the victory. With the win, the Grizzlies moved to 5-6 on the road. Meanwhile, the Pistons fell to 1-10 at home.
Desmond Bane finished with a career-high 49 points, and he also added eight assists, six rebounds and two blocks. Jaren Jackson Jr. delivered 24 points, four rebounds and three blocks. Jaylen Nowell finished with 12 points and four assists. No other Memphis player scored in double digits here. The Grizzlies shot 51.6 percent from the field and 42.3 percent from deep.
Bojan Bogdanovic led the way for the Pistons with 22 points, four rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Jalen Duren posted a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds. Cade Cunningham also had a double-double after ending with 16 points and 10 assists. Killian Hayes notched 12 points, four rebounds and four assists. The Pistons shot 45.1 percent from the field and 31.4 percent from deep.
Joel Embiid Leads 76ers To Win Over Wizards
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Washington Wizards, 131-126, at Capital One Arena on Wednesday.
The 76ers (13-7) were able to secure the win over the Wizards (3-17), but Washington competed harder than expected in this game. Washington looked good in the early stages and even raced to a 29-25 lead in the first quarter, but they could not sustain that pace in the rest of the game. The Sixers showed signs of life in the second quarter and reduced the deficit to just two points following a 35-33 score. The 76ers won the third quarter by a 39-33 score and pulled away for good down the stretch. The Wizards never backed down and always showed a fighting spirit. However, they could not secure the victory here. Philadelphia won the final quarter by a 32-31 score to complete the victory away from home. The 76ers moved to 6-4 on the road, while the Wizards fell to 1-7 at home.
Joel Embiid was massive for the 76ers and finished with 50 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists. Tyrese Maxey was outstanding in his return as well and posted 26 points with seven rebounds. De’Anthony Melton posted 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kelly Oubre Jr. had 12 points off the bench. The 76ers shot 51.1 percent from the field and 29.6 percent from three-point range.
Jordan Poole was the best scorer for the Wizards with 23 points and two assists. Tyus Jones notched 20 points, eight assists and three rebounds. Daniel Gafford recorded 18 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Kyle Kuzma had 16 points and seven assists. Corey Kispert ended with 16 points off the bench. The Wizards shot 56.5 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range.
The 76ers (13-7) were able to secure the win over the Wizards (3-17), but Washington competed harder than expected in this game. Washington looked good in the early stages and even raced to a 29-25 lead in the first quarter, but they could not sustain that pace in the rest of the game. The Sixers showed signs of life in the second quarter and reduced the deficit to just two points following a 35-33 score. The 76ers won the third quarter by a 39-33 score and pulled away for good down the stretch. The Wizards never backed down and always showed a fighting spirit. However, they could not secure the victory here. Philadelphia won the final quarter by a 32-31 score to complete the victory away from home. The 76ers moved to 6-4 on the road, while the Wizards fell to 1-7 at home.
Joel Embiid was massive for the 76ers and finished with 50 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists. Tyrese Maxey was outstanding in his return as well and posted 26 points with seven rebounds. De’Anthony Melton posted 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kelly Oubre Jr. had 12 points off the bench. The 76ers shot 51.1 percent from the field and 29.6 percent from three-point range.
Jordan Poole was the best scorer for the Wizards with 23 points and two assists. Tyus Jones notched 20 points, eight assists and three rebounds. Daniel Gafford recorded 18 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Kyle Kuzma had 16 points and seven assists. Corey Kispert ended with 16 points off the bench. The Wizards shot 56.5 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range.
Nets Edge Hawks, 114-113
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 114-113, at State Farm Arena on Wednesday night.
The two teams came into the contest clicking offensively, with the Hawks (9-11) emerging from the first half with a slim 56-53 lead over the Nets (11-9). Brooklyn then clipped two points from its deficit during the third quarter, and a nip-and-tuck fourth quarter culminated with a Mikal Bridges game-winning basket with five seconds remaining after Trae Young had given Atlanta a one-point edge with a 26-foot step back jumper at the 17-second mark.
Bridges led the Nets with 32 points, adding six assists, five rebounds and one block. Cameron Johnson furnished 17 points, six boards, three assists and one steal. Dorian Finney-Smith delivered 15 points, five rebounds, one steal and one block. Spencer Dinwiddie and Dennis Smith Jr. turned in matching 13-point, four-assist tallies, with Smith adding two steals among other contributions
Young paced the Hawks with 30 points, complementing them with nine assists, one rebound and two blocks. Saddiq Bey supplied 21 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal. Bogdan Bogdanovic registered 20 points, four rebounds and one assist. De'Andre Hunter finished with 14 points, four rebounds and two assists. Dejounte Murray generated a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double that included nine assists and one steal.
The Nets head back home to host the Washington Wizards on Friday night, while the Hawks hit the road and visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night as well.
The two teams came into the contest clicking offensively, with the Hawks (9-11) emerging from the first half with a slim 56-53 lead over the Nets (11-9). Brooklyn then clipped two points from its deficit during the third quarter, and a nip-and-tuck fourth quarter culminated with a Mikal Bridges game-winning basket with five seconds remaining after Trae Young had given Atlanta a one-point edge with a 26-foot step back jumper at the 17-second mark.
Bridges led the Nets with 32 points, adding six assists, five rebounds and one block. Cameron Johnson furnished 17 points, six boards, three assists and one steal. Dorian Finney-Smith delivered 15 points, five rebounds, one steal and one block. Spencer Dinwiddie and Dennis Smith Jr. turned in matching 13-point, four-assist tallies, with Smith adding two steals among other contributions
Young paced the Hawks with 30 points, complementing them with nine assists, one rebound and two blocks. Saddiq Bey supplied 21 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal. Bogdan Bogdanovic registered 20 points, four rebounds and one assist. De'Andre Hunter finished with 14 points, four rebounds and two assists. Dejounte Murray generated a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double that included nine assists and one steal.
The Nets head back home to host the Washington Wizards on Friday night, while the Hawks hit the road and visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night as well.
Timberwolves Top Spurs, 102-94
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 102-94, at Target Center on Wednesday night.
The favored Timberwolves (16-4) unsurprisingly held a three-point lead after one, but the Spurs (3-17) roared back in the second to eliminate their deficit and take a seven-point advantage into halftime. However, Minnesota would re-establish its dominance in the second half, knotting the game via a 25-18 edge in the third before outscoring San Antonio, 31-23, in the final 12 minutes for the hard-fought win.
Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 22 points, adding three rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Keldon Johnson generated a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists, two steals and one block. Victor Wembanyama and Zach Collins produced 12 points each while pulling down 10 and eight rebounds, respectively, with Collins also dishing out four assists. Doug McDermott netted 11 points.
Mike Conley paced the Timberwolves with 18 points, supplementing them with four rebounds, four assists and three steals. Anthony Edwards delivered 17 points, seven rebounds, six assists, one block and one steal. Rudy Gobert generated a 16-point, 20-rebound double-double that included two assists and two blocks. Naz Reid registered 15 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one block. Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and one block.
The Spurs return home to host the Chicago Bulls on Friday night, while the Timberwolves visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night as well.
The favored Timberwolves (16-4) unsurprisingly held a three-point lead after one, but the Spurs (3-17) roared back in the second to eliminate their deficit and take a seven-point advantage into halftime. However, Minnesota would re-establish its dominance in the second half, knotting the game via a 25-18 edge in the third before outscoring San Antonio, 31-23, in the final 12 minutes for the hard-fought win.
Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 22 points, adding three rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Keldon Johnson generated a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists, two steals and one block. Victor Wembanyama and Zach Collins produced 12 points each while pulling down 10 and eight rebounds, respectively, with Collins also dishing out four assists. Doug McDermott netted 11 points.
Mike Conley paced the Timberwolves with 18 points, supplementing them with four rebounds, four assists and three steals. Anthony Edwards delivered 17 points, seven rebounds, six assists, one block and one steal. Rudy Gobert generated a 16-point, 20-rebound double-double that included two assists and two blocks. Naz Reid registered 15 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one block. Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and one block.
The Spurs return home to host the Chicago Bulls on Friday night, while the Timberwolves visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night as well.
Heat Hold Off Raptors
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat defeated the host Toronto Raptors, 112-103, at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Heat led, 37-32, after one quarter. The Raptors came out with a better effort and took the momentum in the second to earn a two-point edge at the break. The game slowed down in the third, but the visitors reclaimed the upper hand with a three-point lead heading into the final frame. The Heat pushed their lead up to 10, early in the fourth and stayed in front the rest of the way to close out the road win. This marks the second straight loss for the Raptors.
Caleb Martin led the Heat with 24 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and a block, in 31 minutes. Duncan Robinson followed up with 21 points, six rebounds, seven assists and a steal, while Orlando Robinson totaled 15 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block.
Meanwhile, Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 30 points, four rebounds, six assists and a block, in 36 minutes. O.G. Anunoby followed up with 23 points, eight rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block, while Scottie Barnes totaled 12 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and a block.
The Raptors (9-12) will look to bounce back as they take on the Hornets in Charlotte on Friday. The Heat (12-9) play host to the Cavs on Friday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Heat led, 37-32, after one quarter. The Raptors came out with a better effort and took the momentum in the second to earn a two-point edge at the break. The game slowed down in the third, but the visitors reclaimed the upper hand with a three-point lead heading into the final frame. The Heat pushed their lead up to 10, early in the fourth and stayed in front the rest of the way to close out the road win. This marks the second straight loss for the Raptors.
Caleb Martin led the Heat with 24 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and a block, in 31 minutes. Duncan Robinson followed up with 21 points, six rebounds, seven assists and a steal, while Orlando Robinson totaled 15 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block.
Meanwhile, Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 30 points, four rebounds, six assists and a block, in 36 minutes. O.G. Anunoby followed up with 23 points, eight rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block, while Scottie Barnes totaled 12 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and a block.
The Raptors (9-12) will look to bounce back as they take on the Hornets in Charlotte on Friday. The Heat (12-9) play host to the Cavs on Friday.
Bulls Outpace Visiting Hornets
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets, 111-100, at United Center on Wednesday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Bulls led, 27-24, after one quarter. They picked up momentum in the second and rallied to a 16-point lead, before the Hornets fought all the way back to make it a four-point game at the break. The Bulls came out reenergized in the third and outscored the visitors by 15 points in the quarter to take a 19-point cushion into the final frame. The Hornets kept up the effort in the fourth, but it was not enough as the Bulls hung on for their third straight win. This marks the second straight loss for the Hornets.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 29 points, six rebounds, three assists and two blocks, in 37 minutes. Nikola Vucevic followed up with 20 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and a block, while Coby White totaled 19 points, nine rebounds and five assists.
Meanwhile, Gordon Hayward led the Hornets with 27 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, in 35 minutes. Terry Rozier followed up with 25 points, five rebounds, seven assists, a steal and two blocks, while Miles Bridges added 16 points, eight rebounds, two assists and three steals.
The Hornets (6-13) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Raptors on Friday. The Bulls (8-14) clash with the Spurs in San Antonio on Friday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Bulls led, 27-24, after one quarter. They picked up momentum in the second and rallied to a 16-point lead, before the Hornets fought all the way back to make it a four-point game at the break. The Bulls came out reenergized in the third and outscored the visitors by 15 points in the quarter to take a 19-point cushion into the final frame. The Hornets kept up the effort in the fourth, but it was not enough as the Bulls hung on for their third straight win. This marks the second straight loss for the Hornets.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 29 points, six rebounds, three assists and two blocks, in 37 minutes. Nikola Vucevic followed up with 20 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and a block, while Coby White totaled 19 points, nine rebounds and five assists.
Meanwhile, Gordon Hayward led the Hornets with 27 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, in 35 minutes. Terry Rozier followed up with 25 points, five rebounds, seven assists, a steal and two blocks, while Miles Bridges added 16 points, eight rebounds, two assists and three steals.
The Hornets (6-13) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Raptors on Friday. The Bulls (8-14) clash with the Spurs in San Antonio on Friday.
Rockets Soar Past Thunder
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 110-101, at Toyota Center on Wednesday evening.
The Rockets jumped out to a strong start and led by 10 points after one quarter. The hosts led by double digits through most of the second, but the Thunder finished the half strong to make it a five-point game at the break. The Rockets reclaimed momentum in the third and jumped back to a 13-point lead, but the Thunder brought it back to a six-point difference heading into the final quarter. The hosts did not lose focus and rallied to a 17-point advantage halfway through the fourth. The Thunder kept battling, but the Rockets held on to snap a three-game slide and move to 9-1 at home.
Dillon Brooks led the Rockets with 23 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 40 minutes. Aaron Holiday followed up with 22 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Alperen Sengun totaled 21 points, six rebounds, seven assists, a steal and two blocks.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 33 points, three rebounds, six assists, six steals and a block, in 37 minutes. Jalen Williams followed up with 13 points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Aaron Wiggins added 11 points, off the bench.
The Thunder (13-7) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Warriors on Friday. The Rockets (9-9) clash with the Nuggets in Denver on Friday.
The Rockets jumped out to a strong start and led by 10 points after one quarter. The hosts led by double digits through most of the second, but the Thunder finished the half strong to make it a five-point game at the break. The Rockets reclaimed momentum in the third and jumped back to a 13-point lead, but the Thunder brought it back to a six-point difference heading into the final quarter. The hosts did not lose focus and rallied to a 17-point advantage halfway through the fourth. The Thunder kept battling, but the Rockets held on to snap a three-game slide and move to 9-1 at home.
Dillon Brooks led the Rockets with 23 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 40 minutes. Aaron Holiday followed up with 22 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Alperen Sengun totaled 21 points, six rebounds, seven assists, a steal and two blocks.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 33 points, three rebounds, six assists, six steals and a block, in 37 minutes. Jalen Williams followed up with 13 points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Aaron Wiggins added 11 points, off the bench.
The Thunder (13-7) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Warriors on Friday. The Rockets (9-9) clash with the Nuggets in Denver on Friday.
Mavericks Maul Jazz, 147-97
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 147-97, at American Airlines Center on Wednesday.
A 40-29 first quarter carried Dallas to this wire-to-wire victory, winning all four individual quarters by double-digit margins. They led by at least 25 points for the entirety of the second half and got their lead north of 50 points at times in this blowout win. The Mavericks shot 55 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range while holding the Jazz to 40 percent from the field and 36 percent from long range. Dallas also recorded 37 assists to seven turnovers while Utah had 22 assists to 19 turnovers.
The Jazz (7-14) were led by Ochai Agbaji, totaling 21 points and two steals. John Collins compiled 10 points and eight rebounds. Talen Horton-Tucker led the bench with 11 points and two rebounds. Keyonte George had seven points, three rebounds and 11 assists.
The Mavericks (12-8) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 40 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists. Kyrie Irving tallied 26 points, three rebounds, four assists and three steals. Derrick Jones amassed 12 points, four rebounds and two blocks, while Dante Exum accrued five points, six rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Tim Hardaway Jr led the bench with 17 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Dallas traveling to play the Portland Trail Blazers and Utah returning home to face the Los Angeles Clippers.
A 40-29 first quarter carried Dallas to this wire-to-wire victory, winning all four individual quarters by double-digit margins. They led by at least 25 points for the entirety of the second half and got their lead north of 50 points at times in this blowout win. The Mavericks shot 55 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range while holding the Jazz to 40 percent from the field and 36 percent from long range. Dallas also recorded 37 assists to seven turnovers while Utah had 22 assists to 19 turnovers.
The Jazz (7-14) were led by Ochai Agbaji, totaling 21 points and two steals. John Collins compiled 10 points and eight rebounds. Talen Horton-Tucker led the bench with 11 points and two rebounds. Keyonte George had seven points, three rebounds and 11 assists.
The Mavericks (12-8) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 40 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists. Kyrie Irving tallied 26 points, three rebounds, four assists and three steals. Derrick Jones amassed 12 points, four rebounds and two blocks, while Dante Exum accrued five points, six rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Tim Hardaway Jr led the bench with 17 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Dallas traveling to play the Portland Trail Blazers and Utah returning home to face the Los Angeles Clippers.
Warriors Defeat Blazers, 110-106
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Portland Trail Blazers, 110-106, at Chase Center on Wednesday.
While Portland led for 45 minutes of this 48-minute game, Golden State led when it mattered most. The Warriors outscored the Trail Blazers in the second half, 62-52, riding a 28-20 fourth quarter to their comeback victory. They grabbed their first lead in the fourth quarter and only led for 13 seconds until the closing four minutes. Golden State dominated at the free-throw line, shooting 28-of-33 while Portland connected on just 12-of-16. The Warriors also out-rebounded the Blazers, 63-52, while outscoring them in the paint, 46-40.
The Trail Blazers (6-14) were led by Anfernee Simons, accruing 28 points and four assists. Shaedon Sharpe tallied 26 points, six rebounds and five assists. Toumani Kamara compiled six points, 13 rebounds and two assists, while Jabari Walker led the bench with 12 points and five boards. Duop Reath also registered 10 points, six rebounds and two assists.
The Warriors (10-11) were led by Stephen Curry, collecting 31 points and five rebounds. Klay Thompson totaled 11 points and five boards. Draymond Green generated 10 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists and two blocks, while Dario Saric and Jonathan Kuminga led the bench with 13 points apiece. Moses Moody also had 12 points and four boards.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Golden State traveling to face the Oklahoma City Thunder and Portland returning home to play the Dallas Mavericks.
While Portland led for 45 minutes of this 48-minute game, Golden State led when it mattered most. The Warriors outscored the Trail Blazers in the second half, 62-52, riding a 28-20 fourth quarter to their comeback victory. They grabbed their first lead in the fourth quarter and only led for 13 seconds until the closing four minutes. Golden State dominated at the free-throw line, shooting 28-of-33 while Portland connected on just 12-of-16. The Warriors also out-rebounded the Blazers, 63-52, while outscoring them in the paint, 46-40.
The Trail Blazers (6-14) were led by Anfernee Simons, accruing 28 points and four assists. Shaedon Sharpe tallied 26 points, six rebounds and five assists. Toumani Kamara compiled six points, 13 rebounds and two assists, while Jabari Walker led the bench with 12 points and five boards. Duop Reath also registered 10 points, six rebounds and two assists.
The Warriors (10-11) were led by Stephen Curry, collecting 31 points and five rebounds. Klay Thompson totaled 11 points and five boards. Draymond Green generated 10 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists and two blocks, while Dario Saric and Jonathan Kuminga led the bench with 13 points apiece. Moses Moody also had 12 points and four boards.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Golden State traveling to face the Oklahoma City Thunder and Portland returning home to play the Dallas Mavericks.
Clippers Defeat Nuggets, 111-102
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Denver Nuggets, 111-102, at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday.
While Denver got out to a 36-21 lead after the first quarter, Los Angeles responded with a 40-21 second quarter. The Nuggets then rebounded with a 25-18 third quarter, but the Clippers closed this jerky game with a 32-20 fourth quarter. LA shot 46 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while holding Denver to 43 percent from the field and 39 percent from long range. The Clippers also out-rebounded the Nuggets, 59-50, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 20-11.
The Nuggets (14-8) were led by Nikola Jokic, finishing with 22 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists on 9-of-32 from the field. Jamal Murray amassed 23 points and six assists. Michael Porter Jr provided 18 points and nine rebounds, while Reggie Jackson led the bench with 14 points and three assists. Aaron Gordon accrued eight points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Clippers (10-10) were led by Paul George, collecting 25 points and eight rebounds. James Harden had 20 points, 11 assists and three steals. Kawhi Leonard totaled 17 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Ivica Zubac generated 10 points, nine rebounds and two steals. Norman Powell led the bench with 17 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Daniel Theis tallied eight points, 11 rebounds and three blocks.
On deck for Los Angeles is a road matchup with the Utah Jazz on Friday. As for Denver, they return home to face the Houston Rockets.
While Denver got out to a 36-21 lead after the first quarter, Los Angeles responded with a 40-21 second quarter. The Nuggets then rebounded with a 25-18 third quarter, but the Clippers closed this jerky game with a 32-20 fourth quarter. LA shot 46 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while holding Denver to 43 percent from the field and 39 percent from long range. The Clippers also out-rebounded the Nuggets, 59-50, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 20-11.
The Nuggets (14-8) were led by Nikola Jokic, finishing with 22 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists on 9-of-32 from the field. Jamal Murray amassed 23 points and six assists. Michael Porter Jr provided 18 points and nine rebounds, while Reggie Jackson led the bench with 14 points and three assists. Aaron Gordon accrued eight points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Clippers (10-10) were led by Paul George, collecting 25 points and eight rebounds. James Harden had 20 points, 11 assists and three steals. Kawhi Leonard totaled 17 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Ivica Zubac generated 10 points, nine rebounds and two steals. Norman Powell led the bench with 17 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Daniel Theis tallied eight points, 11 rebounds and three blocks.
On deck for Los Angeles is a road matchup with the Utah Jazz on Friday. As for Denver, they return home to face the Houston Rockets.