76ers dominate Pistons, 129-111
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Detroit Pistons, 129-111, at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday night.
The 76ers (16-7) have now won four straight games, though three of them have come against the two worst teams in the Eastern Confernece; twice against the Wizards and Wednesday against the Pistons. Philadelphia got off to a hot start, winning the first quarter 39-26 and went into halftime with a 14-point lead. They were able to extend that to 24 heading into the final frame, and while the Pistons were able to win the fourth quarter by six points, much of it was with the deep bench players in the game. Rebounding was the key difference maker in Wednesday's game, with the 76ers winning on the boards 53-35. Detroit have now tied a franchise record for the most consecutive losses in a season with 21 as they drop to 1-10 at home.
Four Philadelphia players finished with double-digit points, with reigning MVP Joel Embiid leading the way with 41 points (30 of which came in the first half), 11 rebounds, five assists and two steals. Tobias Harris chipped in 21 points on an efficient 7-for-10 shooting while adding seven rebounds. Kelly Oubre led the bench with 17 points to go along with three rebounds and two assists. Tyrese Maxey had an uncharacteristically poor outing and finished the game with just nine points on 2-for-13 shooting (while missing all six of his three-point attempts), but he did have nine assists and four rebounds.
The Pistons continued to get production out of Bojan Bogdanovic, who played his fifth game of the season Wednesday after missing the first 18 games with a calf injury. He led Detroit with 33 points on 11-for-19 shooting, including 5-for-9 from three. Cade Cunningham chipped in 21 points (though he shot 5-for-17 from the field), seven assists and six rebounds, while James Wiseman led the bench with 10 points and three rebounds, though he fouled out after 16 minutes of play.
The 76ers and Pistons face off against each other again on Friday in Philadelphia at the Wells Fargo Arena.
The 76ers (16-7) have now won four straight games, though three of them have come against the two worst teams in the Eastern Confernece; twice against the Wizards and Wednesday against the Pistons. Philadelphia got off to a hot start, winning the first quarter 39-26 and went into halftime with a 14-point lead. They were able to extend that to 24 heading into the final frame, and while the Pistons were able to win the fourth quarter by six points, much of it was with the deep bench players in the game. Rebounding was the key difference maker in Wednesday's game, with the 76ers winning on the boards 53-35. Detroit have now tied a franchise record for the most consecutive losses in a season with 21 as they drop to 1-10 at home.
Four Philadelphia players finished with double-digit points, with reigning MVP Joel Embiid leading the way with 41 points (30 of which came in the first half), 11 rebounds, five assists and two steals. Tobias Harris chipped in 21 points on an efficient 7-for-10 shooting while adding seven rebounds. Kelly Oubre led the bench with 17 points to go along with three rebounds and two assists. Tyrese Maxey had an uncharacteristically poor outing and finished the game with just nine points on 2-for-13 shooting (while missing all six of his three-point attempts), but he did have nine assists and four rebounds.
The Pistons continued to get production out of Bojan Bogdanovic, who played his fifth game of the season Wednesday after missing the first 18 games with a calf injury. He led Detroit with 33 points on 11-for-19 shooting, including 5-for-9 from three. Cade Cunningham chipped in 21 points (though he shot 5-for-17 from the field), seven assists and six rebounds, while James Wiseman led the bench with 10 points and three rebounds, though he fouled out after 16 minutes of play.
The 76ers and Pistons face off against each other again on Friday in Philadelphia at the Wells Fargo Arena.
Pelicans crush Wizards on the road
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Washington Wizards, 142-122, at Capital One Arena on Wednesday night.
The Wizards (3-20) looked good out of the gate as they established a 15-point lead in the first quarter. It wasn't long to last, however, as the Pelicans (14-11) stormed back and cut the deficit to two points at the end of the frame. They continued their momentum into the second quarter and outscored the Wizards 47-34 to take a double-digit lead into halftime. The second half was more competitive between the two squads, though the fourth quarter involved the deep bench players from each team with New Orleans leading by as much as 28 points. The Pelicans are now 4-2 in the month of December, while the Wizards are losers of six straight and hold a 1-8 record at home.
Brandon Ingram led all scorers with a season-high 40 points while making 11 of 12 free throws and added three assists over 31 minutes. Perhaps most impressive for New Orleans was Trey Murphy, who in his fifth game since returning from a torn meniscus injury, scored 27 points off the bench while adding six rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block across 33 minutes and registered a team-high plus-43 point differential. CJ McCollum had an efficient 22 points along with six assists and three rebounds, while Jonas Valanciunas recorded his 11th double-double of the season with 16 points and 18 rebounds.
For the Wizards, Kyle Kuzma led the team in scoring for the third straight game with 27 points, along with seven rebounds and four assists. Deni Avdija continued to show improvement in his fourth year in the league with 13 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Bilal Coulibaly played a team-high 32 minutes off the bench and had 16 points and five rebounds. Jordan Poole chipped in with 11 points, four assists and two steals.
Both teams have their next game Friday. The Pelicans continue their three-game road trip against the Charlotte Hornets, while the Wizards host the Indiana Pacers.
The Wizards (3-20) looked good out of the gate as they established a 15-point lead in the first quarter. It wasn't long to last, however, as the Pelicans (14-11) stormed back and cut the deficit to two points at the end of the frame. They continued their momentum into the second quarter and outscored the Wizards 47-34 to take a double-digit lead into halftime. The second half was more competitive between the two squads, though the fourth quarter involved the deep bench players from each team with New Orleans leading by as much as 28 points. The Pelicans are now 4-2 in the month of December, while the Wizards are losers of six straight and hold a 1-8 record at home.
Brandon Ingram led all scorers with a season-high 40 points while making 11 of 12 free throws and added three assists over 31 minutes. Perhaps most impressive for New Orleans was Trey Murphy, who in his fifth game since returning from a torn meniscus injury, scored 27 points off the bench while adding six rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block across 33 minutes and registered a team-high plus-43 point differential. CJ McCollum had an efficient 22 points along with six assists and three rebounds, while Jonas Valanciunas recorded his 11th double-double of the season with 16 points and 18 rebounds.
For the Wizards, Kyle Kuzma led the team in scoring for the third straight game with 27 points, along with seven rebounds and four assists. Deni Avdija continued to show improvement in his fourth year in the league with 13 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Bilal Coulibaly played a team-high 32 minutes off the bench and had 16 points and five rebounds. Jordan Poole chipped in with 11 points, four assists and two steals.
Both teams have their next game Friday. The Pelicans continue their three-game road trip against the Charlotte Hornets, while the Wizards host the Indiana Pacers.
Heat Cruise To Easy Win Over Hornets
The Miami Heat defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 115-104, at Kaseya Center on Wednesday.
The Heat (14-10) completed the home-and-home sweep against the Hornets (7-15) on Wednesday. However, and unlike Monday’s meeting, Miami didn’t have significant problems securing the victory in front of a sellout 19,600 crowd at Kaseya Center. The Hornets looked better in the early stages and raced to a 23-22 score in the first quarter, carrying the momentum of Monday’s loss in which their fourth-quarter comeback came up short. However, Miami responded with a 34-22 score in the second quarter, erasing the lead and securing a double-digit point lead at halftime. The Heat didn’t step off the gas in the second half, and they built a lead they’d never relinquish after a 35-25 third quarter. The Hornets pulled back in the final 12 minutes (34-24), but it was garbage time, and the Heat cruised to an easy victory. With the win, the Heat moved to 6-4 at home. Meanwhile, the Hornets fell to 3-7 on the road.
Duncan Robinson led the way for the Heat with 23 points, three assists and two rebounds. Jimmy Butler notched 15 points and 10 assists while adding six rebounds. Kyle Lowry notched 17 points, two rebounds and two steals. Jaime Jaquez came off the bench and also had 17 points. Jaquez also chipped in with eight assists and six boards. Jamal Cain posted 14 points, and Thomas Bryant recorded 11 points with nine rebounds.
Terry Rozier led the way for the Hornets with 28 points, seven assists, four steals and three rebounds. Gordon Hayward delivered 20 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Miles Bridges posted 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals. Brandon Miller recorded 18 points, three assists, two boards and two steals.
The Heat (14-10) completed the home-and-home sweep against the Hornets (7-15) on Wednesday. However, and unlike Monday’s meeting, Miami didn’t have significant problems securing the victory in front of a sellout 19,600 crowd at Kaseya Center. The Hornets looked better in the early stages and raced to a 23-22 score in the first quarter, carrying the momentum of Monday’s loss in which their fourth-quarter comeback came up short. However, Miami responded with a 34-22 score in the second quarter, erasing the lead and securing a double-digit point lead at halftime. The Heat didn’t step off the gas in the second half, and they built a lead they’d never relinquish after a 35-25 third quarter. The Hornets pulled back in the final 12 minutes (34-24), but it was garbage time, and the Heat cruised to an easy victory. With the win, the Heat moved to 6-4 at home. Meanwhile, the Hornets fell to 3-7 on the road.
Duncan Robinson led the way for the Heat with 23 points, three assists and two rebounds. Jimmy Butler notched 15 points and 10 assists while adding six rebounds. Kyle Lowry notched 17 points, two rebounds and two steals. Jaime Jaquez came off the bench and also had 17 points. Jaquez also chipped in with eight assists and six boards. Jamal Cain posted 14 points, and Thomas Bryant recorded 11 points with nine rebounds.
Terry Rozier led the way for the Hornets with 28 points, seven assists, four steals and three rebounds. Gordon Hayward delivered 20 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Miles Bridges posted 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals. Brandon Miller recorded 18 points, three assists, two boards and two steals.
Raptors Edge Hawks, 135-128
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Atlanta Falcons, 135-128, at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night.
The Hawks (9-14) opened the game clicking on all cylinders offensively, leading to a 39-31 lead over the Raptors (10-14) after one. However, Toronto would turn the tide of the game for good during the middle periods, a span during which they outscored their visitors by a 72-56 margin. Atlanta remained competitive during the final period, but the home squad had enough cushion to squeeze out the victory.
Trae Young led the Hawks with a 35-point, 17-assist double-double that included four rebounds and one block. Dejounte Murray and Bogdan Bogdanovic generated matching 20-point, five-assist, three-rebound tallies while recording two blocks and three steals, respectively. Clint Capela generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist and three blocks. Onyeka Okongwu finished with 13 points, eight rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Saddiq Bey turned in 12 points, 10 rebounds, two assist and two steals.
Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with 33 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Scottie Barnes furnished 27 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and a block. O.G. Anunoby delivered 22 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal. Dennis Schroder supplied 17 points, seven assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Jakob Poeltl totaled 15 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and three blocks.
The Hawks and Raptors reconvene at Scotiabank Arena for a rematch Friday night.
The Hawks (9-14) opened the game clicking on all cylinders offensively, leading to a 39-31 lead over the Raptors (10-14) after one. However, Toronto would turn the tide of the game for good during the middle periods, a span during which they outscored their visitors by a 72-56 margin. Atlanta remained competitive during the final period, but the home squad had enough cushion to squeeze out the victory.
Trae Young led the Hawks with a 35-point, 17-assist double-double that included four rebounds and one block. Dejounte Murray and Bogdan Bogdanovic generated matching 20-point, five-assist, three-rebound tallies while recording two blocks and three steals, respectively. Clint Capela generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist and three blocks. Onyeka Okongwu finished with 13 points, eight rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Saddiq Bey turned in 12 points, 10 rebounds, two assist and two steals.
Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with 33 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Scottie Barnes furnished 27 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and a block. O.G. Anunoby delivered 22 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal. Dennis Schroder supplied 17 points, seven assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Jakob Poeltl totaled 15 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and three blocks.
The Hawks and Raptors reconvene at Scotiabank Arena for a rematch Friday night.
Rockets Dominate Grizzlies, 117-104
The Houston Rockets defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 117-104, at Toyota Center on Wednesday night.
The Rockets (12-9) didn't waste any time establishing their will over their inferior opponent early, building a 29-23 lead after one that had expanded to 57-43 by halftime. The Grizzlies (6-17) then played their best quarter in the third, erasing all but one point of their deficit going into the final period. However, that appeared to give Houston a dose of urgency, as they outscored Memphis by a 35-23 margin.
Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies with 44 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, two assists, four steals and one block. Derrick Rose supplied 19 points, six assists, four rebounds and one block. Vince Williams Jr. registered 10 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Tari Eason paced the Rockets with a 25-point, 14-rebound double-double that included one assist, one steal and one block. Jabari Smith posted 20 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Fred VanVleet totaled 11 points, nine assists, five rebounds and three steals. Dillon Brooks managed 11 points, two rebounds and one assist.
The two teams reconvene at Toyota Center for a rematch Friday night.
The Rockets (12-9) didn't waste any time establishing their will over their inferior opponent early, building a 29-23 lead after one that had expanded to 57-43 by halftime. The Grizzlies (6-17) then played their best quarter in the third, erasing all but one point of their deficit going into the final period. However, that appeared to give Houston a dose of urgency, as they outscored Memphis by a 35-23 margin.
Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies with 44 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, two assists, four steals and one block. Derrick Rose supplied 19 points, six assists, four rebounds and one block. Vince Williams Jr. registered 10 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Tari Eason paced the Rockets with a 25-point, 14-rebound double-double that included one assist, one steal and one block. Jabari Smith posted 20 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Fred VanVleet totaled 11 points, nine assists, five rebounds and three steals. Dillon Brooks managed 11 points, two rebounds and one assist.
The two teams reconvene at Toyota Center for a rematch Friday night.
Antetokounmpo Drops 64 On Pacers
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Indiana Pacers, 140-126, at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday evening.
Giannis Antetokounmpo poured in 64 points to lead the Bucks to the home win. The game got out to a high-scoring start, as the Bucks led, 36-33, after one quarter. The scoring kept up in the second, where the hosts managed to add another four points to their advantage, making it a seven-point game heading into the break. The Pacers got out to a slow start in the third and fell behind by 16 points, before they used a, 14-5, run to cut it back to a seven-point game heading into the final quarter. The Bucks reclaimed momentum in the fourth and charged to a game-high 22-point advantage with five minutes left, which was enough to lock in their second straight win and improve to, 12-2, at home.
Antetokounmpo shot 20-for-28 from the field on his way to a franchise-record, 64 points, to go along with 14 rebounds, three assists, four steals and a block, in 37 minutes. Damian Lillard followed up with 21 points, four rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Bobby Portis totaled 19 points, two rebounds and two assists, off the bench.
Meanwhile, Tyrese Haliburton finished with 22 points, five rebounds and seven assists, while Myles Turner totaled 22 points, nine rebounds and a block, to lead the Pacers. Bennedict Mathurin added 14 points on 2-for-8 shooting, off the bench. Aaron Nesmith was the only other player to score in double digits for the Pacers, with 12 points.
The Pacers (13-9) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Wizards in Washington on Friday. The Bucks (17-7) play host to the Pistons on Saturday.
Giannis Antetokounmpo poured in 64 points to lead the Bucks to the home win. The game got out to a high-scoring start, as the Bucks led, 36-33, after one quarter. The scoring kept up in the second, where the hosts managed to add another four points to their advantage, making it a seven-point game heading into the break. The Pacers got out to a slow start in the third and fell behind by 16 points, before they used a, 14-5, run to cut it back to a seven-point game heading into the final quarter. The Bucks reclaimed momentum in the fourth and charged to a game-high 22-point advantage with five minutes left, which was enough to lock in their second straight win and improve to, 12-2, at home.
Antetokounmpo shot 20-for-28 from the field on his way to a franchise-record, 64 points, to go along with 14 rebounds, three assists, four steals and a block, in 37 minutes. Damian Lillard followed up with 21 points, four rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Bobby Portis totaled 19 points, two rebounds and two assists, off the bench.
Meanwhile, Tyrese Haliburton finished with 22 points, five rebounds and seven assists, while Myles Turner totaled 22 points, nine rebounds and a block, to lead the Pacers. Bennedict Mathurin added 14 points on 2-for-8 shooting, off the bench. Aaron Nesmith was the only other player to score in double digits for the Pacers, with 12 points.
The Pacers (13-9) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Wizards in Washington on Friday. The Bucks (17-7) play host to the Pistons on Saturday.
Lakers Hold Off Spurs
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 122-119, at Frost Bank Center on Wednesday evening.
The Lakers got out to a strong start and led, 34-26, after one quarter. They pushed their lead up to 18 points in the second, before the Spurs cut it back to a 13-point game heading into the break. The visitors kept a cushion through the third and pushed their lead back to 18, going into the final quarter. They stayed in front to start the fourth, but the Spurs began chipping away, eventually making it a one-point game, with 21 seconds left. However, Anthony Davis came up clutch with four free throws in the final seconds to close out
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 37 points, 10 rebounds and four steals, in 38 minutes. Taurean Prince followed up with 17 points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block, while Austin Reaves tallied 15 points, four rebounds, eight assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 30 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, three steals and six blocks, in 33 minutes. Keldon Johnson followed up with 28 points, five rebounds and eight assists, while Malaki Branham finished with 19 points, three rebounds and a steal.
The Spurs (3-20) and Lakers (15-10) will clash again in San Antonio on Friday.
The Lakers got out to a strong start and led, 34-26, after one quarter. They pushed their lead up to 18 points in the second, before the Spurs cut it back to a 13-point game heading into the break. The visitors kept a cushion through the third and pushed their lead back to 18, going into the final quarter. They stayed in front to start the fourth, but the Spurs began chipping away, eventually making it a one-point game, with 21 seconds left. However, Anthony Davis came up clutch with four free throws in the final seconds to close out
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 37 points, 10 rebounds and four steals, in 38 minutes. Taurean Prince followed up with 17 points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block, while Austin Reaves tallied 15 points, four rebounds, eight assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 30 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, three steals and six blocks, in 33 minutes. Keldon Johnson followed up with 28 points, five rebounds and eight assists, while Malaki Branham finished with 19 points, three rebounds and a steal.
The Spurs (3-20) and Lakers (15-10) will clash again in San Antonio on Friday.
Nets Defeat Suns, 116-112
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the host Phoenix Suns, 116-112, at Footprint Center on Wednesday.
There were seven ties and 16 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than seven points in the second half. With that said, Brooklyn rode a 30-24 fourth quarter to their win, and led by 15 points at the beginning of the second quarter. Brooklyn shot 37 percent from three-point range (15-of-41) while holding Phoenix to 32 percent from long range (9-of-28). The Nets also doubled up the Suns in second-chance points, 16-8, while winning the turnover battle, 12-7.
The Nets (13-10) were led by Cam Thomas, tallying 24 points, two rebounds and four assists. Mikal Bridges had 21 points, three rebounds and two assists. Spencer Dinwiddie collected 16 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, while Cameron Johnson compiled 15 points, five rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Suns (13-11) were led by Devin Booker, finishing with 34 points, six rebounds and 12 assists. Kevin Durant accrued 27 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Jusuf Nurkix had 15 points, 22 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Bradley Beal amassed 14 points and four assists, while Nassir Little led the bench with 10 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
Brooklyn has to play again on Thursday, staying on the road to face the Denver Nuggets. As for Phoenix, they return to action on Friday in a home matchup with the New York Knicks.
There were seven ties and 16 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than seven points in the second half. With that said, Brooklyn rode a 30-24 fourth quarter to their win, and led by 15 points at the beginning of the second quarter. Brooklyn shot 37 percent from three-point range (15-of-41) while holding Phoenix to 32 percent from long range (9-of-28). The Nets also doubled up the Suns in second-chance points, 16-8, while winning the turnover battle, 12-7.
The Nets (13-10) were led by Cam Thomas, tallying 24 points, two rebounds and four assists. Mikal Bridges had 21 points, three rebounds and two assists. Spencer Dinwiddie collected 16 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, while Cameron Johnson compiled 15 points, five rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Suns (13-11) were led by Devin Booker, finishing with 34 points, six rebounds and 12 assists. Kevin Durant accrued 27 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Jusuf Nurkix had 15 points, 22 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Bradley Beal amassed 14 points and four assists, while Nassir Little led the bench with 10 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
Brooklyn has to play again on Thursday, staying on the road to face the Denver Nuggets. As for Phoenix, they return to action on Friday in a home matchup with the New York Knicks.
Jazz Defeat Knicks, 117-113
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting New York Knicks, 117-113, at Vivint Arena on Wednesday.
While the Knicks got out to an early double-digit lead, Utah rode a 30-19 second quarter to their win. They held the lead for all 8.3 seconds in the second half, despite New York tying the game numerous times in the final two quarters. The Jazz shot 38 percent from three-point range (16-of-42) while holding the Knicks to 23 percent from long distance (9-of-39). Utah also out-rebounded New York, 67-57, while out-assisting them, 31-21.
The Knicks (13-10) were led by Julius Randle, registering 32 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. Jalen Brunson amassed 23 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Donte DiVincenzo totaled 21 points, seven rebounds and four steals, while Immanuel Quickley led the bench with 15 points, two rebounds and two steals.
The Jazz (8-16) were led by Collin Sexton, collecting 26 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Lauri Markkanen had 23 points and eight rebounds. Simone Fontecchio finished with 15 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Kelly Olynyk compiled nine points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. Talen Horton-Tucker led the bench with 15 points, four rebounds and three assists.
Utah has to play again on Thursday, traveling to play the Portland Trail Blazers. As for New York, they remain on the road to face the Phoenix Suns on Friday for their next outing.
While the Knicks got out to an early double-digit lead, Utah rode a 30-19 second quarter to their win. They held the lead for all 8.3 seconds in the second half, despite New York tying the game numerous times in the final two quarters. The Jazz shot 38 percent from three-point range (16-of-42) while holding the Knicks to 23 percent from long distance (9-of-39). Utah also out-rebounded New York, 67-57, while out-assisting them, 31-21.
The Knicks (13-10) were led by Julius Randle, registering 32 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. Jalen Brunson amassed 23 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Donte DiVincenzo totaled 21 points, seven rebounds and four steals, while Immanuel Quickley led the bench with 15 points, two rebounds and two steals.
The Jazz (8-16) were led by Collin Sexton, collecting 26 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Lauri Markkanen had 23 points and eight rebounds. Simone Fontecchio finished with 15 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Kelly Olynyk compiled nine points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. Talen Horton-Tucker led the bench with 15 points, four rebounds and three assists.
Utah has to play again on Thursday, traveling to play the Portland Trail Blazers. As for New York, they remain on the road to face the Phoenix Suns on Friday for their next outing.