Bucks blowout Pistons in Central Division clash
The Detroit Pistons saw their losing streak extend to 23 games when they were defeated by the Milwaukee Bucks, 146-114, at the Fiserv Forum on Saturday night.
It was a game that saw the Bucks (18-7) get out to a lead right out of the gate that they never relinquished. Milwaukee outscored Detroit (2-24), 43-20, in the first quarter. While the Pistons were able to keep up in the second quarter, they still found themselves down 25 going into halftime. The Bucks were able to extend their lead by as much as 34 points in the third quarter, and with such a discrepancy in the scoring, both teams emptied their bench for the final 12 minutes of play. The Pistons entered the game shooting 33.4 percent from three -- second worst in the Association -- which dropped further after they went 6-for-28 from beyond the arc. With Saturday’s result, the Bucks are 8-2 in their last 10 games, while the Pistons now have the fifth-longest losing streak in NBA history with 23 straight losses.
Cade Cunningham was able to bounce back from a four-point outing Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers to lead the Pistons with 25 points and six assists. Bojan Bogdanovic continues to show his veteran savvy and efficiency as he chipped in 24 points on 8-for-15 shooting and has now scored in double-digits in six of his seven games this season. James Wiseman led the bench in scoring for the second straight game with 17 points and added six rebounds and five assists, while Jaden Ivey had 13 points but shot 5-for-17 from the field and finished with a team-worst minus-32 point differential.
Damian Lillard was the leading scorer for the Bucks on Saturday with 33 points -- including six makes from beyond the arc -- along with five assists and four rebounds. Bobby Portis had his best performance of the season, leading the bench with 31 points and 12 rebounds -- both season highs. After scoring a franchise record 64 points against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, Giannis Antetokounmpo came back to Earth a little bit with a pedestrian 22 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Cameron Payne got some extended action off the bench and had 11 points and five assists.
With Saturday’s game in the books, the Pistons will wrap up their three-game road trip Monday against the Atlanta Hawks, while the Bucks host the Houston Rockets on Sunday.
It was a game that saw the Bucks (18-7) get out to a lead right out of the gate that they never relinquished. Milwaukee outscored Detroit (2-24), 43-20, in the first quarter. While the Pistons were able to keep up in the second quarter, they still found themselves down 25 going into halftime. The Bucks were able to extend their lead by as much as 34 points in the third quarter, and with such a discrepancy in the scoring, both teams emptied their bench for the final 12 minutes of play. The Pistons entered the game shooting 33.4 percent from three -- second worst in the Association -- which dropped further after they went 6-for-28 from beyond the arc. With Saturday’s result, the Bucks are 8-2 in their last 10 games, while the Pistons now have the fifth-longest losing streak in NBA history with 23 straight losses.
Cade Cunningham was able to bounce back from a four-point outing Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers to lead the Pistons with 25 points and six assists. Bojan Bogdanovic continues to show his veteran savvy and efficiency as he chipped in 24 points on 8-for-15 shooting and has now scored in double-digits in six of his seven games this season. James Wiseman led the bench in scoring for the second straight game with 17 points and added six rebounds and five assists, while Jaden Ivey had 13 points but shot 5-for-17 from the field and finished with a team-worst minus-32 point differential.
Damian Lillard was the leading scorer for the Bucks on Saturday with 33 points -- including six makes from beyond the arc -- along with five assists and four rebounds. Bobby Portis had his best performance of the season, leading the bench with 31 points and 12 rebounds -- both season highs. After scoring a franchise record 64 points against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, Giannis Antetokounmpo came back to Earth a little bit with a pedestrian 22 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Cameron Payne got some extended action off the bench and had 11 points and five assists.
With Saturday’s game in the books, the Pistons will wrap up their three-game road trip Monday against the Atlanta Hawks, while the Bucks host the Houston Rockets on Sunday.
76ers romp Hornets on Saturday
The Philadelphia 76ers blew out the Charlotte Hornets ,135-82, at the Spectrum Center on Saturday night, in what was the largest point-differential in a game this season.
It was a complete game for the 76ers (18-7), who held the Hornets to 23 points or less in three quarters. Philadelphia started off hot with a commanding 33-17 first quarter, before pushing their lead to 29 entering halftime. They continued to flex their muscles in the third quarter, and entering the final frame up 41, both teams elected to empty their benches. The 76ers dominated in nearly every statistical category, including points in the paint (64-46), field goal shooting (59.6 percent vs. 36.3 percent), three-point shooting (45.2 percent vs. 20.0 percent) and assists (29 vs. 15). The 76ers now have the longest active winning streak of six, while the Hornets dropped their fourth straight game and are 2-8 in their last 10 games as they struggle without All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball.
The 76ers’ success this season has come off the back of reigning MVP Joel Embiid, and Saturday night was no exception as he continues to make franchise history with his 10th straight 30-point, 10-rebound double-double. He finished the contest with 42 points on a hot 18-for-23 shooting while adding 15 rebounds, three assists and two blocks in just 30 minutes of play. Running mate Tyrese Maxey continues to build his Most Improved Player award candidacy as he chipped in 21 points, seven assists and two steals while leading the team with a plus-43 point differential. Tobias Harris contributed 15 points, five rebounds and four assists while Kelly Oubre and Daniel House had 12 and 10 points off the bench respectively.
Only two Hornets players scored in double-digits Saturday, with Brandon Miller leading the way with 14 points on a cold 4-for-16 shooting to go along with four rebounds and four assists, while Bryce McGowen contributed 12 points over 24 minutes. Terry Rozier saw his season-long double-digit scoring streak come to an end when he had just six points on 3-for-10 shooting. Miles Bridges finished with nine points on 3-for-14 shooting, 10 rebounds and a team-worst minus-56 point differential. Nick Smith and James Bouknight each scored nine points off the bench.
With Saturday’s game in the books, both teams will play their next game Monday. The 76ers travel back to Philadelphia to begin a three-game homestand starting with the Chicago Bulls, while the Hornets head to the Great White North to take on the Toronto Raptors.
It was a complete game for the 76ers (18-7), who held the Hornets to 23 points or less in three quarters. Philadelphia started off hot with a commanding 33-17 first quarter, before pushing their lead to 29 entering halftime. They continued to flex their muscles in the third quarter, and entering the final frame up 41, both teams elected to empty their benches. The 76ers dominated in nearly every statistical category, including points in the paint (64-46), field goal shooting (59.6 percent vs. 36.3 percent), three-point shooting (45.2 percent vs. 20.0 percent) and assists (29 vs. 15). The 76ers now have the longest active winning streak of six, while the Hornets dropped their fourth straight game and are 2-8 in their last 10 games as they struggle without All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball.
The 76ers’ success this season has come off the back of reigning MVP Joel Embiid, and Saturday night was no exception as he continues to make franchise history with his 10th straight 30-point, 10-rebound double-double. He finished the contest with 42 points on a hot 18-for-23 shooting while adding 15 rebounds, three assists and two blocks in just 30 minutes of play. Running mate Tyrese Maxey continues to build his Most Improved Player award candidacy as he chipped in 21 points, seven assists and two steals while leading the team with a plus-43 point differential. Tobias Harris contributed 15 points, five rebounds and four assists while Kelly Oubre and Daniel House had 12 and 10 points off the bench respectively.
Only two Hornets players scored in double-digits Saturday, with Brandon Miller leading the way with 14 points on a cold 4-for-16 shooting to go along with four rebounds and four assists, while Bryce McGowen contributed 12 points over 24 minutes. Terry Rozier saw his season-long double-digit scoring streak come to an end when he had just six points on 3-for-10 shooting. Miles Bridges finished with nine points on 3-for-14 shooting, 10 rebounds and a team-worst minus-56 point differential. Nick Smith and James Bouknight each scored nine points off the bench.
With Saturday’s game in the books, both teams will play their next game Monday. The 76ers travel back to Philadelphia to begin a three-game homestand starting with the Chicago Bulls, while the Hornets head to the Great White North to take on the Toronto Raptors.
Cavaliers Hold On To Defeat Hawks
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 127-119, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Saturday.
The Cavaliers (14-12) and the Hawks (10-15) played a thrilling contest that was decided in the final minutes. In the end, the Cavaliers ended up winning despite Atlanta’s attempt of a comeback in the fourth quarter. Cleveland enjoyed an excellent start and raced to a 41-28 lead in the first quarter, an advantage the team would bolster following a 29-24 score in the second quarter. The Hawks didn’t give up in the second half despite the 18-point deficit, and Atlanta played the third quarter with a different mindset, ultimately outscoring Cleveland by a 29-22 score. The Hawks didn’t back down in the fourth and outscored their rivals 38-35. However, they came up short in completing the comeback. The Cavaliers tightened things up defensively down the stretch and closed things out to get the win. With the victory, the Cavaliers moved to 7-6 at home, while the Hawks fell to 7-8 on the road.
Jarrett Allen led the way for the Cavaliers with 25 points and 14 assists. Donovan Mitchell recorded 22 points and 13 assists while also adding five rebounds and two steals. Max Strus had 11 points, six rebounds and five assists. Issac Okoro notched 18 points, three rebounds and three assists. Dean Wade had 16 points and five boards. Caris LeVert added 14 points off the bench.
Trae Young finished with 35 points and 10 assists for the Hawks. Dejounte Murray finished with 21 points, six assists and three rebounds. Deandre Hunter posted 18 points and two rebounds in his return from injury. Onyeka Okongwu had 16 points and four rebounds. Bruno Fernando delivered 13 points and eight rebounds coming off the bench.
The Cavaliers (14-12) and the Hawks (10-15) played a thrilling contest that was decided in the final minutes. In the end, the Cavaliers ended up winning despite Atlanta’s attempt of a comeback in the fourth quarter. Cleveland enjoyed an excellent start and raced to a 41-28 lead in the first quarter, an advantage the team would bolster following a 29-24 score in the second quarter. The Hawks didn’t give up in the second half despite the 18-point deficit, and Atlanta played the third quarter with a different mindset, ultimately outscoring Cleveland by a 29-22 score. The Hawks didn’t back down in the fourth and outscored their rivals 38-35. However, they came up short in completing the comeback. The Cavaliers tightened things up defensively down the stretch and closed things out to get the win. With the victory, the Cavaliers moved to 7-6 at home, while the Hawks fell to 7-8 on the road.
Jarrett Allen led the way for the Cavaliers with 25 points and 14 assists. Donovan Mitchell recorded 22 points and 13 assists while also adding five rebounds and two steals. Max Strus had 11 points, six rebounds and five assists. Issac Okoro notched 18 points, three rebounds and three assists. Dean Wade had 16 points and five boards. Caris LeVert added 14 points off the bench.
Trae Young finished with 35 points and 10 assists for the Hawks. Dejounte Murray finished with 21 points, six assists and three rebounds. Deandre Hunter posted 18 points and two rebounds in his return from injury. Onyeka Okongwu had 16 points and four rebounds. Bruno Fernando delivered 13 points and eight rebounds coming off the bench.
Jimmy Butler Drains Game-Winning Shot, Heat Top Bulls
The Miami Heat defeated the Chicago Bulls, 118-116, at Kaseya Center on Saturday.
The Heat (15-11) and the Bulls (10-17) went back and forth all game long, and at times, it was hard to determine which team was going to get the win. Miami enjoyed a strong start and raced to a 36-24 lead in the first quarter. The Bulls responded with a 33-22 score just before the break, erasing the deficit and leading by three at the break. A 33-23 score in the third quarter gave Miami the lead back, but the Bulls were not going to go down without a fight. Chicago stormed back and even grabbed the lead in the final seconds. However, the Heat relied on their star player to deliver, and Jimmy Butler answered the call. Butler nailed the game-winning shot at the buzzer against his former team to lift the Heat to a huge win in front of a sellout 19,815 crowd at Kaseya Center. With the win, the Heat moved to 7-5 at home. Meanwhile, the Bulls fell to 3-10 on the road.
Aside from hitting the game-winning shot, Jimmy Butler led the way for the Heat with 28 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Cody Martin finished with 17 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Kyle Lowry had 10 points and seven dimes. Kevin Love delivered a vintage performance and posted 22 points (8-12 FG, 6-10 3Pt) with seven rebounds. Jaime Jaquez Jr. had 18 points, five boards and four assists.
DeMar DeRozan led the way for the Bulls with 27 points, five assists, three rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Coby White had 22 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Patrick Williams posted 25 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Nikola Vucevic recorded 12 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Torrey Craig had 16 points before departing with a foot injury.
The Heat (15-11) and the Bulls (10-17) went back and forth all game long, and at times, it was hard to determine which team was going to get the win. Miami enjoyed a strong start and raced to a 36-24 lead in the first quarter. The Bulls responded with a 33-22 score just before the break, erasing the deficit and leading by three at the break. A 33-23 score in the third quarter gave Miami the lead back, but the Bulls were not going to go down without a fight. Chicago stormed back and even grabbed the lead in the final seconds. However, the Heat relied on their star player to deliver, and Jimmy Butler answered the call. Butler nailed the game-winning shot at the buzzer against his former team to lift the Heat to a huge win in front of a sellout 19,815 crowd at Kaseya Center. With the win, the Heat moved to 7-5 at home. Meanwhile, the Bulls fell to 3-10 on the road.
Aside from hitting the game-winning shot, Jimmy Butler led the way for the Heat with 28 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Cody Martin finished with 17 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Kyle Lowry had 10 points and seven dimes. Kevin Love delivered a vintage performance and posted 22 points (8-12 FG, 6-10 3Pt) with seven rebounds. Jaime Jaquez Jr. had 18 points, five boards and four assists.
DeMar DeRozan led the way for the Bulls with 27 points, five assists, three rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Coby White had 22 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Patrick Williams posted 25 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Nikola Vucevic recorded 12 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Torrey Craig had 16 points before departing with a foot injury.
Timberwolves Blast Pacers, 127-109
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Indiana Pacers, 127-109, at Target Center on Saturday night.
The Pacers (13-11) came into the contest without star point guard Tyrese Haliburton (knee), but the significant absence didn't deter Indiana from playing competitively in the first half. Indiana trailed by just three after one, and they'd reduced their deficit to two by halftime. However, the Timberwolves (19-5) came out of intermission a more focused team, outscoring the visitors by a 38-23 margin in the third quarter and then keeping them comfortably at bay over the final 12 minutes.
Bruce Brown and Aaron Nesmith co-led the Pacers with matching 17-point, five-rebound contributions. Myles Turner furnished 12 points, five boards and one steal. Isaiah Jackson matched Turner's scoring and added four assists, three rebounds, three steals and two blocks. T.J. McConnell posted 10 points, six assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block.
Karl-Anthony Towns paced the Timberwolves with a 40-point, 12-rebound double-double that included four assists, three steals and two blocks. Anthony Edwards returned from a two-game absence due to a hip injury and provided 37 points, four assists, two rebounds and three steals. Naz Reid furnished 17 points and five rebounds. Troy Brown supplied 11 points, four assists and one rebound.
The Pacers return home to host the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night, while the Timberwolves visit the Miami Heat on Monday night.
The Pacers (13-11) came into the contest without star point guard Tyrese Haliburton (knee), but the significant absence didn't deter Indiana from playing competitively in the first half. Indiana trailed by just three after one, and they'd reduced their deficit to two by halftime. However, the Timberwolves (19-5) came out of intermission a more focused team, outscoring the visitors by a 38-23 margin in the third quarter and then keeping them comfortably at bay over the final 12 minutes.
Bruce Brown and Aaron Nesmith co-led the Pacers with matching 17-point, five-rebound contributions. Myles Turner furnished 12 points, five boards and one steal. Isaiah Jackson matched Turner's scoring and added four assists, three rebounds, three steals and two blocks. T.J. McConnell posted 10 points, six assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block.
Karl-Anthony Towns paced the Timberwolves with a 40-point, 12-rebound double-double that included four assists, three steals and two blocks. Anthony Edwards returned from a two-game absence due to a hip injury and provided 37 points, four assists, two rebounds and three steals. Naz Reid furnished 17 points and five rebounds. Troy Brown supplied 11 points, four assists and one rebound.
The Pacers return home to host the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night, while the Timberwolves visit the Miami Heat on Monday night.
Warriors Topple Nets, 124-120
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 124-120, at Chase Center on Saturday night.
The Warriors (11-14) came out of the gate red hot on the offensive end, leading to a 70-54 halftime lead. However, the Nets (13-12) were able to lop 10 points from their deficit in the third and eventually took a one-point lead with seven minutes remaining, but Golden State regained the lead shortly thereafter and was able to hang on the rest of the way despite several close calls.
Cam Thomas led the Nets with 41 points, complementing them with five rebounds, two assists and one steal. Nic Claxton generated a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist and four blocks. Mikal Bridges furnished 18 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Cameron Johnson totaled 13 points, five assists and two rebounds. Royce O'Neale delivered 11 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block.
Stephen Curry paced the Warriors with 37 points, supplementing them with three rebounds and one assist. Klay Thompson supplied 24 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal. Brandin Podziemski totaled 19 points, five rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block. Andrew Wiggins registered 14 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal. Dario Saric finished with 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Nets visit the Utah Jazz on Monday night, while the Warriors hit the road to take on the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night.
The Warriors (11-14) came out of the gate red hot on the offensive end, leading to a 70-54 halftime lead. However, the Nets (13-12) were able to lop 10 points from their deficit in the third and eventually took a one-point lead with seven minutes remaining, but Golden State regained the lead shortly thereafter and was able to hang on the rest of the way despite several close calls.
Cam Thomas led the Nets with 41 points, complementing them with five rebounds, two assists and one steal. Nic Claxton generated a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist and four blocks. Mikal Bridges furnished 18 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Cameron Johnson totaled 13 points, five assists and two rebounds. Royce O'Neale delivered 11 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block.
Stephen Curry paced the Warriors with 37 points, supplementing them with three rebounds and one assist. Klay Thompson supplied 24 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal. Brandin Podziemski totaled 19 points, five rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block. Andrew Wiggins registered 14 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal. Dario Saric finished with 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Nets visit the Utah Jazz on Monday night, while the Warriors hit the road to take on the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night.
Thunder Edge Nuggets In Denver
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the host Denver Nuggets, 118-117, at Ball Arena on Saturday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Nuggets led, 31-27, after one quarter. The score stayed tight through the second, but the host stayed in control and took a two-point edge into the break. The Nuggets kept the upper hand through most of the third, but neither team could create separation, as it remain a two-point advantage for the hosts heading into the final quarter. The Thunder kept up the fight and despite trailing by eight points with three minutes left, closed the game on a, 15-6, capped off by a last-second game-winner from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 25 points, six rebounds, eight assists and two steals, in 37 minutes. Jalen Williams followed up with 24 points, three assists and a steal, while Chet Holmgren totalled 17 points, 11 rebounds and nine blocks.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 24 points, six rebounds, 12 assists and two steals, in 37 minutes. Michael Porter followed up with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Aaron Gordon tallied 16 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals.
The Nuggets (17-10) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Mavericks on Monday. The Thunder (16-8) play host to the Grizzlies on Monday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Nuggets led, 31-27, after one quarter. The score stayed tight through the second, but the host stayed in control and took a two-point edge into the break. The Nuggets kept the upper hand through most of the third, but neither team could create separation, as it remain a two-point advantage for the hosts heading into the final quarter. The Thunder kept up the fight and despite trailing by eight points with three minutes left, closed the game on a, 15-6, capped off by a last-second game-winner from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 25 points, six rebounds, eight assists and two steals, in 37 minutes. Jalen Williams followed up with 24 points, three assists and a steal, while Chet Holmgren totalled 17 points, 11 rebounds and nine blocks.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 24 points, six rebounds, 12 assists and two steals, in 37 minutes. Michael Porter followed up with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Aaron Gordon tallied 16 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals.
The Nuggets (17-10) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Mavericks on Monday. The Thunder (16-8) play host to the Grizzlies on Monday.
Mavs Top Blazers In Portland
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 131-120, at Moda Center on Saturday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start, as the Trail Blazers led, 39-36 after one quarter. The Mavericks picked up their play in the second and outscored the hosts, 38-24, to take an 11-point lead into the break. Both sides brought the energy in the third and tallied 36 points each, with the visitors carrying an 11-point lead into the final frame. The Blazers kept up the fight in the fourth but could not surmount the difference, as the Mavs closed out the road win. This marks the sixth straight loss for the Blazers.
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 40 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists and a steal, in 37 minutes. Tim Hardaway followed up with 25 points, six rebounds and a steal, while Derrick Jones and Dante Exum added 18 points each.
Meanwhile, Anfernee Simons led the Blazers with 33 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two steals, in 35 minutes. Jerami Grant followed up with 27 points and five rebounds, while Scoot Henderson added 13 points, three rebounds, two assists and a block.
The Trail Blazers (6-18) will look to bounce back as they play shot to the Warriors on Sunday. The Mavericks (16-9) clash with the Nuggets in Denver on Monday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start, as the Trail Blazers led, 39-36 after one quarter. The Mavericks picked up their play in the second and outscored the hosts, 38-24, to take an 11-point lead into the break. Both sides brought the energy in the third and tallied 36 points each, with the visitors carrying an 11-point lead into the final frame. The Blazers kept up the fight in the fourth but could not surmount the difference, as the Mavs closed out the road win. This marks the sixth straight loss for the Blazers.
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 40 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists and a steal, in 37 minutes. Tim Hardaway followed up with 25 points, six rebounds and a steal, while Derrick Jones and Dante Exum added 18 points each.
Meanwhile, Anfernee Simons led the Blazers with 33 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two steals, in 35 minutes. Jerami Grant followed up with 27 points and five rebounds, while Scoot Henderson added 13 points, three rebounds, two assists and a block.
The Trail Blazers (6-18) will look to bounce back as they play shot to the Warriors on Sunday. The Mavericks (16-9) clash with the Nuggets in Denver on Monday.
Kings Defeat Jazz, 125-104
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 125-104, at Golden 1 Center on Saturday.
A 35-23 first quarter carried the Kings to this wire-to-wire win, closing things out with a 44-26 third quarter. They got their lead up to 30 points at times, maintaining a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. Sacramento shot 54 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range (22-of-45) while holding Utah to 44 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range (12-of-37). The Kings also out-assisted the Jazz, 36-28, while out-rebounding them, 53-43.
The Jazz (9-17) were led by Collin Sexton, finishing with 28 points and three rebounds. Lauri Markkanen totaled 18 points, six rebounds and three assists. Kelly Olynyk compiled nine points, five rebounds and 13 assists. Talen Horton-Tucker led the bench with 12 points, three rebounds, five assists and three steals.
The Kings (15-9) were led by Keegan Murray, tallying 47 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals on 12-of-15 from three-point range. Domantas Sabonis amassed 20 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Harrison Barnes had 16 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Malik Monk led the bench with 18 points, four rebounds and eight assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Utah playing host to the Brooklyn Nets and Sacramento remaining home to face the New York Knicks.
A 35-23 first quarter carried the Kings to this wire-to-wire win, closing things out with a 44-26 third quarter. They got their lead up to 30 points at times, maintaining a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. Sacramento shot 54 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range (22-of-45) while holding Utah to 44 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range (12-of-37). The Kings also out-assisted the Jazz, 36-28, while out-rebounding them, 53-43.
The Jazz (9-17) were led by Collin Sexton, finishing with 28 points and three rebounds. Lauri Markkanen totaled 18 points, six rebounds and three assists. Kelly Olynyk compiled nine points, five rebounds and 13 assists. Talen Horton-Tucker led the bench with 12 points, three rebounds, five assists and three steals.
The Kings (15-9) were led by Keegan Murray, tallying 47 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals on 12-of-15 from three-point range. Domantas Sabonis amassed 20 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Harrison Barnes had 16 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Malik Monk led the bench with 18 points, four rebounds and eight assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Utah playing host to the Brooklyn Nets and Sacramento remaining home to face the New York Knicks.
Clippers Defeat Knicks, 144-122
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting New York Knicks, 144-122, at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday.
Los Angeles won all four individual quarters in this game, maintaining the lead for all but a few minutes. They got their lead up to 32 points at times, leading by at least 15 points for the entirety of the fourth quarter. The Clippers out-rebounded the Knicks, 53-46, while out-assisting them, 36-20. Los Angeles shot 57 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range (16-of-33) while holding New York to 47 percent from the field and 31 percent from long range.
The Knicks (14-11) were led by Julius Randle, registering 22 points, four rebounds and three assists. Jalen Brunson had 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Donte DiVicenzo and RJ Barrett scored 18 points apiece, Isaiah Hartenstein led the bench with 12 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and three blocks.
The Clippers (15-10) were led by Kawhi Leonard, collecting 36 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals on 12-of-16 from the field. Paul George provided 25 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Ivica Zubac totaled 13 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two blocks, while James Harden totaled 10 points, four rebounds, 12 assists and two blocks. Norman Powell led the bench with 16 points.
Both teams return to action Monday, with Los Angeles traveling to face the Indiana Pacers while New York stays west to play the Los Angeles Lakers.
Los Angeles won all four individual quarters in this game, maintaining the lead for all but a few minutes. They got their lead up to 32 points at times, leading by at least 15 points for the entirety of the fourth quarter. The Clippers out-rebounded the Knicks, 53-46, while out-assisting them, 36-20. Los Angeles shot 57 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range (16-of-33) while holding New York to 47 percent from the field and 31 percent from long range.
The Knicks (14-11) were led by Julius Randle, registering 22 points, four rebounds and three assists. Jalen Brunson had 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Donte DiVicenzo and RJ Barrett scored 18 points apiece, Isaiah Hartenstein led the bench with 12 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and three blocks.
The Clippers (15-10) were led by Kawhi Leonard, collecting 36 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals on 12-of-16 from the field. Paul George provided 25 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Ivica Zubac totaled 13 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two blocks, while James Harden totaled 10 points, four rebounds, 12 assists and two blocks. Norman Powell led the bench with 16 points.
Both teams return to action Monday, with Los Angeles traveling to face the Indiana Pacers while New York stays west to play the Los Angeles Lakers.