Cavs hold off Rockets in OT
The Cleveland Cavaliers took care of business at home at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Monday when they beat the Houston Rockets, 135-127, in overtime.
The Cavaliers (15-12) raced out to a double-digit lead, but after the Rockets (13-11) went on a run on their own, the two teams traded lead throughout the first half. The same story took place in the second half, with the Rockets able to weather the Cavs storm as the two squads traded buckets all the way until the end of regulation. It was only in overtime when the Cavaliers dominated the final five minutes of the game -- highlighted by a Jarrett Allen block on Jalen Green -- to take the home win. Cleveland moves to 8-6 at home while Houston drops to 2-10 on the road.
Fred VanVleet accounted for 17 of the Rockets’ 29 assists in the game and had a team-high 27 points along with eight rebounds and two steals. Alphren Sengun battled through early foul trouble to finish with 24 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Dillon Brooks chipped in 16 points and three rebounds. Jeff Green shot a perfect 6-for-6 off the bench for 15 points and three assists, while Aaron Holiday and Tari Eason each contributed 14 points off the pine.
Donovan Mitchell had a game-high 37 points along with six assists and two blocks over 45 minutes of play. Third-year guard Sam Merrill had his best performance of the season, finishing with a career-high 19 points on 5 of 10 shooting from beyond the arc to go along with four rebounds and three assists over 24 minutes off the bench. Caris Levert had a solid all-around performance in reserve with 12 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals while Max Strus had 17 points and three rebounds.
Both teams will next play Wednesday at their respective home arenas. The Cavaliers will host the Utah Jazz, while the Rockets take on the Atlanta Hawks.
The Cavaliers (15-12) raced out to a double-digit lead, but after the Rockets (13-11) went on a run on their own, the two teams traded lead throughout the first half. The same story took place in the second half, with the Rockets able to weather the Cavs storm as the two squads traded buckets all the way until the end of regulation. It was only in overtime when the Cavaliers dominated the final five minutes of the game -- highlighted by a Jarrett Allen block on Jalen Green -- to take the home win. Cleveland moves to 8-6 at home while Houston drops to 2-10 on the road.
Fred VanVleet accounted for 17 of the Rockets’ 29 assists in the game and had a team-high 27 points along with eight rebounds and two steals. Alphren Sengun battled through early foul trouble to finish with 24 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Dillon Brooks chipped in 16 points and three rebounds. Jeff Green shot a perfect 6-for-6 off the bench for 15 points and three assists, while Aaron Holiday and Tari Eason each contributed 14 points off the pine.
Donovan Mitchell had a game-high 37 points along with six assists and two blocks over 45 minutes of play. Third-year guard Sam Merrill had his best performance of the season, finishing with a career-high 19 points on 5 of 10 shooting from beyond the arc to go along with four rebounds and three assists over 24 minutes off the bench. Caris Levert had a solid all-around performance in reserve with 12 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals while Max Strus had 17 points and three rebounds.
Both teams will next play Wednesday at their respective home arenas. The Cavaliers will host the Utah Jazz, while the Rockets take on the Atlanta Hawks.
Clippers Put 151 Points Past Pacers
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Indiana Pacers, 151-127, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Monday.
The Clippers (16-10) remain on the rise and secured another win by getting past the Pacers (13-12) at home in one of the highest-scoring games of the 2023-24 NBA season. However, Los Angeles struggled to get things going, and the first quarter ended with a 38-37 score in the first 12 minutes. However, a 40-28 outcome in the second quarter gave the Clippers a double-digit lead by halftime. The Clippers were in complete control by then and would never let the lead slip away. A 37-28 score in the third quarter put the game entirely out of reach for Indiana, and the Clippers closed things out with a 37-33 score in the fourth. Despite the slow start, the Clippers had no problems closing things out and securing the win away from home. The Clippers moved to 5-7 on the road with the win, while the Pacers fell to 7-6 at home with this sounding defeat.
James Harden led the way for the Clippers with 35 points and nine assists. Kawhi Leonard chipped in with 28 points while shooting 12-for-18 from the field. Paul George posted 27 points, four assists and three rebounds. Ivica Zubac had an 18-point, 16-rebound double-double, and he also added three assists with three blocks. Norman Powell thrived off the bench and finished with 19 points off the bench. Russell Westbrook had 10 points, five assists and four rebounds.
Tyrese Haliburton returned from injury but looked limited, finishing with eight points and 11 assists while going 3-for-12 from the field. Bennedict Mathurin was the leading scorer for Indiana since he posted 34 points off the bench. Isaiah Jackson had 15 points and four rebounds. Buddy Hield and Obi Toppin each had 14 points and four assists, though Toppin also grabbed three rebounds. Bruce Brown had 11 points.
The Clippers (16-10) remain on the rise and secured another win by getting past the Pacers (13-12) at home in one of the highest-scoring games of the 2023-24 NBA season. However, Los Angeles struggled to get things going, and the first quarter ended with a 38-37 score in the first 12 minutes. However, a 40-28 outcome in the second quarter gave the Clippers a double-digit lead by halftime. The Clippers were in complete control by then and would never let the lead slip away. A 37-28 score in the third quarter put the game entirely out of reach for Indiana, and the Clippers closed things out with a 37-33 score in the fourth. Despite the slow start, the Clippers had no problems closing things out and securing the win away from home. The Clippers moved to 5-7 on the road with the win, while the Pacers fell to 7-6 at home with this sounding defeat.
James Harden led the way for the Clippers with 35 points and nine assists. Kawhi Leonard chipped in with 28 points while shooting 12-for-18 from the field. Paul George posted 27 points, four assists and three rebounds. Ivica Zubac had an 18-point, 16-rebound double-double, and he also added three assists with three blocks. Norman Powell thrived off the bench and finished with 19 points off the bench. Russell Westbrook had 10 points, five assists and four rebounds.
Tyrese Haliburton returned from injury but looked limited, finishing with eight points and 11 assists while going 3-for-12 from the field. Bennedict Mathurin was the leading scorer for Indiana since he posted 34 points off the bench. Isaiah Jackson had 15 points and four rebounds. Buddy Hield and Obi Toppin each had 14 points and four assists, though Toppin also grabbed three rebounds. Bruce Brown had 11 points.
Bulls Pull Upset, End 76ers Winning Streak
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 108-104, at Wells Fargo Center on Monday.
The 76ers (18-8) suffered a surprising loss to a combative Bulls (11-7) team. The result is even more surprising since the 76ers have been outstanding at home this season while the Bulls have slumped on the road. This game pushed the 76ers' home record to 10-4, while the Bulls are 4-10 away from home. The Bulls looked excellent in the first half, securing a one-point lead after the initial 12 minutes and pushing their lead to 11 points by the time halftime arrived. The 76ers tried to fight back in the second half, but they could not complete the comeback. Philadelphia was down by 12 points entering the fourth quarter following a 26-25 score in the third quarter. The 76ers fought back and won the final quarter by eight points, but it was not enough to turn things around. The 76ers were massive favorites, but the Bulls pulled a gigantic upset on the road.
Coby White was the leading scorer for the Bulls, finishing with 24 points, nine assists and eight rebounds. Nikola Vucevic recorded 23 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two blocks. DeMar DeRozan posted 15 points, five assists, four rebounds and four steals. Patrick Williams posted 13 points and six rebounds. Jevon Carter had 12 points off the bench.
Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 40 points and 14 rebounds, but his efforts were not enough to get the win. Tyrese Maxey delivered 29 points, eight assists and five rebounds. No other Philadelphia scored in double digits in what was a woeful offensive showing for the team. The 76ers shot 43.2 percent from the field and 34.4 percent from three-point range.
The 76ers (18-8) suffered a surprising loss to a combative Bulls (11-7) team. The result is even more surprising since the 76ers have been outstanding at home this season while the Bulls have slumped on the road. This game pushed the 76ers' home record to 10-4, while the Bulls are 4-10 away from home. The Bulls looked excellent in the first half, securing a one-point lead after the initial 12 minutes and pushing their lead to 11 points by the time halftime arrived. The 76ers tried to fight back in the second half, but they could not complete the comeback. Philadelphia was down by 12 points entering the fourth quarter following a 26-25 score in the third quarter. The 76ers fought back and won the final quarter by eight points, but it was not enough to turn things around. The 76ers were massive favorites, but the Bulls pulled a gigantic upset on the road.
Coby White was the leading scorer for the Bulls, finishing with 24 points, nine assists and eight rebounds. Nikola Vucevic recorded 23 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two blocks. DeMar DeRozan posted 15 points, five assists, four rebounds and four steals. Patrick Williams posted 13 points and six rebounds. Jevon Carter had 12 points off the bench.
Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 40 points and 14 rebounds, but his efforts were not enough to get the win. Tyrese Maxey delivered 29 points, eight assists and five rebounds. No other Philadelphia scored in double digits in what was a woeful offensive showing for the team. The 76ers shot 43.2 percent from the field and 34.4 percent from three-point range.
Hawks Squeeze By Pistons, 130-124
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Detroit Pistons, 130-124, at State Farm Arena on Monday night.
The Hawks (11-15) came into the contest as heavy favorites and played like it in the first quarter, emerging from the period with a 38-25 lead. The Pistons (2-25) managed to lop off four points from their deficit before halftime, but Atlanta expanded the advantage back to 12 points going into final period. Detroit battled all the way back to close to within five with 18.1 seconds remaining, but the hosts were able to hang on for the victory.
Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 43 points, adding seven assists, five rebounds, three steals and one block. Bojan Bogdanovic supplied 25 points, two rebounds and two assists. Marvin Bagley netted 17 points, while Jaden Ivey furnished 15 points, eight rebounds and four assists. James Wiseman totaled 10 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with a 31-point, 15-assist double-double that included four rebounds. Saddiq Bey turned in 21 points, four rebounds, one assist and two steals. Dejounte Murray recorded 20 points, three rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Clint Capela generated a 17-point, 15-rebound double-double that included two assists, three blocks and one steal. Onyeka Okongwu netted 14 points, two rebounds, one assist and one block.
The Pistons return home and host the Utah Jazz on Thursday night, while the Hawks visit the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.
The Hawks (11-15) came into the contest as heavy favorites and played like it in the first quarter, emerging from the period with a 38-25 lead. The Pistons (2-25) managed to lop off four points from their deficit before halftime, but Atlanta expanded the advantage back to 12 points going into final period. Detroit battled all the way back to close to within five with 18.1 seconds remaining, but the hosts were able to hang on for the victory.
Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 43 points, adding seven assists, five rebounds, three steals and one block. Bojan Bogdanovic supplied 25 points, two rebounds and two assists. Marvin Bagley netted 17 points, while Jaden Ivey furnished 15 points, eight rebounds and four assists. James Wiseman totaled 10 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with a 31-point, 15-assist double-double that included four rebounds. Saddiq Bey turned in 21 points, four rebounds, one assist and two steals. Dejounte Murray recorded 20 points, three rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Clint Capela generated a 17-point, 15-rebound double-double that included two assists, three blocks and one steal. Onyeka Okongwu netted 14 points, two rebounds, one assist and one block.
The Pistons return home and host the Utah Jazz on Thursday night, while the Hawks visit the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.
Timberwolves Edge Heat, 112-108
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Miami Heat, 112-108, at Kaseya Center on Monday night.
The Heat (15-12) opened the game apparently buoyed by the returns of Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo from their respective ankle and hip injuries, as they held 33-22 lead through one. Miami had extended the advantage an additional point by halftime, but the Timberwolves' (20-5) defense was at an elite level during a third quarter in which they held the home squad to 17 points while whittling the deficit in half to six points. The visitors saved their best for last, however, outscoring the Heat by a 35-25 margin over the final 12 minutes and sealing the victory with a pair of Nickeil Alexander-Walker free throws with 4.1 seconds remaining.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 32 points, adding eight rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks. Karl-Anthony Towns delivered 18 points, eight boards, two assists and one steal. Naz Reid supplied 15 points, four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Mike Conley registered 12 points, six assists, one rebound and one steal. Jaden McDaniels furnished 10 points, five rebounds, two assists and three blocks.
Herro paced the Heat with 25 points, supplementing them with three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Adebayo followed with 22 points, six boards, six assists, one steal and one block. Jimmy Butler managed 15 points, five rebounds and five assists. Duncan Robinson supplied 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal. Josh Richardson finished with 13 points, four rebounds and three assists.
The Timberwolves remain on the road and face the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, while the Heat visit the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night as well.
The Heat (15-12) opened the game apparently buoyed by the returns of Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo from their respective ankle and hip injuries, as they held 33-22 lead through one. Miami had extended the advantage an additional point by halftime, but the Timberwolves' (20-5) defense was at an elite level during a third quarter in which they held the home squad to 17 points while whittling the deficit in half to six points. The visitors saved their best for last, however, outscoring the Heat by a 35-25 margin over the final 12 minutes and sealing the victory with a pair of Nickeil Alexander-Walker free throws with 4.1 seconds remaining.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 32 points, adding eight rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks. Karl-Anthony Towns delivered 18 points, eight boards, two assists and one steal. Naz Reid supplied 15 points, four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Mike Conley registered 12 points, six assists, one rebound and one steal. Jaden McDaniels furnished 10 points, five rebounds, two assists and three blocks.
Herro paced the Heat with 25 points, supplementing them with three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Adebayo followed with 22 points, six boards, six assists, one steal and one block. Jimmy Butler managed 15 points, five rebounds and five assists. Duncan Robinson supplied 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal. Josh Richardson finished with 13 points, four rebounds and three assists.
The Timberwolves remain on the road and face the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, while the Heat visit the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night as well.
Raptors Top Hornets, 114-99
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 114-99, at Scotiabank Arena on Monday night.
The Hornets (7-18) came into the game having just suffered a franchise-record 53-point loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night and missing both Miles Bridges (personal) and Gordon Hayward (illness) in addition to LaMelo Ball (ankle), but they appeared revitalized on their way to 27-19 lead through one. However, the Raptors (11-15) battled back to whittle away six points from their deficit during the middle periods, and their 35-18 advantage in the final 12 minutes led to the double-digit victory. Toronto shot 51.2 percent and outrebounded Charlotte by a 51-36 margin.
Terry Rozier led the way with 22 points, adding seven assists, three rebounds, three steals and one block. P.J. Washington delivered 15 points, seven boards, five assists and four steals. Bryce McGowens and Brandon Miller posted matching 14-point tallies while puling down five and three rebounds, respectively. Nick Richards generated a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists.
Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with 27 points, supplementing them with eight assists, eight rebounds and one steal. Scottie Barnes generated a 22-point, 17-rebound double-double that included seven assists and three blocks. Gary Trent Jr. matched Barnes' scoring and also produced 10 boards, three assists and one steal. Dennis Schroder registered 13 points and five assists. Precious Achiuwa managed 12 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The Hornets remain on the road and visit the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night as well.
The Hornets (7-18) came into the game having just suffered a franchise-record 53-point loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night and missing both Miles Bridges (personal) and Gordon Hayward (illness) in addition to LaMelo Ball (ankle), but they appeared revitalized on their way to 27-19 lead through one. However, the Raptors (11-15) battled back to whittle away six points from their deficit during the middle periods, and their 35-18 advantage in the final 12 minutes led to the double-digit victory. Toronto shot 51.2 percent and outrebounded Charlotte by a 51-36 margin.
Terry Rozier led the way with 22 points, adding seven assists, three rebounds, three steals and one block. P.J. Washington delivered 15 points, seven boards, five assists and four steals. Bryce McGowens and Brandon Miller posted matching 14-point tallies while puling down five and three rebounds, respectively. Nick Richards generated a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists.
Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with 27 points, supplementing them with eight assists, eight rebounds and one steal. Scottie Barnes generated a 22-point, 17-rebound double-double that included seven assists and three blocks. Gary Trent Jr. matched Barnes' scoring and also produced 10 boards, three assists and one steal. Dennis Schroder registered 13 points and five assists. Precious Achiuwa managed 12 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The Hornets remain on the road and visit the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night as well.
Thunder Blow Past Grizzlies
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, 116-97, at Paycom Center on Monday evening.
The Thunder got out to a strong start and led, 34-26, after one quarter. The Grizzlies tied it up early in the second but fell apart, as the hosts dominated the rest of the quarter to take a 15-point lead into the break. The Thunder turned up the defense in the third and held the visitors to just 13 points in the quarter, while they pushed their lead to 28 points heading into the final frame. The Grizzlies put up a fight in the fourth but it was not enough, as they fell short for their fifth straight loss. This marks the second straight win for the Thunder.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 30 points, nine rebounds, five assists and four steals, in 28 minutes. Chet Holmgren followed up with 17 points, six rebounds, two assists, a steal and seven blocks, while Josh Giddey totaled 16 points 12 rebounds, four assists and a steal.
Ziaire Williams led the Grizzlies with 19 points, seven rebounds and five assists, in 22 minutes off the bench. Desmond Bane followed up with 17 points, five assists and a steal, while Jacob Gilyard added 12 points, seven assists and a steal.
The Grizzlies (6-19) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Tuesday. The Thunder (17-8) play host to the Clippers on Thursday.
The Thunder got out to a strong start and led, 34-26, after one quarter. The Grizzlies tied it up early in the second but fell apart, as the hosts dominated the rest of the quarter to take a 15-point lead into the break. The Thunder turned up the defense in the third and held the visitors to just 13 points in the quarter, while they pushed their lead to 28 points heading into the final frame. The Grizzlies put up a fight in the fourth but it was not enough, as they fell short for their fifth straight loss. This marks the second straight win for the Thunder.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 30 points, nine rebounds, five assists and four steals, in 28 minutes. Chet Holmgren followed up with 17 points, six rebounds, two assists, a steal and seven blocks, while Josh Giddey totaled 16 points 12 rebounds, four assists and a steal.
Ziaire Williams led the Grizzlies with 19 points, seven rebounds and five assists, in 22 minutes off the bench. Desmond Bane followed up with 17 points, five assists and a steal, while Jacob Gilyard added 12 points, seven assists and a steal.
The Grizzlies (6-19) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Tuesday. The Thunder (17-8) play host to the Clippers on Thursday.
Nuggets Too Much For Mavs
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Dallas Mavericks, 130-104, at Ball Arena on Monday evening.
The hosts got out to a strong start and led, 28-20, after one quarter. Both sides picked up the pace in the second, but the Nuggets maintained control for a nine-point advantage heading into the break. The Mavs had no answers in the third, as the Nuggets added another nine points to their cushion, making it an 18-point game after three quarters. The hosts did not hold back in the fourth and charged all the way to the 26-point win.
Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 22 points, four rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, in 25 minutes. Aaron Gordon followed up with 21 points, five rebounds, five assists and a steal, while Reggie Jackson turned in 20 points and four assists.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 38 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, in 36 minutes. Dante Exum was the only other player to score in double digits, with 11 points on 5-for-5 shooting. Dwight Powell added eight points and eight rebounds.
The Mavericks (16-10) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Clippers on Wednesday. The Nuggets (18-10) take on the Raptors in Toronto on Wednesday.
The hosts got out to a strong start and led, 28-20, after one quarter. Both sides picked up the pace in the second, but the Nuggets maintained control for a nine-point advantage heading into the break. The Mavs had no answers in the third, as the Nuggets added another nine points to their cushion, making it an 18-point game after three quarters. The hosts did not hold back in the fourth and charged all the way to the 26-point win.
Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 22 points, four rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, in 25 minutes. Aaron Gordon followed up with 21 points, five rebounds, five assists and a steal, while Reggie Jackson turned in 20 points and four assists.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 38 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, in 36 minutes. Dante Exum was the only other player to score in double digits, with 11 points on 5-for-5 shooting. Dwight Powell added eight points and eight rebounds.
The Mavericks (16-10) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Clippers on Wednesday. The Nuggets (18-10) take on the Raptors in Toronto on Wednesday.
Jazz Dominate Nets In Utah
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Brooklyn Nets, 125-108, at Delta Center on Monday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the score was tied at 28, after one quarter. The visitors took the edge and held it for most of the second, taking a five-point lead into the break. The Jazz came out stronger in the third and outscored the visitors, 34-23, in the quarter to take a six-point advantage into the final frame. The Jazz kept the momentum going and dominated the fourth quarter to close out their third win in four games. This marks the third straight loss for the Nets.
Collin Sexton and Talen Horton-Tucker totaled 27 points, three rebounds and six assists each, to lead the way for the Jazz. Lauri Markkanen followed up with 20 points, four rebounds and a block, while Walker Kessler logged 14 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks.
Meanwhile, Cam Thomas led the Nets with 32 points, four rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, in 37 minutes. Spencer Dinwiddie followed up with 17 points, eight rebounds, 11 assists and two blocks, while Mikal Bridges totaled 13 points and five assists.
The Nets (13-13) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Knicks on Wednesday. The Jazz (10-17) take on the Cavs in Cleveland on Wednesday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the score was tied at 28, after one quarter. The visitors took the edge and held it for most of the second, taking a five-point lead into the break. The Jazz came out stronger in the third and outscored the visitors, 34-23, in the quarter to take a six-point advantage into the final frame. The Jazz kept the momentum going and dominated the fourth quarter to close out their third win in four games. This marks the third straight loss for the Nets.
Collin Sexton and Talen Horton-Tucker totaled 27 points, three rebounds and six assists each, to lead the way for the Jazz. Lauri Markkanen followed up with 20 points, four rebounds and a block, while Walker Kessler logged 14 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks.
Meanwhile, Cam Thomas led the Nets with 32 points, four rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, in 37 minutes. Spencer Dinwiddie followed up with 17 points, eight rebounds, 11 assists and two blocks, while Mikal Bridges totaled 13 points and five assists.
The Nets (13-13) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Knicks on Wednesday. The Jazz (10-17) take on the Cavs in Cleveland on Wednesday.
Kings Wallop Wizards, 143-131
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Washington Wizards, 143-131, at Golden 1 Center on Monday.
There were six ties and four lead changes in the first half, but Sacramento never relinquished the lead after a 39-25 second quarter. They put things away behind a 46-35 third quarter. The Kings shot 53 percent from the field, while the Wizards shot 52 percent. Sacramento recorded 35 assists to seven turnovers, while Washington had 26 assists to 11 turnovers. The Kings also outscored the Wizards in the paint, 64-46, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 19-7.
The Wizards (4-22) were led by Jordan Poole, providing 28 points and two assists. Kyle Kuzma compiled 27 points and eight rebounds. Tyus Jones tallied 16 points and nine assists, while Deni Avdija amassed nine points, five rebounds and three assists. Bilal Coulibaly and Mike Muscala led the bench with 11 points apiece.
The Kings (16-9) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 30 points, five rebounds, six assists and three steals. Domantas Sabonis collected 28 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists. Keegan Murray collected 25 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Harrison Barnes had 19 points. Malik Monk led the bench with 10 points and six assists.
On deck for Sacramento is a home matchup with the Boston Celtics on Wednesday. As for Washington, they play the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday for their next outing.
There were six ties and four lead changes in the first half, but Sacramento never relinquished the lead after a 39-25 second quarter. They put things away behind a 46-35 third quarter. The Kings shot 53 percent from the field, while the Wizards shot 52 percent. Sacramento recorded 35 assists to seven turnovers, while Washington had 26 assists to 11 turnovers. The Kings also outscored the Wizards in the paint, 64-46, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 19-7.
The Wizards (4-22) were led by Jordan Poole, providing 28 points and two assists. Kyle Kuzma compiled 27 points and eight rebounds. Tyus Jones tallied 16 points and nine assists, while Deni Avdija amassed nine points, five rebounds and three assists. Bilal Coulibaly and Mike Muscala led the bench with 11 points apiece.
The Kings (16-9) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 30 points, five rebounds, six assists and three steals. Domantas Sabonis collected 28 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists. Keegan Murray collected 25 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Harrison Barnes had 19 points. Malik Monk led the bench with 10 points and six assists.
On deck for Sacramento is a home matchup with the Boston Celtics on Wednesday. As for Washington, they play the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday for their next outing.
Knicks Defeat Lakers, 114-109
The New York Knicks defeated the host Los Angeles Lakers, 114-109, at Crypto.com Arena on Monday.
There were eight ties and 11 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 12 points. That was New York, maintaining the lead for all but a handful of minutes in this game. They outscored LA in the first and third quarters, 68-49. The Knicks shot 48 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range while the Lakers shot 42 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range. NY also out-rebounded LA, 58-49, while outscoring them in the paint, 62-52.
The Knicks (15-11) were led by Jalen Brunson, finishing with 29 points, four rebounds and three assists. Julius Randle registered 27 points, 14 rebounds and three assists. RJ Barrett totaled 12 points, five rebounds and four assists. Immanuel Quickley led the bench with 20 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Isaiah Hartenstein had nine points, 17 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Lakers (15-12) were led by Anthony Davis, collecting 32 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and two blocks. LeBron James had 25 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. No other starter reached double figures in scoring, combining to shoot 8-of-32 from the field. Austin Reaves led the bench with 20 points, three rebounds and seven assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Los Angeles traveling to play the Chicago Bulls and New York staying on the road to face the Brooklyn Nets.
There were eight ties and 11 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 12 points. That was New York, maintaining the lead for all but a handful of minutes in this game. They outscored LA in the first and third quarters, 68-49. The Knicks shot 48 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range while the Lakers shot 42 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range. NY also out-rebounded LA, 58-49, while outscoring them in the paint, 62-52.
The Knicks (15-11) were led by Jalen Brunson, finishing with 29 points, four rebounds and three assists. Julius Randle registered 27 points, 14 rebounds and three assists. RJ Barrett totaled 12 points, five rebounds and four assists. Immanuel Quickley led the bench with 20 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Isaiah Hartenstein had nine points, 17 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Lakers (15-12) were led by Anthony Davis, collecting 32 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and two blocks. LeBron James had 25 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. No other starter reached double figures in scoring, combining to shoot 8-of-32 from the field. Austin Reaves led the bench with 20 points, three rebounds and seven assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Los Angeles traveling to play the Chicago Bulls and New York staying on the road to face the Brooklyn Nets.