Cavaliers defeat Jazz on Wedneseday
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Utah Jazz, 124-116, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Wednesday night.
The Cavaliers (16-12) jumped to a double-digit lead in the first quarter, but the Jazz (10-18) dominated the next two frames and entered the final 12 minutes leading by one. Cleveland, however, went on a 17-2 run to start the fourth quarter, and held Utah scoreless over the first 3:20 of the frame, to close out the home victory. The Cavaliers’ 23 three-point makes – tied for the second most in franchise history – and 75 bench points proved to be the difference makers in their win. The Cavaliers have now won three straight and bump their home record to 9-6, while the Jazz drop to a 2-13 record on the road.
The Jazz were led by All-Star power forward Lauri Markkanen who registered his second straight double-double with 26 points and 10 rebounds. Colin Sexton, facing the team who drafted him, added 20 points and three rebounds while Talen-Horton Tucker had a double-double of his own with 19 points and 11 assists. John Collins led the bench with 16 points and five rebounds while Walker Kessler had 10 points, five rebounds and two steals.
Down three starters, the Cavs turned to their bench. Sam Merrill, two days from scoring a then career-high 19 points, scored a game-high 27 points, including 8-for-14 from three, and added three rebounds. Caris LeVert chipped in 23 points, seven assists and three rebounds over 27 minutes off the bench. Max Strus played a team-high 33 minutes and registered 18 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Jarrett Allen recorded an efficient 17 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Georges Niang had 15 points off the bench and Tristan Thompson added 10 points, five rebounds, four assists and four steals.
With Wednesday’s game in the books, both teams will play a back-to-back Thursday. Cleveland will stay at home to host the New Orleans Pelicans, while the Utah Jazz play continue their road trip at the Detroit Pistons.
The Cavaliers (16-12) jumped to a double-digit lead in the first quarter, but the Jazz (10-18) dominated the next two frames and entered the final 12 minutes leading by one. Cleveland, however, went on a 17-2 run to start the fourth quarter, and held Utah scoreless over the first 3:20 of the frame, to close out the home victory. The Cavaliers’ 23 three-point makes – tied for the second most in franchise history – and 75 bench points proved to be the difference makers in their win. The Cavaliers have now won three straight and bump their home record to 9-6, while the Jazz drop to a 2-13 record on the road.
The Jazz were led by All-Star power forward Lauri Markkanen who registered his second straight double-double with 26 points and 10 rebounds. Colin Sexton, facing the team who drafted him, added 20 points and three rebounds while Talen-Horton Tucker had a double-double of his own with 19 points and 11 assists. John Collins led the bench with 16 points and five rebounds while Walker Kessler had 10 points, five rebounds and two steals.
Down three starters, the Cavs turned to their bench. Sam Merrill, two days from scoring a then career-high 19 points, scored a game-high 27 points, including 8-for-14 from three, and added three rebounds. Caris LeVert chipped in 23 points, seven assists and three rebounds over 27 minutes off the bench. Max Strus played a team-high 33 minutes and registered 18 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Jarrett Allen recorded an efficient 17 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Georges Niang had 15 points off the bench and Tristan Thompson added 10 points, five rebounds, four assists and four steals.
With Wednesday’s game in the books, both teams will play a back-to-back Thursday. Cleveland will stay at home to host the New Orleans Pelicans, while the Utah Jazz play continue their road trip at the Detroit Pistons.
Pacers Dominate In Easy Win Over Hornets
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 144-113, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday.
The Pacers (14-12) moved to 8-6 at home with a comfortable win over the Hornets (7-19) at home. The Pacers’ electric offense was on full display Wednesday, but they also tightened things up defensively against a Charlotte team that fell to 3-9 on the road. The first quarter was tight and the Pacers only grabbed a two-point lead following the opening 12 minutes (31-29). However, a 40-31 score in the second quarter set the tone for the rest of the contest in the Pacers’ way. A 36-26 score in the third quarter gave Indiana a 21-point advantage, and another 10-point quarter in the final 12 minutes (37-27) gave the Pacers a huge win.
Buddy Hield led the way for the Pacers with 25 points and three assists. Tyrese Haliburton notched 19 points and 13 assists across 28 minutes. Myles Turner posted 18 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Aaron Nesmith recorded 19 points and two rebounds off the bench. T.J. McConnell had nine points and nine assists. Bennedict Mathurin recorded 14 points.
Terry Rozier led the way for the Hornets with 25 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Miles Bridges posted 19 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals. Brandon Miller delivered 21 points, six rebounds and three assists. P.J. Washington delivered 12 points and four rebounds. Gordon Hayward recorded 11 points and three assists.
The Pacers (14-12) moved to 8-6 at home with a comfortable win over the Hornets (7-19) at home. The Pacers’ electric offense was on full display Wednesday, but they also tightened things up defensively against a Charlotte team that fell to 3-9 on the road. The first quarter was tight and the Pacers only grabbed a two-point lead following the opening 12 minutes (31-29). However, a 40-31 score in the second quarter set the tone for the rest of the contest in the Pacers’ way. A 36-26 score in the third quarter gave Indiana a 21-point advantage, and another 10-point quarter in the final 12 minutes (37-27) gave the Pacers a huge win.
Buddy Hield led the way for the Pacers with 25 points and three assists. Tyrese Haliburton notched 19 points and 13 assists across 28 minutes. Myles Turner posted 18 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Aaron Nesmith recorded 19 points and two rebounds off the bench. T.J. McConnell had nine points and nine assists. Bennedict Mathurin recorded 14 points.
Terry Rozier led the way for the Hornets with 25 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Miles Bridges posted 19 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals. Brandon Miller delivered 21 points, six rebounds and three assists. P.J. Washington delivered 12 points and four rebounds. Gordon Hayward recorded 11 points and three assists.
Heat Pull Upset In Easy Win Over Magic
The Miami Heat defeated the Orlando Magic, 115-106, at Amway Center on Wednesday.
The Heat (16-12) and the Magic (16-10) were expected to play a tight contest in this all-Florida showdown. However, Miami looked dominant in the first half and cruised its way to an easy victory over Orlando despite playing on the road. The Heat grabbed control early on and led 25-24 in the first quarter, but they made it a double-digit game following a 43-26 score in the second quarter. The Magic responded in the second half, but it was too late to mount a comeback. Orlando outscored Miami in both the third (22-21) and fourth (34-26) quarters. However, they reacted too late down the stretch and could not flip the script. With the win, the Heat moved to 9-6 on the road, while the Magic fell to 11-3 at home.
Cole Anthony was the best player for the Magic and finished with 20 points despite coming off the bench. Paolo Banchero had 10 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. However, he only shot 2-for-12 from the field. Franz Wagner had 15 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Jalen Suggs finished with 11 points. Moritz Wagner also posted 11 points off the bench.
Tyler Herro delivered 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Bam Adebayo had 18 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Jaime Jaquez Jr. posted 10 points and three rebounds. Haywood Highsmith notched 15 points and six rebounds. Duncan Robinson, Jason Richardson and Thomas Bryant each recorded 12 points coming off the bench.
The Heat (16-12) and the Magic (16-10) were expected to play a tight contest in this all-Florida showdown. However, Miami looked dominant in the first half and cruised its way to an easy victory over Orlando despite playing on the road. The Heat grabbed control early on and led 25-24 in the first quarter, but they made it a double-digit game following a 43-26 score in the second quarter. The Magic responded in the second half, but it was too late to mount a comeback. Orlando outscored Miami in both the third (22-21) and fourth (34-26) quarters. However, they reacted too late down the stretch and could not flip the script. With the win, the Heat moved to 9-6 on the road, while the Magic fell to 11-3 at home.
Cole Anthony was the best player for the Magic and finished with 20 points despite coming off the bench. Paolo Banchero had 10 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. However, he only shot 2-for-12 from the field. Franz Wagner had 15 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Jalen Suggs finished with 11 points. Moritz Wagner also posted 11 points off the bench.
Tyler Herro delivered 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Bam Adebayo had 18 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Jaime Jaquez Jr. posted 10 points and three rebounds. Haywood Highsmith notched 15 points and six rebounds. Duncan Robinson, Jason Richardson and Thomas Bryant each recorded 12 points coming off the bench.
76ers Top Timberwolves, 127-113
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 127-113, at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday night.
The marquee interconference matchup played out as close as expected during the first half, with the 76ers (19-8) moving into halftime with a slim four-point lead. The Timberwolves (20-6) were able to lop a point from that deficit during the third period, but Philadelphia won going away with a strong performance on either end of the floor in the final 12 minutes.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 27 points, adding seven rebounds and five assists. Karl-Anthony Towns furnished a 23-point, 13-rebound double-double that included two assists. Jaden McDaniels supplied 21 points, three rebounds and one steal. Naz Reid turned in 10 points, two rebounds, one assist and one block.
Joel Embiid paced the 76ers with a 51-point, 12-rebound double-double that included three assists, two steals and one block. Tyrese Maxey supplied 35 points, five assists and one rebound. Tobias Harris supplied nine points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal.
The Timberwolves return home to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night, while the 76ers remain home and host the Toronto Raptors on Friday night.
The marquee interconference matchup played out as close as expected during the first half, with the 76ers (19-8) moving into halftime with a slim four-point lead. The Timberwolves (20-6) were able to lop a point from that deficit during the third period, but Philadelphia won going away with a strong performance on either end of the floor in the final 12 minutes.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 27 points, adding seven rebounds and five assists. Karl-Anthony Towns furnished a 23-point, 13-rebound double-double that included two assists. Jaden McDaniels supplied 21 points, three rebounds and one steal. Naz Reid turned in 10 points, two rebounds, one assist and one block.
Joel Embiid paced the 76ers with a 51-point, 12-rebound double-double that included three assists, two steals and one block. Tyrese Maxey supplied 35 points, five assists and one rebound. Tobias Harris supplied nine points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal.
The Timberwolves return home to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night, while the 76ers remain home and host the Toronto Raptors on Friday night.
Knicks Thump Nets, 121-102
The New York Knicks defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 121-102, at Barclays Center on Wednesday night.
The Knicks (16-11) quickly got the upper had in the intrastate battle, establishing a 32-20 lead through one. The Nets (13-14) managed to take three points off their deficit before halftime, but New York regained its edge and added a point to it going into the final period before outscoring Brooklyn, 31-25, in the final 12 minutes
Julius Randle led the Knicks with 26 points, complementing them with seven rebounds and four assists. Donte DiVincenzo furnished 23 points, eight boards, one assist and three steals. Immanuel Quickley netted 19 points, while Jalen Brunson finished with 16 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and one steal. RJ Barrett turned in 14 points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Josh Hart generated a 10-point, 13-rebound double-double that included three assists and one steal.
Cam Thomas and Cameron Johnson co-led the Nets with 20 points apiece while adding five assists and four rebounds, respectively, among their other contributions. Mikal Bridges registered 15 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Dorian Finney-Smith and Spencer Dinwiddie produced 10 points each while totaling three and two rebounds, respectively.
The Knicks remain home and host the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday afternoon, while the Nets host the Denver Nuggets on Friday night.
The Knicks (16-11) quickly got the upper had in the intrastate battle, establishing a 32-20 lead through one. The Nets (13-14) managed to take three points off their deficit before halftime, but New York regained its edge and added a point to it going into the final period before outscoring Brooklyn, 31-25, in the final 12 minutes
Julius Randle led the Knicks with 26 points, complementing them with seven rebounds and four assists. Donte DiVincenzo furnished 23 points, eight boards, one assist and three steals. Immanuel Quickley netted 19 points, while Jalen Brunson finished with 16 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and one steal. RJ Barrett turned in 14 points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Josh Hart generated a 10-point, 13-rebound double-double that included three assists and one steal.
Cam Thomas and Cameron Johnson co-led the Nets with 20 points apiece while adding five assists and four rebounds, respectively, among their other contributions. Mikal Bridges registered 15 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Dorian Finney-Smith and Spencer Dinwiddie produced 10 points each while totaling three and two rebounds, respectively.
The Knicks remain home and host the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday afternoon, while the Nets host the Denver Nuggets on Friday night.
Nuggets Confident In Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the host Toronto Raptors, 113-104, at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Nuggets got out to a strong start and led, 29-20, after one quarter. They maintained a cushion in the second and rallied to a 17-point lead by halftime. The Raptors brought a better effort in the third, but only managed to trim the deficit by two, trailing by 15, going into the final quarter. The hosts kept up the fight in the fourth and cut it to a seven-point game with four minutes to go, but the Nuggets confidently closed out their second straight win.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 31 points, 15 rebounds, six assists and two blocks, in 38 minutes. Jamal Murray followed up with 20 points, four rebounds, six assists, a steal and two blocks, while Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter added 12 points each.
Meanwhile, Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 30 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and a blocks, in 33 minutes. Pascal Siakam followed up with 18 points and five rebounds, while Precious Achiuwa totaled 13 points, five rebounds, a steal and a block.
The Raptors (11-16) will look to bounce back as they take on the 76ers in Philly on Friday. The Nuggets (19-10) clash with the Nets in Brooklyn on Friday.
The Nuggets got out to a strong start and led, 29-20, after one quarter. They maintained a cushion in the second and rallied to a 17-point lead by halftime. The Raptors brought a better effort in the third, but only managed to trim the deficit by two, trailing by 15, going into the final quarter. The hosts kept up the fight in the fourth and cut it to a seven-point game with four minutes to go, but the Nuggets confidently closed out their second straight win.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 31 points, 15 rebounds, six assists and two blocks, in 38 minutes. Jamal Murray followed up with 20 points, four rebounds, six assists, a steal and two blocks, while Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter added 12 points each.
Meanwhile, Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 30 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and a blocks, in 33 minutes. Pascal Siakam followed up with 18 points and five rebounds, while Precious Achiuwa totaled 13 points, five rebounds, a steal and a block.
The Raptors (11-16) will look to bounce back as they take on the 76ers in Philly on Friday. The Nuggets (19-10) clash with the Nets in Brooklyn on Friday.
Bulls Come Out On Top At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls defeated the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, 124-108, at United Center on Wednesday evening.
The Bulls jumped out to a strong start and led, 33-22, after one quarter. The Lakers cut it to a two-point game late in the second, but the Bulls reclaimed the momentum and took a six-point lead into the break. The visitors kept it close to start the third, but Bulls rallied up to a 12-point advantage heading into the final frame. The hosts maintained a double-digit lead for most of the fourth and held complete control down the stretch to hand the Lakers their third straight loss. This is the second straight win for the Bulls.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 27 points, seven rebounds, nine assists, a steal and a block, in 36 minutes. Coby White followed up with 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while Patrick Williams and Alex Caruso tallied 15 points each.
Meanwhile, LeBron James led the Lakers with 25 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists, a steal and two blocks, in 37 minutes. Austin Reaves followed up with 21 points, three assists, a steal and a block, while Anthony Davis tallied 19 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Lakers (15-13) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Thursday. The Bulls (12-17) play host to the Spurs on Thursday.
The Bulls jumped out to a strong start and led, 33-22, after one quarter. The Lakers cut it to a two-point game late in the second, but the Bulls reclaimed the momentum and took a six-point lead into the break. The visitors kept it close to start the third, but Bulls rallied up to a 12-point advantage heading into the final frame. The hosts maintained a double-digit lead for most of the fourth and held complete control down the stretch to hand the Lakers their third straight loss. This is the second straight win for the Bulls.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 27 points, seven rebounds, nine assists, a steal and a block, in 36 minutes. Coby White followed up with 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while Patrick Williams and Alex Caruso tallied 15 points each.
Meanwhile, LeBron James led the Lakers with 25 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists, a steal and two blocks, in 37 minutes. Austin Reaves followed up with 21 points, three assists, a steal and a block, while Anthony Davis tallied 19 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Lakers (15-13) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Thursday. The Bulls (12-17) play host to the Spurs on Thursday.
Hawks Defeat Rockets, 134-127
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the host Houston Rockets, 134-127, at Toyota Center on Wednesday.
While there were six ties and 12 lead changes in total, Atlanta started the fourth quarter on a 29-9 run to take command of this game. They also had a game-high 20-point lead in the second quarter, and that fourth quarter run gave them an 18-point lead, despite Houston getting back in the game behind a 35-21 third quarter. The Rockets also got it down to a four-point margin in the final 90 seconds with a 14-0 run but never attempted a game-tying shot after that initial ATL spurt. The Hawks shot 52 percent from the field while holding the Rockets to 49 percent shooting. Atlanta out-rebounded Houston, 53-41, while out-assisting them, 31-25. The Hawks bench outscored the Rockets bench, 48-12.
The Hawks (12-15) were led by Trae Young, tallying 30 points, four rebounds and 14 assists. Dejounte Murray amassed 21 points, three rebounds and five assists. Clint Capela collected 15 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals. Bogdan Bogdanovic led the bench with 22 points, four rebounds and five assists,
The Rockets (13-12) got a career-high 34 points from Jabari Smith, totaling 13 rebounds and four blocks as well. Fred VanVleet finished with 32 points, four rebounds and 15 assists. Dillon Brooks amassed 19 points and two steals, while Alperen Sengun accrued 14 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Jalen Green generated 16 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Houston remaining home to play the Dallas Mavericks and Atlanta staying on the road to face the Miami Heat.
While there were six ties and 12 lead changes in total, Atlanta started the fourth quarter on a 29-9 run to take command of this game. They also had a game-high 20-point lead in the second quarter, and that fourth quarter run gave them an 18-point lead, despite Houston getting back in the game behind a 35-21 third quarter. The Rockets also got it down to a four-point margin in the final 90 seconds with a 14-0 run but never attempted a game-tying shot after that initial ATL spurt. The Hawks shot 52 percent from the field while holding the Rockets to 49 percent shooting. Atlanta out-rebounded Houston, 53-41, while out-assisting them, 31-25. The Hawks bench outscored the Rockets bench, 48-12.
The Hawks (12-15) were led by Trae Young, tallying 30 points, four rebounds and 14 assists. Dejounte Murray amassed 21 points, three rebounds and five assists. Clint Capela collected 15 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals. Bogdan Bogdanovic led the bench with 22 points, four rebounds and five assists,
The Rockets (13-12) got a career-high 34 points from Jabari Smith, totaling 13 rebounds and four blocks as well. Fred VanVleet finished with 32 points, four rebounds and 15 assists. Dillon Brooks amassed 19 points and two steals, while Alperen Sengun accrued 14 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Jalen Green generated 16 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Houston remaining home to play the Dallas Mavericks and Atlanta staying on the road to face the Miami Heat.
Clippers Defeat Mavericks, 120-111
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the host Dallas Mavericks, 120-111, at American Airlines Center on Wednesday.
A 35-22 first quarter carried the Clippers to this win, holding the lead for all but a few minutes in this game. With that said, there were three ties and 11 lead changes, with most of those taking place in the fourth quarter. Los Angeles closed out the game with a 9-1 run over the closing 2:20. The Clippers shot 56 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range while holding the Mavericks to 43 percent from the field and 33 percent from long range. LA also outscored Dallas in the paint, 60-38, and in fastbreak scoring, 22-13.
The Clippers (17-10) were led by Kawhi Leonard, collecting 30 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. James Harden had 17 points, five rebounds, 11 assists and two blocks. Ivica Zubac amassed 12 points and nine boards, while Amir Coffey compiled 12 points, five rebounds and three assists. Norman Powell led the bench with 21 points, three rebounds and two assists.
The Mavericks (16-11) were led by Luka Doncic, finishing with 28 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Tim Hardaway Jr led the bench with 21 points, two rebounds, three assists and three steals. Derrick Jones Jr totaled 19 points, three rebounds, two assists and two blocks, while Dante Exum had 16 points, six rebounds and two steals.
Los Angeles has to play again on Thursday, staying on the road to play the Oklahoma City Thunder. As for Dallas, they return to action on Friday in a road matchup with the Houston Rockets.
A 35-22 first quarter carried the Clippers to this win, holding the lead for all but a few minutes in this game. With that said, there were three ties and 11 lead changes, with most of those taking place in the fourth quarter. Los Angeles closed out the game with a 9-1 run over the closing 2:20. The Clippers shot 56 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range while holding the Mavericks to 43 percent from the field and 33 percent from long range. LA also outscored Dallas in the paint, 60-38, and in fastbreak scoring, 22-13.
The Clippers (17-10) were led by Kawhi Leonard, collecting 30 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. James Harden had 17 points, five rebounds, 11 assists and two blocks. Ivica Zubac amassed 12 points and nine boards, while Amir Coffey compiled 12 points, five rebounds and three assists. Norman Powell led the bench with 21 points, three rebounds and two assists.
The Mavericks (16-11) were led by Luka Doncic, finishing with 28 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Tim Hardaway Jr led the bench with 21 points, two rebounds, three assists and three steals. Derrick Jones Jr totaled 19 points, three rebounds, two assists and two blocks, while Dante Exum had 16 points, six rebounds and two steals.
Los Angeles has to play again on Thursday, staying on the road to play the Oklahoma City Thunder. As for Dallas, they return to action on Friday in a road matchup with the Houston Rockets.
Celtics Slaughter Kings, 144-119
The Boston Celtics defeated the host Sacramento Kings, 144-119, at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday.
While there were eight ties and nine lead changes in the first half, a 22-6 run to kickstart the second half carried Boston to their win. They outscored Sacramento, 75-49, in the second and third quarters, leading by at least 20 points for the final 20 minutes. The Celtics shot 55 percent from the field, 52 percent from three-point range and 83 percent from the free-throw line, while the Kings shot 47 percent from the field, 48 percent from long range and 52 percent from the charity stripe. They also outscored them in fastbreak scoring, 30-6.
The Celtics (21-6) were led by Jaylen Brown, finishing with 28 points, five rebounds and six assists. Derrick White tallied 28 points, two rebounds, seven assists and three blocks on 10-of-13 shooting. Kristaps Porzingis provided 24 points, nine rebounds, two assists and six blocks, while Jrue Holiday had 21 points, eight rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. Payton Pritchard led the bench with 20 points, four rebounds and four assists.
The Kings (16-10) were led by De'Aaron Fox, totaling 29 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals. Domantas Sabonis collected 13 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Harrison Barnes amassed 10 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Keon Ellis led the bench with 12 points, two rebounds, four assists and three blocks.
On deck for Sacramento is a home matchup with the Phoenix Suns on Friday. As for Boston, they stay west to play the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday for their next outing.
While there were eight ties and nine lead changes in the first half, a 22-6 run to kickstart the second half carried Boston to their win. They outscored Sacramento, 75-49, in the second and third quarters, leading by at least 20 points for the final 20 minutes. The Celtics shot 55 percent from the field, 52 percent from three-point range and 83 percent from the free-throw line, while the Kings shot 47 percent from the field, 48 percent from long range and 52 percent from the charity stripe. They also outscored them in fastbreak scoring, 30-6.
The Celtics (21-6) were led by Jaylen Brown, finishing with 28 points, five rebounds and six assists. Derrick White tallied 28 points, two rebounds, seven assists and three blocks on 10-of-13 shooting. Kristaps Porzingis provided 24 points, nine rebounds, two assists and six blocks, while Jrue Holiday had 21 points, eight rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. Payton Pritchard led the bench with 20 points, four rebounds and four assists.
The Kings (16-10) were led by De'Aaron Fox, totaling 29 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals. Domantas Sabonis collected 13 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Harrison Barnes amassed 10 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Keon Ellis led the bench with 12 points, two rebounds, four assists and three blocks.
On deck for Sacramento is a home matchup with the Phoenix Suns on Friday. As for Boston, they stay west to play the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday for their next outing.