Pistons drop 25th straight in Thursday loss to Jazz
The Utah Jazz defeated the Detroit Pistons, 119-111, at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday.
It was a close affair right from the get go, with the Pistons (2-26) jumping out to an eight-point lead midway through the first quarter, but the Jazz (11-18) closed out the frame with a 15-5 run to lead by two. The teams exchanged runs back and forth over the next two and a half quarters of play, until the Jazz were able to build and hold onto a double-digit lead late in the fourth quarter to capture their first win of their five-game road trip. Meanwhile, the Pistons are inching ever closer to unfortunate history after losing their 25th straight game Thursday. Detroit are one loss away from tying the 2013-14 Philadelphia 76ers for the NBA's longest single season losing streak of 26.
Utah was without Lauri Markkanen (hamstring), Jordan Clarkson (thigh), Keyonte George (foot) or Talen Horton-Tucker (foot) in Thursday’s game. However, they were able to share the scoring load as six Jazz players -- including all five starters -- scored in double-digits. Kelly Olynyk led the way with 27 points, six assists, three rebounds and four steals over a team-high 35 minutes. Colin Sexton moved into the starting lineup to chip in 19 points, eight assists, four rebounds and four steals. Kris Dunn had a double-double with 13 points, 10 assists, five rebounds and two steals while shooting guard Ochai Agbaji led the bench with 18 points over 33 minutes.
Three of the Pistons’ starters scored 20-plus points, with Cade Cunningham once again leading the way with 28 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds and two steals over a game-high 39 minutes, though he turned the ball over six times. Jaden Ivey did a little bit of everything with 25 points, seven assists, five rebounds, three steals and two blocks, and Marvin Bagley had 22 points and five rebounds. Marcus Sasser led the bench with eight points to go along with three rebounds while Isaiah Stewart had a team-best plus-12 point differential and finished with seven points, nine rebounds and four assists.
With Thursday’s game in the books, the Jazz travel north of the border to face the Toronto Raptors on Saturday, while the Pistons hit the road to face the Brooklyn Nets on Dec. 23.
It was a close affair right from the get go, with the Pistons (2-26) jumping out to an eight-point lead midway through the first quarter, but the Jazz (11-18) closed out the frame with a 15-5 run to lead by two. The teams exchanged runs back and forth over the next two and a half quarters of play, until the Jazz were able to build and hold onto a double-digit lead late in the fourth quarter to capture their first win of their five-game road trip. Meanwhile, the Pistons are inching ever closer to unfortunate history after losing their 25th straight game Thursday. Detroit are one loss away from tying the 2013-14 Philadelphia 76ers for the NBA's longest single season losing streak of 26.
Utah was without Lauri Markkanen (hamstring), Jordan Clarkson (thigh), Keyonte George (foot) or Talen Horton-Tucker (foot) in Thursday’s game. However, they were able to share the scoring load as six Jazz players -- including all five starters -- scored in double-digits. Kelly Olynyk led the way with 27 points, six assists, three rebounds and four steals over a team-high 35 minutes. Colin Sexton moved into the starting lineup to chip in 19 points, eight assists, four rebounds and four steals. Kris Dunn had a double-double with 13 points, 10 assists, five rebounds and two steals while shooting guard Ochai Agbaji led the bench with 18 points over 33 minutes.
Three of the Pistons’ starters scored 20-plus points, with Cade Cunningham once again leading the way with 28 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds and two steals over a game-high 39 minutes, though he turned the ball over six times. Jaden Ivey did a little bit of everything with 25 points, seven assists, five rebounds, three steals and two blocks, and Marvin Bagley had 22 points and five rebounds. Marcus Sasser led the bench with eight points to go along with three rebounds while Isaiah Stewart had a team-best plus-12 point differential and finished with seven points, nine rebounds and four assists.
With Thursday’s game in the books, the Jazz travel north of the border to face the Toronto Raptors on Saturday, while the Pistons hit the road to face the Brooklyn Nets on Dec. 23.
Pelicans Dominate Early, Get Past Cavaliers
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 123-104, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Thursday.
The Pelicans (17-12) got off to a strong start and didn’t waste time to defeat a shorthanded Cavaliers (16-13) team despite playing on the road. New Orleans quickly raced to a 36-28 lead in the first quarter, and while Cleveland fought back at times, the Pelicans never looked back. By halftime, the Cavaliers were up by 14 points and holding a sizable lead. Cleveland attempted to make things closer in the second half, and every time the Cavaliers approached, the Pelicans responded. New Orleans won the third quarter by a 28-24 score, and they also won the final 12 minutes by a 29-28 margin. With the win, the Pelicans move to 8-7 when playing on the road, while the Cavaliers fell to 9-7 at home. Undoubtedly, the Cavaliers paid the price for being down three starters. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers were impressive in shooting the ball from deep after connecting on 42.9 percent of their shots from three-point range.
Trey Murphy III led the way for the Pelicans with 28 points, four rebounds and three assists. C.J. McCollum delivered 18 points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals. Brandon Ingram posted 17 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Jonas Valanciunas recorded 13 points, seven rebounds and five dimes. Naji Marshall was impressive off the bench and posted 14 points, six rebounds and three assists across 22 minutes.
Dean Wade led the way for the Cavaliers with 20 points, nine rebounds and two blocks. Isaac Okoro recorded 16 points, four assists and three rebounds. Jarrett Allen notched 14 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Max Strus had 13 points, five assists and three rebounds. Georges Niang ended with 11 points off the bench.
The Pelicans (17-12) got off to a strong start and didn’t waste time to defeat a shorthanded Cavaliers (16-13) team despite playing on the road. New Orleans quickly raced to a 36-28 lead in the first quarter, and while Cleveland fought back at times, the Pelicans never looked back. By halftime, the Cavaliers were up by 14 points and holding a sizable lead. Cleveland attempted to make things closer in the second half, and every time the Cavaliers approached, the Pelicans responded. New Orleans won the third quarter by a 28-24 score, and they also won the final 12 minutes by a 29-28 margin. With the win, the Pelicans move to 8-7 when playing on the road, while the Cavaliers fell to 9-7 at home. Undoubtedly, the Cavaliers paid the price for being down three starters. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers were impressive in shooting the ball from deep after connecting on 42.9 percent of their shots from three-point range.
Trey Murphy III led the way for the Pelicans with 28 points, four rebounds and three assists. C.J. McCollum delivered 18 points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals. Brandon Ingram posted 17 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Jonas Valanciunas recorded 13 points, seven rebounds and five dimes. Naji Marshall was impressive off the bench and posted 14 points, six rebounds and three assists across 22 minutes.
Dean Wade led the way for the Cavaliers with 20 points, nine rebounds and two blocks. Isaac Okoro recorded 16 points, four assists and three rebounds. Jarrett Allen notched 14 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Max Strus had 13 points, five assists and three rebounds. Georges Niang ended with 11 points off the bench.
Bulls Secure Comfortable Win Over Spurs At Home
The Chicago Bulls defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 114-95, at United Center on Thursday.
The Bulls (13-17) have been on a roll of late and didn’t have major problems to secure the win against a reeling Spurs team (4-23). San Antonio fought hard to get the win, but the team could not maintain the intensity over the course of the entire game and had to settle with the loss. Chicago endured a slow start and was down by a 28-27 score in the first quarter. However, they showed signs of a potential turnaround when outscoring San Antonio by a 25-20 score. A 25-22 third-quarter score allowed the Bulls to hold a seven-point lead entering the final 12 minutes, but the game still felt within reach for the Spurs. However, the Bulls pulled away for good in the final quarter with a 37-25 score. Chicago hit some clutch buckets down the stretch, allowing the Bulls to close the game. With the win, the Bulls moved to 9-7 at home. Meanwhile, the Spurs fell to 2-11 on the road.
Coby White led the way for the Bulls with 22 points, six rebounds and five assists. DeMar DeRozan delivered 21 points, five assists and four rebounds. Patrick Williams posted 18 points and four rebounds. Nikola Vucevic ended with 16 points, five rebounds and three assists. Andre Drummond had 12 points, eight rebounds and five steals across 19 minutes off the bench. Ayo Dosunmu delivered 11 points.
Devin Vassell was the leading scorer for the Spurs with 21 points, four rebounds and two assists. Malaki Branham recorded 13 points and six rebounds. Keldon Johnson posted 11 points while shooting 5-for-13 from the field. Victor Wembanyama had a rough outing from the field with seven points, but he compensated with five rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two steals. Zach Collins had 14 points coming off the bench.
The Bulls (13-17) have been on a roll of late and didn’t have major problems to secure the win against a reeling Spurs team (4-23). San Antonio fought hard to get the win, but the team could not maintain the intensity over the course of the entire game and had to settle with the loss. Chicago endured a slow start and was down by a 28-27 score in the first quarter. However, they showed signs of a potential turnaround when outscoring San Antonio by a 25-20 score. A 25-22 third-quarter score allowed the Bulls to hold a seven-point lead entering the final 12 minutes, but the game still felt within reach for the Spurs. However, the Bulls pulled away for good in the final quarter with a 37-25 score. Chicago hit some clutch buckets down the stretch, allowing the Bulls to close the game. With the win, the Bulls moved to 9-7 at home. Meanwhile, the Spurs fell to 2-11 on the road.
Coby White led the way for the Bulls with 22 points, six rebounds and five assists. DeMar DeRozan delivered 21 points, five assists and four rebounds. Patrick Williams posted 18 points and four rebounds. Nikola Vucevic ended with 16 points, five rebounds and three assists. Andre Drummond had 12 points, eight rebounds and five steals across 19 minutes off the bench. Ayo Dosunmu delivered 11 points.
Devin Vassell was the leading scorer for the Spurs with 21 points, four rebounds and two assists. Malaki Branham recorded 13 points and six rebounds. Keldon Johnson posted 11 points while shooting 5-for-13 from the field. Victor Wembanyama had a rough outing from the field with seven points, but he compensated with five rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two steals. Zach Collins had 14 points coming off the bench.
Bucks Get By Magic, 118-114
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Orlando Magic, 118-114, at Fiserv Forum on Thursday night.
The Magic (16-11) have frequently exceeded expectations during the early portion of the season, and they continued doing so in the first quarter by taking a 31-28 lead during the period. However, the Bucks (21-7) roared back during the middle periods, outscoring Orlando by a 63-51 margin to take a nine-point edge into the fourth quarter. The visitors battled back, however, and were within five points on multiple occasions late before Milwaukee pulled away.
Franz Wagner led the Magic with 29 points, complementing them with six rebounds, six assists and one steal. Paolo Banchero turned in 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one block. Moritz Wagner provided 21 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Cole Anthony generated an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double that included six assists and two steals. Gary Harris posted 14 points, five assists and two rebounds.
Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with 37 points, supplementing them with 10 rebounds, six assists and two blocks. Damian Lillard furnished 24 points, eight assists and five boards. Brook Lopez and Khris Middleton turned in matching 14-point tallies while pulling down seven and four rebounds, respectively.
The Magic next visit the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night, while the Bucks visit the New York Knicks on Saturday night.
The Magic (16-11) have frequently exceeded expectations during the early portion of the season, and they continued doing so in the first quarter by taking a 31-28 lead during the period. However, the Bucks (21-7) roared back during the middle periods, outscoring Orlando by a 63-51 margin to take a nine-point edge into the fourth quarter. The visitors battled back, however, and were within five points on multiple occasions late before Milwaukee pulled away.
Franz Wagner led the Magic with 29 points, complementing them with six rebounds, six assists and one steal. Paolo Banchero turned in 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one block. Moritz Wagner provided 21 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Cole Anthony generated an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double that included six assists and two steals. Gary Harris posted 14 points, five assists and two rebounds.
Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with 37 points, supplementing them with 10 rebounds, six assists and two blocks. Damian Lillard furnished 24 points, eight assists and five boards. Brook Lopez and Khris Middleton turned in matching 14-point tallies while pulling down seven and four rebounds, respectively.
The Magic next visit the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night, while the Bucks visit the New York Knicks on Saturday night.
Thunder Thumps Clippers, 134-115
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, 134-115, at Paycom Arena on Thursday night.
The Thunder (18-8) came into the contest clicking offensively, but the Clippers (17-11) had a fairly hot hand themselves. The result was a high-scoring first quarter that OKC emerged from with a 35-29 lead, and Los Angeles was still down by five at halftime. However, what had been a close game changed in tenor during the third quarter, when the hosts put up 45 points to expand their advantage to 17 points entering the final period on the way to the easy victory.
James Harden led the Clippers, which played without Kawhi Leonard (hip), with 23 points, adding nine rebounds, six assists, three steals and one block. Paul George supplied 22 points, four rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Norman Powell turned in 16 points, four boards, one assist and one block. Russell Westbrook delivered 15 points, 13 rebounds and four assists.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander paced the Thunder with 31 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks. Chet Holmgren registered 23 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Luguentz Dort totaled 21 points, four assists, three rebounds and one block. Jalen Williams finished with 13 points, seven assists, four rebounds and two steals. Josh Giddey and Isaiah Joe posted 11 points apiece, with Giddey also turning in four assists and three rebounds.
The Clippers return home to host the Boston Celtics on Saturday night, while the Thunder hosts the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night.
The Thunder (18-8) came into the contest clicking offensively, but the Clippers (17-11) had a fairly hot hand themselves. The result was a high-scoring first quarter that OKC emerged from with a 35-29 lead, and Los Angeles was still down by five at halftime. However, what had been a close game changed in tenor during the third quarter, when the hosts put up 45 points to expand their advantage to 17 points entering the final period on the way to the easy victory.
James Harden led the Clippers, which played without Kawhi Leonard (hip), with 23 points, adding nine rebounds, six assists, three steals and one block. Paul George supplied 22 points, four rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Norman Powell turned in 16 points, four boards, one assist and one block. Russell Westbrook delivered 15 points, 13 rebounds and four assists.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander paced the Thunder with 31 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks. Chet Holmgren registered 23 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Luguentz Dort totaled 21 points, four assists, three rebounds and one block. Jalen Williams finished with 13 points, seven assists, four rebounds and two steals. Josh Giddey and Isaiah Joe posted 11 points apiece, with Giddey also turning in four assists and three rebounds.
The Clippers return home to host the Boston Celtics on Saturday night, while the Thunder hosts the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night.
Grizzlies Close Out Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Indiana Pacers, 116-103, at FedEx Forum on Thursday evening.
The Grizzlies jumped out to a great start and led, 35-22, after one quarter. The Pacers responded in the second and outscored the hosts, 34-23, to cut it to a two-point game at the break. The Grizzlies reclaimed momentum in the third and rallied to a nine-point advantage heading into the final frame. The visitors could not gain their footing in the fourth, as the Grizzlies stayed in control for their second straight win.
Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 31 points, six rebounds, seven assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Jaren Jackson followed up with 21 points, eight rebounds and a steal, while Ja Morant finished with 20 points, five rebounds and eight assists.
Meanwhile, Obi Toppin led the Pacers with 22 points, five rebounds and two steals, in 28 minutes. Tyrese Haliburton followed up with 17 points, four rebounds and 14 assists, while Myles Turner and Buddy Hield added 15 points each.
The Pacers (14-13) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Magic on Saturday. The Grizzlies (8-19) take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Saturday.
The Grizzlies jumped out to a great start and led, 35-22, after one quarter. The Pacers responded in the second and outscored the hosts, 34-23, to cut it to a two-point game at the break. The Grizzlies reclaimed momentum in the third and rallied to a nine-point advantage heading into the final frame. The visitors could not gain their footing in the fourth, as the Grizzlies stayed in control for their second straight win.
Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 31 points, six rebounds, seven assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Jaren Jackson followed up with 21 points, eight rebounds and a steal, while Ja Morant finished with 20 points, five rebounds and eight assists.
Meanwhile, Obi Toppin led the Pacers with 22 points, five rebounds and two steals, in 28 minutes. Tyrese Haliburton followed up with 17 points, four rebounds and 14 assists, while Myles Turner and Buddy Hield added 15 points each.
The Pacers (14-13) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Magic on Saturday. The Grizzlies (8-19) take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Saturday.
Timberwolves Lock In At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, 118-111, at Target Center on Thursday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Timberwolves led, 36-32, after one quarter. The hosts maintained the upper hand through the second, but the Lakers kept it close and trailed by four, at the break. The Lakers tied it up mid way through the third and took a brief lead late in the quarter, but the Timberwolves pushed back in front for a four-point edge heading into the final frame. The hosts kept the momentum going in the fourth and stayed in front the rest of the way, handing the Lakers their fourth straight loss.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 27 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals and a block, in 38 minutes. Karl-Anthony Towns followed up with 21 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Rudy Gobert totaled 15 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, a steal and three blocks.
Meanwhile, Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 31 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three blocks, in 39 minutes. Austin Reaves followed up with 20 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Rui Hachimura finished with 18 points, five rebounds and a steal.
The Lakers (15-14) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Thunder in OKC on Saturday. The Timberwolves (21-6) take on the Kings in Sacramento on Saturday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Timberwolves led, 36-32, after one quarter. The hosts maintained the upper hand through the second, but the Lakers kept it close and trailed by four, at the break. The Lakers tied it up mid way through the third and took a brief lead late in the quarter, but the Timberwolves pushed back in front for a four-point edge heading into the final frame. The hosts kept the momentum going in the fourth and stayed in front the rest of the way, handing the Lakers their fourth straight loss.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 27 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals and a block, in 38 minutes. Karl-Anthony Towns followed up with 21 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Rudy Gobert totaled 15 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, a steal and three blocks.
Meanwhile, Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 31 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three blocks, in 39 minutes. Austin Reaves followed up with 20 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Rui Hachimura finished with 18 points, five rebounds and a steal.
The Lakers (15-14) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Thunder in OKC on Saturday. The Timberwolves (21-6) take on the Kings in Sacramento on Saturday.
Wizards Defeat Blazers, 118-117
The Washington Wizards defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 118-117, at Moda Center on Thursday.
It's rare to see a wire-to-wire win finish in a one-point margin, but that's what we had here for Washington. They kickstarted this game with a 33-24 first quarter and led 67-54 at the half. Portland responded with a 37-25 fourth quarter but only tied the game once and never recaptured the lead. Jerami Grant had a chance to win the game at the buzzer but was forced to his off-hand and missed. The Wizards shot 50 percent while holding the Trail Blazers to 45 percent shooting. Washington also outscored Portland in fastbreak points, 23-8.
The Wizards (5-22) were led by Kyle Kuzma, collecting 32 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Tyus Jones totaled 24 points, three rebounds and three assists. Daniel Gafford generated 16 points, eight rebounds, four steals and six blocks. Jordan Poole provided 13 points, two rebounds and six assists, while Deni Avdija accrued 13 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.
The Trail Blazers (7-20) were led by Anfernee Simons, finishing with 41 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Deandre Ayton amassed 23 points, 16 rebounds and two assists. Jerami Grant had 20 points, two rebounds and four assists, while Jabari Walker led the bench with eight points, 11 rebounds and three assists.
Washington will have to play again on Friday, staying on the road to play the Golden State Warriors. As for Portland, they return to action on Saturday against the Warriors on the road as well.
It's rare to see a wire-to-wire win finish in a one-point margin, but that's what we had here for Washington. They kickstarted this game with a 33-24 first quarter and led 67-54 at the half. Portland responded with a 37-25 fourth quarter but only tied the game once and never recaptured the lead. Jerami Grant had a chance to win the game at the buzzer but was forced to his off-hand and missed. The Wizards shot 50 percent while holding the Trail Blazers to 45 percent shooting. Washington also outscored Portland in fastbreak points, 23-8.
The Wizards (5-22) were led by Kyle Kuzma, collecting 32 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Tyus Jones totaled 24 points, three rebounds and three assists. Daniel Gafford generated 16 points, eight rebounds, four steals and six blocks. Jordan Poole provided 13 points, two rebounds and six assists, while Deni Avdija accrued 13 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.
The Trail Blazers (7-20) were led by Anfernee Simons, finishing with 41 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Deandre Ayton amassed 23 points, 16 rebounds and two assists. Jerami Grant had 20 points, two rebounds and four assists, while Jabari Walker led the bench with eight points, 11 rebounds and three assists.
Washington will have to play again on Friday, staying on the road to play the Golden State Warriors. As for Portland, they return to action on Saturday against the Warriors on the road as well.