76ers beat Raptors 121-111 on Friday night
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Toronto Raptors, 121-111, at Wells Fargo Arena on Friday night.
The Raptors (11-17) jumped out to a 15-point first quarter lead, but the 76ers (20-8) got it back to single digits to end the quarter and carried that momentum into the second frame to take a three-point lead into halftime. Philadelphia got off to a quick 7-2 run to start the third quarter and were able to extend their lead to as much as 13, but Toronto closed out the quarter on a 9-1 run to cut the deficit to four points heading into the fourth quarter. The 76ers quickly got out to a double-digit lead to start the final frame and held on for their second straight win. Three-point shooting was the difference maker in Friday’s game, with Philadelphia going 14-for-31 from beyond the arc compared to 9-for-33 by Toronto.
Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 31 points, five rebounds and five assists over a team-high 36 minutes. Jakob Poetl finished with 19 points, eight rebounds and two assists while Gary Trent led the bench with 17 points and four rebounds. O.G. Anunoby registered 12 points, five assists and four rebounds while Scottie Barnes had 12 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and four blocks, though he shot just 3-for-11 from the field. Dennis Schroder struggled in Friday’s loss, finishing the game with just six points on 2-for-8 shooting along with six assists, three rebounds and two steals.
For the first time this season, Tobias Harris co-led the 76ers in scoring with a season-high 33 points (with 24 coming in the first half) to go along with eight rebounds and seven assists. Tyrese Maxey had an efficient double-double with 33 points, 10 assists and four rebounds over a game-high 41 minutes. Reigning MVP Joel Embiid was able to battle through an ankle sprain he sustained in the first quarter and finished the game with 33 points (17 in the third quarter), to go along with 10 rebounds, nine assists, four blocks and two steals as he extended his 30-point, 10-rebound streak to 13 games. In his first start since Nov. 10, Kelly Oubre chipped in eight points and three rebounds while Marcus Morris contributed seven points, five assists and four rebounds.
With Friday’s game in the books, the Raptors head back home to Toronto to host the Utah Jazz on Saturday, while the 76ers start their four-game road trip against the Miami Heat on Christmas Day.
The Raptors (11-17) jumped out to a 15-point first quarter lead, but the 76ers (20-8) got it back to single digits to end the quarter and carried that momentum into the second frame to take a three-point lead into halftime. Philadelphia got off to a quick 7-2 run to start the third quarter and were able to extend their lead to as much as 13, but Toronto closed out the quarter on a 9-1 run to cut the deficit to four points heading into the fourth quarter. The 76ers quickly got out to a double-digit lead to start the final frame and held on for their second straight win. Three-point shooting was the difference maker in Friday’s game, with Philadelphia going 14-for-31 from beyond the arc compared to 9-for-33 by Toronto.
Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 31 points, five rebounds and five assists over a team-high 36 minutes. Jakob Poetl finished with 19 points, eight rebounds and two assists while Gary Trent led the bench with 17 points and four rebounds. O.G. Anunoby registered 12 points, five assists and four rebounds while Scottie Barnes had 12 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and four blocks, though he shot just 3-for-11 from the field. Dennis Schroder struggled in Friday’s loss, finishing the game with just six points on 2-for-8 shooting along with six assists, three rebounds and two steals.
For the first time this season, Tobias Harris co-led the 76ers in scoring with a season-high 33 points (with 24 coming in the first half) to go along with eight rebounds and seven assists. Tyrese Maxey had an efficient double-double with 33 points, 10 assists and four rebounds over a game-high 41 minutes. Reigning MVP Joel Embiid was able to battle through an ankle sprain he sustained in the first quarter and finished the game with 33 points (17 in the third quarter), to go along with 10 rebounds, nine assists, four blocks and two steals as he extended his 30-point, 10-rebound streak to 13 games. In his first start since Nov. 10, Kelly Oubre chipped in eight points and three rebounds while Marcus Morris contributed seven points, five assists and four rebounds.
With Friday’s game in the books, the Raptors head back home to Toronto to host the Utah Jazz on Saturday, while the 76ers start their four-game road trip against the Miami Heat on Christmas Day.
Nuggets Come From Behind To Defeat Nets
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 122-117, at Barclays Center on Friday.
The Nuggets (20-10) reached the 20-win mark away from home, but it was not an easy game for them. They had to mount a second-half rally to defeat the Nets (13-15) in their court. With the win, Denver moved to 9-8 on the road, while Brooklyn fell to 8-7 in front of their fans. The first quarter ended with a 28-28 tie, but the Nets would lead at the break following a 32-30 score in the second quarter. However, a two-point edge was not enough to dismantle the reigning NBA champions. The Nuggets flipped the script with a 30-26 score in the third quarter and grabbed a two-point lead with 12 minutes left on the clock. Denver would end up closing the game out following a 34-31 score in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
Jamal Murray led the way for the Nuggets with 32 points, nine assists and five rebounds. Nikola Jokic posted 31 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and two blocks. Michael Porter Jr. recorded 15 points, four rebounds and three assists. Aaron Gordon notched 18 points, five rebounds and two assists. Peyton Watson had nine points off the bench.
Cam Thomas led the way for the Nets with 23 points. Nic Claxton had a strong double-double after posting 10 points and 16 rebounds while adding six assists and three blocks. Mikal Bridges had 14 points and six assists. Cameron Johnson finished with 17 points and two assists. Dorian Finney-Smith added 14 points off the bench. Royce O’Neale and Day’Ron Sharpe each added 13 points. Sharpe also had 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Nuggets (20-10) reached the 20-win mark away from home, but it was not an easy game for them. They had to mount a second-half rally to defeat the Nets (13-15) in their court. With the win, Denver moved to 9-8 on the road, while Brooklyn fell to 8-7 in front of their fans. The first quarter ended with a 28-28 tie, but the Nets would lead at the break following a 32-30 score in the second quarter. However, a two-point edge was not enough to dismantle the reigning NBA champions. The Nuggets flipped the script with a 30-26 score in the third quarter and grabbed a two-point lead with 12 minutes left on the clock. Denver would end up closing the game out following a 34-31 score in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
Jamal Murray led the way for the Nuggets with 32 points, nine assists and five rebounds. Nikola Jokic posted 31 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and two blocks. Michael Porter Jr. recorded 15 points, four rebounds and three assists. Aaron Gordon notched 18 points, five rebounds and two assists. Peyton Watson had nine points off the bench.
Cam Thomas led the way for the Nets with 23 points. Nic Claxton had a strong double-double after posting 10 points and 16 rebounds while adding six assists and three blocks. Mikal Bridges had 14 points and six assists. Cameron Johnson finished with 17 points and two assists. Dorian Finney-Smith added 14 points off the bench. Royce O’Neale and Day’Ron Sharpe each added 13 points. Sharpe also had 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks.
Rockets Thump Short-Handed Mavericks, 122-96
The Houston Rockets defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 122-96, at Toyota Center on Friday night.
The Mavericks (16-12) came into the game as significant underdogs, considering they were missing their starting backcourt of Luka Doncic (quadriceps) and Kyrie Irving, top reserve guard in Dante Exum (lower leg) and starting small forward Josh Green (elbow). The Rockets (14-12) wasted no time taking advantage, jumping out to a 23-17 lead through one and expanding their edge to 17 points by halftime. Any hope of a miracle comeback in the second half was quickly dashed by Houston, which outscored Dallas by a 33-21 edge in the third period to take a commanding lead on the way to the easy win.
Olivier-Maxence Prosper led the Mavericks with 20 points, complementing them with six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Dexter Dennis posted 18 points, five rebounds and four assists. Richaun Holmes and Tim Hardaway posted 16 points each while pulling down eight and three rebounds, respectively.
Alperen Sengun paced the Rockets with a 22-point 15-rebound double-double that included three assists. Jabari Smith furnished 21 points, eight rebounds and one assist. Jalen Green delivered 17 points, six boards, four assists and two steals. Cam Whitmore turned in 14 points, four rebounds and two steals. Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks generated matching 10-point contributions while recording four assists and three rebounds, respectively.
The Mavericks host the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night, while the Rockets visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night as well.
The Mavericks (16-12) came into the game as significant underdogs, considering they were missing their starting backcourt of Luka Doncic (quadriceps) and Kyrie Irving, top reserve guard in Dante Exum (lower leg) and starting small forward Josh Green (elbow). The Rockets (14-12) wasted no time taking advantage, jumping out to a 23-17 lead through one and expanding their edge to 17 points by halftime. Any hope of a miracle comeback in the second half was quickly dashed by Houston, which outscored Dallas by a 33-21 edge in the third period to take a commanding lead on the way to the easy win.
Olivier-Maxence Prosper led the Mavericks with 20 points, complementing them with six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Dexter Dennis posted 18 points, five rebounds and four assists. Richaun Holmes and Tim Hardaway posted 16 points each while pulling down eight and three rebounds, respectively.
Alperen Sengun paced the Rockets with a 22-point 15-rebound double-double that included three assists. Jabari Smith furnished 21 points, eight rebounds and one assist. Jalen Green delivered 17 points, six boards, four assists and two steals. Cam Whitmore turned in 14 points, four rebounds and two steals. Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks generated matching 10-point contributions while recording four assists and three rebounds, respectively.
The Mavericks host the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night, while the Rockets visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night as well.
Heat Close Out Hawks In Miami
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat defeated the visiting Atlanta Hawks, 122-113, at Kaseya Center on Friday evening.
The Heat got out to a strong start and led, 33-26, after one quarter. They stayed in front for most of the second, but the Hawks chipped away, cutting it to a two-point game at the break. The Hawks jumped out to an 11-point lead to start the third, but the hosts rallied back to a two-point lead entering the final quarter. The Heat picked up momentum in the fourth and held the lead through the entire quarter en route to their second straight win.
Tyler Herro led the Heat with 30 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 34 minutes. Duncan Robinson followed up with 27 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Bam Adebayo totaled 18 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and two steals.
Meanwhile, Trae Young led the Hawks with 30 points, three rebounds, 13 assists and two steals, in 40 minutes. Dejounte Murray followed up with 24 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Saddiq Bey logged 16 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Hawks (12-16) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Grizzlies on Saturday. The Heat (17-12) play host to the 76ers on Monday.
The Heat got out to a strong start and led, 33-26, after one quarter. They stayed in front for most of the second, but the Hawks chipped away, cutting it to a two-point game at the break. The Hawks jumped out to an 11-point lead to start the third, but the hosts rallied back to a two-point lead entering the final quarter. The Heat picked up momentum in the fourth and held the lead through the entire quarter en route to their second straight win.
Tyler Herro led the Heat with 30 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 34 minutes. Duncan Robinson followed up with 27 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Bam Adebayo totaled 18 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and two steals.
Meanwhile, Trae Young led the Hawks with 30 points, three rebounds, 13 assists and two steals, in 40 minutes. Dejounte Murray followed up with 24 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Saddiq Bey logged 16 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Hawks (12-16) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Grizzlies on Saturday. The Heat (17-12) play host to the 76ers on Monday.
Warriors Defeat Wizards, 129-118
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Washington Wizards, 129-118, at Chase Center on Friday.
There was only one lead change in this game, with Golden State maintaining the lead for the final three quarters. A 38-22 third quarter carried them to their blowout win, maintaining a double-digit lead for the final 17 minutes. The Warriors shot 49 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range while holding the Wizards to 45 percent from the field and 31 percent from long range. Golden State also out-rebounded Washington, 64-47, while out-assisting them, 33-25.
The Wizards (5-23) were led by Jordan Poole, providing 25 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Daniel Gafford amassed 15 points and four rebounds, Tyus Jones tallied 14 points, three rebounds and six assists, while Kyle Kuzma collected seven points, nine rebounds and three assists. Corey Kispert led the bench with 18 points.
The Warriors (14-14) were led by Stephen Curry, finishing with 30 points, four rebounds and seven assists, despite sitting the fourth quarter. Jonathan Kuminga amassed 22 points, four rebounds and three assists. Klay Thompson totaled 20 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Trayce Jackson-Davis led the bench with 10 points, 15 rebounds and three assists.
Golden State has to play again on Saturday, staying home to play the Portland Trail Blazers. As for Washington, they're off until Tuesday, returning home to face the Orlando Magic.
There was only one lead change in this game, with Golden State maintaining the lead for the final three quarters. A 38-22 third quarter carried them to their blowout win, maintaining a double-digit lead for the final 17 minutes. The Warriors shot 49 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range while holding the Wizards to 45 percent from the field and 31 percent from long range. Golden State also out-rebounded Washington, 64-47, while out-assisting them, 33-25.
The Wizards (5-23) were led by Jordan Poole, providing 25 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Daniel Gafford amassed 15 points and four rebounds, Tyus Jones tallied 14 points, three rebounds and six assists, while Kyle Kuzma collected seven points, nine rebounds and three assists. Corey Kispert led the bench with 18 points.
The Warriors (14-14) were led by Stephen Curry, finishing with 30 points, four rebounds and seven assists, despite sitting the fourth quarter. Jonathan Kuminga amassed 22 points, four rebounds and three assists. Klay Thompson totaled 20 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Trayce Jackson-Davis led the bench with 10 points, 15 rebounds and three assists.
Golden State has to play again on Saturday, staying home to play the Portland Trail Blazers. As for Washington, they're off until Tuesday, returning home to face the Orlando Magic.
Kings Defeat Suns, 120-105
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns, 120-105, at Golden One Center on Friday.
While this wasn't a wire-to-wire win, Sacramento never relinquished the lead after the opening three minutes. They actually outscored Phoenix by at least five points in each of the first three quarters, leading by 19 points heading into the final frame. They got their lead up to 29 points, maintaining a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. Sacramento shot 53 percent from the field and 32 percent from three-point range, while Phoenix shot 44 percent from the field and 25 percent from long range. The Kings also out-assisted the Suns, 31-17.
The Suns (14-14) were led by Kevin Durant, collecting 28 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Devin Booker amassed 24 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Grayson Allen generated 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals. Udoka Azubuike totaled 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Chimzie Metu had 10 points and four boards.
The Kings (17-10) were led by Domantas Sabonis, tallying 28 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists on 12-of-15 shooting. De'Aaron Fox finished with 23 points, six rebounds, seven assists, three steals and two blocks. Keegan Murray accrued 21 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Harrison Barnes had 19 points and two steals. Kevin Huerter compiled 13 points, two rebounds and five assists to round out the starting lineup.
On deck for Sacramento is a home matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday. Phoenix will return to action on Christmas Day, playing host to the Dallas Mavericks.
While this wasn't a wire-to-wire win, Sacramento never relinquished the lead after the opening three minutes. They actually outscored Phoenix by at least five points in each of the first three quarters, leading by 19 points heading into the final frame. They got their lead up to 29 points, maintaining a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. Sacramento shot 53 percent from the field and 32 percent from three-point range, while Phoenix shot 44 percent from the field and 25 percent from long range. The Kings also out-assisted the Suns, 31-17.
The Suns (14-14) were led by Kevin Durant, collecting 28 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Devin Booker amassed 24 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Grayson Allen generated 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals. Udoka Azubuike totaled 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Chimzie Metu had 10 points and four boards.
The Kings (17-10) were led by Domantas Sabonis, tallying 28 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists on 12-of-15 shooting. De'Aaron Fox finished with 23 points, six rebounds, seven assists, three steals and two blocks. Keegan Murray accrued 21 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Harrison Barnes had 19 points and two steals. Kevin Huerter compiled 13 points, two rebounds and five assists to round out the starting lineup.
On deck for Sacramento is a home matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday. Phoenix will return to action on Christmas Day, playing host to the Dallas Mavericks.