Pistons make infamous history, fall to Nets 119-113
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Detroit Pistons, 119-113, at Little Caesars Arena on Tuesday.
The Pistons (2-28) got off to a hot start in the first quarter, leading as much as 14 before the Nets stormed back in the second frame to take a seven point lead into halftime. The two teams exchanged buckets for much of the second half before Detroit went on a 12-4 run to take a five point lead in the fourth quarter. However, Brooklyn responded with a 13-0 run to push their lead to double digits and held on down the stretch to sweep the home-and-home series. After Tuesday’s defeat, the Pistons now own the NBA record for the longest single season losing streak of 27 games.
Six Nets players finished the game with double-digit points. Cam Johnson led the way with 24 points while Mikal Bridges chipped in 21 points, four rebounds and three assists. Cam Thomas registered 17 points and Nic Claxton had a double-double with 11 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks. Off the bench, Dorian Finney-Smith had 11 points and four rebounds while Day’Ron Sharpe had a strong all-around game with 11 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, four blocks and two steals.
Cade Cunningham led the Pistons in points for the fourth time in five contests with a game-high 41 points to go along with nine rebounds and five assists. Bojan Bogadnovic fouled out late in the fourth quarter and was able to contribute 23 points and three rebounds. Alec Burks led the bench with 15 points and five rebounds, though he finished with a team-worst minus-25 point differential. Jalen Duran registered his fourth straight double-double with 12 points, 15 rebounds and four assists.
With Tuesday’s game wrapped up, the Nets head back home to face the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, while the Pistons hit the road to take on the top-seeded Boston Celtics on Thursday.
The Pistons (2-28) got off to a hot start in the first quarter, leading as much as 14 before the Nets stormed back in the second frame to take a seven point lead into halftime. The two teams exchanged buckets for much of the second half before Detroit went on a 12-4 run to take a five point lead in the fourth quarter. However, Brooklyn responded with a 13-0 run to push their lead to double digits and held on down the stretch to sweep the home-and-home series. After Tuesday’s defeat, the Pistons now own the NBA record for the longest single season losing streak of 27 games.
Six Nets players finished the game with double-digit points. Cam Johnson led the way with 24 points while Mikal Bridges chipped in 21 points, four rebounds and three assists. Cam Thomas registered 17 points and Nic Claxton had a double-double with 11 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks. Off the bench, Dorian Finney-Smith had 11 points and four rebounds while Day’Ron Sharpe had a strong all-around game with 11 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, four blocks and two steals.
Cade Cunningham led the Pistons in points for the fourth time in five contests with a game-high 41 points to go along with nine rebounds and five assists. Bojan Bogadnovic fouled out late in the fourth quarter and was able to contribute 23 points and three rebounds. Alec Burks led the bench with 15 points and five rebounds, though he finished with a team-worst minus-25 point differential. Jalen Duran registered his fourth straight double-double with 12 points, 15 rebounds and four assists.
With Tuesday’s game wrapped up, the Nets head back home to face the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, while the Pistons hit the road to take on the top-seeded Boston Celtics on Thursday.
Magic In Cruise Control In Win Over Wizards
The Orlando Magic defeated the Washington Wizards, 127-119, at Capital One Arena on Tuesday.
The Magic (18-11) enjoyed a strong start to get past a reeling Wizards (5-24) team despite playing on the road. Orlando enjoyed a strong start, and while the Wizards attempted to mount a comeback in the fourth, it was too much for them. The win allowed the Magic to move to 7-8 away from home, while the Wizards fell to 2-9 at home. The opening quarter was even and things ended up with a 33-33 tie, but the Magic started to pull away in the second half and never looked back. The Magic won the second quarter by a 30-27 score and were up by three at the break. Orlando would make it a double-digit contest following a 35-28 score in the third quarter. Up by 10 with 12 minutes left, the Magic simply closed the game out despite the fact the Wizards won the final quarter by a two-point margin.
Franz Wagner was the leading scorer for the Magic with 28 points, nine assists and eight rebounds. Paolo Banchero had 24 points and eight assists, but he also added three rebounds, a steal and a block. Anthony Black posted 23 points, six rebounds and four steals. Jalen Suggs finished with 11 points. Cole Anthony and Moritz Wagner each delivered 11 points coming off the bench.
Jordan Poole was the best player for the Wizards after notching 30 points, but he also added three assists, three steals and two rebounds. Tyus Jones posted 22 points, six rebounds and six assists. Daniel Gafford recorded 13 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and two steals. Kyle Kuzma ended with 17 points, six assists and four rebounds. Corey Kispert added 15 points off the bench.
The Magic (18-11) enjoyed a strong start to get past a reeling Wizards (5-24) team despite playing on the road. Orlando enjoyed a strong start, and while the Wizards attempted to mount a comeback in the fourth, it was too much for them. The win allowed the Magic to move to 7-8 away from home, while the Wizards fell to 2-9 at home. The opening quarter was even and things ended up with a 33-33 tie, but the Magic started to pull away in the second half and never looked back. The Magic won the second quarter by a 30-27 score and were up by three at the break. Orlando would make it a double-digit contest following a 35-28 score in the third quarter. Up by 10 with 12 minutes left, the Magic simply closed the game out despite the fact the Wizards won the final quarter by a two-point margin.
Franz Wagner was the leading scorer for the Magic with 28 points, nine assists and eight rebounds. Paolo Banchero had 24 points and eight assists, but he also added three rebounds, a steal and a block. Anthony Black posted 23 points, six rebounds and four steals. Jalen Suggs finished with 11 points. Cole Anthony and Moritz Wagner each delivered 11 points coming off the bench.
Jordan Poole was the best player for the Wizards after notching 30 points, but he also added three assists, three steals and two rebounds. Tyus Jones posted 22 points, six rebounds and six assists. Daniel Gafford recorded 13 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and two steals. Kyle Kuzma ended with 17 points, six assists and four rebounds. Corey Kispert added 15 points off the bench.
Grizzlies Outlast Pelicans In Wild Affair
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 116-115, at Smoothie King Center on Tuesday.
The Pelicans (17-14) and the Grizzlies (10-19) played a tight game that went down to the wire. However, New Orleans/Memphis escaped with the win in a game decided in overtime. The Grizzlies enjoyed a strong start and grabbed the lead following a 24-19 score in the opening 12 minutes. However, the Pelicans responded and tightened things up defensively, outscoring their rivals by a 29-19 score and securing a five-point lead at halftime. The Pelicans got a 32-24 score in the third quarter and looked in complete control with 12 minutes left. However, as has been a trend, they struggled to close things out. The Grizzlies responded to making it a one-point game with less than eight seconds, but Ja Morant could not score on a drive to the basket. Morant was initially called for a foul and should’ve gone to the line, but a successful challenge reversed the call. The Grizzlies had one last play, and with no time left on the clock, Jonas Valanciunas was called for a foul, and the Grizzlies had the chance to win the game from the line, but Jaren Jackson went 1-for-2 and the game had to be decided in overtime. The Grizzlies were more efficient in that frame and secured the victory, though they also won by the lack of efficiency from New Orleans on offense. With the win, the Grizzlies moved to 8-8 on the road, while the Pelicans fell to 9-7 at home.
Ja Morant had 31 points for the Grizzlies, and he also added seven assists, five rebounds and two blocks. Desmond Bane finished with 27 points, seven assists and four rebounds. Marcus Smart posted 13 points, five steals and three assists. Jaren Jackson Jr. had a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds. No other Memphis player scored in double digits. The Grizzlies shot 43.3 percent from the field and 23.9 percent from deep.
Brandon Ingram had 24 points, seven assists, six rebounds, four blocks and three steals for the Pelicans. Zion Williamson posted 23 points and 11 rebounds. Jonas Valanciunas also had a double-double after racking up 17 points and 13 boards. CJ McCollum finished with 16 points. The Pelicans shot 43.3 percent from the field and 32.3 percent from three-point range.
The Pelicans (17-14) and the Grizzlies (10-19) played a tight game that went down to the wire. However, New Orleans/Memphis escaped with the win in a game decided in overtime. The Grizzlies enjoyed a strong start and grabbed the lead following a 24-19 score in the opening 12 minutes. However, the Pelicans responded and tightened things up defensively, outscoring their rivals by a 29-19 score and securing a five-point lead at halftime. The Pelicans got a 32-24 score in the third quarter and looked in complete control with 12 minutes left. However, as has been a trend, they struggled to close things out. The Grizzlies responded to making it a one-point game with less than eight seconds, but Ja Morant could not score on a drive to the basket. Morant was initially called for a foul and should’ve gone to the line, but a successful challenge reversed the call. The Grizzlies had one last play, and with no time left on the clock, Jonas Valanciunas was called for a foul, and the Grizzlies had the chance to win the game from the line, but Jaren Jackson went 1-for-2 and the game had to be decided in overtime. The Grizzlies were more efficient in that frame and secured the victory, though they also won by the lack of efficiency from New Orleans on offense. With the win, the Grizzlies moved to 8-8 on the road, while the Pelicans fell to 9-7 at home.
Ja Morant had 31 points for the Grizzlies, and he also added seven assists, five rebounds and two blocks. Desmond Bane finished with 27 points, seven assists and four rebounds. Marcus Smart posted 13 points, five steals and three assists. Jaren Jackson Jr. had a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds. No other Memphis player scored in double digits. The Grizzlies shot 43.3 percent from the field and 23.9 percent from deep.
Brandon Ingram had 24 points, seven assists, six rebounds, four blocks and three steals for the Pelicans. Zion Williamson posted 23 points and 11 rebounds. Jonas Valanciunas also had a double-double after racking up 17 points and 13 boards. CJ McCollum finished with 16 points. The Pelicans shot 43.3 percent from the field and 32.3 percent from three-point range.
Bulls Top Hawks, 118-113
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 118-113, at United Center on Tuesday night.
The Bulls (14-18) appeared on their way to a rout early on, as they emerged from the first quarter with a 28-17 lead. However, dominant as the hosts were in the opening period, the Hawks (12-18) managed to one-up them during a second quarter in which they outscored Chicago, 39-22. Nevertheless, the home squad had narrowed its deficit to two points entering the final period, and after a fourth quarter that featured multiple ties, the Bulls managed to pull ahead just enough with the help of a critical four points from DeMar DeRozan in the closing minute.
Bogdan Bogdanovic led the Hawks with 22 points, adding three rebounds and one assist. Trae Young generated a 21-point, 13-assist double-double that included two rebounds and one steal. Dejounte Murray registered 17 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Saddiq Bey and Clint Capela posted matching 13-point efforts while recording eight and five rebounds, respectively. Onyeka Okongwu turned in 11 points, six rebounds and one steal, while Jalen Johnson delivered 10 points, nine boards, four assists and one steal.
DeRozan paced the Bulls with 25 points, complementing them with six assist, two rebounds and one steal. Andre Drummond, filling in for an injured Nikola Vucevic (hip), posted a 24-point, 25-rebound double-double that included one assist, three steals and two blocks. Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White provide matching 19-point efforts while tallying five and seven rebounds, respectively. White also dished out five assists while Dosunmu had four dimes and three steals. Alex Caruso supplied 11 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals.
The Hawks return home to host the Sacramento Kings on Friday night, while the Bulls host the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night.
The Bulls (14-18) appeared on their way to a rout early on, as they emerged from the first quarter with a 28-17 lead. However, dominant as the hosts were in the opening period, the Hawks (12-18) managed to one-up them during a second quarter in which they outscored Chicago, 39-22. Nevertheless, the home squad had narrowed its deficit to two points entering the final period, and after a fourth quarter that featured multiple ties, the Bulls managed to pull ahead just enough with the help of a critical four points from DeMar DeRozan in the closing minute.
Bogdan Bogdanovic led the Hawks with 22 points, adding three rebounds and one assist. Trae Young generated a 21-point, 13-assist double-double that included two rebounds and one steal. Dejounte Murray registered 17 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Saddiq Bey and Clint Capela posted matching 13-point efforts while recording eight and five rebounds, respectively. Onyeka Okongwu turned in 11 points, six rebounds and one steal, while Jalen Johnson delivered 10 points, nine boards, four assists and one steal.
DeRozan paced the Bulls with 25 points, complementing them with six assist, two rebounds and one steal. Andre Drummond, filling in for an injured Nikola Vucevic (hip), posted a 24-point, 25-rebound double-double that included one assist, three steals and two blocks. Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White provide matching 19-point efforts while tallying five and seven rebounds, respectively. White also dished out five assists while Dosunmu had four dimes and three steals. Alex Caruso supplied 11 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals.
The Hawks return home to host the Sacramento Kings on Friday night, while the Bulls host the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night.
Pacers Get By Rockets, 123-117
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Houston Rockets, 123-117, at Toyota Center on Tuesday night.
The first half was about as evenly matched as could have been hoped for, with a 33-33 tie after one giving way to a 67-64 halftime lead for the Rockets (15-13). However, the Pacers (15-14) gained the advantage and some valuable separation during a third quarter that they won by a 37-23 margin, and that, along with a 8-2 run over the final 1:50, gave them just enough to withstand a strong final period by Houston.
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 33 points, adding 10 assists, six rebounds and one steal. Myles Turner delivered 18 points, five rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Jalen Smith furnished 12 points, eight boards, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Isaiah Jackson, Buddy Hield and Andrew Nembhard posted 11 points each, with Jackson adding eight boards and three blocks, Hield tallying five rebounds and five assists and Nembhard dishing out six dimes. Andrew Nesmith and Bennedict Mathurin provided 10 points apiece while compiling five and four rebounds, respectively.
Alperen Sengun paced the Rockets with a 30-point, 16-rebound double-double that included five assists and four steals. Fred VanVleet totaled 18 points, nine assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Tari Eason finished with 16 points, eight boards, one assist and two steals. Aaron Holiday offered 15 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Jabari Smith registered 10 points, six boards, one steal and one block.
The Pacers remain on the road and visit the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night, while the Rockets remain home and host the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night.
The first half was about as evenly matched as could have been hoped for, with a 33-33 tie after one giving way to a 67-64 halftime lead for the Rockets (15-13). However, the Pacers (15-14) gained the advantage and some valuable separation during a third quarter that they won by a 37-23 margin, and that, along with a 8-2 run over the final 1:50, gave them just enough to withstand a strong final period by Houston.
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 33 points, adding 10 assists, six rebounds and one steal. Myles Turner delivered 18 points, five rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Jalen Smith furnished 12 points, eight boards, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Isaiah Jackson, Buddy Hield and Andrew Nembhard posted 11 points each, with Jackson adding eight boards and three blocks, Hield tallying five rebounds and five assists and Nembhard dishing out six dimes. Andrew Nesmith and Bennedict Mathurin provided 10 points apiece while compiling five and four rebounds, respectively.
Alperen Sengun paced the Rockets with a 30-point, 16-rebound double-double that included five assists and four steals. Fred VanVleet totaled 18 points, nine assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Tari Eason finished with 16 points, eight boards, one assist and two steals. Aaron Holiday offered 15 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Jabari Smith registered 10 points, six boards, one steal and one block.
The Pacers remain on the road and visit the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night, while the Rockets remain home and host the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night.
Jazz Close Out Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 130-118, at Frost Bank Center on Tuesday evening.
The Spurs got out to a strong start and led, 32-27, after one quarter. The Jazz turned up their play in the second and outscored the hosts, 37-28, to claim a four-point lead at the break. Both sides kept up the pace in the third, while the visitors upped their lead to seven, going into the final frame. The Jazz maintained control down the stretch to close out their third straight win. This also marks the fifth straight loss for the Spurs.
Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 31 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 31 minutes. Jordan Clarkson followed up with 24 points, six rebounds and eight assists, while Collin Sexton tallied 20 points, three rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block.
Meanwhile, Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 26 points, four rebounds, seven assists and two steals, in 30 minutes off the bench. Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 22 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals, while Jeremy Sochan followed up with 19 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Spurs (4-25) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Trail Blazers in Portland on Thursday. The Jazz (13-18) take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Thursday.
The Spurs got out to a strong start and led, 32-27, after one quarter. The Jazz turned up their play in the second and outscored the hosts, 37-28, to claim a four-point lead at the break. Both sides kept up the pace in the third, while the visitors upped their lead to seven, going into the final frame. The Jazz maintained control down the stretch to close out their third straight win. This also marks the fifth straight loss for the Spurs.
Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 31 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 31 minutes. Jordan Clarkson followed up with 24 points, six rebounds and eight assists, while Collin Sexton tallied 20 points, three rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block.
Meanwhile, Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 26 points, four rebounds, seven assists and two steals, in 30 minutes off the bench. Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 22 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals, while Jeremy Sochan followed up with 19 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Spurs (4-25) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Trail Blazers in Portland on Thursday. The Jazz (13-18) take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Thursday.
Thunder Dominant Over Timberwolves
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 129-106, at Paycom Center on Tuesday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Thunder led, 40-35, after one quarter. The hosts maintained an edge through the second and pushed their lead to six, heading into the break. Both sides continued their high-tempo play in the third, as the Thunder outscored the Timberwolves, 36-31, in the quarter to increase their cushion to 11 points heading into the final frame. The Timberwolves had no answers in the fourth, as the Thunder closed out their fourth win in the last five games.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 34 points, six rebounds, nine assists, two steals and a block, in 33 minutes. Chet Holmgren totaled 20 points, four rebounds, five assists and a block, while Luguentz Dort finished with 20 points, four rebounds, two steals and a block.
Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 34 minutes. Mike Conley followed up with 17 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Karl-Anthony Towns totaled 16 points and six rebounds.
The Timberwolves (22-7) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Mavericks on Thursday. The Thunder (19-9) play host to the Knicks on Wednesday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Thunder led, 40-35, after one quarter. The hosts maintained an edge through the second and pushed their lead to six, heading into the break. Both sides continued their high-tempo play in the third, as the Thunder outscored the Timberwolves, 36-31, in the quarter to increase their cushion to 11 points heading into the final frame. The Timberwolves had no answers in the fourth, as the Thunder closed out their fourth win in the last five games.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 34 points, six rebounds, nine assists, two steals and a block, in 33 minutes. Chet Holmgren totaled 20 points, four rebounds, five assists and a block, while Luguentz Dort finished with 20 points, four rebounds, two steals and a block.
Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 34 minutes. Mike Conley followed up with 17 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Karl-Anthony Towns totaled 16 points and six rebounds.
The Timberwolves (22-7) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Mavericks on Thursday. The Thunder (19-9) play host to the Knicks on Wednesday.
Blazers Beat Kings, 130-113
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings, 130-113, at Moda Center on Tuesday.
While there were five ties and seven lead changes through the opening 15 minutes, Portland never relinquished the lead after that. They rode a 35-27 second quarter to their win, closing things out behind a 26-18 fourth quarter. The Trail Blazers bench outscored the Kings bench, 65-17. Portland shot 59 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range, while Sacramento shot 48 percent from the field and 24 percent from long distance. The Blazers also out-rebounded the Kings, 55-49.
The Kings (17-12) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 43 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Domantas Sabonis tallied 34 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. No other player reached double figures in scoring. Harrison Barnes had nine points and five boards, while Malik Monk led the bench with seven points and four assists.
The Trail Blazers (8-21) were led by Anfernee Simons, accruing 29 points, four rebounds and three assists. Duop Reath led the bench with 25 points and nine rebounds. Scoot Henderson had 17 points and 11 assists, while Jabari Walker also had 17 points off of the bench. Malcolm Brogdon generated 19 points, five rebounds and six assists, while Jerami Grant accumulated 13 points, two rebounds and two assists.
On deck for Portland is a home matchup with the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday. As for Sacramento, they travel to face the Atlanta Hawks on Friday for their next fixture.
While there were five ties and seven lead changes through the opening 15 minutes, Portland never relinquished the lead after that. They rode a 35-27 second quarter to their win, closing things out behind a 26-18 fourth quarter. The Trail Blazers bench outscored the Kings bench, 65-17. Portland shot 59 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range, while Sacramento shot 48 percent from the field and 24 percent from long distance. The Blazers also out-rebounded the Kings, 55-49.
The Kings (17-12) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 43 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Domantas Sabonis tallied 34 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. No other player reached double figures in scoring. Harrison Barnes had nine points and five boards, while Malik Monk led the bench with seven points and four assists.
The Trail Blazers (8-21) were led by Anfernee Simons, accruing 29 points, four rebounds and three assists. Duop Reath led the bench with 25 points and nine rebounds. Scoot Henderson had 17 points and 11 assists, while Jabari Walker also had 17 points off of the bench. Malcolm Brogdon generated 19 points, five rebounds and six assists, while Jerami Grant accumulated 13 points, two rebounds and two assists.
On deck for Portland is a home matchup with the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday. As for Sacramento, they travel to face the Atlanta Hawks on Friday for their next fixture.
Clippers Defeat Hornets, 113-104
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets, 113-104, at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday.
There were six ties and 11 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 11 points. Charlotte actually started the fourth quarter on an 11-2 run to take a 91-84 lead, but Los Angeles responded with a 16-0 run to take command of this game. They finished the game on a 29-7 run over the final 9:12. The Clippers shot 14-of-34 from three-point range while holding the Hornets to 6-of-29 from long range. Los Angeles also shot 19-of-25 from the free-throw line while Charlotte shot 12-of-16.
The Hornets (7-21) were led by Miles Bridges, finishing with 21 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Terry Rozier registered 18 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Those two combined to shoot 17-of-46 from the field. Nick Richards amassed 13 points and 10 rebounds, while PJ Washington led the bench with 18 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Clippers (18-12) were led by James Harden, collecting 29 points, six rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Paul George provided 25 points, four rebounds and four assists. Ivica Zubac totaled 18 points, 14 rebounds and four assists, while Russell Westbrook led the bench with 14 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and two steals.
On deck for Charlotte is a road matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday. As for the Clippers, they play host to the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday for their next fixture.
There were six ties and 11 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 11 points. Charlotte actually started the fourth quarter on an 11-2 run to take a 91-84 lead, but Los Angeles responded with a 16-0 run to take command of this game. They finished the game on a 29-7 run over the final 9:12. The Clippers shot 14-of-34 from three-point range while holding the Hornets to 6-of-29 from long range. Los Angeles also shot 19-of-25 from the free-throw line while Charlotte shot 12-of-16.
The Hornets (7-21) were led by Miles Bridges, finishing with 21 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Terry Rozier registered 18 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Those two combined to shoot 17-of-46 from the field. Nick Richards amassed 13 points and 10 rebounds, while PJ Washington led the bench with 18 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Clippers (18-12) were led by James Harden, collecting 29 points, six rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Paul George provided 25 points, four rebounds and four assists. Ivica Zubac totaled 18 points, 14 rebounds and four assists, while Russell Westbrook led the bench with 14 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and two steals.
On deck for Charlotte is a road matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday. As for the Clippers, they play host to the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday for their next fixture.