76ers dominate fourth quarter, beat Magic on Wednesday
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Orlando Magic, 112-92, at the Kia Center on Wednesday.
Things were tight in the first half, with neither squad leading by more than six points. The 76ers (21-9) were able to go on an 8-2 run to enter halftime with a six-point lead. Philadelphia extended their cushion to double digits early in the third quarter, and while Orlando (18-12) made some small runs to cut the lead, the 76ers would consistently respond with a run of their own. The fourth quarter was a defensive battle that the 76ers dominated, 28-14, to move to 1-1 on their four-game road trip. The Magic were held to their lowest scoring output of the season as they shot 39.2 percent from the field, including 9-for-33 from three-point range.
Three 76ers starters scored 20-plus points in the win. Tyrese Maxey bounced back from his 4-for-20 shooting effort against the Miami Heat on Christmas day to lead Philadelphia with 23 points on 9-for-18 shooting to go along with six rebounds and two assists. Tobias Harris chipped in 22 points, seven rebounds and two steals while De’Anthony Melton also had 22 points along with five rebounds, two steals and a game-high plus-24 point differential. Paul Reed registered his first double-double of the season with 15 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Marcus Morris led the bench with 14 points and three rebounds while Patrick Beverly chipped in 10 points, four rebounds and two steals off the pine.
Franz Wagner led the Magic with a game-high 24 points along with five rebounds and three assists, though he turned the ball over four times and had a team-worst minus-22 point differential. Jalen Suggs added 20 points and two rebounds while Paulo Banchero had 19 points on 6-for-21 shooting along with nine rebounds and four assists. Caleb Houstan led the bench in scoring with seven points along with six rebounds and two assists.
With Wednesday’s game wrapped up, both teams will play their next game Friday. The 76ers continue their road trip against the Houston Rockets, while the Magic host the New York Knicks.
Things were tight in the first half, with neither squad leading by more than six points. The 76ers (21-9) were able to go on an 8-2 run to enter halftime with a six-point lead. Philadelphia extended their cushion to double digits early in the third quarter, and while Orlando (18-12) made some small runs to cut the lead, the 76ers would consistently respond with a run of their own. The fourth quarter was a defensive battle that the 76ers dominated, 28-14, to move to 1-1 on their four-game road trip. The Magic were held to their lowest scoring output of the season as they shot 39.2 percent from the field, including 9-for-33 from three-point range.
Three 76ers starters scored 20-plus points in the win. Tyrese Maxey bounced back from his 4-for-20 shooting effort against the Miami Heat on Christmas day to lead Philadelphia with 23 points on 9-for-18 shooting to go along with six rebounds and two assists. Tobias Harris chipped in 22 points, seven rebounds and two steals while De’Anthony Melton also had 22 points along with five rebounds, two steals and a game-high plus-24 point differential. Paul Reed registered his first double-double of the season with 15 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Marcus Morris led the bench with 14 points and three rebounds while Patrick Beverly chipped in 10 points, four rebounds and two steals off the pine.
Franz Wagner led the Magic with a game-high 24 points along with five rebounds and three assists, though he turned the ball over four times and had a team-worst minus-22 point differential. Jalen Suggs added 20 points and two rebounds while Paulo Banchero had 19 points on 6-for-21 shooting along with nine rebounds and four assists. Caleb Houstan led the bench in scoring with seven points along with six rebounds and two assists.
With Wednesday’s game wrapped up, both teams will play their next game Friday. The 76ers continue their road trip against the Houston Rockets, while the Magic host the New York Knicks.
Raptors Cruise To Win Over Wizards
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Washington Wizards, 132-102, at Capital One Arena on Wednesday.
The Raptors (12-18) controlled the game against the Wizards (5-25) as soon as things started and didn’t have major problems securing the victory. Toronto quickly established its terms despite playing on the road and grabbed a 31-25 lead following the first quarter. A 28-25 score in the second quarter pushed the Raptors’ lead to nine points, and they wouldn’t step off the gas in the second half. The Raptors also won the third quarter by a 38-31 score and the fourth by a 35-21 outcome. Toronto grabbed the lead in the early stages and never looked back en route to an easy victory against a reeling Wizards team. With the win, the Raptors moved to 4-9 on the road. Meanwhile, the Wizards fell to 2-10 at home.
O.G. Anunoby was the leading scorer for the Raptors with 26 points and six rebounds. Scottie Barnes sniffed a double-double after posting 20 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists. Barnes also added three steals and two blocks. Pascal Siakam notched 22 points, 11 assists and six rebounds. Jakob Poeltl posted 10 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals. Gary Trent had 12 points.
Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole each had 14 points for the Wizards. Kuzma also added four rebounds and seven assists, while Poole had four boards and four dimes. Deni Avdija and Daniel Gafford recorded 12 points each. Gafford also added eight rebounds and four steals. Tyus Jones posted 11 points. Corey Kispert added 13 points off the bench.
The Raptors (12-18) controlled the game against the Wizards (5-25) as soon as things started and didn’t have major problems securing the victory. Toronto quickly established its terms despite playing on the road and grabbed a 31-25 lead following the first quarter. A 28-25 score in the second quarter pushed the Raptors’ lead to nine points, and they wouldn’t step off the gas in the second half. The Raptors also won the third quarter by a 38-31 score and the fourth by a 35-21 outcome. Toronto grabbed the lead in the early stages and never looked back en route to an easy victory against a reeling Wizards team. With the win, the Raptors moved to 4-9 on the road. Meanwhile, the Wizards fell to 2-10 at home.
O.G. Anunoby was the leading scorer for the Raptors with 26 points and six rebounds. Scottie Barnes sniffed a double-double after posting 20 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists. Barnes also added three steals and two blocks. Pascal Siakam notched 22 points, 11 assists and six rebounds. Jakob Poeltl posted 10 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals. Gary Trent had 12 points.
Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole each had 14 points for the Wizards. Kuzma also added four rebounds and seven assists, while Poole had four boards and four dimes. Deni Avdija and Daniel Gafford recorded 12 points each. Gafford also added eight rebounds and four steals. Tyus Jones posted 11 points. Corey Kispert added 13 points off the bench.
Bucks Dominate In Easy Win Over Nets
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 144-122, at Barclays Center on Wednesday.
The Bucks (23-8) took advantage of the fact that the Nets (15-16) rested several regulars, and Milwaukee won this game with absolute ease. Milwaukee established its terms in the early going and quickly raced to a 32-31 lead following the first quarter. However, the Bucks would continue to pull away for good in the second quarter, outscoring Brooklyn by a 34-28 score. A 34-33 score in the third quarter gave the Bucks an eight-point advantage. Brooklyn were still fighting at that point, but they could not contain Milwaukee in the final 12 minutes. The Nets got outscored 44-30 in the final quarter, and Milwaukee breezed its way to an easy victory in front of an 18,199 crowd at Barclays Center. With the win, the Bucks moved to 7-6 on the road, while the Nets fell to 9-8 at home.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for the Bucks with 32 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and two blocks across 30 minutes. Khris Middleton delivered 27 points, 10 assists and three rebounds. Damian Lillard had 12 points, four assists and three rebounds. Malik Beasley had 17 points. Bobby Portis recorded 14 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. MarJon Beauchamp had 11 points. Cameron Payne posted 18 points and six assists.
Dennis Smith Jr. led the starters for Brooklyn with 14 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. Day’Ron Sharpe had 12 points, four rebounds and four assists. Jalen Wilson paced the Nets off the bench with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Trendon Watford had 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Noah Clowney had 14 points. Armoni Brooks and Keon Johnson each had 12 points.
The Bucks (23-8) took advantage of the fact that the Nets (15-16) rested several regulars, and Milwaukee won this game with absolute ease. Milwaukee established its terms in the early going and quickly raced to a 32-31 lead following the first quarter. However, the Bucks would continue to pull away for good in the second quarter, outscoring Brooklyn by a 34-28 score. A 34-33 score in the third quarter gave the Bucks an eight-point advantage. Brooklyn were still fighting at that point, but they could not contain Milwaukee in the final 12 minutes. The Nets got outscored 44-30 in the final quarter, and Milwaukee breezed its way to an easy victory in front of an 18,199 crowd at Barclays Center. With the win, the Bucks moved to 7-6 on the road, while the Nets fell to 9-8 at home.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for the Bucks with 32 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and two blocks across 30 minutes. Khris Middleton delivered 27 points, 10 assists and three rebounds. Damian Lillard had 12 points, four assists and three rebounds. Malik Beasley had 17 points. Bobby Portis recorded 14 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. MarJon Beauchamp had 11 points. Cameron Payne posted 18 points and six assists.
Dennis Smith Jr. led the starters for Brooklyn with 14 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. Day’Ron Sharpe had 12 points, four rebounds and four assists. Jalen Wilson paced the Nets off the bench with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Trendon Watford had 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Noah Clowney had 14 points. Armoni Brooks and Keon Johnson each had 12 points.
Suns Thump Rockets, 129-113
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Houston Rockets, 129-113, at Toyota Center on Wednesday night.
The Suns (14-15) came out firing on all cylinders early jumping out to a 30-24 lead through one before forging a 43-31 advantage in the second period to take an 18-point edge into halftime. When Phoenix managed to snuff out any hopes of a second-half comeback by adding another two points to its lead over the Rockets (15-13) in the third, the stage was set for the impressive victory.
Kevin Durant and Eric Gordon co-led the Suns with 27 points apiece, with Durant adding 16 assists, 10 rebounds, two steals and one block. Devin Booker furnished 20 points, seven assists, four rebounds and two steals. Grayson Allen tallied 16 points, four rebounds and three assists. Udoka Azubuike managed 11 points, five rebounds and two blocks.
Alperen Sengin paced the Rockets with 24 points, adding five rebounds, one assist and two stels. Jalen Green registered 23 points, five boards, three assists and one steal. Aaron Holiday tallied 13 points, two rebounds and two assists. Cam Whitmore poured in 12 points. Fred VanVleet recorded 10 points, six assists and two boards.
The Suns return home to host the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night, while the Rockets host the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night as well.
The Suns (14-15) came out firing on all cylinders early jumping out to a 30-24 lead through one before forging a 43-31 advantage in the second period to take an 18-point edge into halftime. When Phoenix managed to snuff out any hopes of a second-half comeback by adding another two points to its lead over the Rockets (15-13) in the third, the stage was set for the impressive victory.
Kevin Durant and Eric Gordon co-led the Suns with 27 points apiece, with Durant adding 16 assists, 10 rebounds, two steals and one block. Devin Booker furnished 20 points, seven assists, four rebounds and two steals. Grayson Allen tallied 16 points, four rebounds and three assists. Udoka Azubuike managed 11 points, five rebounds and two blocks.
Alperen Sengin paced the Rockets with 24 points, adding five rebounds, one assist and two stels. Jalen Green registered 23 points, five boards, three assists and one steal. Aaron Holiday tallied 13 points, two rebounds and two assists. Cam Whitmore poured in 12 points. Fred VanVleet recorded 10 points, six assists and two boards.
The Suns return home to host the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night, while the Rockets host the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night as well.
Thunder Hold Of Knicks In OKC
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting New York Knicks, 129-120, at Paycom Center on Wednesday evening.
The Thunder got out to a high-scoring start and rallied to a, 38-25, lead after one quarter. The Knicks picked up the pace and outscored the hosts, 35-31, in the frame to cut it back to a nine-point difference at the break. The visitors kept the pressure on in the third and tied the score at 81, with just under six minutes to go, but the Thunder reclaimed a four-point edge heading into the final quarter. The Knicks cut it to a one-point game early in the fourth, but the Thunder did not concede the advantage again, as they pushed ahead to close out their second straight win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams poured in 36 points each to lead the Thunder in the home win. Chet Holmgren finished with 22 points, five rebounds and four blocks, while Josh Giddey tallied seven points, six rebounds, two assists and a two blocks.
Meanwhile, Julius Randle led the Knicks with 25 points, nine rebounds and two assists, in 36 minutes. Jalen Brunson followed up with 24 points, four rebounds, seven assists, two steals and a block, while Immanuel Quickley added 22 points on 7-for-10 shooting, off the bench.
The Knicks (17-13) will look to bounce back as they take on the Magic in Orlando on Friday. The Thunder (20-9) clash with the Nuggets in Denver on Friday.
The Thunder got out to a high-scoring start and rallied to a, 38-25, lead after one quarter. The Knicks picked up the pace and outscored the hosts, 35-31, in the frame to cut it back to a nine-point difference at the break. The visitors kept the pressure on in the third and tied the score at 81, with just under six minutes to go, but the Thunder reclaimed a four-point edge heading into the final quarter. The Knicks cut it to a one-point game early in the fourth, but the Thunder did not concede the advantage again, as they pushed ahead to close out their second straight win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams poured in 36 points each to lead the Thunder in the home win. Chet Holmgren finished with 22 points, five rebounds and four blocks, while Josh Giddey tallied seven points, six rebounds, two assists and a two blocks.
Meanwhile, Julius Randle led the Knicks with 25 points, nine rebounds and two assists, in 36 minutes. Jalen Brunson followed up with 24 points, four rebounds, seven assists, two steals and a block, while Immanuel Quickley added 22 points on 7-for-10 shooting, off the bench.
The Knicks (17-13) will look to bounce back as they take on the Magic in Orlando on Friday. The Thunder (20-9) clash with the Nuggets in Denver on Friday.
Cavaliers Defeat Mavericks, 113-110
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the host Dallas Mavericks, 113-110, at American Airlines Center on Wednesday.
While Cleveland led for only three minutes in this game, they escaped with a win. Dallas led 105-96 with six minutes remaining, but Cleveland responded with a 15-0 run to take command of this game. They finished their win on a 17-4 run, riding a 31-20 fourth quarter to their victory. That run snatched their first lead since it was 7-6 early in the first quarter. The Cavaliers shot 40 percent from three-point range (17-of-43), while the Mavericks shot 27 percent from long range (10-of-37). Cleveland also out-rebounded Dallas, 67-45, while out-assisting them, 33-21.
The Cavaliers (18-13) were led by Jarrett Allen, accruing 24 points, 23 rebounds, six assists and two steals. Caris LeVert led the bench with 29 points, two rebounds and seven assists. Isaac Okoro amassed 22 points and three rebounds, while Craig Porter Jr provided nine points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Max Strus had eight points, five rebounds and six assists, while Georges Niang generated 16 points, two rebounds and three assists.
The Mavericks (18-13) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 39 points, seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks. Tim Hardaway Jr had 14 points and four boards. Seth Curry led the bench with 19 points, four rebounds and two steals. Dante Exum tallied 13 points, four rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Derrick Jones Jr accumulated 12 points, five rebounds and three blocks.
Dallas has to play again on Thursday, traveling to play the Minnesota Timberwolves. As for Cleveland, they return to action on Thursday in a home matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks.
While Cleveland led for only three minutes in this game, they escaped with a win. Dallas led 105-96 with six minutes remaining, but Cleveland responded with a 15-0 run to take command of this game. They finished their win on a 17-4 run, riding a 31-20 fourth quarter to their victory. That run snatched their first lead since it was 7-6 early in the first quarter. The Cavaliers shot 40 percent from three-point range (17-of-43), while the Mavericks shot 27 percent from long range (10-of-37). Cleveland also out-rebounded Dallas, 67-45, while out-assisting them, 33-21.
The Cavaliers (18-13) were led by Jarrett Allen, accruing 24 points, 23 rebounds, six assists and two steals. Caris LeVert led the bench with 29 points, two rebounds and seven assists. Isaac Okoro amassed 22 points and three rebounds, while Craig Porter Jr provided nine points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Max Strus had eight points, five rebounds and six assists, while Georges Niang generated 16 points, two rebounds and three assists.
The Mavericks (18-13) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 39 points, seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks. Tim Hardaway Jr had 14 points and four boards. Seth Curry led the bench with 19 points, four rebounds and two steals. Dante Exum tallied 13 points, four rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Derrick Jones Jr accumulated 12 points, five rebounds and three blocks.
Dallas has to play again on Thursday, traveling to play the Minnesota Timberwolves. As for Cleveland, they return to action on Thursday in a home matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks.