Celtics React In Time, Hand Pistons 28th Straight Loss
The Boston Celtics defeated the Detroit Pistons, 128-122, after overtime at TD Garden on Thursday.
The Celtics (24-6) had to work harder than expected against a reeling Pistons (2-29) coming off 28 straight losses. However, despite a slow start and the need for overtime, Boston clinched the win and moved to 15-0 in front of their fans. Meanwhile, the Pistons extended their woeful losing skid to 28 games, even if their performances have recently improved. Detroit looked good in the early stages of the contest, racing to a 30-27 lead in the first quarter and blowing Boston away in the second 12 minutes. The Pistons held an impressive 19-point lead at the break following a 36-20 score in the second quarter, and it seemed they could finally end the drought, but Boston had other plans. The Celtics responded with a 35-16 score in the third quarter, evening things heading into the final quarter. Despite both teams trading the lead down the stretch, the game ended with a tie, so overtime was needed to find a winner. Boston was better on crunch time and closed the game out.
Kristaps Porzingis led the way for the Celtics with 35 points and eight rebounds. Jayson Tatum impressed on both ends of the court and sniffed a triple-double after posting 31 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds and five steals. Derrick White finished with 23 points, five assists and four rebounds. Jrue Holiday had 12 points, nine rebounds and three assists.
Cade Cunningham led the way for the Pistons with 31 points, nine assists, six rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Jaden Ivey had 22 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out. Jalen Duren notched 15 points and 14 rebounds. Bojan Bogdanovic notched 17 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. Alec Burks had 12 points off the bench.
The Celtics (24-6) had to work harder than expected against a reeling Pistons (2-29) coming off 28 straight losses. However, despite a slow start and the need for overtime, Boston clinched the win and moved to 15-0 in front of their fans. Meanwhile, the Pistons extended their woeful losing skid to 28 games, even if their performances have recently improved. Detroit looked good in the early stages of the contest, racing to a 30-27 lead in the first quarter and blowing Boston away in the second 12 minutes. The Pistons held an impressive 19-point lead at the break following a 36-20 score in the second quarter, and it seemed they could finally end the drought, but Boston had other plans. The Celtics responded with a 35-16 score in the third quarter, evening things heading into the final quarter. Despite both teams trading the lead down the stretch, the game ended with a tie, so overtime was needed to find a winner. Boston was better on crunch time and closed the game out.
Kristaps Porzingis led the way for the Celtics with 35 points and eight rebounds. Jayson Tatum impressed on both ends of the court and sniffed a triple-double after posting 31 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds and five steals. Derrick White finished with 23 points, five assists and four rebounds. Jrue Holiday had 12 points, nine rebounds and three assists.
Cade Cunningham led the way for the Pistons with 31 points, nine assists, six rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Jaden Ivey had 22 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out. Jalen Duren notched 15 points and 14 rebounds. Bojan Bogdanovic notched 17 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. Alec Burks had 12 points off the bench.
Pelicans Control Jazz At Home
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Utah Jazz, 112-105, at Smoothie King Center on Thursday.
The Pelicans (17-14) took advantage of playing at home and secured the victory over the Jazz (13-18) in front of 17,753 fans. With the win, the Pelicans moved to 9-7 at home, while the Jazz fell to 5-13 on the road. New Orleans established a 39-37 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, as they also won the second quarter 20-14 on the heels of an excellent defensive performance. Utah played the second half with different energy and reduced the deficit to five points following a 25-22 score in the third quarter. However, the Pelicans closed the game in the final 12 minutes. New Orleans outscored its rivals by a 31-29 score in the fourth quarter and sealed the deal at home.
Only three players scored in double digits for the Pelicans in this win. Brandon Ingram was the leading scorer with 26 points, and he also added five assists. Zion Williamson notched 21 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. CJ McCollum finished with 22 points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals. New Orleans shot 54.9 percent from the field.
Collin Sexton led the way for the Jazz with 26 points, five rebounds and three assists. Lauri Markkanen delivered 24 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Walker Kessler posted 11 points, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Jordan Clarkson had 10 points coming off the bench. Utah shot 42.4 percent from the field.
The Pelicans (17-14) took advantage of playing at home and secured the victory over the Jazz (13-18) in front of 17,753 fans. With the win, the Pelicans moved to 9-7 at home, while the Jazz fell to 5-13 on the road. New Orleans established a 39-37 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, as they also won the second quarter 20-14 on the heels of an excellent defensive performance. Utah played the second half with different energy and reduced the deficit to five points following a 25-22 score in the third quarter. However, the Pelicans closed the game in the final 12 minutes. New Orleans outscored its rivals by a 31-29 score in the fourth quarter and sealed the deal at home.
Only three players scored in double digits for the Pelicans in this win. Brandon Ingram was the leading scorer with 26 points, and he also added five assists. Zion Williamson notched 21 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. CJ McCollum finished with 22 points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals. New Orleans shot 54.9 percent from the field.
Collin Sexton led the way for the Jazz with 26 points, five rebounds and three assists. Lauri Markkanen delivered 24 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Walker Kessler posted 11 points, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Jordan Clarkson had 10 points coming off the bench. Utah shot 42.4 percent from the field.
Pacers Best Bulls, 120-104
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Chicago Bulls, 120-104, at United Center on Thursday night.
The Pacers (16-14) were hot offensively right out of the gate, jumping out to a 37-31 first-quarter lead and adding another five points to their advantage prior to halftime with a 26-point haul in the second. The Bulls' (14-19) best all-around quarter came in the third when they were able to lop three points from their deficit, but Indiana's 35-27 edge over the final 12 minutes sealed the visitors' victory.
Myles Turner led the Pacers with 24 points, adding six rebounds and three blocks. Tyrese Haliburton generated a 21-point, 20-assist double-double that included three rebounds, two steals and one block. Buddy Hield furnished 19 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Jalen Smith and Bennedict Mathurin produced matching 15-point, one-assist contributions while pulling down seven and five boards, respectively. Aaron Nesmith supplied 12 points, five boards, one assist, two blocks and one steal.
Patrick Williams paced the Bulls with 22 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, three assists and two steals. DeMar DeRozan registered 21 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Coby White turned in 16 points, five rebounds and two assists. Alex Caruso and Ayo Dosunmu contributed 15 points apiece while tallying seven and five rebounds, respectively.
The Pacers return home to host the New York Knicks on Saturday night, while the Bulls host the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night as well.
The Pacers (16-14) were hot offensively right out of the gate, jumping out to a 37-31 first-quarter lead and adding another five points to their advantage prior to halftime with a 26-point haul in the second. The Bulls' (14-19) best all-around quarter came in the third when they were able to lop three points from their deficit, but Indiana's 35-27 edge over the final 12 minutes sealed the visitors' victory.
Myles Turner led the Pacers with 24 points, adding six rebounds and three blocks. Tyrese Haliburton generated a 21-point, 20-assist double-double that included three rebounds, two steals and one block. Buddy Hield furnished 19 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Jalen Smith and Bennedict Mathurin produced matching 15-point, one-assist contributions while pulling down seven and five boards, respectively. Aaron Nesmith supplied 12 points, five boards, one assist, two blocks and one steal.
Patrick Williams paced the Bulls with 22 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, three assists and two steals. DeMar DeRozan registered 21 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Coby White turned in 16 points, five rebounds and two assists. Alex Caruso and Ayo Dosunmu contributed 15 points apiece while tallying seven and five rebounds, respectively.
The Pacers return home to host the New York Knicks on Saturday night, while the Bulls host the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night as well.
Timberwolves Topple Mavericks, 118-110
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 118-110, at Target Center on Thursday night.
The Timberwolves (23-7) were able to establish a key early cushion, jumping out to a 37-26 lead through one. However, the Mavericks (18-14) were able to turn to the tables to an extent in the second, eliminating six points from their deficit in the process. Minnesota got two of those points back in the third, and they ultimately enjoyed a one-point edge in a fourth quarter that saw just 39 total points go on the board.
Tim Hardaway led the Mavericks with 32 points, adding three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Jaden Hardy supplied 17 points, two rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Derrick Jones totaled 15 points, nine boards, three steals and one block. Dwight Powell generated a 12-point, 14-rebound double-double that included six assists, two steals and one block. Dante Exum and Seth Curry contributed matching 11-point, two-rebound tallies while dishing out six and three assists, respectively.
Anthony Edwards paced the Timberwolves with 44 points, adding four assists, three rebounds, three steals and one block. Rudy Gobert contributed a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists and three blocks. Jaden McDaniels registered 12 points, four blocks and one steal. Mike Conley and Karl-Anthony Towns managed 10 points apiece while adding six assists and eight rebounds, respectively.
The Mavericks remain on the road and visit the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night, while the Timberwolves host the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night.
The Timberwolves (23-7) were able to establish a key early cushion, jumping out to a 37-26 lead through one. However, the Mavericks (18-14) were able to turn to the tables to an extent in the second, eliminating six points from their deficit in the process. Minnesota got two of those points back in the third, and they ultimately enjoyed a one-point edge in a fourth quarter that saw just 39 total points go on the board.
Tim Hardaway led the Mavericks with 32 points, adding three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Jaden Hardy supplied 17 points, two rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Derrick Jones totaled 15 points, nine boards, three steals and one block. Dwight Powell generated a 12-point, 14-rebound double-double that included six assists, two steals and one block. Dante Exum and Seth Curry contributed matching 11-point, two-rebound tallies while dishing out six and three assists, respectively.
Anthony Edwards paced the Timberwolves with 44 points, adding four assists, three rebounds, three steals and one block. Rudy Gobert contributed a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists and three blocks. Jaden McDaniels registered 12 points, four blocks and one steal. Mike Conley and Karl-Anthony Towns managed 10 points apiece while adding six assists and eight rebounds, respectively.
The Mavericks remain on the road and visit the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night, while the Timberwolves host the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night.
Nuggets Storm Past Grizzlies
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, 142-105, at Ball Arena on Thursday evening.
In the absence of Ja Morant (illness), the Grizzlies got out to a quick five-point lead, but the Nuggets rallied to a, 33-27, advantage after one quarter. The hosts kept the momentum going in the second and outscored the Grizzlies by 11 points, to make it a 17-point difference at the break. The Nuggets kept control through the third, pushing it to a 23-point game heading into the final quarter. The Grizzlies had no answers down the stretch and saw their four-game win streak come to an end, while this marks the sixth consecutive win for the Nuggets, as they improved to, 13-2, at home.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 26 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists and a block, in 30 minutes. Jamal Murray followed up with 23 points, three rebounds, nine assists and two steals, while Peyton Watson totaled 20 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Meanwhile, Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 23 points, two assists and a steal, in 25 minutes. Marcus Smart followed up with 17 points, three rebounds, five assists and a steal, while David Roddy added 15 points and two assists, off the bench.
The Grizzlies (10-20) will look to bounce back as they take on the Clippers in Los Angeles on Friday. The Nuggets (23-10) play host to the Thunder on Friday.
In the absence of Ja Morant (illness), the Grizzlies got out to a quick five-point lead, but the Nuggets rallied to a, 33-27, advantage after one quarter. The hosts kept the momentum going in the second and outscored the Grizzlies by 11 points, to make it a 17-point difference at the break. The Nuggets kept control through the third, pushing it to a 23-point game heading into the final quarter. The Grizzlies had no answers down the stretch and saw their four-game win streak come to an end, while this marks the sixth consecutive win for the Nuggets, as they improved to, 13-2, at home.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 26 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists and a block, in 30 minutes. Jamal Murray followed up with 23 points, three rebounds, nine assists and two steals, while Peyton Watson totaled 20 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Meanwhile, Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 23 points, two assists and a steal, in 25 minutes. Marcus Smart followed up with 17 points, three rebounds, five assists and a steal, while David Roddy added 15 points and two assists, off the bench.
The Grizzlies (10-20) will look to bounce back as they take on the Clippers in Los Angeles on Friday. The Nuggets (23-10) play host to the Thunder on Friday.
Heat Topple Warriors
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat defeated the host Golden State Warriors, 114-102, at Chase Center on Thursday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Warriors led, 25-22, after one quarter. The Heat turned it up a notch in the second and rallied to a 16-point lead, before the hosts cut it back to a seven-point game by halftime. The Heat kept the momentum going and outscored the Warriors, 33-25, to push it to a 15-point game heading into the final quarter. The hosts had no answers down the stretch, as the Heat cruised to their fourth straight win. This also marks the second straight loss for the Warriors.
Tyler Herro led the Heat with 26 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 31 minutes. Bam Adebayo finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds and four assists, while Jaime Jaquez totaled 17 points, five rebounds, six assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry and finished with 13 points each to lead the way for the Warriors. Andrew Wiggins and Moses Moody added 11 points each, while four other players tallied 10 points each.
The Warriors (15-18) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Mavericks on Saturday. The Heat (19-12) take on the Jazz in Utah on Saturday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Warriors led, 25-22, after one quarter. The Heat turned it up a notch in the second and rallied to a 16-point lead, before the hosts cut it back to a seven-point game by halftime. The Heat kept the momentum going and outscored the Warriors, 33-25, to push it to a 15-point game heading into the final quarter. The hosts had no answers down the stretch, as the Heat cruised to their fourth straight win. This also marks the second straight loss for the Warriors.
Tyler Herro led the Heat with 26 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 31 minutes. Bam Adebayo finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds and four assists, while Jaime Jaquez totaled 17 points, five rebounds, six assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry and finished with 13 points each to lead the way for the Warriors. Andrew Wiggins and Moses Moody added 11 points each, while four other players tallied 10 points each.
The Warriors (15-18) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Mavericks on Saturday. The Heat (19-12) take on the Jazz in Utah on Saturday.
Spurs Defeat Trail Blazers, 118-105
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 118-105, at Moda Center on Thursday.
San Antonio kickstarted this game with a 38-14 first quarter, leading by at least eight points for the final three quarters. They got their lead up to 28 points in this wire-to-wire win. The Spurs shot 48 percent from the field while holding the Trail Blazers to 35 percent shooting. They also shot 93 percent from the free-throw line, while the Blazers connected on just 75 percent of their free throws. The Spurs recorded 33 assists to the Trail Blazers 16, while outscoring them in the paint, 60-38.
The Spurs (5-25) were led by Victor Wembenyama, collecting 30 points, six rebounds, six assists and seven blocks. Devin Vassell amassed 17 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals. Jeremy Sochan tallied 16 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Malaki Branham amassed 13 points, five rebounds and four assists.
The Trail Blazers (8-22) were led by Jerami Grant, generating 29 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Malcolm Brogdon tallied 29 points, six rebounds and six assists. Scoot Henderson had 25 points, three rebounds and four assists, No other player had more than seven points or one assist.
These teams will have a rematch tomorrow for their next game.
San Antonio kickstarted this game with a 38-14 first quarter, leading by at least eight points for the final three quarters. They got their lead up to 28 points in this wire-to-wire win. The Spurs shot 48 percent from the field while holding the Trail Blazers to 35 percent shooting. They also shot 93 percent from the free-throw line, while the Blazers connected on just 75 percent of their free throws. The Spurs recorded 33 assists to the Trail Blazers 16, while outscoring them in the paint, 60-38.
The Spurs (5-25) were led by Victor Wembenyama, collecting 30 points, six rebounds, six assists and seven blocks. Devin Vassell amassed 17 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals. Jeremy Sochan tallied 16 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Malaki Branham amassed 13 points, five rebounds and four assists.
The Trail Blazers (8-22) were led by Jerami Grant, generating 29 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Malcolm Brogdon tallied 29 points, six rebounds and six assists. Scoot Henderson had 25 points, three rebounds and four assists, No other player had more than seven points or one assist.
These teams will have a rematch tomorrow for their next game.
Lakers Defeat Hornets, 133-112
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets, 133-112, at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday.
While there were 10 ties and 10 lead changes through the opening 25 minutes, Los Angeles rode a 41-23 third quarter to this blowout win. They got their lead up to 28 points and led by at least 19 points for the entirety of the fourth quarter. The Lakers shot 54 percent from the field, 50 percent from three-point range and 100 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Hornets to 47 percent from the field, 46 percent from long range and 61 percent from the charity stripe. Los Angeles also recorded 41 assists to 11 turnovers, while Charlotte had 29 assists to 19 turnovers.
The Hornets (7-22) were led by Miles Bridges, finishing with 20 points, five rebounds and five assists. Terry Rozier registered 18 points, six rebounds and eight assists. Brandon Miller amassed 17 points and two assists, while Mark Williams totaled 11 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. PJ Washington led the bench with nine points and six boards.
The Lakers (17-15) were led by Anthony Davis, who accrued 26 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and four blocks. LeBron James collected 17 points, four rebounds and 11 assists. Rui Hachimura generated 17 points and four boards, while D'Angelo Russell led the bench with 16 points, three rebounds and nine assists. Austin Reaves accumulated 16 points, two rebounds and four assists.
Charlotta has to play again on Friday, staying on the road to face the Phoenix Suns. As for LA, they travel to play the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday for their next outing.
While there were 10 ties and 10 lead changes through the opening 25 minutes, Los Angeles rode a 41-23 third quarter to this blowout win. They got their lead up to 28 points and led by at least 19 points for the entirety of the fourth quarter. The Lakers shot 54 percent from the field, 50 percent from three-point range and 100 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Hornets to 47 percent from the field, 46 percent from long range and 61 percent from the charity stripe. Los Angeles also recorded 41 assists to 11 turnovers, while Charlotte had 29 assists to 19 turnovers.
The Hornets (7-22) were led by Miles Bridges, finishing with 20 points, five rebounds and five assists. Terry Rozier registered 18 points, six rebounds and eight assists. Brandon Miller amassed 17 points and two assists, while Mark Williams totaled 11 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. PJ Washington led the bench with nine points and six boards.
The Lakers (17-15) were led by Anthony Davis, who accrued 26 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and four blocks. LeBron James collected 17 points, four rebounds and 11 assists. Rui Hachimura generated 17 points and four boards, while D'Angelo Russell led the bench with 16 points, three rebounds and nine assists. Austin Reaves accumulated 16 points, two rebounds and four assists.
Charlotta has to play again on Friday, staying on the road to face the Phoenix Suns. As for LA, they travel to play the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday for their next outing.