Magic take down Knicks in Eastern Conference clash
The Orlando Magic beat the New York Knicks, 117-108, at the Kia Center on Friday.
The two teams stayed competitive in the first quarter with the Knicks (17-14) taking a three-point lead after the first 12 minutes. However the Magic (19-12) won the second quarter, 29-15, to take an 11-point lead into halftime. Orlando managed to extend their lead to 20 in the third quarter, but New York went on multiple, small runs in the final quarter to cut the deficit to six. The Magic managed to trade buckets for the final four minutes of the frame to close out the game and capture their third win in four games, while the Knicks have now lost three of their last four.
Julius Randle led the Knicks with a game-high 38 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. Jalen Brunson shot 4-for-15 from the floor and made all 12 of his free throws to finish with 20 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. RJ Barrett added 19 points, six rebounds and two assists while Isaiah Hartenstein chipped in seven points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals. Immanuel Quickley led the bench with 12 points over 28 minutes of play.
Three of the Magic’s five starters finished with 20-plus points. Franz Wagner led Orlando with 32 points, nine rebounds, two assists and four steals. Paolo Banchero registered his seventh double-double of the season with 29 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Jalen Suggs had his second-straight 20-point outing and finished with 21 points and six assists, while Goga Bitadze chipped in 13 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Cole Anthony led the Magic bench with nine rebounds, five assists, two rebounds and two steals over 23 minutes.
With Friday’s game in the books, both teams will hit the road for their next game. The Knicks take on the Indiana Pacers on Saturday, while the Magic start their four-game West Coast road trip against the Phoenix Suns on New Year’s Eve on Sunday.
The two teams stayed competitive in the first quarter with the Knicks (17-14) taking a three-point lead after the first 12 minutes. However the Magic (19-12) won the second quarter, 29-15, to take an 11-point lead into halftime. Orlando managed to extend their lead to 20 in the third quarter, but New York went on multiple, small runs in the final quarter to cut the deficit to six. The Magic managed to trade buckets for the final four minutes of the frame to close out the game and capture their third win in four games, while the Knicks have now lost three of their last four.
Julius Randle led the Knicks with a game-high 38 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. Jalen Brunson shot 4-for-15 from the floor and made all 12 of his free throws to finish with 20 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. RJ Barrett added 19 points, six rebounds and two assists while Isaiah Hartenstein chipped in seven points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals. Immanuel Quickley led the bench with 12 points over 28 minutes of play.
Three of the Magic’s five starters finished with 20-plus points. Franz Wagner led Orlando with 32 points, nine rebounds, two assists and four steals. Paolo Banchero registered his seventh double-double of the season with 29 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Jalen Suggs had his second-straight 20-point outing and finished with 21 points and six assists, while Goga Bitadze chipped in 13 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Cole Anthony led the Magic bench with nine rebounds, five assists, two rebounds and two steals over 23 minutes.
With Friday’s game in the books, both teams will hit the road for their next game. The Knicks take on the Indiana Pacers on Saturday, while the Magic start their four-game West Coast road trip against the Phoenix Suns on New Year’s Eve on Sunday.
Wizards take down Nets on Friday
The Washington Wizards defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 110-104, at Capital One Arena on Friday.
It was a close contest between the two Eastern Conference teams, with neither squad leading by double-digits at any point during the game. The Wizards (6-25) entered halftime with a one-point lead, but the Nets (15-17) went on a 9-2 run to start the third quarter. Washington battled back to keep their lead at one after three quarters and won the final frame, 26-18, to capture their third home win of the season. Meanwhile the Nets move to 6-9 on the road and have lost their last two games. Both teams each scored 50 points in the paint in Saturday’s game, although the Wizards shot 50.5 percent from the floor (15-for-38 from three), while the Nets shot 42.9 percent (9-for-28 from three).
Six Nets players -- including four starters -- scored in double digits Friday, although no one cracked 20 points. Mikal Bridges led Brooklyn with 19 points and five rebounds, while Spencer Dinwiddie registered 17 points (5-for-16 shooting), eight rebounds and six assists. Cam Thomas led the bench with 15 points and three assists while Day’Ron Sharpe chipped in 10 points, nine rebounds and three assists off the pine. Cam Johnson contributed 16 points, seven rebounds and three assists and Nic Claxton registered his second straight double-double with 11 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and three blocks.
The Wizards were led by Kyle Kuzma, who had a game-high 26 points along with eight rebounds and two assists. Deni Avdija registered his second double-double of the season with 21 points, 13 rebounds and six assists. Corey Kispert led the Wizards’ bench with 15 points while Mike Muscala had 11 points, three rebounds, three assists and two blocks over 31 minutes in reserve. Tyus Jones had 12 points, six assists and four rebounds, and while Jordan Poole scored a season-low five points while dealing with foul trouble, he managed to add five assists.
Both teams will next play New Year's Eve on Sunday. The Nets continue their four-game road trip against the Oklahoma City Thunder, while the Wizards host the Atlanta Hawks.
It was a close contest between the two Eastern Conference teams, with neither squad leading by double-digits at any point during the game. The Wizards (6-25) entered halftime with a one-point lead, but the Nets (15-17) went on a 9-2 run to start the third quarter. Washington battled back to keep their lead at one after three quarters and won the final frame, 26-18, to capture their third home win of the season. Meanwhile the Nets move to 6-9 on the road and have lost their last two games. Both teams each scored 50 points in the paint in Saturday’s game, although the Wizards shot 50.5 percent from the floor (15-for-38 from three), while the Nets shot 42.9 percent (9-for-28 from three).
Six Nets players -- including four starters -- scored in double digits Friday, although no one cracked 20 points. Mikal Bridges led Brooklyn with 19 points and five rebounds, while Spencer Dinwiddie registered 17 points (5-for-16 shooting), eight rebounds and six assists. Cam Thomas led the bench with 15 points and three assists while Day’Ron Sharpe chipped in 10 points, nine rebounds and three assists off the pine. Cam Johnson contributed 16 points, seven rebounds and three assists and Nic Claxton registered his second straight double-double with 11 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and three blocks.
The Wizards were led by Kyle Kuzma, who had a game-high 26 points along with eight rebounds and two assists. Deni Avdija registered his second double-double of the season with 21 points, 13 rebounds and six assists. Corey Kispert led the Wizards’ bench with 15 points while Mike Muscala had 11 points, three rebounds, three assists and two blocks over 31 minutes in reserve. Tyus Jones had 12 points, six assists and four rebounds, and while Jordan Poole scored a season-low five points while dealing with foul trouble, he managed to add five assists.
Both teams will next play New Year's Eve on Sunday. The Nets continue their four-game road trip against the Oklahoma City Thunder, while the Wizards host the Atlanta Hawks.
Kings Mount Massive Comeback, Get Past Hawks
The Sacramento Kings defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 117-110, at State Farm Arena on Friday.
The Kings (18-12) endured a slow start against the Hawks (12-19) but reacted just in time to secure a big win on the road. Atlanta looked very good early on and raced to an 8-0 lead in the first quarter, establishing its terms and ending the opening 12 minutes with a 36-23 advantage. However, Sacramento showed signs of a potential comeback and only lost the second quarter by a 35-30 score. The momentum was quickly swinging toward the Kings’ way, and they showed that on the scoreboard by winning the third quarter by a 33-20 margin. The Kings would complete the comeback in the fourth quarter and never looked back. They won the final 12 minutes by a 31-19 score, running Atlanta out of the court and securing a huge comeback victory. With the win, the Kings moved to 7-7 on the road. Meanwhile, the Hawks fell to 4-9 at home.
De’Aaron Fox led the way for the Kings with 31 points, eight assists, six rebounds and four steals. Domantas Sabonis posted 25 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. No other starter scored in double digits for the Kings. However, Trey Lyles posted 19 points and six rebounds off the bench. Malik Monk added 15 points, eight assists and four rebounds.
Trae Young posted 24 points and nine assists in the loss for the Hawks. He also added four steals and three rebounds. Dejounte Murray finished with 18 points, six rebounds and three assists. Clint Capela had a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double. Jalen Johnson also had a double-double after finishing with 16 points and 15 rebounds. Saddiq Bey had 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
The Kings (18-12) endured a slow start against the Hawks (12-19) but reacted just in time to secure a big win on the road. Atlanta looked very good early on and raced to an 8-0 lead in the first quarter, establishing its terms and ending the opening 12 minutes with a 36-23 advantage. However, Sacramento showed signs of a potential comeback and only lost the second quarter by a 35-30 score. The momentum was quickly swinging toward the Kings’ way, and they showed that on the scoreboard by winning the third quarter by a 33-20 margin. The Kings would complete the comeback in the fourth quarter and never looked back. They won the final 12 minutes by a 31-19 score, running Atlanta out of the court and securing a huge comeback victory. With the win, the Kings moved to 7-7 on the road. Meanwhile, the Hawks fell to 4-9 at home.
De’Aaron Fox led the way for the Kings with 31 points, eight assists, six rebounds and four steals. Domantas Sabonis posted 25 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. No other starter scored in double digits for the Kings. However, Trey Lyles posted 19 points and six rebounds off the bench. Malik Monk added 15 points, eight assists and four rebounds.
Trae Young posted 24 points and nine assists in the loss for the Hawks. He also added four steals and three rebounds. Dejounte Murray finished with 18 points, six rebounds and three assists. Clint Capela had a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double. Jalen Johnson also had a double-double after finishing with 16 points and 15 rebounds. Saddiq Bey had 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
Celtics Hold On Tight To Defeat Raptors
The Boston Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors, 120-118, at TD Garden on Friday.
The Celtics (25-6) kept their perfect record at home at 16-0, but they had to work hard to get past the Raptors (4-10). Toronto fell to 4-10 on the road, but the Raptors probably feel they could’ve deserved better luck, primarily with how things unfolded in the fourth quarter. Boston came out firing on all cylinders, though, and quickly established its terms following a 35-20 lead in the first quarter. The Raptors showed signs of a comeback with a 33-33 score in the second quarter, but Boston kept their 15-point lead intact. The Raptors won the third quarter by a 33-31 score, but they delivered an impressive performance in the final 12 minutes. They ran the Celtics off the court and even grabbed the lead at one point, but they could not close things out. The Celtics executed better down the stretch and grinded out a win that turned out to be closer than anyone expected.
Jaylen Brown posted 31 points, 10 rebounds and six assists to lead the Celtics. Derrick White ended with 21 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Jrue Holiday had 15 points and three assists. Luke Kornet had 20 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three blocks. No other Boston player scored in double digits in this one.
Scottie Barnes led the way for the Raptors with 30 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Pascal Siakam notched 27 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. O.G. Anunoby ended with 12 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jakob Poeltl notched 12 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. Dennis Schroder had 15 points coming off the bench. Jalen McDaniels had 13 points.
The Celtics (25-6) kept their perfect record at home at 16-0, but they had to work hard to get past the Raptors (4-10). Toronto fell to 4-10 on the road, but the Raptors probably feel they could’ve deserved better luck, primarily with how things unfolded in the fourth quarter. Boston came out firing on all cylinders, though, and quickly established its terms following a 35-20 lead in the first quarter. The Raptors showed signs of a comeback with a 33-33 score in the second quarter, but Boston kept their 15-point lead intact. The Raptors won the third quarter by a 33-31 score, but they delivered an impressive performance in the final 12 minutes. They ran the Celtics off the court and even grabbed the lead at one point, but they could not close things out. The Celtics executed better down the stretch and grinded out a win that turned out to be closer than anyone expected.
Jaylen Brown posted 31 points, 10 rebounds and six assists to lead the Celtics. Derrick White ended with 21 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Jrue Holiday had 15 points and three assists. Luke Kornet had 20 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three blocks. No other Boston player scored in double digits in this one.
Scottie Barnes led the way for the Raptors with 30 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Pascal Siakam notched 27 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. O.G. Anunoby ended with 12 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jakob Poeltl notched 12 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. Dennis Schroder had 15 points coming off the bench. Jalen McDaniels had 13 points.
Bucks Get Past Cavaliers, 119-111
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 119-111, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Friday night.
The Cavaliers (18-14) were the hotter team out of the gate, building a 37-31 lead during a fast-moving first quarter and adding another point to their advantage prior to halftime. However, the Bucks (24-8) would blow their seven-point deficit out of the water with a 40-21 edge in the third quarter, creating enough cushion to eventually secure the hard-fought road victory.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with a 34-point, 16-rebound double-double that included five assists and one steal. Damian Lillard furnished 31 points, four assists and two rebounds. Malik Beasley delivered 15 points and five rebounds. Khris Middleton generated a 13-point, 11-assist double-double that included three rebounds and three steals.
Donovan Mitchell returned from a four-game absence to lead the Cavaliers with 34 points, which he complemented with nine assists, six rebounds, two steals and one block. Jarrett Allen generated a 30-point, 12-rebound double-double that included six assists and two blocks. Craig Porter netted 14 points, while Max Strus managed 12 points, four rebounds, two assists, four steals and two blocks.
The Bucks return home to host the Indiana Pacers on Monday night, while the Cavaliers visit the Toronto Raptors on Monday night as well.
The Cavaliers (18-14) were the hotter team out of the gate, building a 37-31 lead during a fast-moving first quarter and adding another point to their advantage prior to halftime. However, the Bucks (24-8) would blow their seven-point deficit out of the water with a 40-21 edge in the third quarter, creating enough cushion to eventually secure the hard-fought road victory.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with a 34-point, 16-rebound double-double that included five assists and one steal. Damian Lillard furnished 31 points, four assists and two rebounds. Malik Beasley delivered 15 points and five rebounds. Khris Middleton generated a 13-point, 11-assist double-double that included three rebounds and three steals.
Donovan Mitchell returned from a four-game absence to lead the Cavaliers with 34 points, which he complemented with nine assists, six rebounds, two steals and one block. Jarrett Allen generated a 30-point, 12-rebound double-double that included six assists and two blocks. Craig Porter netted 14 points, while Max Strus managed 12 points, four rebounds, two assists, four steals and two blocks.
The Bucks return home to host the Indiana Pacers on Monday night, while the Cavaliers visit the Toronto Raptors on Monday night as well.
76ers Get Past Rockets, 131-127
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Houston Rockets, 131-127, at Toyota Center on Friday night.
The Rockets (15-15) got the early jump on the Joel Embiid-less 76ers (22-9), forging a 32-26 lead through one. However, Philadelphia came back with its own strong offensive showing in the second to knock all but one point from its deficit, but Houston returned the favor in the third to push its advantage back to seven points. Nevertheless, the visitors would ultimately enjoy the upper hand in the see-saw battle, enjoying a 41-30 edge in the final 12 minutes for the comeback victory.
Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 42 points, adding four rebounds, four assists and one block. Tobias Harris supplied 22 points, seven assists, four rebounds, four steals and three blocks. De'Anthony Melton registered 15 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Marcus Morris managed 14 points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Kelly Oubre netted 13 points.
Fred VanVleet paced the Rockets with a 33-point, 10-assist double-double that also included three rebounds, one steal and one block. Jalen Green furnished 31 points, six rebounds and four assists. Alperen Sengun generated 28 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, one steal and one block. Tari Eason managed 10 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks. Jeff Green matched Eason's scoring and added four boards, one steal and one block.
The 76ers remain on the road and visit the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night, while the Rockets remain home and welcome in the Detroit Pistons on Monday night.
The Rockets (15-15) got the early jump on the Joel Embiid-less 76ers (22-9), forging a 32-26 lead through one. However, Philadelphia came back with its own strong offensive showing in the second to knock all but one point from its deficit, but Houston returned the favor in the third to push its advantage back to seven points. Nevertheless, the visitors would ultimately enjoy the upper hand in the see-saw battle, enjoying a 41-30 edge in the final 12 minutes for the comeback victory.
Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 42 points, adding four rebounds, four assists and one block. Tobias Harris supplied 22 points, seven assists, four rebounds, four steals and three blocks. De'Anthony Melton registered 15 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Marcus Morris managed 14 points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Kelly Oubre netted 13 points.
Fred VanVleet paced the Rockets with a 33-point, 10-assist double-double that also included three rebounds, one steal and one block. Jalen Green furnished 31 points, six rebounds and four assists. Alperen Sengun generated 28 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, one steal and one block. Tari Eason managed 10 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks. Jeff Green matched Eason's scoring and added four boards, one steal and one block.
The 76ers remain on the road and visit the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night, while the Rockets remain home and welcome in the Detroit Pistons on Monday night.
Thunder Roll Over Nuggets
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the host Denver Nuggets, 119-93, at Ball Arena on Friday evening.
The Thunder got out to a strong start and held on to a six-point lead after one quarter. Neither side could make much progress in the second, as the Thunder held a small lead through the quarter and took a six-point cushion into the break. The visitors came out on fire in the third and outscored the Nuggets by 14 points in the quarter, making it a 20-point deficit to start the final frame. The hosts had no solution in the fourth, as the Thunder charged to their third straight win. This also marks the end of a six-game win streak for the Nuggets.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 40 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block, in 33 minutes of action. Chet Holmgren followed up with 24 points, six rebounds, three assists and two blocks, while Jalen Williams totaled 11 points, seven rebounds, nine assists, two steals and a block.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 19 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block, in 32 minutes. Peyton Watson followed up with 14 points, two rebounds, two assists, a steal and two blocks, while Michael Porter tallied 12 points, six rebounds and a block.
The Nuggets (23-11) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Hornets on Monday. The Thunder (21-9) play host to the Nets on Sunday.
The Thunder got out to a strong start and held on to a six-point lead after one quarter. Neither side could make much progress in the second, as the Thunder held a small lead through the quarter and took a six-point cushion into the break. The visitors came out on fire in the third and outscored the Nuggets by 14 points in the quarter, making it a 20-point deficit to start the final frame. The hosts had no solution in the fourth, as the Thunder charged to their third straight win. This also marks the end of a six-game win streak for the Nuggets.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 40 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block, in 33 minutes of action. Chet Holmgren followed up with 24 points, six rebounds, three assists and two blocks, while Jalen Williams totaled 11 points, seven rebounds, nine assists, two steals and a block.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 19 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block, in 32 minutes. Peyton Watson followed up with 14 points, two rebounds, two assists, a steal and two blocks, while Michael Porter tallied 12 points, six rebounds and a block.
The Nuggets (23-11) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Hornets on Monday. The Thunder (21-9) play host to the Nets on Sunday.
Suns Confident In Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets, 133-119, at Footprint Center on Friday evening.
The game got out to a hot start as the Suns closed the first quarter on a, 13-6, run to take a six-point lead into the second. The hosts stayed in front through the second and pushed it to a, 68-58, advantage by halftime. The pace kept up in the third, but despite pouring in 31 points in the quarter, the Hornets saw the deficit grow to 14, heading into the final frame. The Suns kept their focus and maintained a double-digit lead the rest of the way to close out their second straight win. This also marks the 10th straight loss for the Hornets.
Devin Booker led the way for the Suns with 35 points, four rebounds, seven assists and a block, in 37 minutes. Jusuf Nurkic followed up with 24 points, 15 rebounds and blocks, while Kevin Durant totaled 21 points, four rebounds, 11 assists, a steal and three blocks.
Meanwhile, Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 42 points, four rebounds, eight assists and a steal, in 39 minutes. Brandon Miller followed up with 20 points, three assists, a steal and a block, while P.J. Washington and Cody Martin added 13 points each.
The Hornets (7-23) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Nuggets in Denver on Monday. The Suns (16-15) play host to the Magic on Sunday.
The game got out to a hot start as the Suns closed the first quarter on a, 13-6, run to take a six-point lead into the second. The hosts stayed in front through the second and pushed it to a, 68-58, advantage by halftime. The pace kept up in the third, but despite pouring in 31 points in the quarter, the Hornets saw the deficit grow to 14, heading into the final frame. The Suns kept their focus and maintained a double-digit lead the rest of the way to close out their second straight win. This also marks the 10th straight loss for the Hornets.
Devin Booker led the way for the Suns with 35 points, four rebounds, seven assists and a block, in 37 minutes. Jusuf Nurkic followed up with 24 points, 15 rebounds and blocks, while Kevin Durant totaled 21 points, four rebounds, 11 assists, a steal and three blocks.
Meanwhile, Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 42 points, four rebounds, eight assists and a steal, in 39 minutes. Brandon Miller followed up with 20 points, three assists, a steal and a block, while P.J. Washington and Cody Martin added 13 points each.
The Hornets (7-23) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Nuggets in Denver on Monday. The Suns (16-15) play host to the Magic on Sunday.
Blazers Defeat Spurs, 134-128
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 134-128, at Moda Center on Friday.
While there were 11 ties and nine lead changes through the opening 20 minutes, Portland rode a 42-27 second quarter to their win. They led by at least five points for the entirety of the second half, getting their lead up to 26 points at times. The Trail Blazers shot 59 percent from three-point range (16-of-27) and 82 percent from the free-throw line (22-of-27) while holding the Spurs to 42 percent from long range (14-of-33) and 72 percent from the charity stripe (18-of-25). The Trail Blazers starters outscored the Spurs starters, 89-59.
The Spurs (5-26) were led by Keldon Johnson, providing 29 points, seven rebounds and seven assists off the bench. Devin Vassell led the starters with 22 points, three rebounds, five assists and four steals. Zach Collins collected 17 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Tre Jones tallied 14 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
The Trail Blazers (9-22) were led by Jerami Grant, generating 27 points, six rebounds and four assists. Malcolm Brogdon totaled 27 points and seven assists. Scoot Henderson had 22 points, seven rebounds and 12 assists, while Toumani Camara compiled 13 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, and three steals. Jabari Walker led the bench with 25 points and nine boards.
On deck for San Antonio is a home matchup with the Boston Celtics on Sunday. As for Portland, they return to action on Monday in a road matchup with the Phoenix Suns.
While there were 11 ties and nine lead changes through the opening 20 minutes, Portland rode a 42-27 second quarter to their win. They led by at least five points for the entirety of the second half, getting their lead up to 26 points at times. The Trail Blazers shot 59 percent from three-point range (16-of-27) and 82 percent from the free-throw line (22-of-27) while holding the Spurs to 42 percent from long range (14-of-33) and 72 percent from the charity stripe (18-of-25). The Trail Blazers starters outscored the Spurs starters, 89-59.
The Spurs (5-26) were led by Keldon Johnson, providing 29 points, seven rebounds and seven assists off the bench. Devin Vassell led the starters with 22 points, three rebounds, five assists and four steals. Zach Collins collected 17 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Tre Jones tallied 14 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
The Trail Blazers (9-22) were led by Jerami Grant, generating 27 points, six rebounds and four assists. Malcolm Brogdon totaled 27 points and seven assists. Scoot Henderson had 22 points, seven rebounds and 12 assists, while Toumani Camara compiled 13 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, and three steals. Jabari Walker led the bench with 25 points and nine boards.
On deck for San Antonio is a home matchup with the Boston Celtics on Sunday. As for Portland, they return to action on Monday in a road matchup with the Phoenix Suns.
Clippers Defeat Grizzlies, 117-106
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, 117-106, at Crypto.com Arena on Friday.
Los Angeles never relinquished the lead after a 33-25 first quarter, riding a 35-21 third quarter to their win. They led by at least seven points for the closing 20 minutes, getting their lead up to 21 points at times. The Clippers shot 49 percent from the field while holding the Grizzlies below 44 percent shooting. Los Angeles out-rebounded Memphis, 61-40, and 11-3 on the offensive end. That allowed them to outscore Memphis in second-chance points, 16-3.
The Grizzlies (10-21) were led by Marcus Smart, collecting 22 points, two rebounds, two assists and three steals. Jaren Jackson Jr generated 22 points, two rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Ja Morant accumulated 19 points, six rebounds and 10 assists, while Desmond Bane compiled 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals.
The Clippers (19-12) were led by Paul George, providing 23 points, seven rebounds and three assists. James Harden had 16 points, four rebounds, 13 assists and three blocks. Ivica Zubac amassed 15 points and 20 rebounds, while Russell Westbrook led the bench with 14 points, six rebounds and six assists. Norman Powell also totaled 13 points and six boards.
On deck for Memphis is a home matchup with the Sacramento Kings on Sunday. As for Los Angeles, they return to action on Monday in a home meeting with the Miami Heat.
Los Angeles never relinquished the lead after a 33-25 first quarter, riding a 35-21 third quarter to their win. They led by at least seven points for the closing 20 minutes, getting their lead up to 21 points at times. The Clippers shot 49 percent from the field while holding the Grizzlies below 44 percent shooting. Los Angeles out-rebounded Memphis, 61-40, and 11-3 on the offensive end. That allowed them to outscore Memphis in second-chance points, 16-3.
The Grizzlies (10-21) were led by Marcus Smart, collecting 22 points, two rebounds, two assists and three steals. Jaren Jackson Jr generated 22 points, two rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Ja Morant accumulated 19 points, six rebounds and 10 assists, while Desmond Bane compiled 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals.
The Clippers (19-12) were led by Paul George, providing 23 points, seven rebounds and three assists. James Harden had 16 points, four rebounds, 13 assists and three blocks. Ivica Zubac amassed 15 points and 20 rebounds, while Russell Westbrook led the bench with 14 points, six rebounds and six assists. Norman Powell also totaled 13 points and six boards.
On deck for Memphis is a home matchup with the Sacramento Kings on Sunday. As for Los Angeles, they return to action on Monday in a home meeting with the Miami Heat.