Hawks take down Wizards in New Year's Eve clash
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Washington Wizards, 130-126, at Capital One Arena on New Year’s Eve on Sunday.
The Wizards (6-26) took an early 17-4 advantage to start the game before the Hawks (13-19) went on a run of their own to cut the deficit to two after the first quarter. The teams traded buckets to start the second frame before Atlanta took control and entered halftime with a 12-point lead. Washington were able to bring the deficit down to two in the third quarter, but the Hawks closed the third frame with a 17-6 run to maintain their double-digit lead. The Wizards attempted to mount a comeback in the fourth, but the margin was too large as they dropped their 11th game at home while the Hawks moved to 9-10 on the road. The Hawks dominated the Wizards in free throw attempts (37 vs. 21) and rebounds (58 vs. 42).
Four Atlanta starters finished Sunday’s win with a double-double. Trae Young led the Hawks with an efficient 40 points, three rebounds, 13 assists and three steals for his second 40-point double-double on the season. Dejounte Murray had 32 points on 13-for-21 shooting along with six rebounds and three assists, while Jalen Johnson had 24 points, 13 rebounds and four assists. Clint Capela had 11 points, 17 rebounds and three assists while Saddiq Bey contributed 11 points and 11 rebounds. Bogdan Bogdanovic led the bench with 12 points, and although he shot just 26.3 percent for the game (including 1-for-8 from three), he finished with a game-high plus-24 point differential.
Seven Washington players -- including all five starters -- finished Sunday’s game with double-digit points. Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards in scoring for the third-straight game with 38 points to go along with eight rebounds and five assists. Devon Avdija registered his second-straight double-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds and two assists. Corey Kispert led the bench with 15 points and four assists while Mike Muscala chipped in 10 points, four rebounds and three assists in reserve. Tyus Jones had a team-high eight assists along with 14 points, Jordan Poole had 13 points, three rebounds and six assists and Daniel Gafford added 10 points, nine rebounds, four blocks and two steals.
With Sunday’s game in the books, both teams will play their next game on Wed. Jan. 3. The Hawks will host the Oklahoma City Thunder, while the Wizards hit the road to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Wizards (6-26) took an early 17-4 advantage to start the game before the Hawks (13-19) went on a run of their own to cut the deficit to two after the first quarter. The teams traded buckets to start the second frame before Atlanta took control and entered halftime with a 12-point lead. Washington were able to bring the deficit down to two in the third quarter, but the Hawks closed the third frame with a 17-6 run to maintain their double-digit lead. The Wizards attempted to mount a comeback in the fourth, but the margin was too large as they dropped their 11th game at home while the Hawks moved to 9-10 on the road. The Hawks dominated the Wizards in free throw attempts (37 vs. 21) and rebounds (58 vs. 42).
Four Atlanta starters finished Sunday’s win with a double-double. Trae Young led the Hawks with an efficient 40 points, three rebounds, 13 assists and three steals for his second 40-point double-double on the season. Dejounte Murray had 32 points on 13-for-21 shooting along with six rebounds and three assists, while Jalen Johnson had 24 points, 13 rebounds and four assists. Clint Capela had 11 points, 17 rebounds and three assists while Saddiq Bey contributed 11 points and 11 rebounds. Bogdan Bogdanovic led the bench with 12 points, and although he shot just 26.3 percent for the game (including 1-for-8 from three), he finished with a game-high plus-24 point differential.
Seven Washington players -- including all five starters -- finished Sunday’s game with double-digit points. Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards in scoring for the third-straight game with 38 points to go along with eight rebounds and five assists. Devon Avdija registered his second-straight double-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds and two assists. Corey Kispert led the bench with 15 points and four assists while Mike Muscala chipped in 10 points, four rebounds and three assists in reserve. Tyus Jones had a team-high eight assists along with 14 points, Jordan Poole had 13 points, three rebounds and six assists and Daniel Gafford added 10 points, nine rebounds, four blocks and two steals.
With Sunday’s game in the books, both teams will play their next game on Wed. Jan. 3. The Hawks will host the Oklahoma City Thunder, while the Wizards hit the road to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Pelicans Cruise To Win Over Lakers
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 129-109, at Smoothie King Center on Sunday.
The Lakers (17-11) didn’t have a good performance to end the calendar year and suffered a big loss to the Pelicans (19-14) on the road. With the win, New Orleans moved to 11-7 at home, while the Lakers fell to 6-13 away from home. Los Angeles endured a rough start and never recovered after dropping the first quarter to a 42-33 score. The Pelicans bolstered their advantage even further following a 32-24 score, making it a 17-point game by halftime. The Lakers showed signs of life in the third quarter and outscored their rivals by a 32-30 score. However, Los Angeles was not able to mount a comeback. The Pelicans won the fourth quarter by a 25-20 score and closed things out with an easy win.
Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram each had 26 points to lead the Pelicans in this win. Williamson also had four rebounds and six assists, while Ingram recorded eight assists, five rebounds, three steals and two blocks. CJ McCollum delivered 22 points, nine assists and five rebounds. Herbert Jones and Jonas Valanciunas each had 13 points. Valanciunas also added eight rebounds. New Orleans shot 51.7 percent from the field and 50 percent from deep.
LeBron James had 34 points, eight assists and five rebounds to lead the Lakers. Anthony Davis posted 20 points, 10 rebounds, five blocks and three assists. Taurean Prince finished with 15 points, four assists and two steals. Austin Reaves posted 20 points coming off the bench. The Lakers shot 47.6 percent from the field and 31.3 percent from three-point range.
The Lakers (17-11) didn’t have a good performance to end the calendar year and suffered a big loss to the Pelicans (19-14) on the road. With the win, New Orleans moved to 11-7 at home, while the Lakers fell to 6-13 away from home. Los Angeles endured a rough start and never recovered after dropping the first quarter to a 42-33 score. The Pelicans bolstered their advantage even further following a 32-24 score, making it a 17-point game by halftime. The Lakers showed signs of life in the third quarter and outscored their rivals by a 32-30 score. However, Los Angeles was not able to mount a comeback. The Pelicans won the fourth quarter by a 25-20 score and closed things out with an easy win.
Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram each had 26 points to lead the Pelicans in this win. Williamson also had four rebounds and six assists, while Ingram recorded eight assists, five rebounds, three steals and two blocks. CJ McCollum delivered 22 points, nine assists and five rebounds. Herbert Jones and Jonas Valanciunas each had 13 points. Valanciunas also added eight rebounds. New Orleans shot 51.7 percent from the field and 50 percent from deep.
LeBron James had 34 points, eight assists and five rebounds to lead the Lakers. Anthony Davis posted 20 points, 10 rebounds, five blocks and three assists. Taurean Prince finished with 15 points, four assists and two steals. Austin Reaves posted 20 points coming off the bench. The Lakers shot 47.6 percent from the field and 31.3 percent from three-point range.
Celtics Slaughter Spurs, 134-101
The Boston Celtics defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 134-101, at Frost Bank Center on Sunday.
Boston won all four individual quarters in this blowout, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, they held a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half, getting their lead up to 37 points at times. The Celtics shot 54 percent from the field and 37 percent from three-point range while holding the Spurs to 43 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range. Boston also out-rebounded San Antonio, 56-39, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 17-4.
The Celtics (26-6) were led by Jayson Tatum, tallying 25 points, six rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Jaylen Brown amassed 24 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Derrick White had 17 points, two rebounds and five assists, while Kristaps Porzingis provided 14 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
The Spurs (5-27) were led by Devin Vassell, finishing with 22 points, five rebounds and two steals. Victor Wembenyama totaled 21 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Malaki Branham had 11 points, while Tre Jones led the bench with eight points, four rebounds and two assists. There were 13 different players who played in this blowout loss.
On deck for San Antonio is a road matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. As for Boston, they stay on the road to play the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday as well.
Boston won all four individual quarters in this blowout, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, they held a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half, getting their lead up to 37 points at times. The Celtics shot 54 percent from the field and 37 percent from three-point range while holding the Spurs to 43 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range. Boston also out-rebounded San Antonio, 56-39, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 17-4.
The Celtics (26-6) were led by Jayson Tatum, tallying 25 points, six rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Jaylen Brown amassed 24 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Derrick White had 17 points, two rebounds and five assists, while Kristaps Porzingis provided 14 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
The Spurs (5-27) were led by Devin Vassell, finishing with 22 points, five rebounds and two steals. Victor Wembenyama totaled 21 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Malaki Branham had 11 points, while Tre Jones led the bench with eight points, four rebounds and two assists. There were 13 different players who played in this blowout loss.
On deck for San Antonio is a road matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. As for Boston, they stay on the road to play the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday as well.
Thunder Defeat Nets, 124-108
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Brooklyn Nets, 124-108, at Chesapeake Arena on Sunday.
While Brooklyn held the lead for the entirety of the first quarter, Oklahoma City outscored them by at least six points in each of the final three quarters. They never relinquished the lead in the second half, getting their lead up to 21 points at times. Oklahoma City shot 54 percent from the field, 55 percent from three-point range and 80 percent from the free-throw line while holding Brooklyn to 38 percent from the field, 26 percent from long range and 65 percent from the charity stripe.
The Nets (15-18) were led by Mikal Bridges, collecting 22 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Cam Thomas led the bench with 20 points. Nic Claxton compiled 15 points, 16 rebounds and five assists, while Spencer Dinwiddie tallied 13 points, three rebounds and five assists. Cam Johnson amassed 13 points and six boards.
The Thunder (22-9) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, finishing with 24 points, four rebounds and six assists. Josh Giddey generated 20 points, six rebounds and five assists. Lugentz Dort amassed 18 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Chet Holmgren had 18 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Jalen Williams accumulated 17 points, three rebounds and five assists.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Oklahoma City staying home to play the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn remaining on the road to face the New Orleans Pelicans.
While Brooklyn held the lead for the entirety of the first quarter, Oklahoma City outscored them by at least six points in each of the final three quarters. They never relinquished the lead in the second half, getting their lead up to 21 points at times. Oklahoma City shot 54 percent from the field, 55 percent from three-point range and 80 percent from the free-throw line while holding Brooklyn to 38 percent from the field, 26 percent from long range and 65 percent from the charity stripe.
The Nets (15-18) were led by Mikal Bridges, collecting 22 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Cam Thomas led the bench with 20 points. Nic Claxton compiled 15 points, 16 rebounds and five assists, while Spencer Dinwiddie tallied 13 points, three rebounds and five assists. Cam Johnson amassed 13 points and six boards.
The Thunder (22-9) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, finishing with 24 points, four rebounds and six assists. Josh Giddey generated 20 points, six rebounds and five assists. Lugentz Dort amassed 18 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Chet Holmgren had 18 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Jalen Williams accumulated 17 points, three rebounds and five assists.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Oklahoma City staying home to play the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn remaining on the road to face the New Orleans Pelicans.
Suns Notch Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 112-107, at Footprint Center on Sunday evening.
The Suns jumped out to a great start and led, 37-24, after one quarter. The Magic came out better in the second, but the hosts maintained the upper hand and carried a nine-point lead into the break. The visitors kept the pressure on in the third and tied the score at 87, before the Suns reclaimed a two-point edge going into the final frame. The Magic grabbed a brief advantage early in the fourth, but the Suns took back control and held on for their third straight win.
Kevin Durant led the way for the Suns with 31 points, five rebounds, five assists, three steals and a block, in 39 minutes. Bradley Beal followed up with 25 points, two assists, a steal and a block, while Devin Booker tallied 21 points, four rebounds, five assists and three steals.
Meanwhile, Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 28 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and a block, in 37 minutes. Franz Wagner followed up with 27 points, seven rebounds, six assists and a block, while Wendell Carter added 17 points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Magic (19-13) will look to bounce back as they take on the Warriors in Golden State on Tuesday. The Suns (17-15) play host to the Trail Blazers on Monday.
The Suns jumped out to a great start and led, 37-24, after one quarter. The Magic came out better in the second, but the hosts maintained the upper hand and carried a nine-point lead into the break. The visitors kept the pressure on in the third and tied the score at 87, before the Suns reclaimed a two-point edge going into the final frame. The Magic grabbed a brief advantage early in the fourth, but the Suns took back control and held on for their third straight win.
Kevin Durant led the way for the Suns with 31 points, five rebounds, five assists, three steals and a block, in 39 minutes. Bradley Beal followed up with 25 points, two assists, a steal and a block, while Devin Booker tallied 21 points, four rebounds, five assists and three steals.
Meanwhile, Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 28 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and a block, in 37 minutes. Franz Wagner followed up with 27 points, seven rebounds, six assists and a block, while Wendell Carter added 17 points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Magic (19-13) will look to bounce back as they take on the Warriors in Golden State on Tuesday. The Suns (17-15) play host to the Trail Blazers on Monday.
Kings Clobber Grizzlies, 123-92
The Sacramento Kings defeated the host Memphis Grizzlies, 123-92, at FedEx Forum on Sunday.
Sacramento won all four individual quarters by at least five points apiece, holding a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. The 31-point final margin was the largest lead of the game, but they led by at least 20 points for the whole of the fourth quarter. The Kings shot 51 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range while holding the Grizzlies to 37 percent from the field and 30 percent from long range. Sacramento out-rebounded Memphis, 65-44, while out-assisting them, 28-20. They also outscored the Grizzlies in the paint, 58-32, and in second-chance points, 15-2.
The Kings (19-12) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 24 points, four rebounds and four assists. Domantas Sabonis collected 13 points, 21 rebounds and 12 assists. Harrison Barnes had 11 points and two boards, while Keegan Murray amassed 10 points and three boards. Malik Monk led the bench with 27 points, five rebounds and five assists.
The Grizzlies (10-22) were led by Jaren Jackson Jr, generating 18 points and three rebounds. Ja Morant tallied 17 points, three rebounds and three assists. Desmond Bane accrued 17 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Marcus Smart accumulated 12 points, two rebounds, two assists and three steals. Luke Kennard led the bench with 17 points, three rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Memphis remaining home to play the San Antonio Spurs and Sacramento returning home to face the Charlotte Hornets.
Sacramento won all four individual quarters by at least five points apiece, holding a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. The 31-point final margin was the largest lead of the game, but they led by at least 20 points for the whole of the fourth quarter. The Kings shot 51 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range while holding the Grizzlies to 37 percent from the field and 30 percent from long range. Sacramento out-rebounded Memphis, 65-44, while out-assisting them, 28-20. They also outscored the Grizzlies in the paint, 58-32, and in second-chance points, 15-2.
The Kings (19-12) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 24 points, four rebounds and four assists. Domantas Sabonis collected 13 points, 21 rebounds and 12 assists. Harrison Barnes had 11 points and two boards, while Keegan Murray amassed 10 points and three boards. Malik Monk led the bench with 27 points, five rebounds and five assists.
The Grizzlies (10-22) were led by Jaren Jackson Jr, generating 18 points and three rebounds. Ja Morant tallied 17 points, three rebounds and three assists. Desmond Bane accrued 17 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Marcus Smart accumulated 12 points, two rebounds, two assists and three steals. Luke Kennard led the bench with 17 points, three rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Memphis remaining home to play the San Antonio Spurs and Sacramento returning home to face the Charlotte Hornets.