Randle Shines As Knicks Top Timberwolves
The New York Knicks defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 112-106, at Madison Square Garden on Monday.
The Knicks (18-15) won for the first time since acquiring OG Anunoby, and they had to work hard to get past the Timberwolves (24-8) in front of their home crowd. New York endured a slow start, however, and the Timberwolves raced to a 32-23 lead in the first quarter. However, the Knicks responded with a 38-17 score in the second quarter that gave them a double-digit lead at halftime. A 33-29 score in the third quarter bolstered the Knicks' lead even further with only 12 minutes left. Even though the Timberwolves responded late, it was not enough to mount a comeback. Minnesota won the fourth quarter by a 28-18 score but fell short and opened the calendar year with a loss.
Julius Randle posted 39 points and nine rebounds to lead the Knicks. OG Anunoby started for the first time as a Knick and finished with 17 points and six rebounds before fouling out. Jalen Brunson had 16 points and 14 assists. Donte DiVincenzo had 15 points and four rebounds. Quentin Grimes notched 10 points off the bench. Josh Hart grabbed 11 rebounds and scored eight points off the bench.
Karl-Anthony Towns posted 29 points, six rebounds and three assists for the Timberwolves. Rudy Gobert had a 10-point, 15-rebound double-double. Anthony Edwards notched 35 points and four rebounds. No other Minnesota player scored in double figures in this game. Mike Conley had five points and Jalen McDaniels finished with eight points.
The Knicks (18-15) won for the first time since acquiring OG Anunoby, and they had to work hard to get past the Timberwolves (24-8) in front of their home crowd. New York endured a slow start, however, and the Timberwolves raced to a 32-23 lead in the first quarter. However, the Knicks responded with a 38-17 score in the second quarter that gave them a double-digit lead at halftime. A 33-29 score in the third quarter bolstered the Knicks' lead even further with only 12 minutes left. Even though the Timberwolves responded late, it was not enough to mount a comeback. Minnesota won the fourth quarter by a 28-18 score but fell short and opened the calendar year with a loss.
Julius Randle posted 39 points and nine rebounds to lead the Knicks. OG Anunoby started for the first time as a Knick and finished with 17 points and six rebounds before fouling out. Jalen Brunson had 16 points and 14 assists. Donte DiVincenzo had 15 points and four rebounds. Quentin Grimes notched 10 points off the bench. Josh Hart grabbed 11 rebounds and scored eight points off the bench.
Karl-Anthony Towns posted 29 points, six rebounds and three assists for the Timberwolves. Rudy Gobert had a 10-point, 15-rebound double-double. Anthony Edwards notched 35 points and four rebounds. No other Minnesota player scored in double figures in this game. Mike Conley had five points and Jalen McDaniels finished with eight points.
Raptors Hold On To Beat Cavaliers
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 124-121, at Scotiabank Arena on Monday.
The Raptors (13-20) enjoyed an excellent start and got past the Cavaliers (18-15) despite the fact that Cleveland attempted a late comeback in the final minutes. The Raptors raced to a 41-32 score following the first quarter, but Cleveland responded with a 27-26 score in the second quarter. Toronto held an eight-point lead at halftime, and a 32-31 score in the third quarter shrank the lead even further. The Raptors fought until the very last second despite Cleveland’s comeback attempt, and they secured the win despite the fact the Cavaliers won the final 12 minutes by a 30-26 score. The Raptors moved to 9-9 at home with the win. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers fell to 9-7 on the road.
Pascal Siakam had 36 points for the Raptors while adding five rebounds and two assists. Scottie Barnes had 20 points, six rebounds and five assists. Jakob Poeltl had 14 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and three blocks. RJ Barrett posted 19 points and nine rebounds. Immanuel Quickley recorded 14 points and six rebounds. Dennis Schroder had 12 points and eight assists off the bench.
Donovan Mitchell led the way for the Cavaliers with 26 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and four steals. Jarrett Allen notched 16 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. Isaac Okoro posted 16 points, three assists and two steals. Caris LeVert had 31 points coming off the bench. LeVert also added four rebounds and four assists. Sam Merrill delivered 16 points and shot 4-for-8 from three-point range.
The Raptors (13-20) enjoyed an excellent start and got past the Cavaliers (18-15) despite the fact that Cleveland attempted a late comeback in the final minutes. The Raptors raced to a 41-32 score following the first quarter, but Cleveland responded with a 27-26 score in the second quarter. Toronto held an eight-point lead at halftime, and a 32-31 score in the third quarter shrank the lead even further. The Raptors fought until the very last second despite Cleveland’s comeback attempt, and they secured the win despite the fact the Cavaliers won the final 12 minutes by a 30-26 score. The Raptors moved to 9-9 at home with the win. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers fell to 9-7 on the road.
Pascal Siakam had 36 points for the Raptors while adding five rebounds and two assists. Scottie Barnes had 20 points, six rebounds and five assists. Jakob Poeltl had 14 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and three blocks. RJ Barrett posted 19 points and nine rebounds. Immanuel Quickley recorded 14 points and six rebounds. Dennis Schroder had 12 points and eight assists off the bench.
Donovan Mitchell led the way for the Cavaliers with 26 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and four steals. Jarrett Allen notched 16 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. Isaac Okoro posted 16 points, three assists and two steals. Caris LeVert had 31 points coming off the bench. LeVert also added four rebounds and four assists. Sam Merrill delivered 16 points and shot 4-for-8 from three-point range.
Rockets Cruise Past Pistons
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets defeated the visiting Detroit Pistons, 136-113, at Toyota Center on Monday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Rockets led, 31-29, after one quarter. The hosts pushed their lead to double digits in the second, but the Pistons cut it back to a four-point game by halftime. The Rockets turned it up a notch in the third and outscored the visitors, 47-25, in the quarter to take a 26-point cushion into the final frame. The Pistons had no answers down the stretch, as the Rockets cruised to the home win, ending a three-game slide.
Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 26 points, four rebounds, nine assists and three steals, in 27 minutes. Jalen Green followed up with 22 points, five rebounds and a steal, while Fred VanVleet tallied 15 points, seven assists and a steal. The Rockets dominated the interior, as they scored a whopping 68 points in the paint.
Meanwhile, Alec Burks led the Pistons with 21 points, two rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, in 23 minutes off the bench. Jaden Ivey followed up with 19 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Jalen Duren totaled 12 points and 13 rebounds. The Pistons gave up a total of 18 turnovers leading to 33 points against.
The Pistons (3-30) will look to bounce back as they take on the Jazz in Utah on Wednesday. The Rockets (16-15) play host to the Nets on Wednesday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Rockets led, 31-29, after one quarter. The hosts pushed their lead to double digits in the second, but the Pistons cut it back to a four-point game by halftime. The Rockets turned it up a notch in the third and outscored the visitors, 47-25, in the quarter to take a 26-point cushion into the final frame. The Pistons had no answers down the stretch, as the Rockets cruised to the home win, ending a three-game slide.
Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 26 points, four rebounds, nine assists and three steals, in 27 minutes. Jalen Green followed up with 22 points, five rebounds and a steal, while Fred VanVleet tallied 15 points, seven assists and a steal. The Rockets dominated the interior, as they scored a whopping 68 points in the paint.
Meanwhile, Alec Burks led the Pistons with 21 points, two rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, in 23 minutes off the bench. Jaden Ivey followed up with 19 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Jalen Duren totaled 12 points and 13 rebounds. The Pistons gave up a total of 18 turnovers leading to 33 points against.
The Pistons (3-30) will look to bounce back as they take on the Jazz in Utah on Wednesday. The Rockets (16-15) play host to the Nets on Wednesday.
Pacers Rally To Top Bucks In Milwaukee
By Dan Bruno
The Indiana Pacers defeated the host Milwaukee Bucks, 122-113, at Fiserv Forum on Monday evening.
The Bucks got out to a strong start and led by seven-points after one quarter. The Pacers picked up their play in the second but only managed to trim it to a six-point game by halftime. The Bucks kept the upper hand through the third, but the visitors were able to trim it down to a four-point game heading into the fourth. The Pacers picked up momentum in the fourth and outscored the hosts, 38-25, in the quarter to close out their fourth straight win.
Tyrese Haliburton led the way for the Pacers with 26 points, nine rebounds, 11 assists, a steal and a block, in 37 minutes. Bennedict Mathurin followed up with 25 points and 13 rebounds, while Isaiah Jackson added 18 points, nine rebounds and a steal. The Pacers limited themselves to just seven turnovers and scored 64 points in the paint.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 30 points, 18 rebounds, 11 assists, a steal and two blocks, in 37 minutes. Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez followed up with 21 points each, while Damian Lillard tallied 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
Both teams struggled from downtown, as the Pacers shot 14.3 percent and the Bucks shot 25 percent.
The Bucks (24-9) and Pacers (18-14) clash again in Indiana on Wednesday.
The Bucks got out to a strong start and led by seven-points after one quarter. The Pacers picked up their play in the second but only managed to trim it to a six-point game by halftime. The Bucks kept the upper hand through the third, but the visitors were able to trim it down to a four-point game heading into the fourth. The Pacers picked up momentum in the fourth and outscored the hosts, 38-25, in the quarter to close out their fourth straight win.
Tyrese Haliburton led the way for the Pacers with 26 points, nine rebounds, 11 assists, a steal and a block, in 37 minutes. Bennedict Mathurin followed up with 25 points and 13 rebounds, while Isaiah Jackson added 18 points, nine rebounds and a steal. The Pacers limited themselves to just seven turnovers and scored 64 points in the paint.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 30 points, 18 rebounds, 11 assists, a steal and two blocks, in 37 minutes. Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez followed up with 21 points each, while Damian Lillard tallied 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
Both teams struggled from downtown, as the Pacers shot 14.3 percent and the Bucks shot 25 percent.
The Bucks (24-9) and Pacers (18-14) clash again in Indiana on Wednesday.
Nuggets Thump Hornets, 111-93
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 111-93, at Ball Arena on Monday night.
The Nuggets (24-11) came in as sizable favorites -- especially with Terry Rozier (illness) unavailable for the visitors -- and played like it early, forging a 24-18 lead through one. However, the Hornets (7-24) impressively battled back in the second, sending the game into halftime knotted up at 49-49 thanks to a 31-point haul during the period. Nevertheless, Denver would change the dynamic of the contest for good in the third quarter, outscoring Charlotte by a 40-17 margin that made the final period a mere formality.
Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 26 points, adding nine rebounds, five assists and one steal. Nick Richards and Brandon Miller generated matching 15-point, one-assist tallies while pulling down eight and five rebounds, respectively. Ish Smith and Bryce McGowens posted 10 points apiece and added four and three assists, respectively.
Jamal Murray paced the Nuggets with 25 points, complementing them with seven assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Michael Porter Jr. turned in 22 points, eight rebounds and one assist. Reggie Jackson supplied 15 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Nikola Jokic finished with 13 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Aaron Gordon netted 10 points, two rebounds, one steal and one block.
The Hornets remain on the road and visit the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night, while the Nuggets visit the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night.
The Nuggets (24-11) came in as sizable favorites -- especially with Terry Rozier (illness) unavailable for the visitors -- and played like it early, forging a 24-18 lead through one. However, the Hornets (7-24) impressively battled back in the second, sending the game into halftime knotted up at 49-49 thanks to a 31-point haul during the period. Nevertheless, Denver would change the dynamic of the contest for good in the third quarter, outscoring Charlotte by a 40-17 margin that made the final period a mere formality.
Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 26 points, adding nine rebounds, five assists and one steal. Nick Richards and Brandon Miller generated matching 15-point, one-assist tallies while pulling down eight and five rebounds, respectively. Ish Smith and Bryce McGowens posted 10 points apiece and added four and three assists, respectively.
Jamal Murray paced the Nuggets with 25 points, complementing them with seven assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Michael Porter Jr. turned in 22 points, eight rebounds and one assist. Reggie Jackson supplied 15 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Nikola Jokic finished with 13 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Aaron Gordon netted 10 points, two rebounds, one steal and one block.
The Hornets remain on the road and visit the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night, while the Nuggets visit the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night.
Suns Rout Trail Blazers, 109-88
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, 109-88, at Footprint Center on Monday night.
Both teams came into the contest missing key players, as Anfernee Simons (illness) and Kevin Durant (hamstring) were both sidelined. However, it was the underdog Trail Blazers (9-23) that seemed to be managing the situation more effectively early, as they jumped out to a 29-20 lead through one. Yet, that would prove to be the high point of the night for Portland, as the Suns (18-15) enjoyed a massive 66-32 advantage in the middle periods that teed up a comfortable victory.
Scoot Henderson led the Trail Blazers with 17 points, six assists, three rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Jerami Grant furnished 15 points, three assists, one rebound, one steal and one block. Jabari Walker and Malcolm Brogdon posted 10 points each while recording nine rebounds and five assists, respectively.
Bradley Beal paced the Suns with 21 points, supplementing them with four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Jusuf Nurkic registered 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two blocks and one steal. Chimezie Metu delivered 14 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal. Grayson Allen and Eric Gordon produced 12 points apiece while recording four assists and three rebounds, respectively, among their other contributions. Bol Bol posted 11 points, nine rebounds and one assist. Devin Booker supplied 10 points, eight rebounds, six assists and one steal.
The Trail Blazers visit the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, while the Suns host the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night.
Both teams came into the contest missing key players, as Anfernee Simons (illness) and Kevin Durant (hamstring) were both sidelined. However, it was the underdog Trail Blazers (9-23) that seemed to be managing the situation more effectively early, as they jumped out to a 29-20 lead through one. Yet, that would prove to be the high point of the night for Portland, as the Suns (18-15) enjoyed a massive 66-32 advantage in the middle periods that teed up a comfortable victory.
Scoot Henderson led the Trail Blazers with 17 points, six assists, three rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Jerami Grant furnished 15 points, three assists, one rebound, one steal and one block. Jabari Walker and Malcolm Brogdon posted 10 points each while recording nine rebounds and five assists, respectively.
Bradley Beal paced the Suns with 21 points, supplementing them with four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Jusuf Nurkic registered 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two blocks and one steal. Chimezie Metu delivered 14 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal. Grayson Allen and Eric Gordon produced 12 points apiece while recording four assists and three rebounds, respectively, among their other contributions. Bol Bol posted 11 points, nine rebounds and one assist. Devin Booker supplied 10 points, eight rebounds, six assists and one steal.
The Trail Blazers visit the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, while the Suns host the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night.
Jazz Maul Mavericks, 127-90
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Dallas Mavericks, 127-90, at Delta Center on Monday.
While there were nine lead changes through the opening 10 minutes, Utah never relinquished the lead after a 37-26 first quarter. They actually outscored Dallas in the second half, 65-35, getting their lead up to 39 points at times. The Jazz shot 51 percent from the field while holding the Mavericks below 40 percent shooting. Utah out-rebounded Dallas, 63-46, while out-assisting them, 37-27. Their bench also dominated, getting 56 points, 32 rebounds and 20 assists from their bench, while Dallas got 37 points, 16 rebounds and five assists from their bench.
The Mavericks (19-15) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 19 points, six rebounds and 14 assists. Kyrie Irving amassed 14 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Dereck Lively totaled 10 points, six rebounds and two assists. Jaden Hardy led the bench with 17 points and three rebounds. No other player had more than six points, four rebounds or three assists.
The Jazz (15-19) were led by Simone Fontecchio, finishing with 24 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Lauri Markkanen generated 17 points and four rebounds. John Collins collected 15 points and five rebounds. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 20 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists, while Walker Kessler had 11 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday against bad teams, with Utah staying home to play the Detroit Pistons and Dallas returning home to face the Portland Trail Blazers.
While there were nine lead changes through the opening 10 minutes, Utah never relinquished the lead after a 37-26 first quarter. They actually outscored Dallas in the second half, 65-35, getting their lead up to 39 points at times. The Jazz shot 51 percent from the field while holding the Mavericks below 40 percent shooting. Utah out-rebounded Dallas, 63-46, while out-assisting them, 37-27. Their bench also dominated, getting 56 points, 32 rebounds and 20 assists from their bench, while Dallas got 37 points, 16 rebounds and five assists from their bench.
The Mavericks (19-15) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 19 points, six rebounds and 14 assists. Kyrie Irving amassed 14 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Dereck Lively totaled 10 points, six rebounds and two assists. Jaden Hardy led the bench with 17 points and three rebounds. No other player had more than six points, four rebounds or three assists.
The Jazz (15-19) were led by Simone Fontecchio, finishing with 24 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Lauri Markkanen generated 17 points and four rebounds. John Collins collected 15 points and five rebounds. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 20 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists, while Walker Kessler had 11 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday against bad teams, with Utah staying home to play the Detroit Pistons and Dallas returning home to face the Portland Trail Blazers.
Clippers Defeat Heat, 121-104
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Miami Heat, 121-104, at Crypto.com Arena on Monday.
While there were nine lead changes in the first half, Los Angeles never relinquished the lead in the second half after a 36-23 second quarter. They outscored the Heat, 62-46, in the second half, getting their lead up to 22 points at times. The Clippers shot 59 percent from the field, 48 percent from three-point range and 93 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Heat to 42 percent from the field, 32 percent from long range and 79 percent from the charity stripe. The Clippers also outscored the Heat in fastbreak points, 19-4.
The Heat (19-14) were led by Bam Adebayo, accruing 21 points, 15 rebounds and four assists. Kevin Love led the bench with 17 points, four rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Jaime Jaquez had 15 points, four rebounds, two assists and four steals, while Tyler Herro amassed 12 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals.
The Clippers (20-12) were led by Kawhi Leonard, collecting 24 points, six rebounds, five assists and four steals. Paul George provided 23 points, three rebounds and two assists. James Harden tallied 15 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks. Norman Powell led the bench with 22 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals.
On deck for Miami is a road matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers. As for the Clippers, they travel to face the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday as well.
While there were nine lead changes in the first half, Los Angeles never relinquished the lead in the second half after a 36-23 second quarter. They outscored the Heat, 62-46, in the second half, getting their lead up to 22 points at times. The Clippers shot 59 percent from the field, 48 percent from three-point range and 93 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Heat to 42 percent from the field, 32 percent from long range and 79 percent from the charity stripe. The Clippers also outscored the Heat in fastbreak points, 19-4.
The Heat (19-14) were led by Bam Adebayo, accruing 21 points, 15 rebounds and four assists. Kevin Love led the bench with 17 points, four rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Jaime Jaquez had 15 points, four rebounds, two assists and four steals, while Tyler Herro amassed 12 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals.
The Clippers (20-12) were led by Kawhi Leonard, collecting 24 points, six rebounds, five assists and four steals. Paul George provided 23 points, three rebounds and two assists. James Harden tallied 15 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks. Norman Powell led the bench with 22 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals.
On deck for Miami is a road matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers. As for the Clippers, they travel to face the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday as well.