76ers beat Bulls in second game of home-and-home series
The Philadelphia 76ers took down the Chicago Bulls, 110-97, on Tuesday night at Wells Fargo Arena in the second game of the home-and-home series between the two Eastern Conference foes.
The 76ers (23-10) raced out to a double-digit lead, finished the first quarter up 43-18 and led by 31 points heading into halftime. The Bulls (15-20) managed to win the third quarter by five points, but with such a large deficit, both teams elected to empty their benches for the final frame, which Chicago managed to win 25-12. Philadelphia shot 47.5 percent from the floor, including 12-for-30 from three, while Chicago shot 38.5 percent and went 7-for-37 from beyond the arc.
Embiid, after missing the last four games with a sprained ankle, led the 76ers’ onslaught with 31 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists and two steals over 31 minutes. Not only did he record his second triple-double of the season, he extended his 30-point, 10-rebound double-double streak to 15 games and is one away from tying the mark set by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1971-72. Tyrese Maxey chipped in 21 points and five assists while Tobias Harris had 20 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Kelly Oubre had a nice all-around game with 16 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals. Daniel House led the Philly bench with five points.
Only three of the Bulls starters finished in double-digits in Tuesday’s loss. DeMar DeRozan led Chicago with 16 points, four rebounds and three assists. In extended playing time off the bench, Ayo Dosunmu had 15 points on 7-for-14 shooting along with three rebounds. Coby White had 14 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals, but he briefly left in the third quarter with a right ankle injury before returning to the bench. Andre Drummond had 11 points and 17 rebounds for his third double-double in four games.
With Tuesday’s game in the books, both teams will play their next game against the New York Knicks. The Bulls will travel to Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, while the 76ers will host the Knicks on Friday.
The 76ers (23-10) raced out to a double-digit lead, finished the first quarter up 43-18 and led by 31 points heading into halftime. The Bulls (15-20) managed to win the third quarter by five points, but with such a large deficit, both teams elected to empty their benches for the final frame, which Chicago managed to win 25-12. Philadelphia shot 47.5 percent from the floor, including 12-for-30 from three, while Chicago shot 38.5 percent and went 7-for-37 from beyond the arc.
Embiid, after missing the last four games with a sprained ankle, led the 76ers’ onslaught with 31 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists and two steals over 31 minutes. Not only did he record his second triple-double of the season, he extended his 30-point, 10-rebound double-double streak to 15 games and is one away from tying the mark set by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1971-72. Tyrese Maxey chipped in 21 points and five assists while Tobias Harris had 20 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Kelly Oubre had a nice all-around game with 16 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals. Daniel House led the Philly bench with five points.
Only three of the Bulls starters finished in double-digits in Tuesday’s loss. DeMar DeRozan led Chicago with 16 points, four rebounds and three assists. In extended playing time off the bench, Ayo Dosunmu had 15 points on 7-for-14 shooting along with three rebounds. Coby White had 14 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals, but he briefly left in the third quarter with a right ankle injury before returning to the bench. Andre Drummond had 11 points and 17 rebounds for his third double-double in four games.
With Tuesday’s game in the books, both teams will play their next game against the New York Knicks. The Bulls will travel to Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, while the 76ers will host the Knicks on Friday.
Pelicans Cruise To Win Over Nets
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 112-85, at Smoothie King Center on Tuesday.
The Pelicans (20-14) finally reached the 20th-win mark and did it with a dominant performance on both ends of the court while limiting the Nets (15-19) to just 85 points, one of their lowest marks of the season. New Orleans raced to a dominant start and built a double-digit lead within the first quarter after outscoring the Nets 32-18. A 27-16 score in the second quarter essentially put the game out of reach for Brooklyn, and the Pelicans were up by 25 points by halftime. The game got closer in the second half, as the Pelicans won the final two quarters combined by just two points, but it was all over way before then. New Orleans simply cruised its way and secured an easy win at home. With the win, the Pelicans moved to 12-7 at home, while the Nets fell to 6-11 on the road.
Seven New Orleans players scored in double digits in this win, but no one reached the 20-point mark. CJ McCollum led the way with 16 points, six rebounds and five assists. Jonas Valanciunas had an 11-point, 12-rebound double-double. Herbert Jones delivered 14 points, four rebounds and two steals. Brandon Ingram had 12 points, five rebounds and five assists. Zion Williamson notched 10 points, five dimes and three boards. Jose Alvarado added 13 points off the bench, while Jordan Hawkins added 11.
The Nets struggled on offense, as evidenced by their shooting -- just 35.7 percent from the field and 25.6 percent from three-point range. Cameron Johnson led the way with 17 points and four rebounds. Mikal Bridges finished with 13 points, three rebounds and two assists. Day’Ron Sharpe was the only other player who scored in double digits with 12 points off the bench. Sharpe also grabbed nine rebounds.
The Pelicans (20-14) finally reached the 20th-win mark and did it with a dominant performance on both ends of the court while limiting the Nets (15-19) to just 85 points, one of their lowest marks of the season. New Orleans raced to a dominant start and built a double-digit lead within the first quarter after outscoring the Nets 32-18. A 27-16 score in the second quarter essentially put the game out of reach for Brooklyn, and the Pelicans were up by 25 points by halftime. The game got closer in the second half, as the Pelicans won the final two quarters combined by just two points, but it was all over way before then. New Orleans simply cruised its way and secured an easy win at home. With the win, the Pelicans moved to 12-7 at home, while the Nets fell to 6-11 on the road.
Seven New Orleans players scored in double digits in this win, but no one reached the 20-point mark. CJ McCollum led the way with 16 points, six rebounds and five assists. Jonas Valanciunas had an 11-point, 12-rebound double-double. Herbert Jones delivered 14 points, four rebounds and two steals. Brandon Ingram had 12 points, five rebounds and five assists. Zion Williamson notched 10 points, five dimes and three boards. Jose Alvarado added 13 points off the bench, while Jordan Hawkins added 11.
The Nets struggled on offense, as evidenced by their shooting -- just 35.7 percent from the field and 25.6 percent from three-point range. Cameron Johnson led the way with 17 points and four rebounds. Mikal Bridges finished with 13 points, three rebounds and two assists. Day’Ron Sharpe was the only other player who scored in double digits with 12 points off the bench. Sharpe also grabbed nine rebounds.
Thunder Outlast Celtics, 127-123
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Boston Celtics, 127-123, at Paycom Center on Tuesday night.
The marque matchup began as closely contested as expected with a competitive first half culminating with the Celtics holding a 61-58 halftime lead. However, the Thunder (23-9) roared back in the third by forging a 40-25 advantage during the period, and OKC managed to hang on via Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander free throws after Boston closed to within two on multiple occasions late.
Kristaps Porzingis led the Celtics with a 34-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and three blocks. Jayson Tatum produced 30 points, 13 boards, eight assists and one steal. Derrick White furnished 19 points, six assists, five rebounds, one steal and one block. Jaylen Brown delivered 15 points, six rebounds and three assists.
Gilgeous-Alexander paced the Thunder with 36 points, supplementing them with seven assists, six rebounds and one steal. Giddey contributed 23 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Jalen Williams managed 16 points, one rebound, one assist, three steals and two blocks. Chet Holmgren registered 14 points, seven assists, three rebounds and four blocks.
The Celtics return home to host the Utah Jazz on Friday night, while the Thunder pays a visit to the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night.
The marque matchup began as closely contested as expected with a competitive first half culminating with the Celtics holding a 61-58 halftime lead. However, the Thunder (23-9) roared back in the third by forging a 40-25 advantage during the period, and OKC managed to hang on via Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander free throws after Boston closed to within two on multiple occasions late.
Kristaps Porzingis led the Celtics with a 34-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and three blocks. Jayson Tatum produced 30 points, 13 boards, eight assists and one steal. Derrick White furnished 19 points, six assists, five rebounds, one steal and one block. Jaylen Brown delivered 15 points, six rebounds and three assists.
Gilgeous-Alexander paced the Thunder with 36 points, supplementing them with seven assists, six rebounds and one steal. Giddey contributed 23 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Jalen Williams managed 16 points, one rebound, one assist, three steals and two blocks. Chet Holmgren registered 14 points, seven assists, three rebounds and four blocks.
The Celtics return home to host the Utah Jazz on Friday night, while the Thunder pays a visit to the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night.
Grizzlies Snap Losing Streak With Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 106-98, at FedEx Forum on Tuesday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Spurs led, 23-20, after the first quarter. The Grizzlies turned up the defense in the second and outscored the visitors, 27-17, to claim a seven-point advantage going into the break. The Spurs made a quick run to a one-point lead early in the third, but the hosts reclaimed control and rallied to a 12-point lead heading into the final frame. The Spurs kept up the fight in the fourth, but the Grizzlies maintained a healthy cushion and closed out the home win to snap a three-game slide. This also marks the third straight loss for the Spurs.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 26 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. Desmond Bane followed up with 24 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Santi Aldama totaled 13 points, 11 rebounds and a block.
Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 20 points, seven rebounds and four blocks, in 26 minutes. Keldon Johnson followed up with 19 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Julian Champagnie and Jeremy Sochan chipped in 12 points each.
The Spurs (5-28) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Bucks on Thursday. The Grizzlies (11-22) play host to the Raptors on Wednesday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Spurs led, 23-20, after the first quarter. The Grizzlies turned up the defense in the second and outscored the visitors, 27-17, to claim a seven-point advantage going into the break. The Spurs made a quick run to a one-point lead early in the third, but the hosts reclaimed control and rallied to a 12-point lead heading into the final frame. The Spurs kept up the fight in the fourth, but the Grizzlies maintained a healthy cushion and closed out the home win to snap a three-game slide. This also marks the third straight loss for the Spurs.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 26 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. Desmond Bane followed up with 24 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Santi Aldama totaled 13 points, 11 rebounds and a block.
Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 20 points, seven rebounds and four blocks, in 26 minutes. Keldon Johnson followed up with 19 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Julian Champagnie and Jeremy Sochan chipped in 12 points each.
The Spurs (5-28) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Bucks on Thursday. The Grizzlies (11-22) play host to the Raptors on Wednesday.
Warriors Defeat Magic, 121-115
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 121-115, at Chase Center on Tuesday.
Neither team had a double-digit lead until the final 75 seconds of this game, with Golden State riding a 22-10 run in the fourth quarter to their victory. There were 12 ties and 15 lead changes before that game-deciding run. The Warriors shot 54 percent from the field while holding the Magic below 45 percent shooting. Golden State recorded 22 assists to 12 turnovers, while Orlando had 19 assists to 17 turnovers. The Warriors also attempted 37 free throws, while the Magic had just 23 attempts.
The Magic (19-14) were led by Paolo Banchero, providing 27 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and two steals. Franz Wagner finished with 25 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Goga Bitadze amassed 13 points and seven boards, while Mo Wagner led the bench with 12 points and five rebounds.
The Warriors (16-17) were led by Stephen Curry, collecting 36 points, two rebounds, six assists and four steals. Jonathan Kuminga compiled 19 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Klay Thompson totaled 15 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Chris Paul had 12 points, two rebounds, and four assists. Andrew Wiggins and Brandin Podziesmski led the bench with 10 points apiece.
Orlando has to play again on Wednesday, staying on the road to face the Sacramento Kings. As for Golden State, they play host to the Denver Nuggets on Thursday for their next outing.
Neither team had a double-digit lead until the final 75 seconds of this game, with Golden State riding a 22-10 run in the fourth quarter to their victory. There were 12 ties and 15 lead changes before that game-deciding run. The Warriors shot 54 percent from the field while holding the Magic below 45 percent shooting. Golden State recorded 22 assists to 12 turnovers, while Orlando had 19 assists to 17 turnovers. The Warriors also attempted 37 free throws, while the Magic had just 23 attempts.
The Magic (19-14) were led by Paolo Banchero, providing 27 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and two steals. Franz Wagner finished with 25 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Goga Bitadze amassed 13 points and seven boards, while Mo Wagner led the bench with 12 points and five rebounds.
The Warriors (16-17) were led by Stephen Curry, collecting 36 points, two rebounds, six assists and four steals. Jonathan Kuminga compiled 19 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Klay Thompson totaled 15 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Chris Paul had 12 points, two rebounds, and four assists. Andrew Wiggins and Brandin Podziesmski led the bench with 10 points apiece.
Orlando has to play again on Wednesday, staying on the road to face the Sacramento Kings. As for Golden State, they play host to the Denver Nuggets on Thursday for their next outing.
Hornets Defeat Kings, 111-104
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the host Sacramento Kings, 111-104, at Golden 1 Center on Tuesday.
There were nine ties and 13 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 10 points. Charlotte rode a 36-26 fourth quarter to their comeback win, finishing the game with 10 unanswered points. The Hornets shot 51 percent from the field while holding the Kings below 44 percent shooting. They recorded 10 blocks to Sacramento's two while winning the turnover battle, 20-14. Charlotte also shot 79 percent from the free-throw line while Sacramento shot just 59 percent.
The Hornets (8-24) were led by Terry Rozier, tallying 34 points, three rebounds, six assists and two blocks. Miles Bridges amassed 27 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Nick Richards registered seven points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. PJ Washington led the bench with 17 points, four rebounds and four assists.
The Kings (19-13) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 30 points, five rebounds and six assists. Domantas Sabonis committed 11 turnovers but had 23 points, 19 rebounds and four assists. Chris Duarte collected 12 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Keegan Murray compiled 10 points, three rebounds, two assists and three steals.
On deck for Sacramento is a home matchup with the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. As for Charlotte, they're off until Friday, when they travel to face the Chicago Bulls.
There were nine ties and 13 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 10 points. Charlotte rode a 36-26 fourth quarter to their comeback win, finishing the game with 10 unanswered points. The Hornets shot 51 percent from the field while holding the Kings below 44 percent shooting. They recorded 10 blocks to Sacramento's two while winning the turnover battle, 20-14. Charlotte also shot 79 percent from the free-throw line while Sacramento shot just 59 percent.
The Hornets (8-24) were led by Terry Rozier, tallying 34 points, three rebounds, six assists and two blocks. Miles Bridges amassed 27 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Nick Richards registered seven points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. PJ Washington led the bench with 17 points, four rebounds and four assists.
The Kings (19-13) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 30 points, five rebounds and six assists. Domantas Sabonis committed 11 turnovers but had 23 points, 19 rebounds and four assists. Chris Duarte collected 12 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Keegan Murray compiled 10 points, three rebounds, two assists and three steals.
On deck for Sacramento is a home matchup with the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. As for Charlotte, they're off until Friday, when they travel to face the Chicago Bulls.