Cavs dominate Wizards in first of two-game series Wednesday
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Washington Wizards in a 145-101 blowout at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Wednesday.
The two teams traded leads for most of the first half until the Cavaliers (19-15) went on a 14-4 run and entered halftime with a 12-point lead. Things got worse for the Wizards (6-27) in the third quarter, when they were outscored 34-20 in the third quarter. With the Cavs extending their lead to 30 early in the final frame, both teams elected to empty their benches as Cleveland took the victory Wednesday. The Cavaliers won in practically every statistical category, but were especially dominant in rebounding (62 vs. 36), assists (37 vs. 22) and points in the paint (68 vs. 52).
Only four Wizards players scored in double digits in Wednesday’s loss. Kyle Kuzma led Washington with 16 points, two rebounds and three assists while Daniel Gafford had 12 points on 6-for-8 shooting along with six rebounds and four assists. Corey Kispert and Mike Muscala each chipped in 12 points off the bench and the latter added four rebounds and two assists. Deni Avdija contributed seven points, six rebounds and four assists but had a team-leading three turnovers, while Jordan Poole had eight points on 3-for-11 shooting along with three rebounds and two assists.
Three Cleveland players finished the game with 20-plus points. Max Strus led the way with 24 points while hitting six of his eight three-point attempts and added four rebounds and three assists. Donovan Mitchell had a nice all-around game with 22 points, three rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two steals. Caris LeVert led the bench with 21 points, five rebounds and five assists while Georges Niang chipped in 15 points and eight rebounds in reserve. Jarrett Allen registered his fifth-straight double-double and finished with 17 points, 19 rebounds, seven assists and two blocks.
Wednesday’s contest was the first of a two-game mini series between the Wizards and Cavaliers, with the two teams set to have their rematch Friday.
The two teams traded leads for most of the first half until the Cavaliers (19-15) went on a 14-4 run and entered halftime with a 12-point lead. Things got worse for the Wizards (6-27) in the third quarter, when they were outscored 34-20 in the third quarter. With the Cavs extending their lead to 30 early in the final frame, both teams elected to empty their benches as Cleveland took the victory Wednesday. The Cavaliers won in practically every statistical category, but were especially dominant in rebounding (62 vs. 36), assists (37 vs. 22) and points in the paint (68 vs. 52).
Only four Wizards players scored in double digits in Wednesday’s loss. Kyle Kuzma led Washington with 16 points, two rebounds and three assists while Daniel Gafford had 12 points on 6-for-8 shooting along with six rebounds and four assists. Corey Kispert and Mike Muscala each chipped in 12 points off the bench and the latter added four rebounds and two assists. Deni Avdija contributed seven points, six rebounds and four assists but had a team-leading three turnovers, while Jordan Poole had eight points on 3-for-11 shooting along with three rebounds and two assists.
Three Cleveland players finished the game with 20-plus points. Max Strus led the way with 24 points while hitting six of his eight three-point attempts and added four rebounds and three assists. Donovan Mitchell had a nice all-around game with 22 points, three rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two steals. Caris LeVert led the bench with 21 points, five rebounds and five assists while Georges Niang chipped in 15 points and eight rebounds in reserve. Jarrett Allen registered his fifth-straight double-double and finished with 17 points, 19 rebounds, seven assists and two blocks.
Wednesday’s contest was the first of a two-game mini series between the Wizards and Cavaliers, with the two teams set to have their rematch Friday.
Pacers outlast Bucks, sweep home-and-home series
The Indiana Pacers (19-14) defeated the Milwaukee Bucks (24-10), 142-130, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday night. It was the second time in three nights that these Central division rivals faced off, with the Pacers sweeping the home-and-home series.
Both teams traded buckets throughout the first half, with the Bucks holding a slim two-point lead heading into the break. It was the third quarter when the Pacers blew the game wide open as they went on multiple mini-runs, highlighted by back-to-back threes and buckets in transition as they won the frame 47-29. Milwaukee wasn’t able to claw the deficit back to single digits, and with Indiana up 17 with two minutes to play, both teams elected to empty their benches. Wednesday’s win was the fifth straight for the Pacers and their 10th at home, while Milwaukee dropped to 2-3 in their last five games.
Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks once again with 26 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Damian Lillard chipped in 23 points -- including 9 of 10 from the charity stripe -- along with two rebounds, five assists and three steals. Khris Middleton had a solid all-around performance with 19 points, six rebounds, seven assists and two blocks. Brook Lopez added 16 points and five assists, while MarJon Beauchamp led the bench with 12 points and three rebounds.
All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton extended his double-double streak to 10 games and finished with a game-high 31 points, two rebounds, 12 assists and three blocks. Benedict Mathurin led Indiana’s bench with 16 points and three assists, while Obi Toppin chipped in 15 points, eight rebounds and four assists off the pine. Myles Turner finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks, while Bruce Brown returned from a five-game absence due to a right knee bruise to finish with 15 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Wednesday’s game marked the last time the Bucks and Pacers will match up in the regular season, with Indiana winning the season series 4-1. The Bucks continue their three-game road trip Thursday when they visit the San Antonio Spurs, while the Pacers host the Atlanta Hawks on Friday.
Both teams traded buckets throughout the first half, with the Bucks holding a slim two-point lead heading into the break. It was the third quarter when the Pacers blew the game wide open as they went on multiple mini-runs, highlighted by back-to-back threes and buckets in transition as they won the frame 47-29. Milwaukee wasn’t able to claw the deficit back to single digits, and with Indiana up 17 with two minutes to play, both teams elected to empty their benches. Wednesday’s win was the fifth straight for the Pacers and their 10th at home, while Milwaukee dropped to 2-3 in their last five games.
Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks once again with 26 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Damian Lillard chipped in 23 points -- including 9 of 10 from the charity stripe -- along with two rebounds, five assists and three steals. Khris Middleton had a solid all-around performance with 19 points, six rebounds, seven assists and two blocks. Brook Lopez added 16 points and five assists, while MarJon Beauchamp led the bench with 12 points and three rebounds.
All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton extended his double-double streak to 10 games and finished with a game-high 31 points, two rebounds, 12 assists and three blocks. Benedict Mathurin led Indiana’s bench with 16 points and three assists, while Obi Toppin chipped in 15 points, eight rebounds and four assists off the pine. Myles Turner finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks, while Bruce Brown returned from a five-game absence due to a right knee bruise to finish with 15 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Wednesday’s game marked the last time the Bucks and Pacers will match up in the regular season, with Indiana winning the season series 4-1. The Bucks continue their three-game road trip Thursday when they visit the San Antonio Spurs, while the Pacers host the Atlanta Hawks on Friday.
Hawks Hold Off Rally To Defeat Thunder
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, 141-138, at State Farm Arena on Wednesday.
The Hawks (14-19) delivered one of their best performances of the season and slowed down a red-hot Thunder (23-10) team that was coming off a win over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday. Clearly, the win over Boston took a toll on Oklahoma City. The Hawks enjoyed an excellent start and built a 14-point lead over the Thunder, and by the time halftime arrived, the lead was 17 points for the home squad. The Thunder showed signs of life in the second half, however, and they outscored Atlanta by a 44-40 score in the third quarter. The deficit was still one of double-digit margins, but the Thunder woke up in the final 12 minutes. A 35-25 score in the final 12 minutes led to a tight finish, but the Thunder could not complete the comeback and fell short of what would’ve been an incredible victory. With the win, the Hawks moved to 5-9 at home, while the Thunder fell to 9-5 on the road.
Trae Young led the way for the Hawks and finished with 24 points, 11 assists, four rebounds and two steals. Dejounte Murray recorded 22 points, six rebounds and six assists. Clint Capela had a double-double of 12 points and 14 rebounds while also adding three blocks. Jalen Johnson posted 28 points, seven rebounds, three assists and four steals. Saddiq Bey had 10 points and eight rebounds. Bogdan Bogdanovic posted 23 points and four dimes off the bench.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 33 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists for Oklahoma City. Chet Holmgren had 12 points and three rebounds. Jalen Williams posted 21 points, six assists, four steals and three rebounds. Luguentz Dort had 14 points, four rebounds and three assists. Cason Wallace had 15 points off the bench.
The Hawks (14-19) delivered one of their best performances of the season and slowed down a red-hot Thunder (23-10) team that was coming off a win over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday. Clearly, the win over Boston took a toll on Oklahoma City. The Hawks enjoyed an excellent start and built a 14-point lead over the Thunder, and by the time halftime arrived, the lead was 17 points for the home squad. The Thunder showed signs of life in the second half, however, and they outscored Atlanta by a 44-40 score in the third quarter. The deficit was still one of double-digit margins, but the Thunder woke up in the final 12 minutes. A 35-25 score in the final 12 minutes led to a tight finish, but the Thunder could not complete the comeback and fell short of what would’ve been an incredible victory. With the win, the Hawks moved to 5-9 at home, while the Thunder fell to 9-5 on the road.
Trae Young led the way for the Hawks and finished with 24 points, 11 assists, four rebounds and two steals. Dejounte Murray recorded 22 points, six rebounds and six assists. Clint Capela had a double-double of 12 points and 14 rebounds while also adding three blocks. Jalen Johnson posted 28 points, seven rebounds, three assists and four steals. Saddiq Bey had 10 points and eight rebounds. Bogdan Bogdanovic posted 23 points and four dimes off the bench.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 33 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists for Oklahoma City. Chet Holmgren had 12 points and three rebounds. Jalen Williams posted 21 points, six assists, four steals and three rebounds. Luguentz Dort had 14 points, four rebounds and three assists. Cason Wallace had 15 points off the bench.
Rockets Cruise To Win Over Nets
The Houston Rockets defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 112-101, at Toyota Center on Wednesday.
The Rockets (17-15) moved two games over the .500 mark with a huge win over the Nets (15-20) at home. It was a game where Houston was pretty much always in control despite Brooklyn’s surge in the second half. Once the second half started, however, the Rockets grabbed the lead and never looked back, cruising their way in the final 12 minutes. Houston jumped to a 26-22 lead in the first quarter, but Brooklyn responded with a 28-23 score in the second quarter. The Nets were up by one at the break, but the Rockets didn’t rattle and recovered the lead in the third quarter, ultimately extending their advantage to 12 points after a dominant 38-23 score in the initial 12 minutes of the second half. The Nets tried to come back in the fourth, but their shooting was woeful and ultimately fell short in their quest. With the win, the Rockets moved to 14-5 at home. Meanwhile, the Nets fell to 6-12 on the road.
Alperen Sengun was the best player for the Rockets, finishing with 30 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Fred VanVleet had 21 points, 10 assists and six rebounds. Jalen Green recorded 14 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Jabari Smith had seven points, but he grabbed 11 rebounds and added one block. Cam Whitmore finished with 11 points off the bench.
Cameron Johnson and Mikal Bridges led the way for the Nets, as each posted 15 points. Bridges also had four rebounds and three assists, while Johnson posted six rebounds and five dimes. Nic Claxton had 12 points and 13 rebounds. Spencer Dinwiddie finished with 11 points and five assists. Royce O’Neale had 13 points, while Trendon Watford and Day’Ron Sharpe each had 11 points off the bench.
The Rockets (17-15) moved two games over the .500 mark with a huge win over the Nets (15-20) at home. It was a game where Houston was pretty much always in control despite Brooklyn’s surge in the second half. Once the second half started, however, the Rockets grabbed the lead and never looked back, cruising their way in the final 12 minutes. Houston jumped to a 26-22 lead in the first quarter, but Brooklyn responded with a 28-23 score in the second quarter. The Nets were up by one at the break, but the Rockets didn’t rattle and recovered the lead in the third quarter, ultimately extending their advantage to 12 points after a dominant 38-23 score in the initial 12 minutes of the second half. The Nets tried to come back in the fourth, but their shooting was woeful and ultimately fell short in their quest. With the win, the Rockets moved to 14-5 at home. Meanwhile, the Nets fell to 6-12 on the road.
Alperen Sengun was the best player for the Rockets, finishing with 30 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Fred VanVleet had 21 points, 10 assists and six rebounds. Jalen Green recorded 14 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Jabari Smith had seven points, but he grabbed 11 rebounds and added one block. Cam Whitmore finished with 11 points off the bench.
Cameron Johnson and Mikal Bridges led the way for the Nets, as each posted 15 points. Bridges also had four rebounds and three assists, while Johnson posted six rebounds and five dimes. Nic Claxton had 12 points and 13 rebounds. Spencer Dinwiddie finished with 11 points and five assists. Royce O’Neale had 13 points, while Trendon Watford and Day’Ron Sharpe each had 11 points off the bench.
Pelicans Pull Upset In Road Win Over Timberwolves
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 117-106, at Target Center on Wednesday.
The Timberwolves (24-9) were far from playing at their best and suffered a double-digit loss to the Pelicans (21-14) despite playing in front of a sellout 18,024 crowd at Target Center. New Orleans looked like the better team as soon as the game started and jumped to a 27-24 lead in the first quarter. A 32-22 score in the second quarter allowed New Orleans to jump to a double-digit lead at halftime, and the Timberwolves were never able to recover. New Orleans also won the third quarter by a 33-25 margin, and it seemed the game was all but over with 12 minutes left. Minnesota won the fourth quarter, but the game was all but over by that time, and the Pelicans cruised to an easy win. With the win, the Pelicans moved to 9-7 on the road, while the Timberwolves fell to 14-2 at home.
Zion Williamson was the best player for the Pelicans and finished with 27 points, six assists and four rebounds. CJ McCollum ended with 24 points, five assists and three rebounds. Brandon Ingram finished with 19 points, seven assists, four rebounds and two steals. Herbert Jones had 16 points and three rebounds. The Pelicans shot 55.6 percent from the field and 46.2 percent from deep.
Anthony Edwards led the way for the Timberwolves with 35 points, five assists and four rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns had 22 points, six rebounds and two assists. Jalen McDaniels had 11 points, two assists and two steals. No other Minnesota player scored in double digits in this game. The Timberwolves shot 45.1 percent from the field and 32.3 percent from three-point range.
The Timberwolves (24-9) were far from playing at their best and suffered a double-digit loss to the Pelicans (21-14) despite playing in front of a sellout 18,024 crowd at Target Center. New Orleans looked like the better team as soon as the game started and jumped to a 27-24 lead in the first quarter. A 32-22 score in the second quarter allowed New Orleans to jump to a double-digit lead at halftime, and the Timberwolves were never able to recover. New Orleans also won the third quarter by a 33-25 margin, and it seemed the game was all but over with 12 minutes left. Minnesota won the fourth quarter, but the game was all but over by that time, and the Pelicans cruised to an easy win. With the win, the Pelicans moved to 9-7 on the road, while the Timberwolves fell to 14-2 at home.
Zion Williamson was the best player for the Pelicans and finished with 27 points, six assists and four rebounds. CJ McCollum ended with 24 points, five assists and three rebounds. Brandon Ingram finished with 19 points, seven assists, four rebounds and two steals. Herbert Jones had 16 points and three rebounds. The Pelicans shot 55.6 percent from the field and 46.2 percent from deep.
Anthony Edwards led the way for the Timberwolves with 35 points, five assists and four rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns had 22 points, six rebounds and two assists. Jalen McDaniels had 11 points, two assists and two steals. No other Minnesota player scored in double digits in this game. The Timberwolves shot 45.1 percent from the field and 32.3 percent from three-point range.
Raptors Top Grizzlies, 116-111
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 116-111, at FedEx Forum on Wednesday night.
The Raptors (14-20) exited the first quarter with a narrow one-point lead, but they'd expanded their advantage over the Grizzlies (11-23) to 14 by halftime thanks to a 32-19 second-quarter edge. Memphis fell behind by an additional three points in the third, but the hosts were able claw back and get as close as four points with 3.1 seconds remaining before falling short.
Immanuel Quickley led the Raptors with 26 points, complementing them five assists and three rebounds. Pascal Siakam furnished 24 points, seven rebounds and one steal. Scottie Barnes delivered 20 points, eight assists, two rebounds and one steal. Dennis Schroder supplied 16 points, seven rebounds and five assists. RJ Barrett turned in 14 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal.
Ja Morant paced the Grizzlies with 28 points, supplementing them with nine assists, eight rebounds and one steal. Jaren Jackson Jr. registered 24 points, four rebounds, four blocks and one steal. Desmond Bane finished with 22 points, eight assists and four rebounds. Ziaire Williams registered 18 points, six rebounds and one steal.
The Raptors remain on the road and visit the Sacramento Kings on Friday night, while the Grizzlies visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night as well.
The Raptors (14-20) exited the first quarter with a narrow one-point lead, but they'd expanded their advantage over the Grizzlies (11-23) to 14 by halftime thanks to a 32-19 second-quarter edge. Memphis fell behind by an additional three points in the third, but the hosts were able claw back and get as close as four points with 3.1 seconds remaining before falling short.
Immanuel Quickley led the Raptors with 26 points, complementing them five assists and three rebounds. Pascal Siakam furnished 24 points, seven rebounds and one steal. Scottie Barnes delivered 20 points, eight assists, two rebounds and one steal. Dennis Schroder supplied 16 points, seven rebounds and five assists. RJ Barrett turned in 14 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal.
Ja Morant paced the Grizzlies with 28 points, supplementing them with nine assists, eight rebounds and one steal. Jaren Jackson Jr. registered 24 points, four rebounds, four blocks and one steal. Desmond Bane finished with 22 points, eight assists and four rebounds. Ziaire Williams registered 18 points, six rebounds and one steal.
The Raptors remain on the road and visit the Sacramento Kings on Friday night, while the Grizzlies visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night as well.
Mavericks Blast Trail Blazers, 126-97
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, 126-97, at American Airlines Center on Wednesday night.
The Mavericks (20-15) came in as heavy favorites and played like it from the start, expanding a 35-25 first-quarter lead to 31 points by halftime with a 43-22 second-quarter advantage. The Trail Blazers (9-24) were barely able to make a dent in their deficit during the second half, leading to an extremely lopsided loss. Dallas shot 50.0 percent, including 43.3 percent from three-point range, and forced 21 turnovers while limiting Portland to a 38.6 percent success rate from the field.
Shaedon Sharpe led the way with 16 points, adding four rebounds. Anfernee Simons delivered 15 points, five boards and three assists. Matisse Thybulle supplied 12 points, two boards, one assist and one steal. Toumani Camara and Jerami Grant generated matching 10-point tallies while five and one rebound, respectively.
Luka Doncic paced the Mavericks with 41 points, complementing them with six rebounds, five assists and one steal. Kyrie Irving registered 29 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals. Tim Hardaway Jr. totaled 14 points and three rebounds. Jaden Hardy registered 11 points, two boards, one assist and one block.
The two teams reconvene at American Airlines Center for a rematch on Friday night.
The Mavericks (20-15) came in as heavy favorites and played like it from the start, expanding a 35-25 first-quarter lead to 31 points by halftime with a 43-22 second-quarter advantage. The Trail Blazers (9-24) were barely able to make a dent in their deficit during the second half, leading to an extremely lopsided loss. Dallas shot 50.0 percent, including 43.3 percent from three-point range, and forced 21 turnovers while limiting Portland to a 38.6 percent success rate from the field.
Shaedon Sharpe led the way with 16 points, adding four rebounds. Anfernee Simons delivered 15 points, five boards and three assists. Matisse Thybulle supplied 12 points, two boards, one assist and one steal. Toumani Camara and Jerami Grant generated matching 10-point tallies while five and one rebound, respectively.
Luka Doncic paced the Mavericks with 41 points, complementing them with six rebounds, five assists and one steal. Kyrie Irving registered 29 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals. Tim Hardaway Jr. totaled 14 points and three rebounds. Jaden Hardy registered 11 points, two boards, one assist and one block.
The two teams reconvene at American Airlines Center for a rematch on Friday night.
Knicks Close Out Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The New York Knicks defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls, 116-100, at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday evening.
The Knicks got out to a strong start but the Bulls kept it close and trailed by two points after one quarter. The Bulls turned it up a notch in the second and outscored the hosts, 31-25, to take a four-point lead into the break. The hosts turned the tide in the third and outscored the Bulls by 12 points in the frame to push ahead to an eight-point advantage heading to the final frame. The Knicks kept the momentum through the fourth and confidently closed out their second straight win. This also marks the second straight loss for the Bulls.
Julius Randle led the way for the Knicks with 35 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, in 39 minutes. Jalen Brunson followed up with 31 points, three rebounds and 13 assists, while Isaiah Hartenstein totaled 10 points, 20 rebounds and five blocks.
Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 28 points, three rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, in 39 minutes. Coby White followed up with 26 points, four rebounds, eight assists and a block, while Andre Drummond totaled 13 points, 16 rebounds, two steals and a block.
The Bulls (15-21) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Hornets on Friday. The Knicks (19-15) take on the 76ers in Philly on Friday.
The Knicks got out to a strong start but the Bulls kept it close and trailed by two points after one quarter. The Bulls turned it up a notch in the second and outscored the hosts, 31-25, to take a four-point lead into the break. The hosts turned the tide in the third and outscored the Bulls by 12 points in the frame to push ahead to an eight-point advantage heading to the final frame. The Knicks kept the momentum through the fourth and confidently closed out their second straight win. This also marks the second straight loss for the Bulls.
Julius Randle led the way for the Knicks with 35 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, in 39 minutes. Jalen Brunson followed up with 31 points, three rebounds and 13 assists, while Isaiah Hartenstein totaled 10 points, 20 rebounds and five blocks.
Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 28 points, three rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, in 39 minutes. Coby White followed up with 26 points, four rebounds, eight assists and a block, while Andre Drummond totaled 13 points, 16 rebounds, two steals and a block.
The Bulls (15-21) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Hornets on Friday. The Knicks (19-15) take on the 76ers in Philly on Friday.
Clippers Too Hot For Suns
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the host Phoenix Suns, 131-122, at Footprint Center on Wednesday evening.
The Clippers jumped out to a great start and led, 35-20, after one quarter. They kept up the pace in the second, while the Suns did a better job of keeping up, but the visitors pushed it to a 19-point difference at the break. Both sides came out on fire in the third, where the Suns outscored the Clippers, 40-37, to cut it back to a 16-point game entering the final quarter. The hosts kept pressing in the fourth but it was not enough, as the Clippers closed out fourth straight win. This also marks end of a four-game win streak for the Suns.
Paul George led the way for the Clippers with 33 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 37 minutes. Kawhi Leonard followed up with 30 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks, while James Harden totaled 22 points, five rebounds, 11 assists and a block.
Meanwhile, Devin Booker led the Suns with 35 points, two rebounds and six assists, in 37 minutes. Bradley Beal followed up with 21 points, five rebound, four assists, two steals and a block, while Eric Gordon tallied 16 points and five rebounds, off the bench.
The Suns (18-16) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Heat on Friday. The Clippers (21-12) clash with the Pelicans in New Orleans on Friday.
The Clippers jumped out to a great start and led, 35-20, after one quarter. They kept up the pace in the second, while the Suns did a better job of keeping up, but the visitors pushed it to a 19-point difference at the break. Both sides came out on fire in the third, where the Suns outscored the Clippers, 40-37, to cut it back to a 16-point game entering the final quarter. The hosts kept pressing in the fourth but it was not enough, as the Clippers closed out fourth straight win. This also marks end of a four-game win streak for the Suns.
Paul George led the way for the Clippers with 33 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 37 minutes. Kawhi Leonard followed up with 30 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks, while James Harden totaled 22 points, five rebounds, 11 assists and a block.
Meanwhile, Devin Booker led the Suns with 35 points, two rebounds and six assists, in 37 minutes. Bradley Beal followed up with 21 points, five rebound, four assists, two steals and a block, while Eric Gordon tallied 16 points and five rebounds, off the bench.
The Suns (18-16) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Heat on Friday. The Clippers (21-12) clash with the Pelicans in New Orleans on Friday.
Jazz Rally Back To Top Pistons
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Detroit Pistons, 154-148, in overtime at Delta Center on Wednesday evening.
The Pistons got out to a strong start and led, 33-26, after one quarter. Both sides picked up the pace in the second, but the Jazz managed to trim it back to a two-point difference heading into the break. The scoring continued in the third, where the Pistons outscored the hosts, 41-38, to make it a five-point game heading into the final quarter. The score stayed tight through the fourth, where the hosts battled back to tied it up at 138, forcing overtime. The Jazz took over in the extra frame and closed the deal on their third straight win. This also marks the second straight loss for the Pistons.
Jordan Clarkson led the way for the Jazz with 36 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 38 minutes off the bench. Lauri Markkanen followed up with 31 points, seven rebounds and a block, while Collin Sexton followed up with 25 points, two rebounds, five assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pistons with 36 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 43 minutes. Cade Cunningham followed up with 31 points, five rebounds, 12 assists and a steal, while Alec Burks tallied 27 points and four rebounds.
The Pistons (3-30) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Warriors in Golden State on Friday. The Jazz (15-19) take on the Celtics in Boston on Friday.
The Pistons got out to a strong start and led, 33-26, after one quarter. Both sides picked up the pace in the second, but the Jazz managed to trim it back to a two-point difference heading into the break. The scoring continued in the third, where the Pistons outscored the hosts, 41-38, to make it a five-point game heading into the final quarter. The score stayed tight through the fourth, where the hosts battled back to tied it up at 138, forcing overtime. The Jazz took over in the extra frame and closed the deal on their third straight win. This also marks the second straight loss for the Pistons.
Jordan Clarkson led the way for the Jazz with 36 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 38 minutes off the bench. Lauri Markkanen followed up with 31 points, seven rebounds and a block, while Collin Sexton followed up with 25 points, two rebounds, five assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pistons with 36 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 43 minutes. Cade Cunningham followed up with 31 points, five rebounds, 12 assists and a steal, while Alec Burks tallied 27 points and four rebounds.
The Pistons (3-30) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Warriors in Golden State on Friday. The Jazz (15-19) take on the Celtics in Boston on Friday.
Heat Defeat Lakers, 110-96
The Miami Heat defeated the host Los Angeles Lakers, 110-96, at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday.
A 25-18 first quarter carried Miami to this win, maintaining the lead for the final three quarters. They never relinquished the lead after the opening four minutes, getting their lead up to 16 points at times. The Heat shot 38 percent from three-point range (16-of-42) while the Lakers shot just 13 percent from long distance (4-of-30). Miami also recorded 14 steals to LA's three, winning the turnover battle, 21-8.
The Heat (20-14) were led by Tyler Herro, tallying 21 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals. Jaime Jaquez amassed 16 points and eight assists. Bam Adebayo accrued 15 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals, while Nikola Jovic had 15 points and eight boards. Kevin Love led the bench with 10 points, 14 rebounds and three assists.
The Lakers (17-18) were led by Anthony Davis, finishing with 29 points, 16 rebounds, six assists, two steals and five blocks. Austin Reaves registered 24 points, five rebounds and eight assists. LeBron James compiled 12 points, six rebounds and nine assists. Max Christie led the bench with 14 points and five boards.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Miami staying on the road to play the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles remaining home to play the Memphis Grizzlies.
A 25-18 first quarter carried Miami to this win, maintaining the lead for the final three quarters. They never relinquished the lead after the opening four minutes, getting their lead up to 16 points at times. The Heat shot 38 percent from three-point range (16-of-42) while the Lakers shot just 13 percent from long distance (4-of-30). Miami also recorded 14 steals to LA's three, winning the turnover battle, 21-8.
The Heat (20-14) were led by Tyler Herro, tallying 21 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals. Jaime Jaquez amassed 16 points and eight assists. Bam Adebayo accrued 15 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals, while Nikola Jovic had 15 points and eight boards. Kevin Love led the bench with 10 points, 14 rebounds and three assists.
The Lakers (17-18) were led by Anthony Davis, finishing with 29 points, 16 rebounds, six assists, two steals and five blocks. Austin Reaves registered 24 points, five rebounds and eight assists. LeBron James compiled 12 points, six rebounds and nine assists. Max Christie led the bench with 14 points and five boards.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Miami staying on the road to play the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles remaining home to play the Memphis Grizzlies.
Kings Defeat Magic in 2OT, 138-135
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Orlando Magic in 2OT, 138-135, at Golden One Center on Wednesday.
There were 17 ties and 24 lead changes in this game, taking two overtimes to determine a winner. Neither team led by more than four points for the final 15 minutes, with Sacramento scoring the final six points over the closing two minutes of the second overtime to pull out the win. The Kings out-rebounded the Magic, 69-49. They won defepite Orlando shooting 25-of-44 from three-point range. Sacramento also outscored Orlando in the paint, 66-24, and in second-chance points, 23-11.
The Magic (19-15) were led by Paolo Banchero, providing a career-high 43 points, four rebounds and five assists. Jalen Suggs amassed 24 points, three rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Franz Wagner (ankle) was injured in the first quarter. Caleb Houstan led the bench with 15 points, two rebounds and four steals, while Chuma Okeke totaled 11 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
The Kings (20-13) were led by Malik Monk, providing 37 points, three rebounds, nine assists and two steals off of the bench. Keegan Murray led the starters with 28 points and 12 rebounds. Domantas Sabonis tallied 22 points, 23 rebounds, 12 assists and two steals. De'Aaron Fox had 15 points, four rebounds and seven assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Orlando remaining on the road to play the Denver Nuggets and Sacramento staying home to face the Toronto Raptors.
There were 17 ties and 24 lead changes in this game, taking two overtimes to determine a winner. Neither team led by more than four points for the final 15 minutes, with Sacramento scoring the final six points over the closing two minutes of the second overtime to pull out the win. The Kings out-rebounded the Magic, 69-49. They won defepite Orlando shooting 25-of-44 from three-point range. Sacramento also outscored Orlando in the paint, 66-24, and in second-chance points, 23-11.
The Magic (19-15) were led by Paolo Banchero, providing a career-high 43 points, four rebounds and five assists. Jalen Suggs amassed 24 points, three rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Franz Wagner (ankle) was injured in the first quarter. Caleb Houstan led the bench with 15 points, two rebounds and four steals, while Chuma Okeke totaled 11 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
The Kings (20-13) were led by Malik Monk, providing 37 points, three rebounds, nine assists and two steals off of the bench. Keegan Murray led the starters with 28 points and 12 rebounds. Domantas Sabonis tallied 22 points, 23 rebounds, 12 assists and two steals. De'Aaron Fox had 15 points, four rebounds and seven assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Orlando remaining on the road to play the Denver Nuggets and Sacramento staying home to face the Toronto Raptors.