Tatum's 45 points help Celtics outlast T-Wolves to remain perfect at home
The Boston Celtics defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in overtime, 127-120, at TD Garden on Wednesday.
Opening as the favorites, the Celtics (29-8) held a five-point lead after the first quarter, but the Timberwolves (26-11) struck back by winning the next two frames by 11 points. Minnesota held a nine point lead with 3:35 left in regulation, but the Celtics battled back down the stretch to tie the game and force overtime. It was in the extra five minutes where First-Team All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum took over to score 12 points in overtime to help Boston capture their 18th win at home and stay perfect at TD Garden. It was an even battle between the two best teams in the league, with the game featuring 10 lead changes and 10 ties. The difference makers in the game were the Celtics making 30 free throws vs. 18 by the Timberwolves, and Boston scoring 19 points off turnovers vs. eight for Minnesota.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 29 points, six rebounds and three assists, though he was responsible for five of the team’s nine turnovers. Karl-Anthony Towns had 25 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and two steals for his 16th double-double of the year. Naz Reid had a double-double of his own with 19 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Kyle Anderson finished with 17 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker chipped in 15 points, four rebounds and three assists.
Tatum led the Celtics with a game-high 45 points, four rebounds and two assists, with 26 of his points coming in the fourth quarter and overtime. Jaylen Brown wasn’t far behind with 35 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two steals for his first double-double of the season. Jrue Holiday added 12 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Luke Kornet led the bench with eight points and five rebounds. Al Horford got the start Wednesday for Kristaps Porzingis (knee) and finished with nine points, eight rebounds and five assists.
Next up, the Celtics travel to Milwaukee to face the Bucks on Thursday, while the Timberwolves return home to host the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday.
Opening as the favorites, the Celtics (29-8) held a five-point lead after the first quarter, but the Timberwolves (26-11) struck back by winning the next two frames by 11 points. Minnesota held a nine point lead with 3:35 left in regulation, but the Celtics battled back down the stretch to tie the game and force overtime. It was in the extra five minutes where First-Team All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum took over to score 12 points in overtime to help Boston capture their 18th win at home and stay perfect at TD Garden. It was an even battle between the two best teams in the league, with the game featuring 10 lead changes and 10 ties. The difference makers in the game were the Celtics making 30 free throws vs. 18 by the Timberwolves, and Boston scoring 19 points off turnovers vs. eight for Minnesota.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 29 points, six rebounds and three assists, though he was responsible for five of the team’s nine turnovers. Karl-Anthony Towns had 25 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and two steals for his 16th double-double of the year. Naz Reid had a double-double of his own with 19 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Kyle Anderson finished with 17 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker chipped in 15 points, four rebounds and three assists.
Tatum led the Celtics with a game-high 45 points, four rebounds and two assists, with 26 of his points coming in the fourth quarter and overtime. Jaylen Brown wasn’t far behind with 35 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two steals for his first double-double of the season. Jrue Holiday added 12 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Luke Kornet led the bench with eight points and five rebounds. Al Horford got the start Wednesday for Kristaps Porzingis (knee) and finished with nine points, eight rebounds and five assists.
Next up, the Celtics travel to Milwaukee to face the Bucks on Thursday, while the Timberwolves return home to host the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday.
Wembanyama registers first career triple-double in win over Pistons
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Detroit Pistons, 130-108, at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday.
In a battle of the two worst teams in the NBA, it was the Spurs (6-30) who got off to the fast start with a 31-19 lead at the end of the first quarter. The two teams traded buckets in the second quarter as San Antonio took a 12-point lead into halftime. Detroit (3-35) weren’t able to make headway in the second half, as they were down by double digits for the last 24 minutes of the game. The Spurs closed it out in the fourth quarter to capture their fourth road win of the year, while the Pistons dropped to 2-16 at home. The Spurs dominated at the foul line, shooting 23-for-27 from the charity stripe while the Pistons went 10-for-13.
It was a balanced scoring attack for the Spurs, with eight players scoring in double digits, though none scored more than 20. Victor Wembanyama, the first overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, finished with 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists for his first career triple-double. Keldon Johnson led San Antonio off the bench with 17 points, three assists and two steals, while Doug McDermott had 14 points in reserve and made four of his five three-point attempts. Devin Vassell chipped in 16 points, three rebounds and five assists, while Jeremy Sochan added 15 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Jalen Duren led the Pistons with 21 points, 12 rebounds and two assists for his 18th double-double of the season. Jaden Ivey filled up the stat sheet with 19 points, three rebounds, five assists, two blocks and two steals, while Bojan Bogdanovic added 19 points, two rebounds and two assists. Alec Burks led the bench with 15 points, two rebounds and two assists, while Kevin Knox chipped in 12 points and four rebounds off the pine.
With Wednesday’s game in the books, both teams will next play Friday, Jan. 12. The Spurs will head back home to take on the Charlotte Hornets, while the Pistons host the Houston Rockets.
In a battle of the two worst teams in the NBA, it was the Spurs (6-30) who got off to the fast start with a 31-19 lead at the end of the first quarter. The two teams traded buckets in the second quarter as San Antonio took a 12-point lead into halftime. Detroit (3-35) weren’t able to make headway in the second half, as they were down by double digits for the last 24 minutes of the game. The Spurs closed it out in the fourth quarter to capture their fourth road win of the year, while the Pistons dropped to 2-16 at home. The Spurs dominated at the foul line, shooting 23-for-27 from the charity stripe while the Pistons went 10-for-13.
It was a balanced scoring attack for the Spurs, with eight players scoring in double digits, though none scored more than 20. Victor Wembanyama, the first overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, finished with 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists for his first career triple-double. Keldon Johnson led San Antonio off the bench with 17 points, three assists and two steals, while Doug McDermott had 14 points in reserve and made four of his five three-point attempts. Devin Vassell chipped in 16 points, three rebounds and five assists, while Jeremy Sochan added 15 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Jalen Duren led the Pistons with 21 points, 12 rebounds and two assists for his 18th double-double of the season. Jaden Ivey filled up the stat sheet with 19 points, three rebounds, five assists, two blocks and two steals, while Bojan Bogdanovic added 19 points, two rebounds and two assists. Alec Burks led the bench with 15 points, two rebounds and two assists, while Kevin Knox chipped in 12 points and four rebounds off the pine.
With Wednesday’s game in the books, both teams will next play Friday, Jan. 12. The Spurs will head back home to take on the Charlotte Hornets, while the Pistons host the Houston Rockets.
Pacers Come From Behind, Top Wizards
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Washington Wizards, 112-104, at Gainbridge FieldHouse on Wednesday.
The Pacers (22-15) enjoyed a solid start in the first quarter and managed to secure the win over the Wizards (6-31) despite not having their star player, Tyrese Haliburton, due to injury. Indiana enjoyed a solid start and grabbed a 23-21 lead in the first quarter. However, Washington would respond in the second quarter and kept things close with a 34-31 score. The Wizards were up by one point at the break, but the Pacers flipped the script for good in the third quarter with a 35-25 score. The Pacers closed things out in the fourth quarter, as the Wizards didn’t have enough in them to pull a fourth-quarter comeback playing away from home. With the win, the Wizards fell to 3-18 on the road, while the Pacers moved to 13-8 in front of their fans.
Seven Indiana players scored in double digits in this win. Myles Turner led the way with 18 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Bruce Brown finished with 16 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Obi Toppin had 15 points and seven rebounds. Bennedict Mathurin finished with 17 points and six rebounds off the bench. T.J. McConnell ended with 14 points and eight assists.
Jordan Poole scored a game-high 28 points for the losing cause in Washington. Kyle Kuzma posted 11 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two steals. Deni Avdija finished with 15 points and five rebounds. Daniel Gafford posted 12 points and eight rebounds while adding six blocks, two assists and two steals. Corey Kispert had 15 points off the bench.
The Pacers (22-15) enjoyed a solid start in the first quarter and managed to secure the win over the Wizards (6-31) despite not having their star player, Tyrese Haliburton, due to injury. Indiana enjoyed a solid start and grabbed a 23-21 lead in the first quarter. However, Washington would respond in the second quarter and kept things close with a 34-31 score. The Wizards were up by one point at the break, but the Pacers flipped the script for good in the third quarter with a 35-25 score. The Pacers closed things out in the fourth quarter, as the Wizards didn’t have enough in them to pull a fourth-quarter comeback playing away from home. With the win, the Wizards fell to 3-18 on the road, while the Pacers moved to 13-8 in front of their fans.
Seven Indiana players scored in double digits in this win. Myles Turner led the way with 18 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Bruce Brown finished with 16 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Obi Toppin had 15 points and seven rebounds. Bennedict Mathurin finished with 17 points and six rebounds off the bench. T.J. McConnell ended with 14 points and eight assists.
Jordan Poole scored a game-high 28 points for the losing cause in Washington. Kyle Kuzma posted 11 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two steals. Deni Avdija finished with 15 points and five rebounds. Daniel Gafford posted 12 points and eight rebounds while adding six blocks, two assists and two steals. Corey Kispert had 15 points off the bench.
Kings Cruise To Easy Win Over Hornets
The Sacramento Kings defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 123-98, at Spectrum Center on Wednesday.
The Kings (23-14) enjoyed an excellent start and didn’t have problems securing a road win over the Hornets (8-27) with absolute ease. Sacramento raced to a 33-28 lead in the first quarter and never looked back the rest of the way. A 38-31 score in the second quarter made it a double-digit game for the Kings, and the Hornets simply didn’t have enough in them to mount a potential comeback. A 24-21 score in the third quarter extended the Kings’ lead to 15 points, and they’d close things out with a 28-18 score in the final 12 minutes. The Kings looked absolutely dominant and improved to 10-7 when playing on the road. Meanwhile, the Hornets continue to stumble and have dropped 13 of their 17 home games so far.
Keegan Murray led the way for the Kings in this victory with 25 points, six rebounds and three assists. Domantas Sabonis sniffed a triple-double and finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists while also adding a block. De’Aaron Fox posted 19 points and three assists while shooting 8-for-14 from the field. Malik Monk was impressive off the bench and finished with 20 points while shooting 6-for-13 from the field.
Miles Bridges was the leading scorer for the Hornets with 24 points, and he also added seven rebounds, six assists and a steal. Brandon Miller recorded 15 points and two assists. Terry Rozier notched 22 points, four assists and two rebounds. Nick Smith Jr. added 11 points coming off the bench.
The Kings (23-14) enjoyed an excellent start and didn’t have problems securing a road win over the Hornets (8-27) with absolute ease. Sacramento raced to a 33-28 lead in the first quarter and never looked back the rest of the way. A 38-31 score in the second quarter made it a double-digit game for the Kings, and the Hornets simply didn’t have enough in them to mount a potential comeback. A 24-21 score in the third quarter extended the Kings’ lead to 15 points, and they’d close things out with a 28-18 score in the final 12 minutes. The Kings looked absolutely dominant and improved to 10-7 when playing on the road. Meanwhile, the Hornets continue to stumble and have dropped 13 of their 17 home games so far.
Keegan Murray led the way for the Kings in this victory with 25 points, six rebounds and three assists. Domantas Sabonis sniffed a triple-double and finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists while also adding a block. De’Aaron Fox posted 19 points and three assists while shooting 8-for-14 from the field. Malik Monk was impressive off the bench and finished with 20 points while shooting 6-for-13 from the field.
Miles Bridges was the leading scorer for the Hornets with 24 points, and he also added seven rebounds, six assists and a steal. Brandon Miller recorded 15 points and two assists. Terry Rozier notched 22 points, four assists and two rebounds. Nick Smith Jr. added 11 points coming off the bench.
Hawks Hang On In Overtime
By Dan Bruno
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the visiting Philadelphia 76ers, 139-132, at State Farm Arena on Wednesday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Hawks led, 34-31, after one quarter. The score stayed close through the second, but the visitors managed to push ahead and grab a three-point edge at the break. Both sides kept up the pace in the third and poured in 34 points each, as the visitors maintained their three-point lead. The Hawks picked up momentum in the fourth and led for most of the quarter, before the Sixers reclaimed the advantage. The Hawks got another chance as Trae Young hit one of two free-throw attempts to send the game to overtime. The Hawks took control in the extra frame and outscored the 76ers, 14-7, to close out the home win and end a two-game slide. This also marks the third straight loss for the Sixers.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 28 points, 11 assists, a steal and a block, in 43 minutes. Jalen Johnson totaled 25 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block, while Dejounte Murray finished with 25 points, five rebounds, five assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 35 points, eight rebounds, nine assists and four steals, in 43 minutes. Tobias Harris followed up with 32 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and a block, while Marcus Morris added 17 points and four rebounds.
The 76ers (23-13) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Kings on Friday. The Hawks (15-21) play host to the Pacers on Friday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Hawks led, 34-31, after one quarter. The score stayed close through the second, but the visitors managed to push ahead and grab a three-point edge at the break. Both sides kept up the pace in the third and poured in 34 points each, as the visitors maintained their three-point lead. The Hawks picked up momentum in the fourth and led for most of the quarter, before the Sixers reclaimed the advantage. The Hawks got another chance as Trae Young hit one of two free-throw attempts to send the game to overtime. The Hawks took control in the extra frame and outscored the 76ers, 14-7, to close out the home win and end a two-game slide. This also marks the third straight loss for the Sixers.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 28 points, 11 assists, a steal and a block, in 43 minutes. Jalen Johnson totaled 25 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block, while Dejounte Murray finished with 25 points, five rebounds, five assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 35 points, eight rebounds, nine assists and four steals, in 43 minutes. Tobias Harris followed up with 32 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and a block, while Marcus Morris added 17 points and four rebounds.
The 76ers (23-13) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Kings on Friday. The Hawks (15-21) play host to the Pacers on Friday.
Thunder Close Out Heat In Miami
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the host Miami Heat, 128-120, at Kaseya Center on Wednesday evening.
The Heat got out to a strong start and led, 35-29, after one quarter. The Thunder picked up their play in the second, but the Heat kept pace and maintained a four-point edge at the break. The visitors came out strong again in the third, taking the lead early in the quarter and hanging on to a three-point advantage heading into the final frame. The Thunder kept the momentum going in the fourth and rallied to a double-digit lead, which was enough to hang on for their second straight win. This marks the fourth loss in six games for the Heat.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 28 points, two rebounds, eight assists, a steal and a block, in 34 minutes. Chet Holmgren followed up with 23 points, nine rebounds, two assists and three blocks, while Jalen Williams totaled 19 points, nine rebounds, 12 assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 25 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and a block, in 37 minutes. Jaime Jaquez followed up with 21 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Tyler Herro tallied 17 points, five rebounds, six assists and three steals.
The Heat (21-16) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Magic on Friday. The Thunder (25-11) play host to the Trail Blazers on Thursday.
The Heat got out to a strong start and led, 35-29, after one quarter. The Thunder picked up their play in the second, but the Heat kept pace and maintained a four-point edge at the break. The visitors came out strong again in the third, taking the lead early in the quarter and hanging on to a three-point advantage heading into the final frame. The Thunder kept the momentum going in the fourth and rallied to a double-digit lead, which was enough to hang on for their second straight win. This marks the fourth loss in six games for the Heat.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 28 points, two rebounds, eight assists, a steal and a block, in 34 minutes. Chet Holmgren followed up with 23 points, nine rebounds, two assists and three blocks, while Jalen Williams totaled 19 points, nine rebounds, 12 assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 25 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and a block, in 37 minutes. Jaime Jaquez followed up with 21 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Tyler Herro tallied 17 points, five rebounds, six assists and three steals.
The Heat (21-16) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Magic on Friday. The Thunder (25-11) play host to the Trail Blazers on Thursday.
Bulls Outlast Rockets in OT, 124-119
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Houston Rockets, 124-119, in overtime at United Center on Wednesday night.
The Bulls (18-21) opened the game in fine form offensively despite facing a tough defensive squad in the Rockets (18-18), leading to a 62-54 halftime lead. Chicago had extended its edge to 11 points by the start of the fourth quarter, but Houston outscored the home squad by a 29-18 margin in the final 12 minutes and forced overtime with an 8-0 run in the final 2:42. However, the Bulls would turn the tables in the extra period, outpacing the visitors, 12-7, on the way to the five-point victory.
Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 25 points, adding nine rebounds, five assists and two steals. Fred VanVleet generated a 20-point, 10-assist double-double that includes six rebounds, three blocks and one steal. Jabari Smith Jr. and Jalen Green produced matching 18-point tallies while recording 15 and six rebounds, respectively. Green also dished out eight assists. Cam Whitmore delivered 16 points, five rebounds, one assist and two steals.
Coby White paced the Bulls with 30 points, supplementing them with eight assists, four rebounds and one block. Zach LaVine contributed a 25-point, 13-rebound double-double that included seven assists, three steals and one block. DeMar DeRozan supplied 19 points, four rebounds and four assists. Nikola Vucevic managed an 18-point, 15-rebound double-double that included three assists and one block. Alex Caruso turned in 12 points, six rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block.
The Rockets remain on the road and visit the Detroit Pistons on Friday night, while the Bulls remain home and host the Golden State Warriors on Friday night as well.
The Bulls (18-21) opened the game in fine form offensively despite facing a tough defensive squad in the Rockets (18-18), leading to a 62-54 halftime lead. Chicago had extended its edge to 11 points by the start of the fourth quarter, but Houston outscored the home squad by a 29-18 margin in the final 12 minutes and forced overtime with an 8-0 run in the final 2:42. However, the Bulls would turn the tables in the extra period, outpacing the visitors, 12-7, on the way to the five-point victory.
Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 25 points, adding nine rebounds, five assists and two steals. Fred VanVleet generated a 20-point, 10-assist double-double that includes six rebounds, three blocks and one steal. Jabari Smith Jr. and Jalen Green produced matching 18-point tallies while recording 15 and six rebounds, respectively. Green also dished out eight assists. Cam Whitmore delivered 16 points, five rebounds, one assist and two steals.
Coby White paced the Bulls with 30 points, supplementing them with eight assists, four rebounds and one block. Zach LaVine contributed a 25-point, 13-rebound double-double that included seven assists, three steals and one block. DeMar DeRozan supplied 19 points, four rebounds and four assists. Nikola Vucevic managed an 18-point, 15-rebound double-double that included three assists and one block. Alex Caruso turned in 12 points, six rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block.
The Rockets remain on the road and visit the Detroit Pistons on Friday night, while the Bulls remain home and host the Golden State Warriors on Friday night as well.
Pelicans Blast Warriors, 141-105
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Golden State Warriors, 141-105, at Chase Center on Wednesday night.
The Pelicans (23-15) provided an indication of how the night would go right from the start, building a 46-27 lead in the first quarter with blistering hot shooting. The Warriors (17-20) played their best quarter in the second, lopping six points from their deficit via a 33-point haul. However, New Orleans quickly snuffed out any hopes of Golden State's resurgence continuing in the second half by pushing its advantage back out to 22 points, setting up the lopsided victory.
Jonas Valanciunas led the Pelicans with 21 points, adding nine rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Zion Williamson registered 19 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal. Trey Murphy turned in 16 points, six assists, four rebounds and one block. CJ McCollum and Jordan Hawkins produced matching 14-point contributions, adding two assists and one rebound. Brandon Ingram furnished 13 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal. Herbert Jones and Naji Marshall collected 12 points each while posting five and three rebounds, respectively.
Moses Moody paced the Warriors with 21 points, complementing them with two rebounds and one steal. Trayce Jackson-Davis managed 19 points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Stephen Curry delivered 15 points, six assists, one rebound and one steal. Klay Thompson registered 13 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block. Jonathan Kuminga finished with 12 points, four assists, three rebounds and one block.
The Pelicans remain on the road and visit the Denver Nuggets on Friday night, while the Warriors visit the Chicago Bulls on Friday night.
The Pelicans (23-15) provided an indication of how the night would go right from the start, building a 46-27 lead in the first quarter with blistering hot shooting. The Warriors (17-20) played their best quarter in the second, lopping six points from their deficit via a 33-point haul. However, New Orleans quickly snuffed out any hopes of Golden State's resurgence continuing in the second half by pushing its advantage back out to 22 points, setting up the lopsided victory.
Jonas Valanciunas led the Pelicans with 21 points, adding nine rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Zion Williamson registered 19 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal. Trey Murphy turned in 16 points, six assists, four rebounds and one block. CJ McCollum and Jordan Hawkins produced matching 14-point contributions, adding two assists and one rebound. Brandon Ingram furnished 13 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal. Herbert Jones and Naji Marshall collected 12 points each while posting five and three rebounds, respectively.
Moses Moody paced the Warriors with 21 points, complementing them with two rebounds and one steal. Trayce Jackson-Davis managed 19 points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Stephen Curry delivered 15 points, six assists, one rebound and one steal. Klay Thompson registered 13 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block. Jonathan Kuminga finished with 12 points, four assists, three rebounds and one block.
The Pelicans remain on the road and visit the Denver Nuggets on Friday night, while the Warriors visit the Chicago Bulls on Friday night.
Jazz Defeat Nuggets, 124-111
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Denver Nuggets, 124-111, at Vivint Arena on Wednesday.
While Denver snagged the first lead in this game, Utah never relinquished the lead after a 35-24 first quarter. They led by 18 points at the half and got their lead up to 25 points at times in the final frame. The Jazz led by at least 12 points for the entirety of the second half. Utah shot 55 percent from the field while holding Denver below 46 percent shooting. They also out-assisted the Nuggets, 34-25, while out-rebounding them, 48-41. In addition, Utah outscored Denver in the paint, 54-40.
The Nuggets (26-13) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 27 points, 11 rebounds and six assists on 8-of-9 shooting. Jamal Murray amassed 17 points, six assists and two blocks. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope provided 12 points and four steals. Aaron Gordon accrued 12 points, five rebounds and four assists. Denver had nine players play off of the bench.
The Jazz (19-20) were led by Lauri Markkanen, totaling 26 points, 12 rebounds and two assists. Collin Sexton compiled 22 points, two rebounds and four assists. John Collins collected 15 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 27 points, two rebounds and nine assists. They also had nine players play off of the bench.
These teams both return to action on Friday, with Denver returning home to play the New Orleans Pelicans and Utah staying home to face the Toronto Raptors.
While Denver snagged the first lead in this game, Utah never relinquished the lead after a 35-24 first quarter. They led by 18 points at the half and got their lead up to 25 points at times in the final frame. The Jazz led by at least 12 points for the entirety of the second half. Utah shot 55 percent from the field while holding Denver below 46 percent shooting. They also out-assisted the Nuggets, 34-25, while out-rebounding them, 48-41. In addition, Utah outscored Denver in the paint, 54-40.
The Nuggets (26-13) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 27 points, 11 rebounds and six assists on 8-of-9 shooting. Jamal Murray amassed 17 points, six assists and two blocks. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope provided 12 points and four steals. Aaron Gordon accrued 12 points, five rebounds and four assists. Denver had nine players play off of the bench.
The Jazz (19-20) were led by Lauri Markkanen, totaling 26 points, 12 rebounds and two assists. Collin Sexton compiled 22 points, two rebounds and four assists. John Collins collected 15 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 27 points, two rebounds and nine assists. They also had nine players play off of the bench.
These teams both return to action on Friday, with Denver returning home to play the New Orleans Pelicans and Utah staying home to face the Toronto Raptors.
Clippers Defeat Raptors, 126-120
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Toronto Raptors, 126-120, at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday.
There were 10 ties and 36 lead changes in this game, but Los Angeles rode a 35-28 fourth quarter to their win. They actually never gave up the lead after the opening minute of the fourth quarter, grabbing a game-high 11-point lead late in that frame. The Clippers shot 44 percent from three-point range and 100 percent from the free-throw line, while the Raptors shot 40 percent from long range and 89 percent from the charity stripe. LA also won the turnover battle, 14-7.
The Raptors (15-23) were led by Immanuel Quickley, collecting 25 points, four rebounds and six assists. RJ Barrett registered 24 points, five rebounds and four assists. Dennis Schroder had 22 points and four assists, while Scottie Barnes tallied 12 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two blocks. Gary Trent Jr led the bench with 12 points, three rebounds and two assists.
The Clippers (24-13) were led by Paul George, providing 29 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals. Kawhi Leonard compiled 29 points, three rebounds, seven assists and two blocks. James Harden had 14 points, five rebounds and 11 assists, while Ivica Zubac totaled 12 points, 11 rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Toronto staying on the road to play the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles traveling to face the Memphis Grizzlies.
There were 10 ties and 36 lead changes in this game, but Los Angeles rode a 35-28 fourth quarter to their win. They actually never gave up the lead after the opening minute of the fourth quarter, grabbing a game-high 11-point lead late in that frame. The Clippers shot 44 percent from three-point range and 100 percent from the free-throw line, while the Raptors shot 40 percent from long range and 89 percent from the charity stripe. LA also won the turnover battle, 14-7.
The Raptors (15-23) were led by Immanuel Quickley, collecting 25 points, four rebounds and six assists. RJ Barrett registered 24 points, five rebounds and four assists. Dennis Schroder had 22 points and four assists, while Scottie Barnes tallied 12 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two blocks. Gary Trent Jr led the bench with 12 points, three rebounds and two assists.
The Clippers (24-13) were led by Paul George, providing 29 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals. Kawhi Leonard compiled 29 points, three rebounds, seven assists and two blocks. James Harden had 14 points, five rebounds and 11 assists, while Ivica Zubac totaled 12 points, 11 rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Toronto staying on the road to play the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles traveling to face the Memphis Grizzlies.