Pacers Cruise To Easy Win Road Win In Atlanta
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 126-108, at State Farm Arena on Friday.
The Pacers (23-15) continue to thrive against Eastern Conference opponents, and this time, they secured a comfortable win over the Hawks (15-22) despite playing on the road. The Pacers grabbed control of the contest early on and raced to a 34-30 score in the first quarter, extending their lead to six points after a 34-32 score in the second quarter. However, the Hawks would pull away for good in the third quarter after outscoring Atlanta by a 31-19 score. Indiana’s defensive exhibition in the third quarter was enough to put the game out of Atlanta’s reach. The final 12 minutes ended with a 27-27 tie, but in reality, the game was decided by the time the third quarter ended. With the win, the Pacers moved to 10-7 on the road, while the Hawks fell to 6-10 at home.
Buddy Hield and Obi Toppin both came off the bench to lead the Pacers in scoring with 18 points apiece. Toppin also had six rebounds and four assists, while Hield added three boards and two dimes. T.J. McConnell led the Pacers in assists with 14 despite coming off the bench. Bennedict Mathurin had 15 points. Among the starters, Bruce Brown and Myles Turner had 12 points. Turner also added seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks, while Aaron Nesmith had 13 points.
Dejounte Murray was the best player for the Hawks after posting 29 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals. Trae Young posted 13 points and six assists while shooting 4-for-17 from the field. Saddiq Bey had 17 points and four rebounds. Jalen Johnson finished with 16 points, four rebounds and three assists.
The Pacers (23-15) continue to thrive against Eastern Conference opponents, and this time, they secured a comfortable win over the Hawks (15-22) despite playing on the road. The Pacers grabbed control of the contest early on and raced to a 34-30 score in the first quarter, extending their lead to six points after a 34-32 score in the second quarter. However, the Hawks would pull away for good in the third quarter after outscoring Atlanta by a 31-19 score. Indiana’s defensive exhibition in the third quarter was enough to put the game out of Atlanta’s reach. The final 12 minutes ended with a 27-27 tie, but in reality, the game was decided by the time the third quarter ended. With the win, the Pacers moved to 10-7 on the road, while the Hawks fell to 6-10 at home.
Buddy Hield and Obi Toppin both came off the bench to lead the Pacers in scoring with 18 points apiece. Toppin also had six rebounds and four assists, while Hield added three boards and two dimes. T.J. McConnell led the Pacers in assists with 14 despite coming off the bench. Bennedict Mathurin had 15 points. Among the starters, Bruce Brown and Myles Turner had 12 points. Turner also added seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks, while Aaron Nesmith had 13 points.
Dejounte Murray was the best player for the Hawks after posting 29 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals. Trae Young posted 13 points and six assists while shooting 4-for-17 from the field. Saddiq Bey had 17 points and four rebounds. Jalen Johnson finished with 16 points, four rebounds and three assists.
Rockets Skate By Pistons, 112-110
The Houston Rockets defeated the Detroit Pistons, 112-110, at Little Caesars Arena on Friday night.
The Pistons (19-18) got more than they likely bargained for early against the Pistons (3-36), which held a 30-23 lead after one. Houston was able to make up its deficit in the second quarter, however, but Detroit countered by forging a three-point advantage heading into the final period. That set up a nip-and-tuck fourth quarter, one that featured multiple ties and lead changes before the visitors managed a late 10-0 run that offered just enough cushion for the two-point victory.
Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 29 points, complementing them with six rebounds, one assist and one steal. Jalen Green delivered 28 points, four boards, three assists, two steals and one block. Fred VanVleet generated a 20-point, 12-assist double-double that included four rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Jabari Smith posted 19 points, 11 rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal.
Kevin Knox and Alec Burks co-led the Pistons with 19 points apiece, with Knox adding seven rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Jaden Ivey delivered 18 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and one block. Isaiah Stewart supplied 16 points, seven boards and one assist. Jalen Duren registered 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Marvin Bagley finished with 11 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The Rockets remain on the road and visit the Boston Celtics on Saturday night, while the Pistons hit the road and tangle with the Washington Wizards on Monday afternoon.
The Pistons (19-18) got more than they likely bargained for early against the Pistons (3-36), which held a 30-23 lead after one. Houston was able to make up its deficit in the second quarter, however, but Detroit countered by forging a three-point advantage heading into the final period. That set up a nip-and-tuck fourth quarter, one that featured multiple ties and lead changes before the visitors managed a late 10-0 run that offered just enough cushion for the two-point victory.
Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 29 points, complementing them with six rebounds, one assist and one steal. Jalen Green delivered 28 points, four boards, three assists, two steals and one block. Fred VanVleet generated a 20-point, 12-assist double-double that included four rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Jabari Smith posted 19 points, 11 rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal.
Kevin Knox and Alec Burks co-led the Pistons with 19 points apiece, with Knox adding seven rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Jaden Ivey delivered 18 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and one block. Isaiah Stewart supplied 16 points, seven boards and one assist. Jalen Duren registered 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Marvin Bagley finished with 11 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The Rockets remain on the road and visit the Boston Celtics on Saturday night, while the Pistons hit the road and tangle with the Washington Wizards on Monday afternoon.
76ers Cruise To Easy Win Over Kings
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Sacramento Kings, 112-93, at Wells Fargo Center on Friday.
The 76ers (24-13) finally found a way to win without Joel Embiid and snapped a three-game losing streak with a comfortable win over the Kings (23-15). With the win, the 76ers moved to 14-6 at home, while the Kings fell to 10-8 away from home. The Sixers dominated as soon as things started, and they didn’t waste time to open an eight-point advantage following the initial 12 minutes. Philadelphia wouldn’t step off the gas, however, and by the time halftime arrived, the lead was 19 points. The Kings had some good moments in the second half and shortened the gap to single digits a few times, but they were never close to completing a comeback. Despite winning the third quarter by a 27-22 score, the Kings closed things out with ease in the fourth to seal the win.
Tobias Harris stepped up for the 76ers and finished with a season-high 37 points while adding seven rebounds, three assists and three steals. Tyrese Maxey recorded 21 points, four assists, three rebounds and three steals. Nicolas Batum had 14 points, six rebounds and three assists. Mo Bamba impressed off the bench with 11 points and four blocks in just 20 minutes.
De’Aaron Fox recorded 21 points, five rebounds and four assists for the Kings. Keegan Murray notched 15 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Domantas Sabonis had 14 points, 12 rebounds and five assists in just 33 minutes. Malik Monk was the only other Sacramento player who scored in double digits after posting 15 points across 27 minutes off the bench.
The 76ers (24-13) finally found a way to win without Joel Embiid and snapped a three-game losing streak with a comfortable win over the Kings (23-15). With the win, the 76ers moved to 14-6 at home, while the Kings fell to 10-8 away from home. The Sixers dominated as soon as things started, and they didn’t waste time to open an eight-point advantage following the initial 12 minutes. Philadelphia wouldn’t step off the gas, however, and by the time halftime arrived, the lead was 19 points. The Kings had some good moments in the second half and shortened the gap to single digits a few times, but they were never close to completing a comeback. Despite winning the third quarter by a 27-22 score, the Kings closed things out with ease in the fourth to seal the win.
Tobias Harris stepped up for the 76ers and finished with a season-high 37 points while adding seven rebounds, three assists and three steals. Tyrese Maxey recorded 21 points, four assists, three rebounds and three steals. Nicolas Batum had 14 points, six rebounds and three assists. Mo Bamba impressed off the bench with 11 points and four blocks in just 20 minutes.
De’Aaron Fox recorded 21 points, five rebounds and four assists for the Kings. Keegan Murray notched 15 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Domantas Sabonis had 14 points, 12 rebounds and five assists in just 33 minutes. Malik Monk was the only other Sacramento player who scored in double digits after posting 15 points across 27 minutes off the bench.
Warriors Outlast Bulls, 140-131
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Chicago Bulls, 140-131, at United Center on Friday night
The Warriors (18-20) came into the contest looking to shake off some extensive offensive struggles, and although they got off to a good start by recording 33 first-quarter points, the Bulls (18-22) roared back with 45 in the second period to take a 13-point lead into halftime. However, Golden State would finally hit the stride it had been looking for in the third quarter, amassing an impressive 48 points in the third quarter to erase the deficit altogether and take a 15-point advantage into the final period. Chicago would battle back to get as close as within six with 1:19 remaining, but the visitors would hang on the rest of the way.
Klay Thompson led the Warriors with 30 points, complementing them with six rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Stephen Curry registered 27 points, nine assists, five rebounds and one steal. Jonathan Kuminga delivered 24 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal. Andrew Wiggins supplied 17 points, eight assists, five rebounds, one steal and one block. Trayce Jackson-Davis furnished 13 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Dario Saric produced 12 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals.
DeMar DeRozan paced the Bulls with 39 points, supplementing them with six rebounds and five assists. Coby White and Zach LaVine generated matching 25-point, seven-assist tallies while recording four and eight rebounds, respectively. Nikola Vucevic managed 14 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
The Warriors remain on the road and visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night, while the Bulls visit the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night as well.
The Warriors (18-20) came into the contest looking to shake off some extensive offensive struggles, and although they got off to a good start by recording 33 first-quarter points, the Bulls (18-22) roared back with 45 in the second period to take a 13-point lead into halftime. However, Golden State would finally hit the stride it had been looking for in the third quarter, amassing an impressive 48 points in the third quarter to erase the deficit altogether and take a 15-point advantage into the final period. Chicago would battle back to get as close as within six with 1:19 remaining, but the visitors would hang on the rest of the way.
Klay Thompson led the Warriors with 30 points, complementing them with six rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Stephen Curry registered 27 points, nine assists, five rebounds and one steal. Jonathan Kuminga delivered 24 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal. Andrew Wiggins supplied 17 points, eight assists, five rebounds, one steal and one block. Trayce Jackson-Davis furnished 13 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Dario Saric produced 12 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals.
DeMar DeRozan paced the Bulls with 39 points, supplementing them with six rebounds and five assists. Coby White and Zach LaVine generated matching 25-point, seven-assist tallies while recording four and eight rebounds, respectively. Nikola Vucevic managed 14 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
The Warriors remain on the road and visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night, while the Bulls visit the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night as well.
Heat Escape Magic, 99-96
The Miami Heat defeated the Orlando Magic, 99-96, at Kaseya Center on Friday night.
The Heat (22-16) opened the night playing well on both sides of the floor, which helped net them a 30-22 lead through one. However, the Magic (21-17) eliminated all but one point from their deficit prior to halftime, and Miami was only able to add another point to its advantage heading into the final period. That set up a highly competitive fourth quarter, one that saw Miami score the final four points in the last 18.1 seconds via a Bam Adebayo jumper and a pair of Haywood Highsmith free throws.
Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 25 points, adding eight rebounds and six assists. Moritz Wagner delivered 19 points, five rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Chuma Okeke turned in 16 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block. Joe Ingles registered 14 points, six assists and three steals. Caleb Houstan finished with nine points, three assists and two rebounds.
Duncan Robinson paced the Heat with 23 points, supplementing them with four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Adebayo generated a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one block. Jaime Jaquez recorded 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. Caleb Martin contributed 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Magic remains on the road and visits the Thunder on Saturday night, while the Heat remains home and hosts the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday evening.
The Heat (22-16) opened the night playing well on both sides of the floor, which helped net them a 30-22 lead through one. However, the Magic (21-17) eliminated all but one point from their deficit prior to halftime, and Miami was only able to add another point to its advantage heading into the final period. That set up a highly competitive fourth quarter, one that saw Miami score the final four points in the last 18.1 seconds via a Bam Adebayo jumper and a pair of Haywood Highsmith free throws.
Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 25 points, adding eight rebounds and six assists. Moritz Wagner delivered 19 points, five rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Chuma Okeke turned in 16 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block. Joe Ingles registered 14 points, six assists and three steals. Caleb Houstan finished with nine points, three assists and two rebounds.
Duncan Robinson paced the Heat with 23 points, supplementing them with four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Adebayo generated a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one block. Jaime Jaquez recorded 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. Caleb Martin contributed 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Magic remains on the road and visits the Thunder on Saturday night, while the Heat remains home and hosts the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday evening.
Timberwolves Blowout Visiting Trail Blazers
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 116-93, at Target Center on Friday evening.
The Timberwolves got out to a great start and led, 36-15, after one quarter. The Trail Blazers picked up their play in the second, but the Timberwolves maintained their 21-point advantage at the break. The hosts came out with more dominance in the third and added another 10 points to their advantage, making it a 31-point game entering the fourth. The Trail Blazers put up a fight in the fourth but it was nowhere near enough, as they fell for a third straight loss.
Rudy Gobert led the Timberwolves with 24 points, 17 rebounds and two blocks, in 28 minutes. Karl-Anthony Towns followed up with 23 points, eight rebounds and two steals, while Naz Reid chipped in 14 points, two rebounds and a steal.
Meanwhile, Jabari Walker led the Trail Blazers with 17 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 32 minutes off the bench. Duop Reath and Toumani Camara added 14 points each, while Jerami Grant tallied 13 points and two steals.
The Trail Blazers (10-28) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Suns on Sunday. The Timberwolves (27-11) play host to the Clippers on Sunday.
The Timberwolves got out to a great start and led, 36-15, after one quarter. The Trail Blazers picked up their play in the second, but the Timberwolves maintained their 21-point advantage at the break. The hosts came out with more dominance in the third and added another 10 points to their advantage, making it a 31-point game entering the fourth. The Trail Blazers put up a fight in the fourth but it was nowhere near enough, as they fell for a third straight loss.
Rudy Gobert led the Timberwolves with 24 points, 17 rebounds and two blocks, in 28 minutes. Karl-Anthony Towns followed up with 23 points, eight rebounds and two steals, while Naz Reid chipped in 14 points, two rebounds and a steal.
Meanwhile, Jabari Walker led the Trail Blazers with 17 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 32 minutes off the bench. Duop Reath and Toumani Camara added 14 points each, while Jerami Grant tallied 13 points and two steals.
The Trail Blazers (10-28) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Suns on Sunday. The Timberwolves (27-11) play host to the Clippers on Sunday.
Spurs Roll Past Hornets
By Dan Bruno
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets, 135-99, at Frost Bank Center on Friday evening.
The Spurs got out to a strong start and led, 28-22, after one quarter. They kept the momentum going in the second and pushed their lead up to 21, heading into the break. The Hornets had no answers in the third, as the hosts kept the pressure on and made it a 32-point difference going into the final frame. The Spurs made no mistake down the stretch and cruised to their second straight win. This also marks the fourth straight loss for the Hornets.
Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 26 points on 9-for-14 shooting, 11 rebounds and two blocks, in 20 minutes. Doug McDermott chipped in 14 points and two rebounds. Jeremy Sochan tallied 13 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, while Devin Vassell chipped in 12 points, three rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Meanwhile, LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 28 points on 5-for-14 shooting, three rebounds, five assists and five steals, in 27 minutes. Terry Rozier followed up with 16 points, two rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. Miles Bridges added 14 points, nine rebounds and a steal.
The Hornets (8-28) will look to bounce back as they take on the Heat in Miami on Sunday. The Spurs (7-30) play host to the Bulls on Saturday.
The Spurs got out to a strong start and led, 28-22, after one quarter. They kept the momentum going in the second and pushed their lead up to 21, heading into the break. The Hornets had no answers in the third, as the hosts kept the pressure on and made it a 32-point difference going into the final frame. The Spurs made no mistake down the stretch and cruised to their second straight win. This also marks the fourth straight loss for the Hornets.
Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 26 points on 9-for-14 shooting, 11 rebounds and two blocks, in 20 minutes. Doug McDermott chipped in 14 points and two rebounds. Jeremy Sochan tallied 13 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, while Devin Vassell chipped in 12 points, three rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Meanwhile, LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 28 points on 5-for-14 shooting, three rebounds, five assists and five steals, in 27 minutes. Terry Rozier followed up with 16 points, two rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. Miles Bridges added 14 points, nine rebounds and a steal.
The Hornets (8-28) will look to bounce back as they take on the Heat in Miami on Sunday. The Spurs (7-30) play host to the Bulls on Saturday.
Clippers Defeat Grizzlies, 128-119
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the host Memphis Grizzlies, 128-119, at FedEx Forum on Friday.
Los Angeles took control of this game with a 42-27 second quarter, putting it away behind a 35-26 third quarter. That gave them a game-high 23-point lead, leading by at least nine points for the final 30 minutes of this blowout victory. Los Angeles shot 55 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range while holding Memphis to 43 percent from the field and 41 percent from long range. The Clippers outscored the Grizzlies in the paint, 54-42, while recording nine steals and seven blocks.
The Clippers (25-13) were led by Paul George, providing 37 points, three rebounds and two steals. Kawhi Leonard collected 22 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Those two combined to shoot 22-of-34 from the field. James Harden had 11 points and nine assists, while Ivica Zubac totaled six points, 11 rebounds and two blocks.
The Grizzlies (14-24) were led by Jaren Jackson Jr, generating 21 points and six rebounds. Xavier Tillman tallied 20 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks. David Roddy led the bench with 17 points, six rebounds and four assists. Desmond Bane had 15 points and three assists, while Luke Kennard compiled 11 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
Memphis has to play again on Saturday, staying home to face the New York Knicks. As for Los Angeles, they return to action on Sunday in a road matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Los Angeles took control of this game with a 42-27 second quarter, putting it away behind a 35-26 third quarter. That gave them a game-high 23-point lead, leading by at least nine points for the final 30 minutes of this blowout victory. Los Angeles shot 55 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range while holding Memphis to 43 percent from the field and 41 percent from long range. The Clippers outscored the Grizzlies in the paint, 54-42, while recording nine steals and seven blocks.
The Clippers (25-13) were led by Paul George, providing 37 points, three rebounds and two steals. Kawhi Leonard collected 22 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Those two combined to shoot 22-of-34 from the field. James Harden had 11 points and nine assists, while Ivica Zubac totaled six points, 11 rebounds and two blocks.
The Grizzlies (14-24) were led by Jaren Jackson Jr, generating 21 points and six rebounds. Xavier Tillman tallied 20 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks. David Roddy led the bench with 17 points, six rebounds and four assists. Desmond Bane had 15 points and three assists, while Luke Kennard compiled 11 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
Memphis has to play again on Saturday, staying home to face the New York Knicks. As for Los Angeles, they return to action on Sunday in a road matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Jazz Roll Raptors, 145-113
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Toronto Raptors, 145-113, at Vivint Arena on Friday.
While this wasn't a wire-to-wire win, Utah never relinquished the lead after the opening 10 minutes. They won all four individual quarters and took control with a 36-22 second quarter. They led by at least 15 points for the entirety of the second half, getting their lead up to 35 points at times. The Jazz shot 56 percent from the field while holding the Raptors to 43 percent shooting. Utah out-rebounded Toronto, 68-36, while outscoring them in the paint, 58-32. They also out-assisted them, 34-25.
The Raptors (15-24) were led by Pascal Siakam, providing 27 points, four rebounds and two assists. Scottie Barnes amassed 19 points, three rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Immanuel Quickley collected 15 points and three boards. RJ Barrett registered four points, seven rebounds, two assists and three blocks, while Dennis Schroder led the bench with 12 points and four assists.
The Jazz (20-20) were led by Lauri Markkanen, tallying 22 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Collin Sexton compiled 20 points, two rebounds and five assists. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 21 points and five assists. Kelly Olynyk also generated 11 points, 10 rebounds and five assists off of the pine as well.
Utah has to play again on Saturday, remaining home to play the Los Angeles Lakers. As for Toronto, they return to action on Monday in a home matchup with the Boston Celtics.
While this wasn't a wire-to-wire win, Utah never relinquished the lead after the opening 10 minutes. They won all four individual quarters and took control with a 36-22 second quarter. They led by at least 15 points for the entirety of the second half, getting their lead up to 35 points at times. The Jazz shot 56 percent from the field while holding the Raptors to 43 percent shooting. Utah out-rebounded Toronto, 68-36, while outscoring them in the paint, 58-32. They also out-assisted them, 34-25.
The Raptors (15-24) were led by Pascal Siakam, providing 27 points, four rebounds and two assists. Scottie Barnes amassed 19 points, three rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Immanuel Quickley collected 15 points and three boards. RJ Barrett registered four points, seven rebounds, two assists and three blocks, while Dennis Schroder led the bench with 12 points and four assists.
The Jazz (20-20) were led by Lauri Markkanen, tallying 22 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Collin Sexton compiled 20 points, two rebounds and five assists. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 21 points and five assists. Kelly Olynyk also generated 11 points, 10 rebounds and five assists off of the pine as well.
Utah has to play again on Saturday, remaining home to play the Los Angeles Lakers. As for Toronto, they return to action on Monday in a home matchup with the Boston Celtics.
Nuggets Defeat Pelicans, 125-113
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting New Orleans Pelicans, 125-113, at Ball Arena on Friday.
While there were seven lead changes in the opening minutes, Denver never relinquished the lead after a 37-25 first quarter. They held a double-digit lead across the final three frames, getting their lead up to 22 points at times. The Nuggets shot 56 percent from the field while holding the Pelicans to 47 percent shooting. Denver out-rebounded New Orleans, 56-41, while outscoring them in the paint, 56-50. The Nuggets also outscored the Pels in second-chance points, 16-6.
The Pelicans (23-16) were led by Zion Williamson, collecting 30 points, six rebounds and five assists. Jonas Valanciunas amassed 17 points and six boards. CJ McCollum collected 12 points, five rebounds and seven assists, while Brandon Ingram had nine points, four rebounds and six assists. Larry Nance Jr led the bench with 13 points, two rebounds and two steals.
The Nuggets (27-13) got a triple-double from Nikola Jokic, finishing with 27 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists. Jamal Murray tallied 20 points, two rebounds and nine assists. Michael Porter Jr provided 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Aaron Gordon accrued 15 points, five rebounds and two assists. Reggie Jackson led the bench with 12 points.
New Orleans has to play again on Saturday, staying on the road to play the Dallas Mavericks. As for Denver, they return to action on Sunday in a home matchup with the Indiana Pacers.
While there were seven lead changes in the opening minutes, Denver never relinquished the lead after a 37-25 first quarter. They held a double-digit lead across the final three frames, getting their lead up to 22 points at times. The Nuggets shot 56 percent from the field while holding the Pelicans to 47 percent shooting. Denver out-rebounded New Orleans, 56-41, while outscoring them in the paint, 56-50. The Nuggets also outscored the Pels in second-chance points, 16-6.
The Pelicans (23-16) were led by Zion Williamson, collecting 30 points, six rebounds and five assists. Jonas Valanciunas amassed 17 points and six boards. CJ McCollum collected 12 points, five rebounds and seven assists, while Brandon Ingram had nine points, four rebounds and six assists. Larry Nance Jr led the bench with 13 points, two rebounds and two steals.
The Nuggets (27-13) got a triple-double from Nikola Jokic, finishing with 27 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists. Jamal Murray tallied 20 points, two rebounds and nine assists. Michael Porter Jr provided 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Aaron Gordon accrued 15 points, five rebounds and two assists. Reggie Jackson led the bench with 12 points.
New Orleans has to play again on Saturday, staying on the road to play the Dallas Mavericks. As for Denver, they return to action on Sunday in a home matchup with the Indiana Pacers.