Celtics Cruise To Easy Victory Over Rockets
The Boston Celtics defeated the Houston Rockets, 145-113, at TD Garden on Saturday.
The Celtics (30-9) moved to 19-0 at home with the victory against a Rockets (19-19) team that fell to 4-13 on the road. The Celtics managed to keep their perfect record at home alive, but the game wasn’t easy in the early stages. The Celtics looked in control early on, but the Rockets put up a fight, and the first quarter ended with a 35-31 lead for Boston. The Celtics started to pull away in the second quarter, however, after outscoring Houston by a 34-27 score. A 43-28 score in the third quarter pulled the Celtics away for good, as the Rockets simply couldn’t keep up with Boston’s intensity in the second half. The Celtics closed things out with a 33-27 score in the final 12 minutes.
Jaylen Brown led the way for the Celtics with 32 points and six rebounds, but he also added two assists, two steals and two blocks. Jayson Tatum posted 27 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Derrick White had 13 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals. Kristaps Porzingis posted 17 points, five rebounds and five assists. Jrue Holiday had 11 points and six boards. Payton Pritchard recorded 19 points off the bench.
Alperen Sengun led the way for the Rockets with 19 points, 10 rebounds, four steals and three assists. Dillon Brooks recorded 12 points in his return. Jalen Green had 10 points. Cam Whitmore was the highest scorer for the Rockets with 22 points off the bench. Amen Thompson had 10 points and 10 rebounds off the bench.
The Celtics (30-9) moved to 19-0 at home with the victory against a Rockets (19-19) team that fell to 4-13 on the road. The Celtics managed to keep their perfect record at home alive, but the game wasn’t easy in the early stages. The Celtics looked in control early on, but the Rockets put up a fight, and the first quarter ended with a 35-31 lead for Boston. The Celtics started to pull away in the second quarter, however, after outscoring Houston by a 34-27 score. A 43-28 score in the third quarter pulled the Celtics away for good, as the Rockets simply couldn’t keep up with Boston’s intensity in the second half. The Celtics closed things out with a 33-27 score in the final 12 minutes.
Jaylen Brown led the way for the Celtics with 32 points and six rebounds, but he also added two assists, two steals and two blocks. Jayson Tatum posted 27 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Derrick White had 13 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals. Kristaps Porzingis posted 17 points, five rebounds and five assists. Jrue Holiday had 11 points and six boards. Payton Pritchard recorded 19 points off the bench.
Alperen Sengun led the way for the Rockets with 19 points, 10 rebounds, four steals and three assists. Dillon Brooks recorded 12 points in his return. Jalen Green had 10 points. Cam Whitmore was the highest scorer for the Rockets with 22 points off the bench. Amen Thompson had 10 points and 10 rebounds off the bench.
Wizards Pull Upset, Top Hawks
The Washington Wizards defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 127-99, at State Farm Arena on Saturday.
The Wizards (7-31) delivered one of their best performances of the season and cruised their way to victory against the Hawks (15-23) despite playing on the road. Washington set the tone of the game in the early stages and raced to a 30-25 lead in the first quarter, and while the Hawks were expected to put up a fight, they never did it. The Wizards won the second quarter by a 28-22 score to make it a double-digit game at halftime, and Washington pulled away for good in the third. The Hawks looked lost in the third quarter and got outscored by a 41-24 score, so the game was essentially over by the time the final 12 minutes arrived. Washington sealed the win after the fourth quarter ended with a 28-28 tie. With the win, the Wizards moved to 4-18 on the road, while the Hawks fell to 6-11 at home.
Kyle Kuzma led the way for the Wizards with 29 points, six rebounds and four assists. Deni Avdija notched 19 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists. Jordan Poole recorded 20 points, two rebounds and two assists. Daniel Gafford had 10 points and six rebounds. Bilal Coulibaly had 12 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Corey Kispert finished with 11 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Trae Young led the way for the Hawks with 21 points and 10 assists. Dejounte Murray had 13 points, five rebounds and three assists. Saddiq Bey had 16 points, seven rebounds and four steals. Bogdan Bogdanovic posted 14 points, three rebounds, two assists and three steals off the bench.
The Wizards (7-31) delivered one of their best performances of the season and cruised their way to victory against the Hawks (15-23) despite playing on the road. Washington set the tone of the game in the early stages and raced to a 30-25 lead in the first quarter, and while the Hawks were expected to put up a fight, they never did it. The Wizards won the second quarter by a 28-22 score to make it a double-digit game at halftime, and Washington pulled away for good in the third. The Hawks looked lost in the third quarter and got outscored by a 41-24 score, so the game was essentially over by the time the final 12 minutes arrived. Washington sealed the win after the fourth quarter ended with a 28-28 tie. With the win, the Wizards moved to 4-18 on the road, while the Hawks fell to 6-11 at home.
Kyle Kuzma led the way for the Wizards with 29 points, six rebounds and four assists. Deni Avdija notched 19 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists. Jordan Poole recorded 20 points, two rebounds and two assists. Daniel Gafford had 10 points and six rebounds. Bilal Coulibaly had 12 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Corey Kispert finished with 11 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Trae Young led the way for the Hawks with 21 points and 10 assists. Dejounte Murray had 13 points, five rebounds and three assists. Saddiq Bey had 16 points, seven rebounds and four steals. Bogdan Bogdanovic posted 14 points, three rebounds, two assists and three steals off the bench.
Bucks Wake Up Late To Defeat Warriors
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Golden State Warriors, 129-118, at Fiserv Forum on Saturday.
The Bucks (26-12) had to work harder than expected to get the win against a Warriors (18-20) team that didn’t have Stephen Curry due to rest. Milwaukee enjoyed a strong start and raced to a 33-24 lead in the first quarter. However, the Warriors responded with a 32-21 score in the second quarter, grabbing a two-point lead at the halftime break. Milwaukee played the second half with a different attitude and it showed, winning the third quarter by a 29-25 score and holding a two-point edge with 12 minutes left. The Bucks kicked it up a notch in the fourth and closed things out with a 46-37 score, sealing the win with relative ease compared to how the game unfolded. With the win, the Bucks moved to 17-4 at home. Meanwhile, the Warriors fell to 7-9 on the road.
Giannis Antetokounmpo posted 33 points, eight rebounds and five assists to lead the Bucks. Damian Lillard had 27 points, seven assists, six rebounds and two steals. Khris Middleton had 24 points, 10 assists and three rebounds. Brook Lopez and Malik Beasley both had 11 points. Lopez also had eight rebounds, six assists and two blocks. Bobby Portis and Andre Jackson each had 10 points off the bench.
Brandin Podziemski led the way for the Warriors with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Klay Thompson finished with 21 points, three rebounds and three assists. Dario Saric had 12 points, six rebounds and six assists. Jonathan Kuminga scored 28 points off the bench while adding three rebounds and two assists. Trayce Jackson-Davis had 12 points off the bench.
The Bucks (26-12) had to work harder than expected to get the win against a Warriors (18-20) team that didn’t have Stephen Curry due to rest. Milwaukee enjoyed a strong start and raced to a 33-24 lead in the first quarter. However, the Warriors responded with a 32-21 score in the second quarter, grabbing a two-point lead at the halftime break. Milwaukee played the second half with a different attitude and it showed, winning the third quarter by a 29-25 score and holding a two-point edge with 12 minutes left. The Bucks kicked it up a notch in the fourth and closed things out with a 46-37 score, sealing the win with relative ease compared to how the game unfolded. With the win, the Bucks moved to 17-4 at home. Meanwhile, the Warriors fell to 7-9 on the road.
Giannis Antetokounmpo posted 33 points, eight rebounds and five assists to lead the Bucks. Damian Lillard had 27 points, seven assists, six rebounds and two steals. Khris Middleton had 24 points, 10 assists and three rebounds. Brook Lopez and Malik Beasley both had 11 points. Lopez also had eight rebounds, six assists and two blocks. Bobby Portis and Andre Jackson each had 10 points off the bench.
Brandin Podziemski led the way for the Warriors with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Klay Thompson finished with 21 points, three rebounds and three assists. Dario Saric had 12 points, six rebounds and six assists. Jonathan Kuminga scored 28 points off the bench while adding three rebounds and two assists. Trayce Jackson-Davis had 12 points off the bench.
Thunder Close Out Fourth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 112-100, at Paycom Center on Saturday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Thunder led, 23-21, after one quarter. The Thunder picked up their play in the second and outscored the Magic, 26-19, in the quarter to take a nine-point lead into the break. Both sides picked up the pace in the third, but the hosts kept control and pushed their lead up to 13 points, entering the final frame. The Magic kept up the fight in the fourth but it was not enough, as the fell for their third straight loss. This marks the fourth straight win for the Thunder.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 37 points, six rebounds, seven assists, three steals and a block, in 36 minutes. Jalen Williams followed up with 16 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Chet Holmgren finished with 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists, a steal and two blocks.
Meanwhile, Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 20 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and two blocks, in 36 minutes. Caleb Houstan and Cole Anthony followed up with 14 points each, while Anthony Black chipped in 13 points, four rebounds, a steal and a block.
The Magic (21-18) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Knicks in New York on Monday. The Thunder (27-11) take on the Lakers in L.A. on Monday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Thunder led, 23-21, after one quarter. The Thunder picked up their play in the second and outscored the Magic, 26-19, in the quarter to take a nine-point lead into the break. Both sides picked up the pace in the third, but the hosts kept control and pushed their lead up to 13 points, entering the final frame. The Magic kept up the fight in the fourth but it was not enough, as the fell for their third straight loss. This marks the fourth straight win for the Thunder.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 37 points, six rebounds, seven assists, three steals and a block, in 36 minutes. Jalen Williams followed up with 16 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Chet Holmgren finished with 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists, a steal and two blocks.
Meanwhile, Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 20 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and two blocks, in 36 minutes. Caleb Houstan and Cole Anthony followed up with 14 points each, while Anthony Black chipped in 13 points, four rebounds, a steal and a block.
The Magic (21-18) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Knicks in New York on Monday. The Thunder (27-11) take on the Lakers in L.A. on Monday.
Knicks Rally Past Grizzlies In Memphis
By Dan Bruno
The New York Knicks defeated the host Memphis Grizzlies, 106-94, at FedEx Forum on Saturday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Grizzlies led, 27-25, after one quarter. The Knicks pulled in front for most of the second, but the hosts closed the half on a, 12-6, run to take a four-point lead into the break. The Knicks came out in another gear in the third and outscored the Grizzlies, 30-15, in the quarter to take an 11-point lead into the final quarter. The Knicks made no mistake in the fourth and held on to close out the road win. This marks the second straight loss for the Grizzlies.
Julius Randle led the Knicks with 24 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and a block, in 36 minutes. Miles McBride followed up with 19 points, six rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, while OG Anunoby totaled 18 points, five rebounds, two assists, a steal and four blocks.
Meanwhile, GG Jackson led the Grizzlies with 20 points, six rebounds and a block, in 27 minutes off the bench. Vince Williams followed up with 17 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals and a block, while David Roddy and Luke Kennard added 14 points each.
The Grizzlies (14-25) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Warriors on Monday. The Knicks (23-16) play host to the Magic on Monday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Grizzlies led, 27-25, after one quarter. The Knicks pulled in front for most of the second, but the hosts closed the half on a, 12-6, run to take a four-point lead into the break. The Knicks came out in another gear in the third and outscored the Grizzlies, 30-15, in the quarter to take an 11-point lead into the final quarter. The Knicks made no mistake in the fourth and held on to close out the road win. This marks the second straight loss for the Grizzlies.
Julius Randle led the Knicks with 24 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and a block, in 36 minutes. Miles McBride followed up with 19 points, six rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, while OG Anunoby totaled 18 points, five rebounds, two assists, a steal and four blocks.
Meanwhile, GG Jackson led the Grizzlies with 20 points, six rebounds and a block, in 27 minutes off the bench. Vince Williams followed up with 17 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals and a block, while David Roddy and Luke Kennard added 14 points each.
The Grizzlies (14-25) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Warriors on Monday. The Knicks (23-16) play host to the Magic on Monday.
Pelicans Use Strong Second Half To Close Out Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the host Dallas Mavericks, 118-108, at American Airlines Center on Saturday evening.
The Pelicans jumped out to a solid start and lead, 29-20, after one quarter. The Mavericks turned their play up in the second and outscored the visitors, 34-20, to claim a five-point lead at the break. The Pelicans returned the favor in the third and outscored the hosts, 39-27, in the quarter to rally ahead for a seven-point advantage entering the final frame. The Pelicans kept the pressure on in the fourth and confidently closed out the road win.
Jordan Hawkins led the Pelicans with 34 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 37 minutes. Herbert Jones followed up with 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks, while Jonas Valanciunas, Larry Nance and Jose Alvarado chipped in 14 points each.
Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks with 33 points, five rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 40 minutes. Tim Hardaway and Derrick Jones turned in 24 points and four rebounds each, while no other player scored in double digits for Dallas.
The Mavericks (23-17) and Pelicans (24-16) clash again in Dallas on Monday.
The Pelicans jumped out to a solid start and lead, 29-20, after one quarter. The Mavericks turned their play up in the second and outscored the visitors, 34-20, to claim a five-point lead at the break. The Pelicans returned the favor in the third and outscored the hosts, 39-27, in the quarter to rally ahead for a seven-point advantage entering the final frame. The Pelicans kept the pressure on in the fourth and confidently closed out the road win.
Jordan Hawkins led the Pelicans with 34 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 37 minutes. Herbert Jones followed up with 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks, while Jonas Valanciunas, Larry Nance and Jose Alvarado chipped in 14 points each.
Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks with 33 points, five rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 40 minutes. Tim Hardaway and Derrick Jones turned in 24 points and four rebounds each, while no other player scored in double digits for Dallas.
The Mavericks (23-17) and Pelicans (24-16) clash again in Dallas on Monday.
Bulls Defeat Spurs, 122-116
The Chicago Bulls defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 122-116, at Frost Bank Center on Saturday.
A 35-23 first quarter set the foundation for Chicago in this victory, maintaining the lead for all but a handful of minutes. With that said, San Antonio grabbed an eight-point lead early in the fourth quarter, but the Bulls finished on a 24-10 run to prevail. Chicago shot 51 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while holding San Antonio to 41 percent from the field and 39 percent from long range. The Bulls also outscored the Spurs in the paint, 46-36.
The Bulls (19-22) were led by Nikola Vucevic, collecting 24 points, 16 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. DeMar DeRozan registered 20 points, four rebounds and four assists. Coby White amassed 15 points, two rebounds and four assists. Alex Caruso compiled 11 points, six rebounds, six assists, two steals and three blocks, while Zach LaVine had 10 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Ayo Dosunmu led the bench with 21 points, two rebounds and four assists.
The Spurs (7-31) were led by Tre Jones, tallying a career-high 30 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Keldon Johnson led the bench with 26 points, four rebounds and five assists. Jeremy Sochan accrued 11 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while Malaki Branham totaled 14 points and three steals.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Chicago staying on the road to play the Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio traveling to play the Atlanta Hawks.
A 35-23 first quarter set the foundation for Chicago in this victory, maintaining the lead for all but a handful of minutes. With that said, San Antonio grabbed an eight-point lead early in the fourth quarter, but the Bulls finished on a 24-10 run to prevail. Chicago shot 51 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while holding San Antonio to 41 percent from the field and 39 percent from long range. The Bulls also outscored the Spurs in the paint, 46-36.
The Bulls (19-22) were led by Nikola Vucevic, collecting 24 points, 16 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. DeMar DeRozan registered 20 points, four rebounds and four assists. Coby White amassed 15 points, two rebounds and four assists. Alex Caruso compiled 11 points, six rebounds, six assists, two steals and three blocks, while Zach LaVine had 10 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Ayo Dosunmu led the bench with 21 points, two rebounds and four assists.
The Spurs (7-31) were led by Tre Jones, tallying a career-high 30 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Keldon Johnson led the bench with 26 points, four rebounds and five assists. Jeremy Sochan accrued 11 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while Malaki Branham totaled 14 points and three steals.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Chicago staying on the road to play the Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio traveling to play the Atlanta Hawks.
Jazz Defeat Lakers, 132-125
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, 132-125, at Vivint Arena on Saturday.
There were six ties and eight lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 12 points. That was Los Angeles in the second quarter, with Utah riding a 36-28 third quarter to their win. They maintained the lead for the closing 20 minutes, grabbing a double-digit lead in the final minutes. The Jazz shot 92 percent from the free-throw line (36-of-39), while the Lakers shot 83 percent (20-of-24). Utah also out-rebounded Los Angeles, 59-45, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 27-14.
The Lakers (19-21) were led by D'Angelo Russell, registering 39 points, three rebounds, eight assists and two blocks. Austin Reaves amassed 19 points, four rebounds and two assists. Anthony Davis collected 15 points, 15 rebounds, 11 assists and four blocks. Rui Hachimura led the bench with 17 points and three boards.
The Jazz (21-20) were led by Lauri Markkanen, finishing with 29 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals. Collin Sexton compiled 27 points, four rebounds and five assists. John Collins totaled 19 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and three steals. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 21 points, four rebounds and four assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Utah remaining home to play the Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles returning home to face the Oklahoma city Thunder.
There were six ties and eight lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 12 points. That was Los Angeles in the second quarter, with Utah riding a 36-28 third quarter to their win. They maintained the lead for the closing 20 minutes, grabbing a double-digit lead in the final minutes. The Jazz shot 92 percent from the free-throw line (36-of-39), while the Lakers shot 83 percent (20-of-24). Utah also out-rebounded Los Angeles, 59-45, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 27-14.
The Lakers (19-21) were led by D'Angelo Russell, registering 39 points, three rebounds, eight assists and two blocks. Austin Reaves amassed 19 points, four rebounds and two assists. Anthony Davis collected 15 points, 15 rebounds, 11 assists and four blocks. Rui Hachimura led the bench with 17 points and three boards.
The Jazz (21-20) were led by Lauri Markkanen, finishing with 29 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals. Collin Sexton compiled 27 points, four rebounds and five assists. John Collins totaled 19 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and three steals. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 21 points, four rebounds and four assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Utah remaining home to play the Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles returning home to face the Oklahoma city Thunder.