Embiid scores 41, leds 76ers over Rockets on Monday
The Philadelphia 76ers beat the Houston Rockets, 127-115, at Wells Fargo Arena on Monday afternoon.
The 76ers (25-13) took control of the game in the first quarter as they finished the frame on a 17-4 run to lead by 14 points. The Rockets (19-20) weren’t able to make much headway in the second quarter and entered halftime down by 19 points. Philadelphia kept their foot on the pedal in the third, and after extending their lead by as much as 28 points, both teams elected to empty their bench for the final minutes of the fourth quarter. The 76ers outmatched the Rockets in three-point shooting (15-for-31 vs. 8-for-27) and free throws (29-for-34 vs. 19-for-32), but Houston dominated with 60 points in the paint, compared to 34 by Philadelphia.
Jalen Green led the Rockets with 20 points, five rebounds and three assists. Alperen Sengun contributed 19 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two blocks, while Dillon Brooks added 18 points, six rebounds and two steals. Cam Whitmore had 14 points and six rebounds off the bench, while Amen Thompson had an efficient 14 points to go along with three rebounds in reserve. Jabari Smith tallied 13 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
Joel Embiid, returning from a three-game absence due to swelling in his left knee, led the 76ers with 41 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, which extended his streak of 30-point, 10-rebound double-doubles to 17 games. Tyrese Maxey registered 27 points and seven assists, while Tobias Harris had 10 points, three rebounds and two assists. Patrick Beverly led the bench with 11 points, five rebounds and six assists, while Marcus Morris finished with a game-high plus-26 point differential and had eight points and five rebounds in reserve.
Next up, the Rockets will finish their six-game road trip Wednesday against the New York Knicks, while the 76ers will welcome two-time MVP Nikola Jokic and the defending champion Denver Nuggets on Tuesday.
The 76ers (25-13) took control of the game in the first quarter as they finished the frame on a 17-4 run to lead by 14 points. The Rockets (19-20) weren’t able to make much headway in the second quarter and entered halftime down by 19 points. Philadelphia kept their foot on the pedal in the third, and after extending their lead by as much as 28 points, both teams elected to empty their bench for the final minutes of the fourth quarter. The 76ers outmatched the Rockets in three-point shooting (15-for-31 vs. 8-for-27) and free throws (29-for-34 vs. 19-for-32), but Houston dominated with 60 points in the paint, compared to 34 by Philadelphia.
Jalen Green led the Rockets with 20 points, five rebounds and three assists. Alperen Sengun contributed 19 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two blocks, while Dillon Brooks added 18 points, six rebounds and two steals. Cam Whitmore had 14 points and six rebounds off the bench, while Amen Thompson had an efficient 14 points to go along with three rebounds in reserve. Jabari Smith tallied 13 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
Joel Embiid, returning from a three-game absence due to swelling in his left knee, led the 76ers with 41 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, which extended his streak of 30-point, 10-rebound double-doubles to 17 games. Tyrese Maxey registered 27 points and seven assists, while Tobias Harris had 10 points, three rebounds and two assists. Patrick Beverly led the bench with 11 points, five rebounds and six assists, while Marcus Morris finished with a game-high plus-26 point differential and had eight points and five rebounds in reserve.
Next up, the Rockets will finish their six-game road trip Wednesday against the New York Knicks, while the 76ers will welcome two-time MVP Nikola Jokic and the defending champion Denver Nuggets on Tuesday.
Kyrie Irving Leads Mavericks Past Pelicans
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 125-120, at American Airlines Center on Monday.
The Mavericks (24-17) didn’t have Luka Doncic, but Kyrie Irving had a masterful performance in carrying Dallas to victory over the Pelicans (24-17). The Mavericks enjoyed an excellent start and set the tone of the game following a 33-17 score in the first quarter. However, the Pelicans responded quickly and won the second quarter by a 42-26 margin, turning a 16-point deficit into a tied game by the time halftime arrived. New Orleans kept the momentum going and also won the third quarter by a 40-33 score, so they held a seven-point lead heading into the final 12 minutes of action. However, the Mavericks turned things around and outscored New Orleans by a 33-21 margin in the final frame to secure the victory. With the win, the Mavericks moved to 13-9 at home, while the Pelicans fell to 12-9 on the road.
Kyrie Irving carried the Mavericks in this one with 42 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, while Tim Hardaway delivered one of the best performances of his career with 41 points, two rebounds and two assists. Josh Green was the only other player who scored in double digits for Dallas, as he finished with 13 points, four rebounds and three assists.
Zion Williamson led the way for the Pelicans with 30 points and three assists. Brandon Ingram posted 12 points, five rebounds and five assists. Herbert Jones finished with 10 points and three assists. CJ McCollum had 23 points, six rebounds and four assists. Trey Murphy III and Larry Nance Jr. each added 14 points off the bench.
The Mavericks (24-17) didn’t have Luka Doncic, but Kyrie Irving had a masterful performance in carrying Dallas to victory over the Pelicans (24-17). The Mavericks enjoyed an excellent start and set the tone of the game following a 33-17 score in the first quarter. However, the Pelicans responded quickly and won the second quarter by a 42-26 margin, turning a 16-point deficit into a tied game by the time halftime arrived. New Orleans kept the momentum going and also won the third quarter by a 40-33 score, so they held a seven-point lead heading into the final 12 minutes of action. However, the Mavericks turned things around and outscored New Orleans by a 33-21 margin in the final frame to secure the victory. With the win, the Mavericks moved to 13-9 at home, while the Pelicans fell to 12-9 on the road.
Kyrie Irving carried the Mavericks in this one with 42 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, while Tim Hardaway delivered one of the best performances of his career with 41 points, two rebounds and two assists. Josh Green was the only other player who scored in double digits for Dallas, as he finished with 13 points, four rebounds and three assists.
Zion Williamson led the way for the Pelicans with 30 points and three assists. Brandon Ingram posted 12 points, five rebounds and five assists. Herbert Jones finished with 10 points and three assists. CJ McCollum had 23 points, six rebounds and four assists. Trey Murphy III and Larry Nance Jr. each added 14 points off the bench.
Magic Complete Comeback To Defeat Knicks
The Orlando Magic defeated the New York Knicks, 98-94, at Madison Square Garden on Monday.
The Knicks (23-17) had Monday’s game under control, but unfortunately for them, they couldn’t close things out and allowed the Magic (22-18) to mount a fourth-quarter comeback. The game was tight at first, with the first quarter ending with a 24-24 tie, but New York ended the first half on top by a slim two-point margin after a 28-26 score in the second quarter. The Knicks continued to look like the better team and won the third quarter as well, 26-23, so they were up by five points entering the final 12 minutes. It seemed the Knicks were going to cruise their way to victory, but the Magic had other plans. The Magic were impressive in the final 12 minutes and improved as the game went on, ultimately outscoring the Knicks by a 25-16 score and securing the win. With the victory, the Knicks fell to 11-5 at home, while the Magic improved to 9-13 on the road. Orlando also snapped a three-game losing streak with this win.
Paolo Banchero led the way for the Magic with 20 points and six rebounds while adding three assists. Chuma Okeke finished with 15 points and three boards. No other starters scored in double digits for the Magic. Markelle Fultz dished out seven assists while adding six points and five rebounds. Wendell Carter Jr. posted 17 points off the bench. Cole Anthony had 15 points, most of them in the fourth quarter.
Miles McBride was the leading scorer for the Knicks with 20 points. Julius Randle finished with 15 points, six rebounds and five assists. OG Anunoby recorded 17 points, four assists and two rebounds. Donte DiVincenzo finished with 15 points, six rebounds and four assists. Isaiah Hartenstein grabbed 12 rebounds and scored seven points.
The Knicks (23-17) had Monday’s game under control, but unfortunately for them, they couldn’t close things out and allowed the Magic (22-18) to mount a fourth-quarter comeback. The game was tight at first, with the first quarter ending with a 24-24 tie, but New York ended the first half on top by a slim two-point margin after a 28-26 score in the second quarter. The Knicks continued to look like the better team and won the third quarter as well, 26-23, so they were up by five points entering the final 12 minutes. It seemed the Knicks were going to cruise their way to victory, but the Magic had other plans. The Magic were impressive in the final 12 minutes and improved as the game went on, ultimately outscoring the Knicks by a 25-16 score and securing the win. With the victory, the Knicks fell to 11-5 at home, while the Magic improved to 9-13 on the road. Orlando also snapped a three-game losing streak with this win.
Paolo Banchero led the way for the Magic with 20 points and six rebounds while adding three assists. Chuma Okeke finished with 15 points and three boards. No other starters scored in double digits for the Magic. Markelle Fultz dished out seven assists while adding six points and five rebounds. Wendell Carter Jr. posted 17 points off the bench. Cole Anthony had 15 points, most of them in the fourth quarter.
Miles McBride was the leading scorer for the Knicks with 20 points. Julius Randle finished with 15 points, six rebounds and five assists. OG Anunoby recorded 17 points, four assists and two rebounds. Donte DiVincenzo finished with 15 points, six rebounds and four assists. Isaiah Hartenstein grabbed 12 rebounds and scored seven points.
Pistons Outlast Wizards, 129-117
The Detroit Pistons defeated the Washington Wizards, 129-117, at Capital One Arena on Monday afternoon.
The Pistons (4-36) were in their usual underdog position coming into the game, but a first quarter in which they impressively jumped out to a 29-22 lead implied matters might go differently than usual. The Wizards (7-32) bounced back to eliminate all but one point from their deficit before halftime, but Detroit had extended its advantage back out to seven going into the final period and didn't relinquish their edge the rest of the way despite Washington getting within as close as two.
Alec Burks paced the Pistons with 34 points, adding two rebounds and two assists. Jaden Ivey supplied 24 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three blocks. Jalen Duren generated a 20-point, 19-rebound double-double that included four assists and one block. Isaiah Stewart managed 16 points, six rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Ausar Thompson totaled 14 points, eight rebounds, two assists and three steals.
Tyus Jones led the Wizards with 22 points, complementing them with seven assists, six rebounds and one steal. Kyle Kuzma compiled 21 points, eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks. Jordan Poole netted 16 points, and Deni Avdija registered 12 points, four assists, two rebounds and two blocks.
The Pistons return home to host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night, while the Wizards visit the New York Knicks on Thursday night.
The Pistons (4-36) were in their usual underdog position coming into the game, but a first quarter in which they impressively jumped out to a 29-22 lead implied matters might go differently than usual. The Wizards (7-32) bounced back to eliminate all but one point from their deficit before halftime, but Detroit had extended its advantage back out to seven going into the final period and didn't relinquish their edge the rest of the way despite Washington getting within as close as two.
Alec Burks paced the Pistons with 34 points, adding two rebounds and two assists. Jaden Ivey supplied 24 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three blocks. Jalen Duren generated a 20-point, 19-rebound double-double that included four assists and one block. Isaiah Stewart managed 16 points, six rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Ausar Thompson totaled 14 points, eight rebounds, two assists and three steals.
Tyus Jones led the Wizards with 22 points, complementing them with seven assists, six rebounds and one steal. Kyle Kuzma compiled 21 points, eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks. Jordan Poole netted 16 points, and Deni Avdija registered 12 points, four assists, two rebounds and two blocks.
The Pistons return home to host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night, while the Wizards visit the New York Knicks on Thursday night.
Hawks Get Past Spurs, 109-99
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 109-99, at State Farm Arena on Monday afternoon.
The Hawks (16-23) unsurprisingly came in as heavy favorites and played even better than expected in the first half, jumping out to a seemingly insurmountable 69-34 lead by intermission. However, to their credit, the Spurs (7-32) proved a resilient bunch coming out of halftime, shaving 15 points off their deficit in the third quarter and then clawed all the way back to within six with a little over three minutes remaining before Atlanta was able to pull away.
Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with a 26-point, 13-rebound double-double that included two assists and five blocks. Jeremy Sochan furnished 23 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Justin Champagnie supplied 15 points. Tre Jones tallied six points, 12 assists, one rebound and three steals.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with a 36-point, 13-assist double-double that included six rebounds, one steal and one block. Jalen Johnson generated a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double that included seven assists and six steals. Dejounte Murray and Clint Capela produced 13 points each while recording 13 and 11 rebounds, respectively. Capela also recorded four blocks. Saddiq Bey totaled 10 points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Spurs remain on the road and visit the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night, while the Hawks remain home and host the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night.
The Hawks (16-23) unsurprisingly came in as heavy favorites and played even better than expected in the first half, jumping out to a seemingly insurmountable 69-34 lead by intermission. However, to their credit, the Spurs (7-32) proved a resilient bunch coming out of halftime, shaving 15 points off their deficit in the third quarter and then clawed all the way back to within six with a little over three minutes remaining before Atlanta was able to pull away.
Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with a 26-point, 13-rebound double-double that included two assists and five blocks. Jeremy Sochan furnished 23 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Justin Champagnie supplied 15 points. Tre Jones tallied six points, 12 assists, one rebound and three steals.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with a 36-point, 13-assist double-double that included six rebounds, one steal and one block. Jalen Johnson generated a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double that included seven assists and six steals. Dejounte Murray and Clint Capela produced 13 points each while recording 13 and 11 rebounds, respectively. Capela also recorded four blocks. Saddiq Bey totaled 10 points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Spurs remain on the road and visit the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night, while the Hawks remain home and host the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night.
Grizzlies Topple Warriors, 116-107
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Golden State Warriors, 116-107, at FedEx Forum on Monday evening.
The Warriors (18-22) got off to the faster start, building a 29-23 lead through one and then still holding a two-point advantage going into halftime. Memphis cut that deficit in half heading into the final period, however, and then opened the fourth quarter with a 21-10 run over the first 4:40 to establish an edge they wouldn't relinquish.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 26 points, adding eight assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Jonathan Kuminga delivered 20 points and 11 rebounds. Andrew Wiggins turned in 16 points, five rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Dario Saric registered 13 points, seven boards, three assists and one block.
Vince Williams Jr. paced the Grizzlies with 24 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. GG Jackson managed 23 points, six rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Jaren Jackson registered 18 points, five rebounds, five assists, four steals and one block. David Roddy totaled 12 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Luke Kennard and Santi Aldama posted 11 points apiece while recording five assists and six rebounds, respectively.
The Warriors remain on the road and visit the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night, while the Grizzlies visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night.
The Warriors (18-22) got off to the faster start, building a 29-23 lead through one and then still holding a two-point advantage going into halftime. Memphis cut that deficit in half heading into the final period, however, and then opened the fourth quarter with a 21-10 run over the first 4:40 to establish an edge they wouldn't relinquish.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 26 points, adding eight assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Jonathan Kuminga delivered 20 points and 11 rebounds. Andrew Wiggins turned in 16 points, five rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Dario Saric registered 13 points, seven boards, three assists and one block.
Vince Williams Jr. paced the Grizzlies with 24 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. GG Jackson managed 23 points, six rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Jaren Jackson registered 18 points, five rebounds, five assists, four steals and one block. David Roddy totaled 12 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Luke Kennard and Santi Aldama posted 11 points apiece while recording five assists and six rebounds, respectively.
The Warriors remain on the road and visit the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night, while the Grizzlies visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night.
Cavs Charge To Fifth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls, 109-91, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Monday evening.
The Cavs jumped out to a great start and led, 40-21, after one quarter. The Bulls gathered themselves in the second and managed to trim five points off the deficit, making it a 14-point game heading into the break. The visitors kept the momentum going in the third and outscored the Cavaliers, 31-20, to cut it down to just a three-point game entering the final quarter. The Cavs took no chances in the fourth and outscored the Bulls by 15 points in the quarter to close out their fifth straight win. This also marks the second loss in the last three game for the Bulls.
Donovan Mitchell led the way for the Cavs with 34 points, three rebounds, seven assists and two steals, in 37 minutes. Caris LeVert followed up with 16 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, while Sam Merrill added 15 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Meanwhile, Coby White led the Bulls with 18 points, four rebounds, three assists, a steal and two blocks, in 38 minutes. Nikola Vucevic finished with 17 points, 10 rebounds and four assists, while Zach LaVine totaled 17 points, four rebounds and four assists.
The Bulls (19-23) will look to bounce back as they take on the Raptors in Toronto on Thursday. The Cavs (23-15) play host to the Bucks on Wednesday.
The Cavs jumped out to a great start and led, 40-21, after one quarter. The Bulls gathered themselves in the second and managed to trim five points off the deficit, making it a 14-point game heading into the break. The visitors kept the momentum going in the third and outscored the Cavaliers, 31-20, to cut it down to just a three-point game entering the final quarter. The Cavs took no chances in the fourth and outscored the Bulls by 15 points in the quarter to close out their fifth straight win. This also marks the second loss in the last three game for the Bulls.
Donovan Mitchell led the way for the Cavs with 34 points, three rebounds, seven assists and two steals, in 37 minutes. Caris LeVert followed up with 16 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, while Sam Merrill added 15 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Meanwhile, Coby White led the Bulls with 18 points, four rebounds, three assists, a steal and two blocks, in 38 minutes. Nikola Vucevic finished with 17 points, 10 rebounds and four assists, while Zach LaVine totaled 17 points, four rebounds and four assists.
The Bulls (19-23) will look to bounce back as they take on the Raptors in Toronto on Thursday. The Cavs (23-15) play host to the Bucks on Wednesday.
Heat Come Up Clutch In OT
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat defeated the host Brooklyn Nets, 96-95, at Barclays Center on Monday evening.
The game got out to a slow start with no score in the first two minutes, before the Nets eventually took a, 22-16, lead into the second quarter. The hosts kept the upper hand in the second, while the Heat could hardly find their offense and trailed, 45-31, at the break. The Heat woke up in the third and poured in 37 points in the quarter, which was enough to cut it to a one-point deficit heading into the final quarter. The visitors pulled in front for most of the fourth, but Mikal Bridges knocked down a couple of clutch free throws for the Nets to tie the score at 88, forcing overtime. The Nets jumped to a five-point lead early in the extra period, but the Heat closed on an, 8-2, run to secure their third straight win. This also marks the third straight loss for the Nets.
Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 31 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 40 minutes. Tyler Herro followed up with 29 points, 11 rebounds and two assists, while Bam Adebayo totaled 11 points, 20 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block.
Meanwhile, Mikal Bridges led the Nets with 26 points, nine rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block, in 44 minutes. Cam Thomas followed up with 23 points, two rebounds and three assists, while Royce O'Neale tallied 15 points, nine rebounds, five assists and a block.
The Nets (16-23) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Trail Blazers in Portland on Wednesday. The Heat (24-16) take on the Raptors in Toronto on Wednesday.
The game got out to a slow start with no score in the first two minutes, before the Nets eventually took a, 22-16, lead into the second quarter. The hosts kept the upper hand in the second, while the Heat could hardly find their offense and trailed, 45-31, at the break. The Heat woke up in the third and poured in 37 points in the quarter, which was enough to cut it to a one-point deficit heading into the final quarter. The visitors pulled in front for most of the fourth, but Mikal Bridges knocked down a couple of clutch free throws for the Nets to tie the score at 88, forcing overtime. The Nets jumped to a five-point lead early in the extra period, but the Heat closed on an, 8-2, run to secure their third straight win. This also marks the third straight loss for the Nets.
Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 31 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 40 minutes. Tyler Herro followed up with 29 points, 11 rebounds and two assists, while Bam Adebayo totaled 11 points, 20 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block.
Meanwhile, Mikal Bridges led the Nets with 26 points, nine rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block, in 44 minutes. Cam Thomas followed up with 23 points, two rebounds and three assists, while Royce O'Neale tallied 15 points, nine rebounds, five assists and a block.
The Nets (16-23) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Trail Blazers in Portland on Wednesday. The Heat (24-16) take on the Raptors in Toronto on Wednesday.
Celtics Defeat Raptors, 105-96
The Boston Celtics defeated the host Toronto Raptors. 105-96, at Scotiabank Arena on Monday.
While there were eight ties and 10 lead changes in this game, Boston never lost any individual quarter. They got their lead up to 14 points at times and maintained the lead for the closing 15 minutes, The Celtics shot 41 percent from three-point range (16-of-39) and 92 percent from the free-throw line (23-of-25), while holding the Raptors to 13 percent from long range (4-of-32) and 76 percent from the charity stripe (16-of-21). Boston also out-blocked Toronto, 7-2.
The Celtics (31-9) were led by Jrue Holiday, collecting 22 points, six rebounds, seven assists and two blocks. Derrick White amassed 22 points and two rebounds. Jayon Tatum tallied 19 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. Kristaps Porzingis provided 15 points, six rebounds, two assists and two blocks, while Al Horford had 10 points, 11 rebounds and two assists.
The Raptors (15-25) were led by RJ Barrett, registering 24 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Immanuel Quickley compiled 21 points, six rebounds and three assists. Pascal Siakam totaled 17 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Scottie Barnes finished with 10 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Toronto staying home to play the Miami Heat and Boston returning home to play the San Antonio Spurs.
While there were eight ties and 10 lead changes in this game, Boston never lost any individual quarter. They got their lead up to 14 points at times and maintained the lead for the closing 15 minutes, The Celtics shot 41 percent from three-point range (16-of-39) and 92 percent from the free-throw line (23-of-25), while holding the Raptors to 13 percent from long range (4-of-32) and 76 percent from the charity stripe (16-of-21). Boston also out-blocked Toronto, 7-2.
The Celtics (31-9) were led by Jrue Holiday, collecting 22 points, six rebounds, seven assists and two blocks. Derrick White amassed 22 points and two rebounds. Jayon Tatum tallied 19 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. Kristaps Porzingis provided 15 points, six rebounds, two assists and two blocks, while Al Horford had 10 points, 11 rebounds and two assists.
The Raptors (15-25) were led by RJ Barrett, registering 24 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Immanuel Quickley compiled 21 points, six rebounds and three assists. Pascal Siakam totaled 17 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Scottie Barnes finished with 10 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Toronto staying home to play the Miami Heat and Boston returning home to play the San Antonio Spurs.
Jazz Roll Pacers, 132-105
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Indiana Pacers, 132-105, at Vivint Arena on Monday.
Utah won each of the first three quarters by at least seven points apiece, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. They got their lead up to 29 points, leading by at least 15 points for the final 20 minutes. The Jazz shot 56 percent from the field and 89 percent from the free-throw line (31-of-35) while holding the Pacers to 40 percent from the field and 80 percent from the charity stripe (20-of-25). Utah outscored Indiana in the paint, 60-46, while out-blocking them, 8-4.
The Pacers (23-17) had all five starters reach double figures in scoring, with Buddy Hield leading the way with 14 points and two rebounds. Andrew Nembhard amassed 14 points and four assists. Myles Turner totaled 12 points and four boards. Jalen Smith generated 12 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Jarace Walker led the bench with eight points, four rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks.
The Jazz (22-20) were led by Lauri Markkanen, finishing with 32 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Collin Sexton compiled 30 points, three rebounds and five assists. Those two combined to shoot 21-of-32 from the field. John Collins had 10 points and six boards, while Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 17 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Keyonte George accumulated 19 points and five assists.
On deck for Utah is a home matchup with the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday. As for Indiana, they return to action on Thursday in a road matchup with the Sacramento Kings.
Utah won each of the first three quarters by at least seven points apiece, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. They got their lead up to 29 points, leading by at least 15 points for the final 20 minutes. The Jazz shot 56 percent from the field and 89 percent from the free-throw line (31-of-35) while holding the Pacers to 40 percent from the field and 80 percent from the charity stripe (20-of-25). Utah outscored Indiana in the paint, 60-46, while out-blocking them, 8-4.
The Pacers (23-17) had all five starters reach double figures in scoring, with Buddy Hield leading the way with 14 points and two rebounds. Andrew Nembhard amassed 14 points and four assists. Myles Turner totaled 12 points and four boards. Jalen Smith generated 12 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Jarace Walker led the bench with eight points, four rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks.
The Jazz (22-20) were led by Lauri Markkanen, finishing with 32 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Collin Sexton compiled 30 points, three rebounds and five assists. Those two combined to shoot 21-of-32 from the field. John Collins had 10 points and six boards, while Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 17 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Keyonte George accumulated 19 points and five assists.
On deck for Utah is a home matchup with the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday. As for Indiana, they return to action on Thursday in a road matchup with the Sacramento Kings.
Lakers Defeat Thunder, 112-105
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 112-105, at Crypto.com Arena on Monday.
While there were 10 ties and 17 lead changes in total, Los Angeles never relinquished the lead after a 34-26 third quarter. They led by at least five points for the whole of the fourth quarter. Los Angeles shot 52 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range while holding Oklahoma City to 42 percent from the field and 31 percent from long range. The Lakers also out-assisted the Thunder, 30-23, while outrebounding them, 53-46. In addition, LA outscored OKC in the paint, 64-44.
The Thunder (27-12) were led by Jalen Williams, totaling 25 points, three rebounds, six assists and three steals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander accrued 24 points, three rebounds and six assists. Luguentz Dort amassed 11 points and seven boards, while Chet Holmgren had nine points, eight rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Josh Giddey generated eight points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Lakers (20-21) were led by Anthony Davis, collecting 27 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and two steals. LeBron James tallied 25 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Austin Reaves registered 15 points, three rebounds and seven assists. D'Angelo Russell accumulated 14 points, two rebounds, six assists and two steals.
Oklahoma City has to play again on Tuesday, staying in LA to face the Los Angeles Clippers. As for the Lakers, they return to action on Wednesday in a home matchup with the Dallas Mavericks.
While there were 10 ties and 17 lead changes in total, Los Angeles never relinquished the lead after a 34-26 third quarter. They led by at least five points for the whole of the fourth quarter. Los Angeles shot 52 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range while holding Oklahoma City to 42 percent from the field and 31 percent from long range. The Lakers also out-assisted the Thunder, 30-23, while outrebounding them, 53-46. In addition, LA outscored OKC in the paint, 64-44.
The Thunder (27-12) were led by Jalen Williams, totaling 25 points, three rebounds, six assists and three steals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander accrued 24 points, three rebounds and six assists. Luguentz Dort amassed 11 points and seven boards, while Chet Holmgren had nine points, eight rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Josh Giddey generated eight points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Lakers (20-21) were led by Anthony Davis, collecting 27 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and two steals. LeBron James tallied 25 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Austin Reaves registered 15 points, three rebounds and seven assists. D'Angelo Russell accumulated 14 points, two rebounds, six assists and two steals.
Oklahoma City has to play again on Tuesday, staying in LA to face the Los Angeles Clippers. As for the Lakers, they return to action on Wednesday in a home matchup with the Dallas Mavericks.