Edwards, Towns each score 27 points to lead T-Wolves over Pistons
The Minnesota Timberwolves took down the Detroit Pistons, 124-117, at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday night.
Despite such a large disparity of records heading into this game, the Pistons (4-37) were able to stay toe-to-toe with the Timberwolves (29-11), who sit atop the Western Conference standings. Detroit held a one point lead after the first quarter, but Minnesota went on a quick 8-2 run late in the second frame and entered halftime with an eight point lead. The teams traded buckets for the third quarter, but the Timberwolves extended their lead by as much as 17 points in the fourth quarter and the team elected to sit their starters with just over a minute to play. Minnesota improved their road record to 13-9 and extended their win streak to three games, while Detroit dropped to 2-18 at home following Wednesday’s loss.
The young star duo of Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns each scored 27 points to lead the Timberwolves in the win. Edwards added five rebounds and eight assists, while Towns contributed six rebounds and four assists. Rudy Gobert finished with a game-high 15 rebounds -- including five offensive boards -- to go along with 19 points and two assists. Naz Reid led the bench with nine points, four rebounds and three steals. Mike Conley chipped in eight points, three rebounds and seven assists while finishing with a game-high plus-20 point differential.
The Pistons were led by Jaden Ivey, who has been thrust into a larger role on offense with Cade Cunningham sidelined with a left knee strain he suffered Jan. 8. Ivey tied a career high with 32 points to go along with four rebounds and six assists. Bojan Bogdanovic had 20 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Jalen Duran tallied 16 points, 11 rebounds and three assists for his 20th double-double on the year. Alec Burks led the bench with 12 points and two steals. Isaiah Stewart added 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and three blocks.
Next up for both teams, the Timberwolves head back to Minnesota to host the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday, while the Pistons welcome the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday.
Despite such a large disparity of records heading into this game, the Pistons (4-37) were able to stay toe-to-toe with the Timberwolves (29-11), who sit atop the Western Conference standings. Detroit held a one point lead after the first quarter, but Minnesota went on a quick 8-2 run late in the second frame and entered halftime with an eight point lead. The teams traded buckets for the third quarter, but the Timberwolves extended their lead by as much as 17 points in the fourth quarter and the team elected to sit their starters with just over a minute to play. Minnesota improved their road record to 13-9 and extended their win streak to three games, while Detroit dropped to 2-18 at home following Wednesday’s loss.
The young star duo of Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns each scored 27 points to lead the Timberwolves in the win. Edwards added five rebounds and eight assists, while Towns contributed six rebounds and four assists. Rudy Gobert finished with a game-high 15 rebounds -- including five offensive boards -- to go along with 19 points and two assists. Naz Reid led the bench with nine points, four rebounds and three steals. Mike Conley chipped in eight points, three rebounds and seven assists while finishing with a game-high plus-20 point differential.
The Pistons were led by Jaden Ivey, who has been thrust into a larger role on offense with Cade Cunningham sidelined with a left knee strain he suffered Jan. 8. Ivey tied a career high with 32 points to go along with four rebounds and six assists. Bojan Bogdanovic had 20 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Jalen Duran tallied 16 points, 11 rebounds and three assists for his 20th double-double on the year. Alec Burks led the bench with 12 points and two steals. Isaiah Stewart added 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and three blocks.
Next up for both teams, the Timberwolves head back to Minnesota to host the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday, while the Pistons welcome the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday.
Hawks Mount Comeback To Defeat Magic
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Orlando Magic, 106-104, at State Farm Arena on Wednesday.
The Hawks (17-23) and the Magic (22-19) engaged in another low-scoring affair, which has been a trend for Orlando of late, but unlike in recent contests, the Magic came up short. Orlando was coming off a comeback win over the New York Knicks in their most recent game, but the Magic melted down in this one and allowed the Hawks to come from behind in the second half. The game started tight and neither team established dominance following a 26-26 score, but the Magic ended the first half on top following a 25-23 score in the second quarter. The Hawks played the second half with a more aggressive approach, and while the game remained close, Atlanta flipped the script and grabbed a two-point lead after a 29-25 score in the third quarter. Atlanta held on in the final 12 minutes to secure the victory after a 28-28 outcome in the fourth quarter. With the win, the Magic fell to 9-14 on the road, while the Hawks moved to 8-11 at home.
Dejounte Murray led the way for the Hawks with 26 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Trae Young had a double-double of 18 points and 12 assists. Clint Capela finished with 12 points and three rebounds. Jalen Johnson posted 10 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals. Onyeka Okongwu finished with 15 points and nine rebounds coming off the bench.
Paolo Banchero was the leading scorer for the Magic with 26 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Goga Bitadze posted a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds. Jalen Suggs had 16 points and four rebounds. Wendell Carter Jr. finished with 18 points, five rebounds and two steals off the bench. Markelle Fultz and Cole Anthony each had 10 points.
The Hawks (17-23) and the Magic (22-19) engaged in another low-scoring affair, which has been a trend for Orlando of late, but unlike in recent contests, the Magic came up short. Orlando was coming off a comeback win over the New York Knicks in their most recent game, but the Magic melted down in this one and allowed the Hawks to come from behind in the second half. The game started tight and neither team established dominance following a 26-26 score, but the Magic ended the first half on top following a 25-23 score in the second quarter. The Hawks played the second half with a more aggressive approach, and while the game remained close, Atlanta flipped the script and grabbed a two-point lead after a 29-25 score in the third quarter. Atlanta held on in the final 12 minutes to secure the victory after a 28-28 outcome in the fourth quarter. With the win, the Magic fell to 9-14 on the road, while the Hawks moved to 8-11 at home.
Dejounte Murray led the way for the Hawks with 26 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Trae Young had a double-double of 18 points and 12 assists. Clint Capela finished with 12 points and three rebounds. Jalen Johnson posted 10 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals. Onyeka Okongwu finished with 15 points and nine rebounds coming off the bench.
Paolo Banchero was the leading scorer for the Magic with 26 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Goga Bitadze posted a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds. Jalen Suggs had 16 points and four rebounds. Wendell Carter Jr. finished with 18 points, five rebounds and two steals off the bench. Markelle Fultz and Cole Anthony each had 10 points.
Celtics Cruise To Easy Win Over Spurs
The Boston Celtics defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 117-98, at TD Garden on Wednesday.
The Celtics (32-9) remain one of the best teams in The Association this season and moved to 20-0 at home following an easy win over the Spurs (7-33). With the loss Wednesday, the Spurs fell to 4-17 when playing away from home. Boston looked like the better team from the get-go and jumped to a 30-25 score following the first quarter. The Celtics didn’t step off the gas the rest of the way and pushed their advantage to 25 points following a 40-20 score in the second quarter. The Spurs won the third quarter by a 33-24 score and showed signs of a potential comeback. However, the deficit was simply too big for the Spurs to erase it. The Celtics tightened things up down the stretch and closed the game out with a 23-20 score in the final 12 minutes of action.
Jayson Tatum was one of three Celtics starters who reached the 20-point mark. Tatum finished with 24 points, five rebounds and two assists. Jrue Holiday ended with 22 points, four rebounds and four assists. Jaylen Brown posted 21 points, seven rebounds and five assists. No other Boston players scored in double digits. The Celtics shot 46.7 percent from the field and 47.4 percent from beyond the arc.
Victor Wembanyama was the leading scorer for the Spurs with 27 points and five rebounds. Devin Vassell was the only other starter who scored in double digits, as he notched 21 points, three assists and two rebounds. No other Spurs players scored in double digits. San Antonio shot 41.9 percent from the field and 20.6 percent from three-point range.
The Celtics (32-9) remain one of the best teams in The Association this season and moved to 20-0 at home following an easy win over the Spurs (7-33). With the loss Wednesday, the Spurs fell to 4-17 when playing away from home. Boston looked like the better team from the get-go and jumped to a 30-25 score following the first quarter. The Celtics didn’t step off the gas the rest of the way and pushed their advantage to 25 points following a 40-20 score in the second quarter. The Spurs won the third quarter by a 33-24 score and showed signs of a potential comeback. However, the deficit was simply too big for the Spurs to erase it. The Celtics tightened things up down the stretch and closed the game out with a 23-20 score in the final 12 minutes of action.
Jayson Tatum was one of three Celtics starters who reached the 20-point mark. Tatum finished with 24 points, five rebounds and two assists. Jrue Holiday ended with 22 points, four rebounds and four assists. Jaylen Brown posted 21 points, seven rebounds and five assists. No other Boston players scored in double digits. The Celtics shot 46.7 percent from the field and 47.4 percent from beyond the arc.
Victor Wembanyama was the leading scorer for the Spurs with 27 points and five rebounds. Devin Vassell was the only other starter who scored in double digits, as he notched 21 points, three assists and two rebounds. No other Spurs players scored in double digits. San Antonio shot 41.9 percent from the field and 20.6 percent from three-point range.
Cavaliers Blast Short-Handed Bucks, 135-95
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, 135-95, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Wednesday night.
The Cavaliers (24-15) opened the game with a built-in advantage after it was announced that Giannis Antetokounmpo would sit out due to a shoulder injury, and Cleveland wasted no time exploiting that edge during a first half in which it forged a 66-41 lead. Any hope of the Bucks (28-13) mounting a second-half comeback were quickly dashed in the third, when the hosts enjoyed a 42-26 edge that essentially served to put the game away. The Cavs shot 59.1 percent while limiting Milwaukee to a 40.0 percent success rate from the field and also won the battle of the boards by a 55-36 margin.
Damian Lillard led the Bucks with 17 points, adding five assists, two rebounds and two steals. Bobby Portis finished with 16 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal. Jae Crowder poured in 15 points in his return from a multi-month absence due to a groin injury. Cameron Payne netted 13 points. Brook Lopez registered 11 points, four rebounds, one assist, three blocks and one steal.
Georges Niang paced the Cavaliers with 33 points, complementing them with five rebounds and two assists. Donovan Mitchell turned in 31 points, seven assists, five rebounds and three steals. Jarrett Allen generated a 21-point, 13-rebound double-double that included three assists and one block. Isaac Okoro and Sam Merrill produced matching 10-point contributions while dishing out seven and five assists, respectively.
The Bucks remain on the road and visit the Detroit Pistons on Saturday afternoon, while the Cavaliers visit the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night.
The Cavaliers (24-15) opened the game with a built-in advantage after it was announced that Giannis Antetokounmpo would sit out due to a shoulder injury, and Cleveland wasted no time exploiting that edge during a first half in which it forged a 66-41 lead. Any hope of the Bucks (28-13) mounting a second-half comeback were quickly dashed in the third, when the hosts enjoyed a 42-26 edge that essentially served to put the game away. The Cavs shot 59.1 percent while limiting Milwaukee to a 40.0 percent success rate from the field and also won the battle of the boards by a 55-36 margin.
Damian Lillard led the Bucks with 17 points, adding five assists, two rebounds and two steals. Bobby Portis finished with 16 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal. Jae Crowder poured in 15 points in his return from a multi-month absence due to a groin injury. Cameron Payne netted 13 points. Brook Lopez registered 11 points, four rebounds, one assist, three blocks and one steal.
Georges Niang paced the Cavaliers with 33 points, complementing them with five rebounds and two assists. Donovan Mitchell turned in 31 points, seven assists, five rebounds and three steals. Jarrett Allen generated a 21-point, 13-rebound double-double that included three assists and one block. Isaac Okoro and Sam Merrill produced matching 10-point contributions while dishing out seven and five assists, respectively.
The Bucks remain on the road and visit the Detroit Pistons on Saturday afternoon, while the Cavaliers visit the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night.
Knicks Topple Rockets, 109-94
The New York Knicks defeated the Houston Rockets, 109-94, at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night.
The Rockets (19-21) opened the game with solid work on both ends of the floor to forge a 25-23 lead through one, but the Knicks (24-17) began to take control with a 54-44 advantage in the middle periods. The eight-point edge New York headed into the final quarter with proved enough, with the hosts only expanding their lead after that point.
Fred VanVleet led the Rockets with 24 points, adding 12 assists, three rebounds and one steal. Alperen Sengun followed with an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double that included five assists, four blocks and one steal. Jalen Green delivered 15 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal. Jabari Smith Jr. and Dillon Brooks posted matching 11-point, one-steal contributions, with Smith adding six rebounds.
Julius Randle led the Knicks with 31 points, which he complemented with eight rebounds, four assists and one block. Jalen Brunson supplied 30 points, seven assists and three rebounds. OG Anunoby totaled 15 points, five boards, four steals and one block. Quentin Grimes netted 11 points, and Josh Hart generated a 10-point, 14-rebound double-double that included one assist.
The Rockets remain home and host the Utah Jazz on Saturday night, while the Knicks host the Washington Wizards on Thursday night.
The Rockets (19-21) opened the game with solid work on both ends of the floor to forge a 25-23 lead through one, but the Knicks (24-17) began to take control with a 54-44 advantage in the middle periods. The eight-point edge New York headed into the final quarter with proved enough, with the hosts only expanding their lead after that point.
Fred VanVleet led the Rockets with 24 points, adding 12 assists, three rebounds and one steal. Alperen Sengun followed with an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double that included five assists, four blocks and one steal. Jalen Green delivered 15 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal. Jabari Smith Jr. and Dillon Brooks posted matching 11-point, one-steal contributions, with Smith adding six rebounds.
Julius Randle led the Knicks with 31 points, which he complemented with eight rebounds, four assists and one block. Jalen Brunson supplied 30 points, seven assists and three rebounds. OG Anunoby totaled 15 points, five boards, four steals and one block. Quentin Grimes netted 11 points, and Josh Hart generated a 10-point, 14-rebound double-double that included one assist.
The Rockets remain home and host the Utah Jazz on Saturday night, while the Knicks host the Washington Wizards on Thursday night.
Raptors Blowout Heat In Toronto
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Miami Heat, 121-97, at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Raptors jumped out to a great start and led, 41-18, after one quarter. They kept the pressure on in the second and managed to push their lead up to 35 points heading into the break. The Heat woke up in the third quarter and outscored the hosts, 30-16, to cut it back to a 21-point game entering the final quarter. The Raptors regained their footing in the fourth and cruised to the blowout win, ending a four-game slide.
Gary Trent led the Raptors with 28 points, two rebounds and a steal, in 31 minutes. RJ Barrett followed up with 26 points, eight rebounds and three assists, while Scottie Barnes finished with 20 points, five rebounds, eight assists, two steals and a block.
Meanwhile, Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro tallied 16 points each to lead the way for the Heat. Duncan Robinson added 14 points on 6-for-11 shooting, off the bench. Nikola Jovic chipped in 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a block.
The Heat (24-17) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Hawks on Friday. The Raptors (16-25) play host to the Bulls on Thursday.
The Raptors jumped out to a great start and led, 41-18, after one quarter. They kept the pressure on in the second and managed to push their lead up to 35 points heading into the break. The Heat woke up in the third quarter and outscored the hosts, 30-16, to cut it back to a 21-point game entering the final quarter. The Raptors regained their footing in the fourth and cruised to the blowout win, ending a four-game slide.
Gary Trent led the Raptors with 28 points, two rebounds and a steal, in 31 minutes. RJ Barrett followed up with 26 points, eight rebounds and three assists, while Scottie Barnes finished with 20 points, five rebounds, eight assists, two steals and a block.
Meanwhile, Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro tallied 16 points each to lead the way for the Heat. Duncan Robinson added 14 points on 6-for-11 shooting, off the bench. Nikola Jovic chipped in 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a block.
The Heat (24-17) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Hawks on Friday. The Raptors (16-25) play host to the Bulls on Thursday.
Pelicans Roll Past Hornets In New Orleans
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets, 132-112, at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Pelicans led, 43-36, after one quarter. The pace slowed in the second, while the visitors managed to trim it back to a five-point game heading into the break. The Pelicans reclaimed momentum in the third and outscored the visitors by nine points in the quarter to make it a 14-point difference entering the final frame. Both sides picked up the pace in the fourth, but the hosts stayed in control and cruised to their seventh win in 10 games. This also marks the sixth straight loss for the Hornets.
Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 28 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and three steals, in 34 minutes. CJ McCollum followed up with 22 points, five rebounds, six assists and two blocks, while Jordan Hawkins tallied 21 points, six rebounds and a steal, off the bench.
Meanwhile, LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 29 points, five rebounds, seven assists and two steals, in 31 minutes. Terry Rozier followed up with 25 points, two rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, while Miles Bridges added 19 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Hornets (8-30) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Spurs on Friday. The Pelicans (25-17) play host to the Suns on Friday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Pelicans led, 43-36, after one quarter. The pace slowed in the second, while the visitors managed to trim it back to a five-point game heading into the break. The Pelicans reclaimed momentum in the third and outscored the visitors by nine points in the quarter to make it a 14-point difference entering the final frame. Both sides picked up the pace in the fourth, but the hosts stayed in control and cruised to their seventh win in 10 games. This also marks the sixth straight loss for the Hornets.
Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 28 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and three steals, in 34 minutes. CJ McCollum followed up with 22 points, five rebounds, six assists and two blocks, while Jordan Hawkins tallied 21 points, six rebounds and a steal, off the bench.
Meanwhile, LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 29 points, five rebounds, seven assists and two steals, in 31 minutes. Terry Rozier followed up with 25 points, two rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, while Miles Bridges added 19 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Hornets (8-30) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Spurs on Friday. The Pelicans (25-17) play host to the Suns on Friday.
Lakers Close Out Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Dallas Mavericks, 127-110, at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start and after a couple of lead changes, the Lakers took a six-point lead into the second. The score stayed close through the second, while the Mavericks trimmed it back to a two-point game by halftime. The Lakers turned it up a notch in the third and outscored the visitors, 42-27, to take a 17-point lead into the final frame. The Lakers stayed strong in the fourth and confidently closed out their second straight win.
D'Angelo Russell led the Lakers with 29 points, four rebounds and three assists, in 36 minutes. Anthony Davis followed up with 28 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists, a steal and a block, while LeBron James totaled 25 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 33 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and two blocks, in 36 minutes. Dereck Lively followed up with 16 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Tim Hardaway and Kyrie Irving chipped in 12 points each.
The Mavericks (24-18) will look to bounce back as they take on the Warriors in Golden State on Friday. The Lakers (21-21) play host to the Nets on Friday.
The game got out to a competitive start and after a couple of lead changes, the Lakers took a six-point lead into the second. The score stayed close through the second, while the Mavericks trimmed it back to a two-point game by halftime. The Lakers turned it up a notch in the third and outscored the visitors, 42-27, to take a 17-point lead into the final frame. The Lakers stayed strong in the fourth and confidently closed out their second straight win.
D'Angelo Russell led the Lakers with 29 points, four rebounds and three assists, in 36 minutes. Anthony Davis followed up with 28 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists, a steal and a block, while LeBron James totaled 25 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 33 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and two blocks, in 36 minutes. Dereck Lively followed up with 16 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Tim Hardaway and Kyrie Irving chipped in 12 points each.
The Mavericks (24-18) will look to bounce back as they take on the Warriors in Golden State on Friday. The Lakers (21-21) play host to the Nets on Friday.
This game has been postponed.
Blazers Defeat Nets, 105-103
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Brooklyn Nets, 105-103, at Moda Center on Wednesday.
There were 14 ties and 25 lead changes in this game, with Portland riding a 31-20 fourth quarter to their comeback win. Brooklyn had a game-high 11-point lead late in the third quarter, but the Trail Blazers got a game-winning jumper from Anfernee Simons to capture their comeback victory. Portland shot 86 percent from the free-throw line, while Brooklyn shot just 67 percent. The Trail Blazers also out-rebounded the Nets, 50-43, while outscoring them in the paint, 50-40.
The Nets (16-24) were led by Mikal Bridges, totaling 21 points, four rebounds and four assists. Spencer Dinwiddie had 19 points, two rebounds and seven assists. Cameron Johnson collected 13 points, three rebounds and five assists, while Nic Claxton compiled 12 points, 12 rebounds and three steals. Lonnie Walker led the bench with 13 points.
The Trail Blazers (11-29) were led by Jerami Grant, finishing with 30 points and eight rebounds. Anfernee Simons accrued 20 points, four rebounds and four assists. Duop Reath registered 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists, while Malcolm Brogdon had 16 points, five rebounds and six assists. Scoot Henderson led the bench with seven points, three rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Brooklyn staying on the road to play the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland remaining home to face the Indiana Pacers.
There were 14 ties and 25 lead changes in this game, with Portland riding a 31-20 fourth quarter to their comeback win. Brooklyn had a game-high 11-point lead late in the third quarter, but the Trail Blazers got a game-winning jumper from Anfernee Simons to capture their comeback victory. Portland shot 86 percent from the free-throw line, while Brooklyn shot just 67 percent. The Trail Blazers also out-rebounded the Nets, 50-43, while outscoring them in the paint, 50-40.
The Nets (16-24) were led by Mikal Bridges, totaling 21 points, four rebounds and four assists. Spencer Dinwiddie had 19 points, two rebounds and seven assists. Cameron Johnson collected 13 points, three rebounds and five assists, while Nic Claxton compiled 12 points, 12 rebounds and three steals. Lonnie Walker led the bench with 13 points.
The Trail Blazers (11-29) were led by Jerami Grant, finishing with 30 points and eight rebounds. Anfernee Simons accrued 20 points, four rebounds and four assists. Duop Reath registered 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists, while Malcolm Brogdon had 16 points, five rebounds and six assists. Scoot Henderson led the bench with seven points, three rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Brooklyn staying on the road to play the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland remaining home to face the Indiana Pacers.