Embiid, Maxey combine for 68 points in win over Magic on Friday
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Orlando Magic, 124-109, at the Kia Center on Friday.
The two teams traded buckets in the first quarter, but the 76ers (27-13) took advantage of a 16-2 run in the second quarter and held an eight-point lead at halftime. The Magic (22-20) were able to hold their opponents to 21 points in the third quarter, but scored just 16 points of their own in the frame. Orlando wasn’t able to make much headway over the last 12 minutes of the game, and both teams elected to empty their bench in the final moments of the game. The 76ers move to 11-7 on the road, while the Magic drop to 13-6 at home.
As he’s done all season, Joel Embiid led the way for the 76ers with a game-high 36 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a season-high four steals. Co-star Tyrese Maxey wasn’t too far behind with 32 points, three rebounds, five assists and three steals. Kelly Oubre added 15 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Tobias Harris tallied 12 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals. Marcus Morris led the bench with 10 points and nine rebounds.
Wendall Carter led the Magic off the bench with a season-high 25 points and 11 rebounds for his second double-double of the year. Jalen Suggs registered 16 points, two rebounds and two assists, while Paolo Banchero had 14 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Joe Ingles added nine points and three assists in reserve, while Chuma Okeke added eight points.
Next up, the 76ers head to Charlotte to take on the Hornets on Saturday, while the Magic host the Miami Heat on Sunday.
The two teams traded buckets in the first quarter, but the 76ers (27-13) took advantage of a 16-2 run in the second quarter and held an eight-point lead at halftime. The Magic (22-20) were able to hold their opponents to 21 points in the third quarter, but scored just 16 points of their own in the frame. Orlando wasn’t able to make much headway over the last 12 minutes of the game, and both teams elected to empty their bench in the final moments of the game. The 76ers move to 11-7 on the road, while the Magic drop to 13-6 at home.
As he’s done all season, Joel Embiid led the way for the 76ers with a game-high 36 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a season-high four steals. Co-star Tyrese Maxey wasn’t too far behind with 32 points, three rebounds, five assists and three steals. Kelly Oubre added 15 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Tobias Harris tallied 12 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals. Marcus Morris led the bench with 10 points and nine rebounds.
Wendall Carter led the Magic off the bench with a season-high 25 points and 11 rebounds for his second double-double of the year. Jalen Suggs registered 16 points, two rebounds and two assists, while Paolo Banchero had 14 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Joe Ingles added nine points and three assists in reserve, while Chuma Okeke added eight points.
Next up, the 76ers head to Charlotte to take on the Hornets on Saturday, while the Magic host the Miami Heat on Sunday.
Hornets Hold On To Defeat Spurs
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 124-120, at Spectrum Center on Friday.
The Hornets (9-30) and the Spurs (7-34) have been two of the worst teams in the NBA during the current season. However, the Hornets got the better of the Spurs here simply because Charlotte was closer to full strength. San Antonio felt the absence of Victor Wembanyama, who was rested for this game, and the Hornets managed to hold off a late comeback bid in the fourth quarter to secure the victory. The game was tight in the early stages following a 34-32 score in the first quarter, but the Hornets started to pull away following a 32-26 score in the second quarter. A 31-27 score for Charlotte made it a double-digit game heading into the final 12 minutes. The Spurs wanted to mount a comeback and won the fourth quarter by a 35-27 score. However, they came up short in flipping the script and had to settle with the loss. With the win, the Hornets moved to 5-13 at home. Meanwhile, the Spurs fell to 4-18 on the road.
LaMelo Ball led the way for the Hornets with 28 points and eight assists. Brandon Miller posted 24 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals. Miles Bridges finished with 23 points, six rebounds, three assists and a block. P.J. Washington recorded 20 points and six rebounds. Terry Rozier had 17 points, six rebounds and eight assists. Charlotte shot 56 percent from the field and 55.2 percent from three-point range.
Keldon Johnson led the way for the Spurs with 25 points, four rebounds and three assists off the bench. Zach Collins posted 16 points, four rebounds and four assists. Tre Jones finished with 16 points, four assists, three steals and two rebounds. Jeremy Sochan recorded 11 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. The Spurs shot 56 percent from the field and 46.9 percent from three-point range.
The Hornets (9-30) and the Spurs (7-34) have been two of the worst teams in the NBA during the current season. However, the Hornets got the better of the Spurs here simply because Charlotte was closer to full strength. San Antonio felt the absence of Victor Wembanyama, who was rested for this game, and the Hornets managed to hold off a late comeback bid in the fourth quarter to secure the victory. The game was tight in the early stages following a 34-32 score in the first quarter, but the Hornets started to pull away following a 32-26 score in the second quarter. A 31-27 score for Charlotte made it a double-digit game heading into the final 12 minutes. The Spurs wanted to mount a comeback and won the fourth quarter by a 35-27 score. However, they came up short in flipping the script and had to settle with the loss. With the win, the Hornets moved to 5-13 at home. Meanwhile, the Spurs fell to 4-18 on the road.
LaMelo Ball led the way for the Hornets with 28 points and eight assists. Brandon Miller posted 24 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals. Miles Bridges finished with 23 points, six rebounds, three assists and a block. P.J. Washington recorded 20 points and six rebounds. Terry Rozier had 17 points, six rebounds and eight assists. Charlotte shot 56 percent from the field and 55.2 percent from three-point range.
Keldon Johnson led the way for the Spurs with 25 points, four rebounds and three assists off the bench. Zach Collins posted 16 points, four rebounds and four assists. Tre Jones finished with 16 points, four assists, three steals and two rebounds. Jeremy Sochan recorded 11 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. The Spurs shot 56 percent from the field and 46.9 percent from three-point range.
Nuggets Edge Celtics, 102-100
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Boston Celtics, 102-100, at TD Garden on Friday night.
The Celtics (32-10) came into the contest with pristine 20-0 home record, and although the defending champions were certainly a formidable challenge, Boston appeared prepared to meet it when it forged a 61-55 halftime lead over the Nuggets (29-14). However, Denver would eliminate all but one point from its deficit in the third, and the visitors then limited their hosts to just 18 points over the final 12 minutes. A topsy-turvy fourth quarter saw the Celtics get within one with 1:41 remaining, but the Nuggets were able to force three misses, two on the part of Jayson Tatum, in the closing minute-plus to secure the win.
Jamal Murray led the way for the Nuggets with 35 points, adding eight rebounds and five assists. Nikola Jokic followed with a 34-point, 12-rebound double-double that included nine assists. Michael Porter Jr. furnished 13 points and eight rebounds. Peyton Watson supplied nine points and two boards off the bench.
Derrick White led the Celtics with 24 points, supplementing them with five assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Tatum registered 22 points, eight rebounds, five assists and one steal. Kristaps Porzingis delivered 21 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one block. Jaylen Brown totaled 13 points, two rebounds and one assist.
The Nuggets remain on the road and visit the Washington Wizards on Sunday evening, while the Celtics visit the Houston Rockets on Sunday night.
The Celtics (32-10) came into the contest with pristine 20-0 home record, and although the defending champions were certainly a formidable challenge, Boston appeared prepared to meet it when it forged a 61-55 halftime lead over the Nuggets (29-14). However, Denver would eliminate all but one point from its deficit in the third, and the visitors then limited their hosts to just 18 points over the final 12 minutes. A topsy-turvy fourth quarter saw the Celtics get within one with 1:41 remaining, but the Nuggets were able to force three misses, two on the part of Jayson Tatum, in the closing minute-plus to secure the win.
Jamal Murray led the way for the Nuggets with 35 points, adding eight rebounds and five assists. Nikola Jokic followed with a 34-point, 12-rebound double-double that included nine assists. Michael Porter Jr. furnished 13 points and eight rebounds. Peyton Watson supplied nine points and two boards off the bench.
Derrick White led the Celtics with 24 points, supplementing them with five assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Tatum registered 22 points, eight rebounds, five assists and one steal. Kristaps Porzingis delivered 21 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one block. Jaylen Brown totaled 13 points, two rebounds and one assist.
The Nuggets remain on the road and visit the Washington Wizards on Sunday evening, while the Celtics visit the Houston Rockets on Sunday night.
Suns Handle Pelicans, 123-109
The Phoenix Suns defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 123-109, at Smoothie King Center on Friday night.
The Suns (23-18) served notice of what type of night it would be by establishing a dominant 41-28 lead over the Pelicans (25-18) in the first quarter. Phoenix increased its advantage by another seven points during the middle periods, essentially making the fourth quarter a formality. The visitors shot 49.5 percent and won the rebounding battle, 48-42.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 52 points, adding five assists and four rebounds. Kevin Durant furnished 26 points, five boards, two assist, two steals and two blocks. Bradley Beal supplied 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Grayson Allen delivered 12 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals.
Zion Williamson paced the Pelicans with 24 points, complementing them with three rebounds, one assist and one block. Brandon Ingram contributed 17 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double that included three assists. CJ McCollum and Jordan Hawkins produced 13 point each while pulling down four and two rebounds, respectively. McCollum also dished out four assists and recorded two blocks.
The Suns remain home and host the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night, while the Pelicans host the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night.
The Suns (23-18) served notice of what type of night it would be by establishing a dominant 41-28 lead over the Pelicans (25-18) in the first quarter. Phoenix increased its advantage by another seven points during the middle periods, essentially making the fourth quarter a formality. The visitors shot 49.5 percent and won the rebounding battle, 48-42.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 52 points, adding five assists and four rebounds. Kevin Durant furnished 26 points, five boards, two assist, two steals and two blocks. Bradley Beal supplied 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Grayson Allen delivered 12 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals.
Zion Williamson paced the Pelicans with 24 points, complementing them with three rebounds, one assist and one block. Brandon Ingram contributed 17 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double that included three assists. CJ McCollum and Jordan Hawkins produced 13 point each while pulling down four and two rebounds, respectively. McCollum also dished out four assists and recorded two blocks.
The Suns remain home and host the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night, while the Pelicans host the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night.
Hawks Edge Heat For Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the host Miami Heat, 109-108, at Kaseya Center on Friday evening.
The Hawks got out to a strong start and led, 32-24, after one quarter. The Heat bounced back in the second and trailed by just one at the break. The hosts picked up momentum in the third and led for most of the quarter, before taking a two-point advantage into the fourth. The Hawks grabbed the edge early in the fourth and after a couple of lead changes, they came out on top in the end to earn their third straight win. This also marks the second straight loss for the Heat.
Dejounte Murray led the Hawks with 22 points, three rebounds, 11 assists and two steals, in 40 minutes. Bogdan Bogdanovic followed up with 17 points and three rebounds, while Jalen Johnson tallied 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler totaled 25 points, five rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Tyler Herro finished with 25 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal, to lead the way for the Heat. Bam Adebayo logged 21 points, nine rebounds, six assists and a steal.
The Heat (24-18) will look to bounce back as they take on the Magic in Orlando on Sunday. The Hawks (18-23) play host to the Cavs on Saturday.
The Hawks got out to a strong start and led, 32-24, after one quarter. The Heat bounced back in the second and trailed by just one at the break. The hosts picked up momentum in the third and led for most of the quarter, before taking a two-point advantage into the fourth. The Hawks grabbed the edge early in the fourth and after a couple of lead changes, they came out on top in the end to earn their third straight win. This also marks the second straight loss for the Heat.
Dejounte Murray led the Hawks with 22 points, three rebounds, 11 assists and two steals, in 40 minutes. Bogdan Bogdanovic followed up with 17 points and three rebounds, while Jalen Johnson tallied 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler totaled 25 points, five rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Tyler Herro finished with 25 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal, to lead the way for the Heat. Bam Adebayo logged 21 points, nine rebounds, six assists and a steal.
The Heat (24-18) will look to bounce back as they take on the Magic in Orlando on Sunday. The Hawks (18-23) play host to the Cavs on Saturday.
This game is postponed.
Blazers Defeat Pacers, 118-115
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Indiana Pacers, 118-115, at Moda Center on Friday.
Portland never relinquished the lead after the first quarter, putting things away with a 30-22 second quarter. Indiana tied the game a few times in the second half but never got over that hump. The Trail Blazers shot 50 percent from the field and 86 percent from the free-throw line (30-of-35), while the Pacers shot 43 percent from the field and 68 percent from the charity stripe (17-of-25). Portland out-rebounded Indiana, 57-50, while outscoring them in the paint, 66-26.
The Pacers (24-18) were led by Myles Turner, tallying 29 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks. Pascal Siakam collected 21 points, six rebounds and three assists in his debut. Tyrese Haliburton had 21 points, two rebounds and 17 assists, while Buddy Hield had 18 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Aaron Nesmith accrued 12 points, four rebounds and two assists.
The Trail Blazers (12-30) were led by Jerami Grant, generating 37 points, four rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Malcolm Brogdon accumulated 30 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Jabari Walker amassed 13 points, 12 rebounds and three assists, while DeAndre Ayton had 12 points, eight rebounds and two blocks.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Indiana staying on the road to play the Phoenix Suns and Portland traveling to face the Los Angeles Lakers.
Portland never relinquished the lead after the first quarter, putting things away with a 30-22 second quarter. Indiana tied the game a few times in the second half but never got over that hump. The Trail Blazers shot 50 percent from the field and 86 percent from the free-throw line (30-of-35), while the Pacers shot 43 percent from the field and 68 percent from the charity stripe (17-of-25). Portland out-rebounded Indiana, 57-50, while outscoring them in the paint, 66-26.
The Pacers (24-18) were led by Myles Turner, tallying 29 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks. Pascal Siakam collected 21 points, six rebounds and three assists in his debut. Tyrese Haliburton had 21 points, two rebounds and 17 assists, while Buddy Hield had 18 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Aaron Nesmith accrued 12 points, four rebounds and two assists.
The Trail Blazers (12-30) were led by Jerami Grant, generating 37 points, four rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Malcolm Brogdon accumulated 30 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Jabari Walker amassed 13 points, 12 rebounds and three assists, while DeAndre Ayton had 12 points, eight rebounds and two blocks.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Indiana staying on the road to play the Phoenix Suns and Portland traveling to face the Los Angeles Lakers.
Nets Defeat Lakers, 130-112
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the host Los Angeles Lakers, 130-112, at Crypto.com Arena on Friday.
While Los Angeles held the lead for the entirety of the first half, Brooklyn rode a 38-22 third quarter to their blowout win. They outscored the Lakers in the second half, 68-44, getting their lead up to 23 points at times. They held a double-digit lead for the whole of the fourth quarter. The Nets shot 53 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range, while the Lakers shot 44 percent from the field and 36 percent from long range. Brooklyn also won the turnover battle, 14-8, while outscoring them in the paint, 56-48.
The Nets (17-24) were led by Cam Thomas, collecting 33 points, three rebounds and four assists on 13-of-18 shooting off the bench. Nic Claxton led the starters with 22 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks on 11-of-16 shooting. Spencer Dinwiddie amassed 19 points, three rebounds and four assists, while Mikal Bridges generated 17 points, five assists and two steals.
The Lakers (21-22) were led by Anthony Davis, finishing with 26 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks. LeBron James collected 24 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. D'Angelo Russell registered 20 points and seven assists, while Jarred Vanderbilt led the bench with 12 points and five boards.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Brooklyn staying in LA to face the Los Angeles Clippers and the Lakers remaining home to play the Portland Trail Blazers.
While Los Angeles held the lead for the entirety of the first half, Brooklyn rode a 38-22 third quarter to their blowout win. They outscored the Lakers in the second half, 68-44, getting their lead up to 23 points at times. They held a double-digit lead for the whole of the fourth quarter. The Nets shot 53 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range, while the Lakers shot 44 percent from the field and 36 percent from long range. Brooklyn also won the turnover battle, 14-8, while outscoring them in the paint, 56-48.
The Nets (17-24) were led by Cam Thomas, collecting 33 points, three rebounds and four assists on 13-of-18 shooting off the bench. Nic Claxton led the starters with 22 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks on 11-of-16 shooting. Spencer Dinwiddie amassed 19 points, three rebounds and four assists, while Mikal Bridges generated 17 points, five assists and two steals.
The Lakers (21-22) were led by Anthony Davis, finishing with 26 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks. LeBron James collected 24 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. D'Angelo Russell registered 20 points and seven assists, while Jarred Vanderbilt led the bench with 12 points and five boards.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Brooklyn staying in LA to face the Los Angeles Clippers and the Lakers remaining home to play the Portland Trail Blazers.