Antetokounmpo, Lillard combine for 76 points in win over Pistons
The Milwaukee Bucks took down the Detroit Pistons, 141-135, at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday.
The Pistons (4-38) won the first quarter, 38-34, and extended that lead to as much as nine in the second frame. However, the Bucks (29-13) closed out the first half on a 9-2 run to lead by three points. Milwaukee were able to hold off Detroit from making a run in the third quarter, but the Pistons battled their way back to take the lead in the fourth. Down the stretch, the Bucks were able to pull away thanks to timely buckets and free throws from Damian Lillard as the team improved to 10-9 on the road, while the Pistons dropped to 2-19 at home. Although Detroit shot better from three-point range (21-for-37 vs. 12-for-32), Milwaukee shot better from the field (55.3 percent vs. 46.8 percent) and hit nine more free throws.
Lillard led the Bucks with a season-high 45 points, six rebounds and 11 assists for his seventh double-double of the year. Giannis Antetokounmpo totalled 31 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists and two steals for his 31st double-double of the season. Brook Lopez added 19 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three blocks for his first double-double of the year. Khris Middleton contributed 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Malik Beasley added 11 points and two rebounds, while Pat Connaughton chipped in 10 points and four rebounds off the bench.
Alec Burks led the Pistons off the bench with 33 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Ausar Thompson tallied 22 points and nine rebounds in reserve. Bojan Bogdanovic led the starters with 19 points and two assists, while Jaden Ivey had 18 points, six rebounds and six assists. Mike Muscala made all four of his shot attempts and finished with 13 points off the pine.
The Bucks and Pistons will face off in a rematch Friday, in what will be the last game between the two teams for the 2023-24 season.
The Pistons (4-38) won the first quarter, 38-34, and extended that lead to as much as nine in the second frame. However, the Bucks (29-13) closed out the first half on a 9-2 run to lead by three points. Milwaukee were able to hold off Detroit from making a run in the third quarter, but the Pistons battled their way back to take the lead in the fourth. Down the stretch, the Bucks were able to pull away thanks to timely buckets and free throws from Damian Lillard as the team improved to 10-9 on the road, while the Pistons dropped to 2-19 at home. Although Detroit shot better from three-point range (21-for-37 vs. 12-for-32), Milwaukee shot better from the field (55.3 percent vs. 46.8 percent) and hit nine more free throws.
Lillard led the Bucks with a season-high 45 points, six rebounds and 11 assists for his seventh double-double of the year. Giannis Antetokounmpo totalled 31 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists and two steals for his 31st double-double of the season. Brook Lopez added 19 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three blocks for his first double-double of the year. Khris Middleton contributed 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Malik Beasley added 11 points and two rebounds, while Pat Connaughton chipped in 10 points and four rebounds off the bench.
Alec Burks led the Pistons off the bench with 33 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Ausar Thompson tallied 22 points and nine rebounds in reserve. Bojan Bogdanovic led the starters with 19 points and two assists, while Jaden Ivey had 18 points, six rebounds and six assists. Mike Muscala made all four of his shot attempts and finished with 13 points off the pine.
The Bucks and Pistons will face off in a rematch Friday, in what will be the last game between the two teams for the 2023-24 season.
Spurs Mount Comeback To Defeat Wizards
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Washington Wizards, 131-127, at Capital One Arena on Saturday.
The Spurs (8-34) mounted an impressive comeback in the dying stages of the contest to secure a 131-127 win over the Wizards (7-34). There was little to no defense throughout the entire game, and that was noticeable after a first quarter that ended with a 37-36 score for San Antonio. The Spurs kept it going in the second quarter and made it a six-point game following a 35-30 score in the second quarter. However, the Wizards turned things around in the third quarter and eliminated the deficit following a 34-28 score. The Wizards carried the momentum into the fourth quarter, and, at one point, they were leading by double digits, but they could not sustain that. The Spurs mounted a massive comeback in the final minutes, and they flipped the script admirably enough to turn things around and secure the victory. With the win, the Spurs moved to 5-18 on the road, while the Wizards fell to 3-15 at home.
Victor Wembanyama led the way for the Spurs with 24 points, eight rebounds, four assists and six blocks. Jeremy Sochan finished with 23 points, four rebounds and three assists. Devin Vassell had 21 points, five rebounds and five assists. Keldon Johnson chipped in with 19 points, nine rebounds and two assists off the bench. Tre Jones had 11 points and 12 assists.
Marvin Bagley led the Wizards with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Deni Avdija finished with 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Kyle Kuzma contributed 11 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. Jordan Poole delivered 16 points. Tyus Jones had 13 points and six assists. Corey Kispert had 16 points off the bench.
The Spurs (8-34) mounted an impressive comeback in the dying stages of the contest to secure a 131-127 win over the Wizards (7-34). There was little to no defense throughout the entire game, and that was noticeable after a first quarter that ended with a 37-36 score for San Antonio. The Spurs kept it going in the second quarter and made it a six-point game following a 35-30 score in the second quarter. However, the Wizards turned things around in the third quarter and eliminated the deficit following a 34-28 score. The Wizards carried the momentum into the fourth quarter, and, at one point, they were leading by double digits, but they could not sustain that. The Spurs mounted a massive comeback in the final minutes, and they flipped the script admirably enough to turn things around and secure the victory. With the win, the Spurs moved to 5-18 on the road, while the Wizards fell to 3-15 at home.
Victor Wembanyama led the way for the Spurs with 24 points, eight rebounds, four assists and six blocks. Jeremy Sochan finished with 23 points, four rebounds and three assists. Devin Vassell had 21 points, five rebounds and five assists. Keldon Johnson chipped in with 19 points, nine rebounds and two assists off the bench. Tre Jones had 11 points and 12 assists.
Marvin Bagley led the Wizards with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Deni Avdija finished with 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Kyle Kuzma contributed 11 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. Jordan Poole delivered 16 points. Tyus Jones had 13 points and six assists. Corey Kispert had 16 points off the bench.
Sixers Come From Behind, Defeat Hornets
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 97-89, at Spectrum Center on Saturday.
The 76ers (26-13) and the Hornets (9-31) were both shorthanded entering this game. However, no one would have expected this game to be as close as it ended up being. This low-scoring affair ended with a 24-24 tie after the first quarter, and the 76ers only secured a one-point lead at the break after a 22-21 score in the second quarter. Despite the massive difference between both rosters, the Hornets just wouldn’t go away. The third quarter finished with 28-23 score, and the Hornets looked close to pulling the upset, but that wouldn’t be the case. The Sixers tightened things up when they needed it the most, and they outscored Charlotte by a 28-16 margin. That 12-point differential was enough for Philadelphia to complete the comeback. With the win, the Sixers moved to 12-7 on the road. Meanwhile, the Hornets fell to 5-14 at home.
Joel Embiid led the way for the 76ers with 33 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Tyrese Maxey had 16 points, eight assists, three rebounds and two steals. Tobias Harris finished with 21 points, six assists and five rebounds. No other Philadelphia player scored in double digits. The Sixers shot just 42.4 percent from the field and 20 percent from three-point range.
Miles Bridges led the way for the Hornets with 25 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Brandon Miller recorded 23 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Terry Rozier ended with 19 points, nine rebounds and six assists. P.J. Washington had nine points across 26 minutes. The Hornets shot 41.2 percent from the field and 24.3 percent from deep.
The 76ers (26-13) and the Hornets (9-31) were both shorthanded entering this game. However, no one would have expected this game to be as close as it ended up being. This low-scoring affair ended with a 24-24 tie after the first quarter, and the 76ers only secured a one-point lead at the break after a 22-21 score in the second quarter. Despite the massive difference between both rosters, the Hornets just wouldn’t go away. The third quarter finished with 28-23 score, and the Hornets looked close to pulling the upset, but that wouldn’t be the case. The Sixers tightened things up when they needed it the most, and they outscored Charlotte by a 28-16 margin. That 12-point differential was enough for Philadelphia to complete the comeback. With the win, the Sixers moved to 12-7 on the road. Meanwhile, the Hornets fell to 5-14 at home.
Joel Embiid led the way for the 76ers with 33 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Tyrese Maxey had 16 points, eight assists, three rebounds and two steals. Tobias Harris finished with 21 points, six assists and five rebounds. No other Philadelphia player scored in double digits. The Sixers shot just 42.4 percent from the field and 20 percent from three-point range.
Miles Bridges led the way for the Hornets with 25 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Brandon Miller recorded 23 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Terry Rozier ended with 19 points, nine rebounds and six assists. P.J. Washington had nine points across 26 minutes. The Hornets shot 41.2 percent from the field and 24.3 percent from deep.
Cavs Close Out Seventh Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the host Atlanta Hawks, 116-95, at State Farm Arena on Saturday evening.
The Cavs jumped out to a, 12-2, start and held on to a five-point lead after one quarter. They picked up momentum in the second and outscored the hosts by another nine points to make it a 14-point game at the break. The visitors kept the pressure on in the third and outscored the Hawks, 34-25, in the quarter, pushing their lead up to 23, going into the final frame. The Hawks had no answers down the stretch as they saw a three-game win streak come to an end. This also marks the seventh straight win for the Cavs.
Seven players scored in double digits for the Cavaliers, led by Donovan Mitchell and Sam Merrill, who tallied 18 points each. Dean Wade added 17 points, five rebounds and a steal, while Jarrett Allen totaled 14 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, three steals and three blocks.
Meanwhile, Dejounte Murray led the Hawks with 24 points, nine rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. Jalen Johnson followed up with 20 points, seven rebounds, four assists, a steal and two blocks, while Trae Young finished with 15 points and five assists.
The Hawks (18-24) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Kings in Sacramento on Monday. The Cavs (25-15) take on the Magic in Orlando on Monday.
The Cavs jumped out to a, 12-2, start and held on to a five-point lead after one quarter. They picked up momentum in the second and outscored the hosts by another nine points to make it a 14-point game at the break. The visitors kept the pressure on in the third and outscored the Hawks, 34-25, in the quarter, pushing their lead up to 23, going into the final frame. The Hawks had no answers down the stretch as they saw a three-game win streak come to an end. This also marks the seventh straight win for the Cavs.
Seven players scored in double digits for the Cavaliers, led by Donovan Mitchell and Sam Merrill, who tallied 18 points each. Dean Wade added 17 points, five rebounds and a steal, while Jarrett Allen totaled 14 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, three steals and three blocks.
Meanwhile, Dejounte Murray led the Hawks with 24 points, nine rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. Jalen Johnson followed up with 20 points, seven rebounds, four assists, a steal and two blocks, while Trae Young finished with 15 points and five assists.
The Hawks (18-24) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Kings in Sacramento on Monday. The Cavs (25-15) take on the Magic in Orlando on Monday.
Knicks Charge To Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The New York Knicks defeated the visiting Toronto Raptors, 126-100, at Madison Square Garden on Saturday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start and was tied at 31, after one quarter. The score stayed close through the second, as the Knicks carried a two-point edge into the break. The hosts picked up momentum in the third and outscored the Raptors, 33-21, in the quarter to take a 14-point lead into the final quarter. The visitors had no answers down the stretch as the Knicks charged to their third straight win. This also marks the second straight loss for the Raptors.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 38 points, five rebounds, nine assists and a steals, in 35 minutes. Julius Randle totaled 18 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists, while Precious Achiuwa added 18 points, 11 rebounds and a block, off the bench.
Meanwhile, RJ Barrett led the Raptors with 20 points, eight rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 29 minutes. Gary Trent followed up with 16 points, 6-for-10 shooting, while Immanuel Quickley totaled 12 points, two rebounds, 11 assists and a steal.
The Raptors (16-27) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Grizzlies on Monday. The Knicks (26-17) take on the Nets in Brooklyn on Tuesday.
The game got out to a competitive start and was tied at 31, after one quarter. The score stayed close through the second, as the Knicks carried a two-point edge into the break. The hosts picked up momentum in the third and outscored the Raptors, 33-21, in the quarter to take a 14-point lead into the final quarter. The visitors had no answers down the stretch as the Knicks charged to their third straight win. This also marks the second straight loss for the Raptors.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 38 points, five rebounds, nine assists and a steals, in 35 minutes. Julius Randle totaled 18 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists, while Precious Achiuwa added 18 points, 11 rebounds and a block, off the bench.
Meanwhile, RJ Barrett led the Raptors with 20 points, eight rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 29 minutes. Gary Trent followed up with 16 points, 6-for-10 shooting, while Immanuel Quickley totaled 12 points, two rebounds, 11 assists and a steal.
The Raptors (16-27) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Grizzlies on Monday. The Knicks (26-17) take on the Nets in Brooklyn on Tuesday.
Bulls Rally To Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, 125-96, at United Center on Saturday evening.
The game got out to a slow start as the Bulls held a, 21-17, lead after one quarter. The pace picked up in the second but the hosts kept the upper hand and took a, 50-40, lead into the break. Both sides brought an even higher pace to the third quarter, but the Grizzlies could not keep up, as the Bulls added another seven points to their advantage, with an 86,69, lead entering the final frame. The visitors had no answers in the fourth, as the Bulls confidently closed out their second straight win. This also marks the second straight loss for the Grizzlies.
Ayo Dosunmu led the Bulls with 20 points, six rebounds four assists, a steal and a block, in 28 minutes off the bench. DeMar DeRozan followed up with 18 points, four rebounds and eight assists, while Andre Drummond totaled 15 points, 10 rebounds and four steals.
Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies with 26 points, six rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Luke Kennard and Vince Williams followed up with 14 points each, while David Roddy chipped in 11 points, two rebounds and three assists.
The Grizzlies (15-27) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Raptors in Toronto on Monday. The Bulls (21-23) take on the Suns in Phoenix on Monday.
The game got out to a slow start as the Bulls held a, 21-17, lead after one quarter. The pace picked up in the second but the hosts kept the upper hand and took a, 50-40, lead into the break. Both sides brought an even higher pace to the third quarter, but the Grizzlies could not keep up, as the Bulls added another seven points to their advantage, with an 86,69, lead entering the final frame. The visitors had no answers in the fourth, as the Bulls confidently closed out their second straight win. This also marks the second straight loss for the Grizzlies.
Ayo Dosunmu led the Bulls with 20 points, six rebounds four assists, a steal and a block, in 28 minutes off the bench. DeMar DeRozan followed up with 18 points, four rebounds and eight assists, while Andre Drummond totaled 15 points, 10 rebounds and four steals.
Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies with 26 points, six rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Luke Kennard and Vince Williams followed up with 14 points each, while David Roddy chipped in 11 points, two rebounds and three assists.
The Grizzlies (15-27) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Raptors in Toronto on Monday. The Bulls (21-23) take on the Suns in Phoenix on Monday.
Rockets Defeat Jazz in OT, 127-126
The Houston Rockets defeated the visiting Utah Jazz in overtime, 127-126, at Toyota Center on Saturday.
There were 11 ties and 15 lead changes in this game, taking an overtime session to determine a winner. With that said, Houston had a game-high 14-point lead in the second quarter, but no team led by more than five points in the fourth quarter or overtime. Utah had two game-winning shots in the final 32 seconds but were unable to prevail on either. The Rockets recorded 11 steals and 10 blocks while winning the turnover battle, 17-7. That allowed them to outscored Utah in fastbreak points, 19-10.
The Jazz (22-22) were led by Jordan Clarkson, compiling 33 points, 12 rebounds and four assists off the bench. Collin Sexton collected 28 points, three rebounds, five assists and two steals. Lauri Markkanen amassed 22 points and nine rebounds, while Kris Dunn had 10 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Walker Kessler totaled seven points, 10 rebounds, three assists and five blocks.
The Rockets (20-21) were led by Alperen Sengun, accruing 37 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. Jabari Smith generated 24 points, 10 rebounds and two steals. Fred VanVleet finished with 18 points, five rebounds, seven assists and three blocks, while Cam Whitmore led the bench with 17 points, five rebounds and two blocks.
Houston has to play again on Sunday, remaining home to play the Boston Celtics. As for Utah, they return to action on Tuesday in a road matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans.
There were 11 ties and 15 lead changes in this game, taking an overtime session to determine a winner. With that said, Houston had a game-high 14-point lead in the second quarter, but no team led by more than five points in the fourth quarter or overtime. Utah had two game-winning shots in the final 32 seconds but were unable to prevail on either. The Rockets recorded 11 steals and 10 blocks while winning the turnover battle, 17-7. That allowed them to outscored Utah in fastbreak points, 19-10.
The Jazz (22-22) were led by Jordan Clarkson, compiling 33 points, 12 rebounds and four assists off the bench. Collin Sexton collected 28 points, three rebounds, five assists and two steals. Lauri Markkanen amassed 22 points and nine rebounds, while Kris Dunn had 10 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Walker Kessler totaled seven points, 10 rebounds, three assists and five blocks.
The Rockets (20-21) were led by Alperen Sengun, accruing 37 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. Jabari Smith generated 24 points, 10 rebounds and two steals. Fred VanVleet finished with 18 points, five rebounds, seven assists and three blocks, while Cam Whitmore led the bench with 17 points, five rebounds and two blocks.
Houston has to play again on Sunday, remaining home to play the Boston Celtics. As for Utah, they return to action on Tuesday in a road matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Thunder Defeat T'Wolves, 102-97
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the host Minnesota Timberwolves, 102-97, at Target Center on Saturday.
There were seven ties and eight lead changes in this game, with Oklahoma City riding a 28-14 fourth quarter to their comeback victory. Minnesota actually had a double-digit lead in the opening minutes of the fourth but was unable to hold on. Anthony Edwards had three free-throw attempts with 3.5 seconds left that would've tied the game, but he missed all three. That was a key difference, with the Thunder shooting 86 percent from the free-throw line (30-of-35) while the T'Wolves shot 72 percent (21-of-29). OKC also won the turnover battle, 21-8.
The Thunder (29-13) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, collecting 33 points, two rebounds, six assists and two steals. Jalen Williams totaled 20 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals. Chet Holmgren had 15 points, five rebounds, two assists and two blocks, while Luguentz Dort generated 14 points, five rebounds and two steals.
The Timberwolves (30-12) were led by Edwards, finishing with 19 points, five rebounds and five assists. Karl-Anthony Towns tallied 19 points, 11 rebounds and two assists. Jaden McDaniels accrued 15 points and two rebounds, while Rudy Gobert gobbled up seven points, 18 rebounds and two assists. Naz Reid led the bench with 18 points, three rebounds and four blocks.
On deck for Oklahoma City is a home matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday. As for Minnesota, they're off until Wednesday, when they travel to face the Washington Wizards.
There were seven ties and eight lead changes in this game, with Oklahoma City riding a 28-14 fourth quarter to their comeback victory. Minnesota actually had a double-digit lead in the opening minutes of the fourth but was unable to hold on. Anthony Edwards had three free-throw attempts with 3.5 seconds left that would've tied the game, but he missed all three. That was a key difference, with the Thunder shooting 86 percent from the free-throw line (30-of-35) while the T'Wolves shot 72 percent (21-of-29). OKC also won the turnover battle, 21-8.
The Thunder (29-13) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, collecting 33 points, two rebounds, six assists and two steals. Jalen Williams totaled 20 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals. Chet Holmgren had 15 points, five rebounds, two assists and two blocks, while Luguentz Dort generated 14 points, five rebounds and two steals.
The Timberwolves (30-12) were led by Edwards, finishing with 19 points, five rebounds and five assists. Karl-Anthony Towns tallied 19 points, 11 rebounds and two assists. Jaden McDaniels accrued 15 points and two rebounds, while Rudy Gobert gobbled up seven points, 18 rebounds and two assists. Naz Reid led the bench with 18 points, three rebounds and four blocks.
On deck for Oklahoma City is a home matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday. As for Minnesota, they're off until Wednesday, when they travel to face the Washington Wizards.