Harden, Clippers complete comeback against Nets on Sunday
The Los Angeles Clippers came back from behind to take down the Brooklyn Nets, 125-114, at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday.
The Nets (17-25) continued their momentum from Friday's win over the Los Angeles Lakers, as they took a 61-49 lead into halftime. The Nets managed to extend their lead by as much as 18 in the third, but it was in the fourth quarter when the Clippers (27-14) made their stand. Brooklyn were up by nine with less than seven minutes to play before Los Angeles closed out the fourth quarter on a 24-4 run, won the frame 41-15, and took the game for their second straight win. The Clippers completed their comeback thanks to hitting 28 of 33 free throw attempts (compared to 12 of 16 by the Nets), and by scoring 20 points off turnovers.
Mikal Bridges led the Nets with 26 points, six rebounds and five assists. Cam Thomas provided a spark off the bench with 20 points, two rebounds and six assists, though he was responsible for four of the team’s 12 turnovers. Nic Claxton added 16 points, six rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Spencer Dinwiddie chipped in 16 points, two rebounds and seven assists. Dennis Smith contributed 13 points and three rebounds in reserve.
James Harden registered his 11th double-double of the season and finished Sunday’s win with 24 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. Russell Westbrook led the bench with 23 points, nine rebounds and six assists and finished with a game-best plus-22 point differential. Kawhi Leonard tallied 21 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Terrance Mann had 13 points, three rebounds and two assists. Paul George missed 12 of his 17 shot attempts and totaled 12 points and seven rebounds.
Both teams will next play Tuesday. The Brooklyn Nets return home to host the Knicks, while the Clippers take on the Lakers in the battle of Los Angeles.
The Nets (17-25) continued their momentum from Friday's win over the Los Angeles Lakers, as they took a 61-49 lead into halftime. The Nets managed to extend their lead by as much as 18 in the third, but it was in the fourth quarter when the Clippers (27-14) made their stand. Brooklyn were up by nine with less than seven minutes to play before Los Angeles closed out the fourth quarter on a 24-4 run, won the frame 41-15, and took the game for their second straight win. The Clippers completed their comeback thanks to hitting 28 of 33 free throw attempts (compared to 12 of 16 by the Nets), and by scoring 20 points off turnovers.
Mikal Bridges led the Nets with 26 points, six rebounds and five assists. Cam Thomas provided a spark off the bench with 20 points, two rebounds and six assists, though he was responsible for four of the team’s 12 turnovers. Nic Claxton added 16 points, six rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Spencer Dinwiddie chipped in 16 points, two rebounds and seven assists. Dennis Smith contributed 13 points and three rebounds in reserve.
James Harden registered his 11th double-double of the season and finished Sunday’s win with 24 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. Russell Westbrook led the bench with 23 points, nine rebounds and six assists and finished with a game-best plus-22 point differential. Kawhi Leonard tallied 21 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Terrance Mann had 13 points, three rebounds and two assists. Paul George missed 12 of his 17 shot attempts and totaled 12 points and seven rebounds.
Both teams will next play Tuesday. The Brooklyn Nets return home to host the Knicks, while the Clippers take on the Lakers in the battle of Los Angeles.
Magic Avenge Recent Losses, Defeat Heat
The Orlando Magic defeated the Miami Heat, 105-87, at Amway Center on Sunday.
A new edition of this Sunshine State rivalry happened Sunday. However, unlike in the previous two meetings between these two teams, the Magic (23-20) came out on top against the Heat (24-19). The game was close in the early stages, but Orlando raced to a 22-19 lead in the first quarter. The Magic couldn’t bolster their advantage, as the Heat responded with a 27-26 score in the second quarter, making it a two-point game at halftime. The Magic pulled away for good in the third quarter, however, outscoring Miami by a 33-23 score and not looking back the rest of the way. The Magic held a 12-point lead with 12 minutes left, and they didn’t have problems closing things out in the fourth. With the win, the Magic moved to 14-6 at home. Meanwhile, the Heat fell to 12-11 on the road.
Paolo Banchero led the way for the Magic with 20 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Franz Wagner had 19 points and five assists. Wendell Carter Jr. posted 17 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Markelle Fultz finished with 12 points, four assists and two steals. Jalen Suggs had 11 points and four boards. Orlando shot 47.4 percent from the field and 32.1 percent from three-point range.
Bam Adebayo led the way for the Heat with 22 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Jimmy Butler had 15 points, four rebounds and two assists. Tyler Herro delivered 12 points. Caleb Martin had 11 points, four rebounds and four assists. Miami shot 37.5 percent from the field and 32.4 percent from three-point range.
A new edition of this Sunshine State rivalry happened Sunday. However, unlike in the previous two meetings between these two teams, the Magic (23-20) came out on top against the Heat (24-19). The game was close in the early stages, but Orlando raced to a 22-19 lead in the first quarter. The Magic couldn’t bolster their advantage, as the Heat responded with a 27-26 score in the second quarter, making it a two-point game at halftime. The Magic pulled away for good in the third quarter, however, outscoring Miami by a 33-23 score and not looking back the rest of the way. The Magic held a 12-point lead with 12 minutes left, and they didn’t have problems closing things out in the fourth. With the win, the Magic moved to 14-6 at home. Meanwhile, the Heat fell to 12-11 on the road.
Paolo Banchero led the way for the Magic with 20 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Franz Wagner had 19 points and five assists. Wendell Carter Jr. posted 17 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Markelle Fultz finished with 12 points, four assists and two steals. Jalen Suggs had 11 points and four boards. Orlando shot 47.4 percent from the field and 32.1 percent from three-point range.
Bam Adebayo led the way for the Heat with 22 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Jimmy Butler had 15 points, four rebounds and two assists. Tyler Herro delivered 12 points. Caleb Martin had 11 points, four rebounds and four assists. Miami shot 37.5 percent from the field and 32.4 percent from three-point range.
Nuggets Cruise To Win Over Wizards
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Washington Wizards, 113-104, at Capital One Arena on Sunday.
The Nuggets (30-14) were not at their best in this game Sunday, but they didn’t need to in order to get past the Wizards (7-35) despite playing on the road. The difference in terms of quality is massive between both teams, and it showed early on, as the Nuggets jumped to a 33-24 score in the first quarter. Denver extended their advantage to a 29-28 score in the second quarter, making it a double-digit game. The Wizards fought back, but they were unable to turn things around despite keeping things close. The third quarter ended with a 27-26 score for Denver, and while the final 12 minutes saw Washington on top by a 26-24 tally, it was not enough to even sniff a potential comeback. With the win, the Nuggets moved to 13-10 on the road. Meanwhile, the Wizards fell to 3-16 at home.
Nikola Jokic carried the Nuggets in this win, putting up 42 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists and three blocks. Jamal Murray finished with 19 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Michael Porter had 19 points, six rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope delivered 10 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals. Aaron Gordon recorded 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Kyle Kuzma led the way for the Wizards with 17 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Daniel Gafford, who returned from a concussion that made him miss two games, posted 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jordan Poole notched four points (1-7 FG). Tyus Jones had 15 points and 13 assists. Marvin Bagley III and Landry Shamet each had 14 points off the bench.
The Nuggets (30-14) were not at their best in this game Sunday, but they didn’t need to in order to get past the Wizards (7-35) despite playing on the road. The difference in terms of quality is massive between both teams, and it showed early on, as the Nuggets jumped to a 33-24 score in the first quarter. Denver extended their advantage to a 29-28 score in the second quarter, making it a double-digit game. The Wizards fought back, but they were unable to turn things around despite keeping things close. The third quarter ended with a 27-26 score for Denver, and while the final 12 minutes saw Washington on top by a 26-24 tally, it was not enough to even sniff a potential comeback. With the win, the Nuggets moved to 13-10 on the road. Meanwhile, the Wizards fell to 3-16 at home.
Nikola Jokic carried the Nuggets in this win, putting up 42 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists and three blocks. Jamal Murray finished with 19 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Michael Porter had 19 points, six rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope delivered 10 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals. Aaron Gordon recorded 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Kyle Kuzma led the way for the Wizards with 17 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Daniel Gafford, who returned from a concussion that made him miss two games, posted 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jordan Poole notched four points (1-7 FG). Tyus Jones had 15 points and 13 assists. Marvin Bagley III and Landry Shamet each had 14 points off the bench.
Celtics Handle Rockets, 116-107
The Boston Celtics defeated the Houston Rockets,116-107, at Toyota Center on Sunday night.
The Celtics (33-10), fresh off their first home loss of the season, opened the game looking like they were on a mission of atonement for that stumble. Boston owned a 35-25 lead after one, and the visitors had expanded their advantage over the host Rockets (20-22) by another five points going into halftime. Houston would lop five points off its deficit in the third, but the Celtics nearly matched the home squad basket for basket in the fourth to still emerge with a win.
Kristaps Porzingis led the Celtics with 32 points, adding one assist, five blocks and one steal. Derrick White generated a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double that included three assists and two blocks. Jayson Tatum furnished 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. Jaylen Brown delivered a 13-point, 11-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included three steals.
Dillon Brooks paced the Rockets with 25 points, complementing them with five rebounds, one assist and four steals. Alperen Sengun posted a 24-point, 12-rebound, 10-assist triple-double. Jalen Green managed 16 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal. Amen Thompson provided a 15-point, 14-rebound double-double that included five assists and one steal. Aaron Holiday registered 12 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal.
The Celtics remain on the road and visit the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night, while the Rockets are home against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night.
The Celtics (33-10), fresh off their first home loss of the season, opened the game looking like they were on a mission of atonement for that stumble. Boston owned a 35-25 lead after one, and the visitors had expanded their advantage over the host Rockets (20-22) by another five points going into halftime. Houston would lop five points off its deficit in the third, but the Celtics nearly matched the home squad basket for basket in the fourth to still emerge with a win.
Kristaps Porzingis led the Celtics with 32 points, adding one assist, five blocks and one steal. Derrick White generated a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double that included three assists and two blocks. Jayson Tatum furnished 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. Jaylen Brown delivered a 13-point, 11-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included three steals.
Dillon Brooks paced the Rockets with 25 points, complementing them with five rebounds, one assist and four steals. Alperen Sengun posted a 24-point, 12-rebound, 10-assist triple-double. Jalen Green managed 16 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal. Amen Thompson provided a 15-point, 14-rebound double-double that included five assists and one steal. Aaron Holiday registered 12 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal.
The Celtics remain on the road and visit the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night, while the Rockets are home against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night.
Suns Close Out Fifth Straight
By Dan Bruno
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Indiana Pacers, 117-110, at Footprint Center on Sunday evening.
The Suns got out to a good start and led, 33-25, after one quarter. The Pacers picked up their play in the second and outscored the hosts, 36-32, in the quarter to cut it to a four-point game at the break. The hosts reclaimed momentum in the third and pushed their lead back up to eight points heading into the final frame. The Pacers put up a fight in the fourth, grabbing a brief edge, before the Suns closed on a, 14-5, run to secure their fifth straight win. This also marks the second straight loss for the Pacers.
Kevin Durant led the Suns with 40 points, nine rebounds, two assists and three blocks, in 40 minutes. Devin Booker followed up with 26 points, six rebounds, eight assists and two steals, while Bradley Beal tallied 25 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, six players scored in double digits for the pacers, led by Buddy Hield, who finished with 18 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 31 minutes. Pascal Siakam added 15 points, four rebounds and seven assists, while Jalen Smith tallied 15 points, four rebounds, a steal and two blocks.
The Pacers (24-19) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nuggets on Tuesday. The Suns (24-18) play host to the Bulls on Monday.
The Suns got out to a good start and led, 33-25, after one quarter. The Pacers picked up their play in the second and outscored the hosts, 36-32, in the quarter to cut it to a four-point game at the break. The hosts reclaimed momentum in the third and pushed their lead back up to eight points heading into the final frame. The Pacers put up a fight in the fourth, grabbing a brief edge, before the Suns closed on a, 14-5, run to secure their fifth straight win. This also marks the second straight loss for the Pacers.
Kevin Durant led the Suns with 40 points, nine rebounds, two assists and three blocks, in 40 minutes. Devin Booker followed up with 26 points, six rebounds, eight assists and two steals, while Bradley Beal tallied 25 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, six players scored in double digits for the pacers, led by Buddy Hield, who finished with 18 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 31 minutes. Pascal Siakam added 15 points, four rebounds and seven assists, while Jalen Smith tallied 15 points, four rebounds, a steal and two blocks.
The Pacers (24-19) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nuggets on Tuesday. The Suns (24-18) play host to the Bulls on Monday.
Lakers Roll Trail Blazers, 134-110
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Portland Trail Blazers, 134-110, at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday.
Los Angeles won all four individual quarters in this game, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. They got their lead up to 27 points at times and maintained a double-digit lead for the closing 18 minutes. The Lakers shot 55 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range while holding the Trail Blazers to 47 percent from the field and 31 percent from long range. Los Angeles also out-rebounded Portland, 51-41, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 35-8.
The Trail Blazers (12-30) were led by Malcolm Brogdon, collecting 23 points, seven rebounds and nine assists. Anfernee Simons amassed 19 points, two rebounds and three assists. Jerami Grant generated 17 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Jabari Walker totaled 12 points and seven boards. Duop Reath led the bench with 16 points, three rebounds and four assists.
The Lakers (22-22) were led by D'Angelo Russell, registering 34 points, eight assists and two blocks. LeBron James tallied 28 points, five rebounds and five assists. Austin Reaves accrued 15 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Anthony Davis finished with 14 points, 14 rebounds and three assists. Cam Reddish led the bench with 10 points, four rebounds and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Los Angeles playing the Los Angeles Clippers and Portland staying on the road to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Los Angeles won all four individual quarters in this game, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. They got their lead up to 27 points at times and maintained a double-digit lead for the closing 18 minutes. The Lakers shot 55 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range while holding the Trail Blazers to 47 percent from the field and 31 percent from long range. Los Angeles also out-rebounded Portland, 51-41, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 35-8.
The Trail Blazers (12-30) were led by Malcolm Brogdon, collecting 23 points, seven rebounds and nine assists. Anfernee Simons amassed 19 points, two rebounds and three assists. Jerami Grant generated 17 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Jabari Walker totaled 12 points and seven boards. Duop Reath led the bench with 16 points, three rebounds and four assists.
The Lakers (22-22) were led by D'Angelo Russell, registering 34 points, eight assists and two blocks. LeBron James tallied 28 points, five rebounds and five assists. Austin Reaves accrued 15 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Anthony Davis finished with 14 points, 14 rebounds and three assists. Cam Reddish led the bench with 10 points, four rebounds and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Los Angeles playing the Los Angeles Clippers and Portland staying on the road to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.