Giannis records triple-double, leads Bucks to season sweep over Pistons
The Milwaukee Bucks took down the Detroit Pistons, 122-113, at Little Caesars Arena on Monday. With the win, the Bucks have swept the 2023-24 season series against the Pistons, 4-0.
It was a close contest from tip to finish, with both teams exchanging leads throughout the game. The Pistons (4-39) were able to open up an eight-point lead in the second quarter, but the Bucks (30-13) quickly closed the gap and led by two points at halftime. Milwaukee steadily increased its lead in the third quarter, but Detroit stuck around and re-took the lead in the fourth quarter. However, in similar fashion to Saturday’s game, the Bucks closed the game out on a 9-2 run to capture their 11th win on the road while the Pistons dropped to 2-20 at home.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 31 points, 17 rebounds, 10 assists, two blocks and three steals for his sixth triple-double of the season. Khris Middleton added 26 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Damian Lillard contributed 17 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Brook Lopez recorded 15 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and four blocks for his second double-double of the season. Malik Beasley finished with a game-high plus-21 point differential and had 13 points, six rebounds and two assists.
Marcus Sasser led the Pistons off the bench with 23 points and three assists, while Isaiah Stewart had 19 points, eight rebounds, two assists, a game-high five blocks and two steals in reserve. Jaden Ivey led Detroit’s starters with 17 points, three rebounds and six assists, while Bojan Bogdanovic added 15 points. Jalen Duren finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds for his 21st double-double of the season.
With Monday’s game in the books, both teams will next play Wednesday, Jan. 24. The Bucks return home to host the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first game of a home-and-home series, while the Pistons welcome in the Charlotte Hornets.
It was a close contest from tip to finish, with both teams exchanging leads throughout the game. The Pistons (4-39) were able to open up an eight-point lead in the second quarter, but the Bucks (30-13) quickly closed the gap and led by two points at halftime. Milwaukee steadily increased its lead in the third quarter, but Detroit stuck around and re-took the lead in the fourth quarter. However, in similar fashion to Saturday’s game, the Bucks closed the game out on a 9-2 run to capture their 11th win on the road while the Pistons dropped to 2-20 at home.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 31 points, 17 rebounds, 10 assists, two blocks and three steals for his sixth triple-double of the season. Khris Middleton added 26 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Damian Lillard contributed 17 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Brook Lopez recorded 15 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and four blocks for his second double-double of the season. Malik Beasley finished with a game-high plus-21 point differential and had 13 points, six rebounds and two assists.
Marcus Sasser led the Pistons off the bench with 23 points and three assists, while Isaiah Stewart had 19 points, eight rebounds, two assists, a game-high five blocks and two steals in reserve. Jaden Ivey led Detroit’s starters with 17 points, three rebounds and six assists, while Bojan Bogdanovic added 15 points. Jalen Duren finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds for his 21st double-double of the season.
With Monday’s game in the books, both teams will next play Wednesday, Jan. 24. The Bucks return home to host the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first game of a home-and-home series, while the Pistons welcome in the Charlotte Hornets.
Cavaliers Blast Magic, 126-99
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Orlando Magic, 126-99, at Amway Center on Monday night.
The Cavaliers (26-15) came into the contest already running hot from seven straight victories, and they carried that momentum right into a first quarter in which they raced out to a 38-19 lead over the Magic (23-21). Cleveland had expanded its advantage to 25 points by halftime and 33 by the start of the final period, making the last 12 minutes a formality. The victors shot 56.3 percent, including 52.6 percent from three-point range, and forced 15 turnovers.
Sam Merrill led the way for the Cavaliers with 26 points, adding three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Donovan Mitchell generated a 25-point, 13-assist double-double that included three rebounds and four steals. Jarrett Allen generated a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double that included four assists and two blocks. Craig Porter recorded 12 points, five assists and three rebounds. Georges Niang and Max Strus posted 11 and 10 points, respectively while also bringing down five and four rebounds.
Paolo Banchero paced the Magic with 18 points, supplementing them with six assists and three rebounds. Franz Wagner registered 17 points, three boards and two assists. Moritz Wagner totaled 15 points, four boards and one assist. Wendell Carter Jr. finished with 10 points, nine rebounds, one assist and two steals.
The Cavaliers next visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night, while the Magic visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night.
The Cavaliers (26-15) came into the contest already running hot from seven straight victories, and they carried that momentum right into a first quarter in which they raced out to a 38-19 lead over the Magic (23-21). Cleveland had expanded its advantage to 25 points by halftime and 33 by the start of the final period, making the last 12 minutes a formality. The victors shot 56.3 percent, including 52.6 percent from three-point range, and forced 15 turnovers.
Sam Merrill led the way for the Cavaliers with 26 points, adding three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Donovan Mitchell generated a 25-point, 13-assist double-double that included three rebounds and four steals. Jarrett Allen generated a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double that included four assists and two blocks. Craig Porter recorded 12 points, five assists and three rebounds. Georges Niang and Max Strus posted 11 and 10 points, respectively while also bringing down five and four rebounds.
Paolo Banchero paced the Magic with 18 points, supplementing them with six assists and three rebounds. Franz Wagner registered 17 points, three boards and two assists. Moritz Wagner totaled 15 points, four boards and one assist. Wendell Carter Jr. finished with 10 points, nine rebounds, one assist and two steals.
The Cavaliers next visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night, while the Magic visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night.
76ers Topple Spurs, 133-123
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 133-123, at Wells Fargo Center on Monday night.
The interconference clash already had a built-in storyline before the opening tip, as it marked the first meeting between rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama and Joel Embiid; however, by night's end, the biggest story by far would surround the latter's record-setting performance. The Spurs (8-35) opened the game clicking on all cylinders offensive, leading to a 35-34 lead through one. However, the 76ers (29-13) had overcome that slim deficit and established a four-point lead by halftime with Embiid already dominating, and they turned the tide of the game for good with a 42-31 third-quarter advantage. San Antonio wouldn't truly threaten in the fourth quarter, but Embiid remained in the game long enough to break Wilt Chamberlain's franchise single-game scoring record by getting to the 70-point mark with 1:41 remaining.
Wembanyama led the Spurs with 33 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Devin Vassell registered 22 points, nine assists and four rebounds. Jeremy Sochan turned in 14 points, eight rebounds, four assists and one block. Doug McDermott provided 13 points and five boards. Tre Jones and Julian Champagnie supplied matching 12-point efforts, with Jones adding six assists, four rebounds and two steals.
Embiid complemented his 70 points, which he achieved with a 24-for-41 tally from the field and 21-for-23 showing from the free-throw line, with 18 rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Tyrese Maxey registered 18 points, eight assists and four rebounds. Tobias Harris posted 14 points, six assists and two rebounds.
The Spurs return home to host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, while the 76ers visit the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night.
The interconference clash already had a built-in storyline before the opening tip, as it marked the first meeting between rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama and Joel Embiid; however, by night's end, the biggest story by far would surround the latter's record-setting performance. The Spurs (8-35) opened the game clicking on all cylinders offensive, leading to a 35-34 lead through one. However, the 76ers (29-13) had overcome that slim deficit and established a four-point lead by halftime with Embiid already dominating, and they turned the tide of the game for good with a 42-31 third-quarter advantage. San Antonio wouldn't truly threaten in the fourth quarter, but Embiid remained in the game long enough to break Wilt Chamberlain's franchise single-game scoring record by getting to the 70-point mark with 1:41 remaining.
Wembanyama led the Spurs with 33 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Devin Vassell registered 22 points, nine assists and four rebounds. Jeremy Sochan turned in 14 points, eight rebounds, four assists and one block. Doug McDermott provided 13 points and five boards. Tre Jones and Julian Champagnie supplied matching 12-point efforts, with Jones adding six assists, four rebounds and two steals.
Embiid complemented his 70 points, which he achieved with a 24-for-41 tally from the field and 21-for-23 showing from the free-throw line, with 18 rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Tyrese Maxey registered 18 points, eight assists and four rebounds. Tobias Harris posted 14 points, six assists and two rebounds.
The Spurs return home to host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, while the 76ers visit the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night.
Grizzlies Stun Raptors In Toronto
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the host Toronto Raptors, 108-100, at Scotiabank Arena on Monday evening.
The Grizzlies got out to a strong start and led, 30-25, after one quarter. The pace slowed down in the second, but the visitors maintained control and took a seven-point lead into the break. The Raptors had no answers in the third, as the Grizzlies managed to add another seven points to their advantage, making it a 14-point difference entering the final frame. The hosts put up a fight in the fourth, but it was not enough, as the Grizzlies held on to end a two-game slide. This also marks the third straight loss for the Raptors.
Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies with 27 points, four rebounds, five assists, six steals and a block, in 32 minutes. Luke Kennard followed up with 19 points, three rebounds and seven assists, while Vince Williams tallied 18 points, 10 rebounds, two steals and a block.
Meanwhile, RJ Barrett led the Raptors with 29 points, nine rebounds and a block, in 37 minutes. Scottie Barnes followed up with 22 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists and six blocks, while Immanuel Quickley logged eight points, five rebounds, 10 assists and two steals.
The Raptors (16-28) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Clippers on Friday. The Grizzlies (16-27) clash with the Heat in Miami on Wednesday.
The Grizzlies got out to a strong start and led, 30-25, after one quarter. The pace slowed down in the second, but the visitors maintained control and took a seven-point lead into the break. The Raptors had no answers in the third, as the Grizzlies managed to add another seven points to their advantage, making it a 14-point difference entering the final frame. The hosts put up a fight in the fourth, but it was not enough, as the Grizzlies held on to end a two-game slide. This also marks the third straight loss for the Raptors.
Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies with 27 points, four rebounds, five assists, six steals and a block, in 32 minutes. Luke Kennard followed up with 19 points, three rebounds and seven assists, while Vince Williams tallied 18 points, 10 rebounds, two steals and a block.
Meanwhile, RJ Barrett led the Raptors with 29 points, nine rebounds and a block, in 37 minutes. Scottie Barnes followed up with 22 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists and six blocks, while Immanuel Quickley logged eight points, five rebounds, 10 assists and two steals.
The Raptors (16-28) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Clippers on Friday. The Grizzlies (16-27) clash with the Heat in Miami on Wednesday.
Hornets Topple Timberwolves In Minnesota
By Dan Bruno
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the host Minnesota Timberwolves, 128-125, at Target Center on Monday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Timberwolves led, 34-32, after one quarter. Both sides kept up the pace in the second, where the hosts added another three points to their lead, making it a five-point game at the break. The Timberwolves came out on fire in the third and outscored the visitors, 38-28, to push their advantage up to 15, entering the final frame. The Hornets did not back down and mounted an incredible rally through the fourth, taking the upper hand in the final minutes and closing out their second win in three games. This also marks the second straight loss for the Timberwolves.
Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 28 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 40 minutes. Brandon Miller followed up with 27 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal, while LaMelo Ball tallied 18 points, six rebounds, 13 assists and three steals.
Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns poured in a career-high 62 points on 21-for-35 shooting, in 38 minutes of action. Nickeil Alexander-Walker followed up with 18 points, two assists and a steal, while Rudy Gobert totaled 13 points and 11 rebounds.
The Timberwolves (30-13) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Wizards in Washington on Wednesday. The Hornets (10-31) take on the Pistons in Detroit on Wednesday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Timberwolves led, 34-32, after one quarter. Both sides kept up the pace in the second, where the hosts added another three points to their lead, making it a five-point game at the break. The Timberwolves came out on fire in the third and outscored the visitors, 38-28, to push their advantage up to 15, entering the final frame. The Hornets did not back down and mounted an incredible rally through the fourth, taking the upper hand in the final minutes and closing out their second win in three games. This also marks the second straight loss for the Timberwolves.
Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 28 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 40 minutes. Brandon Miller followed up with 27 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal, while LaMelo Ball tallied 18 points, six rebounds, 13 assists and three steals.
Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns poured in a career-high 62 points on 21-for-35 shooting, in 38 minutes of action. Nickeil Alexander-Walker followed up with 18 points, two assists and a steal, while Rudy Gobert totaled 13 points and 11 rebounds.
The Timberwolves (30-13) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Wizards in Washington on Wednesday. The Hornets (10-31) take on the Pistons in Detroit on Wednesday.
Celtics Lock In Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Boston Celtics defeated the host Dallas Mavericks, 119-110, at American Airlines Center on Monday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start, as the Mavericks led, 26-24, after one quarter. The Celtics turned it up a notch in the second and outscored the hosts, 41-33, to claim a six-point lead at the break. The visitors kept the pressure on and pushed their lead up to 11 points entering the final frame. The Mavericks put up a solid fight in the fourth but it was not enough as they fell for their second straight loss. This also marks the second straight win for the Celtics.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 39 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks, in 41 minutes. Jaylen Brown followed up with 34 points, three rebounds, four assists and two blocks, while Jrue Holiday added 17 points, seven rebounds, six assists and a block.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 33 points, 18 rebounds, 13 assists and two steals, in 40 minutes. Kyrie Irving followed up with 23 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Tim Hardaway added 20 points and two rebounds, off the bench.
The Mavs (24-19) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Suns on Wednesday. The Celtics (34-10) take on the Heat in Miami on Thursday.
The game got out to a competitive start, as the Mavericks led, 26-24, after one quarter. The Celtics turned it up a notch in the second and outscored the hosts, 41-33, to claim a six-point lead at the break. The visitors kept the pressure on and pushed their lead up to 11 points entering the final frame. The Mavericks put up a solid fight in the fourth but it was not enough as they fell for their second straight loss. This also marks the second straight win for the Celtics.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 39 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks, in 41 minutes. Jaylen Brown followed up with 34 points, three rebounds, four assists and two blocks, while Jrue Holiday added 17 points, seven rebounds, six assists and a block.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 33 points, 18 rebounds, 13 assists and two steals, in 40 minutes. Kyrie Irving followed up with 23 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Tim Hardaway added 20 points and two rebounds, off the bench.
The Mavs (24-19) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Suns on Wednesday. The Celtics (34-10) take on the Heat in Miami on Thursday.
Suns Defeat Bulls. 123-121
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls, 115-113, at Footprint Center on Monday.
While Phoenix didn't grab their first lead until midway through the fourth quarter, the Suns were able to prevail thanks to a 66-47 second half. The Bulls actually got their lead up to 23 points at times in the third quarter, but Kevin Durant was the hero with a game-winning jumper with 1.6 seconds left. The Suns shot 52 percent from the field, 41 percent from three-point range and 77 percent from the free-throw line, while the Bulls shot 48 percent from the field, 38 percent from long range and 64 percent from the charity stripe. Phoenix also recorded 32 assists to seven turnovers, while Chicago had 25 assists to 10 turnovers.
The Bulls (21-24) were led by Coby White, collecting 26 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. DeMar DeRozan registered 21 points, five rebounds and three assists. Nikola Vucevic had 19 points, 17 rebounds and seven assists, while Alex Caruso compiled 15 points, four rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Patrick Williams also totaled 13 points, four rebounds and two assists to round out the starting lineup.
The Suns (25-18) were led by Durant, finishing with 43 points, six rebounds, eight assists and two blocks. Bradley Beal amassed 18 points, four rebounds and five assists. Devin Booker tallied 16 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Drew Eubanks led the bench with 10 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
On deck for Phoenix is a road matchup with the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. As for Chicago, they return to action on Thursday in a road meeting with the Los Angeles Lakers.
While Phoenix didn't grab their first lead until midway through the fourth quarter, the Suns were able to prevail thanks to a 66-47 second half. The Bulls actually got their lead up to 23 points at times in the third quarter, but Kevin Durant was the hero with a game-winning jumper with 1.6 seconds left. The Suns shot 52 percent from the field, 41 percent from three-point range and 77 percent from the free-throw line, while the Bulls shot 48 percent from the field, 38 percent from long range and 64 percent from the charity stripe. Phoenix also recorded 32 assists to seven turnovers, while Chicago had 25 assists to 10 turnovers.
The Bulls (21-24) were led by Coby White, collecting 26 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. DeMar DeRozan registered 21 points, five rebounds and three assists. Nikola Vucevic had 19 points, 17 rebounds and seven assists, while Alex Caruso compiled 15 points, four rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Patrick Williams also totaled 13 points, four rebounds and two assists to round out the starting lineup.
The Suns (25-18) were led by Durant, finishing with 43 points, six rebounds, eight assists and two blocks. Bradley Beal amassed 18 points, four rebounds and five assists. Devin Booker tallied 16 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Drew Eubanks led the bench with 10 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
On deck for Phoenix is a road matchup with the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. As for Chicago, they return to action on Thursday in a road meeting with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kings Defeat Hawks, 122-107
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Atlanta Hawks, 122-107, at Golden One Center on Monday.
While this wasn't a wire-to-wire win for Sacramento, they never relinquished the lead after the first quarter. A 30-16 second quarter put things away, with Sacramento leading by at least seven points for the entirety of the second half. They got their lead up to 24 points at times. The Kings shot 46 percent from the field and 89 percent from the free-throw line, while the Hawks shot 39 percent from the field and 78 percent from the charity stripe. Sacramento also outscored Atlanta in the paint, 56-40.
The Hawks (18-25) were led by Dejounte Murray, tallying 35 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic amassed 18 points, two rebounds and four assists. Saddiq Bey totaled 13 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while Clint Capela collected 11 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks. Onyeka Okongwu led the bench with eight points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
The Kings (24-18) were led by Harrison Barnes, generating 32 points and four rebounds. Domantas Sabonis finished with 14 points, 21 rebounds, six assists and two steals. Keegan Murray compiled 13 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Malik Monk led the bench with 13 points and eight assists. De'Aaron Fox missed 11 of his 16 shots to score 12 points.
On deck for Atlanta is a road matchup with the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday. As for Sacramento, they return to action on Thursday in a road matchup with the Warriors as well.
While this wasn't a wire-to-wire win for Sacramento, they never relinquished the lead after the first quarter. A 30-16 second quarter put things away, with Sacramento leading by at least seven points for the entirety of the second half. They got their lead up to 24 points at times. The Kings shot 46 percent from the field and 89 percent from the free-throw line, while the Hawks shot 39 percent from the field and 78 percent from the charity stripe. Sacramento also outscored Atlanta in the paint, 56-40.
The Hawks (18-25) were led by Dejounte Murray, tallying 35 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic amassed 18 points, two rebounds and four assists. Saddiq Bey totaled 13 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while Clint Capela collected 11 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks. Onyeka Okongwu led the bench with eight points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
The Kings (24-18) were led by Harrison Barnes, generating 32 points and four rebounds. Domantas Sabonis finished with 14 points, 21 rebounds, six assists and two steals. Keegan Murray compiled 13 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Malik Monk led the bench with 13 points and eight assists. De'Aaron Fox missed 11 of his 16 shots to score 12 points.
On deck for Atlanta is a road matchup with the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday. As for Sacramento, they return to action on Thursday in a road matchup with the Warriors as well.