Bogdanovic scores 34, leads Pistons to win over Hornets on Wednesday
The Detroit Pistons took down the Charlotte Hornets, 113-106, at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday.
It was a close affair in a game featuring two of the bottom teams in the Eastern Conference, with neither squad holding a double-digit lead throughout the contest. The game was tied at halftime, but the Hornets (10-32) had a 40-point third quarter to head into the final frame with a three-point lead. However, the Pistons (5-39) completely took over in the fourth quarter, holding their opponent to 14 points over the last 12 minutes. Detroit finished the game on a 12-2 run to capture their third win at home, while the Hornets dropped to 5-18 on the road and suffered their first defeat since trading Terry Rozier to the Miami Heat on Jan. 23.
Rookie forward Brandon Miller led the Hornets with 23 points, seven rebounds and four assists. After missing the last three games with an ankle injury, Nick Richards returned to the starting lineup to finish with 21 points and 10 rebounds for his eighth double-double of the season. Miles Bridges also had a double-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals. LaMelo Ball tallied 17 points, four rebounds and seven assists, while P.J. Washington led the bench with 12 points, six rebounds and five assists.
Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pistons with 34 points, four rebounds and four assists. Alec Burks contributed 15 points off the bench. Jalen Duren added 14 points, eight rebounds and two assists, while Isaiah Stewart registered 11 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Jaden Ivey contributed nine points and two assists, while Killian Hayes recorded six points, seven rebounds and eight assists.
Next up, the Charlotte Hornets return home to take on the Houston Rockets on Friday, while the Pistons welcome the Washington Wizards on Saturday.
It was a close affair in a game featuring two of the bottom teams in the Eastern Conference, with neither squad holding a double-digit lead throughout the contest. The game was tied at halftime, but the Hornets (10-32) had a 40-point third quarter to head into the final frame with a three-point lead. However, the Pistons (5-39) completely took over in the fourth quarter, holding their opponent to 14 points over the last 12 minutes. Detroit finished the game on a 12-2 run to capture their third win at home, while the Hornets dropped to 5-18 on the road and suffered their first defeat since trading Terry Rozier to the Miami Heat on Jan. 23.
Rookie forward Brandon Miller led the Hornets with 23 points, seven rebounds and four assists. After missing the last three games with an ankle injury, Nick Richards returned to the starting lineup to finish with 21 points and 10 rebounds for his eighth double-double of the season. Miles Bridges also had a double-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals. LaMelo Ball tallied 17 points, four rebounds and seven assists, while P.J. Washington led the bench with 12 points, six rebounds and five assists.
Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pistons with 34 points, four rebounds and four assists. Alec Burks contributed 15 points off the bench. Jalen Duren added 14 points, eight rebounds and two assists, while Isaiah Stewart registered 11 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Jaden Ivey contributed nine points and two assists, while Killian Hayes recorded six points, seven rebounds and eight assists.
Next up, the Charlotte Hornets return home to take on the Houston Rockets on Friday, while the Pistons welcome the Washington Wizards on Saturday.
Timberwolves Hold Off Wizards In Washington
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the host Washington Wizards, 118-107, at Capital One Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Timberwolves got out to a strong start and led, 30-24, after one quarter. The visitors kept the upper hand through most of the second, until the Wizards took over towards the end of the half, earning a two-point lead before the break. The Timberwolves reclaimed control in the third and outscored the hosts, 33-19, to take a 12-point advantage into the final quarter. The Wizards could not make much of a dent in the deficit though the fourth and fell short for their fifth straight loss. This also marks the end of a two-game slide for the Timberwolves.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 38 points, three rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 34 minutes. Karl-Anthony Towns followed up with 27 points, six rebounds, three assists and a block, while Rudy Gobert totaled 19 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks.
Meanwhile, Deni Avdija led the Wizards with 24 points, six rebounds and six assists, in 38 minutes. Kyle Kuzma finished with 17 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists and a block, while Marvin Bagley totaled 17 points, 15 rebounds and a steal.
The Wizards (7-36) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Jazz on Thursday. The Timberwolves (31-13) take on the Nets in Brooklyn on Thursday.
The Timberwolves got out to a strong start and led, 30-24, after one quarter. The visitors kept the upper hand through most of the second, until the Wizards took over towards the end of the half, earning a two-point lead before the break. The Timberwolves reclaimed control in the third and outscored the hosts, 33-19, to take a 12-point advantage into the final quarter. The Wizards could not make much of a dent in the deficit though the fourth and fell short for their fifth straight loss. This also marks the end of a two-game slide for the Timberwolves.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 38 points, three rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 34 minutes. Karl-Anthony Towns followed up with 27 points, six rebounds, three assists and a block, while Rudy Gobert totaled 19 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks.
Meanwhile, Deni Avdija led the Wizards with 24 points, six rebounds and six assists, in 38 minutes. Kyle Kuzma finished with 17 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists and a block, while Marvin Bagley totaled 17 points, 15 rebounds and a steal.
The Wizards (7-36) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Jazz on Thursday. The Timberwolves (31-13) take on the Nets in Brooklyn on Thursday.
Grizzlies Upset Heat, 105-96
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Miami Heat, 105-96, at Kaseya Center on Wednesday night.
The Grizzlies (17-27) unsurprisingly came in as road underdogs, but their ability to remain just one point behind the Heat (24-20) through one proved to be a harbinger of things to come. Memphis would go on to outscore Miami, 61-46, in the middle periods, and after the hosts clawed back to within two, the visitors finished game on a 7-0 run over the final 1:05 to secure the upset victory.
Vince Williams Jr. led the Grizzlies with 25 points, adding five rebounds, four assists and one steal. GG Jackson furnished 17 points, four rebounds and two assists. Jaren Jackson and Scottie Pippen Jr. posted matching 15-point, six-rebound tallies, with Pippen adding six assists. John Konchar produced an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists, one steal and one block. David Roddy contributed 10 points, four assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block.
Tyler Herro paced the Heat with 18 points, complementing them with six rebounds and three assists. Bam Adebayo generated a 15-point, 15-rebound double-double that included six assists, six blocks and one steal. Jimmy Butler and Caleb Martin posted matching 15-point, four-rebound, two-steal efforts.
The Grizzlies return home to host the Orlando Magic on Friday night, while the Heat remain home and host the Boston Celtics on Thursday night.
The Grizzlies (17-27) unsurprisingly came in as road underdogs, but their ability to remain just one point behind the Heat (24-20) through one proved to be a harbinger of things to come. Memphis would go on to outscore Miami, 61-46, in the middle periods, and after the hosts clawed back to within two, the visitors finished game on a 7-0 run over the final 1:05 to secure the upset victory.
Vince Williams Jr. led the Grizzlies with 25 points, adding five rebounds, four assists and one steal. GG Jackson furnished 17 points, four rebounds and two assists. Jaren Jackson and Scottie Pippen Jr. posted matching 15-point, six-rebound tallies, with Pippen adding six assists. John Konchar produced an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists, one steal and one block. David Roddy contributed 10 points, four assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block.
Tyler Herro paced the Heat with 18 points, complementing them with six rebounds and three assists. Bam Adebayo generated a 15-point, 15-rebound double-double that included six assists, six blocks and one steal. Jimmy Butler and Caleb Martin posted matching 15-point, four-rebound, two-steal efforts.
The Grizzlies return home to host the Orlando Magic on Friday night, while the Heat remain home and host the Boston Celtics on Thursday night.
Trail Blazers Outlast Rockets in OT, 137-131
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Houston Rockets in overtime, 137-131, at Toyota Center on Wednesday night.
The Rockets (20-23) came in as solid home favorites over a Trail Blazers (13-31) squad that was playing its fourth game in six nights, and for the first half, it appeared Houston was on its way to building toward a solid victory. The hosts owned a six-point edge by intermission, but Portland bounced back in the third quarter to eliminate its deficit altogether and build a two-point advantage going into the final period. The Rockets eventually had a three-point lead with only 1.1 seconds remaining in regulation, but a Jerami Grant three-pointer at the buzzer forced overtime. In the extra period, the Blazers' 9-2 run over the first 2:46 provided the cushion they'd need to escape with the upset win.
Anfernee Simons led the Trail Blazers with 33 points, adding six rebounds and five assists. Grant finished with 21 points, nine boards and two blocks. Malcolm Brogdon supplied 19 points, six assists and two rebounds. Deandre Ayton generated an 18-point, 17-rebound double-double that included three assists, two blocks and one steal. Matisse Thybulle contributed 13 points four rebounds, one assist and three steals. Scoot Henderson netted 11 points.
Alperen Sengun paced the Rockets with a 30-point, 10-rebound double-double that included eight assists and one steal. Jalen Green furnished 29 points, three assists, one steal and one block. Fred VanVleet turned in 18 points, seven assists, six rebounds, three steals and three blocks. Dillon Brooks registered 14 points, four rebounds and four assists. Cam Whitmore and Aaron Holiday pitched in matching 12-point efforts while recording four and three rebounds, respectively.
The Trail Blazers remain on the road and visit the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night, while the Rockets visit the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night as well.
The Rockets (20-23) came in as solid home favorites over a Trail Blazers (13-31) squad that was playing its fourth game in six nights, and for the first half, it appeared Houston was on its way to building toward a solid victory. The hosts owned a six-point edge by intermission, but Portland bounced back in the third quarter to eliminate its deficit altogether and build a two-point advantage going into the final period. The Rockets eventually had a three-point lead with only 1.1 seconds remaining in regulation, but a Jerami Grant three-pointer at the buzzer forced overtime. In the extra period, the Blazers' 9-2 run over the first 2:46 provided the cushion they'd need to escape with the upset win.
Anfernee Simons led the Trail Blazers with 33 points, adding six rebounds and five assists. Grant finished with 21 points, nine boards and two blocks. Malcolm Brogdon supplied 19 points, six assists and two rebounds. Deandre Ayton generated an 18-point, 17-rebound double-double that included three assists, two blocks and one steal. Matisse Thybulle contributed 13 points four rebounds, one assist and three steals. Scoot Henderson netted 11 points.
Alperen Sengun paced the Rockets with a 30-point, 10-rebound double-double that included eight assists and one steal. Jalen Green furnished 29 points, three assists, one steal and one block. Fred VanVleet turned in 18 points, seven assists, six rebounds, three steals and three blocks. Dillon Brooks registered 14 points, four rebounds and four assists. Cam Whitmore and Aaron Holiday pitched in matching 12-point efforts while recording four and three rebounds, respectively.
The Trail Blazers remain on the road and visit the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night, while the Rockets visit the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night as well.
Bucks Close Out Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, 126-116, at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday evening.
The Bucks got out to a strong start and held a four-point lead after one quarter. They kept the momentum going in the second and outscored the Cavs, 29-23, push to a 10-point lead at the break. The visitors kept up the fight in the third but could not improve their situation, as the Bucks pushed it to a 14-point game going into the final quarter. The Cavs did not back down and poured in 37 points in the fourth, but they came up short, ending an eight-game win streak. This also marks the third straight win for the Bucks.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 35 points, 18 rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks, in 35 minutes. Damian Lillard followed up with 28 points, four assists and two steals, while Khris Middleton totaled 24 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Meanwhile, Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 23 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and a steal, in 39 minutes. Jarrett Allen followed up with 21 points, 12 rebounds and five assists, while Max Strus and Georges Niang chipped in 14 points each.
The Cavaliers (26-16) and Bucks (31-13) clash again in Cleveland on Friday.
The Bucks got out to a strong start and held a four-point lead after one quarter. They kept the momentum going in the second and outscored the Cavs, 29-23, push to a 10-point lead at the break. The visitors kept up the fight in the third but could not improve their situation, as the Bucks pushed it to a 14-point game going into the final quarter. The Cavs did not back down and poured in 37 points in the fourth, but they came up short, ending an eight-game win streak. This also marks the third straight win for the Bucks.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 35 points, 18 rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks, in 35 minutes. Damian Lillard followed up with 28 points, four assists and two steals, while Khris Middleton totaled 24 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Meanwhile, Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 23 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and a steal, in 39 minutes. Jarrett Allen followed up with 21 points, 12 rebounds and five assists, while Max Strus and Georges Niang chipped in 14 points each.
The Cavaliers (26-16) and Bucks (31-13) clash again in Cleveland on Friday.
Suns Cruise Past Mavs
By Dan Bruno
The Phoenix Suns defeated the host Dallas Mavericks, 132-109, at American Airlines Center on Wednesday evening.
The Mavs jumped out to a strong start and led, 34-25, after one quarter. The Suns came out stronger in the second and managed to trim the deficit to one point by halftime. The visitors carried the momentum into the third and outscored the Mavs, 43-20, in the quarter to take a 22-point lead into the final frame. The hosts kept pace in the fourth but could not cut into the difference, as the Suns cruised to their seventh straight win. This also marks the third straight loss for the Mavericks.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 46 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 35 minutes. Bradley Beal followed up with 20 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block, while Kevin Durant totaled 12 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, a steal and two blocks.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 34 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, a steal and two blocks, in 39 minutes. Tim Hardaway followed up with 17 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Jaden Hardy chipped in 11 points, three rebounds and two steals.
The Mavericks (24-20) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Hawks in Atlanta on Friday. The Suns (26-18) take on the Pacers in Indiana on Friday.
The Mavs jumped out to a strong start and led, 34-25, after one quarter. The Suns came out stronger in the second and managed to trim the deficit to one point by halftime. The visitors carried the momentum into the third and outscored the Mavs, 43-20, in the quarter to take a 22-point lead into the final frame. The hosts kept pace in the fourth but could not cut into the difference, as the Suns cruised to their seventh straight win. This also marks the third straight loss for the Mavericks.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 46 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 35 minutes. Bradley Beal followed up with 20 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block, while Kevin Durant totaled 12 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, a steal and two blocks.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 34 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, a steal and two blocks, in 39 minutes. Tim Hardaway followed up with 17 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Jaden Hardy chipped in 11 points, three rebounds and two steals.
The Mavericks (24-20) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Hawks in Atlanta on Friday. The Suns (26-18) take on the Pacers in Indiana on Friday.
Thunder Slaughter Spurs, 140-114
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 140-114, at Frost Bank Center on Wednesday.
Oklahoma City won all four individual quarters in this game, maintaining the lead for the final three quarters. A 37-24 third quarter carried the Thunder to the blowout, getting their lead up to 32 points at times while leading by at least 20 points for the whole of the fourth quarter. Oklahoma City shot 56 percent from the field, 45 percent from three-point range and 88 percent from the free-throw line while holding San Antonio to 50 percent from the field, 28 percent from long range and 76 percent from the charity stripe. The Thunder also out-assisted the Sputs, 36-30, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 20-13.
The Thunder (31-13) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, finishing with 32 points, six rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. Chet Holmgren collected 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Jalen Williams totaled 13 points, five rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while Josh Giddey generated 12 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Aaron Wiggins led the bench with 22 points and three boards.
The Spurs (8-36) were led by Victor Wembanyama, tallying 24 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and four blocks. Devin Vassell totaled 21 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Blake Wesley had 12 points, four rebounds and six assists, while Malaki Branham led the bench with 11 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with San Antonio staying home to play the Portland Trail Blazers and OKC remaining on the road to face the New Orleans Pelicans.
Oklahoma City won all four individual quarters in this game, maintaining the lead for the final three quarters. A 37-24 third quarter carried the Thunder to the blowout, getting their lead up to 32 points at times while leading by at least 20 points for the whole of the fourth quarter. Oklahoma City shot 56 percent from the field, 45 percent from three-point range and 88 percent from the free-throw line while holding San Antonio to 50 percent from the field, 28 percent from long range and 76 percent from the charity stripe. The Thunder also out-assisted the Sputs, 36-30, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 20-13.
The Thunder (31-13) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, finishing with 32 points, six rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. Chet Holmgren collected 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Jalen Williams totaled 13 points, five rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while Josh Giddey generated 12 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Aaron Wiggins led the bench with 22 points and three boards.
The Spurs (8-36) were led by Victor Wembanyama, tallying 24 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and four blocks. Devin Vassell totaled 21 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Blake Wesley had 12 points, four rebounds and six assists, while Malaki Branham led the bench with 11 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with San Antonio staying home to play the Portland Trail Blazers and OKC remaining on the road to face the New Orleans Pelicans.
Warriors Defeat Hawks, 134-112
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 134-112, at Chase Center on Wednesday.
While there were 10 ties and six lead changes in this game, the Warriors rode a 65-44 second half to this blowout victory. The 22-point final margin was the largest led in this game. Golden State shot 56 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range while holding Atlanta to 42 percent from the field and 33 percent from long range. The Warriors also outscored the Hawks in the paint, 62-42, while out-blocking them, 9-2.
The Hawks (18-26) were led by Dejounte Murray, collecting 23 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Jalen Johnson generated 21 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Saddiq Bey totaled 18 points, seven rebounds and three assists, while Bogdan Bogdanovic had 17 points and three assists. Clint Capela collected 11 points and 11 boards.
The Warriors (19-22) were led by Stephen Curry, finishing with 25 points, three rebounds and eight assists. Klay Thompson tallied 24 points, two rebounds and three assists. Andrew Wiggins amassed 12 points, five rebounds and two blocks, while Jonathan Kuminga led the bench with 25 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. He made all 11 of his shots to tie a Warriors record.
Golden State has to play again on Thursday, remaining home to play the Sacramento Kings. As for Atlanta, they return to action on Friday in a home matchup with the Dallas Mavericks.
While there were 10 ties and six lead changes in this game, the Warriors rode a 65-44 second half to this blowout victory. The 22-point final margin was the largest led in this game. Golden State shot 56 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range while holding Atlanta to 42 percent from the field and 33 percent from long range. The Warriors also outscored the Hawks in the paint, 62-42, while out-blocking them, 9-2.
The Hawks (18-26) were led by Dejounte Murray, collecting 23 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Jalen Johnson generated 21 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Saddiq Bey totaled 18 points, seven rebounds and three assists, while Bogdan Bogdanovic had 17 points and three assists. Clint Capela collected 11 points and 11 boards.
The Warriors (19-22) were led by Stephen Curry, finishing with 25 points, three rebounds and eight assists. Klay Thompson tallied 24 points, two rebounds and three assists. Andrew Wiggins amassed 12 points, five rebounds and two blocks, while Jonathan Kuminga led the bench with 25 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. He made all 11 of his shots to tie a Warriors record.
Golden State has to play again on Thursday, remaining home to play the Sacramento Kings. As for Atlanta, they return to action on Friday in a home matchup with the Dallas Mavericks.