Siakam paces Indiana in win over Philadelphia with sixth-career triple-double
The Indiana Pacers took down the Philadelphia 76ers, 134-122, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Thursday. It was the final game between the two teams this season, with Indiana taking the series 2-1.
It was all Pacers (25-20) from the get go, as they built an 11-point lead after the first quarter. The 76ers (29-14) managed to keep up with Indiana in the second quarter, but still entered halftime down by 14. Indiana kept their foot on the gas as they extended their lead by as much as 27 points in the third frame. With such a score discrepancy, both teams elected to empty their benches in the fourth quarter as the Pacers managed to snap a three-game losing streak, while the 76ers had their six-game winning streak stopped Thursday. While Philadelphia made 31 free throws compared to 16 by Indiana, the Pacers out-rebounded their opponents, 55-31, and scored 68 points in the paint compared to 52 by the 76ers.
Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 31 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Tyrese Maxey added 22 points and two assists, while Nicolas Batum had 10 points and three rebounds. Kenyon Martin had 11 points, three rebounds, two assists and three steals off the bench, while Ricky Council chipped in 11 points in reserve. Danuel House contributed 10 points, two rebounds and two steals off the pine.
Pascal Siakam led the way for the Pacers with 26 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists for his first triple-double of the season and the sixth of his career. Myles Turner finished with 20 points, nine rebounds and two blocks, while Andrew Nembhard had 19 points, two rebounds and eight assists. Aaron Nesmith tallied 16 points, eight rebounds and three assists, while Buddy Hield finished with 11 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Off the bench for Indiana, Obi Toppin had 13 points and five rebounds, while Bennedict Mathurin contributed 13 points, five rebounds and four assists.
With Thursday’s game in the books, the Pacers will welcome in the Phoenix Suns on Friday, while the 76ers visit the Denver Nuggets on Saturday.
It was all Pacers (25-20) from the get go, as they built an 11-point lead after the first quarter. The 76ers (29-14) managed to keep up with Indiana in the second quarter, but still entered halftime down by 14. Indiana kept their foot on the gas as they extended their lead by as much as 27 points in the third frame. With such a score discrepancy, both teams elected to empty their benches in the fourth quarter as the Pacers managed to snap a three-game losing streak, while the 76ers had their six-game winning streak stopped Thursday. While Philadelphia made 31 free throws compared to 16 by Indiana, the Pacers out-rebounded their opponents, 55-31, and scored 68 points in the paint compared to 52 by the 76ers.
Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 31 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Tyrese Maxey added 22 points and two assists, while Nicolas Batum had 10 points and three rebounds. Kenyon Martin had 11 points, three rebounds, two assists and three steals off the bench, while Ricky Council chipped in 11 points in reserve. Danuel House contributed 10 points, two rebounds and two steals off the pine.
Pascal Siakam led the way for the Pacers with 26 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists for his first triple-double of the season and the sixth of his career. Myles Turner finished with 20 points, nine rebounds and two blocks, while Andrew Nembhard had 19 points, two rebounds and eight assists. Aaron Nesmith tallied 16 points, eight rebounds and three assists, while Buddy Hield finished with 11 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Off the bench for Indiana, Obi Toppin had 13 points and five rebounds, while Bennedict Mathurin contributed 13 points, five rebounds and four assists.
With Thursday’s game in the books, the Pacers will welcome in the Phoenix Suns on Friday, while the 76ers visit the Denver Nuggets on Saturday.
Jazz Upends Wizards, 123-108
The Utah Jazz defeated the Washington Wizards, 123-108, at Capital One Arena on Thursday night.
The Jazz (23-23) got off to a fast start against one of the fastest-paced teams in the league and didn't take their foot off the gas for three quarters, setting the stage for the win. Utah owned a 36-29 lead through one, and they'd added another point to their advantage by halftime. Any thoughts of a Wizards (7-37) second-half comeback were then quickly dispelled in the third, when the visitors extended their edge by another 12 points on the way to an easy final period.
Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 29 points, adding seven rebounds, five assists and three steals. John Collins generated a 22-point, 16-rebound double-double that included one assist and one steal. Kelly Olynyk and Jordan Clarkson produced matching 19-point contributions while adding four and three rebounds, respectively. Clarkson also dished out eight assists. Collin Sexton turned in 11 points, six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Simone Fontecchio delivered 10 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
Kyle Kuzma paced the Wizards with 26 points, supplementing them with six rebounds and five assists. Jordan Poole netted 18 points, two boards, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Marvin Bagley supplied 14 points, three rebounds and one assist. Deni Avdija and Daniel Gafford contributed matching 13-point, one-steal tallies while pulling down six and nine rebounds, respectively. Tyus Jones generated a 12-point, 14-assist double-double that included six rebounds and one steal.
The Jazz remains on the road and visits the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night, while the Wizards pay a visit to the Detroit Pistons on Saturday afternoon.
The Jazz (23-23) got off to a fast start against one of the fastest-paced teams in the league and didn't take their foot off the gas for three quarters, setting the stage for the win. Utah owned a 36-29 lead through one, and they'd added another point to their advantage by halftime. Any thoughts of a Wizards (7-37) second-half comeback were then quickly dispelled in the third, when the visitors extended their edge by another 12 points on the way to an easy final period.
Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 29 points, adding seven rebounds, five assists and three steals. John Collins generated a 22-point, 16-rebound double-double that included one assist and one steal. Kelly Olynyk and Jordan Clarkson produced matching 19-point contributions while adding four and three rebounds, respectively. Clarkson also dished out eight assists. Collin Sexton turned in 11 points, six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Simone Fontecchio delivered 10 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
Kyle Kuzma paced the Wizards with 26 points, supplementing them with six rebounds and five assists. Jordan Poole netted 18 points, two boards, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Marvin Bagley supplied 14 points, three rebounds and one assist. Deni Avdija and Daniel Gafford contributed matching 13-point, one-steal tallies while pulling down six and nine rebounds, respectively. Tyus Jones generated a 12-point, 14-assist double-double that included six rebounds and one steal.
The Jazz remains on the road and visits the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night, while the Wizards pay a visit to the Detroit Pistons on Saturday afternoon.
Celtics Dismantle Heat, 143-110
The Boston Celtics defeated the Miami Heat, 143-110, at Kaseya Center on Thursday night.
The Celtics (35-10) came in with one win over last summer's ECF foe already on the board, and their dominant first half strongly implied another was in the offing Thursday. Boston already owned a 42-29 lead through one and then matched the struggling Heat (24-21) bucket for bucket in the second quarter to take a 13-point advantage into intermission. The visitors then ensured the final period would be a formality by adding another 10 points to their edge in the third quarter on the way to the easy victory. The Celtics shot 63.7 percent, including 55.0 percent from three-point range, and won the battle of the boards, 47-31.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 26 points, complementing them with eight rebounds and four assists. Kristaps Porzingis furnished 19 points, four boards and one assist. Jaylen Brown totaled 18 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals. Jrue Holiday supplied 17 points, five rebounds, five assists and one block. Derrick White registered 15 points, six boards, six assists and two blocks. Luke Kornet collected 12 points, five rebounds and one assist.
Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro co-led the Heat with 19 points apiece, adding five rebounds and six assists, respectively. Jimmy Butler finished with 17 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. Haywood Highsmith furnished 14 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The Celtics return home to host the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday night, while the Heat travel to New York and face the Knicks on Saturday afternoon.
The Celtics (35-10) came in with one win over last summer's ECF foe already on the board, and their dominant first half strongly implied another was in the offing Thursday. Boston already owned a 42-29 lead through one and then matched the struggling Heat (24-21) bucket for bucket in the second quarter to take a 13-point advantage into intermission. The visitors then ensured the final period would be a formality by adding another 10 points to their edge in the third quarter on the way to the easy victory. The Celtics shot 63.7 percent, including 55.0 percent from three-point range, and won the battle of the boards, 47-31.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 26 points, complementing them with eight rebounds and four assists. Kristaps Porzingis furnished 19 points, four boards and one assist. Jaylen Brown totaled 18 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals. Jrue Holiday supplied 17 points, five rebounds, five assists and one block. Derrick White registered 15 points, six boards, six assists and two blocks. Luke Kornet collected 12 points, five rebounds and one assist.
Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro co-led the Heat with 19 points apiece, adding five rebounds and six assists, respectively. Jimmy Butler finished with 17 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. Haywood Highsmith furnished 14 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The Celtics return home to host the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday night, while the Heat travel to New York and face the Knicks on Saturday afternoon.
Timberwolves Hold Off Nets In Brooklyn
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the host Brooklyn Nets, 96-94, at Barclays Center on Thursday evening.
The Nets got out to a strong start and led, 31-24, after one quarter. The Timberwolves turned up their play in the second and outscored the hosts, 36-17, to take a 12-point leas into the break. The Nets came out better again in the third and managed to trim it down to a seven-point game entering the final quarter. The pace slowed down in the fourth, where the Nets chipped away until they tied it up at 94, with just over a minute left. The visitors quickly responded with a go-ahead bucket and after Mikal Bridges went 0-for-2 at the foul line with a chance to tie, the Timberwolves hung on for their second straight win. This also marks the third straight loss for the Nets.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 27 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, in 37 minutes. Anthony Edwards followed up with 24 points, three assists and a steal, while Rudy Gobert totaled 10 points, 13 rebounds, a steal and two blocks.
Meanwhile, Cam Thomas led the Nets with 25 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 28 minutes off the bench. Mikal Bridges followed up with 21 points, three assists and two steals, while Nicolas Claxton followed up with 16 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Nets (17-27) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Rockets on Friday. The Timberwolves (32-13) take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Saturday.
The Nets got out to a strong start and led, 31-24, after one quarter. The Timberwolves turned up their play in the second and outscored the hosts, 36-17, to take a 12-point leas into the break. The Nets came out better again in the third and managed to trim it down to a seven-point game entering the final quarter. The pace slowed down in the fourth, where the Nets chipped away until they tied it up at 94, with just over a minute left. The visitors quickly responded with a go-ahead bucket and after Mikal Bridges went 0-for-2 at the foul line with a chance to tie, the Timberwolves hung on for their second straight win. This also marks the third straight loss for the Nets.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 27 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, in 37 minutes. Anthony Edwards followed up with 24 points, three assists and a steal, while Rudy Gobert totaled 10 points, 13 rebounds, a steal and two blocks.
Meanwhile, Cam Thomas led the Nets with 25 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 28 minutes off the bench. Mikal Bridges followed up with 21 points, three assists and two steals, while Nicolas Claxton followed up with 16 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Nets (17-27) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Rockets on Friday. The Timberwolves (32-13) take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Saturday.
Knicks Blowout Visiting Nuggets
By Dan Bruno
The New York Knicks defeated the visiting Denver Nuggets, 122-84, at Madison Square Garden on Thursday evening.
The Knicks jumped out to a great start with a, 33-21, lead after one quarter. The hosts kept the pressure on in the second and pushed it to a 21-point difference by halftime. The Nuggets had no answers in the third, as the Knicks outscored the visitors, 36-25, in the quarter to make it a whopping 32-point deficit heading into the final frame. The Knicks kept rolling through the fourth and closed out their fifth straight win in impressive fashion. This also marks the end of a three-game win streak for the Nuggets.
OG Anunoby led the Knicks with 26 points, two rebounds and six steals, in 29 minutes. Jalen Brunson followed up with 21 points and four assists, while Julius Randle totaled 17 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 31 points, 11 rebounds and three assists, in 27 minutes. Aaron Gordon followed up with 12 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Jamal Murray finished with nine points, two rebounds and seven assists.
The Nuggets (31-15) will look to bounce back as they play host to the 76ers on Saturday. The Knicks (28-17) play host to the Heat on Saturday.
The Knicks jumped out to a great start with a, 33-21, lead after one quarter. The hosts kept the pressure on in the second and pushed it to a 21-point difference by halftime. The Nuggets had no answers in the third, as the Knicks outscored the visitors, 36-25, in the quarter to make it a whopping 32-point deficit heading into the final frame. The Knicks kept rolling through the fourth and closed out their fifth straight win in impressive fashion. This also marks the end of a three-game win streak for the Nuggets.
OG Anunoby led the Knicks with 26 points, two rebounds and six steals, in 29 minutes. Jalen Brunson followed up with 21 points and four assists, while Julius Randle totaled 17 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 31 points, 11 rebounds and three assists, in 27 minutes. Aaron Gordon followed up with 12 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Jamal Murray finished with nine points, two rebounds and seven assists.
The Nuggets (31-15) will look to bounce back as they play host to the 76ers on Saturday. The Knicks (28-17) play host to the Heat on Saturday.
Kings Defeat Warriors, 134-133
The Sacramento Kings defeated the host Golden State Warriors, 134-133, at Chase Center on Thursday.
While Sacramento led for 45 minutes of this 48-minute game, it wasn't decided until the final whistle. Golden State snatched their first lead in the second half with 50 seconds remaining, but Domantas Sabonis hit a game-winning shot with 22 seconds left. The Warriors had two chances to win the game but missed a shot and committed a turnover on the final possessions. Sacramento won the turnover battle, 13-10, recording eight steals and five blocks, while Golden State had seven steals and three blocks. Both teams shot over 52 percent from the field in this shootout.
The Kings (25-18) got a career-high from Harrison Barnes, totaling 39 points, four rebounds and two steals. De'Aaron Fox finished with 29 points and five assists. Domantas Sabonis provided 18 points, eight rebounds and 13 assists, while Keegan Murray compiled 14 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Kevin Huerter rounded out the starting lineup with 12 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three steals.
The Warriors (19-23) were led by Stephen Curry, collecting 33 points, six rebounds and two assists. Andrew Wiggins accrued 17 points, four rebounds and four assists. Klay Thompson scored 16 points, while Dario Saric had 14 points, four rebounds and five assists. Jonathan Kuminga led the bench with 31 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Draymond Green generated five points, four rebounds, 11 assists and three steals.
Both teams return to action on Saturday, with Sacramento traveling to face the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State remaining home to play the Los Angeles Lakers.
While Sacramento led for 45 minutes of this 48-minute game, it wasn't decided until the final whistle. Golden State snatched their first lead in the second half with 50 seconds remaining, but Domantas Sabonis hit a game-winning shot with 22 seconds left. The Warriors had two chances to win the game but missed a shot and committed a turnover on the final possessions. Sacramento won the turnover battle, 13-10, recording eight steals and five blocks, while Golden State had seven steals and three blocks. Both teams shot over 52 percent from the field in this shootout.
The Kings (25-18) got a career-high from Harrison Barnes, totaling 39 points, four rebounds and two steals. De'Aaron Fox finished with 29 points and five assists. Domantas Sabonis provided 18 points, eight rebounds and 13 assists, while Keegan Murray compiled 14 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Kevin Huerter rounded out the starting lineup with 12 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three steals.
The Warriors (19-23) were led by Stephen Curry, collecting 33 points, six rebounds and two assists. Andrew Wiggins accrued 17 points, four rebounds and four assists. Klay Thompson scored 16 points, while Dario Saric had 14 points, four rebounds and five assists. Jonathan Kuminga led the bench with 31 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Draymond Green generated five points, four rebounds, 11 assists and three steals.
Both teams return to action on Saturday, with Sacramento traveling to face the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State remaining home to play the Los Angeles Lakers.
Lakers Defeat Bulls, 141-132
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls, 141-132, at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday.
While there were six ties and 18 lead changes through the opening 16 minutes, Los Angeles rode a 42-25 second quarter to an easy win. They got their lead up to 24 points at times and led by at least nine points for the entirety of the second half. The Lakers shot 61 percent from the field and 65 percent from three-point range, while the Bulls shot 53 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range. LA recorded 35 assists to 12 turnovers, while Chicago had 27 assists to 16 turnovers.
The Bulls (21-25) were led by DeMar DeRozan, collecting 32 points, two rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. Coby White compiled 25 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Nikola Vucevic amassed 10 points and eight rebounds, while Alex Caruso had 17 points, four rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks. Ayo Dosunmu led the bench with 18 points, two rebounds and two steals.
The Lakers (23-23) were led by D'Angelo Russell, registering 29 points and four assists. LeBron James tallied 25 points, four rebounds, 12 assists and two steals. Anthony Davis accumulated 22 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, while Austin Reaves had 20 points, three rebounds and eight assists. Jarred Vanderbilt led the bench with 17 points, five rebounds and three steals.
On deck for Los Angeles is a road matchup with the Golden State Warriors. As for Chicago, they stay on the road to play the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday.
While there were six ties and 18 lead changes through the opening 16 minutes, Los Angeles rode a 42-25 second quarter to an easy win. They got their lead up to 24 points at times and led by at least nine points for the entirety of the second half. The Lakers shot 61 percent from the field and 65 percent from three-point range, while the Bulls shot 53 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range. LA recorded 35 assists to 12 turnovers, while Chicago had 27 assists to 16 turnovers.
The Bulls (21-25) were led by DeMar DeRozan, collecting 32 points, two rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. Coby White compiled 25 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Nikola Vucevic amassed 10 points and eight rebounds, while Alex Caruso had 17 points, four rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks. Ayo Dosunmu led the bench with 18 points, two rebounds and two steals.
The Lakers (23-23) were led by D'Angelo Russell, registering 29 points and four assists. LeBron James tallied 25 points, four rebounds, 12 assists and two steals. Anthony Davis accumulated 22 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, while Austin Reaves had 20 points, three rebounds and eight assists. Jarred Vanderbilt led the bench with 17 points, five rebounds and three steals.
On deck for Los Angeles is a road matchup with the Golden State Warriors. As for Chicago, they stay on the road to play the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday.