Double-doubles from Mitchell, Allen propel Cavs over Clippers on Monday
The Cleveland Cavaliers took down the Los Angeles Clippers, 118-108, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Monday.
The Cavaliers (28-16) raced out to a nine-point lead before the Clippers (30-15) brought that deficit down to three after the first quarter. Los Angeles continued their momentum into the second quarter and held a seven-point lead midway through the frame, but Cleveland closed out on a 14-3 run to enter halftime with a four-point lead. The teams traded buckets for much of the third quarter, but the Cavs jumped out to a 12-point lead in the fourth quarter and rode that momentum for the win. The Cavaliers improved their home record to 16-8, while the Clippers dropped to 11-11 on the road.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with a game-high 30 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Norman Powell led the bench with 18 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Russell Westbrook and Amir Coffey each scored 13 points in reserve. Paul George went 3-for-11 from the field and finished with 13 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. James Harden accumulated 11 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists for his 14th double-double of the season.
The Cavaliers were led by Donovan Mitchell, who tallied 28 points, four rebounds, 12 assists and two steals for his sixth double-double of the season. Jarrett Allen extended his own double-double streak to 15 games and finished with 20 points, 17 rebounds and three assists. Isaac Okoro chipped in 17 points and three assists, while Max Strus contributed 14 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Caris LeVert led Cleveland’s reserves with 13 points, two rebounds and three assists.
With Monday’s contest in the books, both teams will play their next game Wednesday. The Clippers travel to Washington to face the Wizards, while the Cavaliers host the Detroit Pistons.
The Cavaliers (28-16) raced out to a nine-point lead before the Clippers (30-15) brought that deficit down to three after the first quarter. Los Angeles continued their momentum into the second quarter and held a seven-point lead midway through the frame, but Cleveland closed out on a 14-3 run to enter halftime with a four-point lead. The teams traded buckets for much of the third quarter, but the Cavs jumped out to a 12-point lead in the fourth quarter and rode that momentum for the win. The Cavaliers improved their home record to 16-8, while the Clippers dropped to 11-11 on the road.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with a game-high 30 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Norman Powell led the bench with 18 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Russell Westbrook and Amir Coffey each scored 13 points in reserve. Paul George went 3-for-11 from the field and finished with 13 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. James Harden accumulated 11 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists for his 14th double-double of the season.
The Cavaliers were led by Donovan Mitchell, who tallied 28 points, four rebounds, 12 assists and two steals for his sixth double-double of the season. Jarrett Allen extended his own double-double streak to 15 games and finished with 20 points, 17 rebounds and three assists. Isaac Okoro chipped in 17 points and three assists, while Max Strus contributed 14 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Caris LeVert led Cleveland’s reserves with 13 points, two rebounds and three assists.
With Monday’s contest in the books, both teams will play their next game Wednesday. The Clippers travel to Washington to face the Wizards, while the Cavaliers host the Detroit Pistons.
Knicks Cruise To Easy Win Over Hornets
The New York Knicks defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 113-92, at Spectrum Center on Monday.
The Knicks (30-17) moved to 14-12 on the road with a sound performance against the Hornets (10-35), one of the teams with the worst record in the Eastern Conference. With the loss, Charlotte fell to 5-17 when playing at home. The Knicks established control of the game in the early stages and raced to a 26-25 lead after the first quarter, but they’d be only up by three points by halftime following a 20-18 score in the second half. The Knicks would pull away for good in the third quarter after a 44-24 score and never looked back. The Hornets won the final quarter by a 25-23 score, but it was not enough to mount a potential comeback. New York cruised its way to victory and secured a comfortable win despite the absence of Julius Randle due to injury.
Jalen Brunson led the way for the Knicks with 32 points, seven assists and four rebounds. Donte DiVincenzo finished with 28 points, six rebounds and five assists. Josh Hart only scored eight points, but he chipped in with 12 rebounds and seven assists. Isaiah Hartenstein posted 10 points, four boards and three steals. Miles McBride added 11 points despite logging just 15 minutes off the bench.
Brandon Miller was the leading scorer for the Hornets after posting 29 points, and he also added seven rebounds with three assists. Miles Bridges had 21 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals. P.J. Washington had 16 points, two rebounds and two assists. Cody Martin had 14 points, eight assists and six rebounds.
The Knicks (30-17) moved to 14-12 on the road with a sound performance against the Hornets (10-35), one of the teams with the worst record in the Eastern Conference. With the loss, Charlotte fell to 5-17 when playing at home. The Knicks established control of the game in the early stages and raced to a 26-25 lead after the first quarter, but they’d be only up by three points by halftime following a 20-18 score in the second half. The Knicks would pull away for good in the third quarter after a 44-24 score and never looked back. The Hornets won the final quarter by a 25-23 score, but it was not enough to mount a potential comeback. New York cruised its way to victory and secured a comfortable win despite the absence of Julius Randle due to injury.
Jalen Brunson led the way for the Knicks with 32 points, seven assists and four rebounds. Donte DiVincenzo finished with 28 points, six rebounds and five assists. Josh Hart only scored eight points, but he chipped in with 12 rebounds and seven assists. Isaiah Hartenstein posted 10 points, four boards and three steals. Miles McBride added 11 points despite logging just 15 minutes off the bench.
Brandon Miller was the leading scorer for the Hornets after posting 29 points, and he also added seven rebounds with three assists. Miles Bridges had 21 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals. P.J. Washington had 16 points, two rebounds and two assists. Cody Martin had 14 points, eight assists and six rebounds.
Celtics Complete Comeback To Defeat Pelicans
The Boston Celtics defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 118-112, at TD Garden on Monday.
The Celtics (36-11) needed a bounce-back performance Monday and delivered just that by defeating the Pelicans (26-21) at home. Boston was coming off two straight losses at TD Garden, but the team responded admirably here to secure the victory. The Pelicans enjoyed a dominant start and outscored Boston by a 36-25 score in the first quarter. Boston showed signs of life in the second quarter, but the 25-24 score meant the score was still a double-digit contest by the time the second half started. The Celtics played with a different mindset in the second half, though. They outscored New Orleans by a 31-27 score in the third quarter and a 37-25 score in the final 12 minutes. The comeback down the stretch was enough to lift the Celtics to a massive win at home. With the victory, the Celtics moved to 21-2 at home. Meanwhile, the Pelicans fell to 21-11 on the road.
Jayson Tatum led the way for the Celtics with 28 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Jrue Holiday posted 20 points, three rebounds and two assists. Jaylen Brown had 22 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. Derrick White finished with 17 points and four assists. Al Horford had 11 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Sam Hauser added 11 points coming off the bench.
Brandon Ingram paced the way for the Pelicans with 28 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Zion Williamson finished with 26 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. CJ McCollum finished with 16 points, two rebounds and two assists. Jonas Valanciunas had 11 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Trey Murphy III had a solid outing off the bench thanks to his 15 points and four rebounds.
The Celtics (36-11) needed a bounce-back performance Monday and delivered just that by defeating the Pelicans (26-21) at home. Boston was coming off two straight losses at TD Garden, but the team responded admirably here to secure the victory. The Pelicans enjoyed a dominant start and outscored Boston by a 36-25 score in the first quarter. Boston showed signs of life in the second quarter, but the 25-24 score meant the score was still a double-digit contest by the time the second half started. The Celtics played with a different mindset in the second half, though. They outscored New Orleans by a 31-27 score in the third quarter and a 37-25 score in the final 12 minutes. The comeback down the stretch was enough to lift the Celtics to a massive win at home. With the victory, the Celtics moved to 21-2 at home. Meanwhile, the Pelicans fell to 21-11 on the road.
Jayson Tatum led the way for the Celtics with 28 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Jrue Holiday posted 20 points, three rebounds and two assists. Jaylen Brown had 22 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. Derrick White finished with 17 points and four assists. Al Horford had 11 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Sam Hauser added 11 points coming off the bench.
Brandon Ingram paced the way for the Pelicans with 28 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Zion Williamson finished with 26 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. CJ McCollum finished with 16 points, two rebounds and two assists. Jonas Valanciunas had 11 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Trey Murphy III had a solid outing off the bench thanks to his 15 points and four rebounds.
Suns Cruise To Easy Win Over Heat
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Miami Heat, 118-105, at Kaseya Center on Monday.
The Suns (27-20) and the Heat (24-23) were both riding losing runs. However, the Suns have the better roster on paper and more firepower on offense. Both things were noticeable Monday, and as a result, Phoenix cruised to victory despite Miami’s late comeback attempt. The Suns enjoyed a dominant start and quickly raced to a 33-25 lead in the first quarter. The Suns didn’t let go and bolstered their lead to double digits following a 29-24 score in the second 12 minutes of action, establishing a 62-49 lead at halftime. The Suns pulled away for good in the third with a 38-25 score, so the game was all but over by the time the final 12 minutes arrived. The Suns only scored 18 points in the fourth quarter, and the Heat responded with 31, but that was not enough to even sniff a comeback. The Suns closed the game out with ease and clinched the victory on enemy soil. With the win, Phoenix moved to 13-9 at home, while the Heat fell to 12-11 at home.
Kevin Durant posted 20 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for the Suns. Devin Booker posted 22 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Bradley Beal finished with 19 points, seven dimes, five rebounds and two steals. Eric Gordon scored a team-high 23 points while adding five assists and four boards coming off the bench. Josh Okogie and Drew Eubanks each had 11 points. Okogie grabbed seven boards and Eubanks five. The Suns shot 48.9 percent from the field and 35 percent from deep.
Jimmy Butler scored a game-high 26 points with eight rebounds and four assists, but his efforts were not enough. Terry Rozier posted 21 points and three assists. Tyler Herro finished with 17 points, six rebounds and four assists but shot 5-for-18 from the field. Caleb Martin and Josh Richardson had 12 points. Martin also grabbed six rebounds. The Heat shot 39.3 percent from the field and 38.9 percent from three-point range.
The Suns (27-20) and the Heat (24-23) were both riding losing runs. However, the Suns have the better roster on paper and more firepower on offense. Both things were noticeable Monday, and as a result, Phoenix cruised to victory despite Miami’s late comeback attempt. The Suns enjoyed a dominant start and quickly raced to a 33-25 lead in the first quarter. The Suns didn’t let go and bolstered their lead to double digits following a 29-24 score in the second 12 minutes of action, establishing a 62-49 lead at halftime. The Suns pulled away for good in the third with a 38-25 score, so the game was all but over by the time the final 12 minutes arrived. The Suns only scored 18 points in the fourth quarter, and the Heat responded with 31, but that was not enough to even sniff a comeback. The Suns closed the game out with ease and clinched the victory on enemy soil. With the win, Phoenix moved to 13-9 at home, while the Heat fell to 12-11 at home.
Kevin Durant posted 20 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for the Suns. Devin Booker posted 22 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Bradley Beal finished with 19 points, seven dimes, five rebounds and two steals. Eric Gordon scored a team-high 23 points while adding five assists and four boards coming off the bench. Josh Okogie and Drew Eubanks each had 11 points. Okogie grabbed seven boards and Eubanks five. The Suns shot 48.9 percent from the field and 35 percent from deep.
Jimmy Butler scored a game-high 26 points with eight rebounds and four assists, but his efforts were not enough. Terry Rozier posted 21 points and three assists. Tyler Herro finished with 17 points, six rebounds and four assists but shot 5-for-18 from the field. Caleb Martin and Josh Richardson had 12 points. Martin also grabbed six rebounds. The Heat shot 39.3 percent from the field and 38.9 percent from three-point range.
Nets Blast Jazz, 147-114
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Utah Jazz, 147-114, at Barclays Center on Monday night.
The Nets (19-27) opened the game clicking on all cylinders offensively, jumping out to a 43-28 lead through one. The Jazz (24-24) had fallen behind by another two points heading into the final period, and any thoughts of a last-gasp Utah comeback were squashed by another Brooklyn 43-point tally over the final 12 minutes.
Keyonte George led the Jazz with 21 points, adding four rebounds and three assists. John Collins furnished 15 points, seven boards, two blocks and one steal. Lauri Markkanen delivered 13 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Jordan Clarkson matched Markkanen's scoring total while Walker Kessler posted 11 points, seven rebounds and one block.
Mikal Bridges paced the Nets with 33 points, supplementing them with four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Cam Thomas supplied 25 points, seven rebounds, one steal and one block. Lonnie Walker registered 19 points, four assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Cameron Johnson finished with 17 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal. Dennis Smith Jr. turned 12 points, four assists, two rebounds and two steals. Nic Claxton and Royce O'Neale produced matching 11-point tallies while recording 10 and four rebounds, respectively, O'Neale also pitched in two steals and two blocks. Ben Simmons returned from his months-long absence due to a back injury and provided 10 points, 11 assists, eight rebounds, one steal and one block.
The Jazz remain in New York and visit the Knicks on Tuesday night, while the Nets host the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night.
The Nets (19-27) opened the game clicking on all cylinders offensively, jumping out to a 43-28 lead through one. The Jazz (24-24) had fallen behind by another two points heading into the final period, and any thoughts of a last-gasp Utah comeback were squashed by another Brooklyn 43-point tally over the final 12 minutes.
Keyonte George led the Jazz with 21 points, adding four rebounds and three assists. John Collins furnished 15 points, seven boards, two blocks and one steal. Lauri Markkanen delivered 13 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Jordan Clarkson matched Markkanen's scoring total while Walker Kessler posted 11 points, seven rebounds and one block.
Mikal Bridges paced the Nets with 33 points, supplementing them with four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Cam Thomas supplied 25 points, seven rebounds, one steal and one block. Lonnie Walker registered 19 points, four assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Cameron Johnson finished with 17 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal. Dennis Smith Jr. turned 12 points, four assists, two rebounds and two steals. Nic Claxton and Royce O'Neale produced matching 11-point tallies while recording 10 and four rebounds, respectively, O'Neale also pitched in two steals and two blocks. Ben Simmons returned from his months-long absence due to a back injury and provided 10 points, 11 assists, eight rebounds, one steal and one block.
The Jazz remain in New York and visit the Knicks on Tuesday night, while the Nets host the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night.
Rockets Thump Lakers, 135-119
The Houston Rockets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 135-119, at Toyota Center on Monday night.
The Rockets (22-24) came into the contest on a mini-skid that had seen them lose three of four, but they came out clicking offensively on the way to a massive 78-point haul in the first half. That netted Houston an 18-point halftime lead over the Lakers (24-24), and when the hosts added another six points to their advantage in the third, the game was decided for all practical purposes.
D'Angelo Russell, LeBron James and Anthony Davis co-led the Lakers with 23 points apiece. Russell added five assists, James recorded 10 assists and six rebounds and Davis produced seven boards among other contributions. Rui Hachimura furnished 16 points, five boards, one assist and one steal.
Jalen Green paced the Rockets with a 34-point, 12-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one steal. Alperen Sengun generated a 31-point, 12-rebound double-double that included seven assists, two steals and one block. Cam Whitmore delivered 20 points and six rebounds. Jabari Smith Jr. registered 18 points, nine boards, four assists, three steals and one block. Dillon Brooks turned in 17 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The Lakers remain on the road and visit the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night, while the Rockets remain home and host the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.
The Rockets (22-24) came into the contest on a mini-skid that had seen them lose three of four, but they came out clicking offensively on the way to a massive 78-point haul in the first half. That netted Houston an 18-point halftime lead over the Lakers (24-24), and when the hosts added another six points to their advantage in the third, the game was decided for all practical purposes.
D'Angelo Russell, LeBron James and Anthony Davis co-led the Lakers with 23 points apiece. Russell added five assists, James recorded 10 assists and six rebounds and Davis produced seven boards among other contributions. Rui Hachimura furnished 16 points, five boards, one assist and one steal.
Jalen Green paced the Rockets with a 34-point, 12-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one steal. Alperen Sengun generated a 31-point, 12-rebound double-double that included seven assists, two steals and one block. Cam Whitmore delivered 20 points and six rebounds. Jabari Smith Jr. registered 18 points, nine boards, four assists, three steals and one block. Dillon Brooks turned in 17 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The Lakers remain on the road and visit the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night, while the Rockets remain home and host the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.
Wizards Come Out On Top In San Antonio
By Dan Bruno
The Washington Wizards defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 118-113, at Frost Bank Center on Monday evening.
The Spurs jumped out to a strong start and led, 35-25, after one quarter. The Wizards brought a better effort in the second and managed to trim it to a four-point game by halftime. Both sides were rolling in the third, where the Spurs outscored the visitors, 35-33, to push their lead up to six points entering the final frame. The hosts stayed in front for most of the fourth, but the Wizards did not give up and rallied to take control down the stretch, closing out their second straight win. This also marks the end of a two-game win streak for the Spurs.
Six players scored in double digits for the Wizards, led by Kyle Kuzma, who finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and two blocks, in 32 minutes. Daniel Gafford followed up with 16 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block, while Tyus Jones and Marvin Bagley tallied 15 points each.
Meanwhile, Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 24 points, five rebounds, four assists and a block, in 35 minutes. Victor Wembanyama followed up with 22 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, a steal and three blocks, while Cedi Osman added 20 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals, off the bench.
The Spurs (10-37) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Magic on Wednesday. The Wizards (9-37) play host to the Clippers on Wednesday.
The Spurs jumped out to a strong start and led, 35-25, after one quarter. The Wizards brought a better effort in the second and managed to trim it to a four-point game by halftime. Both sides were rolling in the third, where the Spurs outscored the visitors, 35-33, to push their lead up to six points entering the final frame. The hosts stayed in front for most of the fourth, but the Wizards did not give up and rallied to take control down the stretch, closing out their second straight win. This also marks the end of a two-game win streak for the Spurs.
Six players scored in double digits for the Wizards, led by Kyle Kuzma, who finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and two blocks, in 32 minutes. Daniel Gafford followed up with 16 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block, while Tyus Jones and Marvin Bagley tallied 15 points each.
Meanwhile, Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 24 points, five rebounds, four assists and a block, in 35 minutes. Victor Wembanyama followed up with 22 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, a steal and three blocks, while Cedi Osman added 20 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals, off the bench.
The Spurs (10-37) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Magic on Wednesday. The Wizards (9-37) play host to the Clippers on Wednesday.
Timberwolves Rally Past Thunder
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder, 107-101, at Paycom Center on Monday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Timberwolves led, 29-28, after one quarter. Neither side could break away in the second, where the visitors took a two-point lead into the break. The Thunder picked up their play in the third and outscored the visitors, 30-24, in the quarter to claim a four-point advantage entering the final frame. The Timberwolves reclaimed the upper hand early in the fourth and stayed a step ahead down the stretch to close out their third win in four games. This also marks the second straight loss for the Thunder.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 27 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 40 minutes. Karl-Anthony Towns followed up with 21 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block, while Rudy Gobert totaled 12 points, 18 rebounds, a steal and a block.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 37 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and two steals, in 39 minutes. Jalen Williams followed up with 20 points, two rebounds and three assists, while Josh Giddey chipped in 13 points, four rebounds, two assists and a block.
The Thunder (32-15) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nuggets on Wednesday. The Timberwolves (33-14) play host to the Mavericks on Wednesday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Timberwolves led, 29-28, after one quarter. Neither side could break away in the second, where the visitors took a two-point lead into the break. The Thunder picked up their play in the third and outscored the visitors, 30-24, in the quarter to claim a four-point advantage entering the final frame. The Timberwolves reclaimed the upper hand early in the fourth and stayed a step ahead down the stretch to close out their third win in four games. This also marks the second straight loss for the Thunder.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 27 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 40 minutes. Karl-Anthony Towns followed up with 21 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block, while Rudy Gobert totaled 12 points, 18 rebounds, a steal and a block.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 37 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and two steals, in 39 minutes. Jalen Williams followed up with 20 points, two rebounds and three assists, while Josh Giddey chipped in 13 points, four rebounds, two assists and a block.
The Thunder (32-15) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nuggets on Wednesday. The Timberwolves (33-14) play host to the Mavericks on Wednesday.
Kings Rally To Close Out Grizzlies
By Dan Bruno
The Sacramento Kings defeated the host Memphis Grizzlies, 103-94, at FedEx Forum on Monday evening.
The Grizzlies jumped out to a great start and led, 33-18, after one quarter. The Kings returned the favor in the second and outscored the hosts, 29-17, to cut it to a three-point game at the break. The Grizzlies came out strong in the third and rallied to a brief lead, before the visitors rallied to a four-point advantage heading into the final frame. The hosts pulled ahead again early in the fourth, but the Kings closed on a, 15-2, run to secure their fourth straight win. This also marks the second straight loss for the Grizzlies.
De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 23 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 34 minutes. Domantas Sabonis followed up with 20 points, a career-high 26 rebounds and five assists, while Kevin Huerter added 17 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block.
Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies with 22 points, three rebounds and two assists, in 32 minutes. Santi Aldama followed up with 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals, while David Roddy logged nine points, 10 rebounds, two assists and a steal.
The Grizzlies (18-29) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Cavaliers on Thursday. The Kings (27-18) take on the Heat in Miami on Wednesday.
The Grizzlies jumped out to a great start and led, 33-18, after one quarter. The Kings returned the favor in the second and outscored the hosts, 29-17, to cut it to a three-point game at the break. The Grizzlies came out strong in the third and rallied to a brief lead, before the visitors rallied to a four-point advantage heading into the final frame. The hosts pulled ahead again early in the fourth, but the Kings closed on a, 15-2, run to secure their fourth straight win. This also marks the second straight loss for the Grizzlies.
De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 23 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 34 minutes. Domantas Sabonis followed up with 20 points, a career-high 26 rebounds and five assists, while Kevin Huerter added 17 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block.
Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies with 22 points, three rebounds and two assists, in 32 minutes. Santi Aldama followed up with 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals, while David Roddy logged nine points, 10 rebounds, two assists and a steal.
The Grizzlies (18-29) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Cavaliers on Thursday. The Kings (27-18) take on the Heat in Miami on Wednesday.
Mavs Defeat Magic, 131-129
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 131-129, at American Airlines Center on Monday.
While Orlando led by 16 points at the half, Dallas rode a 35-12 third quarter to their comeback win. There were six ties and 10 lead changes after the lopsided third quarter, with Franz Wagner missing a halfcourt shot at the buzzer that would've won the game. Dallas shot 62 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range while holding Orlando to 51 percent from the field and 47 percent from long range. The Mavs also out-rebounded the Magic on the defensive end, 41-31.
The Magic (24-23) were led by Paolo Banchero, providing 36 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Wagner finished with 21 points, five rebounds and six assists. Jalen Suggs amassed 11 points, two rebounds and three steals, while Wendell Carter Jr collected nine points, eight rebounds and two assists. Anthony Black led the bench with 20 points and three boards.
The Mavericks (26-21) were led by Luka Doncic, compiling 45 points, nine rebounds and 15 assists. Tim Hardaway Jr had 36 points and eight rebounds. Dereck Lively totaled 20 points and 11 rebounds. Those two combined to shoot 19-of-26 from the field. Jaden Hardy led the bench with 20 points and seven assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Dallas traveling to play the Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando staying on the road to face the San Antonio Spurs.
While Orlando led by 16 points at the half, Dallas rode a 35-12 third quarter to their comeback win. There were six ties and 10 lead changes after the lopsided third quarter, with Franz Wagner missing a halfcourt shot at the buzzer that would've won the game. Dallas shot 62 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range while holding Orlando to 51 percent from the field and 47 percent from long range. The Mavs also out-rebounded the Magic on the defensive end, 41-31.
The Magic (24-23) were led by Paolo Banchero, providing 36 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Wagner finished with 21 points, five rebounds and six assists. Jalen Suggs amassed 11 points, two rebounds and three steals, while Wendell Carter Jr collected nine points, eight rebounds and two assists. Anthony Black led the bench with 20 points and three boards.
The Mavericks (26-21) were led by Luka Doncic, compiling 45 points, nine rebounds and 15 assists. Tim Hardaway Jr had 36 points and eight rebounds. Dereck Lively totaled 20 points and 11 rebounds. Those two combined to shoot 19-of-26 from the field. Jaden Hardy led the bench with 20 points and seven assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Dallas traveling to play the Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando staying on the road to face the San Antonio Spurs.
Nuggets Defeat Bucks, 113-107
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Milwaukee Bucks, 113-107, at Ball Arena on Monday.
There were 12 ties and nine lead changes in this game, with Denver outscoring Milwaukee in the third quarter, 26-19. They grabbed a game-high 13-point lead because of that lopsided frame, holding the lead for 17 of the final 18 minutes, The Nuggets shot 48 percent from the field and 88 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Bucks to 43 percent from the field and 76 percent from the charity stripe. Denver also out-rebounded Milwaukee, 55-49, while out-assisting them, 29-24.
The Bucks (31-15) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, collecting 29 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. Brook Lopez totaled 19 points, two rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Damian Lillard had 18 points, three rebounds and five assists, while Khris Middleton compiled 14 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Bobby Portis led the bench with nine points, 12 rebounds and two assists.
The Nuggets (32-15) were led by Jamal Murray, amassing 35 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals. Nikola Jokic generated 25 points, 16 rebounds, 12 assists, three steals and two blocks. Michael Porter Jr totaled 13 points and eight boards, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope collected 12 points and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Denver traveling to play the Oklahoma Ciy Thunder and Milwaukee remaining on the road to play the Portland Trail Blazers.
There were 12 ties and nine lead changes in this game, with Denver outscoring Milwaukee in the third quarter, 26-19. They grabbed a game-high 13-point lead because of that lopsided frame, holding the lead for 17 of the final 18 minutes, The Nuggets shot 48 percent from the field and 88 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Bucks to 43 percent from the field and 76 percent from the charity stripe. Denver also out-rebounded Milwaukee, 55-49, while out-assisting them, 29-24.
The Bucks (31-15) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, collecting 29 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. Brook Lopez totaled 19 points, two rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Damian Lillard had 18 points, three rebounds and five assists, while Khris Middleton compiled 14 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Bobby Portis led the bench with nine points, 12 rebounds and two assists.
The Nuggets (32-15) were led by Jamal Murray, amassing 35 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals. Nikola Jokic generated 25 points, 16 rebounds, 12 assists, three steals and two blocks. Michael Porter Jr totaled 13 points and eight boards, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope collected 12 points and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Denver traveling to play the Oklahoma Ciy Thunder and Milwaukee remaining on the road to play the Portland Trail Blazers.
Blazers Roll Sixers, 130-104
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Philadelphia 76ers, 130-104, at Moda Center on Monday.
While Philly got out to a 28-20 lead after the first quarter, Portland outscored them by at least nine points in each of the final three frames. A 72-49 second half carried them to this victory, getting their lead up to 31 points at times. Portland shot 55 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while holding Philadelphia to 45 percent from the field and 17 percent from long range. The Blazers also out-assisted the Sixers, 29-17, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 13-8.
The Sixers (29-16) were led by Kelly Oubre Jr, collecting 25 points and six rebounds. Patrick Beverley amassed 14 points and five assists. Paul Reed registered 11 points, six rebounds, three assists and two blocks, while Marcus Morris led the bench with nine points and two rebounds. There were 13 different Sixers who played in their worst loss of the season.
The Trail Blazers (14-33) were led by Jerami Grant, generating 27 points, five rebounds and three assists. Malcolm Brogdon tallied 24 points, five rebounds and nine assists. Deandre Ayton accrued 18 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Anfernee Simons had 15 points and six assists. Scoot Henderson led the bench with 22 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Portland's next game is on Wednesday when they play host to the Milwaukee Bucks. Philly has to play again on Tuesday, staying on the road to face the Golden State Warriors.
While Philly got out to a 28-20 lead after the first quarter, Portland outscored them by at least nine points in each of the final three frames. A 72-49 second half carried them to this victory, getting their lead up to 31 points at times. Portland shot 55 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while holding Philadelphia to 45 percent from the field and 17 percent from long range. The Blazers also out-assisted the Sixers, 29-17, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 13-8.
The Sixers (29-16) were led by Kelly Oubre Jr, collecting 25 points and six rebounds. Patrick Beverley amassed 14 points and five assists. Paul Reed registered 11 points, six rebounds, three assists and two blocks, while Marcus Morris led the bench with nine points and two rebounds. There were 13 different Sixers who played in their worst loss of the season.
The Trail Blazers (14-33) were led by Jerami Grant, generating 27 points, five rebounds and three assists. Malcolm Brogdon tallied 24 points, five rebounds and nine assists. Deandre Ayton accrued 18 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Anfernee Simons had 15 points and six assists. Scoot Henderson led the bench with 22 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Portland's next game is on Wednesday when they play host to the Milwaukee Bucks. Philly has to play again on Tuesday, staying on the road to face the Golden State Warriors.