Cavaliers Use Strong Start To Defeat Pistons
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Detroit Pistons, 128-121, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Wednesday.
The Cavaliers (29-16) defeated the Pistons (6-41) for the third time in as many meetings this season. Still, despite what both teams’ records indicate, each meeting has been decided by single-digit numbers. The Cavaliers enjoyed a strong start and quickly built a 30-23 lead following the opening 12 minutes. Even though Cleveland was the better team all game long, the Pistons were not overmatched and tried to keep things close the rest of the way. The final three quarters ended with a tie, with Detroit even outscoring Cleveland by two points in the third quarter. However, the Pistons could not recover from the early deficit, and the Cavaliers returned with the victory. With the win, the Cavaliers moved to 17-8 at home, while the Pistons fell to 2-20 on the road.
Donovan Mitchell had an impressive performance and finished with 45 points for Cleveland, though he also added eight assists and six rebounds. Darius Garland posted 19 points and three assists across 20 minutes in his return. Jarrett Allen had 14 points and 11 rebounds. Evan Mobley delivered eight points, four assists and three rebounds. Isaac Okoro had 14 points off the bench. Caris LeVert and Sam Merrill finished with 11 points each.
Seven Detroit players scored in double digits in this one. Danilo Gallinari led the way for the Pistons with 20 points despite coming off the bench. Cade Cunningham led the starters with 19 points, and he also added seven assists, two rebounds and two steals. Jalen Duren had 10 points and nine rebounds, while Bojan Bogdanovic had 17 points. Kevin Knox II posted 12 points, and Alec Burks ended with 11 points, six dimes and four boards.
The Cavaliers (29-16) defeated the Pistons (6-41) for the third time in as many meetings this season. Still, despite what both teams’ records indicate, each meeting has been decided by single-digit numbers. The Cavaliers enjoyed a strong start and quickly built a 30-23 lead following the opening 12 minutes. Even though Cleveland was the better team all game long, the Pistons were not overmatched and tried to keep things close the rest of the way. The final three quarters ended with a tie, with Detroit even outscoring Cleveland by two points in the third quarter. However, the Pistons could not recover from the early deficit, and the Cavaliers returned with the victory. With the win, the Cavaliers moved to 17-8 at home, while the Pistons fell to 2-20 on the road.
Donovan Mitchell had an impressive performance and finished with 45 points for Cleveland, though he also added eight assists and six rebounds. Darius Garland posted 19 points and three assists across 20 minutes in his return. Jarrett Allen had 14 points and 11 rebounds. Evan Mobley delivered eight points, four assists and three rebounds. Isaac Okoro had 14 points off the bench. Caris LeVert and Sam Merrill finished with 11 points each.
Seven Detroit players scored in double digits in this one. Danilo Gallinari led the way for the Pistons with 20 points despite coming off the bench. Cade Cunningham led the starters with 19 points, and he also added seven assists, two rebounds and two steals. Jalen Duren had 10 points and nine rebounds, while Bojan Bogdanovic had 17 points. Kevin Knox II posted 12 points, and Alec Burks ended with 11 points, six dimes and four boards.
Clippers Dominate In Win Over Wizards
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Washington Wizards, 125-109, at Capital One Arena on Wednesday.
The Clippers (31-15) dominated the Wizards (9-38) with ease, and the game ended with a double-digit differential despite Washington outscoring Los Angeles by 11 points in the fourth quarter. The Clippers enjoyed a strong start and grabbed a 37-35 lead in the first quarter, but they began to pull away with a 29-25 score in the second quarter. Holding a six-point lead entering the second half, the Clippers were at their best in the third quarter, outscoring their rivals by an impressive 40-19 margin. The game was already decided by the time the final 12 minutes started, and even with the Wizards winning that frame by a 30-19 score, Los Angeles’ win was never in doubt. With the win, the Clippers moved to 12-11 when playing on the road. Meanwhile, the Wizards fell to 3-19 when playing at home.
Kawhi Leonard was the leading scorer for the Clippers with 31 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four steals. James Harden posted 25 points, nine rebounds, five assists, four blocks and two steals. Amir Coffey had 17 points. Norman Powell delivered 14 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Brandon Boston had 12 points off the bench. Russell Westbrook finished with nine points and seven assists off the bench. The Clippers shot an impressive 47 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range.
Kyle Kuzma had 27 points for the Wizards. Bilal Coulibaly finished with 19 points, four rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Deni Avdija delivered 13 points, five rebounds and three assists. Corey Kispert had 16 points off the bench. Marvin Bagley III ended with 10 points, eight rebounds and two assists. The Wizards shot 46.4 percent from the field, but a meager 31 percent from beyond the arc.
The Clippers (31-15) dominated the Wizards (9-38) with ease, and the game ended with a double-digit differential despite Washington outscoring Los Angeles by 11 points in the fourth quarter. The Clippers enjoyed a strong start and grabbed a 37-35 lead in the first quarter, but they began to pull away with a 29-25 score in the second quarter. Holding a six-point lead entering the second half, the Clippers were at their best in the third quarter, outscoring their rivals by an impressive 40-19 margin. The game was already decided by the time the final 12 minutes started, and even with the Wizards winning that frame by a 30-19 score, Los Angeles’ win was never in doubt. With the win, the Clippers moved to 12-11 when playing on the road. Meanwhile, the Wizards fell to 3-19 when playing at home.
Kawhi Leonard was the leading scorer for the Clippers with 31 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four steals. James Harden posted 25 points, nine rebounds, five assists, four blocks and two steals. Amir Coffey had 17 points. Norman Powell delivered 14 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Brandon Boston had 12 points off the bench. Russell Westbrook finished with nine points and seven assists off the bench. The Clippers shot an impressive 47 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range.
Kyle Kuzma had 27 points for the Wizards. Bilal Coulibaly finished with 19 points, four rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Deni Avdija delivered 13 points, five rebounds and three assists. Corey Kispert had 16 points off the bench. Marvin Bagley III ended with 10 points, eight rebounds and two assists. The Wizards shot 46.4 percent from the field, but a meager 31 percent from beyond the arc.
Bulls Wake Up Late To Defeat Hornets
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 117-110, at Spectrum Center on Wednesday.
The Bulls (23-26) and the Hornets (10-36) played a surprisingly tight game that was decided in the final minutes. However, the Bulls were more efficient down the stretch and looked better in the fourth quarter en route to victory. With the win, the Bulls completed a season sweep of the Hornets. Chicago grabbed a 28-27 lead after the first quarter, but Charlotte responded with a 32-29 score in the second quarter, posting a two-point lead at halftime. The Bulls responded with a 29-27 score in the third quarter, so the game was tied at 86 with 12 minutes left. The Bulls kept the momentum going and sealed the win by outscoring the Hornets 31-24 in the fourth quarter. With the victory, the Bulls moved to 9-15 on the road, while the Hornets fell to 5-18 at home.
Coby White led the way for the Bulls with one of his best performances of the season since he ended with 35 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. Nikola Vucevic posted 22 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. DeMar DeRozan had 15 points, four rebounds and three assists. Ayo Dosumnu delivered 16 points, six assists and three steals. Alex Caruso had 10 points, five boards and three dimes. Andre Drummond finished with 10 points and eight rebounds coming off the bench. The Bulls shot 51.7 percent from the field and 37.9 percent from deep.
Miles Bridges was the leading scorer for the Hornets with 30 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Nick Richards posted 10 points and six rebounds. Brandon Miller recorded 21 points and three assists. P.J. Washington had 26 points and eight rebounds coming off the bench. Charlotte shot 44.4 percent from the field and 34.8 percent from three-point range.
The Bulls (23-26) and the Hornets (10-36) played a surprisingly tight game that was decided in the final minutes. However, the Bulls were more efficient down the stretch and looked better in the fourth quarter en route to victory. With the win, the Bulls completed a season sweep of the Hornets. Chicago grabbed a 28-27 lead after the first quarter, but Charlotte responded with a 32-29 score in the second quarter, posting a two-point lead at halftime. The Bulls responded with a 29-27 score in the third quarter, so the game was tied at 86 with 12 minutes left. The Bulls kept the momentum going and sealed the win by outscoring the Hornets 31-24 in the fourth quarter. With the victory, the Bulls moved to 9-15 on the road, while the Hornets fell to 5-18 at home.
Coby White led the way for the Bulls with one of his best performances of the season since he ended with 35 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. Nikola Vucevic posted 22 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. DeMar DeRozan had 15 points, four rebounds and three assists. Ayo Dosumnu delivered 16 points, six assists and three steals. Alex Caruso had 10 points, five boards and three dimes. Andre Drummond finished with 10 points and eight rebounds coming off the bench. The Bulls shot 51.7 percent from the field and 37.9 percent from deep.
Miles Bridges was the leading scorer for the Hornets with 30 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Nick Richards posted 10 points and six rebounds. Brandon Miller recorded 21 points and three assists. P.J. Washington had 26 points and eight rebounds coming off the bench. Charlotte shot 44.4 percent from the field and 34.8 percent from three-point range.
Heat Tops Kings, 115-106
The Miami Heat defeated the Sacramento Kings, 115-106, at Kaseya Center on Wednesday night.
The Heat (25-23) came into the night desperate for a win of any margin after losing seven consecutive games, and they impressively jumped out in front of their talented visitors by a 28-22 margin through one. The Kings (27-19) did bounce back in the second with a 33-point tally that helped them lop off two points from that deficit prior to halftime. Miami kept its foot on the gas during the second half, keeping Sacramento at a relatively comfortable distance for the slump-busting victory.
Keegan Murray led the Kings with 33 points, complementing them with five rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Domantas Sabonis produced a 19-point, 17-rebound, 13-assist triple-double that included one steal and one block. Kevin Huerter furnished 14 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. De'Aaron Fox supplied 13 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Jimmy Butler paced the Heat with 31 points, supplementing them with seven rebounds, six assists and one steal. Josh Richardson registered 24 points, five boards, three assists and one block. Bam Adebayo generated a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double that included four assists. Tyler Herro finished with 14 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.
The Kings remain on the road and visit the Indiana Pacers on Friday night, while the Heat visit the Washington Wizards on Friday night.
The Heat (25-23) came into the night desperate for a win of any margin after losing seven consecutive games, and they impressively jumped out in front of their talented visitors by a 28-22 margin through one. The Kings (27-19) did bounce back in the second with a 33-point tally that helped them lop off two points from that deficit prior to halftime. Miami kept its foot on the gas during the second half, keeping Sacramento at a relatively comfortable distance for the slump-busting victory.
Keegan Murray led the Kings with 33 points, complementing them with five rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Domantas Sabonis produced a 19-point, 17-rebound, 13-assist triple-double that included one steal and one block. Kevin Huerter furnished 14 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. De'Aaron Fox supplied 13 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Jimmy Butler paced the Heat with 31 points, supplementing them with seven rebounds, six assists and one steal. Josh Richardson registered 24 points, five boards, three assists and one block. Bam Adebayo generated a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double that included four assists. Tyler Herro finished with 14 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.
The Kings remain on the road and visit the Indiana Pacers on Friday night, while the Heat visit the Washington Wizards on Friday night.
Short-Handed Pelicans Top Rockets, 110-99
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Houston Rockets, 110-99, at Toyota Center on Wednesday night.
The Pelicans (27-21) came in with the disadvantage of a Zion Williamson (foot) absence, but New Orleans offset that by jumping out to a 33-25 lead through one. The Rockets (22-25) managed to shave three points from their deficit during the middle quarters, but the visitors were able to expand their advantage from that point forward to win going away.
Jonas Valanciunas led the way for the Pelicans with a 25-point, 14-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block. Brandon Ingram furnished 24 points, 10 boards, four assists and two blocks. C.J. McCollum registered 19 points, five rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Trey Murphy totaled 13 points, six rebounds and one assist. Naji Marshall supplied 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one block.
Jalen Green paced the Rockets with 31 points, supplementing them with four rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks. Cam Whitmore netted 17 points. Fred VanVleet turned in 16 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals. Dillon Brooks finished with 13 points, three rebounds and one assist. Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson generated matching 10-point efforts while pulling down 10 and six rebounds, respectively. Sengun added five assists.
The Pelicans remain on the road and visit the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night, while the Rockets host the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night as well.
The Pelicans (27-21) came in with the disadvantage of a Zion Williamson (foot) absence, but New Orleans offset that by jumping out to a 33-25 lead through one. The Rockets (22-25) managed to shave three points from their deficit during the middle quarters, but the visitors were able to expand their advantage from that point forward to win going away.
Jonas Valanciunas led the way for the Pelicans with a 25-point, 14-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block. Brandon Ingram furnished 24 points, 10 boards, four assists and two blocks. C.J. McCollum registered 19 points, five rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Trey Murphy totaled 13 points, six rebounds and one assist. Naji Marshall supplied 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one block.
Jalen Green paced the Rockets with 31 points, supplementing them with four rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks. Cam Whitmore netted 17 points. Fred VanVleet turned in 16 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals. Dillon Brooks finished with 13 points, three rebounds and one assist. Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson generated matching 10-point efforts while pulling down 10 and six rebounds, respectively. Sengun added five assists.
The Pelicans remain on the road and visit the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night, while the Rockets host the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night as well.
Timberwolves Blast Mavericks, 121-87
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 121-87, at Target Center on Wednesday night.
The Mavericks (26-22) checked into the contest already facing a significant uphill battle thanks to multiple key absences, including those of Luka Doncic (ankle) and Kyrie Irving (thumb). However, Dallas was surprisingly competitive early, trailing the healthy Timberwolves (34-14) by a narrow 52-48 margin at halftime. However, Minnesota began to pull away during a third quarter in which it forged a 31-22 edge, and the final period, one which the hosts won, 38-17, unfolded much like how many had expected the entire game would.
Josh Green led the Mavericks with 18 points, adding two rebounds and one assist. Jaden Hardy delivered 15 points, two boards, two assists and one steal. Tim Hardaway posted 14 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Richaun Holmes generated an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists and two blocks.
Karl-Anthony Towns paced the Timberwolves with 29 points, supplementing them with nine rebounds, four assists and one steal. Rudy Gobert contributed 17 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Naz Reid finished with 12 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Jaden McDaniels registered 11 points, four assists and two rebounds. Mike Conley supplied 10 points, four rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block.
The Mavericks return home to host the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night, while the Timberwolves remain home and host the Orlando Magic on Friday night.
The Mavericks (26-22) checked into the contest already facing a significant uphill battle thanks to multiple key absences, including those of Luka Doncic (ankle) and Kyrie Irving (thumb). However, Dallas was surprisingly competitive early, trailing the healthy Timberwolves (34-14) by a narrow 52-48 margin at halftime. However, Minnesota began to pull away during a third quarter in which it forged a 31-22 edge, and the final period, one which the hosts won, 38-17, unfolded much like how many had expected the entire game would.
Josh Green led the Mavericks with 18 points, adding two rebounds and one assist. Jaden Hardy delivered 15 points, two boards, two assists and one steal. Tim Hardaway posted 14 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Richaun Holmes generated an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists and two blocks.
Karl-Anthony Towns paced the Timberwolves with 29 points, supplementing them with nine rebounds, four assists and one steal. Rudy Gobert contributed 17 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Naz Reid finished with 12 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Jaden McDaniels registered 11 points, four assists and two rebounds. Mike Conley supplied 10 points, four rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block.
The Mavericks return home to host the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night, while the Timberwolves remain home and host the Orlando Magic on Friday night.
Magic Confident In Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The Orlando Magic defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 108-98, at Frost Bank Center on Wednesday evening.
The Spurs jumped out to a quick, 12-4, lead but the Magic fought back and trialed by three points entering the second. The visitors picked up their play in and outscored the Spurs by nine points in the quarter to claim a six-point lead at the break. The Magic kept the momentum going in the third, where they outscored the hosts, 34-21, to make it a 19-point difference going into the final frame. The Spurs put up a fight in the fourth, but it was not nearly enough, as thy fell short for a second straight loss. This also marks the second win in the last three games for the Magic.
Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 25 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and two steals, in 36 minutes. Franz Wagner followed up with 20 points, eight rebounds, five assists and a steal, while Wendell Carter added 14 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Meanwhile, Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 26 points, four rebounds, four assists and a block, in 37 minutes. Victor Wembanyama followed up with 21 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and six blocks, while Jeremy Sochan totaled 18 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
The Spurs (10-38) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pelicans on Friday. The Magic (25-23) take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Friday.
The Spurs jumped out to a quick, 12-4, lead but the Magic fought back and trialed by three points entering the second. The visitors picked up their play in and outscored the Spurs by nine points in the quarter to claim a six-point lead at the break. The Magic kept the momentum going in the third, where they outscored the hosts, 34-21, to make it a 19-point difference going into the final frame. The Spurs put up a fight in the fourth, but it was not nearly enough, as thy fell short for a second straight loss. This also marks the second win in the last three games for the Magic.
Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 25 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and two steals, in 36 minutes. Franz Wagner followed up with 20 points, eight rebounds, five assists and a steal, while Wendell Carter added 14 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Meanwhile, Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 26 points, four rebounds, four assists and a block, in 37 minutes. Victor Wembanyama followed up with 21 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and six blocks, while Jeremy Sochan totaled 18 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
The Spurs (10-38) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pelicans on Friday. The Magic (25-23) take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Friday.
Thunder Top Shorthanded Nuggets
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Denver Nuggets, 105-100, at Paycom Center on Wednesday evening.
Despite missing Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets jumped out to a strong start and led, 28-19, after one quarter. The Thunder came up with a better effort in the second and managed to trim it down to a four-point difference at the break. The hosts kept the momentum going in the third and, after a couple of lead changes, emerged with a one-point edge entering the final frame. The Thunder turned their play up a notch in the fourth and maintained the advantage through the entire quarter on the way to the home win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 34 points, seven rebounds, five assists, an assist and two blocks, in 36 minutes. Chet Holmgren followed up with 18 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and five blocks, while Aaron Wiggins and Vasilije Micic chipped in 12 points each.
Meanwhile, Aaron Gordon, Jamal Murray and Reggie Jackson tallied 16 points each to lead the way for the Nuggets. Michael Porter added 15 points, eight rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 11 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal.
The Nuggets (33-16) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Trail Blazers on Friday. The Thunder (33-15) play host to the Hornets on Friday.
Despite missing Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets jumped out to a strong start and led, 28-19, after one quarter. The Thunder came up with a better effort in the second and managed to trim it down to a four-point difference at the break. The hosts kept the momentum going in the third and, after a couple of lead changes, emerged with a one-point edge entering the final frame. The Thunder turned their play up a notch in the fourth and maintained the advantage through the entire quarter on the way to the home win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 34 points, seven rebounds, five assists, an assist and two blocks, in 36 minutes. Chet Holmgren followed up with 18 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and five blocks, while Aaron Wiggins and Vasilije Micic chipped in 12 points each.
Meanwhile, Aaron Gordon, Jamal Murray and Reggie Jackson tallied 16 points each to lead the way for the Nuggets. Michael Porter added 15 points, eight rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 11 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal.
The Nuggets (33-16) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Trail Blazers on Friday. The Thunder (33-15) play host to the Hornets on Friday.
Suns Defeat Nets, 136-120
The Phoenix Suns defeated the host Brooklyn Nets, 136-120, at Barclay's Center on Wednesday.
While there were nine ties in this game, Phoenix rode a 42-26 third quarter to an easy win. That gave them a game-high 21-point lead, leading by double-digits for the entirety of the fourth quarter. Phoenix shot 62 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range, while Brooklyn shot 50 percent from the field and 41 percent from long range. The Suns also out-rebounded the Nets, 42-27, while out-assisting them, 35-28.
The Suns (28-20) were led by Kevin Durant, collecting 33 points, five rebounds, eight assists and two blocks. Jusuf Nurkic amassed 28 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and two blocks. Devin Booker tallied 22 points, three rebounds, eight assists and two steals, while Eric Gordon generated 17 points, two rebounds and four assists.
The Nets (19-28) were led by Cam Thomas, totaling 25 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals. Mikal Bridges accrued 21 points, three rebounds and two assists. Cam Johnson provided 18 points, two rebounds and two steals, while Spencer Dinwiddie had 16 points, two rebounds and five assists. Lonnie Walker led the bench with 19 points, three rebounds, seven assists and four steals.
On deck for Phoenix is a road matchup with the Atlanta Hawks on Friday. As for Brooklyn, they return to action on Saturday in a road matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers.
While there were nine ties in this game, Phoenix rode a 42-26 third quarter to an easy win. That gave them a game-high 21-point lead, leading by double-digits for the entirety of the fourth quarter. Phoenix shot 62 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range, while Brooklyn shot 50 percent from the field and 41 percent from long range. The Suns also out-rebounded the Nets, 42-27, while out-assisting them, 35-28.
The Suns (28-20) were led by Kevin Durant, collecting 33 points, five rebounds, eight assists and two blocks. Jusuf Nurkic amassed 28 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and two blocks. Devin Booker tallied 22 points, three rebounds, eight assists and two steals, while Eric Gordon generated 17 points, two rebounds and four assists.
The Nets (19-28) were led by Cam Thomas, totaling 25 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals. Mikal Bridges accrued 21 points, three rebounds and two assists. Cam Johnson provided 18 points, two rebounds and two steals, while Spencer Dinwiddie had 16 points, two rebounds and five assists. Lonnie Walker led the bench with 19 points, three rebounds, seven assists and four steals.
On deck for Phoenix is a road matchup with the Atlanta Hawks on Friday. As for Brooklyn, they return to action on Saturday in a road matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Trail Blazers Defeat Bucks, 119-116
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Milwaukee Bucks, 119-116, at Moda Center on Wednesday.
There were 12 ties and 14 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 10 points. That was Portland near the beginning of the fourth quarter, maintaining the lead for 15 of the final 16 minutes, Milwaukee took a brief lead with 38 seconds left, but Anfernee Simons hit a game-winning shot with 17.6 seconds remaining. The Trail Blazers shot 53 percent from the field, 43 percent from three-point range and 100 percent from the free-throw line, while the Bucks shot 49 percent from the field, 29 percent from long range and 72 percent from the charity stripe. Portland also outscored Milwaukee in the paint, 56-46.
The Bucks (32-15) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, accruing 27 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals. Damian Lillard had 25 points, six rebounds and seven assists in his return. Khris Middleton collected 21 points, two rebounds and eight assists, while Brook Lopez amassed 19 points, four rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
The Trail Blazers (15-33) were led by Anfernee Simons, finishing with 24 points, three rebounds and five assists. Deandre Ayton accumulated 20 points and 11 rebounds. Jerami Grant generated 18 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Malcolm Brogdon tallied 14 points, six rebounds and six assists. Scoot Henderson led the bench with 15 points and four assists.
On deck for Portland is a road matchup with the Denver Nuggets on Friday. As for Milwaukee, they return to action on Saturday when they stay on the road to face the Dallas Mavericks,
There were 12 ties and 14 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 10 points. That was Portland near the beginning of the fourth quarter, maintaining the lead for 15 of the final 16 minutes, Milwaukee took a brief lead with 38 seconds left, but Anfernee Simons hit a game-winning shot with 17.6 seconds remaining. The Trail Blazers shot 53 percent from the field, 43 percent from three-point range and 100 percent from the free-throw line, while the Bucks shot 49 percent from the field, 29 percent from long range and 72 percent from the charity stripe. Portland also outscored Milwaukee in the paint, 56-46.
The Bucks (32-15) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, accruing 27 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals. Damian Lillard had 25 points, six rebounds and seven assists in his return. Khris Middleton collected 21 points, two rebounds and eight assists, while Brook Lopez amassed 19 points, four rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
The Trail Blazers (15-33) were led by Anfernee Simons, finishing with 24 points, three rebounds and five assists. Deandre Ayton accumulated 20 points and 11 rebounds. Jerami Grant generated 18 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Malcolm Brogdon tallied 14 points, six rebounds and six assists. Scoot Henderson led the bench with 15 points and four assists.
On deck for Portland is a road matchup with the Denver Nuggets on Friday. As for Milwaukee, they return to action on Saturday when they stay on the road to face the Dallas Mavericks,