Kawhi's 33 points powers Clips past Pistons on Friday
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Detroit Pistons, 136-125, at Little Caesars Arena on Friday.
It was the home team that got off to a hot start in Friday's affair. The Pistons (6-42) jumped out to an early 14-point lead before the Clippers (32-15) crawled that deficit back to six at the end of the frame. It was all Los Angeles from there, as the Clippers won the next two quarters by a score of 74-57, and led by as many as 20 points. Despite their best efforts, Detroit weren't able to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter and dropped their 22nd game at home, while the Clippers improved to 13-11 on the road.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 33 points on 12-for-17 shooting, four rebounds and three assists. Russell Westbrook led the LA bench with 23 points on 10-for-13 shooting, three rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Norman Powell chipped in 15 points, five rebounds and two assists off the pine, while Amir Coffey added 14 points, four rebounds and four steals in reserve. Paul George contributed 18 points, four rebounds, seven assists and three steals.
The Pistons were led by Jaden Ivey, who finished Friday's contest with 28 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Bojan Bogdanovic had 26 points and three rebounds, while Marcus Sasser tallied 21 points on 8-for-10 shooting and two assists off the bench. Cade Cunningham added 16 points, three rebounds and 11 assists, while Jalen Duren finished with 11 points, 13 rebounds and two assists.
With Friday's game wrapped up, both teams will play their next game Sunday, Feb. 4. The Clippers visit the Miami Heat, while the Pistons host the Orlando Magic.
It was the home team that got off to a hot start in Friday's affair. The Pistons (6-42) jumped out to an early 14-point lead before the Clippers (32-15) crawled that deficit back to six at the end of the frame. It was all Los Angeles from there, as the Clippers won the next two quarters by a score of 74-57, and led by as many as 20 points. Despite their best efforts, Detroit weren't able to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter and dropped their 22nd game at home, while the Clippers improved to 13-11 on the road.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 33 points on 12-for-17 shooting, four rebounds and three assists. Russell Westbrook led the LA bench with 23 points on 10-for-13 shooting, three rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Norman Powell chipped in 15 points, five rebounds and two assists off the pine, while Amir Coffey added 14 points, four rebounds and four steals in reserve. Paul George contributed 18 points, four rebounds, seven assists and three steals.
The Pistons were led by Jaden Ivey, who finished Friday's contest with 28 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Bojan Bogdanovic had 26 points and three rebounds, while Marcus Sasser tallied 21 points on 8-for-10 shooting and two assists off the bench. Cade Cunningham added 16 points, three rebounds and 11 assists, while Jalen Duren finished with 11 points, 13 rebounds and two assists.
With Friday's game wrapped up, both teams will play their next game Sunday, Feb. 4. The Clippers visit the Miami Heat, while the Pistons host the Orlando Magic.
Heat Too Much For Wizards
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat defeated the host Washington Wizards, 110-102, at Capital One Arena on Friday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start, as the Wizards led, 33-31, after one quarter. The hosts maintained the edge through the second, but the Heat kept it close and trialed by just three points at halftime. The Heat turned it up a notch in the third and outscored the Wizards, 31-15, in the quarter to claim a 13-point lead heading into the final frame. The hosts put up a better effort in the fourth, but it was not enough as the Heat closed out their second straight win. This also marks the second consecutive loss for the Wizards.
Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 24 points, nine rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Bam Adebayo followed up with 20 points, 14 rebounds and a block, while Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier added 15 points each.
Meanwhile, Corey Kispert led the Wizards with 26 points on 10-for-18 shooting, four rebounds and two assists, in 31 minutes off the bench. Jordan Poole followed up with 16 points, four rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and a block, while Deni Avdija tallied 15 points, eight rebounds and two assists.
The Wizards (9-39) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Suns on Sunday. The Heat (26-23) play host to the Clippers on Sunday.
The game got out to a competitive start, as the Wizards led, 33-31, after one quarter. The hosts maintained the edge through the second, but the Heat kept it close and trialed by just three points at halftime. The Heat turned it up a notch in the third and outscored the Wizards, 31-15, in the quarter to claim a 13-point lead heading into the final frame. The hosts put up a better effort in the fourth, but it was not enough as the Heat closed out their second straight win. This also marks the second consecutive loss for the Wizards.
Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 24 points, nine rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Bam Adebayo followed up with 20 points, 14 rebounds and a block, while Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier added 15 points each.
Meanwhile, Corey Kispert led the Wizards with 26 points on 10-for-18 shooting, four rebounds and two assists, in 31 minutes off the bench. Jordan Poole followed up with 16 points, four rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and a block, while Deni Avdija tallied 15 points, eight rebounds and two assists.
The Wizards (9-39) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Suns on Sunday. The Heat (26-23) play host to the Clippers on Sunday.
Hawks Defeat Suns, 129-120
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns, 129-120, at State Farm Arena on Friday.
There were 13 ties and nine lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 13 points. The Suns largest lead was at the end of the third quarter, but the Hawks never relinquished the lead in the fourth quarter. The Hawks shot 17-of-44 from three-point range while the Suns connected on 14-of-37. Atlanta also won the turnover battle, 16-9.
The Suns (28-21) were led by Kevin Durant, collecting 35 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Devin Booker totaled 24 points, six rebounds and four assists. Bradley Beal accrued 14 points, four rebounds and 10 assists. Jusuf Nurkic amassed 14 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Grayson Allen generated 12 points, two rebounds, four assists and two blocks.
The Hawks (21-27) were led by Trae Young, tallying 32 points, 15 assists and three steals. Dejounte Murray accumulated 22 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Jalen Johnson had 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Clint Capela compiled 11 points and 10 rebounds. Bogdan Bogdanovic led the bench with 23 points, four rebounds and five assists.
Atlanta has to play again on Saturday, staying home to play the Golden State Warriors. As for Phoenix, they stay on the road to play the Washington Wizards on Sunday.
There were 13 ties and nine lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 13 points. The Suns largest lead was at the end of the third quarter, but the Hawks never relinquished the lead in the fourth quarter. The Hawks shot 17-of-44 from three-point range while the Suns connected on 14-of-37. Atlanta also won the turnover battle, 16-9.
The Suns (28-21) were led by Kevin Durant, collecting 35 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Devin Booker totaled 24 points, six rebounds and four assists. Bradley Beal accrued 14 points, four rebounds and 10 assists. Jusuf Nurkic amassed 14 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Grayson Allen generated 12 points, two rebounds, four assists and two blocks.
The Hawks (21-27) were led by Trae Young, tallying 32 points, 15 assists and three steals. Dejounte Murray accumulated 22 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Jalen Johnson had 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Clint Capela compiled 11 points and 10 rebounds. Bogdan Bogdanovic led the bench with 23 points, four rebounds and five assists.
Atlanta has to play again on Saturday, staying home to play the Golden State Warriors. As for Phoenix, they stay on the road to play the Washington Wizards on Sunday.
Kings Outpace Pacers, 133-122
The Sacramento Kings defeated the Indiana Pacers, 133-122, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday night.
The Kings (28-19) and Pacers (27-23) got off to a start befitting the offensive talent on either side, as Indiana emerged from the opening period with a 39-38 lead. However, Sacramento would turn the tide over the middle quarters, outscoring their hosts by a 61-49 margin in that span to take an 11-point advantage into the final 12 minutes. The Kings would then keep the home squad at a comfortable distance the rest of the way by matching them point for point throughout the fourth quarter.
Domantas Sabonis led the Kings with a 26-point, 12-rebound double-double that included seven assists and two steals. De'Aaron Fox supplied 25 points, three rebounds, three assists, six steals and two blocks. Malik Monk delivered 23 points, six assists, five rebounds, one steal and one block. Harrison Barnes registered 22 points, four boards, one assist, three steals and one block. Kevin Huerter totaled 15 points, six assists and five rebounds. Trey Lyles finished with 13 points and three rebounds.
Bennedict Mathurin paced the Pacers with 31 points, complementing them with five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Pascal Siakam compiled 22 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Buddy Hield posted 17 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Tyrese Haliburton supplied 14 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Isaiah Jackson furnished 10 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Kings remain on the road and visit the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night, while the Pacers visit the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday evening.
The Kings (28-19) and Pacers (27-23) got off to a start befitting the offensive talent on either side, as Indiana emerged from the opening period with a 39-38 lead. However, Sacramento would turn the tide over the middle quarters, outscoring their hosts by a 61-49 margin in that span to take an 11-point advantage into the final 12 minutes. The Kings would then keep the home squad at a comfortable distance the rest of the way by matching them point for point throughout the fourth quarter.
Domantas Sabonis led the Kings with a 26-point, 12-rebound double-double that included seven assists and two steals. De'Aaron Fox supplied 25 points, three rebounds, three assists, six steals and two blocks. Malik Monk delivered 23 points, six assists, five rebounds, one steal and one block. Harrison Barnes registered 22 points, four boards, one assist, three steals and one block. Kevin Huerter totaled 15 points, six assists and five rebounds. Trey Lyles finished with 13 points and three rebounds.
Bennedict Mathurin paced the Pacers with 31 points, complementing them with five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Pascal Siakam compiled 22 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Buddy Hield posted 17 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Tyrese Haliburton supplied 14 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Isaiah Jackson furnished 10 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Kings remain on the road and visit the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night, while the Pacers visit the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday evening.
Rockets Blast Raptors, 135-106
The Houston Rockets defeated the Toronto Raptors, 135-106, at Toyota Center on Friday night.
The Rockets (23-25) came in need for a dominant victory after losing seven of their previous 10, and there were early signs it would be such a night. Houston was clicking on all cylinders offensively in a first half that saw Ime Udoka's squad amass 66 points and forge an 18-point halftime lead. Any hopes of a Raptors (17-31) second-half comeback were doused in the third, when the hosts added another 11 points to their advantage on the way to an easy triumph.
Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 28 points, adding seven rebounds, four assists and one steal. Immanuel Quickley delivered 25 points, six assists and one rebound. Gary Trent Jr. tallied 12 points, four rebounds and two steals.
Cam Whitmore paced the Rockets with 25 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, one assist and three steals. Alperen Sengun generated a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double that included eight assists. Amen Thompson supplied 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Jalen Green posted 14 points, four boards and three assists. Jabari Smith Jr. recorded 11 points, three rebounds and one assist. Fred VanVleet finished with 10 points, six assists and two rebounds.
The Raptors next visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday night, while the Rockets visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night.
The Rockets (23-25) came in need for a dominant victory after losing seven of their previous 10, and there were early signs it would be such a night. Houston was clicking on all cylinders offensively in a first half that saw Ime Udoka's squad amass 66 points and forge an 18-point halftime lead. Any hopes of a Raptors (17-31) second-half comeback were doused in the third, when the hosts added another 11 points to their advantage on the way to an easy triumph.
Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 28 points, adding seven rebounds, four assists and one steal. Immanuel Quickley delivered 25 points, six assists and one rebound. Gary Trent Jr. tallied 12 points, four rebounds and two steals.
Cam Whitmore paced the Rockets with 25 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, one assist and three steals. Alperen Sengun generated a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double that included eight assists. Amen Thompson supplied 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Jalen Green posted 14 points, four boards and three assists. Jabari Smith Jr. recorded 11 points, three rebounds and one assist. Fred VanVleet finished with 10 points, six assists and two rebounds.
The Raptors next visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday night, while the Rockets visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night.
Magic Take Over Late Against Timberwolves
By Dan Bruno
The Orlando Magic defeated the host Minnesota Timberwolves, 108-106, at Target Center on Friday evening.
The Timberwolves jumped out to a great start and led, 38-26, after one quarter. The Magic took the momentum in the second and managed to trim it down to a five-point game at the break. Both sides brought a solid effort in the third and after a couple of lead changes, the Timberwolves closed the quarter on an, 11-2, run to take an eight-point lead into the final frame. The Magic bounced right back and managed to claim a one-point edge with seven minutes left in the game. They did not lose focus the rest of the way and held on to close out their second straight win.
Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 23 points, six assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. Franz Wagner followed up with 19 points, four rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block, while Wendell Carter totaled 18 points and 12 rebounds.
Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards finished with 22 points, five assists and a steal, while Rudy Gobert totaled 22 points, 16 rebounds, two assists and two blocks to lead the way for the Timberwolves. Karl-Anthony Towns added 19 points, three rebounds and two blocks.
The Timberwolves (34-15) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Rockets on Sunday. The Magic (26-23) take on the Pistons in Detroit on Sunday.
The Timberwolves jumped out to a great start and led, 38-26, after one quarter. The Magic took the momentum in the second and managed to trim it down to a five-point game at the break. Both sides brought a solid effort in the third and after a couple of lead changes, the Timberwolves closed the quarter on an, 11-2, run to take an eight-point lead into the final frame. The Magic bounced right back and managed to claim a one-point edge with seven minutes left in the game. They did not lose focus the rest of the way and held on to close out their second straight win.
Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 23 points, six assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. Franz Wagner followed up with 19 points, four rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block, while Wendell Carter totaled 18 points and 12 rebounds.
Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards finished with 22 points, five assists and a steal, while Rudy Gobert totaled 22 points, 16 rebounds, two assists and two blocks to lead the way for the Timberwolves. Karl-Anthony Towns added 19 points, three rebounds and two blocks.
The Timberwolves (34-15) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Rockets on Sunday. The Magic (26-23) take on the Pistons in Detroit on Sunday.
Pelicans Come Up Clutch For Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 114-113, at Frost Bank Arena on Friday evening.
The Spurs jumped out to a great start and led 33-24, after one quarter. The Pelicans turned up their play in the second, but the Spurs kept pace and maintained a seven-point lead at the break. The visitors continued with the momentum in the third and managed to tie it up at 88, entering the final frame. The score stayed tight through the fourth and after a couple of lead changes, the Pelicans came out on top thanks to a bucket from Zion Williamson with 3.1 seconds left on the clock. This marks the second straight win for the Pelicans and the third straight loss for the Spurs.
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 33 points, eight rebounds four assists, a steal and a block, in 36 minutes of action. C.J. McCollum followed up with 21 points, four rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, while Brandon Ingram tallied 19 points, four rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block.
Meanwhile, Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 28 points, three rebounds, three assists and a block, in 36 minutes. Tre Jones followed up with 20 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and a block, while Victor Wembanyama totaled 16 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and three blocks.
The Spurs (10-39) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Cavs on Saturday. The Pelicans (28-21) play host to the Raptors on Monday.
The Spurs jumped out to a great start and led 33-24, after one quarter. The Pelicans turned up their play in the second, but the Spurs kept pace and maintained a seven-point lead at the break. The visitors continued with the momentum in the third and managed to tie it up at 88, entering the final frame. The score stayed tight through the fourth and after a couple of lead changes, the Pelicans came out on top thanks to a bucket from Zion Williamson with 3.1 seconds left on the clock. This marks the second straight win for the Pelicans and the third straight loss for the Spurs.
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 33 points, eight rebounds four assists, a steal and a block, in 36 minutes of action. C.J. McCollum followed up with 21 points, four rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, while Brandon Ingram tallied 19 points, four rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block.
Meanwhile, Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 28 points, three rebounds, three assists and a block, in 36 minutes. Tre Jones followed up with 20 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and a block, while Victor Wembanyama totaled 16 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and three blocks.
The Spurs (10-39) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Cavs on Saturday. The Pelicans (28-21) play host to the Raptors on Monday.
Thunder Crush Hornets In OKC
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets, 126-106, at Paycom Center on Friday evening.
The Thunder jumped out to a great start and led, 39-19, after one quarter. They kept the momentum going in the second and added another 11 points to their advantage to make it a 31-point game at the break. The Hornets brought a better effort in the third but could not cut into the deficit, as the hosts pushed it to a 33-point game entering the final quarter. The visitors kept up the fight in the fourth but it was not enough, as the Thunder cruised to their second straight win. This also marks the sixth straight loss for the Hornets.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31 points, three rebounds, nine assists, five steals and three blocks, in 30 minutes. Chet Holmgren followed up with 16 points, six rebounds, three assists, a steal and two blocks, while Josh Giddey logged eight points, six rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block.
Meanwhile, Brandon Miller led the Hornets with 28 points, four rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks, in 32 minutes. Bryce McGowens followed up with 15 points, three rebounds, three assists, four steals and a block, while Nick Richards totaled eight points, 11 rebounds and a block.
The Hornets (10-37) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pacers on Sunday. The Thunder (34-15) play host to the Raptors on Sunday.
The Thunder jumped out to a great start and led, 39-19, after one quarter. They kept the momentum going in the second and added another 11 points to their advantage to make it a 31-point game at the break. The Hornets brought a better effort in the third but could not cut into the deficit, as the hosts pushed it to a 33-point game entering the final quarter. The visitors kept up the fight in the fourth but it was not enough, as the Thunder cruised to their second straight win. This also marks the sixth straight loss for the Hornets.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31 points, three rebounds, nine assists, five steals and three blocks, in 30 minutes. Chet Holmgren followed up with 16 points, six rebounds, three assists, a steal and two blocks, while Josh Giddey logged eight points, six rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block.
Meanwhile, Brandon Miller led the Hornets with 28 points, four rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks, in 32 minutes. Bryce McGowens followed up with 15 points, three rebounds, three assists, four steals and a block, while Nick Richards totaled eight points, 11 rebounds and a block.
The Hornets (10-37) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pacers on Sunday. The Thunder (34-15) play host to the Raptors on Sunday.
Warriors Defeat Grizzlies, 121-101
The Golden State Warriors defeated the host Memphis Grizzlies, 121-101, at FedEx Forum on Friday.
While there were 10 lead changes through the opening 20 minutes, Golden State never relinquished the lead in the second half. A 33-24 second quarter carried them to that lead, while a 36-28 fourth quarter completed the blowout. The final 20-point margin was the largest lead of the game. The Warriors shot 55 percent from the field, 38 percent from three-point range and 82 percent from the free-throw line, while the Grizzlies shot 40 percent from the field, 30 percent from long range and 71 percent from the charity stripe. Golden State also out-rebounded Memphis, 46-37, while outscoring them in the paint, 60-42.
The Warriors (21-24) were led by Jonathan Kuminga, collecting 29 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals on 11-of-15 shooting. Stephen Curry compiled 20 points, six rebounds and six assists. Klay Thompson tallied 14 points and two rebounds, while Draymond Green generated nine points, 12 rebounds, six assists and three blocks. Brandin Podziemski led the bench with 12 points, seven rebounds, 14 assists and two steals.
The Grizzlies (18-31) were led by Jaren Jackson Jr, finishing with 27 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Jacob Gilyard had 16 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals. Vince Williams totaled 15 points, six rebounds and four assists, while John Konchar compiled three points, 12 rebounds and five assists. David Roddy led the bench with 16 points, two rebounds and four assists.
Golden State plays again on Saturday, traveling to face the Atlanta Hawks. As for Memphis, they return to action in a road matchup with the Boston Celtics.
While there were 10 lead changes through the opening 20 minutes, Golden State never relinquished the lead in the second half. A 33-24 second quarter carried them to that lead, while a 36-28 fourth quarter completed the blowout. The final 20-point margin was the largest lead of the game. The Warriors shot 55 percent from the field, 38 percent from three-point range and 82 percent from the free-throw line, while the Grizzlies shot 40 percent from the field, 30 percent from long range and 71 percent from the charity stripe. Golden State also out-rebounded Memphis, 46-37, while outscoring them in the paint, 60-42.
The Warriors (21-24) were led by Jonathan Kuminga, collecting 29 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals on 11-of-15 shooting. Stephen Curry compiled 20 points, six rebounds and six assists. Klay Thompson tallied 14 points and two rebounds, while Draymond Green generated nine points, 12 rebounds, six assists and three blocks. Brandin Podziemski led the bench with 12 points, seven rebounds, 14 assists and two steals.
The Grizzlies (18-31) were led by Jaren Jackson Jr, finishing with 27 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Jacob Gilyard had 16 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals. Vince Williams totaled 15 points, six rebounds and four assists, while John Konchar compiled three points, 12 rebounds and five assists. David Roddy led the bench with 16 points, two rebounds and four assists.
Golden State plays again on Saturday, traveling to face the Atlanta Hawks. As for Memphis, they return to action in a road matchup with the Boston Celtics.
Nuggets Defeat Blazers, 120-108
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Portland Trail Blazers, 120-108, at Ball Arena on Friday.
A 33-20 first quarter set the foundation for Denver in this win, maintaining the lead for all but a few minutes. They got their lead up to 15 points at times, with Portland never attempting a game-tying shot in the second half. The Nuggets shot 51 percent from the field and 94 percent from the free-throw line, while the Trail Blazers shot 46 percent from the field and 80 percent from the free-throw line. Denver out-rebounded Portland, 48-37, while out-assisting them, 34-14.
The Trail Blazers (15-34) were led by Anfernee Simons, accruing 29 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Scoot Henderson led the bench with 30 points, five rebounds and two assists. Malcolm Brogdon generated 11 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Deandre Ayton had eight points and three rebounds.
The Nuggets (34-16) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 27 points, 22 rebounds and 12 assists. Aaron Gordon amassed 18 points, four rebounds and five assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope provided 16 points and two assists, while Jamal Murray had 13 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists. Peyton Watson led the bench with 14 points and five boards.
These two teams will have a rematch on Sunday for their next outing.
A 33-20 first quarter set the foundation for Denver in this win, maintaining the lead for all but a few minutes. They got their lead up to 15 points at times, with Portland never attempting a game-tying shot in the second half. The Nuggets shot 51 percent from the field and 94 percent from the free-throw line, while the Trail Blazers shot 46 percent from the field and 80 percent from the free-throw line. Denver out-rebounded Portland, 48-37, while out-assisting them, 34-14.
The Trail Blazers (15-34) were led by Anfernee Simons, accruing 29 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Scoot Henderson led the bench with 30 points, five rebounds and two assists. Malcolm Brogdon generated 11 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Deandre Ayton had eight points and three rebounds.
The Nuggets (34-16) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 27 points, 22 rebounds and 12 assists. Aaron Gordon amassed 18 points, four rebounds and five assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope provided 16 points and two assists, while Jamal Murray had 13 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists. Peyton Watson led the bench with 14 points and five boards.
These two teams will have a rematch on Sunday for their next outing.