Wagner ties career high with 39 points, leads Magic over Pistons on Sunday
The Orlando Magic defeated the Detroit Pistons, 111-99, at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday.
It was the Pistons (6-43) who raced out to a 10-2 run to start the game and held a five-point lead after the first quarter. The Magic (27-23) captured the lead in the second half, held the Pistons to 18 points in the second frame and entered halftime up 50-47. The teams exchanged runs in the third quarter, but the final frame belonged to Orlando as they managed to stretch their lead by as much as 12 points to improve to 12-16 on the road, while Detroit dropped to 4-23 at home.
Franz Wagner tied a career high with 38 points to go along with three rebounds and two assists. Paolo Banchero added 20 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Garry Harris had 10 points off the bench, while Moritz Wagner chipped in 10 points, five rebounds and four assists in reserve. Jalen Suggs tallied nine points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals.
For the Pistons, Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey each scored 18 points, with the former adding five rebounds, seven assists and two steals and the latter contributing three rebounds and three assists. Ausar Thompson led Detroit’s bench with 17 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. Jalen Duren finished with 15 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Bojan Bogdanovic accumulated 11 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Next up, the Magic finish off their five-game road trip against the Miami Heat on Tuesday, while the Pistons start their six-game road trip Wednesday against the Sacramento Kings.
It was the Pistons (6-43) who raced out to a 10-2 run to start the game and held a five-point lead after the first quarter. The Magic (27-23) captured the lead in the second half, held the Pistons to 18 points in the second frame and entered halftime up 50-47. The teams exchanged runs in the third quarter, but the final frame belonged to Orlando as they managed to stretch their lead by as much as 12 points to improve to 12-16 on the road, while Detroit dropped to 4-23 at home.
Franz Wagner tied a career high with 38 points to go along with three rebounds and two assists. Paolo Banchero added 20 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Garry Harris had 10 points off the bench, while Moritz Wagner chipped in 10 points, five rebounds and four assists in reserve. Jalen Suggs tallied nine points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals.
For the Pistons, Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey each scored 18 points, with the former adding five rebounds, seven assists and two steals and the latter contributing three rebounds and three assists. Ausar Thompson led Detroit’s bench with 17 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. Jalen Duren finished with 15 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Bojan Bogdanovic accumulated 11 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Next up, the Magic finish off their five-game road trip against the Miami Heat on Tuesday, while the Pistons start their six-game road trip Wednesday against the Sacramento Kings.
Suns Cruise To Easy Win Over Wizards
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Washington Wizards, 140-112, at Capital One Arena on Sunday.
The Suns (29-21) continue to move in the right direction and didn’t have problems securing an easy win over the Wizards (9-40). Phoenix quickly set the tone of the game in the first quarter and raced to a 42-28 score in the opening 12 minutes, opening a double-digit breach that would never go away. The Suns were up by 21 points once halftime arrived following a 37-30 score in the second quarter, allowing the coaching staff to adjust minutes more responsibly given the nature of the game. The Suns also won the third quarter by a 37-28 score, pushing their lead to 30 points with just 12 minutes left. The Wizards won the final 12 minutes by a two-point margin, but there was no chance they’d make a comeback. With the win, the Suns moved to 15-10 on the road, while the Wizards fell to 3-21 at home.
Bradley Beal carried the Suns to victory with an impressive 43-point effort that included six assists, two rebounds and two steals. Jusuf Nurkic and Kevin Durant each had 18 points. Nurkic also had 13 rebounds and eight assists, while Durant chipped in with four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Devin Booker ended with 14 points and six assists. No other Phoenix player scored in double digits, although all but one of their bench players scored at least one bucket. The Suns shot 61.4 percent from the field and 44 percent from deep.
Deni Avdija posted a team-high 24 points while adding three rebounds. Daniel Gafford had 15 points and seven boards. Jordan Poole contributed four points while shooting 1-for-7 from the field across 20 minutes. Tyus Jones had 14 points and eight assists. Eugene Omoruyi chipped in with 16 points and 10 rebounds off the bench. Corey Kispert added 15 points. The Wizards shot 49 percent from the field and 21.9 percent from deep.
The Suns (29-21) continue to move in the right direction and didn’t have problems securing an easy win over the Wizards (9-40). Phoenix quickly set the tone of the game in the first quarter and raced to a 42-28 score in the opening 12 minutes, opening a double-digit breach that would never go away. The Suns were up by 21 points once halftime arrived following a 37-30 score in the second quarter, allowing the coaching staff to adjust minutes more responsibly given the nature of the game. The Suns also won the third quarter by a 37-28 score, pushing their lead to 30 points with just 12 minutes left. The Wizards won the final 12 minutes by a two-point margin, but there was no chance they’d make a comeback. With the win, the Suns moved to 15-10 on the road, while the Wizards fell to 3-21 at home.
Bradley Beal carried the Suns to victory with an impressive 43-point effort that included six assists, two rebounds and two steals. Jusuf Nurkic and Kevin Durant each had 18 points. Nurkic also had 13 rebounds and eight assists, while Durant chipped in with four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Devin Booker ended with 14 points and six assists. No other Phoenix player scored in double digits, although all but one of their bench players scored at least one bucket. The Suns shot 61.4 percent from the field and 44 percent from deep.
Deni Avdija posted a team-high 24 points while adding three rebounds. Daniel Gafford had 15 points and seven boards. Jordan Poole contributed four points while shooting 1-for-7 from the field across 20 minutes. Tyus Jones had 14 points and eight assists. Eugene Omoruyi chipped in with 16 points and 10 rebounds off the bench. Corey Kispert added 15 points. The Wizards shot 49 percent from the field and 21.9 percent from deep.
Celtics Cruise To Huge Win Over Grizzlies
The Boston Celtics defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 131-91, at TD Garden on Sunday.
The Celtics (38-12) moved to 23-3 at home with one of their most dominant performances of the season Sunday, brushing off the Grizzlies (18-32) with ease. With the loss, Memphis fell to 13-14 when playing on the road. The Celtics dominated the game from the early stages and quickly built a nine-point lead after the first quarter (29-20). A 41-30 score in the second quarter gave Boston a 20-point advantage with the second half to play for, but the Celtics didn’t step off the gas in the second half. The Celtics won the final two quarters as well, 29-26 and 32-15, to secure one of the biggest wins of the campaign.
Jayson Tatum led the way for the Celtics with 34 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Kristaps Porzingis delivered 26 points, eight assists and two blocks. Derrick White finished with 15 points, three rebounds and three assists. Al Horford posted 11 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. All but one of Boston’s 14 players made at least one shot.
Scotty Pippen Jr. was the leading scorer for the Grizzlies despite playing off the bench, as he finished with 19 points, six rebounds and four assists. GG Jackson posted 18 points and seven rebounds. David Roddy had 14 points and eight assists. Jacob Gilyard finished with 13 points, six assists, two rebounds and two steals.
The Celtics (38-12) moved to 23-3 at home with one of their most dominant performances of the season Sunday, brushing off the Grizzlies (18-32) with ease. With the loss, Memphis fell to 13-14 when playing on the road. The Celtics dominated the game from the early stages and quickly built a nine-point lead after the first quarter (29-20). A 41-30 score in the second quarter gave Boston a 20-point advantage with the second half to play for, but the Celtics didn’t step off the gas in the second half. The Celtics won the final two quarters as well, 29-26 and 32-15, to secure one of the biggest wins of the campaign.
Jayson Tatum led the way for the Celtics with 34 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Kristaps Porzingis delivered 26 points, eight assists and two blocks. Derrick White finished with 15 points, three rebounds and three assists. Al Horford posted 11 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. All but one of Boston’s 14 players made at least one shot.
Scotty Pippen Jr. was the leading scorer for the Grizzlies despite playing off the bench, as he finished with 19 points, six rebounds and four assists. GG Jackson posted 18 points and seven rebounds. David Roddy had 14 points and eight assists. Jacob Gilyard finished with 13 points, six assists, two rebounds and two steals.
Clippers Top Heat, 103-95
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Miami Heat, 103-95, at Kaseya Center on Sunday evening.
The Clippers (33-15) were uncharacteristically cold shooting-wise early, as they mustered only 19 first-quarter points and took a three-point deficit into the second quarter. However, Los Angeles began to pick up the pace at that point, eliminating its deficit and taking a one-point lead over the Heat (26-24) into halftime. Kawhi Leonard would progressively heat up in the second half, closing out the road win with 34 fourth-quarter points, with a 10-2 run midway through the period key to creating some much-needed cushion.
Leonard led the Clippers with a 25-point, 11-rebound double-double that included four assists, two steals and two blocks. James Harden generated a 21-point, 11-assist double-double that included eight rebounds, one steal and one block. Norman Powell netted 16 points. Paul George furnished 15 points, seven boards, four assists, one steal and one block.
Jimmy Butler paced the Heat with 21 points, complementing them with four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Terry Rozier supplied 17 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Bam Adebayo and Josh Richardson produced matching 14-point contributions while pulling down 13 and three rebounds, respectively. Adebayo added three steals and Richardson four assists among other contributions. Caleb Martin finished with 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Clippers remain on the road and face the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night, while the Heat hosts the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night.
The Clippers (33-15) were uncharacteristically cold shooting-wise early, as they mustered only 19 first-quarter points and took a three-point deficit into the second quarter. However, Los Angeles began to pick up the pace at that point, eliminating its deficit and taking a one-point lead over the Heat (26-24) into halftime. Kawhi Leonard would progressively heat up in the second half, closing out the road win with 34 fourth-quarter points, with a 10-2 run midway through the period key to creating some much-needed cushion.
Leonard led the Clippers with a 25-point, 11-rebound double-double that included four assists, two steals and two blocks. James Harden generated a 21-point, 11-assist double-double that included eight rebounds, one steal and one block. Norman Powell netted 16 points. Paul George furnished 15 points, seven boards, four assists, one steal and one block.
Jimmy Butler paced the Heat with 21 points, complementing them with four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Terry Rozier supplied 17 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Bam Adebayo and Josh Richardson produced matching 14-point contributions while pulling down 13 and three rebounds, respectively. Adebayo added three steals and Richardson four assists among other contributions. Caleb Martin finished with 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Clippers remain on the road and face the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night, while the Heat hosts the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night.
Pacers Handle Hornets, 115-99
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 115-99, at Spectrum Center on Sunday evening.
The Pacers (28-23) came in as road favorites and didn't waste any time validating that status, coming out hot on both ends of the floor to take a 26-13 lead over the Hornets (10-38) through one. Charlotte bounced back with a combined 63 points in the middle periods, but Indiana still added three points to its advantage in that span with more efficient offense to set up the comfortable road victory.
Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 25 points, adding nine assists, eight rebounds, Aaron Nesmith furnished 22 points, eight boards, four assists and one steal. Tyrese Haliburton totaled 17 points, four assists, one rebound, two blocks and one steal. Myles Turner generated a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and one steal. Bennedict Mathurin supplied 14 points, five rebounds and one assist. Jalen Smith contributed 10 points, five rebounds and one block.
Brandon Miller paced the Hornets with 35 points, six rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. P.J. Washington registered 22 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Miles Bridges posted 19 points, six rebounds, three assists and one block. Nick Richards generated a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists.
The Pacers return home to host the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night, while the Hornets remain home and host the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night.
The Pacers (28-23) came in as road favorites and didn't waste any time validating that status, coming out hot on both ends of the floor to take a 26-13 lead over the Hornets (10-38) through one. Charlotte bounced back with a combined 63 points in the middle periods, but Indiana still added three points to its advantage in that span with more efficient offense to set up the comfortable road victory.
Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 25 points, adding nine assists, eight rebounds, Aaron Nesmith furnished 22 points, eight boards, four assists and one steal. Tyrese Haliburton totaled 17 points, four assists, one rebound, two blocks and one steal. Myles Turner generated a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and one steal. Bennedict Mathurin supplied 14 points, five rebounds and one assist. Jalen Smith contributed 10 points, five rebounds and one block.
Brandon Miller paced the Hornets with 35 points, six rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. P.J. Washington registered 22 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Miles Bridges posted 19 points, six rebounds, three assists and one block. Nick Richards generated a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists.
The Pacers return home to host the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night, while the Hornets remain home and host the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night.
Timberwolves Hold Off Rockets
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 111-90, at Target Center on Sunday evening.
The Timberwolves got out to a strong start and led, 31-23, after one quarter. The Rockets rallied to tied it up in the second, but the hosts pulled ahead for a four-point lead at the break. The Timberwolves picked up momentum again in the third quarter and outscored the visitors by 12 points in the frame, to take a 16-point cushion into the final quarter. The Rockets were not able to make any progress the rest of the way, as the Timberwolves closed out their third win in four games.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 32 points, six rebounds, a steal and a block, in 34 minutes. Rudy Gobert followed up with 17 points, 13 rebounds, a steal and four blocks, while Karl-Anthony Towns totaled 14 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks.
Meanwhile, Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 15 points, 10 rebounds, a steal and a block, in 31 minutes. Cam Whitmore followed up with 14 points, two rebounds and a steal, while Fred VanVleet added 11 points, three rebounds, two steals and four blocks.
The Rockets (23-26) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Pacers in Indiana on Tuesday. The Timberwolves (35-15) take on the Bulls in Chicago on Tuesday.
The Timberwolves got out to a strong start and led, 31-23, after one quarter. The Rockets rallied to tied it up in the second, but the hosts pulled ahead for a four-point lead at the break. The Timberwolves picked up momentum again in the third quarter and outscored the visitors by 12 points in the frame, to take a 16-point cushion into the final quarter. The Rockets were not able to make any progress the rest of the way, as the Timberwolves closed out their third win in four games.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 32 points, six rebounds, a steal and a block, in 34 minutes. Rudy Gobert followed up with 17 points, 13 rebounds, a steal and four blocks, while Karl-Anthony Towns totaled 14 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks.
Meanwhile, Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 15 points, 10 rebounds, a steal and a block, in 31 minutes. Cam Whitmore followed up with 14 points, two rebounds and a steal, while Fred VanVleet added 11 points, three rebounds, two steals and four blocks.
The Rockets (23-26) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Pacers in Indiana on Tuesday. The Timberwolves (35-15) take on the Bulls in Chicago on Tuesday.
Thunder Outlast Raptors In OKC
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Toronto Raptors, 135-127, in double overtime at Paycom Center on Sunday evening.
The Raptors got out to a strong start and led, 33-23, after one quarter. They kept the momentum going in the second and added another six points to their advantage to make it a 16-point game at the break. The Thunder turned it around in the third and outscored the visitors by 10 points in the frame, bringing it back to a six-point difference entering the final frame. The hosts kept chipping away in the fourth and after a couple of lead changes, the score was tied at 110, at the end of regulation. The score stayed close through the first extra period, but the Thunder kicked off the second overtime frame with back-to-back threes and stayed in front the rest of the way to close out their third straight win. This also marks the second straight loss for the Raptors.
Josh Giddey led the Thunder with 24 points, six rebounds and two blocks, in 41 minutes. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander followed up with 23 points, nine rebounds, 14 assists, two steals and three blocks, while Luguentz Dort totaled 22 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, RJ Barrett led the Raptors with 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, in 43 minutes. Jakob Poeltl totaled 19 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and two blocks, while Scottie Barnes added 19 points, nine assists and a block.
The Raptors (17-32) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Pelicans in New Orleans on Monday. The Thunder (35-15) take on the Jazz in Utah on Tuesday.
The Raptors got out to a strong start and led, 33-23, after one quarter. They kept the momentum going in the second and added another six points to their advantage to make it a 16-point game at the break. The Thunder turned it around in the third and outscored the visitors by 10 points in the frame, bringing it back to a six-point difference entering the final frame. The hosts kept chipping away in the fourth and after a couple of lead changes, the score was tied at 110, at the end of regulation. The score stayed close through the first extra period, but the Thunder kicked off the second overtime frame with back-to-back threes and stayed in front the rest of the way to close out their third straight win. This also marks the second straight loss for the Raptors.
Josh Giddey led the Thunder with 24 points, six rebounds and two blocks, in 41 minutes. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander followed up with 23 points, nine rebounds, 14 assists, two steals and three blocks, while Luguentz Dort totaled 22 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, RJ Barrett led the Raptors with 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, in 43 minutes. Jakob Poeltl totaled 19 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and two blocks, while Scottie Barnes added 19 points, nine assists and a block.
The Raptors (17-32) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Pelicans in New Orleans on Monday. The Thunder (35-15) take on the Jazz in Utah on Tuesday.
Jazz Defeat Bucks, 123-108
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Milwaukee Bucks, 123-108, at Vivint Arena on Sunday.
While Milwaukee led 99-85 with 11 minutes remaining, Utah rode a 40-13 fourth quarter to their comeback win. They actually finished the game on a 38-9 run, with Milwaukee leading by 15 points in the second quarter. There were six ties and eight lead changes in this game. The Jazz' bench took over in this comeback, outscoring the Bucks bench, 55-14. Utah shot 48 percent from the field, 39 percent from three-point range and 83 percent from the free-throw line, while Milwaukee shot 46 percent from the field, 37 percent from long range and 60 percent from the charity stripe. The Jazz also out-rebounded the Bucks, 62-43, while outscoring them in the paint, 50-30.
The Bucks (33-17) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, accruing 33 points, seven rebounds and 13 assists. Bobby Portis provided 27 points, seven rebounds and three steals. Damian Lillard had 12 points, six assists and two blocks, while Malik Beasley totaled 16 points, three rebounds and two assists. AJ Green led the bench with 10 points and five boards.
The Jazz (25-26) were led by Lauri Markkanen, finishing with 21 points, three rebounds and two assists. Collin Sexton collected 19 points and three assists. John Collins compiled 15 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Keyonte George led the bench with 19 points, 10 rebounds and two assists, while Walker Kessler had 13 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Jordan Clarkson also generated 12 points, five rebounds and five assists,
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Milwaukee staying on the road to face the Phoenix Suns and Utah remaining home to play the Oklahoma City Thunder.
While Milwaukee led 99-85 with 11 minutes remaining, Utah rode a 40-13 fourth quarter to their comeback win. They actually finished the game on a 38-9 run, with Milwaukee leading by 15 points in the second quarter. There were six ties and eight lead changes in this game. The Jazz' bench took over in this comeback, outscoring the Bucks bench, 55-14. Utah shot 48 percent from the field, 39 percent from three-point range and 83 percent from the free-throw line, while Milwaukee shot 46 percent from the field, 37 percent from long range and 60 percent from the charity stripe. The Jazz also out-rebounded the Bucks, 62-43, while outscoring them in the paint, 50-30.
The Bucks (33-17) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, accruing 33 points, seven rebounds and 13 assists. Bobby Portis provided 27 points, seven rebounds and three steals. Damian Lillard had 12 points, six assists and two blocks, while Malik Beasley totaled 16 points, three rebounds and two assists. AJ Green led the bench with 10 points and five boards.
The Jazz (25-26) were led by Lauri Markkanen, finishing with 21 points, three rebounds and two assists. Collin Sexton collected 19 points and three assists. John Collins compiled 15 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Keyonte George led the bench with 19 points, 10 rebounds and two assists, while Walker Kessler had 13 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Jordan Clarkson also generated 12 points, five rebounds and five assists,
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Milwaukee staying on the road to face the Phoenix Suns and Utah remaining home to play the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Nuggets Defeat Blazers, 112-103
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Portland Trail Blazers, 112-103, at Ball Arena on Sunday.
This was the first home game that Denevr didn't have a lead in the first half, but that didn't matter. They took control with a 26-21 third quarter and closed the game with a 26-19 fourth quarter. They never gave up the lead in the final frame, getting their lead up to 15 points at times. The Nuggets shot 49 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while holding the Blazers to 46 percent from the field and 36 percent from long range. Denver also won the turnover battle, 13-8.
The Trail Blazers (15-35) were led by Deandre Ayton, accruing 27 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Anfernee Simons amassed 26 points, six rebounds and nine assists. No other starter had more than eight points or three assists. Scoot Henderson led the bench with 14 points, eight rebounds and nine assists.
The Nuggets (35-16) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 29 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Jamal Murray had 21 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks. Aaron Gordon totaled 12 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while Michael Porter Jr provided 12 points, five rebounds, three assists and three blocks.
Both teams are off until Thursday, with Denver traveling to face the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland returning home to face the Detroit Pistons.
This was the first home game that Denevr didn't have a lead in the first half, but that didn't matter. They took control with a 26-21 third quarter and closed the game with a 26-19 fourth quarter. They never gave up the lead in the final frame, getting their lead up to 15 points at times. The Nuggets shot 49 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while holding the Blazers to 46 percent from the field and 36 percent from long range. Denver also won the turnover battle, 13-8.
The Trail Blazers (15-35) were led by Deandre Ayton, accruing 27 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Anfernee Simons amassed 26 points, six rebounds and nine assists. No other starter had more than eight points or three assists. Scoot Henderson led the bench with 14 points, eight rebounds and nine assists.
The Nuggets (35-16) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 29 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Jamal Murray had 21 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks. Aaron Gordon totaled 12 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while Michael Porter Jr provided 12 points, five rebounds, three assists and three blocks.
Both teams are off until Thursday, with Denver traveling to face the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland returning home to face the Detroit Pistons.