Mitchell's 40 points powers Cavaliers over Wizards on Wednesday
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Washington Wizards, 114-106, at Capital One Arena on Wednesday.
The Cavaliers (33-16) jumped out to an early seven-point lead in the first quarter before the Wizards (9-41) crawled back the deficit to tie the game after the first quarter of play. It was a close affair over the next two quarters as neither team could separate from one another. It wasn't until the fourth when Cleveland found some breathing room and led by as much as 11 points down the stretch. With the win, the Cavaliers improved to 15-8 on the road while the Wizards dropped to 3-22 at home.
Donovan Mitchell paced the Cavaliers with 40 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Evan Mobley finished with 22 points and eight rebounds, while Darius Garland chipped in 13 points and four assists. Jarrett Allen contributed 12 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Georges Niang led the Cavs' bench with seven points and three rebounds.
Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 28 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Corey Kispert added 23 points, seven rebounds and two assists off the bench. Tyus Jones had 15 points, three rebounds and eight assists. Daniel Gafford totaled 14 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks for his ninth double-double of the season. Jordan Poole struggled in Wednesday's loss and finished with zero points, two rebounds and five assists.
Next up, the Cavaliers travel to Brooklyn to face the Nets on Feb. 8, while the Wizards visit the Boston Celtics on Feb. 9.
The Cavaliers (33-16) jumped out to an early seven-point lead in the first quarter before the Wizards (9-41) crawled back the deficit to tie the game after the first quarter of play. It was a close affair over the next two quarters as neither team could separate from one another. It wasn't until the fourth when Cleveland found some breathing room and led by as much as 11 points down the stretch. With the win, the Cavaliers improved to 15-8 on the road while the Wizards dropped to 3-22 at home.
Donovan Mitchell paced the Cavaliers with 40 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Evan Mobley finished with 22 points and eight rebounds, while Darius Garland chipped in 13 points and four assists. Jarrett Allen contributed 12 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Georges Niang led the Cavs' bench with seven points and three rebounds.
Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 28 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Corey Kispert added 23 points, seven rebounds and two assists off the bench. Tyus Jones had 15 points, three rebounds and eight assists. Daniel Gafford totaled 14 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks for his ninth double-double of the season. Jordan Poole struggled in Wednesday's loss and finished with zero points, two rebounds and five assists.
Next up, the Cavaliers travel to Brooklyn to face the Nets on Feb. 8, while the Wizards visit the Boston Celtics on Feb. 9.
Raptors Pull Comeback To Defeat Hornets
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 123-117, at Spectrum Center on Wednesday.
The Raptors (18-33) had to work harder than expected, but in the end, they secured the victory over the Hornets (10-40) despite playing on the road. With the win, Toronto moved to 8-20 on the road, while the Hornets fell to 5-21 at home. The Hornets were the better team in the early going and raced to a 36-27 score in the first quarter, but the Raptors showed signs of life in the second quarter and reduced the deficit to just six points following a 27-24 score. A 37-37 score in the third quarter evidenced the back-and-forth approach from both teams, but at the end of the day, the Hornets were still leading by six points with 12 minutes left. The Raptors saved the best for last and outscored Charlotte by a 32-20 score in the fourth, flipping the script and closing the game with the victory. The Raptors now lead the season series over the Hornets by a 3-0 score.
RJ Barrett led the way for the Raptors with 23 points, six rebounds and five assists. Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley each had 18 points. Barnes also added five assists and four rebounds, while Quickley chipped in with four dimes and three boards. Jakob Poeltl posted a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double. Gary Trent Jr. had 14 points, and Dennis Schroder contributed 16 points with five assists and four rebounds off the bench. Bruce Brown posted 12 points.
Miles Bridges had an impressive performance and finished with 45 points, adding eight rebounds and seven assists as well. Brandon Miller recorded 20 points and four rebounds, while Cody Martin had 19 points, eight assists and five rebounds. Bruce McGowens added 10 points coming off the bench. No other Charlotte player scored in double digits Wednesday.
The Raptors (18-33) had to work harder than expected, but in the end, they secured the victory over the Hornets (10-40) despite playing on the road. With the win, Toronto moved to 8-20 on the road, while the Hornets fell to 5-21 at home. The Hornets were the better team in the early going and raced to a 36-27 score in the first quarter, but the Raptors showed signs of life in the second quarter and reduced the deficit to just six points following a 27-24 score. A 37-37 score in the third quarter evidenced the back-and-forth approach from both teams, but at the end of the day, the Hornets were still leading by six points with 12 minutes left. The Raptors saved the best for last and outscored Charlotte by a 32-20 score in the fourth, flipping the script and closing the game with the victory. The Raptors now lead the season series over the Hornets by a 3-0 score.
RJ Barrett led the way for the Raptors with 23 points, six rebounds and five assists. Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley each had 18 points. Barnes also added five assists and four rebounds, while Quickley chipped in with four dimes and three boards. Jakob Poeltl posted a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double. Gary Trent Jr. had 14 points, and Dennis Schroder contributed 16 points with five assists and four rebounds off the bench. Bruce Brown posted 12 points.
Miles Bridges had an impressive performance and finished with 45 points, adding eight rebounds and seven assists as well. Brandon Miller recorded 20 points and four rebounds, while Cody Martin had 19 points, eight assists and five rebounds. Bruce McGowens added 10 points coming off the bench. No other Charlotte player scored in double digits Wednesday.
Celtics Get By Hawks, 125-117
The Boston Celtics defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 125-117, at TD Garden on Wednesday night.
The Hawks (22-29) got the early jump on a Celtics (39-12) team that had been nearly unbeatable at home, emerging from the first quarter with a 37-35 lead. However, Boston would surge back in the second to eliminate its deficit and take a four-point advantage into intermission. The hosts then managed to remain a step ahead in the second half, eventually doubling up their advantage by game's end.
Saddiq Bey led the Hawks with 25 points, adding nine rebounds, one assist and one steal. Trae Young generated a 20-point, 10-assist double-double that included two rebounds and one steal. Jalen Johnson posted a 19-point, 15-rebound double-double that included four assists and three steals. Onyeka Okongwu matched Johnson's scoring and also tallied 10 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Bogdan Bogdanovic provided 12 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal.
Kristaps Porzingis paced the Celtics with 31 points, complementing them with three rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Derrick White supplied 21 points, seven assists, six rebounds, one steal and one block. Jayson Tatum registered 20 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and one steal. Jaylen Brown turned in 15 points, six rebounds, six assists and one steal. Al Horford delivered 14 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, four blocks and two steals.
The Hawks remain on the road and visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night, while the Celtics remain home and host the Washington Wizards on Friday night.
The Hawks (22-29) got the early jump on a Celtics (39-12) team that had been nearly unbeatable at home, emerging from the first quarter with a 37-35 lead. However, Boston would surge back in the second to eliminate its deficit and take a four-point advantage into intermission. The hosts then managed to remain a step ahead in the second half, eventually doubling up their advantage by game's end.
Saddiq Bey led the Hawks with 25 points, adding nine rebounds, one assist and one steal. Trae Young generated a 20-point, 10-assist double-double that included two rebounds and one steal. Jalen Johnson posted a 19-point, 15-rebound double-double that included four assists and three steals. Onyeka Okongwu matched Johnson's scoring and also tallied 10 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Bogdan Bogdanovic provided 12 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal.
Kristaps Porzingis paced the Celtics with 31 points, complementing them with three rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Derrick White supplied 21 points, seven assists, six rebounds, one steal and one block. Jayson Tatum registered 20 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and one steal. Jaylen Brown turned in 15 points, six rebounds, six assists and one steal. Al Horford delivered 14 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, four blocks and two steals.
The Hawks remain on the road and visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night, while the Celtics remain home and host the Washington Wizards on Friday night.
Heat Topples Spurs, 116-104
The Miami Heat defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 116-104, at Kaseya Center on Wednesday night.
The Heat (28-24) came in as clear home favorites, but they encountered a feisty Spurs (10-41) team they couldn't shake in the first half. Miami owned just a 53-51 lead at intermission, and San Antonio had reduced that already slim deficit to one point going into the final period. However, that's when the hosts were finally able to gain some separation, outscoring the visitors by a 38-27 margin over the final 12 minutes for the victory.
Tre Jones and Devin Vassell co-led the Spurs with 19 points apiece, adding six assists and three rebounds, respectively. Victor Wembanyama generated an 18-point, 13-rebound double-double that included three assists, one steal and one block.
Tyler Herro paced the Heat with 24 points, complementing them with seven assists and six rebounds. Bam Adebayo registered 20 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal. Jimmy Butler pitched in a 17-point, 11-rebound, 11-assist triple-double that included three steals and one block. Terry Rozier furnished 13 points, five assists and two rebounds.
The Spurs remain on the road and visit the Orlando Magic on Thursday night, while the Heat hosts the Boston Celtics on Sunday afternoon.
The Heat (28-24) came in as clear home favorites, but they encountered a feisty Spurs (10-41) team they couldn't shake in the first half. Miami owned just a 53-51 lead at intermission, and San Antonio had reduced that already slim deficit to one point going into the final period. However, that's when the hosts were finally able to gain some separation, outscoring the visitors by a 38-27 margin over the final 12 minutes for the victory.
Tre Jones and Devin Vassell co-led the Spurs with 19 points apiece, adding six assists and three rebounds, respectively. Victor Wembanyama generated an 18-point, 13-rebound double-double that included three assists, one steal and one block.
Tyler Herro paced the Heat with 24 points, complementing them with seven assists and six rebounds. Bam Adebayo registered 20 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal. Jimmy Butler pitched in a 17-point, 11-rebound, 11-assist triple-double that included three steals and one block. Terry Rozier furnished 13 points, five assists and two rebounds.
The Spurs remain on the road and visit the Orlando Magic on Thursday night, while the Heat hosts the Boston Celtics on Sunday afternoon.
Warriors Storm Past Shorthanded 76ers
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors defeated the host Philadelphia 76ers, 127-104, at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday evening.
The game got out to a slow start as the 76ers pulled in front, 22-15, after one quarter. The Warriors picked up the pace and outscored the hosts, 33-23, in the second to claim a three-point edge at the break. The visitors carried the momentum into the third and outscored the 76ers by a whopping 20 points in the quarter, making it a 23-point deficit entering the final frame. The hosts kept up a fight in the fourth but it was not enough, as the Warriors cruised to their second straight win. This also marks the third straight loss for the 76ers.
Andrew Wiggins led the Warriors with 21 points, 10 rebounds, a steal and a block, in 23 minutes. Klay Thompson finished with 18 points, three rebounds and a block, while Jonathan Kuminga tallied 18 points, six rebounds, five assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, Ricky Council was the high-point man for the 76ers with 17 points on 4-for-7 shooting, in just 10 minutes off the bench. KJ Martin followed up with 15 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Tobias Harris added 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a block.
The 76ers (30-20) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Hawks on Friday. The Warriors (23-25) take on the Pacers in Indiana on Thursday.
The game got out to a slow start as the 76ers pulled in front, 22-15, after one quarter. The Warriors picked up the pace and outscored the hosts, 33-23, in the second to claim a three-point edge at the break. The visitors carried the momentum into the third and outscored the 76ers by a whopping 20 points in the quarter, making it a 23-point deficit entering the final frame. The hosts kept up a fight in the fourth but it was not enough, as the Warriors cruised to their second straight win. This also marks the third straight loss for the 76ers.
Andrew Wiggins led the Warriors with 21 points, 10 rebounds, a steal and a block, in 23 minutes. Klay Thompson finished with 18 points, three rebounds and a block, while Jonathan Kuminga tallied 18 points, six rebounds, five assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, Ricky Council was the high-point man for the 76ers with 17 points on 4-for-7 shooting, in just 10 minutes off the bench. KJ Martin followed up with 15 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Tobias Harris added 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a block.
The 76ers (30-20) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Hawks on Friday. The Warriors (23-25) take on the Pacers in Indiana on Thursday.
Pelicans Defeat Clippers, 117-106
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the host Los Angeles Clippers, 117-106, at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday.
New Orleans rode a 36-19 first quarter to an easy victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. That 17-point lead at the end of the first quarter was their largest lead, but Los Angeles never attempted a game-tying shot after the opening seven minutes. The Pelicans shot 53 percent from the field while holding the Clippers below 46 percent shooting. New Orleans recorded 30 assists to 12 turnovers, while Los Angeles had 23 assists to 18 turnovers. The Pels also outscored the Clips in the paint, 54-38, and in fastbreak scoring, 20-10.
The Pelicans (30-21) were led by CJ McCollum, collecting 25 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Zion Williamson had 21 points, three rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks. Brandon Ingram totaled 15 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Herbert Jones tallied 13 points, seven rebounds and two assists,
The Clippers (34-16) were led by James Harden, finishing with 19 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Kawhi Leonard compiled 15 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Ivica Zubac amassed 12 points and eight rebounds, while Norman Powell led the bench with 18 points. Paul George missed 12 of his 15 shots and all eight of his three-point attempts.
On deck for New Orleans is a road game against the Los Angeles Lakers. As for the Clippers, they return to action on Saturday in a home matchup with the Detroit Pistons.
New Orleans rode a 36-19 first quarter to an easy victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. That 17-point lead at the end of the first quarter was their largest lead, but Los Angeles never attempted a game-tying shot after the opening seven minutes. The Pelicans shot 53 percent from the field while holding the Clippers below 46 percent shooting. New Orleans recorded 30 assists to 12 turnovers, while Los Angeles had 23 assists to 18 turnovers. The Pels also outscored the Clips in the paint, 54-38, and in fastbreak scoring, 20-10.
The Pelicans (30-21) were led by CJ McCollum, collecting 25 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Zion Williamson had 21 points, three rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks. Brandon Ingram totaled 15 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Herbert Jones tallied 13 points, seven rebounds and two assists,
The Clippers (34-16) were led by James Harden, finishing with 19 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Kawhi Leonard compiled 15 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Ivica Zubac amassed 12 points and eight rebounds, while Norman Powell led the bench with 18 points. Paul George missed 12 of his 15 shots and all eight of his three-point attempts.
On deck for New Orleans is a road game against the Los Angeles Lakers. As for the Clippers, they return to action on Saturday in a home matchup with the Detroit Pistons.
Pistons Shock Kings, 133-120
The Detroit Pistons defeated the host Sacramento Kings, 133-120, at Golden One Center on Wednesday.
There were six ties and five lead changes in one of the biggest upsets of the season. A 39-27 second quarter set the foundation for the Pistons in this upset, completing their win with a 36-21 fourth quarter. Detroit shot 56 percent from the field, 55 percent from three-point range and 100 percent from the free-throw line while holding Sacramento to 47 percent from the field, 34 percent from long range and 68 percent from the charity stripe. The Pistons also out-rebounded the Kings, 52-42, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 12-7.
The Pistons (7-43) were led by Jaden Ivey, finishing with a career-high 37 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Jalen Duren amassed 20 points, 15 rebounds and six assists. Amen Thompson tallied 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Alec Burks led the bench with 25 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Cade Cunningham and Bojan Bogdanovic both missed this game,
The Kings (29-21) were led by Domantas Sabonis, collecting 30 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists. Kevin Huerter scored 16 points, De'Aaron Fox finished with 12 points, three rebounds, seven assists and three steals, while Malik Monk led the bench with 23 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks. Trey Lyles also scored 19 points off of the bench.
Detroit has to play again on Thursday, staying on the road to play the Portland Trail Blazers. As for Sacramento, they play host to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday for their next outing.
There were six ties and five lead changes in one of the biggest upsets of the season. A 39-27 second quarter set the foundation for the Pistons in this upset, completing their win with a 36-21 fourth quarter. Detroit shot 56 percent from the field, 55 percent from three-point range and 100 percent from the free-throw line while holding Sacramento to 47 percent from the field, 34 percent from long range and 68 percent from the charity stripe. The Pistons also out-rebounded the Kings, 52-42, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 12-7.
The Pistons (7-43) were led by Jaden Ivey, finishing with a career-high 37 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Jalen Duren amassed 20 points, 15 rebounds and six assists. Amen Thompson tallied 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Alec Burks led the bench with 25 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Cade Cunningham and Bojan Bogdanovic both missed this game,
The Kings (29-21) were led by Domantas Sabonis, collecting 30 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists. Kevin Huerter scored 16 points, De'Aaron Fox finished with 12 points, three rebounds, seven assists and three steals, while Malik Monk led the bench with 23 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks. Trey Lyles also scored 19 points off of the bench.
Detroit has to play again on Thursday, staying on the road to play the Portland Trail Blazers. As for Sacramento, they play host to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday for their next outing.