Hawks Enjoy Strong Start To Defeat 76ers
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 127-121, at Wells Fargo Center on Friday.
The Hawks (23-29) enjoyed an excellent start to this game against the 76ers (30-21) and raced to a 37-26 lead following the opening 12 minutes. The Hawks remained in control in the second quarter and pushed their lead even further, making it a 17-point game following a 36-30 score. However, the 76ers played the second half with a different energy and far more intensity. Even though the third quarter finished with a 30-30 tie, it felt as if the Sixers had enough in them to mount a potential comeback. Even though Philadelphia won the final quarter by a 35-24 score, the Hawks closed things out effectively and responded down the stretch to close out the win. With the win, the Hawks moved to 11-15 on the road, while the 76ers fell to 17-10 at home.
Trae Young led the way for the Hawks with 37 points and 12 assists. Onyeka Okongwu posted 21 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Saddiq Bey had 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Jaren Johnson also had a double-double thanks to his 11 points and 11 boards while adding six assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic had 13 points, three rebounds and three assists. De’Andre Hunter chipped in with 11 points off the bench.
Kelly Oubre Jr. posted a team-high 28 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Sixers in this loss. Tobias Harris had 21 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Paul Reed grabbed a team-high 13 boards, but he also chipped in with 12 points. Cameron Payne and Buddy Hield each had 20 points and six assists. Hield also had four rebounds, while Payne delivered three rebounds and two steals.
The Hawks (23-29) enjoyed an excellent start to this game against the 76ers (30-21) and raced to a 37-26 lead following the opening 12 minutes. The Hawks remained in control in the second quarter and pushed their lead even further, making it a 17-point game following a 36-30 score. However, the 76ers played the second half with a different energy and far more intensity. Even though the third quarter finished with a 30-30 tie, it felt as if the Sixers had enough in them to mount a potential comeback. Even though Philadelphia won the final quarter by a 35-24 score, the Hawks closed things out effectively and responded down the stretch to close out the win. With the win, the Hawks moved to 11-15 on the road, while the 76ers fell to 17-10 at home.
Trae Young led the way for the Hawks with 37 points and 12 assists. Onyeka Okongwu posted 21 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Saddiq Bey had 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Jaren Johnson also had a double-double thanks to his 11 points and 11 boards while adding six assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic had 13 points, three rebounds and three assists. De’Andre Hunter chipped in with 11 points off the bench.
Kelly Oubre Jr. posted a team-high 28 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Sixers in this loss. Tobias Harris had 21 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Paul Reed grabbed a team-high 13 boards, but he also chipped in with 12 points. Cameron Payne and Buddy Hield each had 20 points and six assists. Hield also had four rebounds, while Payne delivered three rebounds and two steals.
Celtics Edge Wizards, 133-129
The Boston Celtics defeated the Washington Wizards, 132-129, at TD Garden on Friday night.
The Wizards (9-41) came into the night as unsurprisingly heavy underdogs, but they appeared to have a legitimate shot at an upset through a first half they emerged from with a 71-64 lead. However, the Celtics (39-12) appeared to have reasserted themselves for good during a masterful third period during which they forged a 36-13 advantage, but Washington was able to outpace Boston by a 45-33 margin in the final 12 minutes to make the final score very respectable.
Deni Avdija and Corey Kispert co-led the Wizards with matching 24-point, four-assist efforts while pulling down 11 and six rebounds, respectively. Bilal Coulibaly furnished 21 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Jordan Poole supplied 19 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Tyus Jones and Kyle Kuzma posted matching 17-point contributions while dishing out nine and five assists, respectively.
Jayson Tatum paced the Celtics with 35 points, complementing them with 10 rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and one steal. Kristaps Porzingis generated a 34-point, 11-rebound double-double. Jrue Holiday registered 20 points, seven rebounds, five assists and one steal. Jaylen Brown delivered 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. Payton Pritchard managed 11 points, six rebounds and one assist.
The Wizards return home to host the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night, while the Celtics visit the Miami Heat on Sunday afternoon.
The Wizards (9-41) came into the night as unsurprisingly heavy underdogs, but they appeared to have a legitimate shot at an upset through a first half they emerged from with a 71-64 lead. However, the Celtics (39-12) appeared to have reasserted themselves for good during a masterful third period during which they forged a 36-13 advantage, but Washington was able to outpace Boston by a 45-33 margin in the final 12 minutes to make the final score very respectable.
Deni Avdija and Corey Kispert co-led the Wizards with matching 24-point, four-assist efforts while pulling down 11 and six rebounds, respectively. Bilal Coulibaly furnished 21 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Jordan Poole supplied 19 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Tyus Jones and Kyle Kuzma posted matching 17-point contributions while dishing out nine and five assists, respectively.
Jayson Tatum paced the Celtics with 35 points, complementing them with 10 rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and one steal. Kristaps Porzingis generated a 34-point, 11-rebound double-double. Jrue Holiday registered 20 points, seven rebounds, five assists and one steal. Jaylen Brown delivered 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. Payton Pritchard managed 11 points, six rebounds and one assist.
The Wizards return home to host the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night, while the Celtics visit the Miami Heat on Sunday afternoon.
Raptors Edge Rockets, 107-104
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Houston Rockets, 107-104, at Scotiabank Arena on Friday night.
The Raptors (19-33) appeared to be on their way to a rare home rout early, jumping out to a 34-20 lead through one and still holding a 12-point advantage at halftime. Toronto then tacked five more points on in the third quarter, but Houston outscored the hosts by 33-19 margin in the final 12 minutes to make matters interesting until RJ Barrett's two free throws with 18.2 seconds left and missed three-point attempts by Aaron Holiday and Jeff Green in the closing seconds sealed the victory for the home squad.
Dillon Brooks led the Rockets with 20 points, adding three assists, two rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Cam Whitmore delivered 17 points, three rebounds and one assist. Jabari Smith and Holiday put together matching 12-point contributions while adding 11 rebounds and five assists, respectively. Green turned in 11 points, six rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block.
Immanuel Quickly paced the Raptors with 25 points, complementing them with four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Barrett tallied 21 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal. Jakob Poeltl finished with 16 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, six blocks and three steals. Scottie Barnes generated a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double that included eight assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Rockets visit the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night, while the Raptors host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night.
The Raptors (19-33) appeared to be on their way to a rare home rout early, jumping out to a 34-20 lead through one and still holding a 12-point advantage at halftime. Toronto then tacked five more points on in the third quarter, but Houston outscored the hosts by 33-19 margin in the final 12 minutes to make matters interesting until RJ Barrett's two free throws with 18.2 seconds left and missed three-point attempts by Aaron Holiday and Jeff Green in the closing seconds sealed the victory for the home squad.
Dillon Brooks led the Rockets with 20 points, adding three assists, two rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Cam Whitmore delivered 17 points, three rebounds and one assist. Jabari Smith and Holiday put together matching 12-point contributions while adding 11 rebounds and five assists, respectively. Green turned in 11 points, six rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block.
Immanuel Quickly paced the Raptors with 25 points, complementing them with four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Barrett tallied 21 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal. Jakob Poeltl finished with 16 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, six blocks and three steals. Scottie Barnes generated a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double that included eight assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Rockets visit the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night, while the Raptors host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night.
Bucks Steamroll Hornets In Milwaukee
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets, 120-84, at Fiserv Forum on Friday evening.
The Bucks jumped out to a great start and led, 31-17, after one quarter. They kept the pressure on in the second and outscored the visitors by another 14 points to make it a 28-point difference at the break. The Hornets had no answers in the third, as the hosts continued building on their cushion, taking a 36-point lead into the final frame. The Bucks cruised the rest of the way to close out the home win and end a three-game slide. This also marks the 10th consecutive loss for the Hornets.
Damian Lillard led the Bucks with 26 points, four rebounds, eight assists and two steals, in 29 minutes. Malik Beasley added 21 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Giannis Antetokounmpo logged 15 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block.
Meanwhile, Nick Richards totaled 16 points, 11 rebounds and a block, while Brandon Miller finished with 16 points, six rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block to lead the way for the Hornets. Bryce McGowens followed up with 15 points, five rebounds and a steal, off the bench.
The Hornets (10-41) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Grizzlies on Monday. The Bucks (34-19) play host to the Nuggets on Monday.
The Bucks jumped out to a great start and led, 31-17, after one quarter. They kept the pressure on in the second and outscored the visitors by another 14 points to make it a 28-point difference at the break. The Hornets had no answers in the third, as the hosts continued building on their cushion, taking a 36-point lead into the final frame. The Bucks cruised the rest of the way to close out the home win and end a three-game slide. This also marks the 10th consecutive loss for the Hornets.
Damian Lillard led the Bucks with 26 points, four rebounds, eight assists and two steals, in 29 minutes. Malik Beasley added 21 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Giannis Antetokounmpo logged 15 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block.
Meanwhile, Nick Richards totaled 16 points, 11 rebounds and a block, while Brandon Miller finished with 16 points, six rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block to lead the way for the Hornets. Bryce McGowens followed up with 15 points, five rebounds and a steal, off the bench.
The Hornets (10-41) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Grizzlies on Monday. The Bucks (34-19) play host to the Nuggets on Monday.
Kings Roll Nuggets, 135-106
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Denver Nuggets, 135-106, at Golden One Center on Friday.
While there were eight ties and nine lead changes through the opening 20 minutes, a 35-22 second quarter carried the Kings to their win. They never gave up the lead after that lopsided frame, maintaining a double-digit lead for the final 20 minutes. They also got their lead up to 32 points at times. Sacramento shot 59 percent from the field, 50 percent from three-point range and 89 percent from the free-throw line while holding Denver to 46 percent from the field, 35 percent from long range and 71 percent from the charity stripe. They also outscored them in the paint, 60-42, and in fastbreak scoring, 16-6.
The Nuggets (36-17) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 23 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Aaron Gordon accrued 15 points, three rebounds and two assists. Jamal Murray amassed 12 points and three assists. Christian Braun led the bench with 13 points and three rebounds.
The Kings (30-21) were led by Domantas Sabonis, finishing with 17 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists. Keegan Murray compiled 17 points and two assists. De'Aaron Fox tallied 15 points, two rebounds, 10 assists and five steals, while Malik Monk led the bench with 23 points and two assists. Trey Lyles also totaled 15 points and seven boards.
On deck for Sacramento is a road matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. As for Denver, they return to action on Monday in a road game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
While there were eight ties and nine lead changes through the opening 20 minutes, a 35-22 second quarter carried the Kings to their win. They never gave up the lead after that lopsided frame, maintaining a double-digit lead for the final 20 minutes. They also got their lead up to 32 points at times. Sacramento shot 59 percent from the field, 50 percent from three-point range and 89 percent from the free-throw line while holding Denver to 46 percent from the field, 35 percent from long range and 71 percent from the charity stripe. They also outscored them in the paint, 60-42, and in fastbreak scoring, 16-6.
The Nuggets (36-17) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 23 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Aaron Gordon accrued 15 points, three rebounds and two assists. Jamal Murray amassed 12 points and three assists. Christian Braun led the bench with 13 points and three rebounds.
The Kings (30-21) were led by Domantas Sabonis, finishing with 17 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists. Keegan Murray compiled 17 points and two assists. De'Aaron Fox tallied 15 points, two rebounds, 10 assists and five steals, while Malik Monk led the bench with 23 points and two assists. Trey Lyles also totaled 15 points and seven boards.
On deck for Sacramento is a road matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. As for Denver, they return to action on Monday in a road game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Lakers Defeat Pelicans, 139-122
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting New Orleans Pelicans, 139-122, at Crypto.com Arena on Friday.
While there were six ties and seven lead changes through the opening 15 minutes, Los Angeles never relinquished the lead after a 51-35 second quarter. They got their lead up to 20 points, with the Pels never attempting a game-tying shot in the second half. The Lakers shot 56 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range while holding the Pelicans to 52 percent from the field and 38 percent from long range. Los Angeles also recorded 32 assists to seven turnovers, while New Orleans had 28 assists to 13 turnovers.
The Pelicans (30-22) were led by Zion Williamson, finishing with 30 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Brandon Ingram totaled 22 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and three blocks. CJ McCollum collected 19 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Jonas Valanciunas amassed 10 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
The Lakers (28-26) were led by D'Angelo Russell, registering 30 points, two rebounds and five assists. Austin Reaves accumulated 27 points, two rebounds and four assists. LeBron James tallied 21 points, four rebounds and 14 assists, while Anthony Davis had 20 points, six rebounds and six assists. Rui Hachimura rounded out the starting lineup with 21 points and five boards.
New Orleans has to play again on Saturday, staying on the road to play the Portland Trail Blazers. As for Los Angeles, they're off until Tuesday, when they play host to the Detroit Pistons.
While there were six ties and seven lead changes through the opening 15 minutes, Los Angeles never relinquished the lead after a 51-35 second quarter. They got their lead up to 20 points, with the Pels never attempting a game-tying shot in the second half. The Lakers shot 56 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range while holding the Pelicans to 52 percent from the field and 38 percent from long range. Los Angeles also recorded 32 assists to seven turnovers, while New Orleans had 28 assists to 13 turnovers.
The Pelicans (30-22) were led by Zion Williamson, finishing with 30 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Brandon Ingram totaled 22 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and three blocks. CJ McCollum collected 19 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Jonas Valanciunas amassed 10 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
The Lakers (28-26) were led by D'Angelo Russell, registering 30 points, two rebounds and five assists. Austin Reaves accumulated 27 points, two rebounds and four assists. LeBron James tallied 21 points, four rebounds and 14 assists, while Anthony Davis had 20 points, six rebounds and six assists. Rui Hachimura rounded out the starting lineup with 21 points and five boards.
New Orleans has to play again on Saturday, staying on the road to play the Portland Trail Blazers. As for Los Angeles, they're off until Tuesday, when they play host to the Detroit Pistons.