Reed's block on Mitchell helps Sixers outlast Cavaliers on Monday
The Philadelphia 76ers held off the Cleveland Cavaliers, 123-121, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Monday.
It was a close contest across 48 minutes of play. The 76ers (32-21) took a four-point lead into halftime, but the Cavaliers (35-17) won the third quarter, 30-25, to take a one-point lead heading into the final frame. Philadelphia took over in the fourth quarter and led by 10 points with 90 seconds to play. Cleveland did not back down, however, as the home team went on an 11-3 run down the stretch to make it a one possession game. The Cavs had a couple of looks in the final seconds of the game, but Darius Garland’s three-point shot out of the corner fell short as the 76ers captured their third consecutive game on the road. With Monday's loss, the Cavaliers' nine-game win streak came to an end.
Kelly Oubre and Buddy Hield co-led the 76ers with 24 points each. Oubre added three rebounds, two steals and two blocks, while Hield contributed four rebounds and eight assists. Tyrese Maxey totaled 22 points, four rebounds and nine assists. Cameron Payne led the Sixers’ bench with 15 points, two rebounds and four assists. Paul Reed contributed 13 points, eight rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with a game-high 36 points, four rebounds, six assists and three steals. Darius Garland had 21 points and nine assists, while Jarrett Allen tallied 21 points, 10 rebounds and three assists for his 25th double-double of the season. Evan Mobley registered his 17th double-double of the season with 14 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, four blocks and two steals. Caris LeVert led the bench with 11 points, four rebounds and six assists.
With Monday’s contest wrapped up, both teams will play their next respective games Wednesday, the last before All-Star weekend. The 76ers travel back home to host the Miami Heat, while the Cavaliers welcome in the Chicago Bulls.
It was a close contest across 48 minutes of play. The 76ers (32-21) took a four-point lead into halftime, but the Cavaliers (35-17) won the third quarter, 30-25, to take a one-point lead heading into the final frame. Philadelphia took over in the fourth quarter and led by 10 points with 90 seconds to play. Cleveland did not back down, however, as the home team went on an 11-3 run down the stretch to make it a one possession game. The Cavs had a couple of looks in the final seconds of the game, but Darius Garland’s three-point shot out of the corner fell short as the 76ers captured their third consecutive game on the road. With Monday's loss, the Cavaliers' nine-game win streak came to an end.
Kelly Oubre and Buddy Hield co-led the 76ers with 24 points each. Oubre added three rebounds, two steals and two blocks, while Hield contributed four rebounds and eight assists. Tyrese Maxey totaled 22 points, four rebounds and nine assists. Cameron Payne led the Sixers’ bench with 15 points, two rebounds and four assists. Paul Reed contributed 13 points, eight rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with a game-high 36 points, four rebounds, six assists and three steals. Darius Garland had 21 points and nine assists, while Jarrett Allen tallied 21 points, 10 rebounds and three assists for his 25th double-double of the season. Evan Mobley registered his 17th double-double of the season with 14 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, four blocks and two steals. Caris LeVert led the bench with 11 points, four rebounds and six assists.
With Monday’s contest wrapped up, both teams will play their next respective games Wednesday, the last before All-Star weekend. The 76ers travel back home to host the Miami Heat, while the Cavaliers welcome in the Chicago Bulls.
Hornets Pull Upset To Defeat Pacers
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Indiana Pacers, 111-102, at Spectrum Center on Monday.
The Hornets (12-41) snapped their losing skid with a solid performance Monday, controlling one of the best offenses in the league and limiting the Pacers (30-25) to just 102 points. That was Indiana’s second-worst tally of the season, besting only their 101-point performance against the Boston Celtics on Jan. 6. This was a tight game at first, and the Hornets were only able to pull away in the fourth quarter. A 25-24 score in the first quarter allowed Charlotte to grab the lead, but Indiana responded with a 25-23 score in the second, giving the Pacers a one-point lead at the break. A 33-31 score in the third quarter gave the Hornets a one-point lead with 12 minutes left, and Charlotte would pull away in the final frame. The Hornets outscored the Pacers by a 30-22 score in the fourth quarter, securing the victory and improving their home record to 7-21. Meanwhile, the Pacers fell to 13-14 away from home.
Miles Bridges came close to posting a triple-double for the Hornets, finishing with 20 points and 10 rebounds while adding seven assists and three steals. Grant Williams was Charlotte’s leading scorer off the bench with 21 points and four rebounds. Nick Richards posted 13 points and nine rebounds, while Cody Martin and Tre Mann each delivered 11 points. Mann also had nine rebounds and seven assists. Brandon Miller had 12 points. Seth Curry added 18 points off the bench. Charlotte shot 53.7 percent from the field and 29.4 percent from deep.
Myles Turner led the way for the Pacers with 22 points, five rebounds and two blocks. Aaron Nesmith delivered 21 points and three rebounds. Pascal Siakam notched 18 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Tyrese Haliburton recorded 13 points and 12 assists. Andrew Nembhard had 10 points and seven assists. The Pacers shot 50.6 percent from the floor, but only 26.7 percent from three-point range.
The Hornets (12-41) snapped their losing skid with a solid performance Monday, controlling one of the best offenses in the league and limiting the Pacers (30-25) to just 102 points. That was Indiana’s second-worst tally of the season, besting only their 101-point performance against the Boston Celtics on Jan. 6. This was a tight game at first, and the Hornets were only able to pull away in the fourth quarter. A 25-24 score in the first quarter allowed Charlotte to grab the lead, but Indiana responded with a 25-23 score in the second, giving the Pacers a one-point lead at the break. A 33-31 score in the third quarter gave the Hornets a one-point lead with 12 minutes left, and Charlotte would pull away in the final frame. The Hornets outscored the Pacers by a 30-22 score in the fourth quarter, securing the victory and improving their home record to 7-21. Meanwhile, the Pacers fell to 13-14 away from home.
Miles Bridges came close to posting a triple-double for the Hornets, finishing with 20 points and 10 rebounds while adding seven assists and three steals. Grant Williams was Charlotte’s leading scorer off the bench with 21 points and four rebounds. Nick Richards posted 13 points and nine rebounds, while Cody Martin and Tre Mann each delivered 11 points. Mann also had nine rebounds and seven assists. Brandon Miller had 12 points. Seth Curry added 18 points off the bench. Charlotte shot 53.7 percent from the field and 29.4 percent from deep.
Myles Turner led the way for the Pacers with 22 points, five rebounds and two blocks. Aaron Nesmith delivered 21 points and three rebounds. Pascal Siakam notched 18 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Tyrese Haliburton recorded 13 points and 12 assists. Andrew Nembhard had 10 points and seven assists. The Pacers shot 50.6 percent from the floor, but only 26.7 percent from three-point range.
Bulls Overcome Slow Start To Defeat Hawks
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 136-126, at State Farm Arena on Monday.
The Bulls (26-28) are moving in the right direction of late and now sit just two games below .500 following their win over the Hawks (24-30) despite playing on the road and overcoming a slow start. Atlanta looked good in the early stages and raced to a 33-26 advantage, but the Bulls showed signs of life in the second quarter, outscoring Atlanta by a 34-26 score and grabbing a one-point advantage. Chicago kept the momentum going in the second half and extended their lead even further following a 37-33 score. The Hawks tried to mount a comeback late in the game, but the Bulls closed things out with a 39-34 score in the final 12 minutes. With the win, the Bulls moved to 11-16 on the road, while the Hawks fell to 13-15 at home.
Ayo Dosunmu had one of his best performances of the season and finished with 29 points and seven assists. DeMar DeRozan delivered 29 points as well, and he also contributed five assists and three boards. Nikola Vucevic had 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Coby White added 20 points, seven assists and four rebounds. Jevon Carter added 11 points off the bench. The Bulls shot 55.4 percent from the field and 46.4 percent from three-point range.
Bogdan Bogdanovic led the way for the Hawks off the bench with 28 points. De’Andre Hunter also impressed despite not starting, as he ended with 23 points and six rebounds. Trae Young posted 19 points and 14 assists. Dejounte Murray chipped in with 17 points, nine assists, five rebounds and two steals. Jalen Johnson had 13 points and eight rebounds. Saddiq Bey and Onyeka Okongwu each had 11 points. Okongwu also grabbed 12 boards. Atlanta shot 46.8 percent from the field and 32.6 percent from deep.
The Bulls (26-28) are moving in the right direction of late and now sit just two games below .500 following their win over the Hawks (24-30) despite playing on the road and overcoming a slow start. Atlanta looked good in the early stages and raced to a 33-26 advantage, but the Bulls showed signs of life in the second quarter, outscoring Atlanta by a 34-26 score and grabbing a one-point advantage. Chicago kept the momentum going in the second half and extended their lead even further following a 37-33 score. The Hawks tried to mount a comeback late in the game, but the Bulls closed things out with a 39-34 score in the final 12 minutes. With the win, the Bulls moved to 11-16 on the road, while the Hawks fell to 13-15 at home.
Ayo Dosunmu had one of his best performances of the season and finished with 29 points and seven assists. DeMar DeRozan delivered 29 points as well, and he also contributed five assists and three boards. Nikola Vucevic had 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Coby White added 20 points, seven assists and four rebounds. Jevon Carter added 11 points off the bench. The Bulls shot 55.4 percent from the field and 46.4 percent from three-point range.
Bogdan Bogdanovic led the way for the Hawks off the bench with 28 points. De’Andre Hunter also impressed despite not starting, as he ended with 23 points and six rebounds. Trae Young posted 19 points and 14 assists. Dejounte Murray chipped in with 17 points, nine assists, five rebounds and two steals. Jalen Johnson had 13 points and eight rebounds. Saddiq Bey and Onyeka Okongwu each had 11 points. Okongwu also grabbed 12 boards. Atlanta shot 46.8 percent from the field and 32.6 percent from deep.
Spurs Snap Losing Streak With Win Over Raptors
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Toronto Raptors, 122-99, at Scotiabank Arena on Monday.
The Spurs (11-43) had one of their best performances of the season Monday and snapped their losing streak with a solid win over the Raptors (19-35), a game where Victor Wembanyama notched the first triple-double of his career. The Spurs dominated right from the start and raced to a 34-28 score in the first quarter, and by the time halftime arrived, San Antonio was already leading by double digits (67-50) following a 33-22 score. The Raptors didn’t have answers for the Spurs in the second half, and a 36-25 score in the third quarter boosted the Spurs’ lead even further. Even though Toronto won the final frame by a 24-19 score, the game was already decided, and the Spurs clinched their first win of their annual Rodeo Trip. With the win, the Spurs moved to 6-22 on the road, while the Raptors fell to 11-15 at home.
Victor Wembanyama delivered the first triple-double of his career after finishing with 27 points, 14 rebounds and 10 blocks, but he also added five assists and two steals. Devin Vassell notched 25 points, six assists and three rebounds. Jeremy Sochan was the only other starter who scored in double digits following a 16-point, six-rebound performance. Keldon Johnson recorded 12 points off the bench while adding four rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley added 10 points off the bench.
Kelly Olynyk was the leading scorer for the Raptors despite coming off the bench, ending with 17 points, five rebounds, three steals and two assists. RJ Barrett recorded 13 points and five rebounds. Jakob Poeltl was the only other starter who scored in double digits after posting 12 points and six boards. Gradey Dick ended with 18 points coming off the bench.
The Spurs (11-43) had one of their best performances of the season Monday and snapped their losing streak with a solid win over the Raptors (19-35), a game where Victor Wembanyama notched the first triple-double of his career. The Spurs dominated right from the start and raced to a 34-28 score in the first quarter, and by the time halftime arrived, San Antonio was already leading by double digits (67-50) following a 33-22 score. The Raptors didn’t have answers for the Spurs in the second half, and a 36-25 score in the third quarter boosted the Spurs’ lead even further. Even though Toronto won the final frame by a 24-19 score, the game was already decided, and the Spurs clinched their first win of their annual Rodeo Trip. With the win, the Spurs moved to 6-22 on the road, while the Raptors fell to 11-15 at home.
Victor Wembanyama delivered the first triple-double of his career after finishing with 27 points, 14 rebounds and 10 blocks, but he also added five assists and two steals. Devin Vassell notched 25 points, six assists and three rebounds. Jeremy Sochan was the only other starter who scored in double digits following a 16-point, six-rebound performance. Keldon Johnson recorded 12 points off the bench while adding four rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley added 10 points off the bench.
Kelly Olynyk was the leading scorer for the Raptors despite coming off the bench, ending with 17 points, five rebounds, three steals and two assists. RJ Barrett recorded 13 points and five rebounds. Jakob Poeltl was the only other starter who scored in double digits after posting 12 points and six boards. Gradey Dick ended with 18 points coming off the bench.
Rockets Escape Knicks, 105-103
The Houston Rockets defeated the New York Knicks, 105-103, at Toyota Center on Monday night.
The inconsistent Rockets (24-29) came out of the chute running hot on both ends of the floor, building a 29-22 lead through one and doubling up that seven-point advantage going into halftime. However, the Knicks (33-21) were a different team coming out of intermission, eliminating all but three points from their deficit during a dominant third quarter in which they enjoyed a 28-17 edge. That set up an intriguing final period, Houston managed to extend its lead back out to 11 points before New York began its comeback with just over seven minutes remaining, finishing the game on a 23-14 run and tying the game at 103-103 before a Jalen Brunson shooting foul with 0.1 seconds remaining allowed Aaron Holiday to sink the pair of game-winning free throws.
Brunson led the Knicks with 27 points, adding seven assists and four rebounds. Donte DiVincenzo totaled 23 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Josh Hart generated a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double that included five assists and two steals. Bogdan Bogdanovic furnished 15 points, four rebounds and one block.
Dillon Brooks paced the Rockets with 23 points, complementing them with five rebounds and one assist. Jabari Smith Jr. registered 20 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Alperen Sengun and Holiday generated matching 18-point, three-rebound efforts, while adding six and four assists, respectively. Sengun also recorded three blocks. Jalen Green delivered 16 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals.
The Knicks remain on the road and tangle with the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night, while the Rockets visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night as well.
The inconsistent Rockets (24-29) came out of the chute running hot on both ends of the floor, building a 29-22 lead through one and doubling up that seven-point advantage going into halftime. However, the Knicks (33-21) were a different team coming out of intermission, eliminating all but three points from their deficit during a dominant third quarter in which they enjoyed a 28-17 edge. That set up an intriguing final period, Houston managed to extend its lead back out to 11 points before New York began its comeback with just over seven minutes remaining, finishing the game on a 23-14 run and tying the game at 103-103 before a Jalen Brunson shooting foul with 0.1 seconds remaining allowed Aaron Holiday to sink the pair of game-winning free throws.
Brunson led the Knicks with 27 points, adding seven assists and four rebounds. Donte DiVincenzo totaled 23 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Josh Hart generated a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double that included five assists and two steals. Bogdan Bogdanovic furnished 15 points, four rebounds and one block.
Dillon Brooks paced the Rockets with 23 points, complementing them with five rebounds and one assist. Jabari Smith Jr. registered 20 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Alperen Sengun and Holiday generated matching 18-point, three-rebound efforts, while adding six and four assists, respectively. Sengun also recorded three blocks. Jalen Green delivered 16 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals.
The Knicks remain on the road and tangle with the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night, while the Rockets visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night as well.
Bucks Dominate Nuggets, 112-95
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Denver Nuggets, 112-95, at Fiserv Forum on Monday night.
The Bucks (35-19) came into the marquee matchup trying to build on the most noteworthy win yet of the brief Doc Rivers era, a walloping of the Charlotte Hornets. The caliber of opponent was naturally much higher with the defending champion Nuggets (36-18) in town, but Milwaukee was impressively undeterred while building a 60-44 lead over the first two quarters. Any thought of a Denver second-half resurgence was quickly snuffed out in the third quarter, when the hosts outscored their visitors by a 31-19 margin on the way to the comfortable victory.
Nikola Jokic led the way with a 29-point, 12-rebound double-double that included eight assists. Aaron Gordon furnished 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Michael Porter Jr. furnished 11 points, six boards, four assists and one steal.
Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with a 36-point, 18-rebound double-double that included five assists, three steals and two blocks. Damian Lillard registered 18 points, five assists and three rebounds. Bobby Portis finished with 13 points, eight boards and three assists. Brook Lopez and Malik Beasley had matching nine-point, five-rebound efforts, with Lopez adding three assists and three blocks.
The Nuggets return home to host the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night, while the Bucks host the Miami Heat on Tuesday night.
The Bucks (35-19) came into the marquee matchup trying to build on the most noteworthy win yet of the brief Doc Rivers era, a walloping of the Charlotte Hornets. The caliber of opponent was naturally much higher with the defending champion Nuggets (36-18) in town, but Milwaukee was impressively undeterred while building a 60-44 lead over the first two quarters. Any thought of a Denver second-half resurgence was quickly snuffed out in the third quarter, when the hosts outscored their visitors by a 31-19 margin on the way to the comfortable victory.
Nikola Jokic led the way with a 29-point, 12-rebound double-double that included eight assists. Aaron Gordon furnished 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Michael Porter Jr. furnished 11 points, six boards, four assists and one steal.
Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with a 36-point, 18-rebound double-double that included five assists, three steals and two blocks. Damian Lillard registered 18 points, five assists and three rebounds. Bobby Portis finished with 13 points, eight boards and three assists. Brook Lopez and Malik Beasley had matching nine-point, five-rebound efforts, with Lopez adding three assists and three blocks.
The Nuggets return home to host the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night, while the Bucks host the Miami Heat on Tuesday night.
Pelicans Hang On In Memphis
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the host Memphis Grizzlies, 96-87, at FedEx Forum on Monday evening.
The Grizzlies got out to a solid start, until the Pelicans closed the first quarter on a, 19-6, run to take a five-point lead into the second. The visitors kept the momentum going and pushed it to a 14-point game by halftime. The Grizzlies brought a better effort in the third quarter but could only trim the deficit by one point, as the hosts maintained a 13-point lead entering the final frame. The game nearly came to a standstill in the fourth, as both teams combined for just 24 points in the quarter, while the Pelicans held on for their second straight win and sixth win in the last seven games. This also marks the ninth straight loss for the Grizzlies.
Herbert Jones led the Pelicans with 17 points, nine rebounds and five steals, in 35 minutes. Brandon Ingram followed up with 16 points, two rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block, while Larry Nance chipped in eight points, nine rebounds, three assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies with 22 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Vince Williams added 12 points, three rebounds, nine assists, a steal and a block, while Santi Aldama finished with six points, four rebounds, five assists and a block.
The Grizzlies (18-36) will look to end the slide as they play host to the Rockets on Wednesday. The Pelicans (32-22) play host to the Wizards on Wednesday.
The Grizzlies got out to a solid start, until the Pelicans closed the first quarter on a, 19-6, run to take a five-point lead into the second. The visitors kept the momentum going and pushed it to a 14-point game by halftime. The Grizzlies brought a better effort in the third quarter but could only trim the deficit by one point, as the hosts maintained a 13-point lead entering the final frame. The game nearly came to a standstill in the fourth, as both teams combined for just 24 points in the quarter, while the Pelicans held on for their second straight win and sixth win in the last seven games. This also marks the ninth straight loss for the Grizzlies.
Herbert Jones led the Pelicans with 17 points, nine rebounds and five steals, in 35 minutes. Brandon Ingram followed up with 16 points, two rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block, while Larry Nance chipped in eight points, nine rebounds, three assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies with 22 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Vince Williams added 12 points, three rebounds, nine assists, a steal and a block, while Santi Aldama finished with six points, four rebounds, five assists and a block.
The Grizzlies (18-36) will look to end the slide as they play host to the Rockets on Wednesday. The Pelicans (32-22) play host to the Wizards on Wednesday.
Mavs Rally To Top Pelicans
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the visiting Washington Wizards, 112-104, at American Airlines Center on Monday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Mavs led, 26-22, after one quarter. The Wizards picked up their play in the second and outscored the hosts, 36-25, to claim a seven-point lead at the break. The visitors kept the pressure on in the third and managed to add another three points to their advantage, making it a 14-point game entering the final quarter. The Mavs turned it up in the fourth and rallied to outscore the Wizards, 34-16, in the quarter to claim the upper hand and close out their fifth straight win. This also marks the seventh straight loss for the Wizards.
Kyrie Irving totaled 26 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks, in 43 minutes. Luka Doncic finished with 26 points, 11 rebounds, 15 assists, a steal and two blocks to lead the way for the Mavs. Daniel Gafford added 16 points, 17 rebounds, two assists, two steals and five blocks.
Meanwhile, Deni Avdija led the Wizards with 25 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a block, in 34 minutes. Kyle Kuzma followed up with 23 points, eight rebounds and a steal, while Marvin Bagley totaled 12 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block.
The Wizards (9-44) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Wednesday. The Mavericks (31-23) play host to the Spurs on Wednesday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Mavs led, 26-22, after one quarter. The Wizards picked up their play in the second and outscored the hosts, 36-25, to claim a seven-point lead at the break. The visitors kept the pressure on in the third and managed to add another three points to their advantage, making it a 14-point game entering the final quarter. The Mavs turned it up in the fourth and rallied to outscore the Wizards, 34-16, in the quarter to claim the upper hand and close out their fifth straight win. This also marks the seventh straight loss for the Wizards.
Kyrie Irving totaled 26 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks, in 43 minutes. Luka Doncic finished with 26 points, 11 rebounds, 15 assists, a steal and two blocks to lead the way for the Mavs. Daniel Gafford added 16 points, 17 rebounds, two assists, two steals and five blocks.
Meanwhile, Deni Avdija led the Wizards with 25 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a block, in 34 minutes. Kyle Kuzma followed up with 23 points, eight rebounds and a steal, while Marvin Bagley totaled 12 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block.
The Wizards (9-44) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Wednesday. The Mavericks (31-23) play host to the Spurs on Wednesday.
Warriors Defeat Jazz, 129-107
The Golden State Warriors defeated the host Utah Jazz, 129-107, at Vivint Arena on Monday.
Golden State won or tied all four individual quarters in this game, holding the lead for all but a few minutes, A 66-52 second half decided their win, leading by at least eight points for the entirety of the second half. The Warriors shot 48 percent from the field and 46 percent from three-point range (20-of-44) while holding the Jazz to 45 percent from the field and 34 percent from long range (11-of-32). Golden State also recorded 30 assists to 13 turnovers, while Utah had 23 assists to 17 turnovers.
The Warriors (26-25) were led by Klay Thompson, tallying 26 points, six rebounds and two assists. Stephen Curry collected 25 points, six rebounds, 10 assists and three steals. Andrew Wiggins amassed 17 points and two boards, while Draymond Green generated 12 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Brandin Podziemski led the bench with 10 points, four rebounds and three assists.
The Jazz (26-28) were led by Collin Sexton, finishing with 22 points, six rebounds and five assists. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 22 points and four boards. Lauri Markkanen had 19 points and five boards, while John Collins compiled 11 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Walker Kessler totaled 11 points, nine rebounds, two steals and four blocks.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Utah remaining home to play the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State returning home to face the Los Angeles Clippers.
Golden State won or tied all four individual quarters in this game, holding the lead for all but a few minutes, A 66-52 second half decided their win, leading by at least eight points for the entirety of the second half. The Warriors shot 48 percent from the field and 46 percent from three-point range (20-of-44) while holding the Jazz to 45 percent from the field and 34 percent from long range (11-of-32). Golden State also recorded 30 assists to 13 turnovers, while Utah had 23 assists to 17 turnovers.
The Warriors (26-25) were led by Klay Thompson, tallying 26 points, six rebounds and two assists. Stephen Curry collected 25 points, six rebounds, 10 assists and three steals. Andrew Wiggins amassed 17 points and two boards, while Draymond Green generated 12 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Brandin Podziemski led the bench with 10 points, four rebounds and three assists.
The Jazz (26-28) were led by Collin Sexton, finishing with 22 points, six rebounds and five assists. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 22 points and four boards. Lauri Markkanen had 19 points and five boards, while John Collins compiled 11 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Walker Kessler totaled 11 points, nine rebounds, two steals and four blocks.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Utah remaining home to play the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State returning home to face the Los Angeles Clippers.
T'Wolves Throttle Clippers, 121-100
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the host Los Angeles Clippers, 121-100, at Crypto.com Arena on Monday.
Minnesota held the lead for all but a few minutes in this game, riding a 40-19 third quarter to their blowout win. They got their lead up to 24 points at times and maintained a double-digit lead for the final 15 minutes. The Timberwolves shot 54 percent from the field while holding the Clippers to 41 percent shooting. Minnesota out-assisted Los Angeles, 32-20, while out-rebounding them, 52-41. They also outscored the Clips in the paint, 64-42.
The Timberwolves (37-16) were led by Karl-Anthony Towns, tallying 24 points, four rebounds and three assists. Anthony Edwarda accrued 23 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Rudy Gobert registered 17 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks, while Mike Conley collected five points, four rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the bench with 15 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals.
The Clippers (35-17) were led by Paul George, providing 18 points, six rebounds and three assists. Kawhi Leonard had 18 points and four rebounds. James Harden totaled 17 points, two rebounds and six assists. Ivica Zubac totaled six points, 10 boards and two assists, while Russell Westbrook led the bench with 11 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Minnesota has to play again on Tuesday, staying on the road to play the Portland Trail Blazers. As for Los Angeles, they travel to face the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.
Minnesota held the lead for all but a few minutes in this game, riding a 40-19 third quarter to their blowout win. They got their lead up to 24 points at times and maintained a double-digit lead for the final 15 minutes. The Timberwolves shot 54 percent from the field while holding the Clippers to 41 percent shooting. Minnesota out-assisted Los Angeles, 32-20, while out-rebounding them, 52-41. They also outscored the Clips in the paint, 64-42.
The Timberwolves (37-16) were led by Karl-Anthony Towns, tallying 24 points, four rebounds and three assists. Anthony Edwarda accrued 23 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Rudy Gobert registered 17 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks, while Mike Conley collected five points, four rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the bench with 15 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals.
The Clippers (35-17) were led by Paul George, providing 18 points, six rebounds and three assists. Kawhi Leonard had 18 points and four rebounds. James Harden totaled 17 points, two rebounds and six assists. Ivica Zubac totaled six points, 10 boards and two assists, while Russell Westbrook led the bench with 11 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Minnesota has to play again on Tuesday, staying on the road to play the Portland Trail Blazers. As for Los Angeles, they travel to face the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.