Wagner scores 22 off bench, leads Magic over Cavaliers on Thursday
The Orlando Magic took care of business Thursday when they defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 116-109, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.
The Magic (31-25) were the ones that came out swinging in the first game since the All-Star break as they held a five-point lead after the first quarter. The Cavaliers (36-18) kept things close in the second frame and entered the half down by four. The teams exchanged buckets and leads in the third quarter, but the Magic used a 9-2 run in the final frame to extend their lead by as many as 14 points. Orlando held on at the end to improve to 13-17 on the road, while Cleveland dropped to 19-10 at home.
Six Magic players -- including three off the bench -- scored in double digits Thursday. Moritz Wagner led the way in reserve with 22 points and seven rebounds, while Cole Anthony chipped in 13 points, two rebounds and six assists off the pine. Franz Wagner led the starters with 14 points, four rebounds and four assists. First-time All-Star Paolo Banchero tallied 12 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Wendell Carter added 12 points and two rebounds.
All five starters for the Cavaliers scored in double digits. Darius Garland finished with 18 points, two rebounds, 10 assists and two steals for his first double-double of the season. Jarrett Allen registered his 27th double-double of the season with 18 points, 10 rebounds and two steals. Max Strus added 18 points, four rebounds and six assists. Isaac Okoro got the start for Donovan Mitchell (illness) and finished with 17 points and two rebounds. Evan Mobley did it all with 14 points, eight rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks.
Next up, the Cavaliers will hit the road to take on the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, while the Magic visit the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.
The Magic (31-25) were the ones that came out swinging in the first game since the All-Star break as they held a five-point lead after the first quarter. The Cavaliers (36-18) kept things close in the second frame and entered the half down by four. The teams exchanged buckets and leads in the third quarter, but the Magic used a 9-2 run in the final frame to extend their lead by as many as 14 points. Orlando held on at the end to improve to 13-17 on the road, while Cleveland dropped to 19-10 at home.
Six Magic players -- including three off the bench -- scored in double digits Thursday. Moritz Wagner led the way in reserve with 22 points and seven rebounds, while Cole Anthony chipped in 13 points, two rebounds and six assists off the pine. Franz Wagner led the starters with 14 points, four rebounds and four assists. First-time All-Star Paolo Banchero tallied 12 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Wendell Carter added 12 points and two rebounds.
All five starters for the Cavaliers scored in double digits. Darius Garland finished with 18 points, two rebounds, 10 assists and two steals for his first double-double of the season. Jarrett Allen registered his 27th double-double of the season with 18 points, 10 rebounds and two steals. Max Strus added 18 points, four rebounds and six assists. Isaac Okoro got the start for Donovan Mitchell (illness) and finished with 17 points and two rebounds. Evan Mobley did it all with 14 points, eight rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks.
Next up, the Cavaliers will hit the road to take on the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, while the Magic visit the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.
Pacers Dominate In Easy Win Over Pistons
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Detroit Pistons, 129-115, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Thursday.
The Pacers (32-25) enjoyed a dominant start and cruised to defeat the Pistons (8-47) in both teams’ return after the All-Star break. Even though the outcome was just 14 points, Indiana could’ve won by a more significant margin hadn’t Detroit played the way it did in the second half. The Pacers raced to a dominant 42-25 lead following the first quarter, and by the time the first half ended, Indiana was up by 29 points after a 30-18 score in the second quarter. The Pistons played the second half with a more aggressive approach and outscored Indiana by a 45-30 score in the third quarter, but Detroit didn’t have enough in them to complete a potential comeback. The final quarter ended with a 27-27 tie, and the Pacers closed the game out with absolute ease. With the win, the Pacers moved to 18-11 at home, while the Pistons fell to 4-24 on the road.
Tyrese Haliburton led the way for the Pacers with 25 points and 13 assists. Bennedict Mathurin made a spot start and finished with 15 points, six rebounds and five assists. Myles Turned finished with a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double. He also recorded two steals and two blocks. Pascal Siakam recorded 20 points and four rebounds. T.J. McConnell delivered 16 points and five assists off the bench. Isaiah Jackson had 13 points.
Cade Cunningham was the best player for the Pistons and finished with 30 points and eight assists. Jalen Duren was the only other starter who reached the 15-point mark -- the big man also added 13 rebounds. Simone Fontecchio had 14 points, while Jaden Ivey also posted 14 points but adding three assists and two boards. Evan Fournier scored 10 points off the bench, and Ausar Thompson filled the stat sheet with 11 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two assists.
The Pacers (32-25) enjoyed a dominant start and cruised to defeat the Pistons (8-47) in both teams’ return after the All-Star break. Even though the outcome was just 14 points, Indiana could’ve won by a more significant margin hadn’t Detroit played the way it did in the second half. The Pacers raced to a dominant 42-25 lead following the first quarter, and by the time the first half ended, Indiana was up by 29 points after a 30-18 score in the second quarter. The Pistons played the second half with a more aggressive approach and outscored Indiana by a 45-30 score in the third quarter, but Detroit didn’t have enough in them to complete a potential comeback. The final quarter ended with a 27-27 tie, and the Pacers closed the game out with absolute ease. With the win, the Pacers moved to 18-11 at home, while the Pistons fell to 4-24 on the road.
Tyrese Haliburton led the way for the Pacers with 25 points and 13 assists. Bennedict Mathurin made a spot start and finished with 15 points, six rebounds and five assists. Myles Turned finished with a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double. He also recorded two steals and two blocks. Pascal Siakam recorded 20 points and four rebounds. T.J. McConnell delivered 16 points and five assists off the bench. Isaiah Jackson had 13 points.
Cade Cunningham was the best player for the Pistons and finished with 30 points and eight assists. Jalen Duren was the only other starter who reached the 15-point mark -- the big man also added 13 rebounds. Simone Fontecchio had 14 points, while Jaden Ivey also posted 14 points but adding three assists and two boards. Evan Fournier scored 10 points off the bench, and Ausar Thompson filled the stat sheet with 11 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two assists.
Knicks Breeze To Victory Over 76ers
The New York Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 110-96, at Wells Fargo Center on Thursday.
This matchup between the Knicks (34-22) and the 76ers (32-23) could end up being a playoff matchup in the Eastern Conference. However, neither Joel Embiid (ankle) nor Julius Randle (shoulder) were available, leaving it to the supporting casts to step up. On that note, the Knicks performed better as a unit, and they cruised to victory. New York raced to a 32-21 score in the first quarter, and the team never looked back. The Knicks bolstered their advantage even further following a 37-25 score, so they held a commanding lead entering the second half. Philadelphia showed improvement in the third quarter, outscoring the Knicks by a 35-22 score, but it was not enough to complete a comeback. The Knicks closed things out following a 19-15 score in the final 12 minutes. With the win, the Knicks moved to 15-14 on the road. Meanwhile, the Sixers fell to 17-12 at home.
Bojan Bogdanovic led the way for the Knicks despite playing off the bench and finished with 22 points and three steals. Jalen Brunson recorded 21 points and 12 assists while adding two boards and two steals. Josh Hart notched 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Precious Achiuwa also had a double-double thanks to his 18 points and 11 rebounds. Donte DiVincenzo notched 16 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks.
Tyrese Maxey monopolized the Sixers on offense and posted 35 points. Maxey also added six rebounds and five assists. Buddy Hield was the only other starter who scored in double digits thanks to his 14-point haul. Tobias Harris recorded seven points. Kelly Oubre Jr. had 14 points and four rebounds off the bench. Kyle Lowry made his 76ers debut and delivered 11 points, five assists and four rebounds.
This matchup between the Knicks (34-22) and the 76ers (32-23) could end up being a playoff matchup in the Eastern Conference. However, neither Joel Embiid (ankle) nor Julius Randle (shoulder) were available, leaving it to the supporting casts to step up. On that note, the Knicks performed better as a unit, and they cruised to victory. New York raced to a 32-21 score in the first quarter, and the team never looked back. The Knicks bolstered their advantage even further following a 37-25 score, so they held a commanding lead entering the second half. Philadelphia showed improvement in the third quarter, outscoring the Knicks by a 35-22 score, but it was not enough to complete a comeback. The Knicks closed things out following a 19-15 score in the final 12 minutes. With the win, the Knicks moved to 15-14 on the road. Meanwhile, the Sixers fell to 17-12 at home.
Bojan Bogdanovic led the way for the Knicks despite playing off the bench and finished with 22 points and three steals. Jalen Brunson recorded 21 points and 12 assists while adding two boards and two steals. Josh Hart notched 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Precious Achiuwa also had a double-double thanks to his 18 points and 11 rebounds. Donte DiVincenzo notched 16 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks.
Tyrese Maxey monopolized the Sixers on offense and posted 35 points. Maxey also added six rebounds and five assists. Buddy Hield was the only other starter who scored in double digits thanks to his 14-point haul. Tobias Harris recorded seven points. Kelly Oubre Jr. had 14 points and four rebounds off the bench. Kyle Lowry made his 76ers debut and delivered 11 points, five assists and four rebounds.
Raptors Cruise To Easy Home Win Over Nets
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 121-93, at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday.
The Raptors (20-36) had one of their best all-around performances of the season and cruised to an easy win over the Nets (21-34) in a battle between two teams that continue to hover near the Play-In Tournament spots. This game was a no-contest right after it started, however, and by the time the first quarter ended, the Raptors already held a nine-point advantage. Toronto didn’t step off the gas and made it a double-digit contest following a 29-27 score in the second quarter. The third quarter finished with a 23-23 tie, and it seemed the Nets were within striking distance with only 12 minutes left on the clock. However, the Raptors closed things out admirably following a 39-22 score in the fourth quarter. With the win, the Raptors moved to 12-16 at home. Meanwhile, the Nets fell to 8-17 on the road.
Gary Trent Jr. led the way for the Raptors with 25 points while shooting extremely well (9-12 FG, 5-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT). Scottie Barnes finished with 18 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and three steals. Immanuel Quickley ended with 24 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals. RJ Barrett had 12 points, seven assists and five boards. No other Toronto player scored in double digits.
Mikal Bridges was the focal point on offense for the Nets, finishing with 21 points and four rebounds. Cam Thomas was the only other starter who scored in double digits for Brooklyn after posting 19 points, four assists and two rebounds. The only other player who scored in double digits for the Nets was Lonnie Walker, who posted 11 points off the bench. Ben Simmons had two points, four rebounds and four assists.
The Raptors (20-36) had one of their best all-around performances of the season and cruised to an easy win over the Nets (21-34) in a battle between two teams that continue to hover near the Play-In Tournament spots. This game was a no-contest right after it started, however, and by the time the first quarter ended, the Raptors already held a nine-point advantage. Toronto didn’t step off the gas and made it a double-digit contest following a 29-27 score in the second quarter. The third quarter finished with a 23-23 tie, and it seemed the Nets were within striking distance with only 12 minutes left on the clock. However, the Raptors closed things out admirably following a 39-22 score in the fourth quarter. With the win, the Raptors moved to 12-16 at home. Meanwhile, the Nets fell to 8-17 on the road.
Gary Trent Jr. led the way for the Raptors with 25 points while shooting extremely well (9-12 FG, 5-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT). Scottie Barnes finished with 18 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and three steals. Immanuel Quickley ended with 24 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals. RJ Barrett had 12 points, seven assists and five boards. No other Toronto player scored in double digits.
Mikal Bridges was the focal point on offense for the Nets, finishing with 21 points and four rebounds. Cam Thomas was the only other starter who scored in double digits for Brooklyn after posting 19 points, four assists and two rebounds. The only other player who scored in double digits for the Nets was Lonnie Walker, who posted 11 points off the bench. Ben Simmons had two points, four rebounds and four assists.
Mavericks Top Suns, 123-113
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Phoenix Suns, 123-113, at American Airlines Center on Thursday night.
The two conference rivals and potent offensive squads showed no apparent rust during their first two quarters of play in a week, leading to a high-scoring first half the Suns (33-23) emerged from with a 63-60 lead. However, the Mavericks (33-23) came out of intermission a refocused team, erasing their deficit altogether and building a five-point advantage during the third quarter. Dallas was even more dominant in the final period, limiting Phoenix to 22 points in the last 12 minutes on the way to the double-digit home victory.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 35 points, adding eight assists, five rebounds and one steal. Kevin Durant furnished 23 points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Eric Gordon supplied 16 points, two boards, one assist, two steals and one block. Royce O'Neale and Grayson Allen produced matching 10-point, two-assist efforts while recording nine and five rebounds, respectively.
Luka Doncic paced the Mavericks with 41 points, complementing them with 11 assists, nine rebounds and four steals. Kyrie Irving registered 29 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal. P.J. Washington and Tim Hardaway posted matching 12-point, one-steal contributions while pulling down six and four rebounds, respectively.
The Suns remain on the road and in Texas for a date with the Rockets on Friday night, while the Mavericks hit the road and pay a visit to the Indiana Pacers on Sunday afternoon.
The two conference rivals and potent offensive squads showed no apparent rust during their first two quarters of play in a week, leading to a high-scoring first half the Suns (33-23) emerged from with a 63-60 lead. However, the Mavericks (33-23) came out of intermission a refocused team, erasing their deficit altogether and building a five-point advantage during the third quarter. Dallas was even more dominant in the final period, limiting Phoenix to 22 points in the last 12 minutes on the way to the double-digit home victory.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 35 points, adding eight assists, five rebounds and one steal. Kevin Durant furnished 23 points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Eric Gordon supplied 16 points, two boards, one assist, two steals and one block. Royce O'Neale and Grayson Allen produced matching 10-point, two-assist efforts while recording nine and five rebounds, respectively.
Luka Doncic paced the Mavericks with 41 points, complementing them with 11 assists, nine rebounds and four steals. Kyrie Irving registered 29 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal. P.J. Washington and Tim Hardaway posted matching 12-point, one-steal contributions while pulling down six and four rebounds, respectively.
The Suns remain on the road and in Texas for a date with the Rockets on Friday night, while the Mavericks hit the road and pay a visit to the Indiana Pacers on Sunday afternoon.
Pelicans Blast Rockets, 127-105
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Houston Rockets, 127-105, at Smoothie King Center on Thursday night.
The Pelicans (34-22) got a stiff challenge from the Rockets (24-31) early, leading to New Orleans emerging from the first quarter with a narrow 31-27 lead. However, the hosts stiffened up on defense in the second quarter while adding nine points to their advantage, and when they replicated the feat in the third period, they essentially sealed the victory. The Pels shot 52.1 percent while limiting Houston to 43.9 percent and forcing 22 turnovers.
Amen Thompson led the Rockets with 22 points, adding five rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Alperen Sengun delivered 20 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one steal. Cam Whitmore furnished 13 points, four rebounds and two blocks. Jalen Green supplied 10 points, four boards, two assists and one steal.
CJ McCollum paced the Pelicans with 28 points, complementing them with six rebounds and six assists. Zion Williamson generated a 27-point, 10-rebound double-double that included 10 assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Jonas Valanciunas contributed 20 points, 14 boards, three assists and one steal. Herbert Jones delivered 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and seven steals. Trey Murphy posted 13 points, three rebounds, one assist, three steals and three blocks. Jose Alvarado registered 11 points, seven assists, two rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
The Rockets return home to host the Phoenix Suns on Friday night, while the Pelicans host the Miami Heat on Friday night.
The Pelicans (34-22) got a stiff challenge from the Rockets (24-31) early, leading to New Orleans emerging from the first quarter with a narrow 31-27 lead. However, the hosts stiffened up on defense in the second quarter while adding nine points to their advantage, and when they replicated the feat in the third period, they essentially sealed the victory. The Pels shot 52.1 percent while limiting Houston to 43.9 percent and forcing 22 turnovers.
Amen Thompson led the Rockets with 22 points, adding five rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Alperen Sengun delivered 20 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one steal. Cam Whitmore furnished 13 points, four rebounds and two blocks. Jalen Green supplied 10 points, four boards, two assists and one steal.
CJ McCollum paced the Pelicans with 28 points, complementing them with six rebounds and six assists. Zion Williamson generated a 27-point, 10-rebound double-double that included 10 assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Jonas Valanciunas contributed 20 points, 14 boards, three assists and one steal. Herbert Jones delivered 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and seven steals. Trey Murphy posted 13 points, three rebounds, one assist, three steals and three blocks. Jose Alvarado registered 11 points, seven assists, two rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
The Rockets return home to host the Phoenix Suns on Friday night, while the Pelicans host the Miami Heat on Friday night.
Celtics Too Much For Bulls
By Dan Bruno
The Boston Celtics defeated the host Chicago Bulls, 129-112, at United Center on Thursday evening.
The Celtics got out to a strong start and led, 31-23, after one quarter. The Bulls turned things around in the second and outscored the visitors, 39-28, to claim a three-point lead at the break. The tide turned again in the third quarter, as the visitors reclaimed control and outscored the Bulls, 37-21, to earn a 13-point advantage going into the final frame. The hosts put up a solid fight in the fourth but it was not enough, as the Celtics hung on for their seventh straight win. This also marks the second straight loss for the Bulls.
Derrick White led the Celtics with 28 points, three rebounds, five assists, two steals and three blocks, in 33 minutes. Jayson Tatum followed up with 25 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals, while Jaylen Brown totaled 21 points, five rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block.
Meanwhile, Nikola Vucevic led the Bulls with 22 points, 14 rebounds and two assists, in 35 minutes. Coby White followed up with 20 points, three rebounds, four assists and a steal, while DeMar DeRozan added 19 points, four rebounds, five assists and a steal.
The Bulls (26-30) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Pelicans in New Orleans on Sunday. The Celtics (44-12) take on the Knicks in New York on Saturday.
The Celtics got out to a strong start and led, 31-23, after one quarter. The Bulls turned things around in the second and outscored the visitors, 39-28, to claim a three-point lead at the break. The tide turned again in the third quarter, as the visitors reclaimed control and outscored the Bulls, 37-21, to earn a 13-point advantage going into the final frame. The hosts put up a solid fight in the fourth but it was not enough, as the Celtics hung on for their seventh straight win. This also marks the second straight loss for the Bulls.
Derrick White led the Celtics with 28 points, three rebounds, five assists, two steals and three blocks, in 33 minutes. Jayson Tatum followed up with 25 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals, while Jaylen Brown totaled 21 points, five rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block.
Meanwhile, Nikola Vucevic led the Bulls with 22 points, 14 rebounds and two assists, in 35 minutes. Coby White followed up with 20 points, three rebounds, four assists and a steal, while DeMar DeRozan added 19 points, four rebounds, five assists and a steal.
The Bulls (26-30) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Pelicans in New Orleans on Sunday. The Celtics (44-12) take on the Knicks in New York on Saturday.
Thunder Roll Past Clippers
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Los Angeles Clippers, 129-107, at Paycom Center on Thursday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Thunder led, 35-33, after one quarter. The score stayed close through the second and the hosts maintained a two-point edge at the break. The Thunder picked up momentum in the third and outscored the Clippers, 35-23, in the quarter to claim a 14-point advantage going into the final frame. The visitors had no answers down the stretch as the Thunder cruised to their third straight win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31 points, four rebounds, eight assists, a steal and two blocks, in 35 minutes. Jalen Williams followed up with 18 points, four rebounds, six assists, a steal and three blocks, while Chet Holmgren totaled 17 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three blocks.
Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 20 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 31 minutes. Norman Powell followed up with 19 points, two rebounds and a block, while James Harden added 17 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal.
The Clippers (36-18) will look to bounce back as they take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Friday. The Thunder (38-17) play host to the Wizards on Friday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Thunder led, 35-33, after one quarter. The score stayed close through the second and the hosts maintained a two-point edge at the break. The Thunder picked up momentum in the third and outscored the Clippers, 35-23, in the quarter to claim a 14-point advantage going into the final frame. The visitors had no answers down the stretch as the Thunder cruised to their third straight win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31 points, four rebounds, eight assists, a steal and two blocks, in 35 minutes. Jalen Williams followed up with 18 points, four rebounds, six assists, a steal and three blocks, while Chet Holmgren totaled 17 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three blocks.
Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 20 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 31 minutes. Norman Powell followed up with 19 points, two rebounds and a block, while James Harden added 17 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal.
The Clippers (36-18) will look to bounce back as they take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Friday. The Thunder (38-17) play host to the Wizards on Friday.
Nuggets Come Out On Top At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Washington Wizards, 130-110, at Ball Arena on Thursday evening.
The Nuggets jumped out to a great start and led, 38-25, after one quarter. They maintained control through the second and outscored the Wizards, 34-24, to claim a 23-point advantage at the break. The Wizards came out stronger in the third and managed to trim five points off the deficit, making it an 18-point game entering the final frame. The Nuggets regained their ground in the fourth and confidently closed out the home win, ending a three-game slide. This also marks the ninth straight loss for the Wizards.
Michael Porter was the high-point man for the Nuggets, with 22 points to go with 11 rebounds and two assists, in 31 minutes. Nikola Jokic totaled 21 points, 19 rebounds, 15 assists and a steal, while Jamal Murray logged 18 points, four rebounds, eight assists, three steals and two blocks.
Meanwhile, Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 31 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and three steals, in 31 minutes. Jordan Poole followed up with 18 points on 4-for-17 shooting, in 30 minutes off the bench. Tyus Jones totaled 13 points, two rebounds and 14 assists.
The Wizards (9-46) will look to bounce back as they take on the Thunder in OKC on Friday. The Nuggets (37-19) clash with the Trail Blazers in Portland on Friday.
The Nuggets jumped out to a great start and led, 38-25, after one quarter. They maintained control through the second and outscored the Wizards, 34-24, to claim a 23-point advantage at the break. The Wizards came out stronger in the third and managed to trim five points off the deficit, making it an 18-point game entering the final frame. The Nuggets regained their ground in the fourth and confidently closed out the home win, ending a three-game slide. This also marks the ninth straight loss for the Wizards.
Michael Porter was the high-point man for the Nuggets, with 22 points to go with 11 rebounds and two assists, in 31 minutes. Nikola Jokic totaled 21 points, 19 rebounds, 15 assists and a steal, while Jamal Murray logged 18 points, four rebounds, eight assists, three steals and two blocks.
Meanwhile, Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 31 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and three steals, in 31 minutes. Jordan Poole followed up with 18 points on 4-for-17 shooting, in 30 minutes off the bench. Tyus Jones totaled 13 points, two rebounds and 14 assists.
The Wizards (9-46) will look to bounce back as they take on the Thunder in OKC on Friday. The Nuggets (37-19) clash with the Trail Blazers in Portland on Friday.
Hornets Defeat Jazz, 115-107
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the host Utah Jazz, 115-107, at Vivint Arena on Thursday.
The last time Charlotte won in Utah was in 2006 when they were called the Bobcats, snapping a 16-game losing streak against the Jazz. A 34-26 first quarter set the foundation for the upset win, closing things with a 30-17 fourth quarter. The Hornets shot 48 percent from three-point range (20-of-42) while holding the Jazz to 23 percent from long distance (9-of-39). Charlotte recorded 11 steals to Utah's three, winning the turnover battle, 19-9. There were five ties and six lead changes, with neither team leading by more than 10 points.
The Hornets (14-41) were led by Miles Bridges, finishing with 26 points, 14 rebounds and four assists. Brandon Miller amassed 16 points, three rebounds, five assists and four steals. Tre Mann tallied 13 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Nick Richards registered eight points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Grant Williams led the bench with 24 points and two assists.
The Jazz (26-31) were led by Lauri Markkanen, collecting 21 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Collin Sexton compiled 17 points, two rebounds and five assists. Keyonte George generated 16 points, three rebounds and five assists, while John Collins had nine points, 18 rebounds and two blocks. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 15 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
Charlotte plays again on Friday, staying on the road to play the Golden State Warriors. As for Utah, they remain home to play the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday for their next fixture.
The last time Charlotte won in Utah was in 2006 when they were called the Bobcats, snapping a 16-game losing streak against the Jazz. A 34-26 first quarter set the foundation for the upset win, closing things with a 30-17 fourth quarter. The Hornets shot 48 percent from three-point range (20-of-42) while holding the Jazz to 23 percent from long distance (9-of-39). Charlotte recorded 11 steals to Utah's three, winning the turnover battle, 19-9. There were five ties and six lead changes, with neither team leading by more than 10 points.
The Hornets (14-41) were led by Miles Bridges, finishing with 26 points, 14 rebounds and four assists. Brandon Miller amassed 16 points, three rebounds, five assists and four steals. Tre Mann tallied 13 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Nick Richards registered eight points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Grant Williams led the bench with 24 points and two assists.
The Jazz (26-31) were led by Lauri Markkanen, collecting 21 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Collin Sexton compiled 17 points, two rebounds and five assists. Keyonte George generated 16 points, three rebounds and five assists, while John Collins had nine points, 18 rebounds and two blocks. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 15 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
Charlotte plays again on Friday, staying on the road to play the Golden State Warriors. As for Utah, they remain home to play the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday for their next fixture.
Warriors Defeat Lakers,128-110
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, 128-110, at Chase Center on Thursday.
While there were seven ties and 11 lead changes through the opening 20 minutes, Golden State rode a 36-28 second quarter to their win. They finished that frame on a 21-8 run and never gave up the lead in the second half. The Warriors also maintained a double-digit lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter, winning all four individual quarters in this game. Golden State shot 39 percent from three-point range (16-of-41) and 86 percent from the free-throw line, while Los Angeles shot 29 percent from long range (10-of-35) and 67 percent from the charity stripe. They also out-rebounded them, 60-51, and outscored them in second-chance points, 23-13.
The Lakers (30-27) were led by Anthony Davis, finishing with 27 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks. D'Angelo Russell registered 18 points, five rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Austin Reaves amassed 16 points, two rebounds and four assists, while Taurean Prince totaled 12 points, three rebounds and two assists.
The Warriors (28-26) were led by Stephen Curry, collecting 32 points, eight assists and three steals. Andrew Wiggins accrued 20 points, three rebounds and two assists. Jonathan Kuminga compiled 12 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Trayce Jackson-Davis led the bench with 17 points, five rebounds and two blocks.
On deck for LA is a home matchup with the San Antonio Spurs on Friday. As for Golden State, they remain home to play the Charlotte Hornets on Friday as well.
While there were seven ties and 11 lead changes through the opening 20 minutes, Golden State rode a 36-28 second quarter to their win. They finished that frame on a 21-8 run and never gave up the lead in the second half. The Warriors also maintained a double-digit lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter, winning all four individual quarters in this game. Golden State shot 39 percent from three-point range (16-of-41) and 86 percent from the free-throw line, while Los Angeles shot 29 percent from long range (10-of-35) and 67 percent from the charity stripe. They also out-rebounded them, 60-51, and outscored them in second-chance points, 23-13.
The Lakers (30-27) were led by Anthony Davis, finishing with 27 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks. D'Angelo Russell registered 18 points, five rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Austin Reaves amassed 16 points, two rebounds and four assists, while Taurean Prince totaled 12 points, three rebounds and two assists.
The Warriors (28-26) were led by Stephen Curry, collecting 32 points, eight assists and three steals. Andrew Wiggins accrued 20 points, three rebounds and two assists. Jonathan Kuminga compiled 12 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Trayce Jackson-Davis led the bench with 17 points, five rebounds and two blocks.
On deck for LA is a home matchup with the San Antonio Spurs on Friday. As for Golden State, they remain home to play the Charlotte Hornets on Friday as well.
Kings Defeat Spurs, 127-122
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 127-122, at Golden One Center on Thursday.
There were 10 ties and 10 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 11 points. That was Sacramento in the second half, riding a 35-25 second quarter to their victory. The Kings shot 56 percent from the field, while the Spurs shot 51 percent. All of the other statistics were relatively even, outside of assists, with San Antonio out-assisting Sacramento, 37-29.
The Spurs (11-45) were led by Devin Vassell, finishing with 32 points and seven assists on 13-of-18 shooting. Victor Wembanyama had 19 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, five steals and five blocks. Jeremy Sochan amassed 16 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Tre Jones tallied 10 points, two rebounds and nine assists. Keldon Johnson led the bench with 18 points, four rebounds and three assists.
The Kings (32-23) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 28 points, five rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Domantas Sabonis amassed 22 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Kevin Huerter compiled 21 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Malik Monk led the bench with 21 points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks.
On deck for San Antonio is a road matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. As for Sacramento, they're off until Sunday, when they travel to play the Los Angeles Clippers.
There were 10 ties and 10 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 11 points. That was Sacramento in the second half, riding a 35-25 second quarter to their victory. The Kings shot 56 percent from the field, while the Spurs shot 51 percent. All of the other statistics were relatively even, outside of assists, with San Antonio out-assisting Sacramento, 37-29.
The Spurs (11-45) were led by Devin Vassell, finishing with 32 points and seven assists on 13-of-18 shooting. Victor Wembanyama had 19 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, five steals and five blocks. Jeremy Sochan amassed 16 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Tre Jones tallied 10 points, two rebounds and nine assists. Keldon Johnson led the bench with 18 points, four rebounds and three assists.
The Kings (32-23) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 28 points, five rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Domantas Sabonis amassed 22 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Kevin Huerter compiled 21 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Malik Monk led the bench with 21 points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks.
On deck for San Antonio is a road matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. As for Sacramento, they're off until Sunday, when they travel to play the Los Angeles Clippers.