Barnes, Raptors outlast Hawks in Friday night nailbiter
The Toronto Raptors outlasted the Atlanta Hawks, 123-121, at State Farm Arena on Friday night.
It was the visiting team that got off to a quick start Friday as the Raptors (21-36) led 33-22 after the first 12 minutes of play. The second quarter belonged to the Hawks (24-32), however, as the home squad outscored their opponents by 10 points in the frame to go into halftime down by one. Toronto pushed their lead to six points heading into the fourth quarter, but Atlanta wouldn’t go away quietly as they kept within a score down the stretch. The Hawks weren’t able to push through for the victory, however, as the loss dropped their home record to 13-16, while the Raptors improved their road record to 9-20. Despite the Hawks winning the free throw battle, 17-9, the Raptors were able to turn rebounds into buckets as they won the fast break battle, 22-9.
Eight of the nine Toronto players who played Friday scored in double digits. Immanuel Quickley led the Raptors with 24 points, seven rebounds and five assists and hit a game-high six three-pointers. Scottie Barnes complimented with 20 points, five rebounds and 10 assists for his 23rd double-double of the season. Grady Dick led the bench with 18 points and two rebounds, while Ochai Agbaji chipped in 14 points and four rebounds in reserve. Gary Trent finished with 13 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Jakob Poetl tallied 12 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and two blocks for his 18th double-double of the season.
Dejounte Murray led the Hawks with 24 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists for his seventh double-double of the year. De’Andre Hunter led Atlanta’s bench with 22 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Bogdan Bogdanovic went 5-for-17 from the field and finished with 14 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals. Sadiq Bey totaled 18 points and nine rebounds, while Jalen Johnson chipped in 12 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and three blocks for his 15th double-double of the season.
Next up, the Hawks stay at home as they welcome in the Orlando Magic on Feb. 25, while the Raptors visit the Indiana Pacers and old friend Pascal Siakam on Feb. 26.
It was the visiting team that got off to a quick start Friday as the Raptors (21-36) led 33-22 after the first 12 minutes of play. The second quarter belonged to the Hawks (24-32), however, as the home squad outscored their opponents by 10 points in the frame to go into halftime down by one. Toronto pushed their lead to six points heading into the fourth quarter, but Atlanta wouldn’t go away quietly as they kept within a score down the stretch. The Hawks weren’t able to push through for the victory, however, as the loss dropped their home record to 13-16, while the Raptors improved their road record to 9-20. Despite the Hawks winning the free throw battle, 17-9, the Raptors were able to turn rebounds into buckets as they won the fast break battle, 22-9.
Eight of the nine Toronto players who played Friday scored in double digits. Immanuel Quickley led the Raptors with 24 points, seven rebounds and five assists and hit a game-high six three-pointers. Scottie Barnes complimented with 20 points, five rebounds and 10 assists for his 23rd double-double of the season. Grady Dick led the bench with 18 points and two rebounds, while Ochai Agbaji chipped in 14 points and four rebounds in reserve. Gary Trent finished with 13 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Jakob Poetl tallied 12 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and two blocks for his 18th double-double of the season.
Dejounte Murray led the Hawks with 24 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists for his seventh double-double of the year. De’Andre Hunter led Atlanta’s bench with 22 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Bogdan Bogdanovic went 5-for-17 from the field and finished with 14 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals. Sadiq Bey totaled 18 points and nine rebounds, while Jalen Johnson chipped in 12 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and three blocks for his 15th double-double of the season.
Next up, the Hawks stay at home as they welcome in the Orlando Magic on Feb. 25, while the Raptors visit the Indiana Pacers and old friend Pascal Siakam on Feb. 26.
76ers Hold On, Get Past Cavaliers
The Philadephia 76ers defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 104-97, at Wells Fargo Center on Friday.
The 76ers (33-23) moved to 10 games over the .500 mark, and they delivered an impressive performance to defeat another playoff contender in the Cavaliers (36-19) at home. The start of the game was tight, and neither team seemed to give an inch to the other, but Philadelphia started to pull away in the second quarter after winning the second quarter by a 28-25 score. The Cavaliers were always close, trying not to lose a grip on the outcome of the game, but the Sixers remained the better side. Philadelphia won the final two quarters as well, 21-20 and 30-27, and they ended up winning the game despite Cleveland’s late attempts of a comeback. With the win, the Sixers moved to 18-12 at home. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers fell to 17-9 on the road.
Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 24 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Tobias Harris had 15 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals. Buddy Hield recorded 13 points and five rebounds. Kelly Oubre had 10 points. Cameron Payne chipped in with 16 points and two assists coming off the bench. The 76ers shot 44.4 percent from the field and 41.4 percent from three-point range.
Jarrett Allen was the leading scorer for the Cavaliers after putting up 24 points and nine rebounds. Darius Garland finished with 20 points, nine assists and five rebounds. Max Strus finished with 14 points and six assists. Issac Okoro posted 11 points and four assists. Evan Mobley only scored eight points, but he grabbed 10 rebounds. The Cavaliers shot 42.5 percent from the field and 29.6 percent from three-point range.
The 76ers (33-23) moved to 10 games over the .500 mark, and they delivered an impressive performance to defeat another playoff contender in the Cavaliers (36-19) at home. The start of the game was tight, and neither team seemed to give an inch to the other, but Philadelphia started to pull away in the second quarter after winning the second quarter by a 28-25 score. The Cavaliers were always close, trying not to lose a grip on the outcome of the game, but the Sixers remained the better side. Philadelphia won the final two quarters as well, 21-20 and 30-27, and they ended up winning the game despite Cleveland’s late attempts of a comeback. With the win, the Sixers moved to 18-12 at home. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers fell to 17-9 on the road.
Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 24 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Tobias Harris had 15 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals. Buddy Hield recorded 13 points and five rebounds. Kelly Oubre had 10 points. Cameron Payne chipped in with 16 points and two assists coming off the bench. The 76ers shot 44.4 percent from the field and 41.4 percent from three-point range.
Jarrett Allen was the leading scorer for the Cavaliers after putting up 24 points and nine rebounds. Darius Garland finished with 20 points, nine assists and five rebounds. Max Strus finished with 14 points and six assists. Issac Okoro posted 11 points and four assists. Evan Mobley only scored eight points, but he grabbed 10 rebounds. The Cavaliers shot 42.5 percent from the field and 29.6 percent from three-point range.
Heat Pull Away To Defeat Pelicans
The Miami Heat defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 106-95, at Smoothie King Center on Friday.
The Heat (31-25) and the Pelicans (34-23) played a tight contest Friday, but in the end, the Heat came through and secured the victory despite playing on the road. Miami enjoyed a strong start and raced to a 31-24 lead in the first quarter, but the Pelicans didn’t step back at any point and responded with a 34-27 score. The game was tied at halftime, but the Heat took control of the game in the third quarter and never looked back. A 26-22 score in the first 12 minutes of the second half allowed Miami to grab the lead again, and they pulled away for good in the fourth after a 22-15 score. Arguably the biggest story of the game was the ejections in the second half following a foul on Zion Williamson. Jimmy Butler, Jose Alvarado, Naji Marshall and Thomas Bryant were all ejected, and the league could hand them suspensions in the coming days as well.
Bam Adebayo led the way for the Heat with 24 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. Jimmy Butler recorded 23 points, nine rebounds, six assists and three steals before being ejected. Tyler Herro posted 15 points, six rebounds and three assists. Duncan Robinson was the only other starter who posted double-digit points for Miami, as he had 17 points while shooting 5-for-11 from three-point range. Miami shot 46.3 percent from the field and 44.8 percent from three-point range.
Zion Williamson led the way for the Pelicans with 23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, though it’s worth noting New Orleans was shorthanded without CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram. Herbert Jones had 19 points and five rebounds, while Jonas Valanciunas posted a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double. Jordan Hawkins finished with 14 points, three rebounds and two assists off the bench. New Orleans shot 37.5 percent from the field and 21.9 percent from three.
The Heat (31-25) and the Pelicans (34-23) played a tight contest Friday, but in the end, the Heat came through and secured the victory despite playing on the road. Miami enjoyed a strong start and raced to a 31-24 lead in the first quarter, but the Pelicans didn’t step back at any point and responded with a 34-27 score. The game was tied at halftime, but the Heat took control of the game in the third quarter and never looked back. A 26-22 score in the first 12 minutes of the second half allowed Miami to grab the lead again, and they pulled away for good in the fourth after a 22-15 score. Arguably the biggest story of the game was the ejections in the second half following a foul on Zion Williamson. Jimmy Butler, Jose Alvarado, Naji Marshall and Thomas Bryant were all ejected, and the league could hand them suspensions in the coming days as well.
Bam Adebayo led the way for the Heat with 24 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. Jimmy Butler recorded 23 points, nine rebounds, six assists and three steals before being ejected. Tyler Herro posted 15 points, six rebounds and three assists. Duncan Robinson was the only other starter who posted double-digit points for Miami, as he had 17 points while shooting 5-for-11 from three-point range. Miami shot 46.3 percent from the field and 44.8 percent from three-point range.
Zion Williamson led the way for the Pelicans with 23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, though it’s worth noting New Orleans was shorthanded without CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram. Herbert Jones had 19 points and five rebounds, while Jonas Valanciunas posted a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double. Jordan Hawkins finished with 14 points, three rebounds and two assists off the bench. New Orleans shot 37.5 percent from the field and 21.9 percent from three.
Rockets Edge Suns, 114-110
The Houston Rockets defeated the Phoenix Suns, 114-110, at Toyota Center on Friday night.
The Suns (33-24) got off to an encouraging start on both ends of the floor while building a 28-20 lead through one, but the Rockets' (25-31) 69-48 advantage in the middle periods gave Houston a 13-point edge heading into the final quarter. However, Phoenix clawed its way back to take a two-point lead with 4:35 remaining, but the hosts' 16-10 run in the final 4:27 sealed the hard-fought win.
Kevin Durant led the Suns with 28 points, supplementing them with 11 rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and one steal. Bol Bol generated a 25-point, 14-rebound double-double that included one steal and one block. Devin Booker matched Bol's scoring and recorded five rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Grayson Allen supplied 15 points, six rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks.
Fred VanVleet paced the Rockets with 23 points, adding five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Jabari Smith Jr. contributed a 22-point, 16-rebound double-double that included three assists, two steals and one block. Alperen Sengun managed 17 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and one block. Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore produced matching 15-point tallies while adding 10 and three rebounds, respectively. Jalen Green delivered 14 points, four assists, three rebounds and one block.
The Suns return home to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday afternoon, while the Rockets host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday night.
The Suns (33-24) got off to an encouraging start on both ends of the floor while building a 28-20 lead through one, but the Rockets' (25-31) 69-48 advantage in the middle periods gave Houston a 13-point edge heading into the final quarter. However, Phoenix clawed its way back to take a two-point lead with 4:35 remaining, but the hosts' 16-10 run in the final 4:27 sealed the hard-fought win.
Kevin Durant led the Suns with 28 points, supplementing them with 11 rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and one steal. Bol Bol generated a 25-point, 14-rebound double-double that included one steal and one block. Devin Booker matched Bol's scoring and recorded five rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Grayson Allen supplied 15 points, six rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks.
Fred VanVleet paced the Rockets with 23 points, adding five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Jabari Smith Jr. contributed a 22-point, 16-rebound double-double that included three assists, two steals and one block. Alperen Sengun managed 17 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and one block. Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore produced matching 15-point tallies while adding 10 and three rebounds, respectively. Jalen Green delivered 14 points, four assists, three rebounds and one block.
The Suns return home to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday afternoon, while the Rockets host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday night.
Thunder decimates Wizards, 147-106
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Washington Wizards, 147-106, at Paycom Center on Friday night.
The Wizards (9-47) entered the interconference battle as massive underdogs, and the game immediately began playing out in a manner befitting that status. The Thunder (39-17) raced out to a 41-point first quarter, and by nearly matching that total in the second with another 39 points, the hosts had forged a 23-point lead by halftime. Oklahoma City wouldn't cool off at intermission, augmenting its advantage by another 13 points in the third to make the final period a mere formality.
Jordan Poole paced the Wizards with 21 points, supplementing them with three rebounds and three assists. Corey Kispert followed with 20 points, adding two rebounds and two steals. Marvin Bagley generated a 15-point, 14-rebound double-double that included one assist, two steals and one block. Kyle Kuzma delivered 14 points, four boards and two assists. Bilal Coulibaly finished with 11 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 30 points, complementing them with nine assists, seven rebounds, one steal and one block. Chet Holmgren contributed a 25-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two blocks. Cason Wallace registered 13 points, five rebounds and one assist. Josh Giddey recorded 12 points, seven boards, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Aaron Wiggins and Kenrich Williams posted matching 12-point, one-assist contributions while tallying four and two rebounds, respectively. Jalen Williams furnished 11 points, five assists, two rebounds and one block.
The Wizards return home to host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday evening, while the Thunder hit the road and visit the Houston Rockets on Sunday night.
The Wizards (9-47) entered the interconference battle as massive underdogs, and the game immediately began playing out in a manner befitting that status. The Thunder (39-17) raced out to a 41-point first quarter, and by nearly matching that total in the second with another 39 points, the hosts had forged a 23-point lead by halftime. Oklahoma City wouldn't cool off at intermission, augmenting its advantage by another 13 points in the third to make the final period a mere formality.
Jordan Poole paced the Wizards with 21 points, supplementing them with three rebounds and three assists. Corey Kispert followed with 20 points, adding two rebounds and two steals. Marvin Bagley generated a 15-point, 14-rebound double-double that included one assist, two steals and one block. Kyle Kuzma delivered 14 points, four boards and two assists. Bilal Coulibaly finished with 11 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 30 points, complementing them with nine assists, seven rebounds, one steal and one block. Chet Holmgren contributed a 25-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two blocks. Cason Wallace registered 13 points, five rebounds and one assist. Josh Giddey recorded 12 points, seven boards, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Aaron Wiggins and Kenrich Williams posted matching 12-point, one-assist contributions while tallying four and two rebounds, respectively. Jalen Williams furnished 11 points, five assists, two rebounds and one block.
The Wizards return home to host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday evening, while the Thunder hit the road and visit the Houston Rockets on Sunday night.
Clippers Edge Grizzlies, 101-95
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 101-95, at FedEx Forum on Friday night.
The Clippers (37-18) came into Friday's game looking to erase the memory of a 22-point loss to the Thunder in their return to play Thursday, but early on, they encountered a feisty Grizzlies (20-37) squad that played them to a 29-29 draw through one. Memphis then built a six-point lead going into halftime, but Los Angeles would come out of intermission re-focused. The visitors outscored their hosts by a 26-16 margin in the third quarter to take a four-point advantage into the final period, and although the Grizzlies held a one-point edge with as little as 1:37 remaining, L.A.'s 9-2 run the rest of the way sealed the hard-fought victory.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 24 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Terance Mann furnished 23 points, 12 boards, one assist and one steal. Paul George delivered 14 points, five rebounds and three assists. Russell Westbrook provided 13 points, two rebounds and one steal. Ivica Zubac generated a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists.
Jaren Jackson Jr. paced the Grizzlies with 29 points, supplementing them with five assists, four rebounds and four steals. GG Jackson registered 11 points, two rebounds and one assist. Ziarie Williams supplied 10 points, four boards, one assist and two steals. Vince Williams Jr. turned in nine points, eight assists and six rebounds.
The Clippers return home to host the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night, while the Grizzlies remain home and host the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night.
The Clippers (37-18) came into Friday's game looking to erase the memory of a 22-point loss to the Thunder in their return to play Thursday, but early on, they encountered a feisty Grizzlies (20-37) squad that played them to a 29-29 draw through one. Memphis then built a six-point lead going into halftime, but Los Angeles would come out of intermission re-focused. The visitors outscored their hosts by a 26-16 margin in the third quarter to take a four-point advantage into the final period, and although the Grizzlies held a one-point edge with as little as 1:37 remaining, L.A.'s 9-2 run the rest of the way sealed the hard-fought victory.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 24 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Terance Mann furnished 23 points, 12 boards, one assist and one steal. Paul George delivered 14 points, five rebounds and three assists. Russell Westbrook provided 13 points, two rebounds and one steal. Ivica Zubac generated a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists.
Jaren Jackson Jr. paced the Grizzlies with 29 points, supplementing them with five assists, four rebounds and four steals. GG Jackson registered 11 points, two rebounds and one assist. Ziarie Williams supplied 10 points, four boards, one assist and two steals. Vince Williams Jr. turned in nine points, eight assists and six rebounds.
The Clippers return home to host the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night, while the Grizzlies remain home and host the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night.
Warriors Hold off Hornets
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets, 97-84, at Chase Center on Saturday evening.
The game got out to a slow start as the Warriors held a, 22-15, lead after one quarter. They stayed in front through the second and pushed it to a 14-point game heading into the break. The Hornets had no answers in the third, as the hosts maintained control and increased their cushion to 21, entering the final frame. The visitors put up a fight in the fourth, but the Warriors kept the upper hand and closed out their third straight win. This also marks the end of a four-game win streak for the Hornets.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 15 points, two rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 31 minutes. Andrew Wiggins followed up with 14 points, two rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, while Brandin Podziemski and Klay Thompson chipped in 13 points each.
Meanwhile, Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 19 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block, in 41 minutes. Nick Richards totaled 11 points, 13 rebounds, one steal and one block, while Grant Williams added 10 points and three rebounds.
The Hornets (14-42) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Trail Blazers on Sunday. The Warriors (29-26) play host to the Nuggets on. Sunday.
The game got out to a slow start as the Warriors held a, 22-15, lead after one quarter. They stayed in front through the second and pushed it to a 14-point game heading into the break. The Hornets had no answers in the third, as the hosts maintained control and increased their cushion to 21, entering the final frame. The visitors put up a fight in the fourth, but the Warriors kept the upper hand and closed out their third straight win. This also marks the end of a four-game win streak for the Hornets.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 15 points, two rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 31 minutes. Andrew Wiggins followed up with 14 points, two rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, while Brandin Podziemski and Klay Thompson chipped in 13 points each.
Meanwhile, Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 19 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block, in 41 minutes. Nick Richards totaled 11 points, 13 rebounds, one steal and one block, while Grant Williams added 10 points and three rebounds.
The Hornets (14-42) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Trail Blazers on Sunday. The Warriors (29-26) play host to the Nuggets on. Sunday.
Bucks Topple Timberwolves In Minnesota
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the host Minnesota Timberwolves, 112-107, at Target Center on Saturday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Bucks held a, 31-27, lead after one quarter. The Timberwolves turned up their play in the second and outscored the visitors by 10, to claim a six-point advantage at the break. The Bucks reclaimed control in the third and outscored the hosts, 36-13, in the quarter to bring a 17-point advantage into the fourth. The Timberwolves put up a valiant effort in the fourth, but it was not enough as the Bucks held on to end a two-game slide. This also marks the end of a four-game win streak for the Timberwolves.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 33 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 41 minutes. Damian Lillard followed up with 21 points, nine rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and a block, while Brook Lopez totaled 16 points, three rebounds, a steal and a block.
Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 28 points, nine rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 38 minutes. Karl-Anthony Towns followed up with 22 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Rudy Gobert totaled 12 points, 19 rebounds and two blocks.
The Timberwolves (39-17) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nets on Saturday. The Bucks (36-21) take on the 76ers in Philly on Sunday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Bucks held a, 31-27, lead after one quarter. The Timberwolves turned up their play in the second and outscored the visitors by 10, to claim a six-point advantage at the break. The Bucks reclaimed control in the third and outscored the hosts, 36-13, in the quarter to bring a 17-point advantage into the fourth. The Timberwolves put up a valiant effort in the fourth, but it was not enough as the Bucks held on to end a two-game slide. This also marks the end of a four-game win streak for the Timberwolves.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 33 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 41 minutes. Damian Lillard followed up with 21 points, nine rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and a block, while Brook Lopez totaled 16 points, three rebounds, a steal and a block.
Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 28 points, nine rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 38 minutes. Karl-Anthony Towns followed up with 22 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Rudy Gobert totaled 12 points, 19 rebounds and two blocks.
The Timberwolves (39-17) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nets on Saturday. The Bucks (36-21) take on the 76ers in Philly on Sunday.
Nuggets Defeat Trail Blazers, 127-112
The Denver Nuggets defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 127-112, at Moda Center on Friday.
While this wasn't necessarily a wire-to-wire win for Denver, they never relinquished the lead after the opening five minutes. A 38-28 second quarter gave them a 15-point lead at the half, maintaining a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. They got their lead up to 22 points at times. The Nuggets shot 59 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range while holding the Trail Blazers to 46 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range. Denver also out-assisted Portland, 38-25.
The Nuggets (38-19) were led by Michael Porter Jr, providing 34 points and 12 rebounds. Nikola Jokic collected 29 points, 15 rebounds, 14 assists and two steals. Aaron Gordon accrued eight points, two rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while Collin Gillespie led the bench with 18 points, two rebounds and four assists.
The Trail Blazers (15-40) were led by Jerami Grant, generating 25 points, two rebounds, four assists and three steals. Deandre Ayton amassed 22 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Anfernee Simons finished with 21 points, three rebounds and eight assists, while Dalano Banton led the bench with 14 points and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Portland remaining home to play the Charlotte Hornets and Denver staying on the road to face the Golden State Warriors.
While this wasn't necessarily a wire-to-wire win for Denver, they never relinquished the lead after the opening five minutes. A 38-28 second quarter gave them a 15-point lead at the half, maintaining a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. They got their lead up to 22 points at times. The Nuggets shot 59 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range while holding the Trail Blazers to 46 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range. Denver also out-assisted Portland, 38-25.
The Nuggets (38-19) were led by Michael Porter Jr, providing 34 points and 12 rebounds. Nikola Jokic collected 29 points, 15 rebounds, 14 assists and two steals. Aaron Gordon accrued eight points, two rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while Collin Gillespie led the bench with 18 points, two rebounds and four assists.
The Trail Blazers (15-40) were led by Jerami Grant, generating 25 points, two rebounds, four assists and three steals. Deandre Ayton amassed 22 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Anfernee Simons finished with 21 points, three rebounds and eight assists, while Dalano Banton led the bench with 14 points and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Portland remaining home to play the Charlotte Hornets and Denver staying on the road to face the Golden State Warriors.
Lakers Defeat Spurs, 123-118
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 123-118, at Crypto.com Arena on Friday.
Los Angeles never relinquished the lead after the opening five minutes, getting their lead up to 18 points. Despite the five-point final margin, the Spurs never attempted a game-tying shot after the first quarter. The Lakers shot 52 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range while holding the Spurs to 44 percent from the field and 40 percent from long range. Los Angeles outscored San Antonio in the paint, 60-50, while winning the turnover battle, 14-12.
The Spurs (11-46) were led by Victor Wembanyama, collecting 27 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, five steals and five blocks. Jeremy Sochan amassed 15 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and two steals. Devin Vassell amassed 10 points, three rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Malaki Branham led the bench with 17 points.
The Lakers (31-27) were led by LeBron James, finishing with 30 points, seven rebounds and nine assists. Anthony Davis accrued 28 points and 13 rebounds. D'Angelo Russell registered 22 points, three rebounds and six assists, while Rui Hachimura totaled 17 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Austin Reaves rounded out the starting lineup with 10 points, five rebounds and nine assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with San Antonio staying on the road to play the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles traveling to face the Phoenix Suns.
Los Angeles never relinquished the lead after the opening five minutes, getting their lead up to 18 points. Despite the five-point final margin, the Spurs never attempted a game-tying shot after the first quarter. The Lakers shot 52 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range while holding the Spurs to 44 percent from the field and 40 percent from long range. Los Angeles outscored San Antonio in the paint, 60-50, while winning the turnover battle, 14-12.
The Spurs (11-46) were led by Victor Wembanyama, collecting 27 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, five steals and five blocks. Jeremy Sochan amassed 15 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and two steals. Devin Vassell amassed 10 points, three rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Malaki Branham led the bench with 17 points.
The Lakers (31-27) were led by LeBron James, finishing with 30 points, seven rebounds and nine assists. Anthony Davis accrued 28 points and 13 rebounds. D'Angelo Russell registered 22 points, three rebounds and six assists, while Rui Hachimura totaled 17 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Austin Reaves rounded out the starting lineup with 10 points, five rebounds and nine assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with San Antonio staying on the road to play the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles traveling to face the Phoenix Suns.