Giannis' near triple-double propels Bucks past 76ers in Sunday matinee
The Milwaukee Bucks blew out the Philadelphia 76ers, 119-98, at Wells Fargo Center on Sunday afternoon.
The 76ers (33-24) held their lead of one point midway through the first quarter, but it was all Bucks (37-21) from that moment on. The first half was particularly dominant by the visiting team as Milwaukee won the first quarter by 14 points and entered halftime up 69-48. Philadelphia managed to capture the third quarter by eight points, but the final frame was a defensive slog as the Bucks held the home team to just 16 points over the last 12 minutes of play. The Bucks shot 54.4 percent from the field and 18-for-37 from three to improve their road record to 14-14, while the 76ers shot 37.1 percent from the floor and 16-for-46 from beyond the arc as their home record dropped to 18-13.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 30 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists for his 45th double-double of the season (and was one assist shy from his 8th triple-double of the year). Damian Lillard chipped in 24 points, seven rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Malik Beasly tallied 20 points on 6-for-7 shooting from beyond the arc. Bobby Portis led the bench with 17 points, five rebounds and two blocks. Brook Lopez finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists and five blocks.
Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 24 points, three rebounds, seven assists and three steals. De’Anthony Melton led the bench with 16 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Paul Reed totaled 13 points, eight rebounds and two blocks, while Kelly Oubre finished with 12 points, nine rebounds, two assists and three steals in reserve. Buddy Hield contributed 11 points, two rebounds and four assists.
With Sunday’s contest wrapped up, both teams will play their next games Tuesday, Feb. 27. The Bucks will host the Charlotte Hornets for the first game of a home-and-home series, while the 76ers hit the road to take on the Eastern Conference leading Boston Celtics.
The 76ers (33-24) held their lead of one point midway through the first quarter, but it was all Bucks (37-21) from that moment on. The first half was particularly dominant by the visiting team as Milwaukee won the first quarter by 14 points and entered halftime up 69-48. Philadelphia managed to capture the third quarter by eight points, but the final frame was a defensive slog as the Bucks held the home team to just 16 points over the last 12 minutes of play. The Bucks shot 54.4 percent from the field and 18-for-37 from three to improve their road record to 14-14, while the 76ers shot 37.1 percent from the floor and 16-for-46 from beyond the arc as their home record dropped to 18-13.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 30 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists for his 45th double-double of the season (and was one assist shy from his 8th triple-double of the year). Damian Lillard chipped in 24 points, seven rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Malik Beasly tallied 20 points on 6-for-7 shooting from beyond the arc. Bobby Portis led the bench with 17 points, five rebounds and two blocks. Brook Lopez finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists and five blocks.
Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 24 points, three rebounds, seven assists and three steals. De’Anthony Melton led the bench with 16 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Paul Reed totaled 13 points, eight rebounds and two blocks, while Kelly Oubre finished with 12 points, nine rebounds, two assists and three steals in reserve. Buddy Hield contributed 11 points, two rebounds and four assists.
With Sunday’s contest wrapped up, both teams will play their next games Tuesday, Feb. 27. The Bucks will host the Charlotte Hornets for the first game of a home-and-home series, while the 76ers hit the road to take on the Eastern Conference leading Boston Celtics.
Suns' Balanced Attack Leads Them Past Lakers
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 123-113, at Footprint Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Suns (34-24) enjoyed a dominant start, and that allowed them to build a lead they'd never relinquish against the Lakers (31-28). The Suns came out firing with the support of their fans and raced to a 45-28 lead following the first quarter. However, the Lakers showed fighting spirit and gave signs of a potential comeback with a 35-27 score in the second quarter. The Lakers didn't step their foot off the gas and reduced the deficit even further following a 27-23 score in the third quarter. The Suns were up by just five points entering the final 12 minutes. However, and despite the Lakers' attempts of a turnaround, Phoenix pulled away late to secure the win. A 28-23 score in the fourth quarter gave Phoenix the victory in another edition of the LeBron James vs. Kevin Durant rivalry.
All five starters scored at least 18 points for the Suns, and surprisingly, Grayson Allen led the way with 24 points. Kevin Durant notched 22 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Jusuf Nurkic had an impressive double-double of 18 points and 22 rebounds. Royce O'Neale had 20 points and 10 rebounds, and Devin Booker delivered 21 points with nine assists.
LeBron James paved the way for the Lakers with 28 points, but he also added 12 assists and seven rebounds. Anthony Davis posted 22 points and 14 rebounds. D'Angelo Russell finished with 20 points and seven assists. Austin Reaves ended with 14 points, four boards and four assists. Rui Hachimura accounted for 13 points.
The Suns (34-24) enjoyed a dominant start, and that allowed them to build a lead they'd never relinquish against the Lakers (31-28). The Suns came out firing with the support of their fans and raced to a 45-28 lead following the first quarter. However, the Lakers showed fighting spirit and gave signs of a potential comeback with a 35-27 score in the second quarter. The Lakers didn't step their foot off the gas and reduced the deficit even further following a 27-23 score in the third quarter. The Suns were up by just five points entering the final 12 minutes. However, and despite the Lakers' attempts of a turnaround, Phoenix pulled away late to secure the win. A 28-23 score in the fourth quarter gave Phoenix the victory in another edition of the LeBron James vs. Kevin Durant rivalry.
All five starters scored at least 18 points for the Suns, and surprisingly, Grayson Allen led the way with 24 points. Kevin Durant notched 22 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Jusuf Nurkic had an impressive double-double of 18 points and 22 rebounds. Royce O'Neale had 20 points and 10 rebounds, and Devin Booker delivered 21 points with nine assists.
LeBron James paved the way for the Lakers with 28 points, but he also added 12 assists and seven rebounds. Anthony Davis posted 22 points and 14 rebounds. D'Angelo Russell finished with 20 points and seven assists. Austin Reaves ended with 14 points, four boards and four assists. Rui Hachimura accounted for 13 points.
Pacers Pull Away Late To Defeat Mavericks
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 133-111, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday afternoon.
The Pacers (32-25) and the Mavericks (33-23) engaged in a tight battle at first, but in the end, the Pacers’ superior depth allowed them to escape with a relatively easy win in front of 17,274 fans. The first quarter ended with a 32-32 tie, but the Pacers showed signs of being a dominant team in the second quarter following a 35-28 score. Even though Dallas fought hard and kept things close at the beginning of the second half, the Pacers found a way to extend their lead after a 33-31 score in the third quarter. The Mavericks kept fighting hard, but the Pacers ultimately pulled away down the stretch, outscoring their rivals by a 33-20 score in the final 12 minutes and securing the victory with relative ease. With the win, the Pacers improved to 18-11 at home, while the Mavericks fell to 15-10 on the road.
Myles Turner had one of his best performances of the season and carried the Pacers with a 33-point effort. Turner also added eight rebounds to his cause. Tyrese Haliburton finished with 17 points, 10 assists and four steals. Andrew Nembhard recorded 15 points, and Bennedict Mathurin filled the stat sheet with 14 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and three steals. Pascal Siakam notched 12 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals. Ben Sheppard had 15 points and four assists coming off the bench.
Unsurprisingly, Luka Doncic was the leading scorer for the Mavericks with 33 points, six rebounds and six assists. Kyrie Irving had 29 points, six rebounds and two assists. Josh Green was the only other Dallas started who scored in double digits after posting 14 points and five rebounds. Tim Hardaway chipped in with 11 points off the bench, but he only shot 4-for-12 from the field.
The Pacers (32-25) and the Mavericks (33-23) engaged in a tight battle at first, but in the end, the Pacers’ superior depth allowed them to escape with a relatively easy win in front of 17,274 fans. The first quarter ended with a 32-32 tie, but the Pacers showed signs of being a dominant team in the second quarter following a 35-28 score. Even though Dallas fought hard and kept things close at the beginning of the second half, the Pacers found a way to extend their lead after a 33-31 score in the third quarter. The Mavericks kept fighting hard, but the Pacers ultimately pulled away down the stretch, outscoring their rivals by a 33-20 score in the final 12 minutes and securing the victory with relative ease. With the win, the Pacers improved to 18-11 at home, while the Mavericks fell to 15-10 on the road.
Myles Turner had one of his best performances of the season and carried the Pacers with a 33-point effort. Turner also added eight rebounds to his cause. Tyrese Haliburton finished with 17 points, 10 assists and four steals. Andrew Nembhard recorded 15 points, and Bennedict Mathurin filled the stat sheet with 14 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and three steals. Pascal Siakam notched 12 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals. Ben Sheppard had 15 points and four assists coming off the bench.
Unsurprisingly, Luka Doncic was the leading scorer for the Mavericks with 33 points, six rebounds and six assists. Kyrie Irving had 29 points, six rebounds and two assists. Josh Green was the only other Dallas started who scored in double digits after posting 14 points and five rebounds. Tim Hardaway chipped in with 11 points off the bench, but he only shot 4-for-12 from the field.
Cavs Grind Out Win Over Wizards, 114-105
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Washington Wizards, 114-105, at Capital One Arena on Sunday evening.
The Cavaliers (37-19) came into the contest as clear road favorites, but it was the Wizards (9-48) that exited the first quarter with a 31-27 lead. Cleveland then erased its deficit altogether and forged a one-point advantage going into intermission. The visitors would add another six points to their edge in the third, but Washington managed to surge ahead by six with under nine minutes remaining. However, the Cavs would reawaken at that point, finishing on a 26-11 run over the final 8:17 to secure the comeback victory.
Jarrett Allen led the Cavaliers with 22 points, adding 12 rebounds, five assists and one block. Evan Mobley furnished 21 points, six boards, one assist, five blocks and one steal. Caris LeVert generated an 18-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included eight assists. Darius Garland delivered 17 points, seven assists, two rebounds and one steal. Donovan Mitchell supplied 16 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal.
Jordan Poole paced the Wizards with 31 points, complementing them with five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Kyle Kuzma provided 27 points, seven boards, five assists, one steal and one block. Landry Shamet totaled 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals. Richaun Holmes turned in 11 points and seven rebounds.
The Cavaliers return home to host the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night, while the Wizards host the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night as well.
The Cavaliers (37-19) came into the contest as clear road favorites, but it was the Wizards (9-48) that exited the first quarter with a 31-27 lead. Cleveland then erased its deficit altogether and forged a one-point advantage going into intermission. The visitors would add another six points to their edge in the third, but Washington managed to surge ahead by six with under nine minutes remaining. However, the Cavs would reawaken at that point, finishing on a 26-11 run over the final 8:17 to secure the comeback victory.
Jarrett Allen led the Cavaliers with 22 points, adding 12 rebounds, five assists and one block. Evan Mobley furnished 21 points, six boards, one assist, five blocks and one steal. Caris LeVert generated an 18-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included eight assists. Darius Garland delivered 17 points, seven assists, two rebounds and one steal. Donovan Mitchell supplied 16 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal.
Jordan Poole paced the Wizards with 31 points, complementing them with five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Kyle Kuzma provided 27 points, seven boards, five assists, one steal and one block. Landry Shamet totaled 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals. Richaun Holmes turned in 11 points and seven rebounds.
The Cavaliers return home to host the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night, while the Wizards host the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night as well.
Hawks Dominate Magic, 109-92
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Orlando Magic, 109-92, at State Farm Arena on Sunday night.
The Hawks' (25-32) day started in ominous fashion with the news Trae Young would miss multiple weeks following finger surgery, and in the first half, the team appeared to be suffering from a hangover stemming from that development. The Magic (32-26) had their defense clicking over the first two quarters, leading to a 51-45 halftime lead. The tenor of the game would change for good in the third quarter, however, considering Atlanta enjoyed a 38-19 advantage in the third period that laid the foundation of the double-digit win.
Franz Wagner led the Magic with 19 points, adding eight rebounds, five assists and one steal. Wendell Carter Jr. generated an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist, one steal and one block. Cole Anthony posted 15 points, three rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Jalen Suggs furnished 14 points, six assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Caleb Houstan netted 12 points.
Dejounte Murray paced the Hawks with 25 points, supplementing them with 11 assists, nine rebounds and two steals. Jalen Johnson managed a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double that included seven assists, two blocks and one steal. De'Andre Hunter supplied 18 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. Bogdan Bogdanovic turned in 17 points, five boards, three assists and one steal. Saddiq Bey offered 12 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The Magic returns home to host the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night, while the Hawks remain home and host the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night.
The Hawks' (25-32) day started in ominous fashion with the news Trae Young would miss multiple weeks following finger surgery, and in the first half, the team appeared to be suffering from a hangover stemming from that development. The Magic (32-26) had their defense clicking over the first two quarters, leading to a 51-45 halftime lead. The tenor of the game would change for good in the third quarter, however, considering Atlanta enjoyed a 38-19 advantage in the third period that laid the foundation of the double-digit win.
Franz Wagner led the Magic with 19 points, adding eight rebounds, five assists and one steal. Wendell Carter Jr. generated an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist, one steal and one block. Cole Anthony posted 15 points, three rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Jalen Suggs furnished 14 points, six assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Caleb Houstan netted 12 points.
Dejounte Murray paced the Hawks with 25 points, supplementing them with 11 assists, nine rebounds and two steals. Jalen Johnson managed a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double that included seven assists, two blocks and one steal. De'Andre Hunter supplied 18 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. Bogdan Bogdanovic turned in 17 points, five boards, three assists and one steal. Saddiq Bey offered 12 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The Magic returns home to host the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night, while the Hawks remain home and host the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night.
Bulls Top Short-Handed Pelicans, 114-106
The Chicago Bulls defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 114-106, at Smoothie King Center on Sunday night.
The Bulls (27-30) came into the contest with an inherent advantage of facing a Pelicans (34-24) squad missing CJ McCollum (ankle), and they capitalized early by jumping out to a 28-21 lead through one. However, New Orleans roared back in the second with a 39-point haul, allowing the hosts to erase their deficit and build a three-point halftime edge. Nevertheless, Chicago whittled its deficit down to one in the third, and the visitors ultimately managed to prevail by gaining some offensive momentum in the final period on the way to a 33-point quarter.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 24 points, complementing them with seven assists and six rebounds. Nikola Vucevic generated a 22-point, 13-rebound double-double that included three assists and one steal. Ayo Dosunmu supplied 21 points, eight assists, three rebounds and three steals. Coby White delivered 16 points, six boards, three assists and two steals. Alex Caruso registered 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Brandon Ingram paced the Pelicans with 22 points, supplementing them with six assists, three rebounds, three steals and one block. Zion Williamson contributed a 19-point, 11-assist double-double that included eight rebounds and two blocks. Herbert Jones managed 15 points, six assists, three rebounds and one block. Jonas Valanciunas finished with a 14-point, 17-rebound double-double that included one block. Matt Ryan posted 14 points and four rebounds.
The Bulls return home to host the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night, while the Pelicans visit the New York Knicks on Tuesday night.
The Bulls (27-30) came into the contest with an inherent advantage of facing a Pelicans (34-24) squad missing CJ McCollum (ankle), and they capitalized early by jumping out to a 28-21 lead through one. However, New Orleans roared back in the second with a 39-point haul, allowing the hosts to erase their deficit and build a three-point halftime edge. Nevertheless, Chicago whittled its deficit down to one in the third, and the visitors ultimately managed to prevail by gaining some offensive momentum in the final period on the way to a 33-point quarter.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 24 points, complementing them with seven assists and six rebounds. Nikola Vucevic generated a 22-point, 13-rebound double-double that included three assists and one steal. Ayo Dosunmu supplied 21 points, eight assists, three rebounds and three steals. Coby White delivered 16 points, six boards, three assists and two steals. Alex Caruso registered 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Brandon Ingram paced the Pelicans with 22 points, supplementing them with six assists, three rebounds, three steals and one block. Zion Williamson contributed a 19-point, 11-assist double-double that included eight rebounds and two blocks. Herbert Jones managed 15 points, six assists, three rebounds and one block. Jonas Valanciunas finished with a 14-point, 17-rebound double-double that included one block. Matt Ryan posted 14 points and four rebounds.
The Bulls return home to host the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night, while the Pelicans visit the New York Knicks on Tuesday night.
Nuggets Finish Strong For Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the host Golden State Warriors, 119-103, at Chase Center on Sunday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Warriors led, 36-30, after one quarter. The hosts kept rolling and rallied to a 16-point lead, before the Nuggets fought back to tie the game at 61, heading into the break. The visitors carried the momentum into the third, where they led for most of the quarter and held a four-point lead entering the final frame. The Nuggets kept their focus in the fourth and led the rest of the way to earn their third straight win.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 32 points, 16 rebounds, 16 assists, four steals and a block, in 37 minutes. Jamal Murray followed up with 27 points, four rebounds, three assists and a block, while Aaron Gordon added 17 points, six rebounds, two assists, three steals and a block.
Meanwhile, Klay Thompson led the Warriors with 23 points on 7-for-15 shooting, in 31 minutes off the bench. Stephen Curry followed up with 20 points and four assists, while Jonathan Kuminga added 19 points, six rebounds and three assists.
The Warriors (29-27) will look to bounce back as they take on the Wizards in Washington on Tuesday. The Nuggets (39-19) play host to the Kings on Wednesday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Warriors led, 36-30, after one quarter. The hosts kept rolling and rallied to a 16-point lead, before the Nuggets fought back to tie the game at 61, heading into the break. The visitors carried the momentum into the third, where they led for most of the quarter and held a four-point lead entering the final frame. The Nuggets kept their focus in the fourth and led the rest of the way to earn their third straight win.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 32 points, 16 rebounds, 16 assists, four steals and a block, in 37 minutes. Jamal Murray followed up with 27 points, four rebounds, three assists and a block, while Aaron Gordon added 17 points, six rebounds, two assists, three steals and a block.
Meanwhile, Klay Thompson led the Warriors with 23 points on 7-for-15 shooting, in 31 minutes off the bench. Stephen Curry followed up with 20 points and four assists, while Jonathan Kuminga added 19 points, six rebounds and three assists.
The Warriors (29-27) will look to bounce back as they take on the Wizards in Washington on Tuesday. The Nuggets (39-19) play host to the Kings on Wednesday.
Thunder Rally To Top Rockets
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the host Houston Rockets, 123-110, at Toyota Center on Sunday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Rockets led, 34-31, after one quarter. The hosts rallied to a double-digit lead in the second, but the Thunder battled back to make it a five-point game at the break. The visitors carried the momentum into the third and push their way to a four-point advantage entering the final frame. The Thunder maintained the upper hand down the stretch and held on for their fifth straight win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 36 points, five rebounds, seven assists, three steals and a block, in 37 minutes. Chet Holmgren followed up with 29 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, a steal and three blocks, while Jalen Williams added 22 points, four rebounds and five assists.
Meanwhile, Jabari Smith totaled 20 points, 17 rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Fred VanVleet finished with 20 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal to lead the Rockets. Alperen Sengun added 19 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block.
The Rockets (25-32) and Thunder (40-17) will clash again in OKC on Tuesday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Rockets led, 34-31, after one quarter. The hosts rallied to a double-digit lead in the second, but the Thunder battled back to make it a five-point game at the break. The visitors carried the momentum into the third and push their way to a four-point advantage entering the final frame. The Thunder maintained the upper hand down the stretch and held on for their fifth straight win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 36 points, five rebounds, seven assists, three steals and a block, in 37 minutes. Chet Holmgren followed up with 29 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, a steal and three blocks, while Jalen Williams added 22 points, four rebounds and five assists.
Meanwhile, Jabari Smith totaled 20 points, 17 rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Fred VanVleet finished with 20 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal to lead the Rockets. Alperen Sengun added 19 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block.
The Rockets (25-32) and Thunder (40-17) will clash again in OKC on Tuesday.
Jazz Defeat Spurs, 128-109
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 128-109, at Vivint Arena on Sunday.
Utah never relinquished the lead after a 32-18 first quarter, snatching a 63-39 lead at the half. That 24-point lead was their largest lead of the game, leading by at least nine points for the entirety of the second half. The Jazz shot 51 percent from the field, 49 percent from three-point range and 86 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Spurs to 46 percent from the field, 42 percent from long range and 63 percent from the charity stripe. Utah also doubled up San Antonio in fastbreak points, 28-14.
The Spurs (11-47) were led by Devin Vassell, finishing with 27 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Victor Wembanyama amassed 22 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and five blocks. Tre Jones tallied 15 points, three rebounds and nine assists, while Zach Collins led the bench with 17 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
The Jazz (27-31) were led by Lauri Markkanen, totaling 26 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. John Collins compiled 20 points, eight rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Collin Sexton had 16 points, two rebounds, 10 assists and four steals, while Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 22 points, two rebounds and 10 assists.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Utah traveling to face the Atlanta Hawks and San Antonio staying on the road to play the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Utah never relinquished the lead after a 32-18 first quarter, snatching a 63-39 lead at the half. That 24-point lead was their largest lead of the game, leading by at least nine points for the entirety of the second half. The Jazz shot 51 percent from the field, 49 percent from three-point range and 86 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Spurs to 46 percent from the field, 42 percent from long range and 63 percent from the charity stripe. Utah also doubled up San Antonio in fastbreak points, 28-14.
The Spurs (11-47) were led by Devin Vassell, finishing with 27 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Victor Wembanyama amassed 22 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and five blocks. Tre Jones tallied 15 points, three rebounds and nine assists, while Zach Collins led the bench with 17 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
The Jazz (27-31) were led by Lauri Markkanen, totaling 26 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. John Collins compiled 20 points, eight rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Collin Sexton had 16 points, two rebounds, 10 assists and four steals, while Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 22 points, two rebounds and 10 assists.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Utah traveling to face the Atlanta Hawks and San Antonio staying on the road to play the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Hornets Defeat Blazers, 93-80
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 93-80, at Moda Center on Sunday.
While there were five ties and four lead changes through the opening eight minutes, Charlotte never gave up the lead after a 24-18 first quarter. A 23-16 second quarter helped them take command, while an 18-2 run in the fourth quarter closed their win. That gave them a game-high 21-point lead. The Hornets shot 49 percent from the field and 23 percent from three-point range while the Trail Blazers shot 34 percent from the field and 9.4 percent from long range (3-of-32). Charlotte also out-assisted Portland, 24-14.
The Hornets (15-42) were led by Nick Richards, collecting 21 points, 10 rebounds, two steals and three blocks. Miles Bridges totaled 18 points and 10 rebounds. Brandon Miller had 17 points, four rebounds and two steals, while Cody Martin collected 11 points, six rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. Vasilije Micic led the bench with 11 points, two rebounds, seven assists and two steals.
The Trail Blazers (15-41) were led by Deandre Ayton, accruing 26 points, 19 rebounds and two assists on 11-of-16 shooting. Jerami Grant generated 15 points, two rebounds and five assists. Anfernee Simons missed 17 of his 21 shots to finish with 10 points and four boards. Jabari Walker led the bench with six points and five boards.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Charlotte staying on the road to play the Milwaukee Bucks and Portland remaining home to face the Miami Heat.
While there were five ties and four lead changes through the opening eight minutes, Charlotte never gave up the lead after a 24-18 first quarter. A 23-16 second quarter helped them take command, while an 18-2 run in the fourth quarter closed their win. That gave them a game-high 21-point lead. The Hornets shot 49 percent from the field and 23 percent from three-point range while the Trail Blazers shot 34 percent from the field and 9.4 percent from long range (3-of-32). Charlotte also out-assisted Portland, 24-14.
The Hornets (15-42) were led by Nick Richards, collecting 21 points, 10 rebounds, two steals and three blocks. Miles Bridges totaled 18 points and 10 rebounds. Brandon Miller had 17 points, four rebounds and two steals, while Cody Martin collected 11 points, six rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. Vasilije Micic led the bench with 11 points, two rebounds, seven assists and two steals.
The Trail Blazers (15-41) were led by Deandre Ayton, accruing 26 points, 19 rebounds and two assists on 11-of-16 shooting. Jerami Grant generated 15 points, two rebounds and five assists. Anfernee Simons missed 17 of his 21 shots to finish with 10 points and four boards. Jabari Walker led the bench with six points and five boards.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Charlotte staying on the road to play the Milwaukee Bucks and Portland remaining home to face the Miami Heat.
Kings Defeat Clippers, 123-107
The Sacramento Kings defeated the host Los Angeles Clippers, 123-107, at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday.
While there were seven lead changes through the opening 15 minutes, Sacramento never relinquished the lead after a 33-23 second quarter. They led by at least five points for the entirety of the second half, getting their lead up to 18 points at times. Sacramento shot 41 percent from three-point range (15-of-37), while Los Angeles shot 30 percent from long range (8-of-27). The Kings also won the turnover battle, 15-10, while outscoring the Clippers in second-chance points, 21-12.
The Kings (33-23) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 33 points, six rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Domantas Sabonis amassed 17 points, 15 rebounds, 12 assists and three steals. Harrison Barnes had 22 points and two boards, while Kevin Huerter collected 15 points, three rebounds and two assists. Malik Monk led the bench with 12 points, two rebounds and five assists.
The Clippers (37-19) were led by Norman Powell, providing 21 points, two rebounds and two assists in a rare start. James Harden tallied 20 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Kawhi Leonard compiled 20 points, eight rebounds, three assists and four steals, while Ivica Zubac totaled 16 points, six rebounds and two assists. Terence Mann rounded out the starting lineup with 14 points, six rebounds and four assists.
Sacramento has to play again on Monday, returning home to play the Miami Heat. As for Los Angeles, they return to action on Wednesday in a home matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers.
While there were seven lead changes through the opening 15 minutes, Sacramento never relinquished the lead after a 33-23 second quarter. They led by at least five points for the entirety of the second half, getting their lead up to 18 points at times. Sacramento shot 41 percent from three-point range (15-of-37), while Los Angeles shot 30 percent from long range (8-of-27). The Kings also won the turnover battle, 15-10, while outscoring the Clippers in second-chance points, 21-12.
The Kings (33-23) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 33 points, six rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Domantas Sabonis amassed 17 points, 15 rebounds, 12 assists and three steals. Harrison Barnes had 22 points and two boards, while Kevin Huerter collected 15 points, three rebounds and two assists. Malik Monk led the bench with 12 points, two rebounds and five assists.
The Clippers (37-19) were led by Norman Powell, providing 21 points, two rebounds and two assists in a rare start. James Harden tallied 20 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Kawhi Leonard compiled 20 points, eight rebounds, three assists and four steals, while Ivica Zubac totaled 16 points, six rebounds and two assists. Terence Mann rounded out the starting lineup with 14 points, six rebounds and four assists.
Sacramento has to play again on Monday, returning home to play the Miami Heat. As for Los Angeles, they return to action on Wednesday in a home matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers.