Strus hits half-court buzzer beater to lift Cavaliers past Mavericks on Tuesday
The Cleveland Cavaliers outlasted the Dallas Mavericks, 121-119, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Tuesday.
It was a defensive slog in the first quarter with the visiting Mavericks (33-25) holding a 24-23 lead after 12. The Cavaliers (38-19) turned it on in the second to lead by as much as 15, but Dallas went on a 15-4 run to end the frame and entered halftime down by four. The Mavericks continued to close the deficit in the second half and found themselves up by 10 with less than four minutes to play. But the home team Cavs caught fire down the stretch, thanks in large part to the three-point barrage from Max Strus and Donovan Mitchell. The Mavericks looked to have the game locked up after a P.J. Washington layup with 2.1 seconds left, but Evan Mobley found Strus for the miracle half-court heave as the Cavaliers improved to 20-10 at home while Dallas dropped to 15-12 on the road.
Luka Doncic was one rebound shy of notching his 11th triple-double of the year and finished with a game-high 45 points, nine boards, 14 assists and three steals. Kyrie Irving contributed 30 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Washington added 11 points, two rebounds, two assists and three steals. Dereck Lively chipped in nine points, six rebounds and two blocks, while Josh Green totaled seven points and four steals.
Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 31 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Strus went 5-for-5 from three-point range in the fourth quarter -- including the game-winning shot -- to finish with 21 points, four rebounds and four assists. Jarrett Allen tallied 19 points and nine rebounds, while Evan Mobley added 12 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Caris LeVert led the bench with 11 points, four rebounds and six assists.
Tuesday’s contest was the first of a back-to-back for both teams. The Mavericks will travel north to take on the Toronto Raptors, while the Cavaliers visit the Chicago Bulls.
It was a defensive slog in the first quarter with the visiting Mavericks (33-25) holding a 24-23 lead after 12. The Cavaliers (38-19) turned it on in the second to lead by as much as 15, but Dallas went on a 15-4 run to end the frame and entered halftime down by four. The Mavericks continued to close the deficit in the second half and found themselves up by 10 with less than four minutes to play. But the home team Cavs caught fire down the stretch, thanks in large part to the three-point barrage from Max Strus and Donovan Mitchell. The Mavericks looked to have the game locked up after a P.J. Washington layup with 2.1 seconds left, but Evan Mobley found Strus for the miracle half-court heave as the Cavaliers improved to 20-10 at home while Dallas dropped to 15-12 on the road.
Luka Doncic was one rebound shy of notching his 11th triple-double of the year and finished with a game-high 45 points, nine boards, 14 assists and three steals. Kyrie Irving contributed 30 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Washington added 11 points, two rebounds, two assists and three steals. Dereck Lively chipped in nine points, six rebounds and two blocks, while Josh Green totaled seven points and four steals.
Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 31 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Strus went 5-for-5 from three-point range in the fourth quarter -- including the game-winning shot -- to finish with 21 points, four rebounds and four assists. Jarrett Allen tallied 19 points and nine rebounds, while Evan Mobley added 12 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Caris LeVert led the bench with 11 points, four rebounds and six assists.
Tuesday’s contest was the first of a back-to-back for both teams. The Mavericks will travel north to take on the Toronto Raptors, while the Cavaliers visit the Chicago Bulls.
Magic Cruise To Easy Win Over Nets
The Orlando Magic defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 108-81, at Kia Center on Tuesday.
The Magic (33-26) finally stole a win from the Nets (22-36) after dropping the first two head-to-head contests this season. And in reality, there was no doubt Orlando would secure the win as soon as the game started. The Magic looked in control throughout the game and quickly raced to a 33-25 score in the first quarter, setting the tone and not allowing the Nets to construct much in the way of half-court offense. Orlando bolstered their lead even further in the second quarter, and by the time halftime arrived, it was already a double-digit lead for the Magic (58-44) after a 25-19 score in the second quarter. The Magic would pull away for good in the third quarter following a 30-15 score, and the Nets simply didn’t have answers for them. Brooklyn won the fourth and final quarter, but by that time, the game was already decided. With the win, the Nets fell to 9-19 on the road, while the Magic improved to 19-8 at home.
Franz Wagner led the way for the Magic with 21 points, five rebounds and five assists in the absence of Paolo Banchero (illness). Wendell Carter Jr. delivered 10 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Moritz Wagner recorded 16 points and five boards. Markelle Fultz and Cole Anthony each had 12 points off the bench. Fultz also grabbed three rebounds, while Anthony recorded three steals. The Magic shot 52.7 percent from the field and 36 percent from three.
Dennis Schroder led the way for the Nets with 15 points, three steals and two assists. Nic Claxton was the only other starter who scored in double digits and finished with 10 points. Mikal Bridges struggled massively and finished with four points while shooting 2-for-14 from the field. Trendon Watford posted 14 points and seven rebounds off the bench. Brooklyn shot 39.2 percent from the field and 25.8 percent from three-point range.
The Magic (33-26) finally stole a win from the Nets (22-36) after dropping the first two head-to-head contests this season. And in reality, there was no doubt Orlando would secure the win as soon as the game started. The Magic looked in control throughout the game and quickly raced to a 33-25 score in the first quarter, setting the tone and not allowing the Nets to construct much in the way of half-court offense. Orlando bolstered their lead even further in the second quarter, and by the time halftime arrived, it was already a double-digit lead for the Magic (58-44) after a 25-19 score in the second quarter. The Magic would pull away for good in the third quarter following a 30-15 score, and the Nets simply didn’t have answers for them. Brooklyn won the fourth and final quarter, but by that time, the game was already decided. With the win, the Nets fell to 9-19 on the road, while the Magic improved to 19-8 at home.
Franz Wagner led the way for the Magic with 21 points, five rebounds and five assists in the absence of Paolo Banchero (illness). Wendell Carter Jr. delivered 10 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Moritz Wagner recorded 16 points and five boards. Markelle Fultz and Cole Anthony each had 12 points off the bench. Fultz also grabbed three rebounds, while Anthony recorded three steals. The Magic shot 52.7 percent from the field and 36 percent from three.
Dennis Schroder led the way for the Nets with 15 points, three steals and two assists. Nic Claxton was the only other starter who scored in double digits and finished with 10 points. Mikal Bridges struggled massively and finished with four points while shooting 2-for-14 from the field. Trendon Watford posted 14 points and seven rebounds off the bench. Brooklyn shot 39.2 percent from the field and 25.8 percent from three-point range.
Warriors Pull Away Late To Defeat Wizards
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Washington Wizards, 123-112, at Capital One Arena on Tuesday.
The Warriors (30-27) had to work harder than expected to defeat the Wizards (9-49) despite playing on the road and the difference in records from both teams. The first half was quite balanced, though. The Wizards looked like the better team in the first quarter and raced to a 25-23 score, but the Warriors responded with a 37-33 score in the second quarter. Golden State held a two-point lead entering the second half, but the Warriors pulled away for good in the third quarter following a 38-17 score. Washington won the final quarter by a 37-25 score, but it was not enough for them to mount a comeback. With the win, the Warriors moved to 14-12 on the road, while the Wizards fell to 3-25 at home.
Despite playing off the bench, Klay Thompson was the leading scorer for the Warriors thanks to a 25-point effort while shooting 6-for-11 from deep. Jonathan Kuminga had 21 points, six rebounds and five assists. Stephen Curry delivered 28 points and six assists despite making just four of his 16 three-point attempts. Moses Moody had 12 points, and Chris Paul finished with nine points, six assists, four rebounds and four steals in his return to action.
Kyle Kuzma was the leading scorer for the Wizards and finished with a 27-point, 12-rebound double-double. Corey Kispert ended with 20 points, five assists and three rebounds. Tyus Jones notched 14 points and 17 assists, and he continues to make substantial upgrades as a playmaker. Landry Shamet had 16 points, and Jordan Poole recorded 12 points with five assists coming off the bench.
The Warriors (30-27) had to work harder than expected to defeat the Wizards (9-49) despite playing on the road and the difference in records from both teams. The first half was quite balanced, though. The Wizards looked like the better team in the first quarter and raced to a 25-23 score, but the Warriors responded with a 37-33 score in the second quarter. Golden State held a two-point lead entering the second half, but the Warriors pulled away for good in the third quarter following a 38-17 score. Washington won the final quarter by a 37-25 score, but it was not enough for them to mount a comeback. With the win, the Warriors moved to 14-12 on the road, while the Wizards fell to 3-25 at home.
Despite playing off the bench, Klay Thompson was the leading scorer for the Warriors thanks to a 25-point effort while shooting 6-for-11 from deep. Jonathan Kuminga had 21 points, six rebounds and five assists. Stephen Curry delivered 28 points and six assists despite making just four of his 16 three-point attempts. Moses Moody had 12 points, and Chris Paul finished with nine points, six assists, four rebounds and four steals in his return to action.
Kyle Kuzma was the leading scorer for the Wizards and finished with a 27-point, 12-rebound double-double. Corey Kispert ended with 20 points, five assists and three rebounds. Tyus Jones notched 14 points and 17 assists, and he continues to make substantial upgrades as a playmaker. Landry Shamet had 16 points, and Jordan Poole recorded 12 points with five assists coming off the bench.
Hawks Cruise To Win Over Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Utah Jazz, 124-97, at State Farm Arena on Tuesday.
The Hawks (26-32) and the Jazz (27-32) are two teams that might still have hopes of reaching the Play-In Tournament. In that regard, the Hawks recorded an excellent result and secured the victory thanks to a dominant display. Atlanta looked dominant right from the get-go and raced to a 26-18 lead in the first quarter, an advantage they’d never relinquish. A 29-28 score in the second quarter gave Atlanta a double-digit lead at the break, and the Hawks continued to control the game in the second half. A 34-25 score in the third quarter extended Atlanta’s lead even further, and the game was all but decided with 12 minutes left. Atlanta closed things out with a 35-28 score in the fourth quarter. With the win, the Hawks moved to 15-16 at home, while the Jazz fell to 9-21 on the road.
Jalen Johnson led the way for Atlanta with 22 points, 13 rebounds and six assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic recorded 19 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Dejounte Murray had another stellar showing, putting up 17 points, 11 assists, four rebounds and two blocks. De’Andre Hunter had 20 points coming off the bench. The Hawks shot 49.5 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from three-point range.
Collin Sexton was the leading scorer for the Jazz and finished with 22 points, six steals and three assists. Keyonte George posted 14 points and six assists, while Walker Kessler also posted 14 points. Kessler went 6-for-8 from the field and also grabbed 12 rebounds. Lauri Markkanen recorded 11 points while shooting 4-for-13 from the field. The Jazz shot 37.2 percent from the field and 28.9 percent from beyond the arc.
The Hawks (26-32) and the Jazz (27-32) are two teams that might still have hopes of reaching the Play-In Tournament. In that regard, the Hawks recorded an excellent result and secured the victory thanks to a dominant display. Atlanta looked dominant right from the get-go and raced to a 26-18 lead in the first quarter, an advantage they’d never relinquish. A 29-28 score in the second quarter gave Atlanta a double-digit lead at the break, and the Hawks continued to control the game in the second half. A 34-25 score in the third quarter extended Atlanta’s lead even further, and the game was all but decided with 12 minutes left. Atlanta closed things out with a 35-28 score in the fourth quarter. With the win, the Hawks moved to 15-16 at home, while the Jazz fell to 9-21 on the road.
Jalen Johnson led the way for Atlanta with 22 points, 13 rebounds and six assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic recorded 19 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Dejounte Murray had another stellar showing, putting up 17 points, 11 assists, four rebounds and two blocks. De’Andre Hunter had 20 points coming off the bench. The Hawks shot 49.5 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from three-point range.
Collin Sexton was the leading scorer for the Jazz and finished with 22 points, six steals and three assists. Keyonte George posted 14 points and six assists, while Walker Kessler also posted 14 points. Kessler went 6-for-8 from the field and also grabbed 12 rebounds. Lauri Markkanen recorded 11 points while shooting 4-for-13 from the field. The Jazz shot 37.2 percent from the field and 28.9 percent from beyond the arc.
Celtics Handle 76ers, 117-99
The Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 117-99, at TD Garden on Tuesday night.
The 76ers (33-25) came in as significant road underdogs, but it was difficult to tell during a first half in which they came just a basket short of matching the Celtics (46-12) point for point. However, Boston began building on its slim two-point lead in the third quarter, adding nine points to it in the third. Nevertheless, Philadelphia clawed all the way back to get to within two again with 8:50 remaining, but the hosts' 17-0 run over the subsequent 4:50 provided the cushion for what ultimately was a comfortable margin of victory.
Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 32 points, adding five assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Ricky Council IV provided 16 points, four rebounds and one assist. Tobias Harris and Cameron Payne supplied 13 points each while recording two rebounds and two assists, respectively. Mo Bamba totaled 10 points, six boards and one block.
Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 31 points, adding six boards, one assist and one steal. Jayson Tatum followed with 29 points, supplementing them with 11 rebounds, eight assists and one block. Kristaps Porzingis generated a 23-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist, one steal and one block. Jrue Holiday furnished 13 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal.
The 76ers return home to host the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night, while the Celtics remain home and host the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night as well.
The 76ers (33-25) came in as significant road underdogs, but it was difficult to tell during a first half in which they came just a basket short of matching the Celtics (46-12) point for point. However, Boston began building on its slim two-point lead in the third quarter, adding nine points to it in the third. Nevertheless, Philadelphia clawed all the way back to get to within two again with 8:50 remaining, but the hosts' 17-0 run over the subsequent 4:50 provided the cushion for what ultimately was a comfortable margin of victory.
Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 32 points, adding five assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Ricky Council IV provided 16 points, four rebounds and one assist. Tobias Harris and Cameron Payne supplied 13 points each while recording two rebounds and two assists, respectively. Mo Bamba totaled 10 points, six boards and one block.
Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 31 points, adding six boards, one assist and one steal. Jayson Tatum followed with 29 points, supplementing them with 11 rebounds, eight assists and one block. Kristaps Porzingis generated a 23-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist, one steal and one block. Jrue Holiday furnished 13 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal.
The 76ers return home to host the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night, while the Celtics remain home and host the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night as well.
Pelicans Take Over In New York
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the host New York Knicks, 115-92, at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday evening.
The Pelicans jumped out to a strong start and led, 26-19, after one quarter. The Knicks brought a better effort in the second and managed to cut it to a one-point game at the break. The visitors reclaimed control in the third and outscored the Knicks, 26-20, to take a seven-point lead into the final frame. The Pelicans turned it up a notch in the fourth and poured in 41 points in the quarter to lock in the road win and end a two-game skid.
Trey Murphy led the Pelicans with 26 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Brandon Ingram followed up with 24 points, six rebounds, five assists and two blocks, while Zion Williamson totaled 21 points, five rebounds, four assists and two blocks.
Meanwhile, Donte DiVincenzo led the Knicks with 23 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals, in 37 minutes. Bojan Bogdanovic followed up with 20 points, four rebounds, five assists and a steal, while Precious Achiuwa logged 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a block.
The Knicks (35-24) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Warriors on Thursday. The Pelicans (35-24) take on the Pacers in Indiana on Wednesday.
The Pelicans jumped out to a strong start and led, 26-19, after one quarter. The Knicks brought a better effort in the second and managed to cut it to a one-point game at the break. The visitors reclaimed control in the third and outscored the Knicks, 26-20, to take a seven-point lead into the final frame. The Pelicans turned it up a notch in the fourth and poured in 41 points in the quarter to lock in the road win and end a two-game skid.
Trey Murphy led the Pelicans with 26 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Brandon Ingram followed up with 24 points, six rebounds, five assists and two blocks, while Zion Williamson totaled 21 points, five rebounds, four assists and two blocks.
Meanwhile, Donte DiVincenzo led the Knicks with 23 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals, in 37 minutes. Bojan Bogdanovic followed up with 20 points, four rebounds, five assists and a steal, while Precious Achiuwa logged 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a block.
The Knicks (35-24) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Warriors on Thursday. The Pelicans (35-24) take on the Pacers in Indiana on Wednesday.
Pistons Rally Past Bulls
By Dan Bruno
The Detroit Pistons defeated the host Chicago Bulls, 105-95, at United Center on Tuesday evening.
The Pistons took the lead early on, but the Bulls pushed ahead to claim a, 29-22, after one quarter. The visitors picked up their play again in the second and managed to trim it to a five-point game at the break. The Pistons kept the momentum going in the third and outscored the hosts by seven points to take a two-point edge into the final frame. The score stayed close to start the fourth, but the Pistons took over down the stretch to secure the road win and snap a six-game slide.
Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 26 points, five rebounds, five assists and a block, in 36 minutes. Simone Fontecchio followed up with 17 points, three rebounds and a steal, while Jalen Duren totaled 14 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, a steal and three blocks.
Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan totaled 25 points, three rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Nikola Vucevic finished with 25 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and a block to lead the way for the Bulls. Andre Drummond delivered an impressive, 20 points, 11 rebounds and a block, off the bench.
The Bulls (27-31) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Cavaliers on Wednesday. The Pistons (9-49) play host to the Cavaliers on Friday.
The Pistons took the lead early on, but the Bulls pushed ahead to claim a, 29-22, after one quarter. The visitors picked up their play again in the second and managed to trim it to a five-point game at the break. The Pistons kept the momentum going in the third and outscored the hosts by seven points to take a two-point edge into the final frame. The score stayed close to start the fourth, but the Pistons took over down the stretch to secure the road win and snap a six-game slide.
Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 26 points, five rebounds, five assists and a block, in 36 minutes. Simone Fontecchio followed up with 17 points, three rebounds and a steal, while Jalen Duren totaled 14 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, a steal and three blocks.
Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan totaled 25 points, three rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Nikola Vucevic finished with 25 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and a block to lead the way for the Bulls. Andre Drummond delivered an impressive, 20 points, 11 rebounds and a block, off the bench.
The Bulls (27-31) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Cavaliers on Wednesday. The Pistons (9-49) play host to the Cavaliers on Friday.
Bucks Blow Out Hornets, 123-85
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets, 123-85, at Fiserv Forum on Tuesday.
Milwaukee dominated this game from start to finish, outscoring Charlotte by at least 15 points in each of the first three quarters. They led by at least 35 points for the entirety of the second half, getting that lead up to 49 points at times. Milwaukee shot 52 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range while holding Charlotte to 37 percent from the field and 28 percent from long range. The Bucks also out-rebounded the Hornets, 51-37, while outscoring them in the paint, 50-32.
The Hornets (15-43) were led by Miles Bridges, amassing 17 points, three rebounds and two steals despite posting a -48 plus-minus. Tre Mann tallied 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Brandon Miller had 14 points, two rebounds and two assists, while Davis Bertans led the bench with 12 points.
The Bucks (38-21) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, collecting 24 points and eight rebounds. Damian Lillard totaled 23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Bobby Portis led the bench with 21 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Jae Crowder compiled 10 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while Brook Lopez went scoreless.
These teams will have a rematch on Thursday, but it'll be in Charlotte.
Milwaukee dominated this game from start to finish, outscoring Charlotte by at least 15 points in each of the first three quarters. They led by at least 35 points for the entirety of the second half, getting that lead up to 49 points at times. Milwaukee shot 52 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range while holding Charlotte to 37 percent from the field and 28 percent from long range. The Bucks also out-rebounded the Hornets, 51-37, while outscoring them in the paint, 50-32.
The Hornets (15-43) were led by Miles Bridges, amassing 17 points, three rebounds and two steals despite posting a -48 plus-minus. Tre Mann tallied 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Brandon Miller had 14 points, two rebounds and two assists, while Davis Bertans led the bench with 12 points.
The Bucks (38-21) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, collecting 24 points and eight rebounds. Damian Lillard totaled 23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Bobby Portis led the bench with 21 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Jae Crowder compiled 10 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while Brook Lopez went scoreless.
These teams will have a rematch on Thursday, but it'll be in Charlotte.
Timberwolves Top Spurs, 114-105
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 114-105, at Target Center on Tuesday night.
The Timberwolves (41-17) began delivering on their heavy favorite status early, building a 29-21 lead through one and expanding that eight-point advantage to 15 points by halftime. Minnesota was then ahead of the Spurs (11-48) by 18 going into the final period, enough of a cushion to comfortably withstand San Antonio's 38-point haul in the fourth quarter.
Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 21 points, adding six rebounds, six assists and three steals. Keldon Johnson delivered 20 points, six boards, four assists and one steal. Victor Wembanyama finished with a 17-point, 13-rebound double-double that included five assists, four blocks and two steals. Malaki Branham supplied 12 points, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Tre Jones contributed 11 points, eight rebounds, six assists and one block. Cedi Osman netted 10 points,
Anthony Edwards paced the Timberwolves with 34 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, five assists, four steals and one block. Naz Reid registered 22 points, six rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Mike Conley netted 16 points. Rudy Gobert generated a 13-point, 17-rebound double-double that included three assists and four blocks.
The Spurs return home to host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night, while the Timberwolves remain home to host the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night.
The Timberwolves (41-17) began delivering on their heavy favorite status early, building a 29-21 lead through one and expanding that eight-point advantage to 15 points by halftime. Minnesota was then ahead of the Spurs (11-48) by 18 going into the final period, enough of a cushion to comfortably withstand San Antonio's 38-point haul in the fourth quarter.
Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 21 points, adding six rebounds, six assists and three steals. Keldon Johnson delivered 20 points, six boards, four assists and one steal. Victor Wembanyama finished with a 17-point, 13-rebound double-double that included five assists, four blocks and two steals. Malaki Branham supplied 12 points, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Tre Jones contributed 11 points, eight rebounds, six assists and one block. Cedi Osman netted 10 points,
Anthony Edwards paced the Timberwolves with 34 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, five assists, four steals and one block. Naz Reid registered 22 points, six rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Mike Conley netted 16 points. Rudy Gobert generated a 13-point, 17-rebound double-double that included three assists and four blocks.
The Spurs return home to host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night, while the Timberwolves remain home to host the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night.
Heat Defeat Blazers, 106-96
The Miami Heat defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 106-96, at Moda Center on Tuesday.
Portland started this game with a 28-15 first quarter, but Miami prevailed behind a 60-40 second half. Their first lead didn't come until late in the third quarter, never giving up the lead after overcoming that deficit. The Heat shot 53 percent from the field and 54 percent from three-point range (14-of-26) while the Trail Blazers shot 47 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range (10-of-31). They also outscored Portland in fastbreak points, 10-2, while out-assisting them, 29-24.
The Heat (33-25) were led by Jimmy Butler, collecting 22 points, four rebounds, nine assists and four steals. Terry Rozier tallied 19 points, four rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Duncan Robinson totaled 17 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Bam Adebayo amassed 13 points, nine rebounds and two assists.
The Trail Blazers (15-42) were led by Anfernee Simons, accruing 26 points and four assists. Jerami Grant generated 24 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals. Toumani Camara had 17 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Deandre Ayton suffered a hand injury but still finished with 12 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals across 18 minutes,
On deck for Miami is a road matchup with the Denver Nuggets on Thursday. As for Portland, they return to action on Friday in a road meeting with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Portland started this game with a 28-15 first quarter, but Miami prevailed behind a 60-40 second half. Their first lead didn't come until late in the third quarter, never giving up the lead after overcoming that deficit. The Heat shot 53 percent from the field and 54 percent from three-point range (14-of-26) while the Trail Blazers shot 47 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range (10-of-31). They also outscored Portland in fastbreak points, 10-2, while out-assisting them, 29-24.
The Heat (33-25) were led by Jimmy Butler, collecting 22 points, four rebounds, nine assists and four steals. Terry Rozier tallied 19 points, four rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Duncan Robinson totaled 17 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Bam Adebayo amassed 13 points, nine rebounds and two assists.
The Trail Blazers (15-42) were led by Anfernee Simons, accruing 26 points and four assists. Jerami Grant generated 24 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals. Toumani Camara had 17 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Deandre Ayton suffered a hand injury but still finished with 12 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals across 18 minutes,
On deck for Miami is a road matchup with the Denver Nuggets on Thursday. As for Portland, they return to action on Friday in a road meeting with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Thunder Roll Rockets, 112-95
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 112-95, at Frostbank Center on Tuesday.
While there were nine ties and 13 lead changes through the opening 20 minutes, Oklahoma City rode a 32-21 second quarter to their win. They never relinquished the lead in the second half, closing things with a 28-21 fourth quarter. The Thunder shot 48 percent from the field, 37 percent from three-point range and 78 percent from the free-throw line, while the Rockets shot 39 percent from the field, 23 percent from long range and 67 percent from the charity stripe. They also outscored Houston in the paint, 58-48.
The Rockets (25-33) were led by Alperen Semgun, accruing 23 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks. Jabari Smith amassed 18 points, 13 rebounds and two assists. Jalen Green generated 16 points, six rebounds and three assists. Fred VanVleet made just two shots on 11 attempts, finishing with five points and five assists.
The Thunder (41-17) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, collecting 31 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Jalen Williams totaled 24 points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Chet Holmgren had 18 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and three blocks, while Josh Giddey compiled 14 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
Both teams return to action on Thursday, with OKC traveling to face the San Antonio Spurs and Houston staying on the road to face the Phoenix Suns.
While there were nine ties and 13 lead changes through the opening 20 minutes, Oklahoma City rode a 32-21 second quarter to their win. They never relinquished the lead in the second half, closing things with a 28-21 fourth quarter. The Thunder shot 48 percent from the field, 37 percent from three-point range and 78 percent from the free-throw line, while the Rockets shot 39 percent from the field, 23 percent from long range and 67 percent from the charity stripe. They also outscored Houston in the paint, 58-48.
The Rockets (25-33) were led by Alperen Semgun, accruing 23 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks. Jabari Smith amassed 18 points, 13 rebounds and two assists. Jalen Green generated 16 points, six rebounds and three assists. Fred VanVleet made just two shots on 11 attempts, finishing with five points and five assists.
The Thunder (41-17) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, collecting 31 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Jalen Williams totaled 24 points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Chet Holmgren had 18 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and three blocks, while Josh Giddey compiled 14 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
Both teams return to action on Thursday, with OKC traveling to face the San Antonio Spurs and Houston staying on the road to face the Phoenix Suns.