Pacers take down Pelicans in first game of home-and-home series
The Indiana Pacers took down the New Orleans Pelicans, 123-114, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday.
The Pelicans (35-25) looked sluggish out the gate as they were coming off a 115-92 win over the New York Knicks on Tuesday. The Pacers (34-26) used their home court advantage to push the pace and race out to a 40-24 lead after the first quarter. It was a closer affair over the next three frames, and while New Orleans were able to lower the deficit to single digits multiple times, Indiana continuously responded with quick runs of its own. The Pelicans were able to cut the deficit to one score with three minutes to play, but the Pacers went on an 11-2 run to close out the game. The Pacers improved to 20-12 at home, while the Pelicans dropped to 18-13 on the road.
Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 30 points -- 13 of which came from the charity stripe -- along with six rebounds and four assists. Zion Williamson contributed 23 points, three rebounds and four assists, while CJ McCollum added 23 points, six rebounds and three assists. Herb Jones had 14 points and four rebounds, while Trey Murphy led the bench with 11 points, four rebounds and seven assists.
Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 24 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and two blocks for his eighth double-double of the season. Tyrese Haliburton totaled 17 points, three rebounds and 13 assists for his 34th double-double of the year. Obi Toppin led the bench with 16 points, six rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Bennedict Mathurin finished with 16 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Myles Turner had 14 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks for his 13th double-double of the season.
The Pelicans and Pacers will square off again on Friday, March 1 in New Orleans.
The Pelicans (35-25) looked sluggish out the gate as they were coming off a 115-92 win over the New York Knicks on Tuesday. The Pacers (34-26) used their home court advantage to push the pace and race out to a 40-24 lead after the first quarter. It was a closer affair over the next three frames, and while New Orleans were able to lower the deficit to single digits multiple times, Indiana continuously responded with quick runs of its own. The Pelicans were able to cut the deficit to one score with three minutes to play, but the Pacers went on an 11-2 run to close out the game. The Pacers improved to 20-12 at home, while the Pelicans dropped to 18-13 on the road.
Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 30 points -- 13 of which came from the charity stripe -- along with six rebounds and four assists. Zion Williamson contributed 23 points, three rebounds and four assists, while CJ McCollum added 23 points, six rebounds and three assists. Herb Jones had 14 points and four rebounds, while Trey Murphy led the bench with 11 points, four rebounds and seven assists.
Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 24 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and two blocks for his eighth double-double of the season. Tyrese Haliburton totaled 17 points, three rebounds and 13 assists for his 34th double-double of the year. Obi Toppin led the bench with 16 points, six rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Bennedict Mathurin finished with 16 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Myles Turner had 14 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks for his 13th double-double of the season.
The Pelicans and Pacers will square off again on Friday, March 1 in New Orleans.
Mavericks Top Raptors, 136-125
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Toronto Raptors, 136-125, at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night.
The Mavericks (34-25) and Raptors (22-37) wasted no time keeping the scoreboard busy, scoring a total of 133 points during a first half that Toronto that emerged from with a 67-66 lead. However, Dallas changed the dynamic of the game coming out of intermission, outscoring its hosts by a 40-25 margin in the third quarter to take a double-digit advantage into the final period. The visitors then kept their foot on the gas, leading by no less than nine points at any time during the fourth quarter.
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with a 30-point, 16-assist, 11-rebound triple-double that included two steals. Kyrie Irving delivered 29 points, three assists, one rebound, two steals and one block. P.J. Washington delivered 23 points, six rebounds and three blocks. Tim Hardaway turned in 16 points, four boards and four assists. Daniel Gafford managed 13 points, seven rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.
Immanuel Quickley paced the Raptors with 28 points, supplementing them with nine assists, five rebounds and two steals. RJ Barrett provided 26 points, six assists and five rebounds. Scottie Barnes generated a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double that included seven assists, three steals and one block. Jakob Poeltl furnished 16 points, seven rebounds, six assists, four steals and two blocks. Kelly Olynyk netted 13 points, while Gary Trent finished with 11 points, four rebounds and one steal.
The Mavericks remain on the road and visit the Boston Celtics on Friday night, while the Raptors host the Golden State Warriors on Friday night as well.
The Mavericks (34-25) and Raptors (22-37) wasted no time keeping the scoreboard busy, scoring a total of 133 points during a first half that Toronto that emerged from with a 67-66 lead. However, Dallas changed the dynamic of the game coming out of intermission, outscoring its hosts by a 40-25 margin in the third quarter to take a double-digit advantage into the final period. The visitors then kept their foot on the gas, leading by no less than nine points at any time during the fourth quarter.
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with a 30-point, 16-assist, 11-rebound triple-double that included two steals. Kyrie Irving delivered 29 points, three assists, one rebound, two steals and one block. P.J. Washington delivered 23 points, six rebounds and three blocks. Tim Hardaway turned in 16 points, four boards and four assists. Daniel Gafford managed 13 points, seven rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.
Immanuel Quickley paced the Raptors with 28 points, supplementing them with nine assists, five rebounds and two steals. RJ Barrett provided 26 points, six assists and five rebounds. Scottie Barnes generated a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double that included seven assists, three steals and one block. Jakob Poeltl furnished 16 points, seven rebounds, six assists, four steals and two blocks. Kelly Olynyk netted 13 points, while Gary Trent finished with 11 points, four rebounds and one steal.
The Mavericks remain on the road and visit the Boston Celtics on Friday night, while the Raptors host the Golden State Warriors on Friday night as well.
Bulls Hang On In Double OT
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, 132-123, in double overtime at United Center on Wednesday evening.
The Cavs got out to a strong start and led, 32-23 after one quarter. The Bulls picked up their play in the second and cut it to a one-point game at the break. The score stayed close through the third, while the visitors maintained a three-point lead entering the final quarter. The Bulls kept focus and battled back to tie the game at 103, forcing overtime. The Cavs reclaimed control early in the extra period, but the hosts clawed back to tie it up at 115, and force another frame. The Bulls jumped out on an, 8-0, run to start the second overtime period and kept control to close out the home win.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 35 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and a block, in 49 minutes. Nikola Vucevic followed up with 24 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks, while Ayo Dosunmu finished with 21 points, three rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block.
Meanwhile, Evan Mobley led the Cavaliers with 25 points, 13 rebounds, a steal and four blocks, in 42 minutes. Darius Garland followed up with 23 points, two rebounds, five assists and a steal, while Donovan Mitchell totaled 19 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Cavs (38-20) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pistons in Detroit on Friday. The Bulls (28-31) play host to the Bucks on Friday.
The Cavs got out to a strong start and led, 32-23 after one quarter. The Bulls picked up their play in the second and cut it to a one-point game at the break. The score stayed close through the third, while the visitors maintained a three-point lead entering the final quarter. The Bulls kept focus and battled back to tie the game at 103, forcing overtime. The Cavs reclaimed control early in the extra period, but the hosts clawed back to tie it up at 115, and force another frame. The Bulls jumped out on an, 8-0, run to start the second overtime period and kept control to close out the home win.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 35 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and a block, in 49 minutes. Nikola Vucevic followed up with 24 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks, while Ayo Dosunmu finished with 21 points, three rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block.
Meanwhile, Evan Mobley led the Cavaliers with 25 points, 13 rebounds, a steal and four blocks, in 42 minutes. Darius Garland followed up with 23 points, two rebounds, five assists and a steal, while Donovan Mitchell totaled 19 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Cavs (38-20) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pistons in Detroit on Friday. The Bulls (28-31) play host to the Bucks on Friday.
Timberwolves Wake Up In Time To Defeatt Grizzlies
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 110-101, at Target Center on Wednesday.
The Timberwolves (42-17) continue to move closer toward what seems likely to be a top-half seed in the Western Conference with another win. This time, Minnesota took care of business against a struggling Grizzlies (20-39) team at home. The Timberwolves endured a slow start, however, and the Grizzlies looked quite competitive in the first half. Memphis jumped out to a 26-24 lead in the first quarter, and the team bolstered its lead following a 27-26 score in the second half. However, the Grizzlies were not able to hold on to their advantage. A 38-32 score in the third quarter flipped the script admirably, with Minnesota now holding a three-point advantage with 12 minutes left. The Timberwolves closed things out with a 22-16 score in the final 12 minutes to clinch the win. With the victory, the Timberwolves moved to 22-6 at home, while the Grizzlies fell to 13-17 on the road.
Anthony Edwards led the way for the Timberwolves and finished with a game-high 34 points while also adding four assists and two rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns posted 13 points, 11 rebounds, three steals and two assists. Jalen McDaniels had 12 points, and Rudy Gobert finished with eight points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Naz Reid impressed with a 19-point, six-rebound cameo off the bench. Nickeil Alexander-Walker delivered 12 points and five assists.
Jaren Jackson Jr. was the best player for the Grizzlies after posting 33 points, 13 rebounds and three steals. Ziaire Williams delivered 16 points and eight rebounds. Santi Aldama and Vince Williams Jr. each posted 11 points. Aldama also grabbed five boards and recorded two steals, while Williams added six rebounds and six assists. GG Jackson was impressive off the bench and finished with 14 points and three boards across 27 minutes.
The Timberwolves (42-17) continue to move closer toward what seems likely to be a top-half seed in the Western Conference with another win. This time, Minnesota took care of business against a struggling Grizzlies (20-39) team at home. The Timberwolves endured a slow start, however, and the Grizzlies looked quite competitive in the first half. Memphis jumped out to a 26-24 lead in the first quarter, and the team bolstered its lead following a 27-26 score in the second half. However, the Grizzlies were not able to hold on to their advantage. A 38-32 score in the third quarter flipped the script admirably, with Minnesota now holding a three-point advantage with 12 minutes left. The Timberwolves closed things out with a 22-16 score in the final 12 minutes to clinch the win. With the victory, the Timberwolves moved to 22-6 at home, while the Grizzlies fell to 13-17 on the road.
Anthony Edwards led the way for the Timberwolves and finished with a game-high 34 points while also adding four assists and two rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns posted 13 points, 11 rebounds, three steals and two assists. Jalen McDaniels had 12 points, and Rudy Gobert finished with eight points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Naz Reid impressed with a 19-point, six-rebound cameo off the bench. Nickeil Alexander-Walker delivered 12 points and five assists.
Jaren Jackson Jr. was the best player for the Grizzlies after posting 33 points, 13 rebounds and three steals. Ziaire Williams delivered 16 points and eight rebounds. Santi Aldama and Vince Williams Jr. each posted 11 points. Aldama also grabbed five boards and recorded two steals, while Williams added six rebounds and six assists. GG Jackson was impressive off the bench and finished with 14 points and three boards across 27 minutes.
Nuggets Too Strong For Kings
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings, 117-96, at Ball Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Kings jumped out to a great start and led, 35-28, after one quarter. The Nuggets turned things around in the second, outscoring the visitors, 37-20, to take a 10-point lead into the break. The hosts carried the momentum into the third, where they outscored the Kings by another 18-points to make it a 28-point difference entering the final frame. The visitors picked up their play in the fourth but it was not enough, as the Nuggets cruised to their fourth straight win. This also marks the second straight loss for the Kings.
Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 32 points, three rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Nikola Jokic totaled 14 points, 14 rebounds, 11 assists, three steals and two blocks, while Aaron Gordon contributed 17 points, six rebounds and six assists.
Meanwhile, Keegan Murray led the Kings with 21 points, four rebounds, a steal and a block, in 33 minutes. Chris Duarte followed up with 18 points, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks, while Malik Monk totaled 14 points, five rebounds, five assists and a steal.
The Kings (33-25) will look to bounce back as they take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Friday. The Nuggets (40-19) play host to the Heat on Thursday.
The Kings jumped out to a great start and led, 35-28, after one quarter. The Nuggets turned things around in the second, outscoring the visitors, 37-20, to take a 10-point lead into the break. The hosts carried the momentum into the third, where they outscored the Kings by another 18-points to make it a 28-point difference entering the final frame. The visitors picked up their play in the fourth but it was not enough, as the Nuggets cruised to their fourth straight win. This also marks the second straight loss for the Kings.
Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 32 points, three rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Nikola Jokic totaled 14 points, 14 rebounds, 11 assists, three steals and two blocks, while Aaron Gordon contributed 17 points, six rebounds and six assists.
Meanwhile, Keegan Murray led the Kings with 21 points, four rebounds, a steal and a block, in 33 minutes. Chris Duarte followed up with 18 points, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks, while Malik Monk totaled 14 points, five rebounds, five assists and a steal.
The Kings (33-25) will look to bounce back as they take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Friday. The Nuggets (40-19) play host to the Heat on Thursday.
Lakers Come Back to Defeat Clippers, 116-112
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the host Los Angeles Clippers, 116-112, at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday.
The Clippers were in complete command of this game when they led by 21 points early in the fourth quarter, but the Lakers prevailed behind a 39-16 fourth quarter. That was their largest comeback victory in 20 years. The Lakers shot 55 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range while holding the Clippers to 51 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range. They also outscored the Clippers in fastbreak points, 31-17, while doubling them up in second-chance points, 14-7.
The Lakers (32-28) were led by LeBron James, finishing with 34 points, six rebounds, eight assists and two blocks. He had 19 points and four assists in the fourth quarter. Anthony Davis accrued 20 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, two steals and three blocks. D'Angelo Russell registered 18 points, two rebounds and six assists, while Austin Reaves amassed 13 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
The Clippers (37-20) were led by Kawhi Leonard, collecting 26 points, seven rebounds and six assists. James Harden had 23 points, three rebounds and nine assists. Terance Mann totaled 16 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Norman Powell provided 14 points, four rebounds and two assists to lead the bench.
The Lakers have to play again on Thursday, remaining in LA to play the Washington Wizards. As for the Clippers, they play host to the Wizards on Friday for their next outing.
The Clippers were in complete command of this game when they led by 21 points early in the fourth quarter, but the Lakers prevailed behind a 39-16 fourth quarter. That was their largest comeback victory in 20 years. The Lakers shot 55 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range while holding the Clippers to 51 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range. They also outscored the Clippers in fastbreak points, 31-17, while doubling them up in second-chance points, 14-7.
The Lakers (32-28) were led by LeBron James, finishing with 34 points, six rebounds, eight assists and two blocks. He had 19 points and four assists in the fourth quarter. Anthony Davis accrued 20 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, two steals and three blocks. D'Angelo Russell registered 18 points, two rebounds and six assists, while Austin Reaves amassed 13 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
The Clippers (37-20) were led by Kawhi Leonard, collecting 26 points, seven rebounds and six assists. James Harden had 23 points, three rebounds and nine assists. Terance Mann totaled 16 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Norman Powell provided 14 points, four rebounds and two assists to lead the bench.
The Lakers have to play again on Thursday, remaining in LA to play the Washington Wizards. As for the Clippers, they play host to the Wizards on Friday for their next outing.