Magic Mount Comeback To Get Past Jazz
The Orlando Magic defeated the Utah Jazz, 115-107, at Kia Center on Thursday.
The Magic (34-26) matched their win tally from the 2022-23 season with a strong performance against the Jazz (27-33). However, Orlando had to work harder than expected to get the job done. Even though the Magic enjoyed a solid start and built an eight-point lead following the first quarter (29-21), the Jazz responded with a 30-24 score in the second quarter, as both teams marched into halftime separated by just two points. The Jazz kept the momentum going and outscored Orlando in the third quarter as well, defeating them by a 31-27 score. However, the Magic responded right when it mattered the most. A 35-25 score in the final 12 minutes completed the comeback and lifted Orlando to a huge home win against a combative Jazz team. With the win, Orlando moved to 20-8 at home, while the Jazz fell to 9-22 on the road.
Paolo Banchero was massive for the Magic in his return to action, finishing with 29 points, nine rebounds and six assists across 36 minutes. Jalen Suggs posted 15 points, two rebounds and two assists. Franz Wagner recorded 14 points, six assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Gary Harris notched 13 points and four rebounds. Moritz Wagner delivered 14 points and 10 rebounds off the bench.
The Jazz delivered a balanced attack in this game, headlined by the fact that John Collins, Collin Sexton and Keyonte George all finished with 19 points apiece. Collins also grabbed 10 rebounds, while George dished out nine assists. Meanwhile, Sexton also chipped in with four assists and three rebounds. Lauri Markkanen contributed 18 points to the losing cause. Taylor Hendricks was solid in a starting role and posted 10 points with seven rebounds.
The Magic (34-26) matched their win tally from the 2022-23 season with a strong performance against the Jazz (27-33). However, Orlando had to work harder than expected to get the job done. Even though the Magic enjoyed a solid start and built an eight-point lead following the first quarter (29-21), the Jazz responded with a 30-24 score in the second quarter, as both teams marched into halftime separated by just two points. The Jazz kept the momentum going and outscored Orlando in the third quarter as well, defeating them by a 31-27 score. However, the Magic responded right when it mattered the most. A 35-25 score in the final 12 minutes completed the comeback and lifted Orlando to a huge home win against a combative Jazz team. With the win, Orlando moved to 20-8 at home, while the Jazz fell to 9-22 on the road.
Paolo Banchero was massive for the Magic in his return to action, finishing with 29 points, nine rebounds and six assists across 36 minutes. Jalen Suggs posted 15 points, two rebounds and two assists. Franz Wagner recorded 14 points, six assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Gary Harris notched 13 points and four rebounds. Moritz Wagner delivered 14 points and 10 rebounds off the bench.
The Jazz delivered a balanced attack in this game, headlined by the fact that John Collins, Collin Sexton and Keyonte George all finished with 19 points apiece. Collins also grabbed 10 rebounds, while George dished out nine assists. Meanwhile, Sexton also chipped in with four assists and three rebounds. Lauri Markkanen contributed 18 points to the losing cause. Taylor Hendricks was solid in a starting role and posted 10 points with seven rebounds.
Bucks Cruise To Win Over Hornets
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 111-99, at Spectrum Center on Thursday.
The Bucks (39-21) are quickly approaching the mark of sitting 20 games above .500, and they moved one step closer to clinching a playoff berth with a solid win over the Hornets (15-44) despite playing on the road. Milwaukee set the game's tone early and raced to a 35-25 lead in the first quarter, establishing an advantage they’d never relinquish. A 35-26 score in the second quarter gave the Bucks an even more significant lead entering the second half. Charlotte woke up in the second half and tried to reduce the deficit, but it was too much for the Hornets to overcome. Even though the Hornets won the third and fourth quarters, 23-22 and 25-19, respectively, the damage was already done. With the win, the Bucks moved to 15-14 on the road, while the Hornets fell to 8-22 at home. Furthermore, the Bucks completed the regular-season sweep of the Hornets, winning the four games by an average margin of 26.8 points.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for the Bucks with 24 points, 10 rebounds and five assists across 33 minutes. Malik Beasley finished with 19 points and two rebounds. Damian Lillard finished with 17 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Brook Lopez ended with 11 points, four assists and three rebounds. Bobby Portis had 14 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three steals off the bench.
Brandon Miller led the way for the Hornets with 21 points and seven rebounds. Miles Bridges finished with 15 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Grant Williams recorded 17 points, five rebounds and three assists off the bench. Seth Curry posted 13 points off the bench as well. No other Charlotte player scored in double digits.
The Bucks (39-21) are quickly approaching the mark of sitting 20 games above .500, and they moved one step closer to clinching a playoff berth with a solid win over the Hornets (15-44) despite playing on the road. Milwaukee set the game's tone early and raced to a 35-25 lead in the first quarter, establishing an advantage they’d never relinquish. A 35-26 score in the second quarter gave the Bucks an even more significant lead entering the second half. Charlotte woke up in the second half and tried to reduce the deficit, but it was too much for the Hornets to overcome. Even though the Hornets won the third and fourth quarters, 23-22 and 25-19, respectively, the damage was already done. With the win, the Bucks moved to 15-14 on the road, while the Hornets fell to 8-22 at home. Furthermore, the Bucks completed the regular-season sweep of the Hornets, winning the four games by an average margin of 26.8 points.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for the Bucks with 24 points, 10 rebounds and five assists across 33 minutes. Malik Beasley finished with 19 points and two rebounds. Damian Lillard finished with 17 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Brook Lopez ended with 11 points, four assists and three rebounds. Bobby Portis had 14 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three steals off the bench.
Brandon Miller led the way for the Hornets with 21 points and seven rebounds. Miles Bridges finished with 15 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Grant Williams recorded 17 points, five rebounds and three assists off the bench. Seth Curry posted 13 points off the bench as well. No other Charlotte player scored in double digits.
Nets Thump Nets, 124-97
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 124-97, at Barclays Center on Thursday night.
The Nets (23-36) have had about as miserable a season as their record suggests, but they came out of the locker room playing some of their best basketball of the season while racing out to a 34-16 lead through one. The Hawks (26-33) then managed to match Brooklyn's first-quarter point total in the second, allowing them to put a 12-point dent in their deficit before halftime. Nevertheless, any thoughts of a full Atlanta comeback were snuffed out in the third, when Brooklyn managed to put 13 more points of separation between it and the visitors, setting up the comfortable win.
Dejounte Murray led the Hawks with 28 points, adding six rebounds and five assists. Jalen Johnson delivered 14 points, five boards and two blocks. Kobe Bufkin and De'Andre Hunter went for 12 points apiece, with Bufkin adding three rebounds and three assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic supplied 11 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Cameron Johnson paced the Nets with 29 points, supplementing them with four assists, one rebound and two steals. Dennis Schroder totaled 23 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Miles Bridges finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Day'Ron Sharpe posted 12 points, eight rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Lonnie Walker and Dennis Smith Jr. recorded 11 and 10 points, respectively, with Smith adding five assists.
The Hawks and Nets reconvene Saturday afternoon at Barclays Center for a rematch.
The Nets (23-36) have had about as miserable a season as their record suggests, but they came out of the locker room playing some of their best basketball of the season while racing out to a 34-16 lead through one. The Hawks (26-33) then managed to match Brooklyn's first-quarter point total in the second, allowing them to put a 12-point dent in their deficit before halftime. Nevertheless, any thoughts of a full Atlanta comeback were snuffed out in the third, when Brooklyn managed to put 13 more points of separation between it and the visitors, setting up the comfortable win.
Dejounte Murray led the Hawks with 28 points, adding six rebounds and five assists. Jalen Johnson delivered 14 points, five boards and two blocks. Kobe Bufkin and De'Andre Hunter went for 12 points apiece, with Bufkin adding three rebounds and three assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic supplied 11 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Cameron Johnson paced the Nets with 29 points, supplementing them with four assists, one rebound and two steals. Dennis Schroder totaled 23 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Miles Bridges finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Day'Ron Sharpe posted 12 points, eight rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Lonnie Walker and Dennis Smith Jr. recorded 11 and 10 points, respectively, with Smith adding five assists.
The Hawks and Nets reconvene Saturday afternoon at Barclays Center for a rematch.
Warriors Topple Knicks, 110-99
The Golden State Warriors defeated the New York Knicks, 110-99, at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night.
The Warriors (31-27) came into the contest with a 9-2 mark in the previous 11 games, and they didn't seem to miss a beat while roaring out to a 31-19 lead through one. The Knicks (35-25) played more competitively in the second quarter while knocking three points from their deficit before halftime, but Golden State pushed its advantage back to 10 points heading into the final period. New York got to within four just before the midway point of the fourth quarter, but the visitors were able to gather themselves and win going away.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 31 points, complementing them with 11 rebounds, one assist and one steal. Jonathan Kuminga followed with 25 points, adding eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Klay Thompson turned in 16 points and five rebounds. Chris Paul delivered 11 points, six assists, four rebounds and three steals.
Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with 27 points, supplementing them with five rebounds and five assists. Donte DiVincenzo supplied 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Josh Hart generated a 14-point, 18-rebound double-double that included seen assists and two steals. Miles McBride matched Hart's scoring and also contributed two rebounds, one assist and three steals.
The Warriors remain on the road and visit the Toronto Raptors on Friday night, while the Knicks hit the road and visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night.
The Warriors (31-27) came into the contest with a 9-2 mark in the previous 11 games, and they didn't seem to miss a beat while roaring out to a 31-19 lead through one. The Knicks (35-25) played more competitively in the second quarter while knocking three points from their deficit before halftime, but Golden State pushed its advantage back to 10 points heading into the final period. New York got to within four just before the midway point of the fourth quarter, but the visitors were able to gather themselves and win going away.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 31 points, complementing them with 11 rebounds, one assist and one steal. Jonathan Kuminga followed with 25 points, adding eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Klay Thompson turned in 16 points and five rebounds. Chris Paul delivered 11 points, six assists, four rebounds and three steals.
Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with 27 points, supplementing them with five rebounds and five assists. Donte DiVincenzo supplied 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Josh Hart generated a 14-point, 18-rebound double-double that included seen assists and two steals. Miles McBride matched Hart's scoring and also contributed two rebounds, one assist and three steals.
The Warriors remain on the road and visit the Toronto Raptors on Friday night, while the Knicks hit the road and visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night.
Spurs Top Thunder In San Antonio
By Dan Bruno
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 132-118, at Frost Bank Center on Thursday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start and was tied at 37, after one quarter. The hosts kept up the pace in the second and lead for most of the quarter on their way to a five-point advantage at the break. Both sides came out focused in the third and the score stayed close, while the Thunder trimmed it to a two-point difference heading into the final frame. The visitors grabbed a brief lead to start the fourth, but the Spurs took over down the stretch and closed out the home win to end a five-game slide. This also marks the end of a six-game win streak for the Thunder.
Victor Wembanyama finished with 28 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and five blocks, while Devin Vassell totaled 28 points, three rebounds nine assists, a steal and two blocks, to lead the way for the Spurs. Jeremy Sochan added 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Tre Jones logged 17 points, six rebounds, eight assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31 points, six rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, in 35 minutes. Jalen Williams followed up with 26 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Chet Holmgren logged 23 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a block.
The Thunder (41-18) will look to bounce back as they take on the Suns in Phoenix on Sunday. The Spurs (12-48) play host to the Pacers on Sunday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start and was tied at 37, after one quarter. The hosts kept up the pace in the second and lead for most of the quarter on their way to a five-point advantage at the break. Both sides came out focused in the third and the score stayed close, while the Thunder trimmed it to a two-point difference heading into the final frame. The visitors grabbed a brief lead to start the fourth, but the Spurs took over down the stretch and closed out the home win to end a five-game slide. This also marks the end of a six-game win streak for the Thunder.
Victor Wembanyama finished with 28 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and five blocks, while Devin Vassell totaled 28 points, three rebounds nine assists, a steal and two blocks, to lead the way for the Spurs. Jeremy Sochan added 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Tre Jones logged 17 points, six rebounds, eight assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31 points, six rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, in 35 minutes. Jalen Williams followed up with 26 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Chet Holmgren logged 23 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a block.
The Thunder (41-18) will look to bounce back as they take on the Suns in Phoenix on Sunday. The Spurs (12-48) play host to the Pacers on Sunday.
Suns Hold Off Rockets In Phoenix
By Dan Bruno
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 110-105, at Footprint Center on Thursday evening.
The Suns jumped out to a great start and led, 33-17, after one quarter. The Rockets picked up their play in the second and outscored the hosts, 36-31, to cut it to an 11-point game heading into the break. The pace slowed down in the third, where both sides turned in 22 points each, as the Suns maintained control and carried their 11-point lead into the final frame. The visitors kept fighting in the fourth and cut it down to a four-point game with 18 seconds left, but the Suns held on to close out their second straight win. This also marks the third straight loss for the Rockets.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 35 points, seven rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, in 39 minutes. Kevin Durant followed up with 24 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Jusuf Nurkic logged 16 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, a steal and three blocks.
Meanwhile, Jalen Green led the Rockets with 34 points, five rebounds, two assists and three steals, in 39 minutes. Fred VanVleet followed up with 21 points, six rebounds, five assists and a block, while Jabari Smith logged 11 points, 16 rebounds, a steal and a block.
The Rockets (25-34) and Suns (35-24) will clash again in Phoenix on Saturday.
The Suns jumped out to a great start and led, 33-17, after one quarter. The Rockets picked up their play in the second and outscored the hosts, 36-31, to cut it to an 11-point game heading into the break. The pace slowed down in the third, where both sides turned in 22 points each, as the Suns maintained control and carried their 11-point lead into the final frame. The visitors kept fighting in the fourth and cut it down to a four-point game with 18 seconds left, but the Suns held on to close out their second straight win. This also marks the third straight loss for the Rockets.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 35 points, seven rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, in 39 minutes. Kevin Durant followed up with 24 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Jusuf Nurkic logged 16 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, a steal and three blocks.
Meanwhile, Jalen Green led the Rockets with 34 points, five rebounds, two assists and three steals, in 39 minutes. Fred VanVleet followed up with 21 points, six rebounds, five assists and a block, while Jabari Smith logged 11 points, 16 rebounds, a steal and a block.
The Rockets (25-34) and Suns (35-24) will clash again in Phoenix on Saturday.
Nuggets Defeat Heat, 103-97
The Denver Nuggets defeated the host Miami Heat, 103-97, at Ball Arena on Thursday.
Denver kickstarted this victory with a 9-0 run, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. Miami actually got the game down to a two-point margin in the final minute but never attempted a game-tying shot after the opening minute of play. It stayed within an 11-point margin for the closing 35 minutes. The Nuggets shot 35 percent from three-point range and 91 percent from the free-throw line, while the Heat shot 27 percent from long range and 83 percent from the charity stripe. Denver also recorded eight blocks, while Miami had just one.
The Heat (33-26) were led by Bam Adebayo, accruing 22 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Jimmy Butler tallied 21 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Terry Rozier registered 19 points, five rebounds and four assists. Duncan Robinson had 12 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals, while Caleb Martin led the bench with 13 points and nine boards.
The Nuggets (41-19) were led by Michael Porter Jr, providing 30 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope amassed 18 points, and two rebounds and two assists. Nikola Jokic collected 18 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, while Aaron Gordon generated 16 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three steals. Jamal Murray suffered an ankle injury in the second quarter.
Both teams return to action on Saturday, with Miami returning home to play the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles staying home to face the Los Angeles Lakers.
Denver kickstarted this victory with a 9-0 run, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. Miami actually got the game down to a two-point margin in the final minute but never attempted a game-tying shot after the opening minute of play. It stayed within an 11-point margin for the closing 35 minutes. The Nuggets shot 35 percent from three-point range and 91 percent from the free-throw line, while the Heat shot 27 percent from long range and 83 percent from the charity stripe. Denver also recorded eight blocks, while Miami had just one.
The Heat (33-26) were led by Bam Adebayo, accruing 22 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Jimmy Butler tallied 21 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Terry Rozier registered 19 points, five rebounds and four assists. Duncan Robinson had 12 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals, while Caleb Martin led the bench with 13 points and nine boards.
The Nuggets (41-19) were led by Michael Porter Jr, providing 30 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope amassed 18 points, and two rebounds and two assists. Nikola Jokic collected 18 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, while Aaron Gordon generated 16 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three steals. Jamal Murray suffered an ankle injury in the second quarter.
Both teams return to action on Saturday, with Miami returning home to play the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles staying home to face the Los Angeles Lakers.
Lakers Defeat Wizards in OT, 134-131
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Washington Wizards in OT. 134-131, at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday.
There were 11 ties and 14 lead changes in this game, taking an extra session to determine a winner. In fact, neither team ever grabbed a double-digit lead, with Los Angeles finishing the overtime on a 6-0 run over the final 3:50. Washington missed their final five shots while committing two turnovers in that scoreless stretch. The Lakers starters dominated, outscoring the Wizards starters, 113-70. Los Angeles also outscored Washington in the paint, 82-62, while winning the turnover battle, 15-10.
The Wizards (9-50) were led by Jordan Poole, providing 34 points, three rebounds and seven assists off of the bench. Marvin Bagley led the starters with 23 points, four rebounds and two blocks on 11-of-14 shooting. Kyle Kuzma collected 20 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three blocks, while Deni Avdija amassed 15 points, 15 rebounds and five assists. Corey Kispert had 20 points, six rebounds and six assists off the bench as well.
The Lakers (34-27) were led by Anthony Davis, finishing with 40 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and three blocks. LeBron James had 31 points, four rebounds and nine assists. D'Angelo Russell registered 22 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Austin Reaves registered 12 points, six rebounds and four assists.
On deck for LA is a home matchup with the Denver Nuggets on Saturday. As for Washington, they stay on the road to play the other Los Angeles team on Friday.
There were 11 ties and 14 lead changes in this game, taking an extra session to determine a winner. In fact, neither team ever grabbed a double-digit lead, with Los Angeles finishing the overtime on a 6-0 run over the final 3:50. Washington missed their final five shots while committing two turnovers in that scoreless stretch. The Lakers starters dominated, outscoring the Wizards starters, 113-70. Los Angeles also outscored Washington in the paint, 82-62, while winning the turnover battle, 15-10.
The Wizards (9-50) were led by Jordan Poole, providing 34 points, three rebounds and seven assists off of the bench. Marvin Bagley led the starters with 23 points, four rebounds and two blocks on 11-of-14 shooting. Kyle Kuzma collected 20 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three blocks, while Deni Avdija amassed 15 points, 15 rebounds and five assists. Corey Kispert had 20 points, six rebounds and six assists off the bench as well.
The Lakers (34-27) were led by Anthony Davis, finishing with 40 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and three blocks. LeBron James had 31 points, four rebounds and nine assists. D'Angelo Russell registered 22 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Austin Reaves registered 12 points, six rebounds and four assists.
On deck for LA is a home matchup with the Denver Nuggets on Saturday. As for Washington, they stay on the road to play the other Los Angeles team on Friday.