Grizzlies Defeat Nets, 106-102
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the host Brooklyn Nets, 106-102, at Barclay's Center on Monday.
There were 10 ties and 11 lead changes in this game, with neither team grabbing a double-digit lead. The largest lead was nine points by Memphis in the closing minutes, ripping off an 18-9 run in the fourth to take command of the game. The Grizzlies shot 46 percent from the field whole holding the Nets to 44 percent shooting. Memphis also out-rebounded Brooklyn, 50-33, while outscoring them in the paint, 50-40.
The Grizzlies (21-41) were led by Luke Kennard, collecting 25 points, two rebounds and seven assists. Santi Aldama amassed 12 points, five rebounds and four assists. Vince Williams tallied 11 points, five rebounds, six assists and two steals, while John Konchar compiled nine points, eight rebounds and four assists. Jake LaRavia led the bench with 14 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Nets (24-37) were led by Nic Claxton, finishing with 21 points, six rebounds and two assists. Cam Johnson had 18 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Mikal Bridges generated 14 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Dennis Schroder amassed 13 points, two rebounds and nine assists.
Brooklyn plays a B2B on Tuesday, staying home to play the Philadelphia 76ers. As for Memphis, they return to action on Wednesday in a road matchup with the Sixers as well.
There were 10 ties and 11 lead changes in this game, with neither team grabbing a double-digit lead. The largest lead was nine points by Memphis in the closing minutes, ripping off an 18-9 run in the fourth to take command of the game. The Grizzlies shot 46 percent from the field whole holding the Nets to 44 percent shooting. Memphis also out-rebounded Brooklyn, 50-33, while outscoring them in the paint, 50-40.
The Grizzlies (21-41) were led by Luke Kennard, collecting 25 points, two rebounds and seven assists. Santi Aldama amassed 12 points, five rebounds and four assists. Vince Williams tallied 11 points, five rebounds, six assists and two steals, while John Konchar compiled nine points, eight rebounds and four assists. Jake LaRavia led the bench with 14 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Nets (24-37) were led by Nic Claxton, finishing with 21 points, six rebounds and two assists. Cam Johnson had 18 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Mikal Bridges generated 14 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Dennis Schroder amassed 13 points, two rebounds and nine assists.
Brooklyn plays a B2B on Tuesday, staying home to play the Philadelphia 76ers. As for Memphis, they return to action on Wednesday in a road matchup with the Sixers as well.
Shorthanded Bucks Top Clippers
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Los Angeles Clippers, 113-106, at Fiserv Forum on Monday evening.
The Clippers jumped out to a strong start against the Bucks in the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo (Achilles) and held a, 35-25, lead after one quarter. The hosts settled the pace int he second and managed to trim it back to a seven-point game by halftime. The visitors maintained a cushion through the third, but the Bucks did not let it get out of hand and trailed by eight points entering the final frame. The Bucks turned up their play in the fourth and outscored the Clippers, 40-25, in the quarter to close out their sixth straight win.
Damian Lillard led the Bucks with 41 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 42 minutes. Bobby Portis followed up with 28 points, 16 rebounds and two assists, while Patrick Beverley added 12 points, nine rebounds, two assists, four steals and a block.
Meanwhile, James Harden totaled 29 points, four rebounds, eight assists and a block, while Paul George finished with 29 points, five rebounds and two steals to lead the Clippers. Kawhi Leonard turned in 16 points, four rebounds, five assists, four steals and a block.
The Clippers (39-21) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Rockets in Houston on Wednesday. The Bucks (41-21) take on the Warriors in Golden State on Wednesday.
The Clippers jumped out to a strong start against the Bucks in the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo (Achilles) and held a, 35-25, lead after one quarter. The hosts settled the pace int he second and managed to trim it back to a seven-point game by halftime. The visitors maintained a cushion through the third, but the Bucks did not let it get out of hand and trailed by eight points entering the final frame. The Bucks turned up their play in the fourth and outscored the Clippers, 40-25, in the quarter to close out their sixth straight win.
Damian Lillard led the Bucks with 41 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 42 minutes. Bobby Portis followed up with 28 points, 16 rebounds and two assists, while Patrick Beverley added 12 points, nine rebounds, two assists, four steals and a block.
Meanwhile, James Harden totaled 29 points, four rebounds, eight assists and a block, while Paul George finished with 29 points, five rebounds and two steals to lead the Clippers. Kawhi Leonard turned in 16 points, four rebounds, five assists, four steals and a block.
The Clippers (39-21) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Rockets in Houston on Wednesday. The Bucks (41-21) take on the Warriors in Golden State on Wednesday.
Trail Blazers Edge Timberwolves, 119-114
The favored Timberwolves (43-19) had trouble shaking free from the Trail Blazers (17-43) during the first half, with Minnesota holding just a six-point advantage at halftime. Portland then managed to make a one-point dent in its deficit during the third quarter, but the hosts' 9-0 run over the first 3:35 of the final period finally offered some breathing room. The T-Wolves then went on to lead by at least six points until there was 1.1 seconds remaining.
Trail Blazers played the Timberwolves tough through three quarters, trailing only by six going into the final period. However, Minnesota's 9-0 run over the first 3:35 of the fourth quarter provided some key separation and set the stage for the hard-fought win. Portland managed 25 points off turnovers in defeat but also gave the ball way three more times than the hosts and were whistled for nine additional fouls.
Anfernee Simons led the Trail Blazers with 34 points, complementing them with 14 assists and five rebounds. Duop Reath supplied 26 points, three rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Dalano Banton turned in 18 points, seven boards and four assists. Kris Murray furnished 14 points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Rayan Rupert recorded 13 points and six rebounds.
Rudy Gobert paced the Timberwolves with a 25-point, 16-rebound double-double that included three blocks and one steal. Mike Conley delivered 19 points, seven assists, two rebounds and three steals. Karl-Anthony Towns supplied 14 points, four rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Anthony Edwards and Nickeil Alexander-Walker posted 13 points apiece, with Edwards adding six assists, four rebounds and one steal. Naz Reid posted 12 points, five rebounds and one block.
The Trail Blazers head back home to host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, while the Timberwolves hit the road and visit the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night.
Trail Blazers played the Timberwolves tough through three quarters, trailing only by six going into the final period. However, Minnesota's 9-0 run over the first 3:35 of the fourth quarter provided some key separation and set the stage for the hard-fought win. Portland managed 25 points off turnovers in defeat but also gave the ball way three more times than the hosts and were whistled for nine additional fouls.
Anfernee Simons led the Trail Blazers with 34 points, complementing them with 14 assists and five rebounds. Duop Reath supplied 26 points, three rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Dalano Banton turned in 18 points, seven boards and four assists. Kris Murray furnished 14 points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Rayan Rupert recorded 13 points and six rebounds.
Rudy Gobert paced the Timberwolves with a 25-point, 16-rebound double-double that included three blocks and one steal. Mike Conley delivered 19 points, seven assists, two rebounds and three steals. Karl-Anthony Towns supplied 14 points, four rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Anthony Edwards and Nickeil Alexander-Walker posted 13 points apiece, with Edwards adding six assists, four rebounds and one steal. Naz Reid posted 12 points, five rebounds and one block.
The Trail Blazers head back home to host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, while the Timberwolves hit the road and visit the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night.
Jazz Rally To Close Out Wizards
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Washington Wizards, 127-115, at Delta Center on Monday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Wizards led, 41-35, after one quarter. The pace kept up in the second, but the Jazz managed to trim the deficit down to one-point at the break. The score stayed close through the third, while the hosts moved to a one-point advantage heading into the final frame. The visitors reclaimed the lead early in the fourth, but the Jazz closed the game on a, 16-4, run to close out the home win and end a three-game slide. This also marks the 15th straight loss for the Wizards.
Jordan Clarkson led the Jazz with 38 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and a steal, in 36 minutes off the bench. Collin Sexton followed up with 29 points, three rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while John Collins logged 17 points, 15 rebounds and six blocks.
Meanwhile, Jordan Poole led the Wizards with 32 points, two rebounds, two steals and a block, in 29 minutes off the bench. Kyle Kuzma followed up with 23 points, five rebounds and eight assists, while Deni Avdija totaled 16 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and a steal.
The Wizards (9-52) will look to end the slide as they play host to the Magic on Wednesday. The Jazz (28-34) play host to the Bulls on Wednesday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Wizards led, 41-35, after one quarter. The pace kept up in the second, but the Jazz managed to trim the deficit down to one-point at the break. The score stayed close through the third, while the hosts moved to a one-point advantage heading into the final frame. The visitors reclaimed the lead early in the fourth, but the Jazz closed the game on a, 16-4, run to close out the home win and end a three-game slide. This also marks the 15th straight loss for the Wizards.
Jordan Clarkson led the Jazz with 38 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and a steal, in 36 minutes off the bench. Collin Sexton followed up with 29 points, three rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while John Collins logged 17 points, 15 rebounds and six blocks.
Meanwhile, Jordan Poole led the Wizards with 32 points, two rebounds, two steals and a block, in 29 minutes off the bench. Kyle Kuzma followed up with 23 points, five rebounds and eight assists, while Deni Avdija totaled 16 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and a steal.
The Wizards (9-52) will look to end the slide as they play host to the Magic on Wednesday. The Jazz (28-34) play host to the Bulls on Wednesday.
Bulls Rally To Stun Kings
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Sacramento Kings, 113-109, at Golden 1 Center on Monday evening.
The Kings jumped out to a great start and led, 36-22, after one quarter. The Bulls came out stronger in the second and climbed to a brief advantage, before the hosts regained a seven-point cushion by halftime. The Kings picked up momentum again in the third and outscored the visitors, 35-28, in the quarter to push their lead up to 14, heading into the final frame. The Bulls did not give up and mounted an impressive rally through the fourth, coming up clutch in the final minute to steal the road win. This also marks the third loss in the last four games for the Kings.
Coby White led the Bulls with 37 points, five rebounds, seven assists and a steal, in 44 minutes. DeMar DeRozan followed up with 33 points, four assists and two steals, while Ayo Dosunmu added 20 points, two rebounds, five assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 20 points, 10 assists and a steal, in 39 minutes. Domantas Sabonis followed up with 18 points, 21 rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Keegan Murray added 11 points, six rebounds, four assists, a steal and three blocks.
The Kings (34-25) will look to bounce back as they take on the Lakers in L.A. on Wednesday. The Bulls (28-32) take on the Jazz in Utah on Wednesday.
The Kings jumped out to a great start and led, 36-22, after one quarter. The Bulls came out stronger in the second and climbed to a brief advantage, before the hosts regained a seven-point cushion by halftime. The Kings picked up momentum again in the third and outscored the visitors, 35-28, in the quarter to push their lead up to 14, heading into the final frame. The Bulls did not give up and mounted an impressive rally through the fourth, coming up clutch in the final minute to steal the road win. This also marks the third loss in the last four games for the Kings.
Coby White led the Bulls with 37 points, five rebounds, seven assists and a steal, in 44 minutes. DeMar DeRozan followed up with 33 points, four assists and two steals, while Ayo Dosunmu added 20 points, two rebounds, five assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 20 points, 10 assists and a steal, in 39 minutes. Domantas Sabonis followed up with 18 points, 21 rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Keegan Murray added 11 points, six rebounds, four assists, a steal and three blocks.
The Kings (34-25) will look to bounce back as they take on the Lakers in L.A. on Wednesday. The Bulls (28-32) take on the Jazz in Utah on Wednesday.
Lakers Throttle Thunder, 116-104
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 116-104, at Crypto.com Arena on Monday.
While Oklahoma City grabbed a 12-point lead in the first quarter, that was the only time this game was competitive for them. Los Angeles took control with a 27-18 second quarter and completed their blowout with a 37-29 third quarter. They got their lead up to 25 points at times, leading by at least 12 points for the closing 18 minutes. LA shot 51 percent from the field and 47 percent from three-point range while holding OKC to 39 percent from the field and 39 percent from long range. The Lakers also out-rebounded the Thunder, 63-41, while out-assisting them, 29-22.
The Thunder (42-19) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, accruing 20 points, seven rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks. Luguentz Dort amassed 15 points, two rebounds and two assists. Chet Holmgren collected 15 points and seven rebounds, while Josh Giddey generated 13 points, five rebounds and four assists.
The Lakers (34-29) were led by D'Angelo Russell, finishing with 26 points, six rebounds, three assists and four steals. Anthony Davis tallied 24 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and three blocks. LeBron James had 19 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, while Austin Reaves provided 16 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Taurean Prince led the bench with 14 points and six boards.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Los Angeles remaining home to play the Sacramento Kings and Oklahoma City staying on the road to play the Portland Trail Blazers.
While Oklahoma City grabbed a 12-point lead in the first quarter, that was the only time this game was competitive for them. Los Angeles took control with a 27-18 second quarter and completed their blowout with a 37-29 third quarter. They got their lead up to 25 points at times, leading by at least 12 points for the closing 18 minutes. LA shot 51 percent from the field and 47 percent from three-point range while holding OKC to 39 percent from the field and 39 percent from long range. The Lakers also out-rebounded the Thunder, 63-41, while out-assisting them, 29-22.
The Thunder (42-19) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, accruing 20 points, seven rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks. Luguentz Dort amassed 15 points, two rebounds and two assists. Chet Holmgren collected 15 points and seven rebounds, while Josh Giddey generated 13 points, five rebounds and four assists.
The Lakers (34-29) were led by D'Angelo Russell, finishing with 26 points, six rebounds, three assists and four steals. Anthony Davis tallied 24 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and three blocks. LeBron James had 19 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, while Austin Reaves provided 16 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Taurean Prince led the bench with 14 points and six boards.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Los Angeles remaining home to play the Sacramento Kings and Oklahoma City staying on the road to play the Portland Trail Blazers.