Magic Complete Comeback To Defeat Wizards
The Orlando Magic defeated the Washington Wizards, 119-109, at Capital One Arena on Wednesday.
The Magic (37-26) didn’t have problems getting past the Wizards (9-53) at home. However, it wasn’t an easy game for the Magic, as they had to come from behind in order to secure the victory. Washington quickly raced to a 34-23 lead in the first quarter. Even though the Magic responded in the second quarter, the Wizards still found a way to bolster their advantage following a 31-30 score just before the break. However, the Magic played the second half with a different approach and quickly turned things around. A 31-18 score in the third quarter flipped the script entirely, and the 12-point deficit turned into a one-point lead for the Magic. Orlando closed things out in the fourth quarter with a 35-26 score in the final 12 minutes. With the win, the Magic moved to 16-18 on the road, while the Wizards fell to 3-26 at home.
Franz Wagner led the way for the Magic with 28 points, while Paolo Banchero finished with 25 points, 10 assists and six rebounds. Jalen Suggs posted 19 points, six rebounds and four assists. Moritz Wagner ended with 16 points and six rebounds coming off the bench. Cole Anthony ended with 11 points and seven rebounds across 25 minutes. The Magic shot 53.7 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from three-point range.
Jordan Poole played off the bench once again and led the way for the Wizards with 26 points, five assists and four rebounds off the bench. Kyle Kuzma had 25 points, five rebounds and four assists. Deni Avdija posted 14 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Richaun Holmes looked good off the bench with 12 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Washington shot 45.5 percent from the field and 31.6 percent from deep.
The Magic (37-26) didn’t have problems getting past the Wizards (9-53) at home. However, it wasn’t an easy game for the Magic, as they had to come from behind in order to secure the victory. Washington quickly raced to a 34-23 lead in the first quarter. Even though the Magic responded in the second quarter, the Wizards still found a way to bolster their advantage following a 31-30 score just before the break. However, the Magic played the second half with a different approach and quickly turned things around. A 31-18 score in the third quarter flipped the script entirely, and the 12-point deficit turned into a one-point lead for the Magic. Orlando closed things out in the fourth quarter with a 35-26 score in the final 12 minutes. With the win, the Magic moved to 16-18 on the road, while the Wizards fell to 3-26 at home.
Franz Wagner led the way for the Magic with 28 points, while Paolo Banchero finished with 25 points, 10 assists and six rebounds. Jalen Suggs posted 19 points, six rebounds and four assists. Moritz Wagner ended with 16 points and six rebounds coming off the bench. Cole Anthony ended with 11 points and seven rebounds across 25 minutes. The Magic shot 53.7 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from three-point range.
Jordan Poole played off the bench once again and led the way for the Wizards with 26 points, five assists and four rebounds off the bench. Kyle Kuzma had 25 points, five rebounds and four assists. Deni Avdija posted 14 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Richaun Holmes looked good off the bench with 12 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Washington shot 45.5 percent from the field and 31.6 percent from deep.
Hawks Come From Behind, Top Cavaliers
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 112-101, at State Farm Arena on Wednesday.
The Hawks (28-34) had control of the game early on but had to fight back in the final 12 minutes to defeat the Cavaliers (40-22) in front of 15,841 fans at home. Atlanta looked good early on and raced to a 31-28 lead in the first quarter. A 33-21 score in the second quarter gave the Hawks a double-digit lead into the halftime break, but the Cavaliers wouldn’t go down without a fight. In fact, Cleveland won the third quarter by a 40-23 score, turning things around and securing a two-point lead with 12 minutes left. The Hawks were not ready to waste their lead away, however, and responded down the stretch. A 25-12 score in the final 12 minutes and an excellent defensive performance allowed them to secure the victory. With the win, the Hawks moved to 16-16 at home, while the Cavaliers fell to 19-11 away from home.
Bogdan Bogdanovic was the leading scorer for the Hawks with 23 points and six assists, while Dejounte Murray finished with 18 points, nine assists, two rebounds and two steals. Saddiq Bey had 23 points and eight rebounds. Jalen Johnson posted seven points, four rebounds and four assists. De’Andre Hunter posted 17 points coming off the bench. The Hawks shot 51.2 percent from the field and 36.7 percent from three-point range.
Jarrett Allen led the way for the Cavaliers with 18 points and 19 rebounds, adding three assists and a block as well. Darius Garland had 15 points and seven assists. Issac Okoro posted 17 points, two rebounds and two assists. Georges Niang delivered 13 points, four assists and three steals. Caris LeVert and Craig Porter each had 13 points off the bench. The Cavaliers shot 43.8 percent from the field and 22.7 percent from three-point range.
The Hawks (28-34) had control of the game early on but had to fight back in the final 12 minutes to defeat the Cavaliers (40-22) in front of 15,841 fans at home. Atlanta looked good early on and raced to a 31-28 lead in the first quarter. A 33-21 score in the second quarter gave the Hawks a double-digit lead into the halftime break, but the Cavaliers wouldn’t go down without a fight. In fact, Cleveland won the third quarter by a 40-23 score, turning things around and securing a two-point lead with 12 minutes left. The Hawks were not ready to waste their lead away, however, and responded down the stretch. A 25-12 score in the final 12 minutes and an excellent defensive performance allowed them to secure the victory. With the win, the Hawks moved to 16-16 at home, while the Cavaliers fell to 19-11 away from home.
Bogdan Bogdanovic was the leading scorer for the Hawks with 23 points and six assists, while Dejounte Murray finished with 18 points, nine assists, two rebounds and two steals. Saddiq Bey had 23 points and eight rebounds. Jalen Johnson posted seven points, four rebounds and four assists. De’Andre Hunter posted 17 points coming off the bench. The Hawks shot 51.2 percent from the field and 36.7 percent from three-point range.
Jarrett Allen led the way for the Cavaliers with 18 points and 19 rebounds, adding three assists and a block as well. Darius Garland had 15 points and seven assists. Issac Okoro posted 17 points, two rebounds and two assists. Georges Niang delivered 13 points, four assists and three steals. Caris LeVert and Craig Porter each had 13 points off the bench. The Cavaliers shot 43.8 percent from the field and 22.7 percent from three-point range.
Clippers Outlast Rockets, 122-116
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Houston Rockets, 122-116, at Toyota Center on Wednesday night.
The Clippers (40-21) started off in ugly fashion, recording 19 first-quarter points and only compiling 44 overall in the first half. That helped net the Rockets (27-35) a 13-point halftime lead, but Los Angeles came out of intermission a different team. The visitors put a seven-point dent into their deficit in the third quarter, and they ultimately outscored Houston by a 42-30 margin in the final 12 minutes for the memorable comeback victory.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 28 points, complementing them with seven assists, six rebounds and two steals. Paul George and James Harden followed with 21 points while recording seven rebounds and seven assists, respectively. Terance Mann and Norman Powell netted 15 and 12 points, respectively.
Alperen Sengun paced the Rockets with a 23-point, 19-rebound, 14-assist triple-double that included two steals. Jabari Smith supplied 19 points, two rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Cam Whitmore delivered 17 points, two boards and one assist. Fred VanVleet registered 15 points, eight assists, four rebounds and two steals. Jalen Green matched VanVleet's scoring and added three rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Clippers return home to host the Chicago Bulls on Saturday afternoon, while the Rockets visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night
The Clippers (40-21) started off in ugly fashion, recording 19 first-quarter points and only compiling 44 overall in the first half. That helped net the Rockets (27-35) a 13-point halftime lead, but Los Angeles came out of intermission a different team. The visitors put a seven-point dent into their deficit in the third quarter, and they ultimately outscored Houston by a 42-30 margin in the final 12 minutes for the memorable comeback victory.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 28 points, complementing them with seven assists, six rebounds and two steals. Paul George and James Harden followed with 21 points while recording seven rebounds and seven assists, respectively. Terance Mann and Norman Powell netted 15 and 12 points, respectively.
Alperen Sengun paced the Rockets with a 23-point, 19-rebound, 14-assist triple-double that included two steals. Jabari Smith supplied 19 points, two rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Cam Whitmore delivered 17 points, two boards and one assist. Fred VanVleet registered 15 points, eight assists, four rebounds and two steals. Jalen Green matched VanVleet's scoring and added three rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Clippers return home to host the Chicago Bulls on Saturday afternoon, while the Rockets visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night
Grizzlies Top
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 115-109, at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday night.
The Grizzlies (21-41) came into the contest struggling to generate consistent offense, but they broke out for 37 points in the first quarter while forging a six-point lead. The 76ers (35-26) then roared back in the second to take an eight-point advantage into intermission. Philadelphia then added another four points to its edge in the third, but Memphis outscored the hosts by a 34-16 margin in the final 12 minutes for the road upset.
Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 30 points, adding 11 rebounds, one assist and six blocks. Jake LaRavia generated a 19-point, 13-rebound double-double that included three blocks. Vince Williams Jr. and Santi Aldama posted 17 points apiece as well while dishing out nine and seven assists, respectively. Williams also added seven rebounds and two steals. Luke Kennard furnished 15 points, two rebounds and two assists.
Kelly Oubre Jr. paced the 76ers with 25 points, complementing them with four rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Paul Reed contributed a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double that included three assists, three blocks and one steal. Cameron Payne furnished 16 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Buddy Hield delivered 15 points, five rebounds, three assists, three steals and one block. Nicolas Batum and Jeff Dowtin Jr. contributed matching 10-point tallies while posting six rebounds and six assists, respectively. Dowtin added three steals.
The Grizzlies return home to host the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night, while the 76ers host the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night as well.
The Grizzlies (21-41) came into the contest struggling to generate consistent offense, but they broke out for 37 points in the first quarter while forging a six-point lead. The 76ers (35-26) then roared back in the second to take an eight-point advantage into intermission. Philadelphia then added another four points to its edge in the third, but Memphis outscored the hosts by a 34-16 margin in the final 12 minutes for the road upset.
Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 30 points, adding 11 rebounds, one assist and six blocks. Jake LaRavia generated a 19-point, 13-rebound double-double that included three blocks. Vince Williams Jr. and Santi Aldama posted 17 points apiece as well while dishing out nine and seven assists, respectively. Williams also added seven rebounds and two steals. Luke Kennard furnished 15 points, two rebounds and two assists.
Kelly Oubre Jr. paced the 76ers with 25 points, complementing them with four rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Paul Reed contributed a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double that included three assists, three blocks and one steal. Cameron Payne furnished 16 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Buddy Hield delivered 15 points, five rebounds, three assists, three steals and one block. Nicolas Batum and Jeff Dowtin Jr. contributed matching 10-point tallies while posting six rebounds and six assists, respectively. Dowtin added three steals.
The Grizzlies return home to host the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night, while the 76ers host the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night as well.
Bulls Hang On In Utah
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls defeated the host Utah Jazz, 119-117, at Delta Center on Wednesday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Bulls held a, 33-29, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second pushing up to a double-digit advantage, before the Jazz brought it back to a nine-point game at the break. The visitors maintained the upper hand through the third and maintained a 10-point cushion entering the final frame. The Jazz kept up the fight in the fourth and rallied to tie the score at 111, with 2:30 left in the game, but the Bulls responded and after a couple of lead changes, closed out their second straight win. This also marks the fourth loss in five games for the Jazz.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 29 points, six rebounds, seven assists and a steal, in 38 minutes. Coby White followed up with 25 points, six rebounds, six assists and a block, while Nikola Vucevic logged 23 points, 12 rebounds and two steals.
Meanwhile, John Collins led the Jazz with 25 points, 13 rebounds, a steal and two blocks, in 32 minutes. Collin Sexton followed up with 24 points, four rebounds and seven assists, while Brice Sensabaugh totaled 15 points and 12 rebounds.
The Jazz (28-35) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Nuggets on Saturday, The Bulls (30-32) take on the Warriors in Golden State on Thursday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Bulls held a, 33-29, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second pushing up to a double-digit advantage, before the Jazz brought it back to a nine-point game at the break. The visitors maintained the upper hand through the third and maintained a 10-point cushion entering the final frame. The Jazz kept up the fight in the fourth and rallied to tie the score at 111, with 2:30 left in the game, but the Bulls responded and after a couple of lead changes, closed out their second straight win. This also marks the fourth loss in five games for the Jazz.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 29 points, six rebounds, seven assists and a steal, in 38 minutes. Coby White followed up with 25 points, six rebounds, six assists and a block, while Nikola Vucevic logged 23 points, 12 rebounds and two steals.
Meanwhile, John Collins led the Jazz with 25 points, 13 rebounds, a steal and two blocks, in 32 minutes. Collin Sexton followed up with 24 points, four rebounds and seven assists, while Brice Sensabaugh totaled 15 points and 12 rebounds.
The Jazz (28-35) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Nuggets on Saturday, The Bulls (30-32) take on the Warriors in Golden State on Thursday.
Warriors Subdue Visiting Bucks
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Milwaukee Bucks, 125-90, at Chase Center on Wednesday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Warriors led, 40-32, after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second and pushed their advantage up to 20 points by halftime. The Bucks came out better in the third quarter and outscored the hosts, 23-15, to cut it to a 12-point deficit entering the final frame. The Warriors responded with a, 9-0, to start the fourth and maintained complete dominance down the stretch, as they held the visitors to just nine points in the quarter.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 29 points, eight rebounds and five assists, in 31 minutes of action. Jonathan Kuminga followed up with 20 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals and three blocks, while Trayce Jackson-Davis tallied 15 points, six rebounds and four blocks.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 23 points, seven rebounds, six assists and a block, in 33 minutes. Damian Lillard totaled 20 points, six assists, a steal and a block, while Bobby Portis logged 20 points and six rebounds.
The Bucks (41-22) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Lakers in L.A. on Friday. The Warriors (33-28) play host to the Bulls on Thursday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Warriors led, 40-32, after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second and pushed their advantage up to 20 points by halftime. The Bucks came out better in the third quarter and outscored the hosts, 23-15, to cut it to a 12-point deficit entering the final frame. The Warriors responded with a, 9-0, to start the fourth and maintained complete dominance down the stretch, as they held the visitors to just nine points in the quarter.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 29 points, eight rebounds and five assists, in 31 minutes of action. Jonathan Kuminga followed up with 20 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals and three blocks, while Trayce Jackson-Davis tallied 15 points, six rebounds and four blocks.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 23 points, seven rebounds, six assists and a block, in 33 minutes. Damian Lillard totaled 20 points, six assists, a steal and a block, while Bobby Portis logged 20 points and six rebounds.
The Bucks (41-22) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Lakers in L.A. on Friday. The Warriors (33-28) play host to the Bulls on Thursday.
Thunder Defeat Trail Blazers, 128-120
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 128-120, at Moda Center on Wednesday.
A 32-27 first quarter set the foundation for Oklahoma City in this victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. With that said, they never led by more than 16 points, with Portland getting it down to a two-point margin in the final minutes. The Thunder shot 58 percent from the field while holding the Trail Blazers below 51 percent shooting. OKC also out-rebounded Portland, 45-35, while outscoring them in the paint, 62-52.
The Thunder (43-19) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, accruing 37 points, three rebounds and five assists. Jalen Williams amassed 31 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals. Chet Holmgren collected 21 points, 14 rebounds and five assists, while Josh Giddet generated 19 points, six rebounds and seven assists.
The Trail Blazers (17-44) were led by Anfernee Simons, amassing 29 points, three rebounds and five assists. Jerami Grant tallied 20 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals. Duop Reath registered 16 points and five rebounds, while Dalano Banton totaled 13 points, five rebounds and five assists. Matisse Thybulle led the bench with 16 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Portland returns to action on Friday, remaining home to play the Houston Rockets. Oklahoma City also returns to action on Friday, returning home to face the Miami Heat.
A 32-27 first quarter set the foundation for Oklahoma City in this victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. With that said, they never led by more than 16 points, with Portland getting it down to a two-point margin in the final minutes. The Thunder shot 58 percent from the field while holding the Trail Blazers below 51 percent shooting. OKC also out-rebounded Portland, 45-35, while outscoring them in the paint, 62-52.
The Thunder (43-19) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, accruing 37 points, three rebounds and five assists. Jalen Williams amassed 31 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals. Chet Holmgren collected 21 points, 14 rebounds and five assists, while Josh Giddet generated 19 points, six rebounds and seven assists.
The Trail Blazers (17-44) were led by Anfernee Simons, amassing 29 points, three rebounds and five assists. Jerami Grant tallied 20 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals. Duop Reath registered 16 points and five rebounds, while Dalano Banton totaled 13 points, five rebounds and five assists. Matisse Thybulle led the bench with 16 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Portland returns to action on Friday, remaining home to play the Houston Rockets. Oklahoma City also returns to action on Friday, returning home to face the Miami Heat.
Kings Defeat Lakers, 130-120
The Sacramento Kings defeated the host Los Angeles Lakers, 130-120, at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday.
While Los Angeles got out to a 37-28 lead after the first quarter, Sacramento took control with a 44-20 second quarter. They never gave up the lead after that lopsided frame, getting their lead up to 22 points at times. They maintained a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. The Kings shot 56 percent from the field, while the Lakers shot 52 percent. Sacramento out-rebounded Los Angeles, 48-40, while out-assisting them, 32-25. They also outscored LA in the paint, 76-50.
The Kings (35-26) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 44 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Domantas Sabonis had 16 points, 20 rebounds, 12 assists and two steals. Malik Monk led the bench with 26 points, five rebounds, eight assists and two steals, while Harrison Barnes scored 11 points.
The Lakers (34-30) were led by LeBron James, collecting 31 points, five rebounds and 13 assists. Rui Hachimura amassed 29 points, two rebounds and two steals. Those two combined to shoot 23-of-33 from the field. Anthony Davis accrued 14 points, 11 rebounds and three assists, while Austin Reaves registered 18 points, four rebounds and four assists.
On deck for Los Angeles is a home matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday. As for Sacramento, they return home to face the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday for their next outing.
While Los Angeles got out to a 37-28 lead after the first quarter, Sacramento took control with a 44-20 second quarter. They never gave up the lead after that lopsided frame, getting their lead up to 22 points at times. They maintained a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. The Kings shot 56 percent from the field, while the Lakers shot 52 percent. Sacramento out-rebounded Los Angeles, 48-40, while out-assisting them, 32-25. They also outscored LA in the paint, 76-50.
The Kings (35-26) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 44 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Domantas Sabonis had 16 points, 20 rebounds, 12 assists and two steals. Malik Monk led the bench with 26 points, five rebounds, eight assists and two steals, while Harrison Barnes scored 11 points.
The Lakers (34-30) were led by LeBron James, collecting 31 points, five rebounds and 13 assists. Rui Hachimura amassed 29 points, two rebounds and two steals. Those two combined to shoot 23-of-33 from the field. Anthony Davis accrued 14 points, 11 rebounds and three assists, while Austin Reaves registered 18 points, four rebounds and four assists.
On deck for Los Angeles is a home matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday. As for Sacramento, they return home to face the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday for their next outing.