Ivey, Cunningham combine for 66 points as Pistons topple Nets on Thursday
The Detroit Pistons took down the Brooklyn Nets, 118-112, at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday.
It was the home team Pistons (10-52) who got off to an 8-0 run to start the game and led by 10 after 12 minutes. The Nets (25-38) took over in the second quarter, winning the frame 41-28 to take a three-point lead into halftime. The teams exchanged leads and baskets for much of the second half until the Pistons put together an 11-2 run midway through the fourth quarter and held onto their lead for the win. Detroit pushed its home record to 5-25 thanks to its 50-28 rebounding advantage over the Nets, whose road record dropped to 9-20 following the loss.
Brooklyn was led by Dennis Schroder, who finished with 31 points on 12-for-17 shooting and eight assists. Lonnie Walker led the bench with 21 points and four rebounds. Nic Claxton tallied 15 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and three blocks for his 23rd double-double of the season. Mikal Bridges added 13 points and seven assists, while Dorian Finney-Smith contributed 13 points, three rebounds and three steals.
Jaden Ivey led the Pistons with 34 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Cade Cunningham finished with 32 points, five rebounds and 11 assists for his 12th double-double of the season. Ausar Thompson added 14 points, seven rebounds and three assists, while Jalen Duren had 12 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and two steals for his 34th double-double of the season. James Wiseman led the bench with 10 points and three rebounds.
Both teams will play their next games on March 9. The Nets will visit the Charlotte Hornets, while the Pistons host the Dallas Mavericks.
It was the home team Pistons (10-52) who got off to an 8-0 run to start the game and led by 10 after 12 minutes. The Nets (25-38) took over in the second quarter, winning the frame 41-28 to take a three-point lead into halftime. The teams exchanged leads and baskets for much of the second half until the Pistons put together an 11-2 run midway through the fourth quarter and held onto their lead for the win. Detroit pushed its home record to 5-25 thanks to its 50-28 rebounding advantage over the Nets, whose road record dropped to 9-20 following the loss.
Brooklyn was led by Dennis Schroder, who finished with 31 points on 12-for-17 shooting and eight assists. Lonnie Walker led the bench with 21 points and four rebounds. Nic Claxton tallied 15 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and three blocks for his 23rd double-double of the season. Mikal Bridges added 13 points and seven assists, while Dorian Finney-Smith contributed 13 points, three rebounds and three steals.
Jaden Ivey led the Pistons with 34 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Cade Cunningham finished with 32 points, five rebounds and 11 assists for his 12th double-double of the season. Ausar Thompson added 14 points, seven rebounds and three assists, while Jalen Duren had 12 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and two steals for his 34th double-double of the season. James Wiseman led the bench with 10 points and three rebounds.
Both teams will play their next games on March 9. The Nets will visit the Charlotte Hornets, while the Pistons host the Dallas Mavericks.
Timberwolves React Late To Defeat Pacers
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Indiana Pacers, 113-111, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Thursday.
The Timberwolves (44-19) and the Pacers (35-29) played a tightly contested affair Thursday. The game went down to the wire and was only decided in the final seconds when Anthony Edwards decided to go beast mode. The star guard, who exited the game to go into the locker room twice during the first half, scored Minnesota’s final eight points over the last 1:20 and carried the Wolves to victory against an Indiana team that never gave up. The Timberwolves got off to a stronger start, however, and raced to a 33-23 lead in the first quarter. A 27-26 bolstered Minnesota’s lead to 11 points at the break, but the Pacers would respond in the second half. A 34-23 score in the third quarter, driven mainly by Indiana’s improvements on the defensive end, tied the game with only 12 minutes to play. Both teams went back and forth throughout the fourth quarter, but the Timberwolves executed better down the stretch. That allowed the Timberwolves to secure the victory. With the win, the Pacers moved to 20-13 at home, while the Timberwolves moved to 21-11 on the road.
Anthony Edwards led the way for the Timberwolves with 44 points and six rebounds. Rudy Gobert posted 18 points and 14 rebounds. Jaden McDaniels chipped in with 11 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Naz Reid added 13 points and eight rebounds while coming off the bench. The Timberwolves shot 46.9 percent from the field and 28 percent from beyond the arc.
Tyrese Haliburton was Indiana’s best player with a double-double of 23 points and 13 assists. Pascal Siakam was their leading scorer with 24 points, but he also added four boards. Myles Turner had 12 points and seven rebounds. Jalen Smith ended with 14 points coming off the bench. Indiana shot 51.2 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from deep.
The Timberwolves (44-19) and the Pacers (35-29) played a tightly contested affair Thursday. The game went down to the wire and was only decided in the final seconds when Anthony Edwards decided to go beast mode. The star guard, who exited the game to go into the locker room twice during the first half, scored Minnesota’s final eight points over the last 1:20 and carried the Wolves to victory against an Indiana team that never gave up. The Timberwolves got off to a stronger start, however, and raced to a 33-23 lead in the first quarter. A 27-26 bolstered Minnesota’s lead to 11 points at the break, but the Pacers would respond in the second half. A 34-23 score in the third quarter, driven mainly by Indiana’s improvements on the defensive end, tied the game with only 12 minutes to play. Both teams went back and forth throughout the fourth quarter, but the Timberwolves executed better down the stretch. That allowed the Timberwolves to secure the victory. With the win, the Pacers moved to 20-13 at home, while the Timberwolves moved to 21-11 on the road.
Anthony Edwards led the way for the Timberwolves with 44 points and six rebounds. Rudy Gobert posted 18 points and 14 rebounds. Jaden McDaniels chipped in with 11 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Naz Reid added 13 points and eight rebounds while coming off the bench. The Timberwolves shot 46.9 percent from the field and 28 percent from beyond the arc.
Tyrese Haliburton was Indiana’s best player with a double-double of 23 points and 13 assists. Pascal Siakam was their leading scorer with 24 points, but he also added four boards. Myles Turner had 12 points and seven rebounds. Jalen Smith ended with 14 points coming off the bench. Indiana shot 51.2 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from deep.
Mavericks Top Heat, 114-108
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Miami Heat, 111-104, at American Airlines Center on Thursday night.
The Heat (35-27) came into the game still short-handed due to the ongoing absence of Tyler Herro, but they were hot early and took a 36-28 lead through one. However, the Mavericks (35-28) managed to outscore the Heat, 63-47, during the middle periods to take their own eight-point advantage into the fourth quarter., providing just enough cushion for an eventual hard-fought victory.
Terry Rozier's 27-point, 11-assist double-double, which included six rebounds, led the Heat. Duncan Robinson supplied 19 points, four rebounds and two assists. Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler produced matching 14-point, five-assist, two-steal contributions while recording nine and four rebounds, respectively. Jaime Jaquez and Caleb Martin went for 13 points and two assists apiece while adding six and three rebounds, respectively.
Luka Doncic's 35-point, 11-rebound, 11-assist triple-double led the Mavericks. Kyrie Irving totaled 23 points, four boards, four assists, one steal and one block. Dante Exum furnished 13 points, five assists and four rebounds. Daniel Gafford registered 12 points, seven boards, one steal and one block. Tim Hardaway netted 11 points while P.J. Washington posted 10 points, eight rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.
The Heat visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night, while the Mavericks visit the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night.
The Heat (35-27) came into the game still short-handed due to the ongoing absence of Tyler Herro, but they were hot early and took a 36-28 lead through one. However, the Mavericks (35-28) managed to outscore the Heat, 63-47, during the middle periods to take their own eight-point advantage into the fourth quarter., providing just enough cushion for an eventual hard-fought victory.
Terry Rozier's 27-point, 11-assist double-double, which included six rebounds, led the Heat. Duncan Robinson supplied 19 points, four rebounds and two assists. Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler produced matching 14-point, five-assist, two-steal contributions while recording nine and four rebounds, respectively. Jaime Jaquez and Caleb Martin went for 13 points and two assists apiece while adding six and three rebounds, respectively.
Luka Doncic's 35-point, 11-rebound, 11-assist triple-double led the Mavericks. Kyrie Irving totaled 23 points, four boards, four assists, one steal and one block. Dante Exum furnished 13 points, five assists and four rebounds. Daniel Gafford registered 12 points, seven boards, one steal and one block. Tim Hardaway netted 11 points while P.J. Washington posted 10 points, eight rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.
The Heat visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night, while the Mavericks visit the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night.
Suns Best Raptors, 120-113
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Toronto Raptors, 120-113, at Footprint Center on Thursday night.
The Suns (37-26) checked in as heavy home favorites despite the absence of Devin Booker due to an ankle injury, and they quickly validated that standing with a 39-25 lead through one. Phoenix still held that same advantage at halftime after matching the Raptors (23-40) point for point in the second quarter, but Toronto finally was able to slice its deficit in half during the third quarter. However, the hosts were able to hold firm in the final 12 minutes, once again staying step for step with the visitors to close out a seven-point win.
Gary Trent Jr. led the Raptors with 30 points, adding three rebounds. RJ Barrett delivered 23 points, four assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Immanuel Quickley generated a 21-point, 18-assist double-double that included nine rebounds and one steal. Gradey Dick netted 12 points, while Chris Boucher totaled 11 points, nine rebounds and two assists.
Kevin Durant paced the Suns with 35 points, supplementing them with three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Grayson Allen furnished 26 points, three rebounds, three assists and one block. Bradley Beal turned in 20 points, eight assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Bol Bol and Royce O'Neal posted 11 and 10 points, respectively, while recording eight rebounds and one steal apiece. O'Neale added six assists.
The Raptors remain on the road and visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night, while the Suns host the Boston Celtics on Saturday night as well.
The Suns (37-26) checked in as heavy home favorites despite the absence of Devin Booker due to an ankle injury, and they quickly validated that standing with a 39-25 lead through one. Phoenix still held that same advantage at halftime after matching the Raptors (23-40) point for point in the second quarter, but Toronto finally was able to slice its deficit in half during the third quarter. However, the hosts were able to hold firm in the final 12 minutes, once again staying step for step with the visitors to close out a seven-point win.
Gary Trent Jr. led the Raptors with 30 points, adding three rebounds. RJ Barrett delivered 23 points, four assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Immanuel Quickley generated a 21-point, 18-assist double-double that included nine rebounds and one steal. Gradey Dick netted 12 points, while Chris Boucher totaled 11 points, nine rebounds and two assists.
Kevin Durant paced the Suns with 35 points, supplementing them with three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Grayson Allen furnished 26 points, three rebounds, three assists and one block. Bradley Beal turned in 20 points, eight assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Bol Bol and Royce O'Neal posted 11 and 10 points, respectively, while recording eight rebounds and one steal apiece. O'Neale added six assists.
The Raptors remain on the road and visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night, while the Suns host the Boston Celtics on Saturday night as well.
Nuggets Hold On At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Boston Celtics, 115-109, at Ball Arena on Thursday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Nuggets held a, 30-28, lead after one quarter. They picked up momentum in the second and led through the quarter to take an eight-point lead into the break. The Celtics got out to a better start in the third, but the hosts rallied to a 10-point lead entering the final frame. The Nuggets stayed in front through fourth and closed out their seventh win in eight games. This marks the second straight loss for the Celtics.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 32 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists and a steal, in 39 minutes. Jamal Murray followed up with 19 points, six rebounds, eight assists and two steals, while Aaron Gordon added 16 points, nine rebounds and a steal.
Meanwhile, Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 41 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 41 minutes. Kristaps Porzingis followed up with 24 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, while Jayson Tatum finished with 15 points, four rebounds, eight assists and two steals.
The Celtics (48-13) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Suns in Phoenix on Saturday. The Nuggets (42-20) play host to the Jazz on Saturday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Nuggets held a, 30-28, lead after one quarter. They picked up momentum in the second and led through the quarter to take an eight-point lead into the break. The Celtics got out to a better start in the third, but the hosts rallied to a 10-point lead entering the final frame. The Nuggets stayed in front through fourth and closed out their seventh win in eight games. This marks the second straight loss for the Celtics.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 32 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists and a steal, in 39 minutes. Jamal Murray followed up with 19 points, six rebounds, eight assists and two steals, while Aaron Gordon added 16 points, nine rebounds and a steal.
Meanwhile, Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 41 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 41 minutes. Kristaps Porzingis followed up with 24 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, while Jayson Tatum finished with 15 points, four rebounds, eight assists and two steals.
The Celtics (48-13) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Suns in Phoenix on Saturday. The Nuggets (42-20) play host to the Jazz on Saturday.
Bulls Defeat Warriors, 125-122
The Chicago Bulls defeated the host Golden State Warriors, 125-122, at Chase Center on Thursday.
There were 13 ties and 22 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 13 points. With that said, Chicago finished the game on a 7-3 run over the final 26 seconds, with Brandin Podziemski missing a wide-open game-tying lay-up with 6.8 seconds remaining. The Bulls shot 53 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while the Warriors shot 45 percent from the field and 26 percent from long range. Chicago's starters outscored Golden State's starters, 105-64.
The Bulls (31-32) were led by DeMar DeRozan, finishing with 33 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Nikola Vucevic collected 33 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Coby White compiled 20 points, four rebounds, seven assists and three steals, while Ayo Dosunmu amassed 14 points, three rebounds, six assists and two blocks.
The Warriors (33-29) were led by Klay Thompson, providing 25 points, two assists and two steals off the bench. Jonathan Kuminga led the starters with 19 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Stephen Curry had 15 points and three rebounds but suffered a leg injury in the fourth quarter. Draymond Green accumulated 11 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists and two blocks.
On deck for Chicago is a road matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday. As for Golden State, they play host to the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday as well.
There were 13 ties and 22 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 13 points. With that said, Chicago finished the game on a 7-3 run over the final 26 seconds, with Brandin Podziemski missing a wide-open game-tying lay-up with 6.8 seconds remaining. The Bulls shot 53 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while the Warriors shot 45 percent from the field and 26 percent from long range. Chicago's starters outscored Golden State's starters, 105-64.
The Bulls (31-32) were led by DeMar DeRozan, finishing with 33 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Nikola Vucevic collected 33 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Coby White compiled 20 points, four rebounds, seven assists and three steals, while Ayo Dosunmu amassed 14 points, three rebounds, six assists and two blocks.
The Warriors (33-29) were led by Klay Thompson, providing 25 points, two assists and two steals off the bench. Jonathan Kuminga led the starters with 19 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Stephen Curry had 15 points and three rebounds but suffered a leg injury in the fourth quarter. Draymond Green accumulated 11 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists and two blocks.
On deck for Chicago is a road matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday. As for Golden State, they play host to the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday as well.
Kings Defeat Spurs, 131-129
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 131-129, at Golden One Center on Thursday.
There were nine ties and 11 lead changes in this game, but the most impactful one happened in the final minute. Despite San Antonio getting out to a game-high lead late in the fourth quarter, Sacramento closed their win on a 7-0 run to prevail. The Spurs missed three shots in the final 31 seconds. The Kings dominated down low, out-rebounding the Spurs, 56-40, while outscoring them in the paint, 76-52. They also outscored them in second-chance points, 16-6.
The Spurs (13-50) were led by Devin Vassell, tallying 30 points, five rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Zach Collins collected 22 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Jeremy Sochan had nine points, eight rebounds and two assists, while Tre Jones led the team with 12 assists. Keldon Johnson had 22 points, three rebounds and four assists off the bench, while Malaki Branham amassed 23 points and four assists.
The Kings (36-26) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 33 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals. Domantas Sabonis provided 31 points, 17 rebounds and nine assists. Harrison Barnes amassed 17 points and two assists, while Malik Monk led the bench with 18 points, seven rebounds and nine assists.
On deck for San Antonio is a road matchup with the Golden State Warriors on Saturday. As for Sacramento, they remain home to play the Houston Rockets on Sunday for their next outing.
There were nine ties and 11 lead changes in this game, but the most impactful one happened in the final minute. Despite San Antonio getting out to a game-high lead late in the fourth quarter, Sacramento closed their win on a 7-0 run to prevail. The Spurs missed three shots in the final 31 seconds. The Kings dominated down low, out-rebounding the Spurs, 56-40, while outscoring them in the paint, 76-52. They also outscored them in second-chance points, 16-6.
The Spurs (13-50) were led by Devin Vassell, tallying 30 points, five rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Zach Collins collected 22 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Jeremy Sochan had nine points, eight rebounds and two assists, while Tre Jones led the team with 12 assists. Keldon Johnson had 22 points, three rebounds and four assists off the bench, while Malaki Branham amassed 23 points and four assists.
The Kings (36-26) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 33 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals. Domantas Sabonis provided 31 points, 17 rebounds and nine assists. Harrison Barnes amassed 17 points and two assists, while Malik Monk led the bench with 18 points, seven rebounds and nine assists.
On deck for San Antonio is a road matchup with the Golden State Warriors on Saturday. As for Sacramento, they remain home to play the Houston Rockets on Sunday for their next outing.