Pelicans Cruise To Win Over Sixers
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 103-95, at Wells Fargo Center on Friday.
The Pelicans (38-25) enjoyed a dominant start and didn’t have problems cruising their way to an easy win over the 76ers (35-28). It’s not a secret that Philadelphia is depleted and missing some key players, but New Orleans simply outplayed the Sixers from start to finish. New Orleans quickly built a double-digit lead in the first quarter and raced to a 36-15 following the opening 12 minutes, setting up the tone of the game. A 27-19 score in the second quarter bolstered New Orleans’ lead even further. By the time the first half ended, the Pelicans were up by 29 points. The Sixers responded with a 27-21 score in the third quarter, but the Pelicans were still up by 20-plus points with 12 minutes left. The Sixers outscored New Orleans by a 34-19 score in the fourth quarter, but that was not enough to mount a comeback, and the Pelicans still won rather comfortably. With the win, the Pelicans moved to 20-13 on the road, while the Sixers fell to 19-15 at home.
Zion Williamson led the way for the Pelicans with 23 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and two steals. Brandon Ingram finished with 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Jonas Valanciunas grabbed 10 rebounds but only scored six points. CJ McCollum notched 10 points despite shooting just 5-for-14 from the field. Naji Marshall delivered 19 points coming off the bench. The Pelicans shot 44.3 percent from the field.
Tobias Harris led the way for the Sixers with 21 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three steals. Kelly Oubre Jr. was the only other starter who scored in double digits for the 76ers, posting 20 points and seven rebounds. Paul Reed notched 13 points and 11 rebounds despite not starting. Cameron Payne posted 13 points and four assists off the bench. The Sixers shot 39.8 percent from the floor.
The Pelicans (38-25) enjoyed a dominant start and didn’t have problems cruising their way to an easy win over the 76ers (35-28). It’s not a secret that Philadelphia is depleted and missing some key players, but New Orleans simply outplayed the Sixers from start to finish. New Orleans quickly built a double-digit lead in the first quarter and raced to a 36-15 following the opening 12 minutes, setting up the tone of the game. A 27-19 score in the second quarter bolstered New Orleans’ lead even further. By the time the first half ended, the Pelicans were up by 29 points. The Sixers responded with a 27-21 score in the third quarter, but the Pelicans were still up by 20-plus points with 12 minutes left. The Sixers outscored New Orleans by a 34-19 score in the fourth quarter, but that was not enough to mount a comeback, and the Pelicans still won rather comfortably. With the win, the Pelicans moved to 20-13 on the road, while the Sixers fell to 19-15 at home.
Zion Williamson led the way for the Pelicans with 23 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and two steals. Brandon Ingram finished with 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Jonas Valanciunas grabbed 10 rebounds but only scored six points. CJ McCollum notched 10 points despite shooting just 5-for-14 from the field. Naji Marshall delivered 19 points coming off the bench. The Pelicans shot 44.3 percent from the field.
Tobias Harris led the way for the Sixers with 21 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three steals. Kelly Oubre Jr. was the only other starter who scored in double digits for the 76ers, posting 20 points and seven rebounds. Paul Reed notched 13 points and 11 rebounds despite not starting. Cameron Payne posted 13 points and four assists off the bench. The Sixers shot 39.8 percent from the floor.
Wizards Wake Up Late To Defeat Hornets
The Washington Wizards defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 112-100, at Capital One Arena on Friday.
The Wizards (10-53) finally reached double-digit wins and accomplished that feat against one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference, the Hornets (15-48). It was a game where Washington dominated right from the start, racing to a 24-16 lead after the first quarter. However, the Hornets showed a fighting spirit and responded with a 29-24 score in the second half, giving Washington a three-point lead at the break. The Hornets kept the momentum going and grabbed the lead following a 31-20 score in the third quarter. It seemed as if Charlotte was going to come away with the win, but the Wizards woke up just in time to flip the script. A 44-24 score in the final 12 minutes not only turned things around for Washington but also gave the Wizards a double-digit win. With the victory, the Wizards moved to 4-26 at home. Meanwhile, the Hornets fell to 7-25 on the road.
Kyle Kuzma led the way for the Wizards with 28 points, nine assists and eight rebounds. Richaun Holmes delivered a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double. Deni Avdija chipped in with 18 points, 14 rebounds. two assists and two blocks. Bilal Coulibaly recorded 11 points and four rebounds. Jordan Poole recorded 15 points, seven assists and five rebounds coming off the bench. The Wizards shot 49.4 percent from the field and 18.2 percent from three-point range.
Miles Bridges led the way for the Hornets with 32 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. Nick Richards posted a 10-point, 13-rebound double-double. Vasilije Micic ended with 14 points, three rebounds and three assists. Brandon Miller posted 21 points and six rebounds. Davis Bertans contributed 11 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals off the bench. Charlotte shot 40 percent from the field and 21.4 percent from three-point range.
The Wizards (10-53) finally reached double-digit wins and accomplished that feat against one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference, the Hornets (15-48). It was a game where Washington dominated right from the start, racing to a 24-16 lead after the first quarter. However, the Hornets showed a fighting spirit and responded with a 29-24 score in the second half, giving Washington a three-point lead at the break. The Hornets kept the momentum going and grabbed the lead following a 31-20 score in the third quarter. It seemed as if Charlotte was going to come away with the win, but the Wizards woke up just in time to flip the script. A 44-24 score in the final 12 minutes not only turned things around for Washington but also gave the Wizards a double-digit win. With the victory, the Wizards moved to 4-26 at home. Meanwhile, the Hornets fell to 7-25 on the road.
Kyle Kuzma led the way for the Wizards with 28 points, nine assists and eight rebounds. Richaun Holmes delivered a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double. Deni Avdija chipped in with 18 points, 14 rebounds. two assists and two blocks. Bilal Coulibaly recorded 11 points and four rebounds. Jordan Poole recorded 15 points, seven assists and five rebounds coming off the bench. The Wizards shot 49.4 percent from the field and 18.2 percent from three-point range.
Miles Bridges led the way for the Hornets with 32 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. Nick Richards posted a 10-point, 13-rebound double-double. Vasilije Micic ended with 14 points, three rebounds and three assists. Brandon Miller posted 21 points and six rebounds. Davis Bertans contributed 11 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals off the bench. Charlotte shot 40 percent from the field and 21.4 percent from three-point range.
Cavaliers Outlast Timberwolves in OT, 113-104
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in overtime, 113-104, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Friday night.
A low-scoring and hard-fought first half between two teams dealing with key injuries ended with the Cavaliers holding a slim 54-50 lead. However, the Timberwolves (44-19) were able to erase their deficit and build a one-point advantage going into the final period, and Cleveland managed to force overtime following a fourth quarter in which only 35 points were scored. The hosts then carried the momentum into the extra period, finishing on a 14-4 run in the final 3:48 to win going away.
Naz Reid led the Timberwolves with 34 points, adding five rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Anthony Edwards supplied 19 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Jaden McDaniels compiled 13 points, five rebounds and two assists. Kyle Anderson recorded 10 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal.
Darius Garland paced the Cavaliers with 34 points, supplementing them with eight assists and four rebounds. Jarrett Allen generated a 33-point, 18-rebound double-double that included three assist, two steals and two blocks. Georges Niang totaled 16 points, six rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Caris LeVert registered 15 points, eight assists, five rebounds, three steals and one block.
The Timberwolves visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night, while the Cavaliers remain home and host the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday night as well.
A low-scoring and hard-fought first half between two teams dealing with key injuries ended with the Cavaliers holding a slim 54-50 lead. However, the Timberwolves (44-19) were able to erase their deficit and build a one-point advantage going into the final period, and Cleveland managed to force overtime following a fourth quarter in which only 35 points were scored. The hosts then carried the momentum into the extra period, finishing on a 14-4 run in the final 3:48 to win going away.
Naz Reid led the Timberwolves with 34 points, adding five rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Anthony Edwards supplied 19 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Jaden McDaniels compiled 13 points, five rebounds and two assists. Kyle Anderson recorded 10 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal.
Darius Garland paced the Cavaliers with 34 points, supplementing them with eight assists and four rebounds. Jarrett Allen generated a 33-point, 18-rebound double-double that included three assist, two steals and two blocks. Georges Niang totaled 16 points, six rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Caris LeVert registered 15 points, eight assists, five rebounds, three steals and one block.
The Timberwolves visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night, while the Cavaliers remain home and host the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday night as well.
Knicks Dominate Magic, 98-74
The New York Knicks defeated the Orlando Magic, 98-74, at Madison Square Garden on Friday night.
The Knicks (37-26) were clicking on all cylinders defensively right from outset, allowing just 39 first-half points to the Magic (37-27) on the way to a 16-point lead at intermission. New York was then even more dominant in the third quarter while holding Orlando to 15 points and building a 26-point advantage ahead of a final period that was a mere formality.
Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 23 points, adding nine rebounds, two assists, four blocks and two steals. Franz Wagner furnished 13 points, four boards and one steal. Jonathan Isaac delivered 11 points, six rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with 26 points, supplementing them with three rebounds and two assists. Josh Hart delivered 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Precious Achiuwa generated a 15-point, 14-rebound double-double that included four assists, five blocks and two steals. Miles McBride finished with 14 points, three rebounds, one assist and two steals. Donte DiVincenzo supplied 11 points, six assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block.
The Magic returns home to host the Indiana Pacers on Sunday evening, while the Knicks remain home and host the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday night.
The Knicks (37-26) were clicking on all cylinders defensively right from outset, allowing just 39 first-half points to the Magic (37-27) on the way to a 16-point lead at intermission. New York was then even more dominant in the third quarter while holding Orlando to 15 points and building a 26-point advantage ahead of a final period that was a mere formality.
Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 23 points, adding nine rebounds, two assists, four blocks and two steals. Franz Wagner furnished 13 points, four boards and one steal. Jonathan Isaac delivered 11 points, six rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with 26 points, supplementing them with three rebounds and two assists. Josh Hart delivered 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Precious Achiuwa generated a 15-point, 14-rebound double-double that included four assists, five blocks and two steals. Miles McBride finished with 14 points, three rebounds, one assist and two steals. Donte DiVincenzo supplied 11 points, six assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block.
The Magic returns home to host the Indiana Pacers on Sunday evening, while the Knicks remain home and host the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday night.
Thunder Rally To Close Out Heat
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Miami Heat, 100-107, at Paycom Center on Friday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Heat held a, 29-27, lead after one quarter. The visitors picked up the pace in the second and outscored the Thunder by eight points in the quarter to take a 10-point advantage into the break. The hosts came out on another level in the third and outscored the Heat, 30-16, in the period to take a four-point edge into the final frame. The score stayed tight through the fourth, but the Thunder maintained a step ahead through the quarter to hang on for their second straight win. This also marks the second straight loss for the Heat.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 37 points, five rebounds, six assists, a steal and two blocks, in 36 minutes of action. Jalen Williams followed up with 15 points, five rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, while Josh Giddey totaled 11 points, nine rebounds and six assists.
Meanwhile, Jaime Jaquez led the Heat with 25 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals, in 31 minutes. Jimmy Butler followed up with 20 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, while Bam Adebayo finished with five points, 10 rebounds, four assists, a steal and two blocks.
The Heat (35-28) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Wizards on Sunday. The Thunder (44-19) play host to the Grizzlies on Sunday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Heat held a, 29-27, lead after one quarter. The visitors picked up the pace in the second and outscored the Thunder by eight points in the quarter to take a 10-point advantage into the break. The hosts came out on another level in the third and outscored the Heat, 30-16, in the period to take a four-point edge into the final frame. The score stayed tight through the fourth, but the Thunder maintained a step ahead through the quarter to hang on for their second straight win. This also marks the second straight loss for the Heat.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 37 points, five rebounds, six assists, a steal and two blocks, in 36 minutes of action. Jalen Williams followed up with 15 points, five rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, while Josh Giddey totaled 11 points, nine rebounds and six assists.
Meanwhile, Jaime Jaquez led the Heat with 25 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals, in 31 minutes. Jimmy Butler followed up with 20 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, while Bam Adebayo finished with five points, 10 rebounds, four assists, a steal and two blocks.
The Heat (35-28) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Wizards on Sunday. The Thunder (44-19) play host to the Grizzlies on Sunday.
Hawks Hold Off Grizzlies In Memphis
By Dan Bruno
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the host Memphis Grizzlies, 99-92, at FedEx Forum on Friday evening.
The Grizzlies jumped out to a great start and led, 31-20, after one quarter. The Hawks turned things around in the second and outscored the hosts, 26-15, to tie it up at 46, by halftime. The visitors kept the momentum going in the third and pushed their way to an eight-point lead entering the final frame. The Grizzlies kept up the fight in the fourth, but it was not enough as the Hawks closed out their third straight win.
Dejounte Murray led the Hawks with 41 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals, in 40 minutes. Bogdan Bogdanovic followed up with 16 points, six rebounds, three assists, a steal and two blocks, while Clint Capela added 15 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block.
Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies with 21 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks, in 35 minutes. Jake LaRavia and Vince Williams added 14 points each, while Santi Aldama and Lamar Stevens chipped in 13 points each.
The Grizzlies (22-42) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Thunder in OKC on Sunday. The Hawks (29-34) play host to the Pelicans on Sunday.
The Grizzlies jumped out to a great start and led, 31-20, after one quarter. The Hawks turned things around in the second and outscored the hosts, 26-15, to tie it up at 46, by halftime. The visitors kept the momentum going in the third and pushed their way to an eight-point lead entering the final frame. The Grizzlies kept up the fight in the fourth, but it was not enough as the Hawks closed out their third straight win.
Dejounte Murray led the Hawks with 41 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals, in 40 minutes. Bogdan Bogdanovic followed up with 16 points, six rebounds, three assists, a steal and two blocks, while Clint Capela added 15 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block.
Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies with 21 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks, in 35 minutes. Jake LaRavia and Vince Williams added 14 points each, while Santi Aldama and Lamar Stevens chipped in 13 points each.
The Grizzlies (22-42) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Thunder in OKC on Sunday. The Hawks (29-34) play host to the Pelicans on Sunday.
Lakers Defeat Bucks, 123-122
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Milwaukee Bucks, 123-122, at Crypto.com Arena on Friday.
While there were only four ties and six lead changes in this game, neither team led by more than 10 points. Milwaukee's largest lead was just six points, but they held that lead with 1:54 remaining. Los Angeles responded by closing the game on an 11-4 run, with D'Angelo Russell knocking down a game-winning floater with 5.9 seconds left. Damian Lillard had a game-winning attempt but was blocked by Spencer Dinwiddie. Los Angeles shot 52 percent from the field and 47 percent from three-point range while holding Milwaukee to 50 percent from the field and 39 percent from long range. The Lakers also out-blocked the Bucks, 7-2.
The Bucks (41-23) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, collecting 34 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists. Damian Lillard tallied 28 points, five rebounds and 12 assists. Malik Beasley had 14 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Pat Connaughton led the bench with 17 points and six rebounds. Bobby Portis totaled 14 points and eight boards.
The Lakers (35-30) were led by D'Angelo Russell, providing a career-high 44 points, six rebounds and nine assists. Anthony Davis accumulated 22 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Austin Reaves amassed 18 points, five rebounds and seven assists, while Rui Hachimura had 12 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Los Angeles remaining home to play the Minnesota Timberwolves and Milwaukee staying on the road to face the Los Angeles Clippers.
While there were only four ties and six lead changes in this game, neither team led by more than 10 points. Milwaukee's largest lead was just six points, but they held that lead with 1:54 remaining. Los Angeles responded by closing the game on an 11-4 run, with D'Angelo Russell knocking down a game-winning floater with 5.9 seconds left. Damian Lillard had a game-winning attempt but was blocked by Spencer Dinwiddie. Los Angeles shot 52 percent from the field and 47 percent from three-point range while holding Milwaukee to 50 percent from the field and 39 percent from long range. The Lakers also out-blocked the Bucks, 7-2.
The Bucks (41-23) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, collecting 34 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists. Damian Lillard tallied 28 points, five rebounds and 12 assists. Malik Beasley had 14 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Pat Connaughton led the bench with 17 points and six rebounds. Bobby Portis totaled 14 points and eight boards.
The Lakers (35-30) were led by D'Angelo Russell, providing a career-high 44 points, six rebounds and nine assists. Anthony Davis accumulated 22 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Austin Reaves amassed 18 points, five rebounds and seven assists, while Rui Hachimura had 12 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Los Angeles remaining home to play the Minnesota Timberwolves and Milwaukee staying on the road to face the Los Angeles Clippers.
Rockets Defeat Blazers, 123-107
The Houston Rockets defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 123-107, at Moda Center on Saturday.
While Portland led for the majority of the first half, Houston rode a 37-24 third quarter to their victory. A 31-20 fourth quarter completed a 68-44 second half, getting their lead up to 18 points at times in the closing minutes. The Rockets shot 48 percent from the field while holding the Trail Blazers below 42 percent shooting. Houston also recorded 33 assists to seven turnovers while Portland had 22 assists to 17 turnovers.
The Rockets (28-35) were led by Jalen Green, generating 27 points, three rebounds, five assists and two steals. Alperen Sengun accrued 19 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Fred VanVleet finished with 18 points and 10 assists, while Jabari Smith had 15 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Amen Thompson led the bench with 16 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and five blocks.
The Trail Blazers (17-45) were led by Dalano Banton, tallying 30 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Anfernee Simons amassed 23 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals. Duop Reath registered 16 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Kris Murray totaled 12 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.
Portland has to play again on Saturday, staying home to face the Toronto Raptors. As for Houston, they return to action on Sunday in a road matchup with the Sacramento Kings.
While Portland led for the majority of the first half, Houston rode a 37-24 third quarter to their victory. A 31-20 fourth quarter completed a 68-44 second half, getting their lead up to 18 points at times in the closing minutes. The Rockets shot 48 percent from the field while holding the Trail Blazers below 42 percent shooting. Houston also recorded 33 assists to seven turnovers while Portland had 22 assists to 17 turnovers.
The Rockets (28-35) were led by Jalen Green, generating 27 points, three rebounds, five assists and two steals. Alperen Sengun accrued 19 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Fred VanVleet finished with 18 points and 10 assists, while Jabari Smith had 15 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Amen Thompson led the bench with 16 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and five blocks.
The Trail Blazers (17-45) were led by Dalano Banton, tallying 30 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Anfernee Simons amassed 23 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals. Duop Reath registered 16 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Kris Murray totaled 12 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.
Portland has to play again on Saturday, staying home to face the Toronto Raptors. As for Houston, they return to action on Sunday in a road matchup with the Sacramento Kings.