Harden's triple-double powers Clippers past Bulls on Saturday
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Chicago Bulls, 112-102, at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday.
It was the visiting Bulls (31-33) who took control of the game early, as they won the first two quarters and entered halftime with an 11-point lead. The Clippers (41-21) took over in the second half, winning the third frame 37-28 to cut the deficit to two, and followed that up with a 11-0 run at the start of the fourth quarter. Los Angeles was able to maintain its lead down the stretch to improve its home record to 22-8, while Chicago fell to 15-18 on the road.
Demar DeRozan led the Bulls with 24 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists for his sixth double-double of the season. Nikola Vucevic registered his 37th double-double of the year with 22 points, 11 rebounds and two assists. Coby White chipped in 19 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Ayo Dosunmu added 13 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals. Alex Caruso filled the box score with nine points, six assists, two blocks and four steals.
The Clippers were led by Paul George who finished with 22 points, five rebounds, nine assists, three blocks and two steals. Kawhi Leonard tallied 19 points, nine rebounds and four assists, while Norman Powell led the bench with 18 points and four rebounds. Ivica Zubac contributed 16 points, nine rebounds and two assists. James Harden notched his second triple-double of the season with 14 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
Next up, the Clippers host the Milwaukee Bucks on March 10, while the Bulls host the Dallas Mavericks on March 11.
It was the visiting Bulls (31-33) who took control of the game early, as they won the first two quarters and entered halftime with an 11-point lead. The Clippers (41-21) took over in the second half, winning the third frame 37-28 to cut the deficit to two, and followed that up with a 11-0 run at the start of the fourth quarter. Los Angeles was able to maintain its lead down the stretch to improve its home record to 22-8, while Chicago fell to 15-18 on the road.
Demar DeRozan led the Bulls with 24 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists for his sixth double-double of the season. Nikola Vucevic registered his 37th double-double of the year with 22 points, 11 rebounds and two assists. Coby White chipped in 19 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Ayo Dosunmu added 13 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals. Alex Caruso filled the box score with nine points, six assists, two blocks and four steals.
The Clippers were led by Paul George who finished with 22 points, five rebounds, nine assists, three blocks and two steals. Kawhi Leonard tallied 19 points, nine rebounds and four assists, while Norman Powell led the bench with 18 points and four rebounds. Ivica Zubac contributed 16 points, nine rebounds and two assists. James Harden notched his second triple-double of the season with 14 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
Next up, the Clippers host the Milwaukee Bucks on March 10, while the Bulls host the Dallas Mavericks on March 11.
Mavericks Cruise To Victory Over Pistons
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Detroit Pistons, 142-124, at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday.
The Mavericks (36-28) always looked on top and didn’t have problems to get past the Pistons (10-53) on the road. Dallas grabbed the lead early, but the Pistons competed hard, meaning the differential was just two points after the first quarter and four at halftime. However, Dallas would pull away for good in the third quarter, and a 35-23 score in the opening 12 minutes of the first half pulled away the Mavs for good. Even though the Pistons tried to fight back, they couldn't mount a comeback. The Mavericks closed things out with a 38-36 score in the final quarter. With the win, the Mavericks moved to 17-13 on the road. Meanwhile, the Pistons fell to 5-26 at home.
Luka Doncic made history in this win Saturday, becoming the first player in NBA history to finish with six straight triple-doubles of at least 35 points. He posted 39 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Kyrie Irving delivered 21 points, five assists and three rebounds. Daniel Gafford recorded 17 points and seven rebounds. Derrick Jones Jr. ended with 12 points and four steals. Tim Hardaway Jr. added 17 points off the bench.
Cade Cunningham dazzled for the Pistons with a 33-point, 10-assist, nine-rebound performance, but his efforts were not enough. Jaden Ivey posted 17 points, four assists, six rebounds and two steals. Simone Fontecchio dazzled off the bench en route to posting a career-high 27 points. James Wiseman had 17 points and 11 rebounds in place of Jalen Duren, who was ejected in the second half.
The Mavericks (36-28) always looked on top and didn’t have problems to get past the Pistons (10-53) on the road. Dallas grabbed the lead early, but the Pistons competed hard, meaning the differential was just two points after the first quarter and four at halftime. However, Dallas would pull away for good in the third quarter, and a 35-23 score in the opening 12 minutes of the first half pulled away the Mavs for good. Even though the Pistons tried to fight back, they couldn't mount a comeback. The Mavericks closed things out with a 38-36 score in the final quarter. With the win, the Mavericks moved to 17-13 on the road. Meanwhile, the Pistons fell to 5-26 at home.
Luka Doncic made history in this win Saturday, becoming the first player in NBA history to finish with six straight triple-doubles of at least 35 points. He posted 39 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Kyrie Irving delivered 21 points, five assists and three rebounds. Daniel Gafford recorded 17 points and seven rebounds. Derrick Jones Jr. ended with 12 points and four steals. Tim Hardaway Jr. added 17 points off the bench.
Cade Cunningham dazzled for the Pistons with a 33-point, 10-assist, nine-rebound performance, but his efforts were not enough. Jaden Ivey posted 17 points, four assists, six rebounds and two steals. Simone Fontecchio dazzled off the bench en route to posting a career-high 27 points. James Wiseman had 17 points and 11 rebounds in place of Jalen Duren, who was ejected in the second half.
Hornets Overcome Slow Start To Defeat Nets
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 110-99, at Spectrum Center on Saturday.
The Hornets (16-48) secured a comfortable win over the Nets (25-39) in front of a 19,090 crowd at Spectrum Center. It was a game where Charlotte endured a slow start, but the team didn’t let go of its lead as soon as it woke up. Brooklyn looked good in the early stages and raced to a 35-31 score in the first quarter. However, the Hornets responded in the second quarter and flipped things around with a 32-17 score, generating an 11-point lead at the break. A 30-27 score in the third quarter opened an even bigger breach with 12 minutes left, and the Hornets would close things out with a 20-17 score in the fourth quarter. With the win, the Hornets moved to 9-23 at home. Meanwhile, the Nets fell to 9-21 on the road.
Miles Bridges led the winning cause with 24 points, 10 rebounds and four assists for the Hornets. Brandon Miller had 23 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Nick Richards had 15 points and 11 rebounds. Vasilije Micic added 12 points and 10 assists. Davis Bertans chipped in with 11 points off the bench. The Hornets shot 54.3 percent from the field and 36.7 percent from three-point range.
Cam Thomas led the way for the Nets with 31 points and two assists. Dennis Schroder finished with 12 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Nic Claxton recorded a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double while adding two blocks. Mikal Bridges posted 19 points and four assists. The Nets shot 40 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three-point range.
The Hornets (16-48) secured a comfortable win over the Nets (25-39) in front of a 19,090 crowd at Spectrum Center. It was a game where Charlotte endured a slow start, but the team didn’t let go of its lead as soon as it woke up. Brooklyn looked good in the early stages and raced to a 35-31 score in the first quarter. However, the Hornets responded in the second quarter and flipped things around with a 32-17 score, generating an 11-point lead at the break. A 30-27 score in the third quarter opened an even bigger breach with 12 minutes left, and the Hornets would close things out with a 20-17 score in the fourth quarter. With the win, the Hornets moved to 9-23 at home. Meanwhile, the Nets fell to 9-21 on the road.
Miles Bridges led the winning cause with 24 points, 10 rebounds and four assists for the Hornets. Brandon Miller had 23 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Nick Richards had 15 points and 11 rebounds. Vasilije Micic added 12 points and 10 assists. Davis Bertans chipped in with 11 points off the bench. The Hornets shot 54.3 percent from the field and 36.7 percent from three-point range.
Cam Thomas led the way for the Nets with 31 points and two assists. Dennis Schroder finished with 12 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Nic Claxton recorded a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double while adding two blocks. Mikal Bridges posted 19 points and four assists. The Nets shot 40 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three-point range.
Spurs Top Warriors, 126-113
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Golden State Warriors, 126-113, at Chase Center on Saturday night.
The Spurs (14-50) came in as significant road underdogs with both Victor Wembanyama (ankle) and Devin Vassell (hip) sidelined, but there were signs early that a massive upset over the Stephen Curry-less Warriors (33-30) was potentially in store. San Antonio had a 32-27 lead through one, and after outscoring Golden State by a 30-16 margin in the second quarter, the visitors appeared to have a commanding advantage. The Dubs then played their best in the third quarter, but thanks to the Spurs' hot hand, the Warriors only put a two-point dent in their deficit and then couldn't make up the difference over the final 12 minutes.
Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with a 22-point, 10-assist double-double that included one assist. Jeremy Sochan and Malaki Branham produced matching 20-point efforts while recording five and three rebounds, respectively. Dominick Barlow delivered 19 points, eight rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Justin Champagnie tallied 17 points, seven rebounds, five assists and one block.
Klay Thompson paced the Warriors with 27 points, adding two rebounds, one assist and one block. Jonathan Kuminga supplied 26 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Trayce Jackson-Davis and Andrew Wiggins produced matching 11-point, six-rebound, one-steal efforts, with Jackson-Davis also recording three blocks. Chris Paul registered 10 points, nine assists, four rebounds and three steals.
The two teams reconvene for a rematch in San Antonio at AT & T Center on Tuesday night.
The Spurs (14-50) came in as significant road underdogs with both Victor Wembanyama (ankle) and Devin Vassell (hip) sidelined, but there were signs early that a massive upset over the Stephen Curry-less Warriors (33-30) was potentially in store. San Antonio had a 32-27 lead through one, and after outscoring Golden State by a 30-16 margin in the second quarter, the visitors appeared to have a commanding advantage. The Dubs then played their best in the third quarter, but thanks to the Spurs' hot hand, the Warriors only put a two-point dent in their deficit and then couldn't make up the difference over the final 12 minutes.
Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with a 22-point, 10-assist double-double that included one assist. Jeremy Sochan and Malaki Branham produced matching 20-point efforts while recording five and three rebounds, respectively. Dominick Barlow delivered 19 points, eight rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Justin Champagnie tallied 17 points, seven rebounds, five assists and one block.
Klay Thompson paced the Warriors with 27 points, adding two rebounds, one assist and one block. Jonathan Kuminga supplied 26 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Trayce Jackson-Davis and Andrew Wiggins produced matching 11-point, six-rebound, one-steal efforts, with Jackson-Davis also recording three blocks. Chris Paul registered 10 points, nine assists, four rebounds and three steals.
The two teams reconvene for a rematch in San Antonio at AT & T Center on Tuesday night.
Celtics Too Much For Suns In Phoenix
By Dan Bruno
The Boston Celtics defeated the host Phoenix Suns, 117-107, at Footprint Center on Saturday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start while the Celtics pulled to a five-point lead by the end of the first quarter. The visitors maintained the upper hand through the second and managed to build a 12-point advantage at the break. The Suns came out with a better effort in the third but were only able to trim it down to a nine-point game entering the final quarter. The Celtics regained their focus in the fourth and stayed in control the rest of the way to close out the road win and end a two-game slide. This also marks the end of a two-game win streak for the Suns.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 29 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and a steal, in 42 minutes. Jaylen Brown followed up with 27 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Al Horford logged nine points, 12 rebounds, three assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, Kevin Durant led the Suns with 45 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 37 minutes. Bradley Beal followed up with 25 points, four assists and three steals, while Jusuf Nurkic totaled 11 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block.
The Suns (37-26) will look to bounce back as they take on the Cavs in Cleveland on Monday. The Celtics (48-14) take on the Trail Blazers in Portland on Monday.
The game got out to a competitive start while the Celtics pulled to a five-point lead by the end of the first quarter. The visitors maintained the upper hand through the second and managed to build a 12-point advantage at the break. The Suns came out with a better effort in the third but were only able to trim it down to a nine-point game entering the final quarter. The Celtics regained their focus in the fourth and stayed in control the rest of the way to close out the road win and end a two-game slide. This also marks the end of a two-game win streak for the Suns.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 29 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and a steal, in 42 minutes. Jaylen Brown followed up with 27 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Al Horford logged nine points, 12 rebounds, three assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, Kevin Durant led the Suns with 45 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 37 minutes. Bradley Beal followed up with 25 points, four assists and three steals, while Jusuf Nurkic totaled 11 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block.
The Suns (37-26) will look to bounce back as they take on the Cavs in Cleveland on Monday. The Celtics (48-14) take on the Trail Blazers in Portland on Monday.
Nuggets Dominate Visiting Jazz
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 142-121, at Ball Arena on Saturday evening.
The Nuggets jumped out to a great start and led, 38-22, after one quarter. They doubled down in the second and outscored the visitors, 40-22, in the frame to take a 34-point lead into the break. The Jazz turned things around in the third and outscored the hosts, 44-24, to cut it down to a 14-point game entering the final frame. The Nuggets regained focus in the fourth and finished strong to secure their second straight win. This also marks the second straight loss for the Jazz.
Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 37 points, three rebounds, seven assists and two steals, in 37 minutes. Nikola Jokic followed up with 26 points, six rebounds, eight assists, a steal and two blocks, while Michael Porter tallied 19 points, four rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block.
Meanwhile, Keyonte George led the Jazz with 29 points, five rebounds and six assists, in 38 minutes. Jordan Clarkson followed up with 22 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals, while John Collins logged 19 points and seven rebounds.
The Jazz (28-36) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Celtics on Tuesday. The Nuggets (44-20) play host to the Raptors on Monday.
The Nuggets jumped out to a great start and led, 38-22, after one quarter. They doubled down in the second and outscored the visitors, 40-22, in the frame to take a 34-point lead into the break. The Jazz turned things around in the third and outscored the hosts, 44-24, to cut it down to a 14-point game entering the final frame. The Nuggets regained focus in the fourth and finished strong to secure their second straight win. This also marks the second straight loss for the Jazz.
Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 37 points, three rebounds, seven assists and two steals, in 37 minutes. Nikola Jokic followed up with 26 points, six rebounds, eight assists, a steal and two blocks, while Michael Porter tallied 19 points, four rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block.
Meanwhile, Keyonte George led the Jazz with 29 points, five rebounds and six assists, in 38 minutes. Jordan Clarkson followed up with 22 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals, while John Collins logged 19 points and seven rebounds.
The Jazz (28-36) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Celtics on Tuesday. The Nuggets (44-20) play host to the Raptors on Monday.
Blazers Defeat Raptors in OT, 128-118
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Toronto Raptors in OT, 128-118, at Moda Center on Saturday.
Toronto scored the first basket of this game but that was the only lead they had. Strangely, it still took an overtime session to determine a winner, despite there being just two ties in this game. Portland took care of business in the extra session, outscoring Toronto in the overtime, 15-5. A 33-16 first quarter allowed them to maintain the lead for all but that opening shot but Toronto got the game into the extra frame behind a 67-50 second half. Portland won the turnover battle, 20-14, while outscoring the Raptors in the paint, 54-44.
The Raptors (23-41) were led by Immanuel Quickley, collecting 29 points, three rebounds and seven assists. Gary Trent totaled 23 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kelly Olynyk compiled 15 points, six rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks. Chris Boucher led the bench with 16 points, eight rebounds, two assists and three blocks.
The Trail Blazers (18-45) were led by Deandre Ayton, accruing 30 points, 19 rebounds and two steals. Dalano Banton amassed 25 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Anfernee Simons tallied 23 points, four rebounds and seven assists, while Toumani Camara had 15 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Matisse Thybulle and Scoot Henderson led the bench with 13 points apiece.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Toronto traveling to face the Denver Nuggets and Portland remaining home to play the Boston Celtics.
Toronto scored the first basket of this game but that was the only lead they had. Strangely, it still took an overtime session to determine a winner, despite there being just two ties in this game. Portland took care of business in the extra session, outscoring Toronto in the overtime, 15-5. A 33-16 first quarter allowed them to maintain the lead for all but that opening shot but Toronto got the game into the extra frame behind a 67-50 second half. Portland won the turnover battle, 20-14, while outscoring the Raptors in the paint, 54-44.
The Raptors (23-41) were led by Immanuel Quickley, collecting 29 points, three rebounds and seven assists. Gary Trent totaled 23 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kelly Olynyk compiled 15 points, six rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks. Chris Boucher led the bench with 16 points, eight rebounds, two assists and three blocks.
The Trail Blazers (18-45) were led by Deandre Ayton, accruing 30 points, 19 rebounds and two steals. Dalano Banton amassed 25 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Anfernee Simons tallied 23 points, four rebounds and seven assists, while Toumani Camara had 15 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Matisse Thybulle and Scoot Henderson led the bench with 13 points apiece.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Toronto traveling to face the Denver Nuggets and Portland remaining home to play the Boston Celtics.