Lillard, Antetokounmpo combine for 69 points to led Bucks past Clippers
The Milwaukee Bucks outlasted the Los Angeles Clippers, 124-117, at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday afternoon.
Sunday’s matinee was a close contest between top teams from each conference and involved 28 lead changes and stayed within single digits for most of the game. The Clippers (41-22) were without Kawhi Leonard (groin) and Paul George (knee), but managed to take a three-point lead into halftime. The Bucks (42-23) asserted its dominance with a 32-23 third quarter, and were able to withstand mini-runs from the home team down the stretch to improve their road record to 17-16. Los Angeles dropped to 22-9 at home following Sunday’s loss.
Damian Lillard led the Bucks with 35 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists for his 10th double-double of the season. Giannis Antetokounmpo registered his 49th double-double of the season and finished with 34 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists. Malik Beasley chipped in 17 points and four rebounds, while Bobby Portis led the bench with 11 points and eight rebounds. Brook Lopez added seven points, six rebounds and two blocks.
Norman Powell led the Clippers off the bench with 26 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Ivica Zubac led the starters with 18 points and six rebounds, while Terance Mann tallied 16 points, two rebounds and two blocks. Amir Coffey was inserted into the starting lineup and notched his second double-double of his career with 16 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. James Harden recorded his 18th double-double of the season with 13 points, five rebounds and 11 assists.
With Sunday’s game in the books, both teams will next play March 12. The Bucks will wrap up their four-game road trip against the Sacramento Kings, while the Clippers host the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Sunday’s matinee was a close contest between top teams from each conference and involved 28 lead changes and stayed within single digits for most of the game. The Clippers (41-22) were without Kawhi Leonard (groin) and Paul George (knee), but managed to take a three-point lead into halftime. The Bucks (42-23) asserted its dominance with a 32-23 third quarter, and were able to withstand mini-runs from the home team down the stretch to improve their road record to 17-16. Los Angeles dropped to 22-9 at home following Sunday’s loss.
Damian Lillard led the Bucks with 35 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists for his 10th double-double of the season. Giannis Antetokounmpo registered his 49th double-double of the season and finished with 34 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists. Malik Beasley chipped in 17 points and four rebounds, while Bobby Portis led the bench with 11 points and eight rebounds. Brook Lopez added seven points, six rebounds and two blocks.
Norman Powell led the Clippers off the bench with 26 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Ivica Zubac led the starters with 18 points and six rebounds, while Terance Mann tallied 16 points, two rebounds and two blocks. Amir Coffey was inserted into the starting lineup and notched his second double-double of his career with 16 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. James Harden recorded his 18th double-double of the season with 13 points, five rebounds and 11 assists.
With Sunday’s game in the books, both teams will next play March 12. The Bucks will wrap up their four-game road trip against the Sacramento Kings, while the Clippers host the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Pelicans Cruise To Win Over Hawks
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 116-103, at State Farm Arena on Sunday.
The Pelicans (39-25) are inching closer to the 40-win mark, and they’re just three wins away from securing a record of at least .500 to end the season. They didn’t have problems to get past the Hawks (29-35) in this one. New Orleans jumped to a six-point lead in the first quarter and never looked back. By the time the second quarter ended, the lead was 11 points for New Orleans, and they would extend it even more in the third quarter. A 27-23 score in the third quarter put the game out of Atlanta’s reach. Even though the Hawks won the final quarter by a 38-36 score, it ended up being an easy win for the Pelicans. With the win, New Orleans moved to 21-13 on the road, while the Hawks fell to 16-17 at home.
Zion Williamson led the way for the Pelicans with 27 points, seven assists and six rebounds. CJ McCollum was the only other player who scored in double digits after delivering 20 points, four rebounds and three assists. Brandon Ingram had only seven points after going 3-for-9 from the field. Trey Murphy III posted 28 points coming off the bench. Larry Nance Jr. had 10 points, three assists and four steals.
Bogdan Bogdanovic scored 25 points and dished out seven assists for the Hawks. Dejounte Murray posted 23 points and 11 assists. Clint Capela had 18 points and 14 rebounds. Saddiq Bey ended with 14 points, five rebounds and two assists. De’Andre Hunter contributed 12 points and six rebounds off the bench. Bruno Fernando had six points, 11 rebounds, two steals and three blocks across 22 minutes.
The Pelicans (39-25) are inching closer to the 40-win mark, and they’re just three wins away from securing a record of at least .500 to end the season. They didn’t have problems to get past the Hawks (29-35) in this one. New Orleans jumped to a six-point lead in the first quarter and never looked back. By the time the second quarter ended, the lead was 11 points for New Orleans, and they would extend it even more in the third quarter. A 27-23 score in the third quarter put the game out of Atlanta’s reach. Even though the Hawks won the final quarter by a 38-36 score, it ended up being an easy win for the Pelicans. With the win, New Orleans moved to 21-13 on the road, while the Hawks fell to 16-17 at home.
Zion Williamson led the way for the Pelicans with 27 points, seven assists and six rebounds. CJ McCollum was the only other player who scored in double digits after delivering 20 points, four rebounds and three assists. Brandon Ingram had only seven points after going 3-for-9 from the field. Trey Murphy III posted 28 points coming off the bench. Larry Nance Jr. had 10 points, three assists and four steals.
Bogdan Bogdanovic scored 25 points and dished out seven assists for the Hawks. Dejounte Murray posted 23 points and 11 assists. Clint Capela had 18 points and 14 rebounds. Saddiq Bey ended with 14 points, five rebounds and two assists. De’Andre Hunter contributed 12 points and six rebounds off the bench. Bruno Fernando had six points, 11 rebounds, two steals and three blocks across 22 minutes.
Wizards Pull Upset, Defeat Heat On Sunday
The Washington Wizards defeated the Miami Heat, 110-108, at Kaseya Center on Sunday.
The Wizards (11-53) pulled a huge upset with a strong, come-from-behind win over the Heat (35-29). Miami jumped to a 27-25 lead in the first quarter, and they’d bolster that advantage to six points after a 27-23 score in the second quarter. However, things changed dramatically after halftime. A 33-28 score in the third quarter made it a one-point game, but all the momentum was swinging toward Washington. The Wizards would end up closing things out with a 29-26 score in the final 12 minutes. With the win, the Wizards moved to 7-27 on the road, while the Heat fell to 17-14 at home.
Kyle Kuzma had 32 points, nine rebounds and four assists to lead the Wizards. Corey Kispert added 22 points, six assists and five rebounds. Deni Avdija ended with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Tyus Jones had a 12-point,16-assist double-double. Bilal Coulibaly recorded 11 points. Jordan Poole only had six points off the bench while shooting 2-for-6 from the field.
Jimmy Butler led the way for the Heat with 23 points, four assists and three rebounds. Bam Adebayo had an impressive double-double of 16 points and 16 rebounds. Duncan Robinson recorded 16 points while shooting 4-for-13 from three-point range. Terry Rozier also had 16 points, but he also added seven rebounds and four assists. Nikola Jovic added 10 points, six boards and four assists.
The Wizards (11-53) pulled a huge upset with a strong, come-from-behind win over the Heat (35-29). Miami jumped to a 27-25 lead in the first quarter, and they’d bolster that advantage to six points after a 27-23 score in the second quarter. However, things changed dramatically after halftime. A 33-28 score in the third quarter made it a one-point game, but all the momentum was swinging toward Washington. The Wizards would end up closing things out with a 29-26 score in the final 12 minutes. With the win, the Wizards moved to 7-27 on the road, while the Heat fell to 17-14 at home.
Kyle Kuzma had 32 points, nine rebounds and four assists to lead the Wizards. Corey Kispert added 22 points, six assists and five rebounds. Deni Avdija ended with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Tyus Jones had a 12-point,16-assist double-double. Bilal Coulibaly recorded 11 points. Jordan Poole only had six points off the bench while shooting 2-for-6 from the field.
Jimmy Butler led the way for the Heat with 23 points, four assists and three rebounds. Bam Adebayo had an impressive double-double of 16 points and 16 rebounds. Duncan Robinson recorded 16 points while shooting 4-for-13 from three-point range. Terry Rozier also had 16 points, but he also added seven rebounds and four assists. Nikola Jovic added 10 points, six boards and four assists.
Pacers Handle Magic, 111-97
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Orlando Magic, 111-97, at Amway Center on Sunday evening.
The Magic (37-28) opened the contest clicking on all cylinders defensively, as they owned a 24-18 lead after one. The Pacers (36-29) were able to wake up offensively in the second and score 29 points, but that only led to a three-point dent in their deficit. However, Indiana's third quarter turned the tide of the game for good, as the visitors outscored the home squad by a 39-21 margin to take a lead that would prove to be enough for a solid double-digit victory.
Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton co-led the Pacers with matching 20-point, seven-rebound efforts while also recording eight and three assists, respectively. Obi Toppin and T.J. McConnell went for 17 points apiece while posting eight and six rebounds, respectively. McConnell also handed out six assists and tallied two steals. Aaron Nesmith furnished 16 points, five rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Myles Turner delivered 12 points, eight rebounds and six blocks.
Paolo Banchero paced the Magic with 19 points, complementing them with five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Cole Anthony supplied 16 points, three assists and two rebounds. Wendell Carter, Jr. provided a 13-point, 15-rebound double-double that included two assists, one steal and one block. Franz Wagner matched Carter's scoring and also collected four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Joe Ingles managed 11 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Pacers next visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night, while the Magic remains home and hosts the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night.
The Magic (37-28) opened the contest clicking on all cylinders defensively, as they owned a 24-18 lead after one. The Pacers (36-29) were able to wake up offensively in the second and score 29 points, but that only led to a three-point dent in their deficit. However, Indiana's third quarter turned the tide of the game for good, as the visitors outscored the home squad by a 39-21 margin to take a lead that would prove to be enough for a solid double-digit victory.
Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton co-led the Pacers with matching 20-point, seven-rebound efforts while also recording eight and three assists, respectively. Obi Toppin and T.J. McConnell went for 17 points apiece while posting eight and six rebounds, respectively. McConnell also handed out six assists and tallied two steals. Aaron Nesmith furnished 16 points, five rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Myles Turner delivered 12 points, eight rebounds and six blocks.
Paolo Banchero paced the Magic with 19 points, complementing them with five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Cole Anthony supplied 16 points, three assists and two rebounds. Wendell Carter, Jr. provided a 13-point, 15-rebound double-double that included two assists, one steal and one block. Franz Wagner matched Carter's scoring and also collected four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Joe Ingles managed 11 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Pacers next visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night, while the Magic remains home and hosts the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night.
Rockets Hold Off Kings In Sacramento
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings, 112-104, at Golden 1 Center on Sunday evening.
The Kings got out to a strong start and led, 30-23, after one quarter. The hosts stayed in front to start the second, but the Rockets were able to trim it back to a five-point game entering the break. The visitors kept the momentum going in the third and outscored the Kings, 32-14, in the quarter to bring a 13-point lead into the final frame. The Rockets stayed in control to start the fourth and managed to hang on down to the stretch to secure their second straight win.
Fred VanVleet led the Rockets with 22 points, four rebounds, nine assists and two steals, in 38 minutes. Jalen Green followed up with 19 points, two rebounds and three assists, while Jabari Smith totaled 10 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and three steals. Alperen Sengun finished with 14 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals, before exiting the game with a leg injury.
Meanwhile, Domantas Sabonis led the Kings with 25 points, 15 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and two blocks, in 40 minutes. Malik Monk followed up with 20 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals, while De'Aaron Fox tallied 18 points, nine rebounds, a steal and a block.
The Kings (36-27) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Bucks on Tuesday. The Rockets (29-35) take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Tuesday.
The Kings got out to a strong start and led, 30-23, after one quarter. The hosts stayed in front to start the second, but the Rockets were able to trim it back to a five-point game entering the break. The visitors kept the momentum going in the third and outscored the Kings, 32-14, in the quarter to bring a 13-point lead into the final frame. The Rockets stayed in control to start the fourth and managed to hang on down to the stretch to secure their second straight win.
Fred VanVleet led the Rockets with 22 points, four rebounds, nine assists and two steals, in 38 minutes. Jalen Green followed up with 19 points, two rebounds and three assists, while Jabari Smith totaled 10 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and three steals. Alperen Sengun finished with 14 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals, before exiting the game with a leg injury.
Meanwhile, Domantas Sabonis led the Kings with 25 points, 15 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and two blocks, in 40 minutes. Malik Monk followed up with 20 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals, while De'Aaron Fox tallied 18 points, nine rebounds, a steal and a block.
The Kings (36-27) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Bucks on Tuesday. The Rockets (29-35) take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Tuesday.
Nets Rally Past Cavs In Cleveland
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the host Cleveland Cavaliers, 120-101, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Sunday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Nets led, 29-28, after one quarter. The visitors pushed to a double-digit lead mid way through the second, but the Cavs brought it back to a one-point game at the break. The Nets turned it up a notch in the third and outscored the Cavs, 44-29, in the quarter to take a 16-point lead into the final frame. The hosts kept up the fight in the fourth but it was not enough, as the Nets cruised to the road win, halting a two-game slide.
Cam Thomas led the Nets with 29 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 31 minutes. Mikal Bridges followed up with 25 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals, while Nicolas Claxton logged 16 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, Georges Niang led the Cavs with 20 points, three rebounds and two assists, in 25 minutes. Jarrett Allen followed up with 15 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks, while Darius Garland tallied 14 points, five assists and a steal.
The Cavs (41-23) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Suns on Monday. The Nets (26-39) take on the Magic in Orlando on Wednesday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Nets led, 29-28, after one quarter. The visitors pushed to a double-digit lead mid way through the second, but the Cavs brought it back to a one-point game at the break. The Nets turned it up a notch in the third and outscored the Cavs, 44-29, in the quarter to take a 16-point lead into the final frame. The hosts kept up the fight in the fourth but it was not enough, as the Nets cruised to the road win, halting a two-game slide.
Cam Thomas led the Nets with 29 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 31 minutes. Mikal Bridges followed up with 25 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals, while Nicolas Claxton logged 16 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, Georges Niang led the Cavs with 20 points, three rebounds and two assists, in 25 minutes. Jarrett Allen followed up with 15 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks, while Darius Garland tallied 14 points, five assists and a steal.
The Cavs (41-23) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Suns on Monday. The Nets (26-39) take on the Magic in Orlando on Wednesday.
76ers Edge Knicks, 79-73
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the New York Knicks, 79-73, at Madison Square Garden on Sunday night.
The game had the feel of a late 80s Eastern Conference slugfest from the onset, with the two teams combining for a miserly 30 points in the first quarter. The 76ers (36-28) then managed to establish a six-point lead going into halftime with the biggest single-quarter scoring tally for either team with 22 second-quarter points. Philadelphia then added another point to its advantage over the Knicks (37-27) during the third quarter, and that proved to be enough for the narrow victory.
Kelly Oubre Jr. led the 76ers with an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists and three steals. Buddy Hield furnished 16 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. Paul Reed supplied 13 points, seven boards, one assist and four blocks. Tobias Harris posted an 11-point, 12-rebound double-double that included two assists and two steals.
Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with 19 points, complementing them with eight assists and three rebounds. Donte DiVincenzo delivered 15 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Bojan Bogdanovic netted 10 points.
The 76ers and Knicks reconvene for a rematch in New York on Tuesday night.
The game had the feel of a late 80s Eastern Conference slugfest from the onset, with the two teams combining for a miserly 30 points in the first quarter. The 76ers (36-28) then managed to establish a six-point lead going into halftime with the biggest single-quarter scoring tally for either team with 22 second-quarter points. Philadelphia then added another point to its advantage over the Knicks (37-27) during the third quarter, and that proved to be enough for the narrow victory.
Kelly Oubre Jr. led the 76ers with an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists and three steals. Buddy Hield furnished 16 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. Paul Reed supplied 13 points, seven boards, one assist and four blocks. Tobias Harris posted an 11-point, 12-rebound double-double that included two assists and two steals.
Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with 19 points, complementing them with eight assists and three rebounds. Donte DiVincenzo delivered 15 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Bojan Bogdanovic netted 10 points.
The 76ers and Knicks reconvene for a rematch in New York on Tuesday night.
Thunder Defeat Grizzlies, 124-93
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, 124-93, at Frost Bank Center on Sunday.
A 38-24 first quarter set the tone for Oklahoma City in this blowout victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. They actually won each of the first three quarters by at least seven points apiece, leading by 34 points at the end of the third quarter. They led by at least 20 points for the whole of the second half, getting their lead up to 38 points. OKC shot 53 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range while holding Memphis to 41 percent from the field and 33 percent from long range. They also out-assisted the Grizzlies, 36-21.
The Grizzlies (22-43) were led by GG Jackson, finishing with 30 points, six rebounds and three assists. Jaren Jackson Jr generated 16 points, two rebounds and two assists. Jake LaRavia had 13 points, four assists and two steals, while Dejon Jarreau led the bench with seven points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals.
The Thunder (45-19) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, accumulating 23 points, two rebounds and six assists. Josh Giddey totaled 16 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals. Luguentz Dort had 14 points, two rebounds and two steals, while Cason Wallace led the bench with 22 points, two rebounds and four assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Oklahoma City staying home to play the Indiana Pacers and Memphis returning home to face the Washington Wizards.
A 38-24 first quarter set the tone for Oklahoma City in this blowout victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. They actually won each of the first three quarters by at least seven points apiece, leading by 34 points at the end of the third quarter. They led by at least 20 points for the whole of the second half, getting their lead up to 38 points. OKC shot 53 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range while holding Memphis to 41 percent from the field and 33 percent from long range. They also out-assisted the Grizzlies, 36-21.
The Grizzlies (22-43) were led by GG Jackson, finishing with 30 points, six rebounds and three assists. Jaren Jackson Jr generated 16 points, two rebounds and two assists. Jake LaRavia had 13 points, four assists and two steals, while Dejon Jarreau led the bench with seven points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals.
The Thunder (45-19) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, accumulating 23 points, two rebounds and six assists. Josh Giddey totaled 16 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals. Luguentz Dort had 14 points, two rebounds and two steals, while Cason Wallace led the bench with 22 points, two rebounds and four assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Oklahoma City staying home to play the Indiana Pacers and Memphis returning home to face the Washington Wizards.
Lakers Defeat T'Wolves, 120-109
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 120-109, at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday.
There were 13 ties and 14 lead changes in this game, with Los Angeles riding a 29-17 fourth quarter to their victory. That allowed them to maintain a double-digit lead for the final six minutes. The Lakers shot 53 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range while holding the Timberwolves to 42 percent from the field and 35 percent from long range. Los Angeles also out-rebounded Minnesota, 61-43, while outscoring them in the paint, 64-44.
The Timberwolves (44-21) were led by Naz Reid, registering 25 points, five rebounds, three assists and four blocks. Anthony Edwards accrued 25 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks. Nickeil Alexander-Walker had 15 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Jordan McLaughlin led the bench with 12 points, four rebounds and two assists,
The Lakers (36-30) were led by LeBron James, finishing with 29 points, eight rebounds and nine assists. Anthony Davis tallied 27 points, 25 rebounds, five assists, seven steals and three blocks. Austin Reaves amassed 19 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Rui Hachimura totaled 15 points, two rebounds and three assists.
Minnesota will stay in Los Angeles to play the Clippers on Tuesday. As for the Lakers, they return to action on Wednesday in a road matchup with the Sacramento Kings.
There were 13 ties and 14 lead changes in this game, with Los Angeles riding a 29-17 fourth quarter to their victory. That allowed them to maintain a double-digit lead for the final six minutes. The Lakers shot 53 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range while holding the Timberwolves to 42 percent from the field and 35 percent from long range. Los Angeles also out-rebounded Minnesota, 61-43, while outscoring them in the paint, 64-44.
The Timberwolves (44-21) were led by Naz Reid, registering 25 points, five rebounds, three assists and four blocks. Anthony Edwards accrued 25 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks. Nickeil Alexander-Walker had 15 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Jordan McLaughlin led the bench with 12 points, four rebounds and two assists,
The Lakers (36-30) were led by LeBron James, finishing with 29 points, eight rebounds and nine assists. Anthony Davis tallied 27 points, 25 rebounds, five assists, seven steals and three blocks. Austin Reaves amassed 19 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Rui Hachimura totaled 15 points, two rebounds and three assists.
Minnesota will stay in Los Angeles to play the Clippers on Tuesday. As for the Lakers, they return to action on Wednesday in a road matchup with the Sacramento Kings.