Duren registers third 20-20 of career to lift Pistons over Raptors
The Detroit Pistons took down the Toronto Raptors, 113-104, at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday.
It was a close contest off the tip, with the Pistons (12-53) taking a five-point lead after the first quarter, but the visiting Raptors (23-43) quickly took control in the second quarter on the back of a 13-1 run as they headed into halftime up by five. Most of the game’s 11 lead changes came in the third quarter, with Detroit winning the frame 31-22, and the home team started out hot in the fourth quarter with an 11-2 run. The Pistons extended their lead by as much as 16 points and held off a comeback attempt down the stretch to improve to 7-26 at home, while the Raptors dropped to 10-24 on the road.
Immanuel Quickley led the Raptors with 25 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Kelly Olynk filled up the box score with 19 points, six rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks. Bruce Brown added 17 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals. Jordan Nwora led the bench with 12 points, two rebounds and three steals, while Jontay Porter contributed 10 points, six rebounds, six assists and four blocks in reserve.
Jalen Duren had a monster game for the Pistons as he registered his 36th double-double of the year with 24 points, 23 rebounds and five assists for the third 20-20 game of his young career. Cade Cunningham added 19 points, three rebounds and six assists, while Isaiah Stewart contributed 15 points, two rebounds and three blocks. Jaden Ivey tallied 14 points, three rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while Simone Fontecchio chipped in 12 points and four rebounds. Marcus Sasser led the reserves with 11 points, five rebounds and three assists.
Both teams will play their next game March 15, each in home-and-home series with squads from the Sunshine State. The Raptors will head back home to host the Orlando Magic, while the Pistons welcome in the Miami Heat.
It was a close contest off the tip, with the Pistons (12-53) taking a five-point lead after the first quarter, but the visiting Raptors (23-43) quickly took control in the second quarter on the back of a 13-1 run as they headed into halftime up by five. Most of the game’s 11 lead changes came in the third quarter, with Detroit winning the frame 31-22, and the home team started out hot in the fourth quarter with an 11-2 run. The Pistons extended their lead by as much as 16 points and held off a comeback attempt down the stretch to improve to 7-26 at home, while the Raptors dropped to 10-24 on the road.
Immanuel Quickley led the Raptors with 25 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Kelly Olynk filled up the box score with 19 points, six rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks. Bruce Brown added 17 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals. Jordan Nwora led the bench with 12 points, two rebounds and three steals, while Jontay Porter contributed 10 points, six rebounds, six assists and four blocks in reserve.
Jalen Duren had a monster game for the Pistons as he registered his 36th double-double of the year with 24 points, 23 rebounds and five assists for the third 20-20 game of his young career. Cade Cunningham added 19 points, three rebounds and six assists, while Isaiah Stewart contributed 15 points, two rebounds and three blocks. Jaden Ivey tallied 14 points, three rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while Simone Fontecchio chipped in 12 points and four rebounds. Marcus Sasser led the reserves with 11 points, five rebounds and three assists.
Both teams will play their next game March 15, each in home-and-home series with squads from the Sunshine State. The Raptors will head back home to host the Orlando Magic, while the Pistons welcome in the Miami Heat.
Magic Top Nets In Back-And-Forth Contest
The Orlando Magic defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 114-106, at Kia Center on Wednesday.
The Magic (38-28) moved to 10 games above the .500 mark and extended their impressive mark at home to 22-9 following a solid win over the Nets (26-40). Orlando looked good right from the start and dominated throughout the opening 12 minutes, jumping to a 33-16 lead after the first quarter. The Magic never looked back after that, but the Nets showed fighting spirit and reduced the deficit to single digits following a 38-28 score in the second quarter. The Magic recovered their advantage following a 32-23 score in the third period, and they didn’t have problems to close things out down the stretch. A 29-21 score in the final 12 minutes gave the Nets some hope, but the Magic ended up closing things out to get the win.
Paolo Banchero carried the Magic to victory in this game with 21 points, nine assists and three rebounds. Wendell Carter Jr. had 15 points and eight rebounds. Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner both had 14 points. Wagner also had five rebounds adn six assists, and Suggs chipped in with four rebounds. Gary Harris had 13 points. The Magic shot 51.9 percent from the field and 43.8 percent from three-point range.
Cam Thomas posted 21 points, eight rebounds and four assists for the Nets. Mikal Bridges posted 17 points and four boards. Dennis Schroder recorded 13 points and three assists. Nic Claxton posted 10 points and five rebounds. Cameron Johnson came off the bench and finished with 13 points. The Nets shot 46.9 percent from the field and 26.9 percent from three.
The Magic (38-28) moved to 10 games above the .500 mark and extended their impressive mark at home to 22-9 following a solid win over the Nets (26-40). Orlando looked good right from the start and dominated throughout the opening 12 minutes, jumping to a 33-16 lead after the first quarter. The Magic never looked back after that, but the Nets showed fighting spirit and reduced the deficit to single digits following a 38-28 score in the second quarter. The Magic recovered their advantage following a 32-23 score in the third period, and they didn’t have problems to close things out down the stretch. A 29-21 score in the final 12 minutes gave the Nets some hope, but the Magic ended up closing things out to get the win.
Paolo Banchero carried the Magic to victory in this game with 21 points, nine assists and three rebounds. Wendell Carter Jr. had 15 points and eight rebounds. Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner both had 14 points. Wagner also had five rebounds adn six assists, and Suggs chipped in with four rebounds. Gary Harris had 13 points. The Magic shot 51.9 percent from the field and 43.8 percent from three-point range.
Cam Thomas posted 21 points, eight rebounds and four assists for the Nets. Mikal Bridges posted 17 points and four boards. Dennis Schroder recorded 13 points and three assists. Nic Claxton posted 10 points and five rebounds. Cameron Johnson came off the bench and finished with 13 points. The Nets shot 46.9 percent from the field and 26.9 percent from three.
Bulls Outlast Pacers In Overtime
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Indiana Pacers, 132-129, on overtime at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday.
The Bulls (32-34) and the Pacers (37-30) engaged in a tight battle that was decided on overtime. This was a back-and-forth contest in which both teams traded leads time and time again, particularly in the second half. Chicago looked in control most of the game and were holding a healthy eight-point lead entering the fourth quarter. However, the Pacers woke up in time to win the fourth quarter by eight points. The Pacers could’ve won the game in regulation, but the Bulls forced overtime on a turnaround jumper from DeMar DeRozan with 0.3 seconds left. The Bulls carried the momentum of the finish into overtime and secured the win after a 15-12 score in the extra five minutes. With the win, the Bulls moved to 16-18 on the road. Meanwhile, the Pacers fell to 20-14 at home.
DeMar DeRozan scored a game-high 46 points for the Bulls, and he also added nine rebounds, three assists and two steals. Alex Caruso recorded 23 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Ayo Dosunmu finished with 20 points. Nikola Vucevic posted a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double. Coby White recorded 15 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Torrey Craig chipped in with 10 points off the bench.
Myles Turner was the leading scorer for the Pacers with 27 points and seven rebounds. Tyrese Haliburton finished with 17 points and 14 assists. Aaron Nesmith posted 13 points and four rebounds. Pascal Siakam filled the stat sheet with 17 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. T.J. McConnell had 16 points, four rebounds and four assists off the bench. Jalen Smith had 15 points.
The Bulls (32-34) and the Pacers (37-30) engaged in a tight battle that was decided on overtime. This was a back-and-forth contest in which both teams traded leads time and time again, particularly in the second half. Chicago looked in control most of the game and were holding a healthy eight-point lead entering the fourth quarter. However, the Pacers woke up in time to win the fourth quarter by eight points. The Pacers could’ve won the game in regulation, but the Bulls forced overtime on a turnaround jumper from DeMar DeRozan with 0.3 seconds left. The Bulls carried the momentum of the finish into overtime and secured the win after a 15-12 score in the extra five minutes. With the win, the Bulls moved to 16-18 on the road. Meanwhile, the Pacers fell to 20-14 at home.
DeMar DeRozan scored a game-high 46 points for the Bulls, and he also added nine rebounds, three assists and two steals. Alex Caruso recorded 23 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Ayo Dosunmu finished with 20 points. Nikola Vucevic posted a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double. Coby White recorded 15 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Torrey Craig chipped in with 10 points off the bench.
Myles Turner was the leading scorer for the Pacers with 27 points and seven rebounds. Tyrese Haliburton finished with 17 points and 14 assists. Aaron Nesmith posted 13 points and four rebounds. Pascal Siakam filled the stat sheet with 17 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. T.J. McConnell had 16 points, four rebounds and four assists off the bench. Jalen Smith had 15 points.
Nuggets Down Heat, 100-88
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat, 100-88, at Kaseya Center on Wednesday night.
The Nuggets (46-20) entered the contest looking to make it a clean sweep of the Heat (35-30) in their two-game 2023-24 regular-season series, and they got off to an encouraging start in that regard by forging a 26-19 lead through one. Miami was only able to make a one-point dent in its deficit prior to halftime, but the hosts then proceeded to take a four-point advantage into the final period thanks to an impressive third quarter. However, Denver would step up in the fourth quarter, outscoring the home squad by a 28-17 margin in the last 12 minutes for the victory.
Michael Porter Jr. led the Nuggets with 25 points, adding seven rebounds. Aaron Gordon furnished 16 points, eight boards and four assists. Jamal Murray delivered 14 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Nikola Jokic generated a 12-point, 14-rebound double-double that included six assists and one steal.
Bam Adebayo paced the Heat with a 17-point, 13-rebound double-double that included three assists, one steal and one block. Jimmy Butler recorded 15 points, five rebounds, two assists and one block. Terry Rozier supplied 14 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Duncan Robinson registered 11 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal.
The Nuggets return home to host the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night, while the Heat visits the Detroit Pistons on Friday night as well.
The Nuggets (46-20) entered the contest looking to make it a clean sweep of the Heat (35-30) in their two-game 2023-24 regular-season series, and they got off to an encouraging start in that regard by forging a 26-19 lead through one. Miami was only able to make a one-point dent in its deficit prior to halftime, but the hosts then proceeded to take a four-point advantage into the final period thanks to an impressive third quarter. However, Denver would step up in the fourth quarter, outscoring the home squad by a 28-17 margin in the last 12 minutes for the victory.
Michael Porter Jr. led the Nuggets with 25 points, adding seven rebounds. Aaron Gordon furnished 16 points, eight boards and four assists. Jamal Murray delivered 14 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Nikola Jokic generated a 12-point, 14-rebound double-double that included six assists and one steal.
Bam Adebayo paced the Heat with a 17-point, 13-rebound double-double that included three assists, one steal and one block. Jimmy Butler recorded 15 points, five rebounds, two assists and one block. Terry Rozier supplied 14 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Duncan Robinson registered 11 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal.
The Nuggets return home to host the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night, while the Heat visits the Detroit Pistons on Friday night as well.
Cavaliers Handle Pelicans, 116-95
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 116-95, at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday night.
The Cavaliers (42-24) came in mired in a bit of a spiral with three losses in four games, but they set the right tone early against the Pelicans (39-26). Cleveland owned a 30-22 lead after one, and the proceeded to match New Orleans point for point in the second quarter. The visitors then essentially sealed the victory in the third quarter, when they boasted a 34-23 advantage that gave them more than enough cushion for the victory.
Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 27 points, adding 11 assists, six rebounds, two steals and one block. Jarrett Allen generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist and two blocks. Georges Niang provided 16 points, six rebounds and one assist. Sam Merrill offered 15 points, nine assists and two rebounds. The returning Donovan Mitchell and Damian Jones finished with 14 points apiece while adding five assists and six rebounds, respectively.
Zion Williamson paced the Pelicans with 33 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, one assist and one steal. Brandon Ingram supplied 20 points, five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Trey Murphy III compiled 11 points, three assists, one rebound and one block.
The Cavaliers remain on the road and visit the Houston Rockets on Saturday afternoon, while the Pelicans remain home and host the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night.
The Cavaliers (42-24) came in mired in a bit of a spiral with three losses in four games, but they set the right tone early against the Pelicans (39-26). Cleveland owned a 30-22 lead after one, and the proceeded to match New Orleans point for point in the second quarter. The visitors then essentially sealed the victory in the third quarter, when they boasted a 34-23 advantage that gave them more than enough cushion for the victory.
Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 27 points, adding 11 assists, six rebounds, two steals and one block. Jarrett Allen generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist and two blocks. Georges Niang provided 16 points, six rebounds and one assist. Sam Merrill offered 15 points, nine assists and two rebounds. The returning Donovan Mitchell and Damian Jones finished with 14 points apiece while adding five assists and six rebounds, respectively.
Zion Williamson paced the Pelicans with 33 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, one assist and one steal. Brandon Ingram supplied 20 points, five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Trey Murphy III compiled 11 points, three assists, one rebound and one block.
The Cavaliers remain on the road and visit the Houston Rockets on Saturday afternoon, while the Pelicans remain home and host the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night.
Hornets Too Strong For Hobbled Grizzlies
By Dan Bruno
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the host Memphis Grizzlies, 110-98, at FedEx Forum on Wednesday evening.
The Hornets jumped out to a great start and led, 31-19, after one quarter. The Grizzlies brought a better effort in the second but only managed to trim it back to a 10-point game by halftime. They kept the momentum going in the third and brought the difference down to four, but the visitors reclaimed momentum and rallied back to a 10-point advantage heading into the final frame. The Hornets stayed strong through the fourth and had no trouble closing out their second win in three games.
Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 27 points, six rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block, in 40 minutes. Vasilije Micic followed up with 25 points, eight assists and two steals, while Grant Williams added 18 points, six rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block.
Meanwhile, GG Jackson led the Grizzlies with 26 points and four rebounds, in 37 minutes. Luke Kennard followed up with 17 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Scotty Pippen logged nine points, four rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and a block.
The Grizzlies (23-44) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Thunder on Saturday. The Hornets (17-49) play host to the Suns on Friday.
The Hornets jumped out to a great start and led, 31-19, after one quarter. The Grizzlies brought a better effort in the second but only managed to trim it back to a 10-point game by halftime. They kept the momentum going in the third and brought the difference down to four, but the visitors reclaimed momentum and rallied back to a 10-point advantage heading into the final frame. The Hornets stayed strong through the fourth and had no trouble closing out their second win in three games.
Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 27 points, six rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block, in 40 minutes. Vasilije Micic followed up with 25 points, eight assists and two steals, while Grant Williams added 18 points, six rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block.
Meanwhile, GG Jackson led the Grizzlies with 26 points and four rebounds, in 37 minutes. Luke Kennard followed up with 17 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Scotty Pippen logged nine points, four rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and a block.
The Grizzlies (23-44) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Thunder on Saturday. The Hornets (17-49) play host to the Suns on Friday.
Mavs Defeat Warriors, 109-99
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the visiting Golden State Warriors, 109-99, at American Airlines Center on Wednesday.
Dallas held the lead for all but a few minutes in this game, winning or tying all four individual quarters. They actually never gave up the lead after the opening frame, taking control with a 21-15 second quarter. They got their lead up to 18 points in the fourth quarter. Dallas shot 54 percent from the field while holding Golden State to 40 percent shooting. The Mavericks also out-assisted the Warriors, 30-19, while out-blocking them, 13-3.
The Warriors (34-31) were led by Jonathan Kuminga, collecting 27 points, four rebounds and two assists. Andrew Wiggins amassed 17 points and five boards. Trayce Jackson-Davis totaled 10 points and nine boards, while Chris Paul provided nine points, four rebounds and four assists. Brandin Podzeimski led the bench with 11 points, five rebounds, six assists and four steals.
The Mavericks (38-28) were led by Kyrie Irving, compiling 23 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists. Luka Doncic tallied 21 points, three rebounds and nine assists. PJ Washington had 11 points, seven rebounds, two steals and three blocks, while Daniel Gafford generated 10 points, six rebounds, two steals and seven blocks.
Dallas has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Thursday, traveling to face the Oklahoma City Thunder. As for Golden State, they return to action on Saturday in a road meeting with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Dallas held the lead for all but a few minutes in this game, winning or tying all four individual quarters. They actually never gave up the lead after the opening frame, taking control with a 21-15 second quarter. They got their lead up to 18 points in the fourth quarter. Dallas shot 54 percent from the field while holding Golden State to 40 percent shooting. The Mavericks also out-assisted the Warriors, 30-19, while out-blocking them, 13-3.
The Warriors (34-31) were led by Jonathan Kuminga, collecting 27 points, four rebounds and two assists. Andrew Wiggins amassed 17 points and five boards. Trayce Jackson-Davis totaled 10 points and nine boards, while Chris Paul provided nine points, four rebounds and four assists. Brandin Podzeimski led the bench with 11 points, five rebounds, six assists and four steals.
The Mavericks (38-28) were led by Kyrie Irving, compiling 23 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists. Luka Doncic tallied 21 points, three rebounds and nine assists. PJ Washington had 11 points, seven rebounds, two steals and three blocks, while Daniel Gafford generated 10 points, six rebounds, two steals and seven blocks.
Dallas has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Thursday, traveling to face the Oklahoma City Thunder. As for Golden State, they return to action on Saturday in a road meeting with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Trail Blazers Defeat Hawks. 106-102
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Atlanta Hawks, 106-102, at Moda Center on Wednesday.
While Atlanta got out to a 24-17 lead after the opening frame, Portland outscored them in the third quarter, 35-23, to take control of this game. They never gave up the lead after that lopsided frame, despite never grabbing a double-digit lead. Portland shot 46 percent from the field and 83 percent from the charity stripe, while Atlanta shot 43 percent from the field and 67 percent from the charity stripe. The Trail Blazers also out-assisted the Hawks, 24-19, while outscoring them in the paint, 48-40.
The Hawks (29-36) were led by Dejounte Murray, finishing with 40 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Clint Capela collected 13 points, 14 rebounds and two steals. Bogdan Bogdanovic missed 12 of his 15 shots but still had eight points, seven rebounds, eight assists and three steals. De'Andre Hunter led the bench with 11 points.
The Trail Blazers (19-45) were led by Anfernee Simons, accruing 36 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Deandre Ayton amassed 33 points and 19 rebounds on 15-of-20 shooting. Dalano Banton had 12 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Matisse Thybulle led the bench with eight points, five rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks.
Portland has to play again on Thursday, staying home to face the New York Knicks. As for Atlanta, they return to action on Friday in a road meeting with the Utah Jazz.
While Atlanta got out to a 24-17 lead after the opening frame, Portland outscored them in the third quarter, 35-23, to take control of this game. They never gave up the lead after that lopsided frame, despite never grabbing a double-digit lead. Portland shot 46 percent from the field and 83 percent from the charity stripe, while Atlanta shot 43 percent from the field and 67 percent from the charity stripe. The Trail Blazers also out-assisted the Hawks, 24-19, while outscoring them in the paint, 48-40.
The Hawks (29-36) were led by Dejounte Murray, finishing with 40 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Clint Capela collected 13 points, 14 rebounds and two steals. Bogdan Bogdanovic missed 12 of his 15 shots but still had eight points, seven rebounds, eight assists and three steals. De'Andre Hunter led the bench with 11 points.
The Trail Blazers (19-45) were led by Anfernee Simons, accruing 36 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Deandre Ayton amassed 33 points and 19 rebounds on 15-of-20 shooting. Dalano Banton had 12 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Matisse Thybulle led the bench with eight points, five rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks.
Portland has to play again on Thursday, staying home to face the New York Knicks. As for Atlanta, they return to action on Friday in a road meeting with the Utah Jazz.
Kings Defeat Lakers, 120-107
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, 120-107, at Golden One Center on Wednesday.
While there were six ties and nine lead changes in the first half, Sacramento took control of this game behind a 28-17 third quarter. They got their lead up to 17 points at times, leading by at least eight points for the closing 16 minutes. The Kings bench outscored the Lakers bench, 26-13. Sacramento shot 52 percent from the field and 46 percent from three-point range, while Los Angeles shot 49 percent from the field and 44 percent from long range. The Kings also outscored the Lakers in second-chance points, 16-4, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 16-6.
The Lakers (36-31) were led by Austin Reaves, registering 28 points, six rebounds and four assists. Anthony Davis had 22 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. LeBron James collected 18 points, 13 rebounds, nine assists and two steals, while Rui Hachimura had 20 points and three boards. D'Angelo Russell shot just 2-of-9 to finish with six points, two rebounds and six assists.
The Kings (38-27) were led by Harrison Barnes, providing 23 points, two rebounds and two assists. De'Aaron Fox finished with 21 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Keegan Murray amassed 19 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Domantas Sabonis accumulated 17 points, 19 rebounds, 10 assists and two steals.
Both teams are off until Saturday, with Los Angeles returning home to face the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento staying home to play the New York Knicks.
While there were six ties and nine lead changes in the first half, Sacramento took control of this game behind a 28-17 third quarter. They got their lead up to 17 points at times, leading by at least eight points for the closing 16 minutes. The Kings bench outscored the Lakers bench, 26-13. Sacramento shot 52 percent from the field and 46 percent from three-point range, while Los Angeles shot 49 percent from the field and 44 percent from long range. The Kings also outscored the Lakers in second-chance points, 16-4, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 16-6.
The Lakers (36-31) were led by Austin Reaves, registering 28 points, six rebounds and four assists. Anthony Davis had 22 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. LeBron James collected 18 points, 13 rebounds, nine assists and two steals, while Rui Hachimura had 20 points and three boards. D'Angelo Russell shot just 2-of-9 to finish with six points, two rebounds and six assists.
The Kings (38-27) were led by Harrison Barnes, providing 23 points, two rebounds and two assists. De'Aaron Fox finished with 21 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Keegan Murray amassed 19 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Domantas Sabonis accumulated 17 points, 19 rebounds, 10 assists and two steals.
Both teams are off until Saturday, with Los Angeles returning home to face the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento staying home to play the New York Knicks.