Brown, Tatum combine for 63 points as Celtics overpower Suns on Thursday
The Boston Celtics took down the Phoenix Suns, 127-112, at TD Garden on Thursday night.
It was the visiting Suns (38-28) who got out to an early eight-point lead in the first quarter, but the Celtics (52-14) used a 7-2 run to close out the frame up by three. The teams went back and forth for much of the second quarter, with Boston extending their slim lead to five going into halftime. The third quarter is when the home team flipped the switch as the Celtics went on an 11-0 run and led by as much as 20 points. Phoenix were not able to slim the lead down to single digits, and both teams opted to empty their benches in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. The Celtics finished Thursday’s game with 24 fast break points (vs. eight for Phoenix), and they shot 25-for-50 from beyond the arc to improve their NBA-best home record to 30-3. The Suns dropped to 17-14 on the road despite winning the rebounding battle 51-33 while grabbing 19 offensive boards.
Four of Phoenix’s five starters scored 20-plus points in Thursday’s loss. Devin Booker led the Suns with 23 points, two rebounds and seven assists. Bradley Beal chipped in 22 points, three rebounds and seven assists. Kevin Durant and Grayson Allen each put up 20 points and three rebounds. Bol Bol led the bench with 10 points and four rebounds. Jusuf Nurkic finished with eight points, 20 rebounds and six assists.
Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 37 points on 14-for-23 shooting, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Jayson Tatum supplied 26 points, five rebounds and five assists. Al Horford turned back the clock with 24 points on 6-for-10 shooting from three, three rebounds, three assists and three steals. Derrick White added 13 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals. Jrue Holiday finished with nine points, 10 assists, two blocks and two steals.
Thursday’s contest marked the second and final time the Suns and Celtics will face each other this season, with Boston sweeping the series 2-0. The Suns will continue their four-game road trip March 15 against the Charlotte Hornets, while the Celtics visit the Washington Wizards on March 17.
It was the visiting Suns (38-28) who got out to an early eight-point lead in the first quarter, but the Celtics (52-14) used a 7-2 run to close out the frame up by three. The teams went back and forth for much of the second quarter, with Boston extending their slim lead to five going into halftime. The third quarter is when the home team flipped the switch as the Celtics went on an 11-0 run and led by as much as 20 points. Phoenix were not able to slim the lead down to single digits, and both teams opted to empty their benches in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. The Celtics finished Thursday’s game with 24 fast break points (vs. eight for Phoenix), and they shot 25-for-50 from beyond the arc to improve their NBA-best home record to 30-3. The Suns dropped to 17-14 on the road despite winning the rebounding battle 51-33 while grabbing 19 offensive boards.
Four of Phoenix’s five starters scored 20-plus points in Thursday’s loss. Devin Booker led the Suns with 23 points, two rebounds and seven assists. Bradley Beal chipped in 22 points, three rebounds and seven assists. Kevin Durant and Grayson Allen each put up 20 points and three rebounds. Bol Bol led the bench with 10 points and four rebounds. Jusuf Nurkic finished with eight points, 20 rebounds and six assists.
Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 37 points on 14-for-23 shooting, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Jayson Tatum supplied 26 points, five rebounds and five assists. Al Horford turned back the clock with 24 points on 6-for-10 shooting from three, three rebounds, three assists and three steals. Derrick White added 13 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals. Jrue Holiday finished with nine points, 10 assists, two blocks and two steals.
Thursday’s contest marked the second and final time the Suns and Celtics will face each other this season, with Boston sweeping the series 2-0. The Suns will continue their four-game road trip March 15 against the Charlotte Hornets, while the Celtics visit the Washington Wizards on March 17.
Clippers Dominate To Secure Win Over Bulls
Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Chicago Bulls, 126-111, at United Center on Thursday.
The Clippers (41-23) secured a comfortable victory against the Bulls (32-34) despite playing on the road. Los Angeles raced to a 37-26 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, establishing a double-digit advantage they’d never relinquish. The Bulls seemed to have enough to fight back, as the second and third quarters ended 27-27 and 28-27, respectively. However, the Clippers’ win was never in doubt. Los Angeles closed things out with a 34-31 score in the final 12 minutes of action when the game was already decided from a scoreline perspective. With the win, the Clippers moved to a 19-13 record away from home. Meanwhile, the Bulls fell to 16-16 at home.
Paul George led the way for the Clippers with 28 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Kawhi Leonard recorded 27 points, five rebounds and three assists. Bones Hyland posted 17 points and 11 assists while starting over James Harden, who missed the game with a shoulder injury. Terance Mann had 12 points, and Norman Powell added 18 points coming off the bench.
DeMar DeRozan had 21 points, five rebounds and four assists to lead the Bulls. Nikola Vucevic ended with 19 points, six rebounds and five assists. Alex Caruso finished with 17 points, six assists, three rebounds and three steals. Torrey Craig had 12 points and six rebounds. Andre Drummond came off the bench to deliver 15 points and seven rebounds across 16 minutes.
The Clippers (41-23) secured a comfortable victory against the Bulls (32-34) despite playing on the road. Los Angeles raced to a 37-26 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, establishing a double-digit advantage they’d never relinquish. The Bulls seemed to have enough to fight back, as the second and third quarters ended 27-27 and 28-27, respectively. However, the Clippers’ win was never in doubt. Los Angeles closed things out with a 34-31 score in the final 12 minutes of action when the game was already decided from a scoreline perspective. With the win, the Clippers moved to a 19-13 record away from home. Meanwhile, the Bulls fell to 16-16 at home.
Paul George led the way for the Clippers with 28 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Kawhi Leonard recorded 27 points, five rebounds and three assists. Bones Hyland posted 17 points and 11 assists while starting over James Harden, who missed the game with a shoulder injury. Terance Mann had 12 points, and Norman Powell added 18 points coming off the bench.
DeMar DeRozan had 21 points, five rebounds and four assists to lead the Bulls. Nikola Vucevic ended with 19 points, six rebounds and five assists. Alex Caruso finished with 17 points, six assists, three rebounds and three steals. Torrey Craig had 12 points and six rebounds. Andre Drummond came off the bench to deliver 15 points and seven rebounds across 16 minutes.
Rockets Topple Wizards, 135-119
The Houston Rockets defeated the Washington Wizards, 135-119, at Toyota Center on Thursday night.
The Rockets (31-35) came in as heavy home favorites but got more than they bargained for from the Wizards (11-55), which trailed by only two points after one. However, Houston then played its best quarter in the second, outscoring Washington by a 42-25 margin to take a commanding lead into halftime. The visitors put a four-point dent in their deficit courtesy of a 39-point third quarter, but the hosts were able to win going away.
Jordan Poole led the Wizards with 25 points, adding two assists, one rebound and two steals. Deni Avdija furnished 24 points, nine boards, five assists and three steals. Kyle Kuzma supplied 23 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Tyus Jones compiled 13 points, eight assists and one rebound. Corey Kispert registered 11 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Bilal Coulibaly totaled 10 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals.
Jalen Green paced the Rockets with 37 points, complementing them with eight rebounds and two assists. Fred VanVleet provided 27 points, nine assists, three rebounds and two steals. Amen Thompson generated a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double that included four assists and three steals. Jabari Smith Jr. recorded 16 points, five rebounds and one assist. Dillon Brooks and Jock Landale had matching 13-point efforts while pulling down six and five rebounds, respectively. Brooks also distributed four assists.
The Wizards remain on the road and visit the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night, while the Rockets host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday afternoon.
The Rockets (31-35) came in as heavy home favorites but got more than they bargained for from the Wizards (11-55), which trailed by only two points after one. However, Houston then played its best quarter in the second, outscoring Washington by a 42-25 margin to take a commanding lead into halftime. The visitors put a four-point dent in their deficit courtesy of a 39-point third quarter, but the hosts were able to win going away.
Jordan Poole led the Wizards with 25 points, adding two assists, one rebound and two steals. Deni Avdija furnished 24 points, nine boards, five assists and three steals. Kyle Kuzma supplied 23 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Tyus Jones compiled 13 points, eight assists and one rebound. Corey Kispert registered 11 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Bilal Coulibaly totaled 10 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals.
Jalen Green paced the Rockets with 37 points, complementing them with eight rebounds and two assists. Fred VanVleet provided 27 points, nine assists, three rebounds and two steals. Amen Thompson generated a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double that included four assists and three steals. Jabari Smith Jr. recorded 16 points, five rebounds and one assist. Dillon Brooks and Jock Landale had matching 13-point efforts while pulling down six and five rebounds, respectively. Brooks also distributed four assists.
The Wizards remain on the road and visit the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night, while the Rockets host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday afternoon.
Bucks Handle 76ers, 114-105
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 114-105, at Fiserv Forum on Thursday night.
The Bucks (43-24) didn't play like the home favorites they were early, emerging from first quarter on the wrong end of a 29-24 score. The 76ers (36-30) then added another three points to their advantage before halftime, but Milwaukee was able to shave five points from its deficit in the third quarter. That set up a hotly contested final period, one in which the hosts clicked on both ends of the floor on the way to a 34-22 advantage and relatively comfortable victory.
Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 30 points, adding four rebounds and four assists. Tobias Harris delivered 15 points, four rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Cameron Payne tallied 13 points, two assists and one rebound. Kyle Lowry collected 12 points and two boards.
Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with a 32-point, 11-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one steal. Brook Lopez supplied 19 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two blocks and one steal. Damian Lillard finished with 17 points, nine assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. A.J. Green contributed 14 points, five boards and one steal.
The 76ers return home to host the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night, while the Bucks host the Phoenix Suns on Sunday afternoon.
The Bucks (43-24) didn't play like the home favorites they were early, emerging from first quarter on the wrong end of a 29-24 score. The 76ers (36-30) then added another three points to their advantage before halftime, but Milwaukee was able to shave five points from its deficit in the third quarter. That set up a hotly contested final period, one in which the hosts clicked on both ends of the floor on the way to a 34-22 advantage and relatively comfortable victory.
Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 30 points, adding four rebounds and four assists. Tobias Harris delivered 15 points, four rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Cameron Payne tallied 13 points, two assists and one rebound. Kyle Lowry collected 12 points and two boards.
Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with a 32-point, 11-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one steal. Brook Lopez supplied 19 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two blocks and one steal. Damian Lillard finished with 17 points, nine assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. A.J. Green contributed 14 points, five boards and one steal.
The 76ers return home to host the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night, while the Bucks host the Phoenix Suns on Sunday afternoon.
Knicks Roll Past Blazers In Portland
By Dan Bruno
The New York Knicks defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 105-93, at Moda Center on Thursday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Knicks led, 26-25, after one quarter. The visitors picked up their play in the second and rallied to a 14-point lead by halftime. The Trail Blazers could not find any solutions in the third and faced a 17-point difference entering the final frame. The hosts gave a better effort in the fourth, but it was too little, too late, as the Knicks held on for their second straight win.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 45 points, four assists, a steal and a block, in 38 minutes. Josh Hart logged seven points, 15 rebounds, two assists and three steals, while Donte DiVincenzo and OG Anunoby chipped in 12 points each.
Meanwhile, Deandre Ayton led the Blazers with 31 points, 14 rebounds and a block, in 40 minutes. Dalano Banton followed up with 16 points, two rebounds, two assists and four steals, while Scoot Henderson totaled 12 points, seven rebounds, six assists and a steal.
The Trial Blazers (19-47) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pelicans on Saturday. The Knicks (39-27) clash with the Kings in Sacramento on Saturday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Knicks led, 26-25, after one quarter. The visitors picked up their play in the second and rallied to a 14-point lead by halftime. The Trail Blazers could not find any solutions in the third and faced a 17-point difference entering the final frame. The hosts gave a better effort in the fourth, but it was too little, too late, as the Knicks held on for their second straight win.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 45 points, four assists, a steal and a block, in 38 minutes. Josh Hart logged seven points, 15 rebounds, two assists and three steals, while Donte DiVincenzo and OG Anunoby chipped in 12 points each.
Meanwhile, Deandre Ayton led the Blazers with 31 points, 14 rebounds and a block, in 40 minutes. Dalano Banton followed up with 16 points, two rebounds, two assists and four steals, while Scoot Henderson totaled 12 points, seven rebounds, six assists and a steal.
The Trial Blazers (19-47) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pelicans on Saturday. The Knicks (39-27) clash with the Kings in Sacramento on Saturday.
Thunder Defeat Mavericks, 126-119
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Dallas Mavericks, 126-119, at Paycom Center on Thursday.
There were eight ties and 14 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 11 points. That was Oklahoma City, who maintained the lead for the closing 22 minutes, with Dallas never attempting a game-tying shot in the fourth quarter. The Thunder recorded 10 steals and seven blocks, while the Mavericks had just six steals and two blocks. That led to them winning the turnover battle, 19-13. Oklahoma City also doubled up Dallas in fastbreak scoring, 18-9.
The Mavericks (38-29) were led by Kyrie Irving, collecting 36 points, four rebounds, 12 assists and two steals. Daniel Gafford amassed 19 points and 15 rebounds. The other three starters combined for six rebounds and three assists on 7-of-25 shooting. Tim Hardaway Jr led the bench with 23 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Luka Doncic had to sit with a hamstring issue.
The Thunder (46-20) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, finishing with 31 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals. Jalen Williams totaled 27 points, four rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Josh Giddey generated 18 points, three rebounds and five assists. Chet Holmgren had 11 points and eight rebounds.
On deck for Oklahoma City is a road matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. As for Dallas, they return to action on Sunday in a home matchup with the Denver Nuggets.
There were eight ties and 14 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 11 points. That was Oklahoma City, who maintained the lead for the closing 22 minutes, with Dallas never attempting a game-tying shot in the fourth quarter. The Thunder recorded 10 steals and seven blocks, while the Mavericks had just six steals and two blocks. That led to them winning the turnover battle, 19-13. Oklahoma City also doubled up Dallas in fastbreak scoring, 18-9.
The Mavericks (38-29) were led by Kyrie Irving, collecting 36 points, four rebounds, 12 assists and two steals. Daniel Gafford amassed 19 points and 15 rebounds. The other three starters combined for six rebounds and three assists on 7-of-25 shooting. Tim Hardaway Jr led the bench with 23 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Luka Doncic had to sit with a hamstring issue.
The Thunder (46-20) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, finishing with 31 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals. Jalen Williams totaled 27 points, four rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Josh Giddey generated 18 points, three rebounds and five assists. Chet Holmgren had 11 points and eight rebounds.
On deck for Oklahoma City is a road matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. As for Dallas, they return to action on Sunday in a home matchup with the Denver Nuggets.