Grizzlies Come From Behind To Tp Pistons
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Detroit Pistons, 110-108, at Little Caesars Arena on Monday.
The Grizzlies (25-50) and the Pistons (13-62) are among the worst teams in the league from a record perspective this season. However, they delivered an interesting matchup that went to the wire until the final seconds of the contest. The Pistons enjoyed a better start and controlled the contest throughout the first half. However, it would be all Memphis in the second half. Detroit held a 13-point lead at the break, but the Grizzlies responded with a 41-33 score in the third quarter, reducing the deficit to just five points. The Grizzlies would eventually grab the lead in the latter stages of the fourth quarter. Despite the fact neither team scored in the final two minutes of the game, Memphis found a way to hold on and secure the victory. That could’ve been different, however, as Cade Cunningham had the chance to send the game to overtime, but he missed a buzzer-beater from mid-range. The Grizzlies moved to 17-22 on the road with the win. Meanwhile, the Pistons fell to 7-32 at home.
Jaren Jackson was massive for the Grizzlies after ending with 40 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks. Luke Kennard delivered 19 points, eight assists and three rebounds. GG Jackson had 11 points, four rebounds and four assists. Brandon Clarke chipped in with 15 points and seven rebounds coming off the bench. Jake LaRavia added 12 points and four boards across 25 minutes. The Grizzlies shot 44 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc.
Cade Cunningham was the leading scorer for the Pistons with 36 points, but he also added eight assists and four rebounds. Jaden Ivey had 20 points, six assists and three rebounds. Tosan Evbuomwan delivered 10 points and five rebounds. James Wiseman had a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double off the bench, while Chimezie Metu had 17 points and eight boards. Both saw extended minutes after Jalen Duren (teeth) left the game in the first quarter and didn’t return. The Pistons shot 50.6 percent from the field and 39.3 percent from three-point range.
The Grizzlies (25-50) and the Pistons (13-62) are among the worst teams in the league from a record perspective this season. However, they delivered an interesting matchup that went to the wire until the final seconds of the contest. The Pistons enjoyed a better start and controlled the contest throughout the first half. However, it would be all Memphis in the second half. Detroit held a 13-point lead at the break, but the Grizzlies responded with a 41-33 score in the third quarter, reducing the deficit to just five points. The Grizzlies would eventually grab the lead in the latter stages of the fourth quarter. Despite the fact neither team scored in the final two minutes of the game, Memphis found a way to hold on and secure the victory. That could’ve been different, however, as Cade Cunningham had the chance to send the game to overtime, but he missed a buzzer-beater from mid-range. The Grizzlies moved to 17-22 on the road with the win. Meanwhile, the Pistons fell to 7-32 at home.
Jaren Jackson was massive for the Grizzlies after ending with 40 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks. Luke Kennard delivered 19 points, eight assists and three rebounds. GG Jackson had 11 points, four rebounds and four assists. Brandon Clarke chipped in with 15 points and seven rebounds coming off the bench. Jake LaRavia added 12 points and four boards across 25 minutes. The Grizzlies shot 44 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc.
Cade Cunningham was the leading scorer for the Pistons with 36 points, but he also added eight assists and four rebounds. Jaden Ivey had 20 points, six assists and three rebounds. Tosan Evbuomwan delivered 10 points and five rebounds. James Wiseman had a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double off the bench, while Chimezie Metu had 17 points and eight boards. Both saw extended minutes after Jalen Duren (teeth) left the game in the first quarter and didn’t return. The Pistons shot 50.6 percent from the field and 39.3 percent from three-point range.
Pacers Blast Nets, 133-111
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 133-111, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Monday night.
The Pacers (43-33) came in as the most incentivized team by a wide margin, and that was evident in the first half when they raced out to a 75-47 lead over the Nets (29-47). With Brooklyn then adding another three points to its advantage during the third quarter, the game was over for all intents and purposes. The visitors had only two of their five starters score in double digits, while the hosts saw a total of six players hit that threshold.
Cam Thomas paced the Nets with 22 points, adding two assists and one rebound. Trendon Watford furnished 21 points, two boards, one steal and one block. Mikal Bridges supplied 19 points, six assists and one steal. Lonnie Walker finished with 14 points, seven boards, two assists and one block.
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with a 27-point, 13-assist double-double that included four rebounds, one steal and one block. Jalen Smith generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one block. Pascal Siakam managed 15 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Obi Toppin provided 14 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Aaron Nesmith collected 11 points and four rebounds, while T.J. McConnell turned in 10 points, eight assists, four rebounds and two steals.
The two teams reconvene Wednesday night at Barclays Center for the second installment of the home-and-home series.
The Pacers (43-33) came in as the most incentivized team by a wide margin, and that was evident in the first half when they raced out to a 75-47 lead over the Nets (29-47). With Brooklyn then adding another three points to its advantage during the third quarter, the game was over for all intents and purposes. The visitors had only two of their five starters score in double digits, while the hosts saw a total of six players hit that threshold.
Cam Thomas paced the Nets with 22 points, adding two assists and one rebound. Trendon Watford furnished 21 points, two boards, one steal and one block. Mikal Bridges supplied 19 points, six assists and one steal. Lonnie Walker finished with 14 points, seven boards, two assists and one block.
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with a 27-point, 13-assist double-double that included four rebounds, one steal and one block. Jalen Smith generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one block. Pascal Siakam managed 15 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Obi Toppin provided 14 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Aaron Nesmith collected 11 points and four rebounds, while T.J. McConnell turned in 10 points, eight assists, four rebounds and two steals.
The two teams reconvene Wednesday night at Barclays Center for the second installment of the home-and-home series.
Magic Edges Trail Blazers, 104-103
The Orlando Magic defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, 104-103, at Amway Center on Monday night.
The Magic (44-31) were unsurprisingly big home favorites coming in, but they found a feisty Trail Blazers (19-56) awaiting them to start the contest. Portland held a 23-22 lead after one, but Orlando's 61-50 edge over the middle quarters seemingly put the home team in control. However, the visitors wouldn't go away, not even when the Magic built a 102-93 advantage with only 3:04 remaining. The Blazers would go on to finish with a 10-2 run and had a golden opportunity to steal the victory, but Deandre Ayton's 12-footer at the buzzer couldn't find the net.
Dalano Banton led the Trail Blazers with 26 points, five rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks. Ayton generated a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double that included three assists. Jabari Walker delivered 18 points, nine boards and five assists. Scoot Henderson furnished 13 points, nine assists and eight rebounds. Rayan Rupert supplied 11 points, two assists, one rebound and one steal.
Franz Wagner paced the Magic with 20 points, supplementing them with six rebounds and one assist. Wendell Carter Jr. contributed a 17-point, 13-rebound double-double that included five assists, three steals and one block. Jalen Suggs and Paolo Banchero produced matching 15-point tallies while recording three and four rebounds, respectively. Suggs also posted seven assists and two blocks. Gary Harris registered 14 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Trail Blazers remain on the road and visit the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night, while the Magic visits the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night as well.
The Magic (44-31) were unsurprisingly big home favorites coming in, but they found a feisty Trail Blazers (19-56) awaiting them to start the contest. Portland held a 23-22 lead after one, but Orlando's 61-50 edge over the middle quarters seemingly put the home team in control. However, the visitors wouldn't go away, not even when the Magic built a 102-93 advantage with only 3:04 remaining. The Blazers would go on to finish with a 10-2 run and had a golden opportunity to steal the victory, but Deandre Ayton's 12-footer at the buzzer couldn't find the net.
Dalano Banton led the Trail Blazers with 26 points, five rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks. Ayton generated a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double that included three assists. Jabari Walker delivered 18 points, nine boards and five assists. Scoot Henderson furnished 13 points, nine assists and eight rebounds. Rayan Rupert supplied 11 points, two assists, one rebound and one steal.
Franz Wagner paced the Magic with 20 points, supplementing them with six rebounds and one assist. Wendell Carter Jr. contributed a 17-point, 13-rebound double-double that included five assists, three steals and one block. Jalen Suggs and Paolo Banchero produced matching 15-point tallies while recording three and four rebounds, respectively. Suggs also posted seven assists and two blocks. Gary Harris registered 14 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Trail Blazers remain on the road and visit the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night, while the Magic visits the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night as well.
Celtics Stun Hornets
By Dan Bruno
The Boston Celtics defeated the host Charlotte Hornets, 118-104, at Spectrum Center on Monday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start and the Hornets led, 32-30, after one quarter. The score stayed close early in the second, but the Celtics picked up their play in the last minutes to claim a six-point lead at the break. The visitors kept the momentum going in the third and rallied to add another 10 points to their advantage entering the final frame. The Celtics pushed their lead up to 19 points early in the fourth and maintained a steady cushion the rest of the way to close out their second straight win. This also marks the third straight loss for the Hornets.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 25 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, in 34 minutes. Sam Hauser added 25 points on 9-for-13 shooting, off the bench. Kristaps Porzingis also came up big with 20 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a block.
Meanwhile, Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 26 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, in 43 minutes of action. Grant Williams followed up with 23 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while Brandon Miller tallied 19 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal.
The Hornets (18-57) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Trail Blazers on Wednesday. The Celtics (59-16) play host to the Thunder on Wednesday.
The game got out to a competitive start and the Hornets led, 32-30, after one quarter. The score stayed close early in the second, but the Celtics picked up their play in the last minutes to claim a six-point lead at the break. The visitors kept the momentum going in the third and rallied to add another 10 points to their advantage entering the final frame. The Celtics pushed their lead up to 19 points early in the fourth and maintained a steady cushion the rest of the way to close out their second straight win. This also marks the third straight loss for the Hornets.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 25 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, in 34 minutes. Sam Hauser added 25 points on 9-for-13 shooting, off the bench. Kristaps Porzingis also came up big with 20 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a block.
Meanwhile, Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 26 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, in 43 minutes of action. Grant Williams followed up with 23 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while Brandon Miller tallied 19 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal.
The Hornets (18-57) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Trail Blazers on Wednesday. The Celtics (59-16) play host to the Thunder on Wednesday.
Suns Defeat Pelicans, 124-111
The Phoenix Suns defeated the host New Orleans Pelicans, 124-111, at Smoothie King Center on Monday.
A 46-28 first quarter carried Phoenix to this easy victory, never relinquishing the lead after the opening minutes. They got their lead up to 27 points at times, with New Orleans never getting within seven points after the opening five minutes. Phoenix shot 49 percent from the field and 80 percent from the free-throw line, while New Orleans shot 47 percent from the field and 68 percent from the charity stripe. The Suns also out-rebounded the Pels, 60-44, while out-blocking them, 6-1.
The Suns (44-31) were led by Devin Booker, finishing with 52 points, three rebounds and nine assists. Kevin Durant collected 20 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Jusuf Nurkic totaled 19 points, 19 rebounds, four assists and two blocks, while Bradley Beal accrued 13 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals.
The Pelicans (45-30) were led by Zion Williamson, providing 30 points, two rebounds and five assists. Trey Murphy tallied 21 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals. CJ McCollum compiled 15 points, five rebounds and nine assists, while Jonas Valanciunas amassed 11 points and seven boards. Dyson Daniels led the bench with nine points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Phoenix returning home to play the Cleveland Cavaliers and New Orleans staying home to face the Orlando Magic.
A 46-28 first quarter carried Phoenix to this easy victory, never relinquishing the lead after the opening minutes. They got their lead up to 27 points at times, with New Orleans never getting within seven points after the opening five minutes. Phoenix shot 49 percent from the field and 80 percent from the free-throw line, while New Orleans shot 47 percent from the field and 68 percent from the charity stripe. The Suns also out-rebounded the Pels, 60-44, while out-blocking them, 6-1.
The Suns (44-31) were led by Devin Booker, finishing with 52 points, three rebounds and nine assists. Kevin Durant collected 20 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Jusuf Nurkic totaled 19 points, 19 rebounds, four assists and two blocks, while Bradley Beal accrued 13 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals.
The Pelicans (45-30) were led by Zion Williamson, providing 30 points, two rebounds and five assists. Trey Murphy tallied 21 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals. CJ McCollum compiled 15 points, five rebounds and nine assists, while Jonas Valanciunas amassed 11 points and seven boards. Dyson Daniels led the bench with nine points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Phoenix returning home to play the Cleveland Cavaliers and New Orleans staying home to face the Orlando Magic.
Hawks Defeat Bulls, 113-101
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the host Chicago Bulls, 113-101, at United Center on Monday.
While there were 11 lead changes through the opening 20 minutes, Atlanta never relinquished the lead after that. A 29-21 third quarter carried them to their win, holding a double-digit lead for the final 20 minutes. The Hawks shot 50 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range (19-of-40), while the Bulls shot 39 percent from the field and 25 percent from long range (7-of-25). Atlanta also out-assisted Chicago, 29-17.
The Hawks (35-40) were led by Bogdan Bogdanovic, accruing 20 points, four rebounds, six assists and two blocks. Dejounte Murray tallied 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Clint Capela amassed 15 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks, while Jalen Johnson led the bench with 11 points, four rebounds and two steals. Vit Krejci had 18 points, four rebounds and three assists.
The Bulls (36-40) were led by DeMar DeRozan, finishing with 31 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals. Coby White collected 22 points, three rebounds and three assists. Ayo Dosunmu had 15 points and three boards, Nikola Vucevic compiled five points, 14 rebounds and three assists, while Andre Drummond led the bench with 13 points and 18 rebounds.
On deck for Atlanta is a home matchup with the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. As for Chicago, they're off until Friday, when they play host to the New York Knicks.
While there were 11 lead changes through the opening 20 minutes, Atlanta never relinquished the lead after that. A 29-21 third quarter carried them to their win, holding a double-digit lead for the final 20 minutes. The Hawks shot 50 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range (19-of-40), while the Bulls shot 39 percent from the field and 25 percent from long range (7-of-25). Atlanta also out-assisted Chicago, 29-17.
The Hawks (35-40) were led by Bogdan Bogdanovic, accruing 20 points, four rebounds, six assists and two blocks. Dejounte Murray tallied 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Clint Capela amassed 15 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks, while Jalen Johnson led the bench with 11 points, four rebounds and two steals. Vit Krejci had 18 points, four rebounds and three assists.
The Bulls (36-40) were led by DeMar DeRozan, finishing with 31 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals. Coby White collected 22 points, three rebounds and three assists. Ayo Dosunmu had 15 points and three boards, Nikola Vucevic compiled five points, 14 rebounds and three assists, while Andre Drummond led the bench with 13 points and 18 rebounds.
On deck for Atlanta is a home matchup with the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. As for Chicago, they're off until Friday, when they play host to the New York Knicks.