Davis, James combine for 60 points to power Lakers over Wizards
The Los Angeles Lakers took down the Washington Wizards, 125-120, at Capital One Arena on Wednesday.
The Wizards (15-62) rushed out to an 11-point lead to start the game, but the Lakers (44-33) responded by ending the quarter on a 31-10 run to hold a 10-point lead at the end of the first quarter. Washington was able to get the lead back down to single digits in the second quarter and entered halftime down by seven. The Lakers won the third quarter, 34-26, and looked like they were going to run away with the game after leading by as much as 17 points. But the Wizards fought back in the fourth quarter and found themselves within one score midway through the final frame. But Los Angeles managed to close out the game thanks to a 14-0 run, and the victory pushed its road record to 17-21, while the Wizards dropped to 7-32 at home.
Anthony Davis led the way for the Lakers with 35 points, 18 rebounds, three blocks and two steals for his 61st double-double of the season. LeBron James tallied 25 points, seven rebounds, nine assists and three steals. Rui Hachimura chipped in 19 points and seven rebounds, while D’Angelo Russell contributed 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Austin Reaves finished with 16 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Jordan Poole led the Wizards with 29 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals. Corey Kispert chipped in 17 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Kyle Kuzma had 17 points, 12 rebounds and three assists for his 14th double-double of the season. Tristan Vukcevic contributed 15 points and three rebounds, while Justin Champagnie led the bench with 13 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
Next up, the Wizards close out their six-game homestand Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers, while the Lakers return to LA to host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday.
The Wizards (15-62) rushed out to an 11-point lead to start the game, but the Lakers (44-33) responded by ending the quarter on a 31-10 run to hold a 10-point lead at the end of the first quarter. Washington was able to get the lead back down to single digits in the second quarter and entered halftime down by seven. The Lakers won the third quarter, 34-26, and looked like they were going to run away with the game after leading by as much as 17 points. But the Wizards fought back in the fourth quarter and found themselves within one score midway through the final frame. But Los Angeles managed to close out the game thanks to a 14-0 run, and the victory pushed its road record to 17-21, while the Wizards dropped to 7-32 at home.
Anthony Davis led the way for the Lakers with 35 points, 18 rebounds, three blocks and two steals for his 61st double-double of the season. LeBron James tallied 25 points, seven rebounds, nine assists and three steals. Rui Hachimura chipped in 19 points and seven rebounds, while D’Angelo Russell contributed 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Austin Reaves finished with 16 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Jordan Poole led the Wizards with 29 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals. Corey Kispert chipped in 17 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Kyle Kuzma had 17 points, 12 rebounds and three assists for his 14th double-double of the season. Tristan Vukcevic contributed 15 points and three rebounds, while Justin Champagnie led the bench with 13 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
Next up, the Wizards close out their six-game homestand Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers, while the Lakers return to LA to host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday.
Blazers Hold On To Get Past Hornets
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 89-86, at Spectrum Center on Wednesday.
The Trail Blazers (20-56) and the Hornets (18-58) are two eliminated teams already thinking about the 2024 NBA Draft, and the 2024-25 season. On that note, this game didn’t feature a lot of star power, and it was a low-scoring affair overall. Portland looked like the better team early on and jumped to a 30-21 lead in the first quarter. However, a 23-15 score in the second quarter for the Hornets reduced the deficit to just one point. The second half was extremely tight, and both teams went back and forth down the stretch. However, the Blazers held on, and two decisive free throws from Jabari Walker iced the game for good. With the win, the Blazers moved to 9-29 on the road. Meanwhile, the Hornets fell to 10-28 at home.
Deandre Ayton led the way for the Trail Blazers with 24 points and 16 rebounds. Scoot Henderson also had a double-double after posting 22 points and 10 assists. Jabari Walker was impressive, finishing with 14 points and a team-high 22 rebounds. Dalano Banton had 12 points coming off the bench. The Blazers shot 39.8 percent from the field and 26.9 percent from three-point range.
Brandon Miller was the leading scorer for the Hornets with 21 points and two rebounds. Grant Williams only scored five points, but he added 11 assists and seven rebounds. Tre Mann had 11 points, three rebounds, two assists and three steals. Aleksej Pokusevski notched 11 points off the bench. The Hornets shot 41 percent from the field and 16.1 percent from three-point range.
The Trail Blazers (20-56) and the Hornets (18-58) are two eliminated teams already thinking about the 2024 NBA Draft, and the 2024-25 season. On that note, this game didn’t feature a lot of star power, and it was a low-scoring affair overall. Portland looked like the better team early on and jumped to a 30-21 lead in the first quarter. However, a 23-15 score in the second quarter for the Hornets reduced the deficit to just one point. The second half was extremely tight, and both teams went back and forth down the stretch. However, the Blazers held on, and two decisive free throws from Jabari Walker iced the game for good. With the win, the Blazers moved to 9-29 on the road. Meanwhile, the Hornets fell to 10-28 at home.
Deandre Ayton led the way for the Trail Blazers with 24 points and 16 rebounds. Scoot Henderson also had a double-double after posting 22 points and 10 assists. Jabari Walker was impressive, finishing with 14 points and a team-high 22 rebounds. Dalano Banton had 12 points coming off the bench. The Blazers shot 39.8 percent from the field and 26.9 percent from three-point range.
Brandon Miller was the leading scorer for the Hornets with 21 points and two rebounds. Grant Williams only scored five points, but he added 11 assists and seven rebounds. Tre Mann had 11 points, three rebounds, two assists and three steals. Aleksej Pokusevski notched 11 points off the bench. The Hornets shot 41 percent from the field and 16.1 percent from three-point range.
Hawks Clinch Playoff Spot With Win Over Pistons
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Detroit Pistons, 121-113, at State Farm Arena on Wednesday.
The Hawks (36-40) were on the verge of securing a playoff berth, and for that to happen, they either needed to win here or wait for a Brooklyn Nets loss. Atlanta didn’t need help elsewhere, however, and their win over the Pistons (13-63) was enough to secure a spot in the Play-In Tournament, eliminating Brooklyn. The Hawks enjoyed a strong start and raced to a 28-23 lead in the first quarter. Detroit didn’t have enough weapons to respond, and Atlanta bolstered its lead following a 31-27 score in the second quarter. A 33-29 score in the third quarter gave the Hawks a double-digit lead ahead of the final 12 minutes. The Pistons tried to fight back, but their fourth-quarter comeback was not enough, and the Hawks closed things out. With the win, the Hawks moved to 21-18 at home, while the Pistons fell to 6-31 on the road.
Jalen Johnson led the way for the Hawks with a triple-double, as he ended with 28 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists. Clint Capela had a double-double as well, posting 11 points and 16 rebounds. Deandre Hunter had 26 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Dejounte Murray finished with 24 points, 11 assists and four rebounds. Bogdan Bogdanovic had 10 points. The Hawks shot 54.4 percent from the floor and 34.2 percent from deep.
Malachi Flynn came out of nowhere to score 50 points for the Pistons off the bench. Flynn went 18-for-25 from the field, 5-for-9 from three-point range and 9-for-12 from the free throw line. He also posted six rebounds, five assists and three steals. Marcus Sasser and Jalen Duren each scored 11 points. They were the only Detroit players who scored in double digits sans Flynn. The Pistons shot 45.7 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent from three.
The Hawks (36-40) were on the verge of securing a playoff berth, and for that to happen, they either needed to win here or wait for a Brooklyn Nets loss. Atlanta didn’t need help elsewhere, however, and their win over the Pistons (13-63) was enough to secure a spot in the Play-In Tournament, eliminating Brooklyn. The Hawks enjoyed a strong start and raced to a 28-23 lead in the first quarter. Detroit didn’t have enough weapons to respond, and Atlanta bolstered its lead following a 31-27 score in the second quarter. A 33-29 score in the third quarter gave the Hawks a double-digit lead ahead of the final 12 minutes. The Pistons tried to fight back, but their fourth-quarter comeback was not enough, and the Hawks closed things out. With the win, the Hawks moved to 21-18 at home, while the Pistons fell to 6-31 on the road.
Jalen Johnson led the way for the Hawks with a triple-double, as he ended with 28 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists. Clint Capela had a double-double as well, posting 11 points and 16 rebounds. Deandre Hunter had 26 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Dejounte Murray finished with 24 points, 11 assists and four rebounds. Bogdan Bogdanovic had 10 points. The Hawks shot 54.4 percent from the floor and 34.2 percent from deep.
Malachi Flynn came out of nowhere to score 50 points for the Pistons off the bench. Flynn went 18-for-25 from the field, 5-for-9 from three-point range and 9-for-12 from the free throw line. He also posted six rebounds, five assists and three steals. Marcus Sasser and Jalen Duren each scored 11 points. They were the only Detroit players who scored in double digits sans Flynn. The Pistons shot 45.7 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent from three.
Celtics Throttle Thunder, 135-100
The Boston Celtics defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, 135-100, at TD Garden on Wednesday night.
The Celtics (60-16) knew they were already coming in with a significant advantage due to the absences of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (quadriceps) and Jaylen Williams (ankle), but they didn't rest on their laurels. Boston had already built a 61-47 lead after an aggressive first half, but the Thunder (52-24) was able to put a four-point dent in their deficit in the third quarter to make things interesting. However, that only served to sharpen the hosts' focus, as they dominated OKC by a 42-17 margin over the final 12 minutes to notch the runaway victory and clinch home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.
Josh Giddey led the Thunder with 17 points, adding six rebounds and two assists. Luguentz Dort furnished 15 points, five rebounds and one block. Isaiah Joe delivered 13 points, three boards, one steal and one block. Cason Wallace supplied 12 points, five assists, one rebound, four steals and one block. Chet Holmgren totaled 11 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Aaron Wiggins registered 10 points, five assists, one rebound, one steal and one block.
Kristaps Porzingis paced the Celtics with a 27-point, 12-rebound double-double that included four assists, five blocks and one steal. Jayson Tatum recorded 24 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. Jaylen Brown managed 23 points, seven boards, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Al Horford compiled 16 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block. Jrue Holiday finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one block. Payton Pritchard offered 11 points, eight assists, four rebounds and two steals. Sam Hauser netted 10 points.
The Thunder remain on the road and visit the Indiana Pacers on Friday night, while the Celtics host the Sacramento Kings on Friday night as well.
The Celtics (60-16) knew they were already coming in with a significant advantage due to the absences of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (quadriceps) and Jaylen Williams (ankle), but they didn't rest on their laurels. Boston had already built a 61-47 lead after an aggressive first half, but the Thunder (52-24) was able to put a four-point dent in their deficit in the third quarter to make things interesting. However, that only served to sharpen the hosts' focus, as they dominated OKC by a 42-17 margin over the final 12 minutes to notch the runaway victory and clinch home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.
Josh Giddey led the Thunder with 17 points, adding six rebounds and two assists. Luguentz Dort furnished 15 points, five rebounds and one block. Isaiah Joe delivered 13 points, three boards, one steal and one block. Cason Wallace supplied 12 points, five assists, one rebound, four steals and one block. Chet Holmgren totaled 11 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Aaron Wiggins registered 10 points, five assists, one rebound, one steal and one block.
Kristaps Porzingis paced the Celtics with a 27-point, 12-rebound double-double that included four assists, five blocks and one steal. Jayson Tatum recorded 24 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. Jaylen Brown managed 23 points, seven boards, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Al Horford compiled 16 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block. Jrue Holiday finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one block. Payton Pritchard offered 11 points, eight assists, four rebounds and two steals. Sam Hauser netted 10 points.
The Thunder remain on the road and visit the Indiana Pacers on Friday night, while the Celtics host the Sacramento Kings on Friday night as well.
Nets Edge Pacers In Brooklyn
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the visiting Indiana Pacers, 115-111, at Barclays Center on Wednesday evening.
The Pacers jumped out to a great start with a, 31-19, lead after one quarter. The Nets responded by outscoring the visitors, 42-31, in the second to cut it to a one-point game at the break. The hosts kept the momentum going and rallied to a double-digit lead in the third, but the Pacers battled back to trail by one point entering the final frame. The score stayed close through the fourth and after a couple lead changes, the Nets took control down the stretch to secure the home win and end a two-game slide.
Cam Thomas led the Nets with 27 points, four rebounds and two blocks, in 39 minutes. Noah Clowney followed up with 22 points, 10 rebounds and a block, while Nicolas Claxton logged 14 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and four blocks.
Meanwhile, Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 26 points, nine rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. Tyrese Haliburton followed up with 24 points, three rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks, while Obi Toppin added 14 points, eight rebounds, a steal and three blocks.
The Pacers (43-34) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Thunder on Friday. The Nets (30-47) play host to the Pistons on Saturday.
The Pacers jumped out to a great start with a, 31-19, lead after one quarter. The Nets responded by outscoring the visitors, 42-31, in the second to cut it to a one-point game at the break. The hosts kept the momentum going and rallied to a double-digit lead in the third, but the Pacers battled back to trail by one point entering the final frame. The score stayed close through the fourth and after a couple lead changes, the Nets took control down the stretch to secure the home win and end a two-game slide.
Cam Thomas led the Nets with 27 points, four rebounds and two blocks, in 39 minutes. Noah Clowney followed up with 22 points, 10 rebounds and a block, while Nicolas Claxton logged 14 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and four blocks.
Meanwhile, Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 26 points, nine rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. Tyrese Haliburton followed up with 24 points, three rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks, while Obi Toppin added 14 points, eight rebounds, a steal and three blocks.
The Pacers (43-34) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Thunder on Friday. The Nets (30-47) play host to the Pistons on Saturday.
Magic Shut Down Pelicans In New Orleans
By Dan Bruno
The Orlando Magic defeated the host New Orleans Pelicans, 117-108, at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the the Pelicans held a two-point advantage after one quarter. The Magic picked up momentum in the second and rallied ahead, hanging on to a three-point edge at halftime. The visitors picked up the upper hand again in the third, as they rallied to a 15-point lead heading into the final frame. The Magic maintained control through the fourth and withstood a late push by the Pelicans to hold on for their third straight win. This also marks the third straight loss for the Pelicans.
Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 32 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 38 minutes. Franz Wagner followed up with 24 points, two rebounds, five assists and a block, while Wendell Carter logged 14 points, 11 rebounds and three assists.
Meanwhile, CJ McCollum led the Pelicans with 36 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 41 minutes. Dyson Daniels followed up with 16 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Zion Williamson added 15 points, two rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block.
The Pelicans (45-31) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Spurs on Friday. The Magic (45-31) take on the Hornets in Charlotte on Friday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the the Pelicans held a two-point advantage after one quarter. The Magic picked up momentum in the second and rallied ahead, hanging on to a three-point edge at halftime. The visitors picked up the upper hand again in the third, as they rallied to a 15-point lead heading into the final frame. The Magic maintained control through the fourth and withstood a late push by the Pelicans to hold on for their third straight win. This also marks the third straight loss for the Pelicans.
Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 32 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 38 minutes. Franz Wagner followed up with 24 points, two rebounds, five assists and a block, while Wendell Carter logged 14 points, 11 rebounds and three assists.
Meanwhile, CJ McCollum led the Pelicans with 36 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 41 minutes. Dyson Daniels followed up with 16 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Zion Williamson added 15 points, two rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block.
The Pelicans (45-31) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Spurs on Friday. The Magic (45-31) take on the Hornets in Charlotte on Friday.
Grizzlies Upset Bucks, 111-101
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, 111-101, at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday night.
The Bucks (47-29) were coming off a surprising loss to the hapless Wizards on Tuesday, so conventional wisdom implied they certainly wouldn't lack for focus against a second straight non-contending opponent. However, Milwaukee didn't play like a team with much urgency in the first half, entering halftime with a four-point deficit. The Grizzlies (26-50) did see their lead evaporate to one point during the third quarter, but a key 9-0 run between the 6:13 and 4:17 marks of the final period gave Memphis an advantage they wouldn't concede the rest of the way.
Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 35 points, supplementing them with four assists, three rebounds, three steals and one block. GG Jackson generated a 15-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist. Brandon Clarke supplied 14 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Jordan Goodwin produced a 13-point, 12-rebound double-double that included seven assists.
Brook Lopez paced the Grizzlies with a 25-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist. Giannis Antetokounmpo tallied 21 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, five blocks and one steal. Bobby Portis registered 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Malik Beasley finished with 10 points, three rebounds and two assists.
The Grizzlies return home to host the Detroit Pistons on Friday night, while the Bucks host the Toronto Raptors on Friday night as well.
The Bucks (47-29) were coming off a surprising loss to the hapless Wizards on Tuesday, so conventional wisdom implied they certainly wouldn't lack for focus against a second straight non-contending opponent. However, Milwaukee didn't play like a team with much urgency in the first half, entering halftime with a four-point deficit. The Grizzlies (26-50) did see their lead evaporate to one point during the third quarter, but a key 9-0 run between the 6:13 and 4:17 marks of the final period gave Memphis an advantage they wouldn't concede the rest of the way.
Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 35 points, supplementing them with four assists, three rebounds, three steals and one block. GG Jackson generated a 15-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist. Brandon Clarke supplied 14 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Jordan Goodwin produced a 13-point, 12-rebound double-double that included seven assists.
Brook Lopez paced the Grizzlies with a 25-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist. Giannis Antetokounmpo tallied 21 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, five blocks and one steal. Bobby Portis registered 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Malik Beasley finished with 10 points, three rebounds and two assists.
The Grizzlies return home to host the Detroit Pistons on Friday night, while the Bucks host the Toronto Raptors on Friday night as well.
T'Wolves Defeat Raptors, 133-85
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Toronto Raptors, 133-85, at Target Center on Wednesday.
Minnesota won all four individual quarters in this victory, riding a 75-43 second half to their blowout win. The final margin was their largest lead, but the Timberwolves led by at least 30 points for the entirety of the fourth quarter. Minnesota shot 51 percent from the field and 47 percent from three-point range while holding Toronto to 37 percent from the field and 23 percent from long range. The T'Wolves also recorded 37 assists to nine turnovers, while the Raptors had 19 assists to 20 turnovers.
The Raptors (23-53) were led by Immanuel Quickley, collecting 16 points and three assists. Gradey Dick amassed 16 points and eight rebounds. Jackson Liberty-Freeman led the bench with 16 points, five rebounds and six assists, while Jordan Nwora had 14 points, 13 rebounds and five assists. Jalen McDaniels totaled 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists,
The Timberwolves (53-23) were led by Anthony Edwards, accruing 28 points, three rebounds, six assists and two steals. Naz Reid registered 23 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Rudy Gobert gobbled up 11 points, 15 rebounds, three assists and two blocks, while Monte Morris led the bench with 13 points, four rebounds, five assists and two blocks.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Minnesota traveling to face the Phoenix Suns and Toronto staying on the road to play the Milwaukee Bucks.
Minnesota won all four individual quarters in this victory, riding a 75-43 second half to their blowout win. The final margin was their largest lead, but the Timberwolves led by at least 30 points for the entirety of the fourth quarter. Minnesota shot 51 percent from the field and 47 percent from three-point range while holding Toronto to 37 percent from the field and 23 percent from long range. The T'Wolves also recorded 37 assists to nine turnovers, while the Raptors had 19 assists to 20 turnovers.
The Raptors (23-53) were led by Immanuel Quickley, collecting 16 points and three assists. Gradey Dick amassed 16 points and eight rebounds. Jackson Liberty-Freeman led the bench with 16 points, five rebounds and six assists, while Jordan Nwora had 14 points, 13 rebounds and five assists. Jalen McDaniels totaled 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists,
The Timberwolves (53-23) were led by Anthony Edwards, accruing 28 points, three rebounds, six assists and two steals. Naz Reid registered 23 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Rudy Gobert gobbled up 11 points, 15 rebounds, three assists and two blocks, while Monte Morris led the bench with 13 points, four rebounds, five assists and two blocks.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Minnesota traveling to face the Phoenix Suns and Toronto staying on the road to play the Milwaukee Bucks.
Suns Defeat Cavs, 122-101
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, 122-101, at Footprint Center on Wednesday.
Phoenix never relinquished the lead after a 34-20 first quarter, taking command with a 38-27 second quarter. They got their lead up to 28 points at times, maintaining a double-digit lead for the final three frames. The Suns shot 51 percent from the field, 55 percent from three-point range and 94 percent from the free-throw line, while the Cavaliers shot 47 percent from the field, 27 percent from long range and 84 percent from the charity stripe. They also out-rebounded the Cavs. 50-40.
The Cavaliers (46-31) were led by Donovan Mitchell, tallying 24 points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Jarrett Allen amassed 20 points, five rebounds and four assists. Evan Mobley accrued 20 points, nine rebounds and five assists, while Darius Garland generated 15 points, eight assists and two steals. Max Strus rounded out the starting lineup with nine points, 12 rebounds and eight assists.
The Suns (45-31) were led by Devin Booker, finishing with 40 points and eight assists. Kevin Durant compiled 32 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Royce O'Neale accrued 17 points, six rebounds and two assists. Bradley Beal had seven points, six rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while Jusuf Nurkic accumulated two points, 10 rebounds, six assists and two steals. Bol Bol led the bench with 15 points, six rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
On deck for Phoenix is a home matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. As for Cleveland, they travel to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday for their next outing.
Phoenix never relinquished the lead after a 34-20 first quarter, taking command with a 38-27 second quarter. They got their lead up to 28 points at times, maintaining a double-digit lead for the final three frames. The Suns shot 51 percent from the field, 55 percent from three-point range and 94 percent from the free-throw line, while the Cavaliers shot 47 percent from the field, 27 percent from long range and 84 percent from the charity stripe. They also out-rebounded the Cavs. 50-40.
The Cavaliers (46-31) were led by Donovan Mitchell, tallying 24 points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Jarrett Allen amassed 20 points, five rebounds and four assists. Evan Mobley accrued 20 points, nine rebounds and five assists, while Darius Garland generated 15 points, eight assists and two steals. Max Strus rounded out the starting lineup with nine points, 12 rebounds and eight assists.
The Suns (45-31) were led by Devin Booker, finishing with 40 points and eight assists. Kevin Durant compiled 32 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Royce O'Neale accrued 17 points, six rebounds and two assists. Bradley Beal had seven points, six rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while Jusuf Nurkic accumulated two points, 10 rebounds, six assists and two steals. Bol Bol led the bench with 15 points, six rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
On deck for Phoenix is a home matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. As for Cleveland, they travel to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday for their next outing.