Pacers Remain Hot, Top Thunder
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, 126-112, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday.
The Pacers (44-34) moved 10 games over the .500 threshold with a win over the Thunder (52-25). It wasn't an easy win for the Pacers, as they endured a slow start and had to mount a comeback in the second half to get the victory. Oklahoma City raced to a 32-31 lead in the first quarter, but the Pacers quickly responded with a 38-27 score. That gave them a 10-point lead by halftime. Indiana kept the momentum going and also won the final two quarters, 31-30 and 26-23, en route to clinching a key win in their race to avoid the Play-In Tournament. With the win, the Pacers moved to 24-15 at home, while the Thunder fell to 23-17 on the road.
Pascal Siakam led the way for the Pacers with 21 points and five rebounds. Aaron Nesmith had 17 points and four rebounds, while Myles Turner chipped in with 16 points and three boards. Tyrese Haliburton only scored eight points, but he added 11 assists as well. T.J. McConnell delivered 16 points, 10 assists and five rebounds off the bench. Obi Toppin also had 15 points and eight rebounds coming off the bench. The Pacers shot 52.3 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from three-point range.
Luguentz Dort led the way for the Thunder with 22 points and two rebounds. Josh Giddey finished with 14 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds. Isaiah Joe had 10 points, four rebounds and three assists. Chet Holmgren posted 15 points and eight rebounds. Kenrich Williams added 18 points off the bench. The Thunder shot 48.8 percent from the field and 26.7 percent from deep.
The Pacers (44-34) moved 10 games over the .500 threshold with a win over the Thunder (52-25). It wasn't an easy win for the Pacers, as they endured a slow start and had to mount a comeback in the second half to get the victory. Oklahoma City raced to a 32-31 lead in the first quarter, but the Pacers quickly responded with a 38-27 score. That gave them a 10-point lead by halftime. Indiana kept the momentum going and also won the final two quarters, 31-30 and 26-23, en route to clinching a key win in their race to avoid the Play-In Tournament. With the win, the Pacers moved to 24-15 at home, while the Thunder fell to 23-17 on the road.
Pascal Siakam led the way for the Pacers with 21 points and five rebounds. Aaron Nesmith had 17 points and four rebounds, while Myles Turner chipped in with 16 points and three boards. Tyrese Haliburton only scored eight points, but he added 11 assists as well. T.J. McConnell delivered 16 points, 10 assists and five rebounds off the bench. Obi Toppin also had 15 points and eight rebounds coming off the bench. The Pacers shot 52.3 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from three-point range.
Luguentz Dort led the way for the Thunder with 22 points and two rebounds. Josh Giddey finished with 14 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds. Isaiah Joe had 10 points, four rebounds and three assists. Chet Holmgren posted 15 points and eight rebounds. Kenrich Williams added 18 points off the bench. The Thunder shot 48.8 percent from the field and 26.7 percent from deep.
Trail Blazers Top Wizards In Tight Contest
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Washington Wizards, 108-102, at Capital One Arena on Friday.
The Wizards (15-63) suffered yet another loss at home, and they continue to sink in the Eastern Conference standings. The Trail Blazers (21-56) looked good early and raced to a 32-27 lead following the first quarter, and Portland extended its lead following a 27-14 score in the second quarter. Washington showed signs of life in the third quarter and outscored their opponents by a 30-27 score. Unfortunately for the Wizards, they couldn't complete the comeback. The Trail Blazers outscored their rivals by a 22-21 score in the final 12 minutes en route to securing the victory. With the win, the Trail Blazers moved to 10-29 on the road. Meanwhile, the Wizards fell to 7-33 at home.
Deandre Ayton was the leading scorer for the Blazers with 34 points and 13 rebounds to lead the way. Ayton also posted three assists, two steals and two blocks. Scoot Henderson delivered 19 points, seven assists and three rebounds. Kris Murray posted 13 points and five rebounds. Jabari Walker had 11 points and 13 rebounds across 39 minutes. Dalano Banton notched 21 points coming off the bench. The Blazers shot 43.8 percent from the field and 31 percent from three-point range.
Deni Avdija led the way for the Wizards with 22 points and 12 rebounds. Jordan Poole delivered 20 points, nine assists and five rebounds. Corey Kispert recorded 12 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals. Tristan Vukcevic delivered 17 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Wizards shot 43.2 percent from the field and a meager 15.2 percent from three-point range.
The Wizards (15-63) suffered yet another loss at home, and they continue to sink in the Eastern Conference standings. The Trail Blazers (21-56) looked good early and raced to a 32-27 lead following the first quarter, and Portland extended its lead following a 27-14 score in the second quarter. Washington showed signs of life in the third quarter and outscored their opponents by a 30-27 score. Unfortunately for the Wizards, they couldn't complete the comeback. The Trail Blazers outscored their rivals by a 22-21 score in the final 12 minutes en route to securing the victory. With the win, the Trail Blazers moved to 10-29 on the road. Meanwhile, the Wizards fell to 7-33 at home.
Deandre Ayton was the leading scorer for the Blazers with 34 points and 13 rebounds to lead the way. Ayton also posted three assists, two steals and two blocks. Scoot Henderson delivered 19 points, seven assists and three rebounds. Kris Murray posted 13 points and five rebounds. Jabari Walker had 11 points and 13 rebounds across 39 minutes. Dalano Banton notched 21 points coming off the bench. The Blazers shot 43.8 percent from the field and 31 percent from three-point range.
Deni Avdija led the way for the Wizards with 22 points and 12 rebounds. Jordan Poole delivered 20 points, nine assists and five rebounds. Corey Kispert recorded 12 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals. Tristan Vukcevic delivered 17 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Wizards shot 43.2 percent from the field and a meager 15.2 percent from three-point range.
Hornets Pull Upset In Win Over Magic
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Orlando Magic, 124-115, at Spectrum Center on Friday.
The Hornets (19-58) have nothing to play for, but they still upset the playoff-bound Magic (45-32). Aided by the stellar play of Brandon Miller early on, the Hornets grabbed control quickly and raced to a 38-23 lead in the first quarter. The Magic recovered their composure after their slow start, but they could never recover score-wise. The second quarter ended with a 29-29 tie, and the third was squared up. This means the Hornets held a massive 15-point edge heading to the final 12 minutes, and they didn't let the lead slip away. Even though the Magic won the final quarter by a 36-30 score, the Hornets cruised to an easy win in front of their fans. The Hornets moved to 11-28 at home, while the Magic fell to 18-20 on the road.
Brandon Miller had one of the best performances of his career and finished with 32 points, six rebounds and two assists to lead the Hornets. Miles Bridges posted 23 points, six rebounds and four assists. Grant Williams had 18 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Vasilije Micic had 14 points and nine assists. Davis Bertans added 12 points off the bench. Charlotte shot 59.7 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range.
Paolo Banchero led the way for the Magic with 32 points, eight rebounds and eight assists to lead the Magic. Franz Wagner finished with 22 points and seven boards. Wendell Carter Jr. delivered 13 points and seven rebounds. Gary Harris had 12 points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals. Markelle Fultz added 15 points off the bench. Orlando shot 44.7 percent from the field and 23.7 percent from deep.
The Hornets (19-58) have nothing to play for, but they still upset the playoff-bound Magic (45-32). Aided by the stellar play of Brandon Miller early on, the Hornets grabbed control quickly and raced to a 38-23 lead in the first quarter. The Magic recovered their composure after their slow start, but they could never recover score-wise. The second quarter ended with a 29-29 tie, and the third was squared up. This means the Hornets held a massive 15-point edge heading to the final 12 minutes, and they didn't let the lead slip away. Even though the Magic won the final quarter by a 36-30 score, the Hornets cruised to an easy win in front of their fans. The Hornets moved to 11-28 at home, while the Magic fell to 18-20 on the road.
Brandon Miller had one of the best performances of his career and finished with 32 points, six rebounds and two assists to lead the Hornets. Miles Bridges posted 23 points, six rebounds and four assists. Grant Williams had 18 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Vasilije Micic had 14 points and nine assists. Davis Bertans added 12 points off the bench. Charlotte shot 59.7 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range.
Paolo Banchero led the way for the Magic with 32 points, eight rebounds and eight assists to lead the Magic. Franz Wagner finished with 22 points and seven boards. Wendell Carter Jr. delivered 13 points and seven rebounds. Gary Harris had 12 points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals. Markelle Fultz added 15 points off the bench. Orlando shot 44.7 percent from the field and 23.7 percent from deep.
Celtics Squeeze By Kings, 101-100
The Boston Celtics defeated the Sacramento Kings, 101-100, at TD Garden on Friday night.
The Celtics (61-16) came into the contest with the satisfaction of knowing they'd already locked in the NBA's best record and home-court advantage throughout the postseason, but they still played with urgency during a first quarter they emerged from with a 27-15 lead. That seemed to wake up the Kings (44-33), which are still angling for postseason positioning, as they shaved all but eight points from their deficit before halftime. However, Boston got that advantage right back in the third, but Sacramento's fourth-quarter push, which saw them outscore the hosts by a 28-17 margin, was almost enough for the upset victory until Xavier Tillman's go-ahead floating jumper with 7.1 seconds remaining and three straight subsequent misses by the Kings.
De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 40 points, complementing them with four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Domantas Sabonis generated a 16-point, 16-rebound double-double that included six assists, one steal and one block. Keegan Murray and Harrison Barnes posted 10 points apiece while pulling down 11 and five rebounds, respectively.
Payton Pritchard paced the Celtics with 21 points, supplementing them with three assists, one rebound and two steals. Kristaps Porzingis generated a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists, two steals and one block. Jayson Tatum furnished 17 points, six boards and five assists. Jrue Holiday supplied 10 points, seven assists and four rebounds.
The Kings remain on the road and visit the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday night, while the Celtics host the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday evening.
The Celtics (61-16) came into the contest with the satisfaction of knowing they'd already locked in the NBA's best record and home-court advantage throughout the postseason, but they still played with urgency during a first quarter they emerged from with a 27-15 lead. That seemed to wake up the Kings (44-33), which are still angling for postseason positioning, as they shaved all but eight points from their deficit before halftime. However, Boston got that advantage right back in the third, but Sacramento's fourth-quarter push, which saw them outscore the hosts by a 28-17 margin, was almost enough for the upset victory until Xavier Tillman's go-ahead floating jumper with 7.1 seconds remaining and three straight subsequent misses by the Kings.
De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 40 points, complementing them with four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Domantas Sabonis generated a 16-point, 16-rebound double-double that included six assists, one steal and one block. Keegan Murray and Harrison Barnes posted 10 points apiece while pulling down 11 and five rebounds, respectively.
Payton Pritchard paced the Celtics with 21 points, supplementing them with three assists, one rebound and two steals. Kristaps Porzingis generated a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists, two steals and one block. Jayson Tatum furnished 17 points, six boards and five assists. Jrue Holiday supplied 10 points, seven assists and four rebounds.
The Kings remain on the road and visit the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday night, while the Celtics host the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday evening.
Spurs Edge Pelicans, 111-109
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 111-109, at Smoothie King Center on Friday night.
The Pelicans (45-32) came into the game as clear home favorites and validated that standing in the first quarter, when they forged a 27-18 lead. New Orleans added another point to its advantage in the second quarter, seemingly putting them in control at halftime. However, the Spurs (20-58) were able to erase their entire deficit in the third quarter, and after a hotly contested final period, the game was sealed when Devonte' Graham and Victor Wembanyama each drained a pair of free throws in the closing seconds.
Graham led the Spurs with 20 points, complementing them with five assists, two rebounds and three steals. Wembanyama generated a 17-point, 12-rebound double-double that included nine assists, three blocks and one steal. Zach Collins and Sandro Mamukelashvili each produced 15 points while tallying seven and five rebounds, respectively. Julian Champagnie matched his teammates' scoring and also collected four rebounds, four assists, four blocks and one steal. Tre Jones and Malaki Branham generated 14 points apiece while dishing out four and two assists, respectively.
CJ McCollum paced the Pelicans with 31 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, four assists and one block. Jonas Valanciunas totaled 26 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and one steal. Trey Murphy finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Herbert Jones delivered 15 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals.
The Spurs return home to host the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday night, while the Pelicans visit the Phoenix Suns on Sunday evening.
The Pelicans (45-32) came into the game as clear home favorites and validated that standing in the first quarter, when they forged a 27-18 lead. New Orleans added another point to its advantage in the second quarter, seemingly putting them in control at halftime. However, the Spurs (20-58) were able to erase their entire deficit in the third quarter, and after a hotly contested final period, the game was sealed when Devonte' Graham and Victor Wembanyama each drained a pair of free throws in the closing seconds.
Graham led the Spurs with 20 points, complementing them with five assists, two rebounds and three steals. Wembanyama generated a 17-point, 12-rebound double-double that included nine assists, three blocks and one steal. Zach Collins and Sandro Mamukelashvili each produced 15 points while tallying seven and five rebounds, respectively. Julian Champagnie matched his teammates' scoring and also collected four rebounds, four assists, four blocks and one steal. Tre Jones and Malaki Branham generated 14 points apiece while dishing out four and two assists, respectively.
CJ McCollum paced the Pelicans with 31 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, four assists and one block. Jonas Valanciunas totaled 26 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and one steal. Trey Murphy finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Herbert Jones delivered 15 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals.
The Spurs return home to host the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday night, while the Pelicans visit the Phoenix Suns on Sunday evening.
Bulls Top Knicks, 108-100
The Chicago Bulls defeated the New York Knicks, 108-100, at United Center on Friday night.
The Bulls (37-40) opened the game in dominant fashion, jumping out to a 29-17 lead through one and then adding another four points to their advantage before intermission. However, the Knicks (45-32) came out of halftime a different team, chopping 11 points from their deficit in the third quarter. New York kept fighting in the final period until getting within four points with 2:29 remaining, but Chicago was able to pull away with a 7-3 run to finish off the win.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 35 points, supplementing them with 11 assists, six rebounds and two steals. Miles McBride supplied 19 points, seven rebounds and two assists. OG Anunoby furnished 12 points, one rebound and two steals. Isaiah Hartenstein and Donte DiVincenzo produced matching 10-point efforts while adding seven and four rebounds, respectively. Hartenstein added three steals.
Javonte Green paced the Bulls with a 25-point, 13-rebound double-double that included one assist, two steals and one block. Ayo Dosunmu managed 24 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. DeMar DeRozan generated a 20-point, 10-assist double-double that included five rebounds and one steal. Nikola Vucevic posted a 16-point, 13-rebound double-double that included six assists and one block. Andre Drummond turned in 10 points, 16 rebounds, three seals and one block.
The Knicks next visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night, while Bulls visit the Orlando Magic on Sunday evening.
The Bulls (37-40) opened the game in dominant fashion, jumping out to a 29-17 lead through one and then adding another four points to their advantage before intermission. However, the Knicks (45-32) came out of halftime a different team, chopping 11 points from their deficit in the third quarter. New York kept fighting in the final period until getting within four points with 2:29 remaining, but Chicago was able to pull away with a 7-3 run to finish off the win.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 35 points, supplementing them with 11 assists, six rebounds and two steals. Miles McBride supplied 19 points, seven rebounds and two assists. OG Anunoby furnished 12 points, one rebound and two steals. Isaiah Hartenstein and Donte DiVincenzo produced matching 10-point efforts while adding seven and four rebounds, respectively. Hartenstein added three steals.
Javonte Green paced the Bulls with a 25-point, 13-rebound double-double that included one assist, two steals and one block. Ayo Dosunmu managed 24 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. DeMar DeRozan generated a 20-point, 10-assist double-double that included five rebounds and one steal. Nikola Vucevic posted a 16-point, 13-rebound double-double that included six assists and one block. Andre Drummond turned in 10 points, 16 rebounds, three seals and one block.
The Knicks next visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night, while Bulls visit the Orlando Magic on Sunday evening.
Heat Hold Off Rockets In Houston
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat defeated the host Houston Rockets, 119-104, at Toyota Center on Friday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start and the score was tied at 27, after one quarter. The Heat turned it up a notch in the second and outscored the hosts, 37-32, to take a five-point lead into the break. The visitors kept the momentum going in the third and rallied to make a it a 10-point game entering the final frame. The Heat kept their foot on the gas down the stretch and closed out their fourth win in five games. This also marks the fourth straight loss for the Rockets.
Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 22 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 29 minutes. Bam Adebayo followed up with 18 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block, while Tyler Herro added 17 points, five rebounds and six assists.
Meanwhile, Jalen Green led the Rockets with 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, in 38 minutes. Dillon Brooks followed up with 18 points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Jabari Smith totaled 15 points, eight rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block.
The Rockets (38-39) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Mavericks in Dallas on Sunday. The Heat (43-34) take on the Pacers in Indiana on Sunday.
The game got out to a competitive start and the score was tied at 27, after one quarter. The Heat turned it up a notch in the second and outscored the hosts, 37-32, to take a five-point lead into the break. The visitors kept the momentum going in the third and rallied to make a it a 10-point game entering the final frame. The Heat kept their foot on the gas down the stretch and closed out their fourth win in five games. This also marks the fourth straight loss for the Rockets.
Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 22 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 29 minutes. Bam Adebayo followed up with 18 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block, while Tyler Herro added 17 points, five rebounds and six assists.
Meanwhile, Jalen Green led the Rockets with 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, in 38 minutes. Dillon Brooks followed up with 18 points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Jabari Smith totaled 15 points, eight rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block.
The Rockets (38-39) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Mavericks in Dallas on Sunday. The Heat (43-34) take on the Pacers in Indiana on Sunday.
Raptors Stun Bucks In Milwaukee
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors defeated the host Milwaukee Bucks, 117-111, at Fiserv Forum on Friday evening.
The Bucks got out to a strong start and led, 27-20, after one quarter. The Raptors turned up their play in the second and outscored the hosts, 37-27, to claim a four-point lead by halftime. The visitors kept the momentum going in the third and maintained the lead through the quarter, taking a five-point advantage into the final quarter. The Bucks kept up the fight in the fourth, but the Raptors stayed a step ahead and held on to end a 15-game losing streak. This also marks the third straight loss for the Bucks.
Gary Trent led the Raptors with 31 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 37 minutes. RJ Barrett followed up with 26 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block, while Immanuel Quickley totaled 25 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and three steals.
Meanwhile, Damian Lillard led the Bucks with 36 points, five rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 38 minutes. Khris Middleton followed up with 21 points, five rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Bobby Portis logged 19 points, 10 rebounds and a block.
The Bucks (47-30) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Knicks on Sunday. The Raptors (24-53) play host to the Wizards on Sunday.
The Bucks got out to a strong start and led, 27-20, after one quarter. The Raptors turned up their play in the second and outscored the hosts, 37-27, to claim a four-point lead by halftime. The visitors kept the momentum going in the third and maintained the lead through the quarter, taking a five-point advantage into the final quarter. The Bucks kept up the fight in the fourth, but the Raptors stayed a step ahead and held on to end a 15-game losing streak. This also marks the third straight loss for the Bucks.
Gary Trent led the Raptors with 31 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 37 minutes. RJ Barrett followed up with 26 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block, while Immanuel Quickley totaled 25 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and three steals.
Meanwhile, Damian Lillard led the Bucks with 36 points, five rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 38 minutes. Khris Middleton followed up with 21 points, five rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Bobby Portis logged 19 points, 10 rebounds and a block.
The Bucks (47-30) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Knicks on Sunday. The Raptors (24-53) play host to the Wizards on Sunday.
Grizzlies Roll Past Pistons
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Detroit Pistons, 108-90, at FedEx Forum on Friday evening.
The Grizzlies jumped out to a strong start and led, 32-22, after one quarter. They kept the pressure on in the second and pushed ahead to a 19-point cushion by halftime. The Pistons brought a better effort in the third but could not cut into the deficit, as the hosts maintained their 19-point advantage entering the final frame. The visitors had no answers in the fourth, as the Grizzlies secured their third straight win. This also marks the third straight loss for the Pistons.
Trey Jemison totaled 17 points, 13 rebounds, a steal and three blocks, while Maozinha Pererira finished with 17 points, nine rebounds, a steal and a block, to lead the Grizzlies. Scotty Pippen turned in 16 points, three rebounds, seven assists, four steals and a block. Lamar Stevens also stuffed the stat sheet with 15 points, eight rebounds and three steals.
Meanwhile, Jaden Ivey led the Pistons with 31 points, three rebounds and three assists, in 32 minutes. Jalen Duren followed up with 17 points, 10 rebounds and a steal, while Jalylen Nowell chipped in 12 points, three rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block.
The Pistons (13-64) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Nets in Brooklyn on Saturday. The Grizzlies (27-50) play host to the 76ers on Saturday.
The Grizzlies jumped out to a strong start and led, 32-22, after one quarter. They kept the pressure on in the second and pushed ahead to a 19-point cushion by halftime. The Pistons brought a better effort in the third but could not cut into the deficit, as the hosts maintained their 19-point advantage entering the final frame. The visitors had no answers in the fourth, as the Grizzlies secured their third straight win. This also marks the third straight loss for the Pistons.
Trey Jemison totaled 17 points, 13 rebounds, a steal and three blocks, while Maozinha Pererira finished with 17 points, nine rebounds, a steal and a block, to lead the Grizzlies. Scotty Pippen turned in 16 points, three rebounds, seven assists, four steals and a block. Lamar Stevens also stuffed the stat sheet with 15 points, eight rebounds and three steals.
Meanwhile, Jaden Ivey led the Pistons with 31 points, three rebounds and three assists, in 32 minutes. Jalen Duren followed up with 17 points, 10 rebounds and a steal, while Jalylen Nowell chipped in 12 points, three rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block.
The Pistons (13-64) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Nets in Brooklyn on Saturday. The Grizzlies (27-50) play host to the 76ers on Saturday.
Mavs Defeat Warriors, 108-106
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the visiting Golden State Warriors, 108-106, at American Airlines Center on Friday.
There were 10 ties and 10 lead changes in this game, with all of those happening over the final three quarters. With that said, Dallas never gave up the lead over the final 15 minutes, getting a game-winning lay-up from PJ Washington with 4.5 seconds remaining. Klay Thompson missed a game-winning three at the buzzer. The Mavericks shot 48 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range while holding the Warriors to 44 percent from the field and 34 percent from long range.
The Warriors (42-35) were led by Stephen Curry, collecting 28 points, six rebounds and five assists. Klay Thompson totaled 16 points, three rebounds, two assists and three steals. No other starter reached double figures in scoring. Brandin Podziemski led the bench with 14 points, four rebounds and five assists.
The Mavericks (47-30) were led by Washington, finishing with 32 points, five rebounds, three assists, five steals and two blocks. Kyrie Irving compiled 26 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Daniel Gafford generated 10 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and three blocks, while Tim Hardaway Jr led the bench with 13 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Golden State playing host to the Utah Jazz and Dallas remaining home to face the Houston Rockets.
There were 10 ties and 10 lead changes in this game, with all of those happening over the final three quarters. With that said, Dallas never gave up the lead over the final 15 minutes, getting a game-winning lay-up from PJ Washington with 4.5 seconds remaining. Klay Thompson missed a game-winning three at the buzzer. The Mavericks shot 48 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range while holding the Warriors to 44 percent from the field and 34 percent from long range.
The Warriors (42-35) were led by Stephen Curry, collecting 28 points, six rebounds and five assists. Klay Thompson totaled 16 points, three rebounds, two assists and three steals. No other starter reached double figures in scoring. Brandin Podziemski led the bench with 14 points, four rebounds and five assists.
The Mavericks (47-30) were led by Washington, finishing with 32 points, five rebounds, three assists, five steals and two blocks. Kyrie Irving compiled 26 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Daniel Gafford generated 10 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and three blocks, while Tim Hardaway Jr led the bench with 13 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Golden State playing host to the Utah Jazz and Dallas remaining home to face the Houston Rockets.
Suns Defeat T'Wolves, 97-87
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 97-87, at Footprint Center on Friday.
A 32-20 first quarter carried Phoenix to this wire-to-wire win. They actually maintained a double-digit lead for the final three frames, getting their lead up to 23 points at times. The Suns shot 43 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range while the Timberwolves shot 39 percent from the field and 35 percent from long range. Phoenix also out-rebounded Minnesota, 55-50, while out-assisting them, 29-23.
The Timberwolves (53-24) were led by Anthony Edwards, finishing with 17 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals. Naz Reid had eight points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the bench with 13 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Monte Morris provided nine points, four rebounds and three assists.
The Suns (46-31) were led by Grayson Allen, amassing 23 points, eight rebounds and two steals. Kevin Durant collected 22 points, six rebounds and six assists. Bradley Beal accumulated 14 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Devin Booker totaled 13 points, three rebounds, 13 assists and three steals. Jusuf Nurkic had 11 points, 15 rebounds, six assists and three steals.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Minnesota staying on the road to play the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix remaining home to face the New Orleans Pelicans.
A 32-20 first quarter carried Phoenix to this wire-to-wire win. They actually maintained a double-digit lead for the final three frames, getting their lead up to 23 points at times. The Suns shot 43 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range while the Timberwolves shot 39 percent from the field and 35 percent from long range. Phoenix also out-rebounded Minnesota, 55-50, while out-assisting them, 29-23.
The Timberwolves (53-24) were led by Anthony Edwards, finishing with 17 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals. Naz Reid had eight points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the bench with 13 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Monte Morris provided nine points, four rebounds and three assists.
The Suns (46-31) were led by Grayson Allen, amassing 23 points, eight rebounds and two steals. Kevin Durant collected 22 points, six rebounds and six assists. Bradley Beal accumulated 14 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Devin Booker totaled 13 points, three rebounds, 13 assists and three steals. Jusuf Nurkic had 11 points, 15 rebounds, six assists and three steals.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Minnesota staying on the road to play the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix remaining home to face the New Orleans Pelicans.
Clippers Clobber Jazz, 131-102
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 131-102, at Vivint Arena on Friday.
Los Angeles kickstarted this game with a 41-16 first quarter, maintaining a double-digit lead for the final 40 minutes of this game. They got their lead up to 38 points at times, leading by at least 20 points for the entirety of the second half. The Clippers shot 56 percent from the field and 37 percent from three-point range while holding the Jazz to 39 percent from the field and 31 percent from long range. LA also out-assisted Utah, 32-20, while outscoring them in the paint, 70-44.
The Jazz (29-48) were led by Talen Horton Tucker, providing 17 points, three rebounds and two steals off of the bench. Collin Sexton led the starters with 12 points, three rebounds and two assists. Omer Yurtseven amassed 12 points and seven boards. Darius Bazley totaled 12 points, six rebounds and three steals.
The Clippers (49-28) were led by Terance Mann, finishing with 19 points, four rebounds and two steals. Paul George provided 14 points, two rebounds and three assists. James Harden had 13 points, 10 rebounds and 15 assists, while Ivica Zubac accrued 12 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Norman Powell led the bench with 18 points, while Russell Westbrook collected 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Utah traveling to face the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles remaining home to play the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Los Angeles kickstarted this game with a 41-16 first quarter, maintaining a double-digit lead for the final 40 minutes of this game. They got their lead up to 38 points at times, leading by at least 20 points for the entirety of the second half. The Clippers shot 56 percent from the field and 37 percent from three-point range while holding the Jazz to 39 percent from the field and 31 percent from long range. LA also out-assisted Utah, 32-20, while outscoring them in the paint, 70-44.
The Jazz (29-48) were led by Talen Horton Tucker, providing 17 points, three rebounds and two steals off of the bench. Collin Sexton led the starters with 12 points, three rebounds and two assists. Omer Yurtseven amassed 12 points and seven boards. Darius Bazley totaled 12 points, six rebounds and three steals.
The Clippers (49-28) were led by Terance Mann, finishing with 19 points, four rebounds and two steals. Paul George provided 14 points, two rebounds and three assists. James Harden had 13 points, 10 rebounds and 15 assists, while Ivica Zubac accrued 12 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Norman Powell led the bench with 18 points, while Russell Westbrook collected 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Utah traveling to face the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles remaining home to play the Cleveland Cavaliers.