Hornets Stifle Magic, 120-88
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the host Orlando Magic, 120-88, at Amway Center on Friday.
A 22-10 first quarter in advantage of Charlotte really set the tone in this game, as they held their lead for the final three quarters while winning each individual quarter. In fact, the Hornets held a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. Defense was the difference for Charlotte, holding Orlando to just 38 percent from the field and 19 percent from three-point range. Free-throw shooting was a huge factor as well, with Charlotte connecting on 17-of-20 and Orlando hitting just 10-of-14 from the charity stripe. The Hornets also dominated from long range, hitting 17-of-38 while the Magic connected on just 6-of-31 from three-point range.
The Hornets (1-1) were led by Kemba Walker, as he tallied 26 points, two rebounds and five assists. Nicolas Batum accumulated 15 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Miles Bridges led the bench with 15 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist also played well off the bench, providing 12 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two blocks.
The Magic (1-1) had no player score more than 14 points, as Nikola Vucevic led their starters with 12 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four blocks. Evan Fournier totaled 12 points and two boards while Aaron Gordon collected five points, 10 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Terrence Ross led the team in scoring off the bench, dropping 14 points.
Both teams play road games on Saturday for their next outings, with Orlando facing the Philadelphia 76ers and Charlotte playing the Miami Heat.
A 22-10 first quarter in advantage of Charlotte really set the tone in this game, as they held their lead for the final three quarters while winning each individual quarter. In fact, the Hornets held a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. Defense was the difference for Charlotte, holding Orlando to just 38 percent from the field and 19 percent from three-point range. Free-throw shooting was a huge factor as well, with Charlotte connecting on 17-of-20 and Orlando hitting just 10-of-14 from the charity stripe. The Hornets also dominated from long range, hitting 17-of-38 while the Magic connected on just 6-of-31 from three-point range.
The Hornets (1-1) were led by Kemba Walker, as he tallied 26 points, two rebounds and five assists. Nicolas Batum accumulated 15 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Miles Bridges led the bench with 15 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist also played well off the bench, providing 12 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two blocks.
The Magic (1-1) had no player score more than 14 points, as Nikola Vucevic led their starters with 12 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four blocks. Evan Fournier totaled 12 points and two boards while Aaron Gordon collected five points, 10 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Terrence Ross led the team in scoring off the bench, dropping 14 points.
Both teams play road games on Saturday for their next outings, with Orlando facing the Philadelphia 76ers and Charlotte playing the Miami Heat.
Nets Defeat Knicks, 107-105
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the visiting New York Knicks, 107-105, at Barclay's Center on Friday.
Nine ties and 13 lead changes show just how close this game was, as this crosstown rivalry wasn't decided until the final shot. Caris LeVert played the hero, as he hit the game-winning lay-up with one second left to break a tied game. Rebounding was the difference in the game for Brooklyn, as they won that battle, 55-36. Ball movement was also critical, with the Nets handing out 22 assists and New York recording just 14 dimes. Brooklyn was lucky to win looking at the turnover differential though, as they recorded 22 turnovers while the Knicks turned the ball over only three times. The Nets ended up hitting 49 percent of their shots while the Knicks connected on just 41 percent from the field.
The Knicks (1-1) were led by Enes Kanter, as he amassed 29 points and 10 boards on 12-of-19 shooting. Tim Hardaway Jr. matched those 29 points, adding two rebounds and three steals to his line. No other starter reached double figures in scoring. as Kevin Knox led the bench with 17 points and six boards.
The Nets (1-1) got a fantastic performance out of Caris LeVert, as he collected 28 points, six rebounds and five assists on 8-of-13 shooting. D'Angelo Russell totaled 15 points, five rebounds and six assists. Jarrett Allen generated 15 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks. Spencer Dinwiddie was their best bench player, providing 10 points, three rebounds and six assists.
Both teams play again on Saturday, with Brooklyn facing the Indiana Pacers on the road and New York playing host to the Boston Celtics.
Nine ties and 13 lead changes show just how close this game was, as this crosstown rivalry wasn't decided until the final shot. Caris LeVert played the hero, as he hit the game-winning lay-up with one second left to break a tied game. Rebounding was the difference in the game for Brooklyn, as they won that battle, 55-36. Ball movement was also critical, with the Nets handing out 22 assists and New York recording just 14 dimes. Brooklyn was lucky to win looking at the turnover differential though, as they recorded 22 turnovers while the Knicks turned the ball over only three times. The Nets ended up hitting 49 percent of their shots while the Knicks connected on just 41 percent from the field.
The Knicks (1-1) were led by Enes Kanter, as he amassed 29 points and 10 boards on 12-of-19 shooting. Tim Hardaway Jr. matched those 29 points, adding two rebounds and three steals to his line. No other starter reached double figures in scoring. as Kevin Knox led the bench with 17 points and six boards.
The Nets (1-1) got a fantastic performance out of Caris LeVert, as he collected 28 points, six rebounds and five assists on 8-of-13 shooting. D'Angelo Russell totaled 15 points, five rebounds and six assists. Jarrett Allen generated 15 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks. Spencer Dinwiddie was their best bench player, providing 10 points, three rebounds and six assists.
Both teams play again on Saturday, with Brooklyn facing the Indiana Pacers on the road and New York playing host to the Boston Celtics.
Mirotic Leads Pelicans In High-Scoring Win
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings, 149-129, at Smoothie King Center on Friday evening.
The Pelicans took control early on as they led for almost all of the first quarter and amassed a 40-32 advantage heading into the second. The Kings battled back to tie it up at 48, midway through the quarter and kept it close for a few minutes, but the Pelicans pulled away to take a nine-point lead by halftime. The Pelicans turned it up a notch in the third and pushed their lead to 20, 110-90, heading into the fourth. They were able to cruise to the finish from there, earning their second straight win.
Nicola Mirotic led New Orleans with 36 points, nine rebounds and two assists, in 31 minutes. Anthony Davis came up large with 25 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks, in just 27 minutes of action. Jrue Holiday had a solid night with 15 points, 11 assists, six rebounds and three steals, in 27 minutes. The Pelicans shot 59 percent from the field, including 16-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile, Willie Cauley-Stein was the high-point man for the Kings, with 20 points on 9-of-14 shooting, in 26 minutes. Marvin Bagley III came up big in 33 minutes off the bench with 19 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. De'Aaron Fox chipped in 18 points, six rebounds and six assists, in 27 minutes. The Kings shot 52 percent from the field, including 10-of-23 from distance.
The Kings (0-2 will look to bounce back as they take on the Thunder in OKC on Sunday. The Pelicans (2-0) have a few days off before they play host to the Clippers on Tuesday.
The Pelicans took control early on as they led for almost all of the first quarter and amassed a 40-32 advantage heading into the second. The Kings battled back to tie it up at 48, midway through the quarter and kept it close for a few minutes, but the Pelicans pulled away to take a nine-point lead by halftime. The Pelicans turned it up a notch in the third and pushed their lead to 20, 110-90, heading into the fourth. They were able to cruise to the finish from there, earning their second straight win.
Nicola Mirotic led New Orleans with 36 points, nine rebounds and two assists, in 31 minutes. Anthony Davis came up large with 25 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks, in just 27 minutes of action. Jrue Holiday had a solid night with 15 points, 11 assists, six rebounds and three steals, in 27 minutes. The Pelicans shot 59 percent from the field, including 16-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile, Willie Cauley-Stein was the high-point man for the Kings, with 20 points on 9-of-14 shooting, in 26 minutes. Marvin Bagley III came up big in 33 minutes off the bench with 19 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. De'Aaron Fox chipped in 18 points, six rebounds and six assists, in 27 minutes. The Kings shot 52 percent from the field, including 10-of-23 from distance.
The Kings (0-2 will look to bounce back as they take on the Thunder in OKC on Sunday. The Pelicans (2-0) have a few days off before they play host to the Clippers on Tuesday.
Timberwolves Outlast Cavaliers, 131-123
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 131-123, at Target Center on Friday evening.
The first quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with both the Timberwolves (1-1) and Cavaliers (0-2) finding the net often while scoring a combined 62 points. Minnesota created distance by outscoring Cleveland, 39-24, in the second period, leading to a comfortable 71-54 halftime advantage. However, Cleveland stayed on the attack, shaving eight points off their deficit with a 41-point explosion coming out of intermission. The visitors got as close as 127-123 with 46.6 seconds remaining following a Cedi Osman three-pointer, but Jimmy Butler accounted for the final four points with a pullup jumper and a pair of free throws to seal the win.
Kevin Love paced the Cavaliers with a 25-point, 19-rebound double-double that also included seven assists and one block. Osman finished with 22 points, eight assists and one steal. Jordan Clarkson contributed a bench-leading 19 points and supplemented them with four assists, one rebound, one steal and one block. Tristan Thompson generated a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists and one block. First-round pick Collin Sexton matched Thompson's scoring total in 23 minutes off the bench.
Butler led the Timberwolves with a game-high 33 points. He also managed seven rebounds, three assists, four steals and two blocks. Andrew Wiggins supplied 22 points, three boards, two assists and three steals. Taj Gibson (13 points, eight rebounds, two assists) and Karl-Anthony Towns (12 points, nine rebounds, two assists, four blocks) provided important complementary production on the starting five. Derrick Rose led the bench with 12 points, eight assists and four rebounds.
The Cavaliers next tangle with the Hawks in a Sunday evening home contest, while the Timberwolves are back in action Saturday night against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.
The first quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with both the Timberwolves (1-1) and Cavaliers (0-2) finding the net often while scoring a combined 62 points. Minnesota created distance by outscoring Cleveland, 39-24, in the second period, leading to a comfortable 71-54 halftime advantage. However, Cleveland stayed on the attack, shaving eight points off their deficit with a 41-point explosion coming out of intermission. The visitors got as close as 127-123 with 46.6 seconds remaining following a Cedi Osman three-pointer, but Jimmy Butler accounted for the final four points with a pullup jumper and a pair of free throws to seal the win.
Kevin Love paced the Cavaliers with a 25-point, 19-rebound double-double that also included seven assists and one block. Osman finished with 22 points, eight assists and one steal. Jordan Clarkson contributed a bench-leading 19 points and supplemented them with four assists, one rebound, one steal and one block. Tristan Thompson generated a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists and one block. First-round pick Collin Sexton matched Thompson's scoring total in 23 minutes off the bench.
Butler led the Timberwolves with a game-high 33 points. He also managed seven rebounds, three assists, four steals and two blocks. Andrew Wiggins supplied 22 points, three boards, two assists and three steals. Taj Gibson (13 points, eight rebounds, two assists) and Karl-Anthony Towns (12 points, nine rebounds, two assists, four blocks) provided important complementary production on the starting five. Derrick Rose led the bench with 12 points, eight assists and four rebounds.
The Cavaliers next tangle with the Hawks in a Sunday evening home contest, while the Timberwolves are back in action Saturday night against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.
Raptors Outlast Celtics, 113-101
The Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Boston Celtics, 113-101, at Air Canada Center on Friday,
In a battle between the Eastern Conference elite, this game wasn't decided until the final minutes. In fact, Toronto ended the game on a 12-2 run, as it took seven ties and 13 lead changes to determine a winner. That late run by the Raptors gave them the only double-digit lead by either team, as the final 12-point margin ended up being the largest lead of this game. The shooting disparity was the only noticeable difference in the stat sheet, with Toronto connecting on 47 percent of their shots while holding Boston to just 40 percent shooting. Free-throw shooting was imperative as well, with the Raptors hitting 14-of-17 and the Celtics going just 7-of-10 from the charity stripe.
The Celtics (1-1) were led by Kyrie Irving, as he tallied 21 points, four rebounds and six assists. Jayson Tatum totaled 16 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Al Horford approached a triple-double, accumulating 14 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. Gordon Hayward amassed 14 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
The Raptors (2-0) got a spectacular performance out of Kawhi Leonard, as he accrued 31 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Serge Ibaka finished with 21 points, six rebounds and two assists on 10-of-14 shooting. Kyle Lowry generated 15 points, six rebounds and six assists. Fred VanVleet led the bench with 11 points, six rebounds and seven assists.
Both teams play road games on Saturday for their next outing, with Toronto playing the Washington Wizards and Boston facing off with the New York Knicks.
In a battle between the Eastern Conference elite, this game wasn't decided until the final minutes. In fact, Toronto ended the game on a 12-2 run, as it took seven ties and 13 lead changes to determine a winner. That late run by the Raptors gave them the only double-digit lead by either team, as the final 12-point margin ended up being the largest lead of this game. The shooting disparity was the only noticeable difference in the stat sheet, with Toronto connecting on 47 percent of their shots while holding Boston to just 40 percent shooting. Free-throw shooting was imperative as well, with the Raptors hitting 14-of-17 and the Celtics going just 7-of-10 from the charity stripe.
The Celtics (1-1) were led by Kyrie Irving, as he tallied 21 points, four rebounds and six assists. Jayson Tatum totaled 16 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Al Horford approached a triple-double, accumulating 14 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. Gordon Hayward amassed 14 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
The Raptors (2-0) got a spectacular performance out of Kawhi Leonard, as he accrued 31 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Serge Ibaka finished with 21 points, six rebounds and two assists on 10-of-14 shooting. Kyle Lowry generated 15 points, six rebounds and six assists. Fred VanVleet led the bench with 11 points, six rebounds and seven assists.
Both teams play road games on Saturday for their next outing, with Toronto playing the Washington Wizards and Boston facing off with the New York Knicks.
Grizzlies Wallop Hawks, 131-117
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 131-117, at FedEx Forum on Friday evening.
The Grizzlies (1-1) shed their defensive-minded reputation in decisive fashion for their first win of the season, shooting 54.3 percent from the field, including 50.0 percent from three-point range. Memphis saw six players hit double digits in the scoring column, including 2018 first-round pick Jaren Jackson, Jr., who produced a bench-leading 24 points. The home squad set the tone with a 77-point first half, allowing them to still notch a comfortable win despite the Hawks (0-2) outscoring them by a 56-54 margin in the second half.
Taurean Prince paced the Hawks with 28 points, a total he supplemented with four rebounds, three assists and three steals. Rookie Trae Young followed with 20 points and added nine assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. DeAndre' Bembry and Miles Plumlee co-led the bench with matching 12-point tallies. Alex Len drew another start at center and finished with nine points, four rebounds and two assists.
Garrett Temple led the Grizzlies with a game-high 30 points and also posted four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Jackson added seven boards, two assists, two blocks and one steal to his aforementioned scoring total. Mike Conley provided a 16-point, 11-assist double-double that also included four rebounds. Marc Gasol shook off the back injury he entered the game with to muster 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
The Hawks now head to Cleveland, where they'll take on the Cavaliers in a Sunday evening showdown. The Grizzlies are back in action Monday, when they'll take on the Utah Jazz in a road matchup.
The Grizzlies (1-1) shed their defensive-minded reputation in decisive fashion for their first win of the season, shooting 54.3 percent from the field, including 50.0 percent from three-point range. Memphis saw six players hit double digits in the scoring column, including 2018 first-round pick Jaren Jackson, Jr., who produced a bench-leading 24 points. The home squad set the tone with a 77-point first half, allowing them to still notch a comfortable win despite the Hawks (0-2) outscoring them by a 56-54 margin in the second half.
Taurean Prince paced the Hawks with 28 points, a total he supplemented with four rebounds, three assists and three steals. Rookie Trae Young followed with 20 points and added nine assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. DeAndre' Bembry and Miles Plumlee co-led the bench with matching 12-point tallies. Alex Len drew another start at center and finished with nine points, four rebounds and two assists.
Garrett Temple led the Grizzlies with a game-high 30 points and also posted four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Jackson added seven boards, two assists, two blocks and one steal to his aforementioned scoring total. Mike Conley provided a 16-point, 11-assist double-double that also included four rebounds. Marc Gasol shook off the back injury he entered the game with to muster 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
The Hawks now head to Cleveland, where they'll take on the Cavaliers in a Sunday evening showdown. The Grizzlies are back in action Monday, when they'll take on the Utah Jazz in a road matchup.
Bucks Control Pacers
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Indiana Pacers, 118-101, at Fiserv Forum on Friday evening.
The Pacers jumped out to a quick 8-0 lead, but the Bucks answered back with a 13-2 run to take the upper hand. The Bucks did not look back from there, as they pushed the lead to nine before settling on a 30-25 lead heading into the second. They kept their foot on the gas and quickly pushed their lead to 11, and although the Pacers made a push, the Bucks maintained their cushion and took a 62-53 lead into halftime. The third quarter once again belonged to Milwaukee, as the Buck outscored the Pacers 31-23 in the quarter, to take a 93-76 lead into the final frame. The Pacers battled hard but the Bucks matched them point for point in the fourth, to walk away with their second straight win.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for Milwaukee, with 26 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block, in 31 minutes. Khris Middleton followed up with 23 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal, while Malcolm Brogdon tallied 15 points, seven assists, four rebounds and two steals. The Bucks shot 47 percent from the field, including 17-of-47 from long range.
Meanwhile, Victor Oladipo led the Pacers with 25 points, five rebounds, one assist and one block, in 31 minutes. Doug McDermott chipped in 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting, in 20 minutes off the bench, while Myles Turner added 11 points, four rebounds and one block. The Pacers shot 44 percent from the field, including 6-of-18 from long range.
The Pacers (1-1) will be right back in action as they play host to the Nets on Saturday. The Bucks (2-0) play host to the Knicks on Monday.
The Pacers jumped out to a quick 8-0 lead, but the Bucks answered back with a 13-2 run to take the upper hand. The Bucks did not look back from there, as they pushed the lead to nine before settling on a 30-25 lead heading into the second. They kept their foot on the gas and quickly pushed their lead to 11, and although the Pacers made a push, the Bucks maintained their cushion and took a 62-53 lead into halftime. The third quarter once again belonged to Milwaukee, as the Buck outscored the Pacers 31-23 in the quarter, to take a 93-76 lead into the final frame. The Pacers battled hard but the Bucks matched them point for point in the fourth, to walk away with their second straight win.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for Milwaukee, with 26 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block, in 31 minutes. Khris Middleton followed up with 23 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal, while Malcolm Brogdon tallied 15 points, seven assists, four rebounds and two steals. The Bucks shot 47 percent from the field, including 17-of-47 from long range.
Meanwhile, Victor Oladipo led the Pacers with 25 points, five rebounds, one assist and one block, in 31 minutes. Doug McDermott chipped in 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting, in 20 minutes off the bench, while Myles Turner added 11 points, four rebounds and one block. The Pacers shot 44 percent from the field, including 6-of-18 from long range.
The Pacers (1-1) will be right back in action as they play host to the Nets on Saturday. The Bucks (2-0) play host to the Knicks on Monday.
Clippers Handle Thunder, 108-92
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, 108-92, at Staples Center on Friday evening.
Facing an OKC squad that was once again missing Russell Westbrook (knee), the Clippers (1-1) jumped out to a quick 27-20 lead. The Thunder (0-2) clawed back to shave five points off the deficit by halftime. They remained hot coming out of intermission and carried a 77-71 advantage heading into the final period. However, Los Angeles ambushed the visitors on both ends of the floor over the final 12 minutes, going on a decisive 37-15 run in the fourth quarter. As is often the case, shooting was the difference in the game, as the Thunder managed to drain just 36.2 percent of their attempts, including 21.2 percent from three-point range. In turn, the Clippers shot a solid 43.8 percent, a tally that featured a 42.3 percent success rate from distance.
Paul George paced the Thunder with 20 points, although he went 7-for-27 from the field. He added eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Steven Adams generated a 17-point, 18-rebound double-double that also included one steal. Raymond Felton followed with a bench-leading 12 points and also supplied four rebounds, three assists and one block. Alex Abrines poured in 10 points and supplemented them with two rebounds, one assist and one steal. Dennis Schroder scuffled while filling in for Westbrook, totaling eight points on 2-for-15 shooting while dishing out eight assists and hauling in a pair of rebounds.
Danilo Gallinari and Tobias Harris led the Clippers with matching 26-point efforts. Gallinari added five boards and one assist, while Harris registered 10 rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Lou Williams lead the second unit with 17 points. Boban Marjanovic had his second strong performance off the bench to open the season, posting 13 points and five rebounds. Starting center Marcin Gortat mustered four points but also brought down 12 rebounds and handed out one assist.
The Thunder next take the court Sunday evening versus the Sacramento Kings, while the Clippers do battle with the Houston Rockets at home that same night.
Facing an OKC squad that was once again missing Russell Westbrook (knee), the Clippers (1-1) jumped out to a quick 27-20 lead. The Thunder (0-2) clawed back to shave five points off the deficit by halftime. They remained hot coming out of intermission and carried a 77-71 advantage heading into the final period. However, Los Angeles ambushed the visitors on both ends of the floor over the final 12 minutes, going on a decisive 37-15 run in the fourth quarter. As is often the case, shooting was the difference in the game, as the Thunder managed to drain just 36.2 percent of their attempts, including 21.2 percent from three-point range. In turn, the Clippers shot a solid 43.8 percent, a tally that featured a 42.3 percent success rate from distance.
Paul George paced the Thunder with 20 points, although he went 7-for-27 from the field. He added eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Steven Adams generated a 17-point, 18-rebound double-double that also included one steal. Raymond Felton followed with a bench-leading 12 points and also supplied four rebounds, three assists and one block. Alex Abrines poured in 10 points and supplemented them with two rebounds, one assist and one steal. Dennis Schroder scuffled while filling in for Westbrook, totaling eight points on 2-for-15 shooting while dishing out eight assists and hauling in a pair of rebounds.
Danilo Gallinari and Tobias Harris led the Clippers with matching 26-point efforts. Gallinari added five boards and one assist, while Harris registered 10 rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Lou Williams lead the second unit with 17 points. Boban Marjanovic had his second strong performance off the bench to open the season, posting 13 points and five rebounds. Starting center Marcin Gortat mustered four points but also brought down 12 rebounds and handed out one assist.
The Thunder next take the court Sunday evening versus the Sacramento Kings, while the Clippers do battle with the Houston Rockets at home that same night.
Warriors Steal Last-Second Win In Utah
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors defeated the host Utah Jazz, 124-123, at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Saturday evening.
The first quarter was tight the whole way, but the Jazz emerged with a 34-32 lead heading into the second. The second stayed close until Jazz turned up the heat with an 18-8 run, to take an 81-69 lead into halftime. Utah was able to maintain a good cushion through most of the third, but the Warriors closed the quarter strong and cut the deficit to just six, heading into the fourth. The Jazz pushing their lead back to double digits early in the fourth, however the Warriors used an 11-0 run midway through the quarter to take a 112-111 lead. The game went back and forth down the stretch, until the Jazz led 123-122 with 6.1 seconds left and Warriors ball. The Warriors went to Kevin Durant who missed a foul-line jumper, but Jonas Jerebko was right there for a put-back layup to help the Warriors steal one in Utah.
Kevin Durant led the way for Golden State, with 38 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, one steal and a block, in 39 minutes. Stephen Curry followed up with 31 points, eight assists, four rebounds and two steals, while Draymond Green tallied 14 points nine rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal, in 33 minutes. The Warriors shot 57 percent from the field, including 10-of-19 from deep.
Meanwhile, Joe Ingles was the high-point man for the Jazz, with 27 points on 10-of-15 shooting, in 35 minutes of action. Donovan Mitchell followed up with 19 points, while Jae Crowder chipped in 17 points, seven rebounds. four assists and two steals, in 28 minutes off the bench. The Jazz shot 46 percent from the field, including 19-of-46 from long range.
The Jazz (1-1) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Grizzlies on Monday. The Warriors (2-0) head to Denver to take on the Nuggets on Sunday.
The first quarter was tight the whole way, but the Jazz emerged with a 34-32 lead heading into the second. The second stayed close until Jazz turned up the heat with an 18-8 run, to take an 81-69 lead into halftime. Utah was able to maintain a good cushion through most of the third, but the Warriors closed the quarter strong and cut the deficit to just six, heading into the fourth. The Jazz pushing their lead back to double digits early in the fourth, however the Warriors used an 11-0 run midway through the quarter to take a 112-111 lead. The game went back and forth down the stretch, until the Jazz led 123-122 with 6.1 seconds left and Warriors ball. The Warriors went to Kevin Durant who missed a foul-line jumper, but Jonas Jerebko was right there for a put-back layup to help the Warriors steal one in Utah.
Kevin Durant led the way for Golden State, with 38 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, one steal and a block, in 39 minutes. Stephen Curry followed up with 31 points, eight assists, four rebounds and two steals, while Draymond Green tallied 14 points nine rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal, in 33 minutes. The Warriors shot 57 percent from the field, including 10-of-19 from deep.
Meanwhile, Joe Ingles was the high-point man for the Jazz, with 27 points on 10-of-15 shooting, in 35 minutes of action. Donovan Mitchell followed up with 19 points, while Jae Crowder chipped in 17 points, seven rebounds. four assists and two steals, in 28 minutes off the bench. The Jazz shot 46 percent from the field, including 19-of-46 from long range.
The Jazz (1-1) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Grizzlies on Monday. The Warriors (2-0) head to Denver to take on the Nuggets on Sunday.