Pacers Pound Nets, 132-112
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 132-112, at Bankers Lief Fieldhouse on Saturday evening.
The Pacers (2-1) started and finished fast, which was key to what eventually turned out to be a comfortable victory. Indiana racked up an impressive 67 first-half points, but the Nets (1-2) kept the pressure on by tallying 58 of their own. The visitors continued to hang tough in the third, but the home squad finally pulled away by posting their best point total (37) of any quarter in the final period. As the combined point total implied, both teams shot very well. The Nets drained 47.7 percent of their attempts, while the Pacers generated a 55.4 percent success rate from the field.
Joe Harris and Caris LeVert led the Nets with matching 19-point efforts. Harris added three assists, two rebounds and one block, while LeVert hauled in four boards, dished out three assists, recorded two steals and managed one block. Spencer Dinwiddie supplied 13 points, four assists, one rebound and one steal. Rodions Kurucs and D'Angelo Russell registered matching 12-point tallies, while Allen Crabbe totaled 10 points and three rebounds in 25 minutes off the bench.
Victor Oladipo paced the Pacers with 25 points and also contributed seven rebounds, three assists and four steals. Kyle O'Quinn managed 16 points, eight rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Bojan Bogdanovic poured in 15 points and brought in two rebounds, while Tyreke Evans matched Bogdanovic's scoring total and also pitched in three rebounds, two assists, three steals and one block. Myles Turner (14 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block), Darren Collison (13 points, three assists, two rebounds, one steal) and Thaddeus Young (10 points, two boards, two assists, two steals) rounded out the starting five's productive night.
The Nets remain on the road and next take the floor versus the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night, while the Pacers head to Minnesota and take on the Timberwolves in a Monday evening matchup.
The Pacers (2-1) started and finished fast, which was key to what eventually turned out to be a comfortable victory. Indiana racked up an impressive 67 first-half points, but the Nets (1-2) kept the pressure on by tallying 58 of their own. The visitors continued to hang tough in the third, but the home squad finally pulled away by posting their best point total (37) of any quarter in the final period. As the combined point total implied, both teams shot very well. The Nets drained 47.7 percent of their attempts, while the Pacers generated a 55.4 percent success rate from the field.
Joe Harris and Caris LeVert led the Nets with matching 19-point efforts. Harris added three assists, two rebounds and one block, while LeVert hauled in four boards, dished out three assists, recorded two steals and managed one block. Spencer Dinwiddie supplied 13 points, four assists, one rebound and one steal. Rodions Kurucs and D'Angelo Russell registered matching 12-point tallies, while Allen Crabbe totaled 10 points and three rebounds in 25 minutes off the bench.
Victor Oladipo paced the Pacers with 25 points and also contributed seven rebounds, three assists and four steals. Kyle O'Quinn managed 16 points, eight rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Bojan Bogdanovic poured in 15 points and brought in two rebounds, while Tyreke Evans matched Bogdanovic's scoring total and also pitched in three rebounds, two assists, three steals and one block. Myles Turner (14 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block), Darren Collison (13 points, three assists, two rebounds, one steal) and Thaddeus Young (10 points, two boards, two assists, two steals) rounded out the starting five's productive night.
The Nets remain on the road and next take the floor versus the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night, while the Pacers head to Minnesota and take on the Timberwolves in a Monday evening matchup.
Raptors Earn Third Straight Win, Remain Undefeated
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors defeated the host Washington Wizards, 117-113, at Capital One Arena on Saturday evening.
Despite missing Kawhi Leonard (rest) the Raptors earned an impressive win in Washington. The Wizards started out well, but the Raptors overtook them late in the quarter to hold a 24-22 advantage heading into the second. The second quarter stayed close until Toronto pulled away late to amass a 10-point. However, the Wizards came right back with an 11-4 run, to cut the deficit to just three, heading into halftime. The Wizards continued their push into the third quarter, where they squeezed ahead and held a three-point lead with 5:27 to go in the quarter. The Raptors turned it around again as they closed the quarter on a 20-9 run, to take a 90-82 advantage into the final frame. The Raptors pushed their lead to 13, midway through the fourth, but the Wizards were not done yet, as they made it a two-point game with just 38 seconds left. However, a clutch shot by Fred VanVleet ensured the Raptors remain undefeated on the season, with their third straight win.
Kyle Lowry led the Raptors with 28 points, 12 assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block, in 34 minutes. Jonas Valanciunas and Serge Ibaka chipped in 16 points each, as well as provided a combined16 rebounds. Fred VanVleet added 13 points, five assists and four rebounds, in 26 minutes off the bench. The Raptors shot 44 percent from the field, including 10-of-29 from long range.
Meanwhile, Bradley Beal had a big night with 32 points, six assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block, while John Wall followed up with 25 points, six assists, four rebounds, four steals and one block.
The Wizards (0-2) will look to bounce back as they take on the Trail Blazers in Portland on Monday. The Raptors (3-0) host the Hornets on Monday.
Despite missing Kawhi Leonard (rest) the Raptors earned an impressive win in Washington. The Wizards started out well, but the Raptors overtook them late in the quarter to hold a 24-22 advantage heading into the second. The second quarter stayed close until Toronto pulled away late to amass a 10-point. However, the Wizards came right back with an 11-4 run, to cut the deficit to just three, heading into halftime. The Wizards continued their push into the third quarter, where they squeezed ahead and held a three-point lead with 5:27 to go in the quarter. The Raptors turned it around again as they closed the quarter on a 20-9 run, to take a 90-82 advantage into the final frame. The Raptors pushed their lead to 13, midway through the fourth, but the Wizards were not done yet, as they made it a two-point game with just 38 seconds left. However, a clutch shot by Fred VanVleet ensured the Raptors remain undefeated on the season, with their third straight win.
Kyle Lowry led the Raptors with 28 points, 12 assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block, in 34 minutes. Jonas Valanciunas and Serge Ibaka chipped in 16 points each, as well as provided a combined16 rebounds. Fred VanVleet added 13 points, five assists and four rebounds, in 26 minutes off the bench. The Raptors shot 44 percent from the field, including 10-of-29 from long range.
Meanwhile, Bradley Beal had a big night with 32 points, six assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block, while John Wall followed up with 25 points, six assists, four rebounds, four steals and one block.
The Wizards (0-2) will look to bounce back as they take on the Trail Blazers in Portland on Monday. The Raptors (3-0) host the Hornets on Monday.
Celtics Squeak By Knicks, 103-101
The Boston Celtics defeated the New York Knicks, 103-101, at Madison Square Garden on Saturday evening.
The Celtics (2-1) looked ready to put a tough loss to the division-rival Raptors behind them early in Saturday's contest, as they punished the Knicks (1-2) to the tune of a 31-18 advantage through the first 12 minutes. However, New York turned the tables right on their visitors in the second, almost flipping that margin to head into halftime with a very manageable 50-48 deficit. They managed to claw back from the seven-point deficit they entered the final period with, getting within 101-100 with 10.1 seconds left following a Trey Burke driving dunk. However, a pair of clutch Jayson Tatum free throws proved just enough to hold off the feisty hosts.
Tatum led the way for the Celtics with 24 points, a total he supplemented with 14 rebounds and two steals. Kyrie Irving and Marcus Morris followed with matching 16-point tallies. Irving added five assists, one rebound and two steals, while Morris supplied six boards and two assists. Aron Baynes contributed 10 points and five rebounds while drawing the start for Gordon Hayward (rest), but he exited the game after logging just 12 minutes due to a hamstring injury. Terry Rozier turned 10 points of his own in 23 minutes. Al Horford mustered eight points, hauled in 10 rebounds, dished out three assists, recorded one steal and posted one block.
Tim Hardaway, Jr. paced the Knicks with 24 points and also pitched in three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Enes Kanter continued the strong start to his season with a 17-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included two assists and two steals. Allonzo Trier turned in 15 points in 25 minutes off the bench. Burke was just short of a double-double with 11 points, nine assists, three rebounds and two steals.
The Celtics head back home and await a Monday night visit from the Miami Heat, while the Knicks face off with the Bucks in Milwaukee on that same evening.
The Celtics (2-1) looked ready to put a tough loss to the division-rival Raptors behind them early in Saturday's contest, as they punished the Knicks (1-2) to the tune of a 31-18 advantage through the first 12 minutes. However, New York turned the tables right on their visitors in the second, almost flipping that margin to head into halftime with a very manageable 50-48 deficit. They managed to claw back from the seven-point deficit they entered the final period with, getting within 101-100 with 10.1 seconds left following a Trey Burke driving dunk. However, a pair of clutch Jayson Tatum free throws proved just enough to hold off the feisty hosts.
Tatum led the way for the Celtics with 24 points, a total he supplemented with 14 rebounds and two steals. Kyrie Irving and Marcus Morris followed with matching 16-point tallies. Irving added five assists, one rebound and two steals, while Morris supplied six boards and two assists. Aron Baynes contributed 10 points and five rebounds while drawing the start for Gordon Hayward (rest), but he exited the game after logging just 12 minutes due to a hamstring injury. Terry Rozier turned 10 points of his own in 23 minutes. Al Horford mustered eight points, hauled in 10 rebounds, dished out three assists, recorded one steal and posted one block.
Tim Hardaway, Jr. paced the Knicks with 24 points and also pitched in three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Enes Kanter continued the strong start to his season with a 17-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included two assists and two steals. Allonzo Trier turned in 15 points in 25 minutes off the bench. Burke was just short of a double-double with 11 points, nine assists, three rebounds and two steals.
The Celtics head back home and await a Monday night visit from the Miami Heat, while the Knicks face off with the Bucks in Milwaukee on that same evening.
76ers Survive Close Call At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 116-115, at Wells Fargo Center on Saturday evening.
The Magic jumped out to a quick 9-0 lead and went ahead to push it to a 26-10 advantage with 4:55 left in the first. However, the Sixers battled back and cut the gap to just two points, trailing, 32-30, after one. The 76ers pulled ahead in the second carried the lead for most of the quarter, before taking a 63-52 lead into halftime. The tides turned again in the third quarter, as the Magic outscored the 76ers by eight, to cut the deficit to three points, heading into the final frame. The Sixers maintained their edge and pushed the lead back to 10, with five minutes to go in the game, but the Magic used an 18-9 run to make it a one-point game with 4.6 seconds left and possession. The Magic were not able to convert on the final play and dropped their second game in as many nights. On the other hand, the Sixers earned their second straight win.
Joel Embiid led Philadelphia with 32 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, in 33 minutes. J.J. Redick came up huge in 32 minutes off the bench, with 31 points, four rebounds and four assists. Dario Saric finished with 13 points, nine rebounds, five assists, one block and one steal, while Robert Covington added 12 points, four rebounds, two steals, one block and one assist. The Sixers shot 48 percent from the field, including 17-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Evan Fournier was the high-point man for the Magic with 31 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal, in 33 minutes. Nikola Vucevic had a big night with 27 points, 13 rebounds, 12 assists and two steals, in 37 minutes of action, while Aaron Gordon finished with 20 points, 12 rebounds three assists, three blocks and one steal. The Magic shot 46 percent from the field, including 16-of-29 from distance.
The Magic (1-2) take on the Celtics in Boston on Monday, while the 76ers, head to Detroit to challenge the Pistons on Tuesday.
The Magic jumped out to a quick 9-0 lead and went ahead to push it to a 26-10 advantage with 4:55 left in the first. However, the Sixers battled back and cut the gap to just two points, trailing, 32-30, after one. The 76ers pulled ahead in the second carried the lead for most of the quarter, before taking a 63-52 lead into halftime. The tides turned again in the third quarter, as the Magic outscored the 76ers by eight, to cut the deficit to three points, heading into the final frame. The Sixers maintained their edge and pushed the lead back to 10, with five minutes to go in the game, but the Magic used an 18-9 run to make it a one-point game with 4.6 seconds left and possession. The Magic were not able to convert on the final play and dropped their second game in as many nights. On the other hand, the Sixers earned their second straight win.
Joel Embiid led Philadelphia with 32 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, in 33 minutes. J.J. Redick came up huge in 32 minutes off the bench, with 31 points, four rebounds and four assists. Dario Saric finished with 13 points, nine rebounds, five assists, one block and one steal, while Robert Covington added 12 points, four rebounds, two steals, one block and one assist. The Sixers shot 48 percent from the field, including 17-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Evan Fournier was the high-point man for the Magic with 31 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal, in 33 minutes. Nikola Vucevic had a big night with 27 points, 13 rebounds, 12 assists and two steals, in 37 minutes of action, while Aaron Gordon finished with 20 points, 12 rebounds three assists, three blocks and one steal. The Magic shot 46 percent from the field, including 16-of-29 from distance.
The Magic (1-2) take on the Celtics in Boston on Monday, while the 76ers, head to Detroit to challenge the Pistons on Tuesday.
Pistons Pull Off Nail-Biter In Chicago
By Dan Bruno
The Detroit Pistons defeated the host Chicago Bulls, 118-116, at United Center on Saturday evening.
The first quarter featured a few lead swings, with the Pistons up by as many as eight, however, it was the Bulls that led 27-25 heading into the second quarter. The Pistons pushed ahead again in the second, this time amassing a 10-point lead, with 6:21 left in the half. They were able to ride that cushion until halftime, although the Bulls cut the gap to trail by two, 60-58. The third quarter featured multiple lead changes and ties, but the Pistons came out with a one-point advantage heading into the final frame. The contest went right down to the wire, where Blake Griffin and Zach LaVine exchanged clutch three-points, but ultimate the Pistons survived to earn their second straight win and remain undefeated. The Bulls dropped to 0-2 on the season.
Blake Griffin led the Pistons with 33 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and two block, in 35 minutes of action. Reggie Jackson followed up with 18 points, six assists and one rebound, while Andre Drummond tallied 10 points, 13 rebounds and one block, in 24 minutes. The Pistons shot 41 percent from the field, including 18-of-40 from long range.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 33 points, four rebounds and three assists, in 37 minutes. Justin Holiday followed up with 19 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Cameron Payne contributed 17 points, four assists and three rebounds. The Bulls shot 51 percent from the field, including 7-of-22 from long range.
The Bulls (0-2) will be looking for their first win of the season, as they take on the Mavericks in Dallas on Monday. The Pistons (2-0) play host to the 76ers on Tuesday.
The first quarter featured a few lead swings, with the Pistons up by as many as eight, however, it was the Bulls that led 27-25 heading into the second quarter. The Pistons pushed ahead again in the second, this time amassing a 10-point lead, with 6:21 left in the half. They were able to ride that cushion until halftime, although the Bulls cut the gap to trail by two, 60-58. The third quarter featured multiple lead changes and ties, but the Pistons came out with a one-point advantage heading into the final frame. The contest went right down to the wire, where Blake Griffin and Zach LaVine exchanged clutch three-points, but ultimate the Pistons survived to earn their second straight win and remain undefeated. The Bulls dropped to 0-2 on the season.
Blake Griffin led the Pistons with 33 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and two block, in 35 minutes of action. Reggie Jackson followed up with 18 points, six assists and one rebound, while Andre Drummond tallied 10 points, 13 rebounds and one block, in 24 minutes. The Pistons shot 41 percent from the field, including 18-of-40 from long range.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 33 points, four rebounds and three assists, in 37 minutes. Justin Holiday followed up with 19 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Cameron Payne contributed 17 points, four assists and three rebounds. The Bulls shot 51 percent from the field, including 7-of-22 from long range.
The Bulls (0-2) will be looking for their first win of the season, as they take on the Mavericks in Dallas on Monday. The Pistons (2-0) play host to the 76ers on Tuesday.
Hornets Hang On to Beat Heat, 113-112
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Miami Heat, 113-112, at American Airlines Arena on Saturday night.
It would have been difficult to envision the final score at the half, when the Hornets (2-1) held a commanding 72-52 lead. However, the Heat (1-2) refused to be embarrassed in their home opener, shaving 10 points off their deficit with a 30-point third quarter and matching that total in the fourth while holding the visitors to 21. That left them just a point short at the final buzzer, but Miami's bench generated 43 points to help spearhead the rally. Ultimately, the Heat won both the rebounding battle by a 49-40 margin and slightly out-shot Charlotte, 46.1 percent to 44.1 percent.
Kemba Walker led the way with a game-high 39 points, a total he supplemented with seven assists and five rebounds. Malik Monk was a distant second with 15 points, one rebound, one assist and one steal. Marvin Williams generated 13 points, six boards, one assist and three blocks. Jeremy Lamb supplied 12 points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks. Cody Zeller managed 11 points and eight rebounds.
Dwyane Wade paced the Heat with 21 points off the bench, adding three rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Goran Dragic provided 20 points, seven assists and four rebounds. Rodney McGruder continued his productive start to the season with a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists, two steals and one block. Derrick Jones, Jr. and Bam Adebayo -- the latter another key bench performer -- mustered matching 12-point tallies. Hassan Whiteside contributed an 11-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included two blocks.
The Hornets remain on the road and head north of the border to tangle with the Toronto Raptors on Monday night, while the Heat remain home and next take the court against the New York Knicks on Wednesday evening.
It would have been difficult to envision the final score at the half, when the Hornets (2-1) held a commanding 72-52 lead. However, the Heat (1-2) refused to be embarrassed in their home opener, shaving 10 points off their deficit with a 30-point third quarter and matching that total in the fourth while holding the visitors to 21. That left them just a point short at the final buzzer, but Miami's bench generated 43 points to help spearhead the rally. Ultimately, the Heat won both the rebounding battle by a 49-40 margin and slightly out-shot Charlotte, 46.1 percent to 44.1 percent.
Kemba Walker led the way with a game-high 39 points, a total he supplemented with seven assists and five rebounds. Malik Monk was a distant second with 15 points, one rebound, one assist and one steal. Marvin Williams generated 13 points, six boards, one assist and three blocks. Jeremy Lamb supplied 12 points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks. Cody Zeller managed 11 points and eight rebounds.
Dwyane Wade paced the Heat with 21 points off the bench, adding three rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Goran Dragic provided 20 points, seven assists and four rebounds. Rodney McGruder continued his productive start to the season with a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists, two steals and one block. Derrick Jones, Jr. and Bam Adebayo -- the latter another key bench performer -- mustered matching 12-point tallies. Hassan Whiteside contributed an 11-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included two blocks.
The Hornets remain on the road and head north of the border to tangle with the Toronto Raptors on Monday night, while the Heat remain home and next take the court against the New York Knicks on Wednesday evening.
Mavericks Outlast Timberwolves, 140-136
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 140-136, at American Airlines Center on Saturday evening.
The tone for what would turn out to be a scoreboard-busting affair was set in the first quarter, with the two clubs combining for 83 points during the period. The Mavericks (1-1) tightened up enough on defense during the second period to erase an eight-point deficit and send the contest into intermission deadlocked at 69-69. Both teams essentially matched each other basket for basket in the third, and the Timberwolves (1-2) entered the final quarter with a slim two-point lead. However, Dallas saved their best for last, putting up a game-high 43 points in the fourth quarter. Dennis Smith, Jr. scored the final three points on free throws after Minnesota had gotten to within a point after a pair of Karl-Anthony Towns buckets from the charity stripe with 3.6 seconds left.
Towns led the way for Minnesota with 31 points and added five rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Derrick Rose followed with a bench-leading 28 points, a total he supplemented with five rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Jeff Teague just missed out on a double-double with 22 points, nine assists, two rebounds and one steal. Andrew Wiggins poured in 19 points and also supplied three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Taj Gibson's contributions included nine points and six boards, while first-round pick Josh Okogie pitched in six points, five boards, two assists and one steal while filling in for Jimmy Butler (rest).
Dallas' first-rounder Luka Doncic made significantly more noise, leading the Mavericks with 26 points. He also posted six rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. DeAndre Jordan posted a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist, five blocks and two steals. Dennis Smith, Jr., Wesley Matthews and Dwight Powell turned in a trio of 19-point tallies, the latter doing so off the bench. J.J. Barea was productive off the second unit as well, pitching in a 12-point, 11-assist double-double that also included a rebound and two steals.
The Timberwolves head back home for a Monday night showdown with the Indiana Pacers, while the Mavericks remain home and face the Chicago Bulls on that same evening.
The tone for what would turn out to be a scoreboard-busting affair was set in the first quarter, with the two clubs combining for 83 points during the period. The Mavericks (1-1) tightened up enough on defense during the second period to erase an eight-point deficit and send the contest into intermission deadlocked at 69-69. Both teams essentially matched each other basket for basket in the third, and the Timberwolves (1-2) entered the final quarter with a slim two-point lead. However, Dallas saved their best for last, putting up a game-high 43 points in the fourth quarter. Dennis Smith, Jr. scored the final three points on free throws after Minnesota had gotten to within a point after a pair of Karl-Anthony Towns buckets from the charity stripe with 3.6 seconds left.
Towns led the way for Minnesota with 31 points and added five rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Derrick Rose followed with a bench-leading 28 points, a total he supplemented with five rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Jeff Teague just missed out on a double-double with 22 points, nine assists, two rebounds and one steal. Andrew Wiggins poured in 19 points and also supplied three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Taj Gibson's contributions included nine points and six boards, while first-round pick Josh Okogie pitched in six points, five boards, two assists and one steal while filling in for Jimmy Butler (rest).
Dallas' first-rounder Luka Doncic made significantly more noise, leading the Mavericks with 26 points. He also posted six rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. DeAndre Jordan posted a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist, five blocks and two steals. Dennis Smith, Jr., Wesley Matthews and Dwight Powell turned in a trio of 19-point tallies, the latter doing so off the bench. J.J. Barea was productive off the second unit as well, pitching in a 12-point, 11-assist double-double that also included a rebound and two steals.
The Timberwolves head back home for a Monday night showdown with the Indiana Pacers, while the Mavericks remain home and face the Chicago Bulls on that same evening.
Nuggets Handle Suns, 119-91
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Phoenix Suns, 119-91, at Pepsi Center on Saturday evening.
The Nuggets (2-0) established their dominance early, gaining a 30-16 first-quarter advantage. While the Suns (1-1) seemed to wake up on offense in the second period, they still entered halftime with a 16-point deficit that they never came close to really overcoming. Denver put their stamp on the decisive victory by outscoring the visitors, 27-12, in the final 12 minutes. The home squad was especially effective on defense, limiting Phoenix to 37.7 percent shooting while also eliciting 19 turnovers.
Devin Booker was one of the main bright spots for the Suns, managing 25 points and adding seven assists, two rebounds and one steal. T.J. Warren was next with a bench-leading 16 points, a total he complemented with three rebounds, one assist and one block. Isaiah Canaan supplied 15 points, four boards, two assists and one steal. Mikal Bridges turned in 10 points off the bench, but fellow first-rounder Deandre Ayton only contributed five points, eight rebounds and one assist.
Nikola Jokic paced the Nuggets with a 35-point, 12-rebound, 11-assist triple-double that also included four steals and one block. Jamal Murray followed with 26 points and added five assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Gary Harris totaled 18 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Will Barton and Paul Millsap rounded out a successful night for the starting five with 14-point tallies, with Barton also hauling 10 boards among his other contributions.
The Suns head to Golden State to tangle with the Warriors on Monday night, while the Nuggets remains home and faces the defending champions on Sunday evening.
The Nuggets (2-0) established their dominance early, gaining a 30-16 first-quarter advantage. While the Suns (1-1) seemed to wake up on offense in the second period, they still entered halftime with a 16-point deficit that they never came close to really overcoming. Denver put their stamp on the decisive victory by outscoring the visitors, 27-12, in the final 12 minutes. The home squad was especially effective on defense, limiting Phoenix to 37.7 percent shooting while also eliciting 19 turnovers.
Devin Booker was one of the main bright spots for the Suns, managing 25 points and adding seven assists, two rebounds and one steal. T.J. Warren was next with a bench-leading 16 points, a total he complemented with three rebounds, one assist and one block. Isaiah Canaan supplied 15 points, four boards, two assists and one steal. Mikal Bridges turned in 10 points off the bench, but fellow first-rounder Deandre Ayton only contributed five points, eight rebounds and one assist.
Nikola Jokic paced the Nuggets with a 35-point, 12-rebound, 11-assist triple-double that also included four steals and one block. Jamal Murray followed with 26 points and added five assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Gary Harris totaled 18 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Will Barton and Paul Millsap rounded out a successful night for the starting five with 14-point tallies, with Barton also hauling 10 boards among his other contributions.
The Suns head to Golden State to tangle with the Warriors on Monday night, while the Nuggets remains home and faces the defending champions on Sunday evening.
Trail Blazers Best Spurs, 121-108
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 121-108, at Moda Center on Saturday evening.
The hard-fought contest fittingly began with a 22-22 deadlock over the first 12 minutes. However, the Trail Blazers (2-0) outscored the Spurs (1-1) by a 75-60 margin over the second and third quarters to gain distance, and they then held serve over the final 12 minutes to post the double-digit victory. Shooting was a key to the win, with Portland draining an impressive 53.6 percent of their attempts and San Antonio managing a 42.4 percent success rate from the field. As customary, a significant portion of the Blazers offense flowed through their backcourt, as the star duo of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum combining for 53 points on identical 9-for-15 shooting efforts.
DeMar DeRozan paced the Spurs with 28 points, a total he supplemented with nine assists, three rebounds and two steals. Bryn Forbes was a distant second with 17 points and added three assists and two rebounds. LaMarcus Aldridge and Rudy Gay contributed matching 12-point tallies, with the veteran duo also hauling in eight and seven rebounds, respectively. Davis Bertans (11 points) and Paul Gasol (10 points) were productive off the bench.
Lillard's 29 points led the Trail Blazers, and he also contributed nine assists and two rebounds. McCollum followed with 24 points and a pair of assists and rebounds apiece. Jusuf Nurkic offered 12 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Al-Farouq Aminu went for 10 points, six rebounds, one assist and one block. Zach Collins led the bench with 11 points.
The Spurs remain on their West Coast swing and next face the Lakers on Monday night, while the Trail Blazers remain home and tangle with the Washington Wizards on Monday evening as well.
The hard-fought contest fittingly began with a 22-22 deadlock over the first 12 minutes. However, the Trail Blazers (2-0) outscored the Spurs (1-1) by a 75-60 margin over the second and third quarters to gain distance, and they then held serve over the final 12 minutes to post the double-digit victory. Shooting was a key to the win, with Portland draining an impressive 53.6 percent of their attempts and San Antonio managing a 42.4 percent success rate from the field. As customary, a significant portion of the Blazers offense flowed through their backcourt, as the star duo of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum combining for 53 points on identical 9-for-15 shooting efforts.
DeMar DeRozan paced the Spurs with 28 points, a total he supplemented with nine assists, three rebounds and two steals. Bryn Forbes was a distant second with 17 points and added three assists and two rebounds. LaMarcus Aldridge and Rudy Gay contributed matching 12-point tallies, with the veteran duo also hauling in eight and seven rebounds, respectively. Davis Bertans (11 points) and Paul Gasol (10 points) were productive off the bench.
Lillard's 29 points led the Trail Blazers, and he also contributed nine assists and two rebounds. McCollum followed with 24 points and a pair of assists and rebounds apiece. Jusuf Nurkic offered 12 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Al-Farouq Aminu went for 10 points, six rebounds, one assist and one block. Zach Collins led the bench with 11 points.
The Spurs remain on their West Coast swing and next face the Lakers on Monday night, while the Trail Blazers remain home and tangle with the Washington Wizards on Monday evening as well.
Rockets Topple Lakers, 125-115
The Houston Rockets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 125-115, at Staples Center on Saturday evening.
Whether there's such a thing as an early-season "must win" is debatable, but the Rockets (1-1) came into Saturday's contest with a certain sense of urgency. Houston had gotten embarrassed by a 131-112 score on their home court in their regular-season opener, as the New Orleans Pelicans came in and delivered a thorough beating. The Rockets (1-1) seemed intent on avoiding a repeat despite a raucous road crowd that turned out for LeBron James' home debut. The visitors jumped out to a 66-62 halftime edge, but they couldn't shake the Lakers (0-2) in the third and entered the final period holding a slim one-point edge. However, a 10-3 run over the final 23 seconds finally sealed the hard-fought win. The Rockets' work on the boards was key, as they out-rebounded the hosts by a 54-44 margin. A pivotal development was the ejection of Rajon Rondo. Brandon Ingram and Chris Paul with just over four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter after a melee ensued following a James Harden drive to the basket.
Harden led all scorers with 36 points, a total he supplemented with seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Paul posted a 28-point, 10-assist double-double that also included seven rebounds and a steal. Clint Capela managed a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double. Gerald Green led the second unit with 13 points and also posted two rebounds and one steal. Carmelo Anthony totaled seven points, 10 rebounds, one assist and one steal in 29 minutes off the bench.
James paced the Lakers with 24 points and added five rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. JaVale McGee was next with 16 points, six rebounds, two assists and five blocks. Lonzo Ball saw a boost in playing time, tallying 26 minutes and producing 14 points, six rebounds and four assists. Rondo contributed a 13-point, 10-assist double-double that also included seven rebounds and two steals. Ingram registered 12 points, four boards, one steal and one block. Josh Hart and Kyle Kuzma had matching 11-point efforts off the bench.
The Lakers remain home and take on the San Antonio Spurs in a Monday evening showdown, while the Rockets remain in the city and retake the Staples Center floor versus the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday evening.
Whether there's such a thing as an early-season "must win" is debatable, but the Rockets (1-1) came into Saturday's contest with a certain sense of urgency. Houston had gotten embarrassed by a 131-112 score on their home court in their regular-season opener, as the New Orleans Pelicans came in and delivered a thorough beating. The Rockets (1-1) seemed intent on avoiding a repeat despite a raucous road crowd that turned out for LeBron James' home debut. The visitors jumped out to a 66-62 halftime edge, but they couldn't shake the Lakers (0-2) in the third and entered the final period holding a slim one-point edge. However, a 10-3 run over the final 23 seconds finally sealed the hard-fought win. The Rockets' work on the boards was key, as they out-rebounded the hosts by a 54-44 margin. A pivotal development was the ejection of Rajon Rondo. Brandon Ingram and Chris Paul with just over four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter after a melee ensued following a James Harden drive to the basket.
Harden led all scorers with 36 points, a total he supplemented with seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Paul posted a 28-point, 10-assist double-double that also included seven rebounds and a steal. Clint Capela managed a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double. Gerald Green led the second unit with 13 points and also posted two rebounds and one steal. Carmelo Anthony totaled seven points, 10 rebounds, one assist and one steal in 29 minutes off the bench.
James paced the Lakers with 24 points and added five rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. JaVale McGee was next with 16 points, six rebounds, two assists and five blocks. Lonzo Ball saw a boost in playing time, tallying 26 minutes and producing 14 points, six rebounds and four assists. Rondo contributed a 13-point, 10-assist double-double that also included seven rebounds and two steals. Ingram registered 12 points, four boards, one steal and one block. Josh Hart and Kyle Kuzma had matching 11-point efforts off the bench.
The Lakers remain home and take on the San Antonio Spurs in a Monday evening showdown, while the Rockets remain in the city and retake the Staples Center floor versus the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday evening.