Bucks Dominate, Destroy Kings
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Sacramento Kings, 144-109, at Fiserv Forum on Sunday afternoon.
A high-scoring affair in Milwaukee ended going towards the home team, as the Bucks (8-1) didn't have problems to dismantle the Kings (6-4) who entered this game as one of the most surprising teams in The Association during the young 2018-19 season. Milwaukee quickly jumped to a 39-30 lead in the first quarter, and they never let it go since they also won the remaining three quarters: 33-20, 36-32 and 36-27, respectively. The fact that the Bucks scored at least 30 points in every quarter certainly stands out, but they were effective on both ends of the court on their way to a huge 35-point win.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for the Bucks since he finished with a triple-double of 26 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists, but in the end eight different Bucks scored over 10 points. Eric Bledsoe had 17 points with six rebounds, Malcolm Brogdon contributed with 13 points, and Khris Middleton added 12 of this own. Four bench players topped the 10-point mark as well: Ersan Ilyasova (15 pts), Pat Connaughton (13 pts), Tony Snell (12 pts) and John Henson (10 pts, 6 rebs).
The Kings enjoyed solid efforts from De'Aaron Fox, who had 15 points, six rebounds and six assists, and Buddy Hield, who chipped in with 19 points in only 24 minutes of action. But most of the scoring contributions came from second-unit players who took advantage of the opportunity, such as Justin Jackson, who had 22 points, and rookie Marvin Bagley III, who finished with 11 points and six rebounds.
A high-scoring affair in Milwaukee ended going towards the home team, as the Bucks (8-1) didn't have problems to dismantle the Kings (6-4) who entered this game as one of the most surprising teams in The Association during the young 2018-19 season. Milwaukee quickly jumped to a 39-30 lead in the first quarter, and they never let it go since they also won the remaining three quarters: 33-20, 36-32 and 36-27, respectively. The fact that the Bucks scored at least 30 points in every quarter certainly stands out, but they were effective on both ends of the court on their way to a huge 35-point win.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for the Bucks since he finished with a triple-double of 26 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists, but in the end eight different Bucks scored over 10 points. Eric Bledsoe had 17 points with six rebounds, Malcolm Brogdon contributed with 13 points, and Khris Middleton added 12 of this own. Four bench players topped the 10-point mark as well: Ersan Ilyasova (15 pts), Pat Connaughton (13 pts), Tony Snell (12 pts) and John Henson (10 pts, 6 rebs).
The Kings enjoyed solid efforts from De'Aaron Fox, who had 15 points, six rebounds and six assists, and Buddy Hield, who chipped in with 19 points in only 24 minutes of action. But most of the scoring contributions came from second-unit players who took advantage of the opportunity, such as Justin Jackson, who had 22 points, and rookie Marvin Bagley III, who finished with 11 points and six rebounds.
Nets Defeat Sixers, 122-97
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the visiting Philadelphia 76ers, 122-97, at Barclay's Center on Sunday.
Philly came into this game winless on the road this season and Brooklyn continued that ugly trend here. Despite the fact that the Sixers led after the opening quarter, the Nets outscored them by 28 points across the final three quarters. Prior to that, there were 11 ties and 17 lead changes in the first half, as Brooklyn led by at least 14 points for the entirety of the fourth quarter. The assist-to-turnover differential was a glaring difference, with Brooklyn recording 27 assists to nine turnovers while Philly committed 27 turnovers to just 16 assists.
The Sixers (6-5) were led by Ben Simmons, as he tallied 20 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and four steals. Joel Embiid took just eight shots but finished with 16 points, 15 rebounds and four assists. Dario Saric amassed 14 points and three boards. J.J. Redick led the bench with 15 points and two assists.
The Nets (4-6) highest scorers both had 21 points, as D'Angelo Russell led the starters with 21 points, two rebounds and six assists. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led the bench with 21 points, six rebounds and three assists. Caris LeVert collected 20 points, five rebounds, two assists and four steals. Jarrett Allen accrued 15 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. Spencer Dinwiddie also played well off the bench, providing 12 points and eight assists.
On deck for Brooklyn is a road matchup versus the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. As for Philadelphia, they travel to play the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday for their next outing.
Philly came into this game winless on the road this season and Brooklyn continued that ugly trend here. Despite the fact that the Sixers led after the opening quarter, the Nets outscored them by 28 points across the final three quarters. Prior to that, there were 11 ties and 17 lead changes in the first half, as Brooklyn led by at least 14 points for the entirety of the fourth quarter. The assist-to-turnover differential was a glaring difference, with Brooklyn recording 27 assists to nine turnovers while Philly committed 27 turnovers to just 16 assists.
The Sixers (6-5) were led by Ben Simmons, as he tallied 20 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and four steals. Joel Embiid took just eight shots but finished with 16 points, 15 rebounds and four assists. Dario Saric amassed 14 points and three boards. J.J. Redick led the bench with 15 points and two assists.
The Nets (4-6) highest scorers both had 21 points, as D'Angelo Russell led the starters with 21 points, two rebounds and six assists. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led the bench with 21 points, six rebounds and three assists. Caris LeVert collected 20 points, five rebounds, two assists and four steals. Jarrett Allen accrued 15 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. Spencer Dinwiddie also played well off the bench, providing 12 points and eight assists.
On deck for Brooklyn is a road matchup versus the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. As for Philadelphia, they travel to play the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday for their next outing.
Wizards Handle Knicks, 108-95
The Washington Wizards defeated the New York Knicks, 108-95, at Capital One Arena on Sunday evening.
The Wizards (2-7) came into Sunday's contest in dire need of a win, as they'd dropped seven of their first eight games. They seemingly had a good opportunity to right their ship against the Knicks (3-7), but they needed to up their level of play significantly from what it had been until that point. Washington was able to get off to a strong start by taking a 24-17 lead in the first quarter, which allowed them to hold on during the middle periods when New York made a run to narrow their deficit to three points going into the final 12 minutes. Then, Washington was able to turn up their play a notch, outscoring the visitors by a 27-17 margin to seal the victory.
Enes Kanter paced the Knicks with an 18-point, 12-rebound double-double. Trey Burke supplied 13 points, three assists and a steal. Dewayne Dotson tallied 11 points, six rebounds and two assists. Mitchell Robinson offered 10 points, six rebounds and one block. Mario Hezonja matched Robinson's scoring total and added eight boards, three assists and three steals.
John Wall spearheaded the Wizards with 26 points, seven assists, two rebounds and five steals. Bradley Beal registered 22 points, eight rebounds, three assists and four blocks. Markieff Morris compiled 16 points, six rebounds, five assists, two blocks and one steal. Jeff Green followed with a bench-leading 14 points and also managed nine boards and two blocks. Dwight Howard started and generated a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one steal and one block.
The Knicks head back home to take on the Chicago Bulls on Monday night, while the Wizards pay a visit to the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday evening.
The Wizards (2-7) came into Sunday's contest in dire need of a win, as they'd dropped seven of their first eight games. They seemingly had a good opportunity to right their ship against the Knicks (3-7), but they needed to up their level of play significantly from what it had been until that point. Washington was able to get off to a strong start by taking a 24-17 lead in the first quarter, which allowed them to hold on during the middle periods when New York made a run to narrow their deficit to three points going into the final 12 minutes. Then, Washington was able to turn up their play a notch, outscoring the visitors by a 27-17 margin to seal the victory.
Enes Kanter paced the Knicks with an 18-point, 12-rebound double-double. Trey Burke supplied 13 points, three assists and a steal. Dewayne Dotson tallied 11 points, six rebounds and two assists. Mitchell Robinson offered 10 points, six rebounds and one block. Mario Hezonja matched Robinson's scoring total and added eight boards, three assists and three steals.
John Wall spearheaded the Wizards with 26 points, seven assists, two rebounds and five steals. Bradley Beal registered 22 points, eight rebounds, three assists and four blocks. Markieff Morris compiled 16 points, six rebounds, five assists, two blocks and one steal. Jeff Green followed with a bench-leading 14 points and also managed nine boards and two blocks. Dwight Howard started and generated a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one steal and one block.
The Knicks head back home to take on the Chicago Bulls on Monday night, while the Wizards pay a visit to the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday evening.
Magic Surprises Spurs, 117-110
The Orlando Magic defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 117-110, at AT & T Center on Sunday evening.
The Magic (3-6) came into the contest in the midst of a tailspin, as they'd lost six of their previous seven games. However, they seemed like a different team from the start, as they took a 36-26 first-quarter lead. Even though the Spurs (6-3) regrouped to an extent in the second period, Orlando still took a 17-point lead into the final 12 minutes, which gave them more than enough cushion to withstand a run by the home squad in the fourth quarter and escape with the win. The Magic drained 50.5 percent of their shots and turned the ball over just eight times, both keys to victory.
Aaron Gordon led the way with 26 points, which he supplemented with eight rebounds and one steal. D.J. Augustin supplied 18 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Terrance Ross managed 17 points, four assists and three rebounds. Evan Fournier turned in 16 points and dished out seven dimes. Nikola Vucevic provided 13 points, eight rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block.
DeMar DeRozan paced the Spurs with 25 points and added seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Patty Mills paced the bench with 16 points. Marco Belinelli followed with 15 points in 21 minutes. LaMarcus Aldridge collected 14 points, six rebounds and three assists. Bryn Forbes tallied 13 points, two assists and a rebound.
The Magic head back home to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night, while the Spurs pay a visit to the Miami Heat on Wednesday evening.
The Magic (3-6) came into the contest in the midst of a tailspin, as they'd lost six of their previous seven games. However, they seemed like a different team from the start, as they took a 36-26 first-quarter lead. Even though the Spurs (6-3) regrouped to an extent in the second period, Orlando still took a 17-point lead into the final 12 minutes, which gave them more than enough cushion to withstand a run by the home squad in the fourth quarter and escape with the win. The Magic drained 50.5 percent of their shots and turned the ball over just eight times, both keys to victory.
Aaron Gordon led the way with 26 points, which he supplemented with eight rebounds and one steal. D.J. Augustin supplied 18 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Terrance Ross managed 17 points, four assists and three rebounds. Evan Fournier turned in 16 points and dished out seven dimes. Nikola Vucevic provided 13 points, eight rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block.
DeMar DeRozan paced the Spurs with 25 points and added seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Patty Mills paced the bench with 16 points. Marco Belinelli followed with 15 points in 21 minutes. LaMarcus Aldridge collected 14 points, six rebounds and three assists. Bryn Forbes tallied 13 points, two assists and a rebound.
The Magic head back home to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night, while the Spurs pay a visit to the Miami Heat on Wednesday evening.
Booker Leads Suns To Second Win Of Season
By Dan Bruno
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, 102-100, at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Sunday evening.
The Grizzlies got out to a good start on the road, holding the edge for most of the first quarter, to take a 28-21 lead heading into the second quarter. They stayed on top and pushed their lead to 10, with three minutes left in the second, however, the Suns made a push to end the half, and cut the deficit to just four by halftime. The third quarter started out very close, until the Grizz managed to pull ahead by 10, with five minutes to go. Again, the Suns closed the quarter with a run and made it a four-point game, heading into the final frame. The Grizzlies stayed in control though, as they built yet another 10-point lead, early in the fourth. The Suns kept chipping away, and had it at a two-point game with just under five minutes remaining. It was a close finish, but Devin Booker led Phoenix in clutch, to outscore the Grizzlies 9-5 in the final few minutes, to walk away with the home win, and also end an ugly seven-game losing streak.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 25 points on 7-of-17 shooting, and seven assists, in 34 minutes. Trevor Ariza followed up with 16 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Mikal Bridges chipped in 14 points, in 25 minutes off the bench. The Suns shot 52 percent from the field, including 14-of-33 from long range.
Meanwhile, Shelvin Mack was the high-point man for Memphis, with 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting, in 27 minutes off the bench. Dillon Brooks tallied 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting, in 29 minutes off the bench, while Mike Conley and Marc Gasol both had quiet nights. The Grizzlies shot 47 percent from the field, including 7-of-24 from deep.
The Grizzlies (5-3) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Warriors on Monday. The Suns (2-7) play host to the Nets on Tuesday.
The Grizzlies got out to a good start on the road, holding the edge for most of the first quarter, to take a 28-21 lead heading into the second quarter. They stayed on top and pushed their lead to 10, with three minutes left in the second, however, the Suns made a push to end the half, and cut the deficit to just four by halftime. The third quarter started out very close, until the Grizz managed to pull ahead by 10, with five minutes to go. Again, the Suns closed the quarter with a run and made it a four-point game, heading into the final frame. The Grizzlies stayed in control though, as they built yet another 10-point lead, early in the fourth. The Suns kept chipping away, and had it at a two-point game with just under five minutes remaining. It was a close finish, but Devin Booker led Phoenix in clutch, to outscore the Grizzlies 9-5 in the final few minutes, to walk away with the home win, and also end an ugly seven-game losing streak.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 25 points on 7-of-17 shooting, and seven assists, in 34 minutes. Trevor Ariza followed up with 16 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Mikal Bridges chipped in 14 points, in 25 minutes off the bench. The Suns shot 52 percent from the field, including 14-of-33 from long range.
Meanwhile, Shelvin Mack was the high-point man for Memphis, with 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting, in 27 minutes off the bench. Dillon Brooks tallied 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting, in 29 minutes off the bench, while Mike Conley and Marc Gasol both had quiet nights. The Grizzlies shot 47 percent from the field, including 7-of-24 from deep.
The Grizzlies (5-3) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Warriors on Monday. The Suns (2-7) play host to the Nets on Tuesday.
Blazers Roll T-Wolves, 111-81
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 111-81, at Moda Center on Sunday.
This was as about lopsided as it gets in the NBA, as Portland won all four individual quarters. They did most of their damage in the middle quarters, outscoring Minnesota, 62-37. The Trail Blazers played their best defense of the season, holding the Timberwolves to 31 percent from the field and 23 percent from three-point range. Rebounding was also decisive, with Portland outrebounding Minnesota, 66-38. The Trail Blazers took advantage of a friendly whistle, connecting on 28-of-32 from the free-throw line.
The Timberwolves (4-6) had to play this game without Jimmy Butler (rest) and his ordeal really seems to be hurting this team. Karl-Anthony Towns did all he could, as he led the T'Wolves with 23 points, five rebounds and three assists. Andrew Wiggins was the only other player in double figures, as he amassed 17 points and three steals.
The Trail Blazers (7-3) got a double-double out of Jusuf Nurkic, as he tallied 19 points, 12 rebounds and two assists on 8-of-11 shooting. Damian Lillard accrued 18 points, five rebounds and five assists. C.J. McCollum totaled 16 points, three boards and two steals. Meyers Leonard led the bench with 15 points, 12 rebounds and two assists.
Minnesota will have to play again on Monday, as they travel to face the Los Angeles Clippers. As for Portland, they play host to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday for their next outing.
This was as about lopsided as it gets in the NBA, as Portland won all four individual quarters. They did most of their damage in the middle quarters, outscoring Minnesota, 62-37. The Trail Blazers played their best defense of the season, holding the Timberwolves to 31 percent from the field and 23 percent from three-point range. Rebounding was also decisive, with Portland outrebounding Minnesota, 66-38. The Trail Blazers took advantage of a friendly whistle, connecting on 28-of-32 from the free-throw line.
The Timberwolves (4-6) had to play this game without Jimmy Butler (rest) and his ordeal really seems to be hurting this team. Karl-Anthony Towns did all he could, as he led the T'Wolves with 23 points, five rebounds and three assists. Andrew Wiggins was the only other player in double figures, as he amassed 17 points and three steals.
The Trail Blazers (7-3) got a double-double out of Jusuf Nurkic, as he tallied 19 points, 12 rebounds and two assists on 8-of-11 shooting. Damian Lillard accrued 18 points, five rebounds and five assists. C.J. McCollum totaled 16 points, three boards and two steals. Meyers Leonard led the bench with 15 points, 12 rebounds and two assists.
Minnesota will have to play again on Monday, as they travel to face the Los Angeles Clippers. As for Portland, they play host to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday for their next outing.
Raptors Steamroll Lakers, Without Kawhi
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 121-107, at Staples Center on Sunday evening.
Despite missing Kawhi Leonard (ankle), the Raptors jumped out to a quick 10-4 start, and carried on to outscore the Lakers by a whopping 25 points in the first quarter, as they took a 42-17 lead into the second. The Raptors did not let up as they held at least a 20-point lead for almost the entire second quarter. The Lakers kept fighting but could not make a dent in the colossal margin, as they still trailed by 21 heading into the final frame. The Raptors cruised to their third straight win and improved to 3-1 on the road, while this marked the end of a two-game win streak for the Lakers, and also their third home loss of the season.
Serge Ibaka led the Raptors with 34 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals, in 29 minutes of action. Kyle Lowry had an amazing night, with 21 points, 15 assists, six rebounds, two steals and one block, in 33 minutes. Pascal Siakam tallied 16 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and one steal, while Danny Green added 15 points. The Raptors shot 50 percent from the field, including 10-of-35 from long range.
Meanwhile, Kyle Kuzma led the Lakers with 24 points, five rebounds and two assists, in 31 minutes. LeBron James tallied 18 points, six assists, two rebounds and one block, while Lonzo Ball chipped in 12 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 23 minutes. The Lakers shot 46 percent from the field, including, 6-of-24 from long range.
The Lakers (4-6) will look to bounce back, as they play host to the Timberwolves on Wednesday. The Raptors (9-1) head to Utah to take on the Jazz on Monday.
Despite missing Kawhi Leonard (ankle), the Raptors jumped out to a quick 10-4 start, and carried on to outscore the Lakers by a whopping 25 points in the first quarter, as they took a 42-17 lead into the second. The Raptors did not let up as they held at least a 20-point lead for almost the entire second quarter. The Lakers kept fighting but could not make a dent in the colossal margin, as they still trailed by 21 heading into the final frame. The Raptors cruised to their third straight win and improved to 3-1 on the road, while this marked the end of a two-game win streak for the Lakers, and also their third home loss of the season.
Serge Ibaka led the Raptors with 34 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals, in 29 minutes of action. Kyle Lowry had an amazing night, with 21 points, 15 assists, six rebounds, two steals and one block, in 33 minutes. Pascal Siakam tallied 16 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and one steal, while Danny Green added 15 points. The Raptors shot 50 percent from the field, including 10-of-35 from long range.
Meanwhile, Kyle Kuzma led the Lakers with 24 points, five rebounds and two assists, in 31 minutes. LeBron James tallied 18 points, six assists, two rebounds and one block, while Lonzo Ball chipped in 12 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 23 minutes. The Lakers shot 46 percent from the field, including, 6-of-24 from long range.
The Lakers (4-6) will look to bounce back, as they play host to the Timberwolves on Wednesday. The Raptors (9-1) head to Utah to take on the Jazz on Monday.