Thunder Hold On, Defeat Cavaliers On The Road
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 95-86, at Quicken Loans Arena on Wednesday night.
The Thunder (6-4) had to deal with the absence of Russell Westbrook after he got injured on Monday against the New Orleans Pelicans, and they managed to dominate most of the contest against a Cavaliers (1-10) team that already reached double-digit losses through their first 11 games of the campaign. OKC jumped to a 23-20 lead in the first half, and increased their lead by eight points (48-40) by half time. Cleveland won the third quarter by one point (24-23) and it seemed they were on the rise heading into the final 12 minutes, but the Thunder closed things out with a 24-22 fourth quarter that pushed them two games over .500.
No Westbrook meant no problem for the Thunder, as point guard Dennis Schroder led the way for OKC with 28 points and seven rebounds, but, oddly enough he didn't record a single assist despite starting as a point guard. Paul George filled the stat sheet thanks to 18 points, seven boards, two assists and two steals. Jerami Grant added 12 points with eight rebounds, and Steven Adams contributed with nine points, 13 rebounds and two blocks.
Six Cleveland players scored in double digits and the leader was rookie Collin Sexton, who had 15 points. Tristan Thompson delivered a double-double of 10 points and 15 boards. J.R. Smith had 13 points, and Rodney Hood chipped in with 11 points, five boards and four assists. Jordan Clarkson had 11 points, nine rebounds and eight assists off the bench.
The Thunder (6-4) had to deal with the absence of Russell Westbrook after he got injured on Monday against the New Orleans Pelicans, and they managed to dominate most of the contest against a Cavaliers (1-10) team that already reached double-digit losses through their first 11 games of the campaign. OKC jumped to a 23-20 lead in the first half, and increased their lead by eight points (48-40) by half time. Cleveland won the third quarter by one point (24-23) and it seemed they were on the rise heading into the final 12 minutes, but the Thunder closed things out with a 24-22 fourth quarter that pushed them two games over .500.
No Westbrook meant no problem for the Thunder, as point guard Dennis Schroder led the way for OKC with 28 points and seven rebounds, but, oddly enough he didn't record a single assist despite starting as a point guard. Paul George filled the stat sheet thanks to 18 points, seven boards, two assists and two steals. Jerami Grant added 12 points with eight rebounds, and Steven Adams contributed with nine points, 13 rebounds and two blocks.
Six Cleveland players scored in double digits and the leader was rookie Collin Sexton, who had 15 points. Tristan Thompson delivered a double-double of 10 points and 15 boards. J.R. Smith had 13 points, and Rodney Hood chipped in with 11 points, five boards and four assists. Jordan Clarkson had 11 points, nine rebounds and eight assists off the bench.
Pistons Defeat Magic, 103-96
The Detroit Pistons defeated the host Orlando Magic, 103-96, at Amway Center on Wednesday.
This was truly a battle of four quarters, as each individual quarter was decided by at least five points. Detroit did their damage in the second and fourth quarters, outscoring Orlando, 57-36. The swings are evident by the fact that there were eight ties and nine lead changes in total. Rebounding was the difference for the Pistons, as they outrebounded the Magic, 50-40. The 13 steals recorded by Detroit marked a season-high, as they forced 20 turnovers from the Magic. Free-throw shooting was also critical, as Orlando hit just 7-of-8 from the charity stripe while Detroit connected on 18-of-20.
The Pistons (5-5) got another monster double-double out of Andre Drummond, as he tallied 23 points, 19 rebounds, two assists and three steals on 10-of-16 shooting. Blake Griffin finished with 20 points, five rebounds and three assists. Reggie Jackson totaled 15 points and four assists. Stanley Johnson led the bench with 13 points, six rebounds and three assists.
The Magic (4-7) were led by Evan Fournier, as he collected 27 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals on 12-of-19 shooting. D.J. Augustin accumulated 16 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Aaron Gordon amassed 15 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Terrence Ross led the bench with 15 points and four boards.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Orlando playing host to the struggling Washington Wizards and Detroit traveling to face the Atlanta Hawks.
This was truly a battle of four quarters, as each individual quarter was decided by at least five points. Detroit did their damage in the second and fourth quarters, outscoring Orlando, 57-36. The swings are evident by the fact that there were eight ties and nine lead changes in total. Rebounding was the difference for the Pistons, as they outrebounded the Magic, 50-40. The 13 steals recorded by Detroit marked a season-high, as they forced 20 turnovers from the Magic. Free-throw shooting was also critical, as Orlando hit just 7-of-8 from the charity stripe while Detroit connected on 18-of-20.
The Pistons (5-5) got another monster double-double out of Andre Drummond, as he tallied 23 points, 19 rebounds, two assists and three steals on 10-of-16 shooting. Blake Griffin finished with 20 points, five rebounds and three assists. Reggie Jackson totaled 15 points and four assists. Stanley Johnson led the bench with 13 points, six rebounds and three assists.
The Magic (4-7) were led by Evan Fournier, as he collected 27 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals on 12-of-19 shooting. D.J. Augustin accumulated 16 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Aaron Gordon amassed 15 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Terrence Ross led the bench with 15 points and four boards.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Orlando playing host to the struggling Washington Wizards and Detroit traveling to face the Atlanta Hawks.
Knicks Defeat Hawks, 112-107
The New York Knicks defeated the host Atlanta Hawks, 112-107, at State Farm Arena on Wednesday.
While New York held the lead for the final 20 minutes of this game, it came down to the wire. In fact, a 35-18 third quarter gave the Knicks that big lead, as Atlanta got it down to a four-point margin in the final minute. That was the closest the game got though, despite the fact that there were 10 ties and 12 lead changes in total. Defense was critical for the Knicks, as they held the Hawks to 40 percent from the field and 29 percent from three-point range while forcing 17 turnovers. Getting to the free-throw line was also huge for New York, as they went 33-of-47 from the charity stripe while Atlanta attempted just 29 free-throws.
The Knicks (4-8) were led by Tim Hardaway Jr., as he went 16-of-20 from the free-throw line to finish with 34 points, three assists and three steals. Frank Ntilikina amassed 13 points, three rebounds and three assists. Noah Vonleh totaled 11 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Enes Kanter led the bench with 17 points and 11 boards.
The Hawks (3-8) were led by Omari Spellman, as he collected 18 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Kent Bazemore accrued 16 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Trae Young tallied 15 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Taurean Prince led the bench with 16 points, two rebounds and three assists.
On deck for Atlanta is another home matchup versus the Detroit Pistons on Friday. As for New York, they travel north of the border to play the Toronto Raptors on Saturday for their next outing.
While New York held the lead for the final 20 minutes of this game, it came down to the wire. In fact, a 35-18 third quarter gave the Knicks that big lead, as Atlanta got it down to a four-point margin in the final minute. That was the closest the game got though, despite the fact that there were 10 ties and 12 lead changes in total. Defense was critical for the Knicks, as they held the Hawks to 40 percent from the field and 29 percent from three-point range while forcing 17 turnovers. Getting to the free-throw line was also huge for New York, as they went 33-of-47 from the charity stripe while Atlanta attempted just 29 free-throws.
The Knicks (4-8) were led by Tim Hardaway Jr., as he went 16-of-20 from the free-throw line to finish with 34 points, three assists and three steals. Frank Ntilikina amassed 13 points, three rebounds and three assists. Noah Vonleh totaled 11 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Enes Kanter led the bench with 17 points and 11 boards.
The Hawks (3-8) were led by Omari Spellman, as he collected 18 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Kent Bazemore accrued 16 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Trae Young tallied 15 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Taurean Prince led the bench with 16 points, two rebounds and three assists.
On deck for Atlanta is another home matchup versus the Detroit Pistons on Friday. As for New York, they travel north of the border to play the Toronto Raptors on Saturday for their next outing.
Heat Get By Spurs, 95-88
The Miami Heat defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 95-88, at American Airlines Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Heat (5-5) came into the contest undermanned, as Goran Dragic was announced as unavailable shortly before tip-off due to an ankle injury. However, the Spurs (6-4) were missing a key starting piece in their own right, as veteran wing Rudy Gay was sidelined yet again with a heel injury. The home squad looked more engaged in the first half, jumping out to a 50-42 lead at intermission. They would create even more of a cushion in the third, expanding their advantage by another three points entering the final 12 minutes. San Antonio trailed by as much as 89-71 with 5:56 remaining before finishing the game on a 17-6 run. However, all it did was serve to make the final score appear more respectable in a contest in which they shot just 33.0 percent from the field.
Patty Mills paced the Spurs with 20 points and four rebounds. Davis Bertans came off the bench to supply 19 points, four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. DeMar DeRozan led the starting five with an 18-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included eight assists, two steals and one block. Bryn Forbes provided 12 points. LaMarcus Aldridge mustered just six points on 2-for-14 shooting but did haul in 16 rebounds and record two blocks.
Hassan Whiteside, who'd been a game-time decision due to a knee issue, with led the Heat with a 29-point, 20-rebound double-double that also included nine blocks. Wayne Ellington drew the start and delivered 20 points, four rebounds, one assist and two steals. Justise Winslow managed 16 points, five boards and three assists. Josh Richardson turned in 14 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals.
The Spurs head back home to take on the Houston Rockets on Saturday evening, while the Heat remain home and await a Friday night visit from the Indiana Pacers.
The Heat (5-5) came into the contest undermanned, as Goran Dragic was announced as unavailable shortly before tip-off due to an ankle injury. However, the Spurs (6-4) were missing a key starting piece in their own right, as veteran wing Rudy Gay was sidelined yet again with a heel injury. The home squad looked more engaged in the first half, jumping out to a 50-42 lead at intermission. They would create even more of a cushion in the third, expanding their advantage by another three points entering the final 12 minutes. San Antonio trailed by as much as 89-71 with 5:56 remaining before finishing the game on a 17-6 run. However, all it did was serve to make the final score appear more respectable in a contest in which they shot just 33.0 percent from the field.
Patty Mills paced the Spurs with 20 points and four rebounds. Davis Bertans came off the bench to supply 19 points, four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. DeMar DeRozan led the starting five with an 18-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included eight assists, two steals and one block. Bryn Forbes provided 12 points. LaMarcus Aldridge mustered just six points on 2-for-14 shooting but did haul in 16 rebounds and record two blocks.
Hassan Whiteside, who'd been a game-time decision due to a knee issue, with led the Heat with a 29-point, 20-rebound double-double that also included nine blocks. Wayne Ellington drew the start and delivered 20 points, four rebounds, one assist and two steals. Justise Winslow managed 16 points, five boards and three assists. Josh Richardson turned in 14 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals.
The Spurs head back home to take on the Houston Rockets on Saturday evening, while the Heat remain home and await a Friday night visit from the Indiana Pacers.
Davis Leads Pelicans To Much-Needed Win
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls, 107-98, at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday evening.
The game started out close, but the Pelicans made the first move to gain an advantage and held on to take a, 29-26, lead into the second quarter. Despite a strong effort from the Bulls, the Pelicans pushed their lead to 10 by the halfway point of the quarter, and held on to carry an eight-point advantage into halftime. The Pelicans brought the energy in the third, kicking off the quarter with a 19-9 run, and pushing their lead to 18, with five minutes left in the quarter. They settled on an, 85-72, lead heading into the final frame. Nonetheless, the Bulls kept fighting, and cut the lead back to 10, with seven minutes to go. They even managed to make it a six-point game with 3:35 to go, but the Pelicans would not let them any closer than that, as New Orleans earned the much-needed win.
Anthony Davis led the Pelicans with 32 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, four blocks and one steal, in 37 minutes of action. Jrue Holiday followed up with 17 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists, two steals and two blocks, while Nikola Mirotic added nine points, 15 rebounds, one steal and one block. The Pelicans shot 45 percent from the field, including 11-of-30 from deep.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led Chicago with 22 points, five rebounds, four assists and one block, in 37 minutes. Wendell Carter Jr. came up large with 17 points, 11 rebounds, three blocks and a steal, while Jabari Parker tallied 20 points, 13 rebounds and three assists. The Bulls shot 40 percent from the field, including 9-of-31 from long range.
The Bulls (3-9) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Cavs on Saturday. The Pelicans (5-6) play host to the Suns on Saturday.
The game started out close, but the Pelicans made the first move to gain an advantage and held on to take a, 29-26, lead into the second quarter. Despite a strong effort from the Bulls, the Pelicans pushed their lead to 10 by the halfway point of the quarter, and held on to carry an eight-point advantage into halftime. The Pelicans brought the energy in the third, kicking off the quarter with a 19-9 run, and pushing their lead to 18, with five minutes left in the quarter. They settled on an, 85-72, lead heading into the final frame. Nonetheless, the Bulls kept fighting, and cut the lead back to 10, with seven minutes to go. They even managed to make it a six-point game with 3:35 to go, but the Pelicans would not let them any closer than that, as New Orleans earned the much-needed win.
Anthony Davis led the Pelicans with 32 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, four blocks and one steal, in 37 minutes of action. Jrue Holiday followed up with 17 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists, two steals and two blocks, while Nikola Mirotic added nine points, 15 rebounds, one steal and one block. The Pelicans shot 45 percent from the field, including 11-of-30 from deep.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led Chicago with 22 points, five rebounds, four assists and one block, in 37 minutes. Wendell Carter Jr. came up large with 17 points, 11 rebounds, three blocks and a steal, while Jabari Parker tallied 20 points, 13 rebounds and three assists. The Bulls shot 40 percent from the field, including 9-of-31 from long range.
The Bulls (3-9) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Cavs on Saturday. The Pelicans (5-6) play host to the Suns on Saturday.
Sixers Clip Pacers, 100-94
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Indiana Pacers, 100-94, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Wednesday evening.
The 76ers (7-5) came into Wednesday looking to redeem themselves from a rather unexpected 122-97 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday night. They got off to a strong start against a hot Pacers (7-5) squad, jumping out to an early 13-12 lead over the first 4:29. However, Indiana had knotted the game at 50-50 by halftime, only to see Philadelphia open up their lead back up by seven points in the third period. The visitors were then essentially able to match the home squad basket for basket in the final 12 minutes, sealing the victory. The Sixers played particularly impressive defense, limiting the Pacers to 39.4 percent shooting, including 25.8 percent from three-point range.
Joel Embiid led the Sixers with a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists, three blocks and one steal. Dario Saric managed 18 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Ben Simmons provided a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included eight assists and two blocks. Robert Covington turned in 13 points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Landry Shamet (12 points) and J.J. Redick (10 points) were both productive off the bench.
Victor Oladipo paced the Pacers with a game-high 36 points and added seven assists, six rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Domantas Sabonis followed with a bench-leading 16 points and also hauled in 11 rebounds, three assists and one block. Bojan Bogdanovic registered 13 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal. Cory Joseph went for nine points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals in 31 minutes off the second unit.
The Sixers head back home and take on the Charlotte Hornets on Friday evening, while the Pacers pay a visit to the Miami Heat that same night.
The 76ers (7-5) came into Wednesday looking to redeem themselves from a rather unexpected 122-97 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday night. They got off to a strong start against a hot Pacers (7-5) squad, jumping out to an early 13-12 lead over the first 4:29. However, Indiana had knotted the game at 50-50 by halftime, only to see Philadelphia open up their lead back up by seven points in the third period. The visitors were then essentially able to match the home squad basket for basket in the final 12 minutes, sealing the victory. The Sixers played particularly impressive defense, limiting the Pacers to 39.4 percent shooting, including 25.8 percent from three-point range.
Joel Embiid led the Sixers with a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists, three blocks and one steal. Dario Saric managed 18 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Ben Simmons provided a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included eight assists and two blocks. Robert Covington turned in 13 points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Landry Shamet (12 points) and J.J. Redick (10 points) were both productive off the bench.
Victor Oladipo paced the Pacers with a game-high 36 points and added seven assists, six rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Domantas Sabonis followed with a bench-leading 16 points and also hauled in 11 rebounds, three assists and one block. Bojan Bogdanovic registered 13 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal. Cory Joseph went for nine points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals in 31 minutes off the second unit.
The Sixers head back home and take on the Charlotte Hornets on Friday evening, while the Pacers pay a visit to the Miami Heat that same night.
Grizzlies Hold Off Nuggets, 89-87
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Denver Nuggets, 89-87, at FedExForum on Wednesday.
The Grizzlies managed to win Wednesday's game by making sure the game was played at their style, which is in a slow, grind-it-out fashion. Despite falling behind early, Memphis managed to chip away and take a lead at halftime thanks to a 28-18 second quarter. From there, the score went back and forth, but some timely shots from Mike Conley and Marc Gasol helped ice the game for the home team. Conley struggled for the most part, scoring just four points on 2-of-9 shooting, but one of those shots was a timely floater that put the team up four late. Gasol, on the other hand posted a double-double of 20 points, including the game-winning free throws, and 12 rebounds in 36 minutes.
The most impressive performance, however, may have come from rookie Jaren Jackson Jr., who has had a stellar start to his first NBA season. Jackson terrific on offense with 20 points and seven rebounds in 33 minutes, but he was even better on the defensive end, where he recorded three steals and three blocked shots.
As for the Nuggets, the loss put an end to their five-game winning streak, and it came on the back of a very poor defensive effort. As a team, the Nuggets shot just 25 percent from behind the arc and 39 percent from the field overall. Star big man Nikola Jokic hardly made a contribution to those percentages, as he attempted just one shot in 26 minutes, and it was the final shot of the game, which was a potential game-winning three. Jokic finished with just four points thanks to a pair of trips to the free throw line. Gary Harris led the team in scoring with 20 points, while Jamal Murray shot a poor 6-of-21 from the field en route to scoring 15 points in 37 minutes.
The Grizzlies managed to win Wednesday's game by making sure the game was played at their style, which is in a slow, grind-it-out fashion. Despite falling behind early, Memphis managed to chip away and take a lead at halftime thanks to a 28-18 second quarter. From there, the score went back and forth, but some timely shots from Mike Conley and Marc Gasol helped ice the game for the home team. Conley struggled for the most part, scoring just four points on 2-of-9 shooting, but one of those shots was a timely floater that put the team up four late. Gasol, on the other hand posted a double-double of 20 points, including the game-winning free throws, and 12 rebounds in 36 minutes.
The most impressive performance, however, may have come from rookie Jaren Jackson Jr., who has had a stellar start to his first NBA season. Jackson terrific on offense with 20 points and seven rebounds in 33 minutes, but he was even better on the defensive end, where he recorded three steals and three blocked shots.
As for the Nuggets, the loss put an end to their five-game winning streak, and it came on the back of a very poor defensive effort. As a team, the Nuggets shot just 25 percent from behind the arc and 39 percent from the field overall. Star big man Nikola Jokic hardly made a contribution to those percentages, as he attempted just one shot in 26 minutes, and it was the final shot of the game, which was a potential game-winning three. Jokic finished with just four points thanks to a pair of trips to the free throw line. Gary Harris led the team in scoring with 20 points, while Jamal Murray shot a poor 6-of-21 from the field en route to scoring 15 points in 37 minutes.
Jazz Earn First Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Dallas Mavericks, 117-102, at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Jazz got out to a blistering start, as they poured in 30 points in the first quarter, while holding the Mavs to just 18. They kept the pressure on in the second and pushed the lead to 21, just five minutes into the quarter. The Mavs had no answer, as they went on to trail, 68-45, at halftime. Mavericks managed to make a push in the third, including a 12-6 run, that cut the gap to 16, halfway through the quarter. However, they would not get any closer than that in the quarter, as the Jazz led 99-83 entering the fourth. The Jazz did not give up though, as they picked it up again to start the fourth, cutting the gap to nine, just three minutes in. Despite the Mavericks' effort, the Jazz would not give it up that easily, as they held on to earn their first home win of the season.
Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 23 points, seven assists, five rebounds and two steals, in 32 minutes. Rudy Gobert followed up with 17 points, 10 rebounds, four blocks, two assists and one steal, while Ricky Rubio tallied 10 points, 12 assists, five rebounds and three steals. The Jazz shot 49 percent from the field, including 13-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 24 points on 7-of-14 shooting, six rebounds and two assists, in 35 minutes. Harrison Barnes followed up with 14 points and five rebounds, in 35 minutes, while Wesley Matthews chipped in 13 points, six rebounds, four assists and one steal. The Mavericks shot 40 percent from the field, including 8-of-24 from long range.
The Mavs (3-8) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Thunder on Saturday. The Jazz (5-6) play host to the Celtics on Friday.
The Jazz got out to a blistering start, as they poured in 30 points in the first quarter, while holding the Mavs to just 18. They kept the pressure on in the second and pushed the lead to 21, just five minutes into the quarter. The Mavs had no answer, as they went on to trail, 68-45, at halftime. Mavericks managed to make a push in the third, including a 12-6 run, that cut the gap to 16, halfway through the quarter. However, they would not get any closer than that in the quarter, as the Jazz led 99-83 entering the fourth. The Jazz did not give up though, as they picked it up again to start the fourth, cutting the gap to nine, just three minutes in. Despite the Mavericks' effort, the Jazz would not give it up that easily, as they held on to earn their first home win of the season.
Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 23 points, seven assists, five rebounds and two steals, in 32 minutes. Rudy Gobert followed up with 17 points, 10 rebounds, four blocks, two assists and one steal, while Ricky Rubio tallied 10 points, 12 assists, five rebounds and three steals. The Jazz shot 49 percent from the field, including 13-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 24 points on 7-of-14 shooting, six rebounds and two assists, in 35 minutes. Harrison Barnes followed up with 14 points and five rebounds, in 35 minutes, while Wesley Matthews chipped in 13 points, six rebounds, four assists and one steal. The Mavericks shot 40 percent from the field, including 8-of-24 from long range.
The Mavs (3-8) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Thunder on Saturday. The Jazz (5-6) play host to the Celtics on Friday.
Raptors Take Down Kings, 114-105
By Oscar Heanue
The visiting Toronto Raptors defeated the Sacramento Kings, 114-105, at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday evening.
Toronto (11-1) continued its early-season roll on Wednesday, comfortably defeating the Kings (6-5) in Sacramento. Toronto capped off a sweep of its four-game West Coast road trip with Wednesday's win, extending its conference-best record to 11-1. The Raptors saw Kawhi Leonard return to action in the game. Leonard had missed the team's previous contest with a foot injury. Leonard took some time to find his groove in Wednesday's win, but still managed to lead the team with 25 points. He added 11 rebounds in what was a relatively smooth win for the Raptors.
All-Star point guard Kyle Lowry had another strong showing, finishing with 16 points and seven assists in the win. Serge Ibaka shot 6-of-10, blocked three shots, and had a 14-point, 14-rebound double-double. In sum, the Raptors were firing on all cylinders, knocking down 11 three-pointers and shooting a comfortable 46.6 percent from the floor in the win.
Sacramento was led by 24 points from big man Willie Cauley-Stein. Cauley-Stein added eight rebounds and four assists. De'Aaron Fox scored another 20 points, while rookie big man Marvin Bagley added 13. Despite shooting 48.8 percent from the field, the Kings could not make it happen from three-point range, where they shot just 8-of-23.
Sacramento will host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, while Toronto will see the New York Knicks on Saturday.
Toronto (11-1) continued its early-season roll on Wednesday, comfortably defeating the Kings (6-5) in Sacramento. Toronto capped off a sweep of its four-game West Coast road trip with Wednesday's win, extending its conference-best record to 11-1. The Raptors saw Kawhi Leonard return to action in the game. Leonard had missed the team's previous contest with a foot injury. Leonard took some time to find his groove in Wednesday's win, but still managed to lead the team with 25 points. He added 11 rebounds in what was a relatively smooth win for the Raptors.
All-Star point guard Kyle Lowry had another strong showing, finishing with 16 points and seven assists in the win. Serge Ibaka shot 6-of-10, blocked three shots, and had a 14-point, 14-rebound double-double. In sum, the Raptors were firing on all cylinders, knocking down 11 three-pointers and shooting a comfortable 46.6 percent from the floor in the win.
Sacramento was led by 24 points from big man Willie Cauley-Stein. Cauley-Stein added eight rebounds and four assists. De'Aaron Fox scored another 20 points, while rookie big man Marvin Bagley added 13. Despite shooting 48.8 percent from the field, the Kings could not make it happen from three-point range, where they shot just 8-of-23.
Sacramento will host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, while Toronto will see the New York Knicks on Saturday.
Lakers Defeat Timberwolves 114-110
By Jason Rubin
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 114-110 at Staples Center on Wednesday.
The Lakers and Timberwolves battled all four quarters, wrestling with lead changes throughout. The Lakers came out with a run and gun style offense that saw Lonzo Ball push the pace, along with JaVale McGee finding some easy dunks down low. Minnesota entered the half with a two point lead, but the Lakers kept within striking distance all second half before taking the lead behind LeBron James' leadership. Derrick Rose had the hot hand all night, but when it mattered most, Rose's three point shot to take the lead in the waning seconds bounced off the rim after a great look at the top of the arc. The Lakers (5-6) were given three possessions with just under a minute left in the fourth quarter after new addition Tyson Chandler swatted back two rebounds towards Lebron James after a missed three pointer from himself and Kyle Kuzma. Chandler, who joined the team this week, made a massive impact with his nine rebounds.
The Timberwolves set a new franchise record with 20 three pointers, seven of which came from the 2011 MVP Derrick Rose. Rose has seen a resurgence in his game and scored 31 points 11-of-17 shooting. Down 111-104 late in the fourth quarter, Rose hit back-to-back threes to single handedly keep his team alive. All five Minnesota starters finished in double figures scoring and all five also logged at least 37 minutes. LeBron James fell one assist shy of triple-double after he finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.
Both the Timberwolves and Lakers will face the Sacramento Kings next, as the Kings will host a back-to-back with both teams starting with the Wolves on Friday and the Lakers Saturday.
The Lakers and Timberwolves battled all four quarters, wrestling with lead changes throughout. The Lakers came out with a run and gun style offense that saw Lonzo Ball push the pace, along with JaVale McGee finding some easy dunks down low. Minnesota entered the half with a two point lead, but the Lakers kept within striking distance all second half before taking the lead behind LeBron James' leadership. Derrick Rose had the hot hand all night, but when it mattered most, Rose's three point shot to take the lead in the waning seconds bounced off the rim after a great look at the top of the arc. The Lakers (5-6) were given three possessions with just under a minute left in the fourth quarter after new addition Tyson Chandler swatted back two rebounds towards Lebron James after a missed three pointer from himself and Kyle Kuzma. Chandler, who joined the team this week, made a massive impact with his nine rebounds.
The Timberwolves set a new franchise record with 20 three pointers, seven of which came from the 2011 MVP Derrick Rose. Rose has seen a resurgence in his game and scored 31 points 11-of-17 shooting. Down 111-104 late in the fourth quarter, Rose hit back-to-back threes to single handedly keep his team alive. All five Minnesota starters finished in double figures scoring and all five also logged at least 37 minutes. LeBron James fell one assist shy of triple-double after he finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.
Both the Timberwolves and Lakers will face the Sacramento Kings next, as the Kings will host a back-to-back with both teams starting with the Wolves on Friday and the Lakers Saturday.