Magic Defeat Wizards, 117-108
The Orlando Magic defeated the visiting Washington Wizards, 117-108, at Amway Center on Friday.
While Washington led for the majority of the first quarter, Orlando never relinquished the lead from there. In fact, the Magic led by 15 points at the half, as they held a double-digit lead for the majority of this game. Orlando's offense was on point, as they connected on 51 percent from the field, 42 percent from three-point range and 84 percent from the free-throw line. Rim protection was also key, with the Magic doubling up the Wizards in blocks, 6-3.
The Wizards (2-9) were led by Bradley Beal, as he tallied 27 points, four rebounds, six assists and two steals. John Wall accrued 19 points, seven rebounds, 12 assists and two steals. Dwight Howard amassed 12 points and six boards. Kelly Oubre Jr. led the bench with 19 points, four rebounds and two steals.
The Magic (5-7) got a double-double out of Nikola Vucevic, as he collected 21 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Aaron Gordon totaled 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Evan Fournier finished with 15 points, four rebounds, six assists and two steals. Mo Bamba, Terrence Ross and Jerian Grant all reached double figures in scoring off of the bench.
On deck for Washington is a road matchup versus the Miami Heat on Saturday. As for Orlando, they travel to The Big Apple to play the New York Knicks on Sunday.
While Washington led for the majority of the first quarter, Orlando never relinquished the lead from there. In fact, the Magic led by 15 points at the half, as they held a double-digit lead for the majority of this game. Orlando's offense was on point, as they connected on 51 percent from the field, 42 percent from three-point range and 84 percent from the free-throw line. Rim protection was also key, with the Magic doubling up the Wizards in blocks, 6-3.
The Wizards (2-9) were led by Bradley Beal, as he tallied 27 points, four rebounds, six assists and two steals. John Wall accrued 19 points, seven rebounds, 12 assists and two steals. Dwight Howard amassed 12 points and six boards. Kelly Oubre Jr. led the bench with 19 points, four rebounds and two steals.
The Magic (5-7) got a double-double out of Nikola Vucevic, as he collected 21 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Aaron Gordon totaled 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Evan Fournier finished with 15 points, four rebounds, six assists and two steals. Mo Bamba, Terrence Ross and Jerian Grant all reached double figures in scoring off of the bench.
On deck for Washington is a road matchup versus the Miami Heat on Saturday. As for Orlando, they travel to The Big Apple to play the New York Knicks on Sunday.
Sixers Outlast Hornets For Wild OT 133-132 Win
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 133-132, in overtime at Wells Fargo Center on Friday evening.
The 76ers (8-5) found themselves at the scene of the majority of their successes Friday, as they'd come into the contest with a perfect 6-0 record at home. After a nip-and-tuck first quarter, Philadelphia seemingly turned the game in their favor with a 32-17 advantage in the second period. To their credit, the Hornets (6-6) wouldn't go away, chipping away at their deficit until overcoming it in the fourth quarter. However after holding a five-point lead as late as the 1:18 mark of the final period, Charlotte allowed Philadelphia a 7-2 run at the end of regulation to force overtime. In a tightly contested extra period, a free throw apiece from Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid in the closing seconds helped create just enough cushion for the win.
Kemba Walker paced the Hornets with 30 points and added nine assists, seven rebounds and one steal. Jeremy Lamb provided 17 points, three rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Dwayne Bacon supplied 15 points, one rebound, one assist and one steal. Willy Hernangomez delivered 14 points and four boards. Cody Zeller matched Hernangomez's scoring and rebounding totals, while Michael Kidd-Gilchrist generated a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double off the bench.
Embiid led the Sixers with a 42-point, 18-rebound double-double that also included four assists and four blocks. Ben Simmons tallied a 22-point, 13-assist double-double that also included eight boards, three blocks and two steals. Dario Saric contributed 18 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one block. J.J. Redick finished with 17 points, four assists and two rebounds. Markelle Fultz and Robert Covington started but only had seven points each.
The Hornets remain on the road and take on the Pistons on Sunday afternoon, while the 76ers pay a visit to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night.
The 76ers (8-5) found themselves at the scene of the majority of their successes Friday, as they'd come into the contest with a perfect 6-0 record at home. After a nip-and-tuck first quarter, Philadelphia seemingly turned the game in their favor with a 32-17 advantage in the second period. To their credit, the Hornets (6-6) wouldn't go away, chipping away at their deficit until overcoming it in the fourth quarter. However after holding a five-point lead as late as the 1:18 mark of the final period, Charlotte allowed Philadelphia a 7-2 run at the end of regulation to force overtime. In a tightly contested extra period, a free throw apiece from Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid in the closing seconds helped create just enough cushion for the win.
Kemba Walker paced the Hornets with 30 points and added nine assists, seven rebounds and one steal. Jeremy Lamb provided 17 points, three rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Dwayne Bacon supplied 15 points, one rebound, one assist and one steal. Willy Hernangomez delivered 14 points and four boards. Cody Zeller matched Hernangomez's scoring and rebounding totals, while Michael Kidd-Gilchrist generated a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double off the bench.
Embiid led the Sixers with a 42-point, 18-rebound double-double that also included four assists and four blocks. Ben Simmons tallied a 22-point, 13-assist double-double that also included eight boards, three blocks and two steals. Dario Saric contributed 18 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one block. J.J. Redick finished with 17 points, four assists and two rebounds. Markelle Fultz and Robert Covington started but only had seven points each.
The Hornets remain on the road and take on the Pistons on Sunday afternoon, while the 76ers pay a visit to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night.
Pistons Roll Hawks, 124-109
The Detroit Pistons defeated the host Atlanta Hawks, 124-109, at State Farm Arena on Friday.
This was a dominating effort from Detroit, as they won this game in wire-to-wire fashion. The first quarter really set the tone, with Detroit outscoring Atlanta, 40-20. The Pistons actually held a double-digit lead for the final three quarters, as a late run by Atlanta made the scoreline look closer than it actually was. The assist-to-turnover differential was key, with Detroit recording 13 more assists (30-17) than Atlanta while committing six fewer turnovers (16-10). That allowed Detroit to take 18 more shots than Atlanta. Three-point shooting was also critical, with the Pistons connecting on 20-of-47 from long range while the Hawks hit just 7-of-28.
The Pistons (6-5) were led by Andre Drummond, as he collected 23 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks on 10-of-15 from the field. Reggie Bullock accrued 13 points, three rebounds and four assists. Stanley Johnson was huge off the bench, providing 22 points, seven rebounds, two assists and three steals. Blake Griffin scored just six points but still accumulated nine rebounds, nine assists and two steals.
The Hawks (3-9) had no player reach 20 points, as Jeremy Lin led the team with 19 points, three rebounds, four assists and three steals off the bench. Trae Young led the starters with 16 points, four rebounds and five assists. Omari Spellman totaled 14 points and 10 boards. Dewayne Dedmon also played well off the bench, tallying 14 points and nine boards.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Detroit playing host to the Charlotte Hornets and Atlanta traveling to face the Los Angeles Lakers.
This was a dominating effort from Detroit, as they won this game in wire-to-wire fashion. The first quarter really set the tone, with Detroit outscoring Atlanta, 40-20. The Pistons actually held a double-digit lead for the final three quarters, as a late run by Atlanta made the scoreline look closer than it actually was. The assist-to-turnover differential was key, with Detroit recording 13 more assists (30-17) than Atlanta while committing six fewer turnovers (16-10). That allowed Detroit to take 18 more shots than Atlanta. Three-point shooting was also critical, with the Pistons connecting on 20-of-47 from long range while the Hawks hit just 7-of-28.
The Pistons (6-5) were led by Andre Drummond, as he collected 23 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks on 10-of-15 from the field. Reggie Bullock accrued 13 points, three rebounds and four assists. Stanley Johnson was huge off the bench, providing 22 points, seven rebounds, two assists and three steals. Blake Griffin scored just six points but still accumulated nine rebounds, nine assists and two steals.
The Hawks (3-9) had no player reach 20 points, as Jeremy Lin led the team with 19 points, three rebounds, four assists and three steals off the bench. Trae Young led the starters with 16 points, four rebounds and five assists. Omari Spellman totaled 14 points and 10 boards. Dewayne Dedmon also played well off the bench, tallying 14 points and nine boards.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Detroit playing host to the Charlotte Hornets and Atlanta traveling to face the Los Angeles Lakers.
Pacers Topple Heat, 110-102
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Miami Heat, 110-102, at American Airlines Arena on Friday evening.
The game was a tale of two halves, with the short-handed Heat (5-6) forging a 59-51 first-half lead despite playing without Goran Dragic (knee). However, the Pacers (8-5) turned it on coming out of intermission despite seeing Thaddeus Young get ejected for elbowing Kelly Olynyk after playing just 17 minutes. Indiana outscored Miami by a 59-43 margin over the final 24 minutes and excelled on both ends of the floor. The Pacers shot a stellar 54.4 percent from the floor while also eliciting 23 turnovers from their hosts. Both benches thrived in the contest, with the Indiana second unit generating 44 points and the Miami reserves posting 48.
Victor Oladipo led the Pacers with 22 points, a total he supplemented with 10 assists, five rebounds and four steals. Darren Collison and Domantas Sabonis turned in 17 points each, with the latter also supplying 11 rebounds. Bojan Bogdanovic poured in 16 points, while Cory Joseph turned in 14 points, five rebounds and two assists in 32 minutes.
Olynyk paced the Heat with 20 points and added four boards and two assists. Josh Richardson shifted to point guard with Dragic out and produced 18 points, six assists and two steals. Tyler Johnson supplied 15 points, five assists, two rebounds and one block. Hassan Whiteside posted an 11-point, 20-rebound double-double. Justise Winslow and Rodney McGruder managed 11 points and five assists apiece.
The Pacers remain on the road and head to the Lone Star State, where they'll tangle with the Houston Rockets on Sunday night. The Heat remains home and faces the Washington Wizards on Saturday evening.
The game was a tale of two halves, with the short-handed Heat (5-6) forging a 59-51 first-half lead despite playing without Goran Dragic (knee). However, the Pacers (8-5) turned it on coming out of intermission despite seeing Thaddeus Young get ejected for elbowing Kelly Olynyk after playing just 17 minutes. Indiana outscored Miami by a 59-43 margin over the final 24 minutes and excelled on both ends of the floor. The Pacers shot a stellar 54.4 percent from the floor while also eliciting 23 turnovers from their hosts. Both benches thrived in the contest, with the Indiana second unit generating 44 points and the Miami reserves posting 48.
Victor Oladipo led the Pacers with 22 points, a total he supplemented with 10 assists, five rebounds and four steals. Darren Collison and Domantas Sabonis turned in 17 points each, with the latter also supplying 11 rebounds. Bojan Bogdanovic poured in 16 points, while Cory Joseph turned in 14 points, five rebounds and two assists in 32 minutes.
Olynyk paced the Heat with 20 points and added four boards and two assists. Josh Richardson shifted to point guard with Dragic out and produced 18 points, six assists and two steals. Tyler Johnson supplied 15 points, five assists, two rebounds and one block. Hassan Whiteside posted an 11-point, 20-rebound double-double. Justise Winslow and Rodney McGruder managed 11 points and five assists apiece.
The Pacers remain on the road and head to the Lone Star State, where they'll tangle with the Houston Rockets on Sunday night. The Heat remains home and faces the Washington Wizards on Saturday evening.
LeVert Seals Nets' Win In Denver
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the host Denver Nuggets, 112-110, at Pepsi Center on Friday evening.
The Nets got out to a strong start on the road, as they outscored the Nuggets by 10 in the first, to take a 34-24 lead into the second quarter. The game tightened up in the second, but the Nuggets could not make much of a dent in the lead, as they trailed 55-47 at the half. The Nuggets came out strong in the third and managed to tie it up at 65, halfway though the quarter, however, the Nets picked it up again, and pulled ahead by six, heading into the fourth. The Nuggets tightened things up early in the quarter, and the two teams fought it out down the stretch, tied at 102, with three minutes left. The game went down to the wire, with a tie game and the Nets' ball with 22 seconds left. Caris LeVert came up as the hero, as he drained a jumper to seal the win with 0.3 seconds left. This marks the third straight win for the Nets and the second straight loss for the Nuggets.
LeVert finished with 17 points, five assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block, in 31 minutes, while D'Angelo Russell led the Nets with 23 points, five assists, four rebounds and two steals, in 26 minutes. Jarrett Allen added 18 points, nine rebounds, two assists, five blocks and one steal, in 30 minutes. The Nets shot 41 percent from the field, including 12-of-33 from long range.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 37 points, 21 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal, in 33 minutes. Jamal Murray tallied 16 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal, while Paul Millsap chipped in 11 points and 11 rebounds. The Nuggets shot 46 percent from the field, including 5-of-18 from long range.
The Nuggets (9-3) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Bucks on Sunday. The Nets (6-6) take on the Warriors in Golden State on Saturday.
The Nets got out to a strong start on the road, as they outscored the Nuggets by 10 in the first, to take a 34-24 lead into the second quarter. The game tightened up in the second, but the Nuggets could not make much of a dent in the lead, as they trailed 55-47 at the half. The Nuggets came out strong in the third and managed to tie it up at 65, halfway though the quarter, however, the Nets picked it up again, and pulled ahead by six, heading into the fourth. The Nuggets tightened things up early in the quarter, and the two teams fought it out down the stretch, tied at 102, with three minutes left. The game went down to the wire, with a tie game and the Nets' ball with 22 seconds left. Caris LeVert came up as the hero, as he drained a jumper to seal the win with 0.3 seconds left. This marks the third straight win for the Nets and the second straight loss for the Nuggets.
LeVert finished with 17 points, five assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block, in 31 minutes, while D'Angelo Russell led the Nets with 23 points, five assists, four rebounds and two steals, in 26 minutes. Jarrett Allen added 18 points, nine rebounds, two assists, five blocks and one steal, in 30 minutes. The Nets shot 41 percent from the field, including 12-of-33 from long range.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 37 points, 21 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal, in 33 minutes. Jamal Murray tallied 16 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal, while Paul Millsap chipped in 11 points and 11 rebounds. The Nuggets shot 46 percent from the field, including 5-of-18 from long range.
The Nuggets (9-3) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Bucks on Sunday. The Nets (6-6) take on the Warriors in Golden State on Saturday.
Crowder Helps Lift Jazz Over Celtics
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Boston Celtics, 123-115, at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Friday evening.
The first quarter started out close with the Jazz taking the early two-point advantage heading into the second. The Jazz stayed strong in the second and managed to take 58-51 lead into halftime. The Celtics could not find the answer in the third, as the Jazz quickly pushed their lead to 12. The Jazz held on to their lead through the quarter, as they outscored the Celtics 35-29 in the quarter to take a 93-80 lead into the final frame. The Celtics made a push in the fourth, as they made it a five-point game with three minutes to go. However, Jae Crowder, the former Celtics player, came up huge down the stretch with a dunk and a three-pointer, to help the Jazz hold on for their second straight win.
Joe Ingles led the Jazz with 27 points on 10-of-14 shooting, seven assists, five rebounds, one steal and one block, in 35 minutes. Donovan Mitchell followed up with 21 points on 5-of-14 shooting, five assists, two rebounds and two steals, in 33 minutes, while Jae Crowder added 20 points, in 30 minutes off the bench. The Jazz shot 56 percent from the field, including 13-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Terry Rozier led the way for the Celtics with 22 points, six rebounds and three assists, in 36 minutes. Jayson Tatum tallied 21 points, four assists, three rebounds and five steals, in 36 minutes, while Marcus Smart finished with 13 points, 10 assists, three rebounds and two steals, in 33 minutes off the bench. The Celtics shot 44 percent from the field, including 17-of-43 from long range.
The Celtics (7-5) will look to bounce back as they take on the Trail Blazers in Portland on Sunday. The Jazz (6-6) head to Memphis to take on the Grizzlies on Monday.
The first quarter started out close with the Jazz taking the early two-point advantage heading into the second. The Jazz stayed strong in the second and managed to take 58-51 lead into halftime. The Celtics could not find the answer in the third, as the Jazz quickly pushed their lead to 12. The Jazz held on to their lead through the quarter, as they outscored the Celtics 35-29 in the quarter to take a 93-80 lead into the final frame. The Celtics made a push in the fourth, as they made it a five-point game with three minutes to go. However, Jae Crowder, the former Celtics player, came up huge down the stretch with a dunk and a three-pointer, to help the Jazz hold on for their second straight win.
Joe Ingles led the Jazz with 27 points on 10-of-14 shooting, seven assists, five rebounds, one steal and one block, in 35 minutes. Donovan Mitchell followed up with 21 points on 5-of-14 shooting, five assists, two rebounds and two steals, in 33 minutes, while Jae Crowder added 20 points, in 30 minutes off the bench. The Jazz shot 56 percent from the field, including 13-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Terry Rozier led the way for the Celtics with 22 points, six rebounds and three assists, in 36 minutes. Jayson Tatum tallied 21 points, four assists, three rebounds and five steals, in 36 minutes, while Marcus Smart finished with 13 points, 10 assists, three rebounds and two steals, in 33 minutes off the bench. The Celtics shot 44 percent from the field, including 17-of-43 from long range.
The Celtics (7-5) will look to bounce back as they take on the Trail Blazers in Portland on Sunday. The Jazz (6-6) head to Memphis to take on the Grizzlies on Monday.
Kings Rally To Hold Off Timberwolves
By Dan Bruno
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 121-110, at Golden 1 Center on Friday evening.
The Timberwolves got out to a strong start on the road and managed to take a two-point lead into the second quarter. The score stayed closed through the second, while the Kings outscored the Timberwolves by four in the quarter, to take a 63-61 lead into halftime. The Kings got out ot a good start in the third and quickly pushed their lead to eight. They hung on and outscored the Timberwolves in the quarter, to expand their lead to 92-81, heading into the final frame. The Kings kept up the momentum in the fourth, as they pushed their lead to 12 mid way through the quarter. However, the Timberwolves were not done, as they battled back to make it a two-point game with three minutes to go. The Kings made one final push with an impressive 13-4 run to close the game and earn their win third home win of the season.
Willie Cauley-Stein led the Kings with 25 points, five rebounds and one assist, in 28 minutes. Iman Shumpert added 17 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal, while De'Aaron Fox tallied 16 points, 10 assists, four rebounds, two blocks and one steal, in 33 minutes. The kings shot 45 percent from the field, including 12-of-32 from long range.
Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 39 points, 19 rebounds, one assist and one block, in 39 minutes. Derrick Rose followed up with 21 points, six rebounds, five assists and one steal, while Jimmy Butler added 13 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals, in 41 minutes. The Timberwolves shot 42 percent from the field, including 7-of-25 from deep.
The Timberwolves (4-9) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nets on Monday. The Kings (7-5) play host to the Lakers on Saturday.
The Timberwolves got out to a strong start on the road and managed to take a two-point lead into the second quarter. The score stayed closed through the second, while the Kings outscored the Timberwolves by four in the quarter, to take a 63-61 lead into halftime. The Kings got out ot a good start in the third and quickly pushed their lead to eight. They hung on and outscored the Timberwolves in the quarter, to expand their lead to 92-81, heading into the final frame. The Kings kept up the momentum in the fourth, as they pushed their lead to 12 mid way through the quarter. However, the Timberwolves were not done, as they battled back to make it a two-point game with three minutes to go. The Kings made one final push with an impressive 13-4 run to close the game and earn their win third home win of the season.
Willie Cauley-Stein led the Kings with 25 points, five rebounds and one assist, in 28 minutes. Iman Shumpert added 17 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal, while De'Aaron Fox tallied 16 points, 10 assists, four rebounds, two blocks and one steal, in 33 minutes. The kings shot 45 percent from the field, including 12-of-32 from long range.
Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 39 points, 19 rebounds, one assist and one block, in 39 minutes. Derrick Rose followed up with 21 points, six rebounds, five assists and one steal, while Jimmy Butler added 13 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals, in 41 minutes. The Timberwolves shot 42 percent from the field, including 7-of-25 from deep.
The Timberwolves (4-9) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nets on Monday. The Kings (7-5) play host to the Lakers on Saturday.