Raptors Roll Knicks, 128-112
The Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting New York Knicks, 128-112, at Air Canada Center on Saturday.
Toronto came into this game as a heavy favorite and a 16-point victory shows just why. They did most of their damage in the middle quarters, outscoring New York, 75-57, in the second and third quarters. In addition, the Raptors led by at least 15 points for the entirety of the fourth quarter. The shooting disparity was a clear difference, with Toronto shooting 53 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range while holding New York to just 46 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range. Ball movement was also critical, with the Raptors out-assisting the Knicks, 24-18. While New York shot a better percentage at the free-throw line than Toronto, the Raptors ended up taking more attempts, 40-22.
The Knicks (4-9) got another gem out of Tim Hardaway Jr., as he tallied 27 points, four rebounds and two assists on 11-of-17 from the field. Enes Kanter was huge off the bench, totaling 15 points and 15 boards. Mario Hezonja, Emmanuel Mudiay, and Kevin Knox all reached double figures off the bench as well.
The Raptors (12-1) got a career-best 23 points, three rebounds and two assists from Pascal Siakam, as he did that on 6-of-7 shooting. Serge Ibaka amassed 12 points and eight boards/. Kawhi Leonard accrued 12 points, seven rebounds and three assists while Kyle Lowry finished with 10 points, two rebounds and eight assists. Jonas Valanciunas provided a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double to lead the bench. O.G. Anunoby and Delon Wright also reached double figures in scoring off the bench as well.
On deck for New York is a home matchup versus the Orlando Magic on Sunday. As for Toronto, they're off until Monday when they welcome the New Orleans Pelicans to Canada.
Toronto came into this game as a heavy favorite and a 16-point victory shows just why. They did most of their damage in the middle quarters, outscoring New York, 75-57, in the second and third quarters. In addition, the Raptors led by at least 15 points for the entirety of the fourth quarter. The shooting disparity was a clear difference, with Toronto shooting 53 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range while holding New York to just 46 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range. Ball movement was also critical, with the Raptors out-assisting the Knicks, 24-18. While New York shot a better percentage at the free-throw line than Toronto, the Raptors ended up taking more attempts, 40-22.
The Knicks (4-9) got another gem out of Tim Hardaway Jr., as he tallied 27 points, four rebounds and two assists on 11-of-17 from the field. Enes Kanter was huge off the bench, totaling 15 points and 15 boards. Mario Hezonja, Emmanuel Mudiay, and Kevin Knox all reached double figures off the bench as well.
The Raptors (12-1) got a career-best 23 points, three rebounds and two assists from Pascal Siakam, as he did that on 6-of-7 shooting. Serge Ibaka amassed 12 points and eight boards/. Kawhi Leonard accrued 12 points, seven rebounds and three assists while Kyle Lowry finished with 10 points, two rebounds and eight assists. Jonas Valanciunas provided a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double to lead the bench. O.G. Anunoby and Delon Wright also reached double figures in scoring off the bench as well.
On deck for New York is a home matchup versus the Orlando Magic on Sunday. As for Toronto, they're off until Monday when they welcome the New Orleans Pelicans to Canada.
Clippers Defeat Bucks in OT, 128-126
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Milwaukee Bucks in overtime, 128-126, at Staples Center on Saturday.
While there were only nine ties and six lead changes in this game, it took an overtime session to determine a winner. Lou Williams was the hero, as he hit a game-winning floater with just 1.3 seconds remaining to win the game for the Clippers. Free-throw shooting was critical, with Los Angeles connecting on 22-of-27 while Milwaukee hit just 16-of-23. The Clippers also outshot the Bucks from the field and from three-point range. The Clippers bench played a huge factor too, outscoring the Bucks bench, 52-27. Los Angeles also did a good job of cleaning up the glass, winning the defensive rebounding differential, 44-37.
The Bucks (9-3) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, as he tallied 27 points, 18 rebounds, four assists, five steals and two blocks on 11-of-19 from the field. Malcolm Brogdon totaled 23 points, four rebounds and three assists. Brook Lopez accrued 20 points, four rebounds, two steals and three blocks. Eric Bledsoe finished with 15 points, five rebounds and five assists while Khris Middleton generated 14 points, three rebounds and five assists.
The Clippers (7-5) leading scorer came off the bench, as Montrezl Harrell provided 26 points and nine boards on 9-of-12 shooting. Lou Williams finished with 12 points, five rebounds and 10 assists. Patrick Beverley led the starters with 21 points, five rebounds and three assists on 7-of-11 from the field. Tobias Harris collected 20 points, 11 rebounds and two steals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander amassed 16 points, six rebounds, four assists and three blocks.
Milwaukee plays again on Sunday, as they travel to face the Denver Nuggets. As for Los Angeles, they play host to the Golden State Warriors on Monday for their next outing.
While there were only nine ties and six lead changes in this game, it took an overtime session to determine a winner. Lou Williams was the hero, as he hit a game-winning floater with just 1.3 seconds remaining to win the game for the Clippers. Free-throw shooting was critical, with Los Angeles connecting on 22-of-27 while Milwaukee hit just 16-of-23. The Clippers also outshot the Bucks from the field and from three-point range. The Clippers bench played a huge factor too, outscoring the Bucks bench, 52-27. Los Angeles also did a good job of cleaning up the glass, winning the defensive rebounding differential, 44-37.
The Bucks (9-3) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, as he tallied 27 points, 18 rebounds, four assists, five steals and two blocks on 11-of-19 from the field. Malcolm Brogdon totaled 23 points, four rebounds and three assists. Brook Lopez accrued 20 points, four rebounds, two steals and three blocks. Eric Bledsoe finished with 15 points, five rebounds and five assists while Khris Middleton generated 14 points, three rebounds and five assists.
The Clippers (7-5) leading scorer came off the bench, as Montrezl Harrell provided 26 points and nine boards on 9-of-12 shooting. Lou Williams finished with 12 points, five rebounds and 10 assists. Patrick Beverley led the starters with 21 points, five rebounds and three assists on 7-of-11 from the field. Tobias Harris collected 20 points, 11 rebounds and two steals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander amassed 16 points, six rebounds, four assists and three blocks.
Milwaukee plays again on Sunday, as they travel to face the Denver Nuggets. As for Los Angeles, they play host to the Golden State Warriors on Monday for their next outing.
Pelicans Roll Suns, 119-99
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns, 119-99, at Smoothie King Center on Saturday.
It's rare to see a team win all four individual quarters but that was the case here for New Orleans. That allowed them to win this game in wire-to-wire fashion, as they held a double-digit lead for the majority of the second half. They did most of their damage in the first and fourth quarters, outscoring Phoenix, 61-43. Rebounding was a huge factor, with the Pelicans outrebounding the Suns, 54-37. Ball movement was also critical, with New Orleans out-assisting Phoenix, 28-16. That allowed the Pelicans to shoot 49 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while holding the Suns to 41 percent from the field and 28 percent from long range.
The Suns (2-10) were led by T.J. Warren, as he tallied 25 points, five rebounds, two assists and three blocks. DeAndre Ayton totaled 20 points and 12 boards on 9-of-12 shooting. Devin Booker finished with 12 points, seven assists and two steals. No other Suns player reached double figures in scoring or grabbed more than five rebounds.
The Pelicans (6-6) were led by Anthony Davis, as he collected 26 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and two blocks. Julius Randle amassed 22 points, 15 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Jrue Holiday accumulated 19 points, six rebounds, nine assists and three steals. E'Twaun Moore generated 17 points, two rebounds and two assists.
Both teams play road games on Monday for their next outing, with Phoenix playing the Oklahoma City Thunder and New Orleans traveling north of the border to face the Toronto Raptors.
It's rare to see a team win all four individual quarters but that was the case here for New Orleans. That allowed them to win this game in wire-to-wire fashion, as they held a double-digit lead for the majority of the second half. They did most of their damage in the first and fourth quarters, outscoring Phoenix, 61-43. Rebounding was a huge factor, with the Pelicans outrebounding the Suns, 54-37. Ball movement was also critical, with New Orleans out-assisting Phoenix, 28-16. That allowed the Pelicans to shoot 49 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while holding the Suns to 41 percent from the field and 28 percent from long range.
The Suns (2-10) were led by T.J. Warren, as he tallied 25 points, five rebounds, two assists and three blocks. DeAndre Ayton totaled 20 points and 12 boards on 9-of-12 shooting. Devin Booker finished with 12 points, seven assists and two steals. No other Suns player reached double figures in scoring or grabbed more than five rebounds.
The Pelicans (6-6) were led by Anthony Davis, as he collected 26 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and two blocks. Julius Randle amassed 22 points, 15 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Jrue Holiday accumulated 19 points, six rebounds, nine assists and three steals. E'Twaun Moore generated 17 points, two rebounds and two assists.
Both teams play road games on Monday for their next outing, with Phoenix playing the Oklahoma City Thunder and New Orleans traveling north of the border to face the Toronto Raptors.
Bulls Hang On To Top Cavs
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, 99-98, at United Center on Saturday evening.
The Bulls got out to a great start at home, as they outscored the Cavs by 14 in the first quarter, to take a 37-23 lead into the second. The Cavs answered back in the second quarter though, as they evened things up, by outscoring the Bulls 30-16 in the quarter, making it a tie game at 53, by halftime. Neither team could rebuild their lead, as the game went back-and-forth through the third, until the Bulls emerged with a two-point lead heading into the final frame. The Bulls stayed one step ahead through the fourth, but the Cavs would not go away and fought their way to make it a one-point game with 1:13 left in the game. However, that was the last point that either team would score, as either team failed to execute down the stretch, leaving the Bulls to walk away with the one-point win.
Zach LaVine led Chicago with 24 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals, in 39 minutes. Wendell Carter Jr. and Ryan Arcidiacono tallied 15 points each, while Jabari Parker finished with 13 points, five rebounds, three assists and one block. The Bulls shot 48 percent from the field, including 7-of-18 from long range.
Meanwhile, Tristan Thompson led the Cavs with 22 points, 12 rebounds, one assist and two steals, in 33 minutes. Rodney Hood and Collin Sexton tallied 20 points each, while Jordan Clarkson chipped in 15 points off the bench. The Cavs shot 43 percent from the field, including 8-of-21 from long range.
The Cavaliers (1-11) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Hornets on Tuesday. The Bulls (4-9) play host to the Mavericks on Monday.
The Bulls got out to a great start at home, as they outscored the Cavs by 14 in the first quarter, to take a 37-23 lead into the second. The Cavs answered back in the second quarter though, as they evened things up, by outscoring the Bulls 30-16 in the quarter, making it a tie game at 53, by halftime. Neither team could rebuild their lead, as the game went back-and-forth through the third, until the Bulls emerged with a two-point lead heading into the final frame. The Bulls stayed one step ahead through the fourth, but the Cavs would not go away and fought their way to make it a one-point game with 1:13 left in the game. However, that was the last point that either team would score, as either team failed to execute down the stretch, leaving the Bulls to walk away with the one-point win.
Zach LaVine led Chicago with 24 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals, in 39 minutes. Wendell Carter Jr. and Ryan Arcidiacono tallied 15 points each, while Jabari Parker finished with 13 points, five rebounds, three assists and one block. The Bulls shot 48 percent from the field, including 7-of-18 from long range.
Meanwhile, Tristan Thompson led the Cavs with 22 points, 12 rebounds, one assist and two steals, in 33 minutes. Rodney Hood and Collin Sexton tallied 20 points each, while Jordan Clarkson chipped in 15 points off the bench. The Cavs shot 43 percent from the field, including 8-of-21 from long range.
The Cavaliers (1-11) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Hornets on Tuesday. The Bulls (4-9) play host to the Mavericks on Monday.
Wizards Rally To Earn Much-Needed Win
By Dan Bruno
The Washington Wizards defeated the host Miami Heat, 116-110, at American Airlines Arena on Saturday evening.
The first quarter started out close, but the Heat closed the quarter on a 12-3 run, to take a 35-25 lead into the second. The Heat held their lead through most of the second, leading by nine, with just over four minutes left, but the Wizards closed the quarter well, to cut the deficit to just three, as they trailed, 61-58, at halftime. Neither team could break away in the third, while the Heat maintained a small advantage, the Wizards stayed close behind, trailing by two entering the final frame. Finally, the Wizards broke out in the fourth quarter, as they started off with a quick 9-1 run, to take a six-point lead just two minutes into the quarter. The Wiz did not look back from there, as they pushed their lead to 10, halfway through the quarter, and held on to earn the much-needed win.
John Wall led the way for Washington with 28 points, nine assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block, in 40 minutes. Jeff Green followed up with 19 points, 10 rebounds and one steal, while Bradley Beal and Austin Rivers tallied 18 points each. Dwight Howard contributed 11 points, 16 rebounds and one steal. The Wizards shot 48 percent from the field, including 8-of-22 from deep.
Meanwhile, Josh Richardson led the Heat with 24 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal, in 36 minutes. Rodney McGruder followed up with 22 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal, while Hassan Whiteside tallied 15 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, four blocks and one steal.
The Heat (5-7) will look to bounce back as they play host to the 76ers on Monday. The Wizards (3-9) play host to the Magic on Monday.
The first quarter started out close, but the Heat closed the quarter on a 12-3 run, to take a 35-25 lead into the second. The Heat held their lead through most of the second, leading by nine, with just over four minutes left, but the Wizards closed the quarter well, to cut the deficit to just three, as they trailed, 61-58, at halftime. Neither team could break away in the third, while the Heat maintained a small advantage, the Wizards stayed close behind, trailing by two entering the final frame. Finally, the Wizards broke out in the fourth quarter, as they started off with a quick 9-1 run, to take a six-point lead just two minutes into the quarter. The Wiz did not look back from there, as they pushed their lead to 10, halfway through the quarter, and held on to earn the much-needed win.
John Wall led the way for Washington with 28 points, nine assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block, in 40 minutes. Jeff Green followed up with 19 points, 10 rebounds and one steal, while Bradley Beal and Austin Rivers tallied 18 points each. Dwight Howard contributed 11 points, 16 rebounds and one steal. The Wizards shot 48 percent from the field, including 8-of-22 from deep.
Meanwhile, Josh Richardson led the Heat with 24 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal, in 36 minutes. Rodney McGruder followed up with 22 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal, while Hassan Whiteside tallied 15 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, four blocks and one steal.
The Heat (5-7) will look to bounce back as they play host to the 76ers on Monday. The Wizards (3-9) play host to the Magic on Monday.
Grizzlies Trip Up Sixers In OT, 112-106
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 112-106, in overtime at FedEx Forum on Saturday evening.
The 76ers (8-6) had played far from their best on the road in the early going of the season, but they came out of the gates seemingly determined to change that Saturday. Philadelphia forged a 63-50 halftime advantage over the Grizzlies (7-4), who hadn't lost in their first four games on their home floor. However, Memphis bounced back with its trademark defense in the second half, limiting the Sixers to 17 points in the third quarter and 22 in the fourth. That gave them enough to chip away at their double-digit deficit, and a Garrett Temple 24-foot three-pointer with 39.8 seconds remaining knotted the game at 102-102. With both Joel Embiid and Marc Gasol missing potential game-winning shots, the contest went into overtime. In the extra period, Conley scored the final four points with a floating jumper and a pair of free throws to clinch the hard-fought win.
J.J. Redick led the way for the Sixers with 20 points, and he added one assist. Ben Simmons followed with an 18-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included five assists and one block. T.J. McConnell filled out the stat sheet off the bench with 16 points, seven assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Embiid generated a 14-point, 16-rebound double-double that also included five assists, one steal and one block. Markelle Fultz matched Embiid's scoring total.
Conley paced the Grizzlies with 32 points, a total he supplemented with six assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Gasol followed with an 18-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included six assists and two steals. Temple poured in 17 points, while Shelvin Mack and MarShon Brooks tallied 12 and 11 points, respectively.
The Sixers next pay a visit to the Miami Heat on Monday, while the Grizzlies remain home and take on the Utah Jazz on Monday evening as well.
The 76ers (8-6) had played far from their best on the road in the early going of the season, but they came out of the gates seemingly determined to change that Saturday. Philadelphia forged a 63-50 halftime advantage over the Grizzlies (7-4), who hadn't lost in their first four games on their home floor. However, Memphis bounced back with its trademark defense in the second half, limiting the Sixers to 17 points in the third quarter and 22 in the fourth. That gave them enough to chip away at their double-digit deficit, and a Garrett Temple 24-foot three-pointer with 39.8 seconds remaining knotted the game at 102-102. With both Joel Embiid and Marc Gasol missing potential game-winning shots, the contest went into overtime. In the extra period, Conley scored the final four points with a floating jumper and a pair of free throws to clinch the hard-fought win.
J.J. Redick led the way for the Sixers with 20 points, and he added one assist. Ben Simmons followed with an 18-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included five assists and one block. T.J. McConnell filled out the stat sheet off the bench with 16 points, seven assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Embiid generated a 14-point, 16-rebound double-double that also included five assists, one steal and one block. Markelle Fultz matched Embiid's scoring total.
Conley paced the Grizzlies with 32 points, a total he supplemented with six assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Gasol followed with an 18-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included six assists and two steals. Temple poured in 17 points, while Shelvin Mack and MarShon Brooks tallied 12 and 11 points, respectively.
The Sixers next pay a visit to the Miami Heat on Monday, while the Grizzlies remain home and take on the Utah Jazz on Monday evening as well.
Warriors Handle Nets, 116-100
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 116-100, at Oracle Arena on Saturday evening.
The Warriors (11-2) came into the contest missing both Stephen Curry (groin) and Draymond Green (toe), and they were facing a clearly improved team in the Nets (6-7). However, Golden State didn't spend any time mulling over who wasn't suiting up, as they built a 36-30 first-quarter lead that they'd expanded to 65-53 by intermission. Not satisfied with that advantage, the home squad expanded their lead by another eight points in the third period to essentially cruise to victory. Both teams shot well, but the Warriors were especially sharp. They drained 55.4 percent of their attempts, including 43.8 percent of their tries from distance.
Joe Harris paced the Nets with 24 points, a total he supplemented with two assists, one rebound and one steal. Shabazz Napier and Spencer Dinwiddie generated matching 14-point tallies off the bench. D'Angelo Russell provided 12 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals. Two young pieces that had been key to Brooklyn's early success, Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert, underwhelmed with six and four points, respectively.
Kevin Durant led the Warriors with a 28-point, 11-assist double-double that also included five rebounds, three steals and one block. Quinn Cook drew the start for Curry and totaled 27 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal. Klay Thompson poured in 24 points and added one rebound, one assist, two steals and one block. Damian Jones and Jonas Jerebko each pitched in eight points.
The Nets continue on the road and pay a visit to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night, while the Warriors make the short trip to Los Angeles and tangle with the Clippers on Monday evening as well.
The Warriors (11-2) came into the contest missing both Stephen Curry (groin) and Draymond Green (toe), and they were facing a clearly improved team in the Nets (6-7). However, Golden State didn't spend any time mulling over who wasn't suiting up, as they built a 36-30 first-quarter lead that they'd expanded to 65-53 by intermission. Not satisfied with that advantage, the home squad expanded their lead by another eight points in the third period to essentially cruise to victory. Both teams shot well, but the Warriors were especially sharp. They drained 55.4 percent of their attempts, including 43.8 percent of their tries from distance.
Joe Harris paced the Nets with 24 points, a total he supplemented with two assists, one rebound and one steal. Shabazz Napier and Spencer Dinwiddie generated matching 14-point tallies off the bench. D'Angelo Russell provided 12 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals. Two young pieces that had been key to Brooklyn's early success, Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert, underwhelmed with six and four points, respectively.
Kevin Durant led the Warriors with a 28-point, 11-assist double-double that also included five rebounds, three steals and one block. Quinn Cook drew the start for Curry and totaled 27 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal. Klay Thompson poured in 24 points and added one rebound, one assist, two steals and one block. Damian Jones and Jonas Jerebko each pitched in eight points.
The Nets continue on the road and pay a visit to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night, while the Warriors make the short trip to Los Angeles and tangle with the Clippers on Monday evening as well.
Spurs Hold On At Home
By Dan Bruno
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 96-89, at AT&T Center on Saturday evening.
The game got out to an interesting start, as the Spurs led, 17-8, six and a half minutes in, but then did not score for the next five minutes, as the Rockets caught up and managed to close the quarter with a 21-20 advantage. The game stayed close through the second, but the Spurs managed to pull back ahead, taking a 52-50 lead into halftime. The Spurs kept the momentum in the third, as they pulled ahead by seven halfway through the quarter, but the Rockets rallied back again, to make it a one-point game, as they trailed, 72-71, heading into the final frame. The fourth quarter featured more back-and-forth action, as the Spurs led, 86-85, with just over three minutes left. The Spurs held on and closed the game, as they outscored the Rockets 10-4 in the final minutes, to earn the impressive home win.
LaMarcus Aldridge led the Spurs with 27 points, 10 rebounds, one assist and one block, in 35 minutes. DeMar DeRozan tallied 13 points, 11 rebounds and three assists, while Derrick White tallied 14 points, eight assists, four rebounds and two steals, in 29 minutes. The Spurs shot 45 percent from the field, including 10-of-20 from long range.
Meanwhile, James Harden led the way for the Rockets with 25 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks, in 38 minutes. Clint Capela tallied 12 points, 17 rebounds, two blocks and an assist, while Eric Gordon added 23 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals, in 30 minutes off the bench. Carmelo Anthony (illness) did not suit up.
The Rockets (4-7) will look to avoid a third straight loss as they play host to the Pacers on Sunday. The Spurs (7-4) take on the Kings in Sacramento on Monday.
The game got out to an interesting start, as the Spurs led, 17-8, six and a half minutes in, but then did not score for the next five minutes, as the Rockets caught up and managed to close the quarter with a 21-20 advantage. The game stayed close through the second, but the Spurs managed to pull back ahead, taking a 52-50 lead into halftime. The Spurs kept the momentum in the third, as they pulled ahead by seven halfway through the quarter, but the Rockets rallied back again, to make it a one-point game, as they trailed, 72-71, heading into the final frame. The fourth quarter featured more back-and-forth action, as the Spurs led, 86-85, with just over three minutes left. The Spurs held on and closed the game, as they outscored the Rockets 10-4 in the final minutes, to earn the impressive home win.
LaMarcus Aldridge led the Spurs with 27 points, 10 rebounds, one assist and one block, in 35 minutes. DeMar DeRozan tallied 13 points, 11 rebounds and three assists, while Derrick White tallied 14 points, eight assists, four rebounds and two steals, in 29 minutes. The Spurs shot 45 percent from the field, including 10-of-20 from long range.
Meanwhile, James Harden led the way for the Rockets with 25 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks, in 38 minutes. Clint Capela tallied 12 points, 17 rebounds, two blocks and an assist, while Eric Gordon added 23 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals, in 30 minutes off the bench. Carmelo Anthony (illness) did not suit up.
The Rockets (4-7) will look to avoid a third straight loss as they play host to the Pacers on Sunday. The Spurs (7-4) take on the Kings in Sacramento on Monday.
Mavericks Dominate Thunder, 111-96
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, 111-96, at American Airlines Center on Saturday evening.
The Mavericks (4-8) haven't exactly enjoyed a smooth start to their season, but the little success they have had, they've found on their home floor. Dallas had secured all three of their wins at American Airlines Center, and Saturday, they were facing a short-handed Thunder (7-5) squad once again playing without Russell Westbrook (ankle). To their credit, OKC matched Dallas basket for basket in the first quarter, but the Mavs created space in the second period with some sharp shooting, leading to a 34-point haul. That proved to be enough, as the home squad was able to keep pace with whatever the visitors threw at them in the second half. Dallas shined on both ends of the floor, shooting 55.8 percent from the floor (including 48.3 percent from three-point range) while limiting the Thunder to a 39.2 percent success rate.
Paul George and Steven Adams co-led the Thunder with matching 20-point, 13-rebound double doubles. Dennis Schroder drew another start for Westbrook and posted 19 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Jerami Grant provided 13 points, two rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block.
Luka Doncic paced the Mavericks with 22 points and added eight assists, six rebounds and one steal. J.J. Barea followed with 21 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal in 22 minutes off the bench. Harrison Barnes and Dorian Finney-Smith posted matching 11-point tallies, while Dennis Smith, Jr. turned in 10 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block.
The Thunder heads back home and takes on the Phoenix Suns on Monday night, while the Mavericks hit the road and tangle with the Chicago Bulls on Monday evening as well.
The Mavericks (4-8) haven't exactly enjoyed a smooth start to their season, but the little success they have had, they've found on their home floor. Dallas had secured all three of their wins at American Airlines Center, and Saturday, they were facing a short-handed Thunder (7-5) squad once again playing without Russell Westbrook (ankle). To their credit, OKC matched Dallas basket for basket in the first quarter, but the Mavs created space in the second period with some sharp shooting, leading to a 34-point haul. That proved to be enough, as the home squad was able to keep pace with whatever the visitors threw at them in the second half. Dallas shined on both ends of the floor, shooting 55.8 percent from the floor (including 48.3 percent from three-point range) while limiting the Thunder to a 39.2 percent success rate.
Paul George and Steven Adams co-led the Thunder with matching 20-point, 13-rebound double doubles. Dennis Schroder drew another start for Westbrook and posted 19 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Jerami Grant provided 13 points, two rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block.
Luka Doncic paced the Mavericks with 22 points and added eight assists, six rebounds and one steal. J.J. Barea followed with 21 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal in 22 minutes off the bench. Harrison Barnes and Dorian Finney-Smith posted matching 11-point tallies, while Dennis Smith, Jr. turned in 10 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block.
The Thunder heads back home and takes on the Phoenix Suns on Monday night, while the Mavericks hit the road and tangle with the Chicago Bulls on Monday evening as well.
Lakers Topple Kings, 101-86
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Sacramento Kings, 101-86, at Golden 1 Center on Saturday evening.
Both teams started their respective seasons heading in opposite directions, with the LeBron James-led Lakers (6-6) surprisingly opening with an 0-3 mark and the previously lowly Kings demonstrating a level of offensive efficiency that surprised the rest of the league. However, each club appears to be slowly coming back to their expected mean, with Los Angeles now having won four out of their last five contests. Saturday, they jumped out to a 50-44 halftime lead with some strong first-half shooting. They were even sharper in the second half, outscoring the Kings (7-6) by a 51-42 margin on their way to a double-digit win. The Lakers limited Sacramento to 34.8 percent shooting and elicited 19 turnovers from them, and they also won the rebounding battle by a 59-50 margin.
James led the way with 25 points and added seven rebounds, two assists and one steal. Brandon Ingram provided 12 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Josh Hart contributed matching 11-point tallies. JaVale McGee supplied 10 points, eight rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
De'Aaron Fox paced the Kings with 21 points, a total he supplemented with seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Marvin Bagley III followed with a bench-leading 13 points. Buddy Hield and Willie Cauley-Stein had matching 12-point efforts, with the latter also hauling in 12 boards. Iman Shumpert and Nemanja Bjelica underwhelmed with seven and two points, respectively.
The Lakers head back home and take on the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday evening, while the Kings remain home and take on the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night.
Both teams started their respective seasons heading in opposite directions, with the LeBron James-led Lakers (6-6) surprisingly opening with an 0-3 mark and the previously lowly Kings demonstrating a level of offensive efficiency that surprised the rest of the league. However, each club appears to be slowly coming back to their expected mean, with Los Angeles now having won four out of their last five contests. Saturday, they jumped out to a 50-44 halftime lead with some strong first-half shooting. They were even sharper in the second half, outscoring the Kings (7-6) by a 51-42 margin on their way to a double-digit win. The Lakers limited Sacramento to 34.8 percent shooting and elicited 19 turnovers from them, and they also won the rebounding battle by a 59-50 margin.
James led the way with 25 points and added seven rebounds, two assists and one steal. Brandon Ingram provided 12 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Josh Hart contributed matching 11-point tallies. JaVale McGee supplied 10 points, eight rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
De'Aaron Fox paced the Kings with 21 points, a total he supplemented with seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Marvin Bagley III followed with a bench-leading 13 points. Buddy Hield and Willie Cauley-Stein had matching 12-point efforts, with the latter also hauling in 12 boards. Iman Shumpert and Nemanja Bjelica underwhelmed with seven and two points, respectively.
The Lakers head back home and take on the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday evening, while the Kings remain home and take on the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night.