Magic Mount Huge Comeback, Defeat 76ers
The Orlando Magic defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 111-106, at Amway Center on Wednesday night.
The 76ers (9-7) featured Jimmy Butler for the first time since acquiring him from the Minnesota Timberwolves, but that wasn't enough to secure the win on the road as the Magic (7-8) used a huge comeback to secure the win following their Monday loss against the Washington Wizards. But in reality, this game shifted leads time and time against. Philadelphia jumped to a 30-27 lead in the first quarter, but Orlando came back and finished the first half up by one (53-52). Philly recovered control of the game with a 35-23 third quarter, but the Magic flipped the script in the fourth quarter and with a 35-19 lead in the final 12 minutes (including a 21-0 scoring run) and secured a huge win against one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Nikola Vucevic led the way for the Magic with an impressive performance of 30 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Aaron Gordon had 17 points, six rebounds and six assists, while Wesley Iwundu contributed 11 points and two steals. Two bench players made a big impact, as Jonathon Simmons had 12 points and Terrence Ross added 15, including a decisive three-pointer with less than 10 seconds on the clock.
J.J. Redick was the top scorer for the 76ers with 22 points, but he also added six assists and four rebounds. Joel Embiid had a triple-double since he contributed with 19 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. Wilson Chandler had 14 points, and debutant Jimmy Butler chipped in with 14 points in 33 minutes. Ben Simmons only had nine points, six assists and three rebounds.
The 76ers (9-7) featured Jimmy Butler for the first time since acquiring him from the Minnesota Timberwolves, but that wasn't enough to secure the win on the road as the Magic (7-8) used a huge comeback to secure the win following their Monday loss against the Washington Wizards. But in reality, this game shifted leads time and time against. Philadelphia jumped to a 30-27 lead in the first quarter, but Orlando came back and finished the first half up by one (53-52). Philly recovered control of the game with a 35-23 third quarter, but the Magic flipped the script in the fourth quarter and with a 35-19 lead in the final 12 minutes (including a 21-0 scoring run) and secured a huge win against one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Nikola Vucevic led the way for the Magic with an impressive performance of 30 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Aaron Gordon had 17 points, six rebounds and six assists, while Wesley Iwundu contributed 11 points and two steals. Two bench players made a big impact, as Jonathon Simmons had 12 points and Terrence Ross added 15, including a decisive three-pointer with less than 10 seconds on the clock.
J.J. Redick was the top scorer for the 76ers with 22 points, but he also added six assists and four rebounds. Joel Embiid had a triple-double since he contributed with 19 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. Wilson Chandler had 14 points, and debutant Jimmy Butler chipped in with 14 points in 33 minutes. Ben Simmons only had nine points, six assists and three rebounds.
Wizards Blow Out Cavs, 119-95
The Washington Wizards defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 119-95, at Capitol One Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Wizards (5-9) came into the contest showing some signs of life after a dreadful start, as they'd notched consecutive wins against the Heat and Magic in their prior two games. However, Cavaliers (2-12) were feeling good in their own right, having surprised the Charlotte Hornets by a 113-89 margin Tuesday. The possibility for a letdown therefore existed, and the first quarter indicated that's exactly what was in the cards. Washington forged a 41-29 lead after 12 minutes that they'd expanded to 73-52 by halftime. That essentially allowed the home squad to tread water in the second half and still finish with a comfortable victory. Although the Wizards were guilty of 17 turnovers on the night, they forced 23 from the Cleveland while also holding them to a 19.0 percent success rate from three-point range.
Rookie Collin Sexton paced the Cavaliers with 24 points and added three rebounds and two assists. David Nwaba followed with 11 points off the bench, which he partly supplemented with seven rebounds. Larry Nance, Jr. and Rodney Hood generated matching 10-point tallies on the starting five. Nance also had six rebounds, five assists, four steals and two blocks, while Hood had a pair of rebounds and assists each. Andrew Harrison supplied 10 points on the second unit as well, while Tristan Thompson registered nine points, eight boards, two assists, two steals and one block.
Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 20 points while also recording three rebounds, three assists and three steals. Otto Porter, Jr. provided 15 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Austin Rivers poured in 12 points off the bench. Markieff Morris and Dwight Howard had 11 and 10 points, respectively, with Howard also grabbing seven boards. John Wall mustered eight points, nine assists, five rebounds, two steals and one block in just 21 minutes.
The Cavaliers are off until next Monday, when they'll take on the Detroit Pistons in Motown. The Wizards remain home and await a visit from the Brooklyn Nets on Friday evening.
The Wizards (5-9) came into the contest showing some signs of life after a dreadful start, as they'd notched consecutive wins against the Heat and Magic in their prior two games. However, Cavaliers (2-12) were feeling good in their own right, having surprised the Charlotte Hornets by a 113-89 margin Tuesday. The possibility for a letdown therefore existed, and the first quarter indicated that's exactly what was in the cards. Washington forged a 41-29 lead after 12 minutes that they'd expanded to 73-52 by halftime. That essentially allowed the home squad to tread water in the second half and still finish with a comfortable victory. Although the Wizards were guilty of 17 turnovers on the night, they forced 23 from the Cleveland while also holding them to a 19.0 percent success rate from three-point range.
Rookie Collin Sexton paced the Cavaliers with 24 points and added three rebounds and two assists. David Nwaba followed with 11 points off the bench, which he partly supplemented with seven rebounds. Larry Nance, Jr. and Rodney Hood generated matching 10-point tallies on the starting five. Nance also had six rebounds, five assists, four steals and two blocks, while Hood had a pair of rebounds and assists each. Andrew Harrison supplied 10 points on the second unit as well, while Tristan Thompson registered nine points, eight boards, two assists, two steals and one block.
Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 20 points while also recording three rebounds, three assists and three steals. Otto Porter, Jr. provided 15 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Austin Rivers poured in 12 points off the bench. Markieff Morris and Dwight Howard had 11 and 10 points, respectively, with Howard also grabbing seven boards. John Wall mustered eight points, nine assists, five rebounds, two steals and one block in just 21 minutes.
The Cavaliers are off until next Monday, when they'll take on the Detroit Pistons in Motown. The Wizards remain home and await a visit from the Brooklyn Nets on Friday evening.
Celtics Cruise, Defeat Bulls At Home
The Boston Celtics defeated the Chicago Bulls, 111-82, at TD Garden on Wednesday night.
The Celtics (8-6) got off to a slow start against the Bulls (4-11) and they lost the first quarter 24-19, perhaps showing that their loss to the Portland Trail Blazers wasn't entirely on the rear view. However, they looked dominant in the second quarter and won 32-11, establishing a huge advantage that they would never relinquish. Boston then won the remaining two quarters (26-24 and 34-23, respectively), and sealed the deal comfortably. Despite the slow start, it was a huge win for the Celtics as it will certainly allow them to gain momentum going forward.
The Celtics showcased their balanced offense once again, as all of their starters scored in double digits but no player reached the 20-point mark. Jaylen Brown was the team's top scorer with 18 points and six rebounds, while Kyrie Irving filled the stat sheet thanks to 17 points, seven assists, six rebounds and two steals. Jayson Tatum had 14 points and six boards, Gordon Hayward chipped in with 11 points, four assists and four rebounds, and Al Horford delivered 10 points with eight boards.
Shaquille Harrison led the way for the Bulls with 16 points coming off the bench. Jabari Parker had 14 points with five rebounds, and talented rookie Wendell Carter Jr. contributed 11 points and seven rebounds. Zach LaVine filled the stat sheet, as he finished with 10 points, nine rebounds and four assists.
The Celtics (8-6) got off to a slow start against the Bulls (4-11) and they lost the first quarter 24-19, perhaps showing that their loss to the Portland Trail Blazers wasn't entirely on the rear view. However, they looked dominant in the second quarter and won 32-11, establishing a huge advantage that they would never relinquish. Boston then won the remaining two quarters (26-24 and 34-23, respectively), and sealed the deal comfortably. Despite the slow start, it was a huge win for the Celtics as it will certainly allow them to gain momentum going forward.
The Celtics showcased their balanced offense once again, as all of their starters scored in double digits but no player reached the 20-point mark. Jaylen Brown was the team's top scorer with 18 points and six rebounds, while Kyrie Irving filled the stat sheet thanks to 17 points, seven assists, six rebounds and two steals. Jayson Tatum had 14 points and six boards, Gordon Hayward chipped in with 11 points, four assists and four rebounds, and Al Horford delivered 10 points with eight boards.
Shaquille Harrison led the way for the Bulls with 16 points coming off the bench. Jabari Parker had 14 points with five rebounds, and talented rookie Wendell Carter Jr. contributed 11 points and seven rebounds. Zach LaVine filled the stat sheet, as he finished with 10 points, nine rebounds and four assists.
Heat Trample Nets, 120-107
The Miami Heat defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 120-107, at Barclays Center on Wednesday evening.
The Heat (6-8) came into the contest reeling and looking to address some uncharacteristic defensive deficiencies that had seen them give up 110 points or more in four of the prior five games. Miami got off to an excellent start in that regard, limiting the Nets (6-9) to 21 points while collecting 37 of their own. The lead remained 61-49 at the half, and the visitors were able to expand it to a full 18 points entering the final 12 minutes. That allowed them to withstand Brooklyn's best quarter, as they tallied 35 points in the fourth. Miami leveraged six double-digit scoring efforts and 54.1 percent shooting to secure victory.
Tyler Johnson paced the Heat off the bench with 24 points and supplemented them with five rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Goran Dragic supplied 21 points, four assists and three rebounds. Hassan Whiteside posted a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two steals and two blocks. Bam Adebayo had 12 points in just 10 minutes, while Rodney McGruder matched his scoring total while posting four rebounds and three assists. Justise Winslow mustered six points but also hauled in 11 rebounds and dished out three assists.
Spencer Dinwiddie led the Nets with 18 points and also managed five assists, three rebounds and one steal. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson contributed 14 points and nine rebounds, while Shabazz Napier tallied 13 points, meaning bench players served as Brooklyn's top trio of scorers. D'Angelo Russell shot just 6-for-18 on his way to 12 points. Joe Harris pitched in 11 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Jared Dudley generated 10 points, five rebounds, one steal and one block.
The Heat remain on the road and next visit the Indiana Pacers on Friday night, while the Nets visit the Washington Wizards that same evening.
The Heat (6-8) came into the contest reeling and looking to address some uncharacteristic defensive deficiencies that had seen them give up 110 points or more in four of the prior five games. Miami got off to an excellent start in that regard, limiting the Nets (6-9) to 21 points while collecting 37 of their own. The lead remained 61-49 at the half, and the visitors were able to expand it to a full 18 points entering the final 12 minutes. That allowed them to withstand Brooklyn's best quarter, as they tallied 35 points in the fourth. Miami leveraged six double-digit scoring efforts and 54.1 percent shooting to secure victory.
Tyler Johnson paced the Heat off the bench with 24 points and supplemented them with five rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Goran Dragic supplied 21 points, four assists and three rebounds. Hassan Whiteside posted a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two steals and two blocks. Bam Adebayo had 12 points in just 10 minutes, while Rodney McGruder matched his scoring total while posting four rebounds and three assists. Justise Winslow mustered six points but also hauled in 11 rebounds and dished out three assists.
Spencer Dinwiddie led the Nets with 18 points and also managed five assists, three rebounds and one steal. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson contributed 14 points and nine rebounds, while Shabazz Napier tallied 13 points, meaning bench players served as Brooklyn's top trio of scorers. D'Angelo Russell shot just 6-for-18 on his way to 12 points. Joe Harris pitched in 11 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Jared Dudley generated 10 points, five rebounds, one steal and one block.
The Heat remain on the road and next visit the Indiana Pacers on Friday night, while the Nets visit the Washington Wizards that same evening.
Pistons Comeback to Defeat Raptors, 106-104
The Detroit Pistons defeated the host Toronto Raptors, 106-104, at Air Canada Center on Wednesday.
Despite the fact that Toronto led for over 40 minutes of this game, it wasn't decided until the final seconds. In fact, Toronto held a 19-point lead halfway through the third quarter, as Detroit responded with a 40-19 run to re-take the lead with four minutes remaining. The Pistons never relinquished the lead from there, as Reggie Bullock hit a game-winning floater at the buzzer to break a tied game. There were five ties and 10 lead changes in total, albeit all of those coming in the first five minutes and final five minutes of the game. Toronto's shooting was their downfall, as they went just 4-of-20 from three-point range and 10-of-17 from the free-throw line. Detroit won the game through long-range shooting, hitting 10-of-33 from three-point range. The Pistons bench also played a huge factor, outscoring the Raptors bench, 40-28.
The Pistons (7-6) were led by Blake Griffin, as he collected 30 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks. Andre Drummond totaled 11 points and 14 boards. Reggie Jackson finished with 13 points and six assists. Stanley Johnson and Langston Galloway each reached double figures in scoring, as they each went 5-of-8 from the field off of the bench.
The Raptors (12-3) were led by Kawhi Leonard, as he tallied 26 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three steals. Pascal Siakam amassed 17 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Kyle Lowry accrued 14 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Greg Monroe provided 17 points and nine boards to lead the bench.
Detroit won't play again until Monday, when they play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers. As for Toronto, they travel to play the Boston Celtics on Friday for their next outing.
Despite the fact that Toronto led for over 40 minutes of this game, it wasn't decided until the final seconds. In fact, Toronto held a 19-point lead halfway through the third quarter, as Detroit responded with a 40-19 run to re-take the lead with four minutes remaining. The Pistons never relinquished the lead from there, as Reggie Bullock hit a game-winning floater at the buzzer to break a tied game. There were five ties and 10 lead changes in total, albeit all of those coming in the first five minutes and final five minutes of the game. Toronto's shooting was their downfall, as they went just 4-of-20 from three-point range and 10-of-17 from the free-throw line. Detroit won the game through long-range shooting, hitting 10-of-33 from three-point range. The Pistons bench also played a huge factor, outscoring the Raptors bench, 40-28.
The Pistons (7-6) were led by Blake Griffin, as he collected 30 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks. Andre Drummond totaled 11 points and 14 boards. Reggie Jackson finished with 13 points and six assists. Stanley Johnson and Langston Galloway each reached double figures in scoring, as they each went 5-of-8 from the field off of the bench.
The Raptors (12-3) were led by Kawhi Leonard, as he tallied 26 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three steals. Pascal Siakam amassed 17 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Kyle Lowry accrued 14 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Greg Monroe provided 17 points and nine boards to lead the bench.
Detroit won't play again until Monday, when they play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers. As for Toronto, they travel to play the Boston Celtics on Friday for their next outing.
Grizzlies Defeat Bucks, 116-113
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the host Milwaukee Bucks, 116-113, at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday.
This game was full of monster swings in the second half, as Memphis made the run that mattered most. In fact, Milwaukee went on a 27-4 run when they trailed by 15 points in the third quarter to take an eight-point lead early in the fourth. Memphis then responded with a 23-7 run to take an eight-point lead with two minutes remaining. The Bucks then ended the game on a 12-7 run but that simply wasn't enough to make up their deficit. Those small spurts by Milwaukee was the only time Memphis wasn't in control, as they led for 40 minutes of this game. Three-point shooting was huge for the Grizzlies, as they went 14-of-36 from long range while the Bucks hit just 9-of-35. Taking care of the ball was also critical, with Memphis recording two more assists than Milwaukee while committing four fewer turnovers.
The Grizzlies (8-5) were led by Marc Gasol, as he tallied 29 points, five rebounds and two assists. Mike Conley accrued 26 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kyle Anderson collected six points, eight rebounds and five assists. Shelvin Mack led the bench with 15 points, six rebounds and five assists.
The Bucks (10-4) got another gen out of Giannis Antetokounmpo, as he accumulated 31 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks on 10-of-14 from the field. Khris Middleton finished with 25 points, five rebounds and three assists. Eric Bledsoe totaled 15 points, six rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Pat Connaughton led the bench with 16 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Both teams play home games on Friday for their next outings, with Milwaukee welcoming the Chicago Bulls and Memphis playing the Sacramento Kings.
This game was full of monster swings in the second half, as Memphis made the run that mattered most. In fact, Milwaukee went on a 27-4 run when they trailed by 15 points in the third quarter to take an eight-point lead early in the fourth. Memphis then responded with a 23-7 run to take an eight-point lead with two minutes remaining. The Bucks then ended the game on a 12-7 run but that simply wasn't enough to make up their deficit. Those small spurts by Milwaukee was the only time Memphis wasn't in control, as they led for 40 minutes of this game. Three-point shooting was huge for the Grizzlies, as they went 14-of-36 from long range while the Bucks hit just 9-of-35. Taking care of the ball was also critical, with Memphis recording two more assists than Milwaukee while committing four fewer turnovers.
The Grizzlies (8-5) were led by Marc Gasol, as he tallied 29 points, five rebounds and two assists. Mike Conley accrued 26 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kyle Anderson collected six points, eight rebounds and five assists. Shelvin Mack led the bench with 15 points, six rebounds and five assists.
The Bucks (10-4) got another gen out of Giannis Antetokounmpo, as he accumulated 31 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks on 10-of-14 from the field. Khris Middleton finished with 25 points, five rebounds and three assists. Eric Bledsoe totaled 15 points, six rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Pat Connaughton led the bench with 16 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Both teams play home games on Friday for their next outings, with Milwaukee welcoming the Chicago Bulls and Memphis playing the Sacramento Kings.
Timberwolves Hold Off Pelicans, 107-100
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 107-100, at Target Center on Wednesday.
Wednesday's contest ended up being a lot tighter than the Timberwolves might have liked, but some big shot-making from Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns down the stretch helped the team pull out its second straight victory after what was five straight losses. Minnesota built up a lead of 21 points midway through the second quarter, but then the visiting Pelicans slowly started to chip away. With 4:40 left in the final period, a Jrue Holiday jump shot had put New Orleans up by two points. From that point, however, the Timberwolves would rattle off an 11-2 run to ice the game.
Towns finished with a team-high 25 points to go along with 16 rebounds, while Wiggins was close behind with 23 points of his own, six rebounds, four assists and three steals. Jeff Teague didn't shoot the ball particularly well, going just 4-of-13 from the field, but he still finished with 14 points and a game-high 14 assists in 37 minutes.
The Pelicans' relied on their starters to carry them through all of Wednesday's game, as the five combined to score 95 points, but it still wasn't nearly enough. E'Twaun Moore led the way for New Orleans, scoring a game-high 31 points on 13-of-23 shooting in 38 minutes, while Anthony Davis posted a double-double 29 points and 11 rebounds in 41 minutes. It wasn't the finest offensive performance from Holiday, but he still managed to record a double-double of his own with 14 points and 10 assists.
Wednesday's contest ended up being a lot tighter than the Timberwolves might have liked, but some big shot-making from Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns down the stretch helped the team pull out its second straight victory after what was five straight losses. Minnesota built up a lead of 21 points midway through the second quarter, but then the visiting Pelicans slowly started to chip away. With 4:40 left in the final period, a Jrue Holiday jump shot had put New Orleans up by two points. From that point, however, the Timberwolves would rattle off an 11-2 run to ice the game.
Towns finished with a team-high 25 points to go along with 16 rebounds, while Wiggins was close behind with 23 points of his own, six rebounds, four assists and three steals. Jeff Teague didn't shoot the ball particularly well, going just 4-of-13 from the field, but he still finished with 14 points and a game-high 14 assists in 37 minutes.
The Pelicans' relied on their starters to carry them through all of Wednesday's game, as the five combined to score 95 points, but it still wasn't nearly enough. E'Twaun Moore led the way for New Orleans, scoring a game-high 31 points on 13-of-23 shooting in 38 minutes, while Anthony Davis posted a double-double 29 points and 11 rebounds in 41 minutes. It wasn't the finest offensive performance from Holiday, but he still managed to record a double-double of his own with 14 points and 10 assists.
George, Schroder Lead Thunder
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting New York Knicks, 128-103, at Chesapeake Arena on Wednesday.
The Thunder got out to a great start at home, as they put together a 15-9 lead, just under four minutes into the game. The Thunder continued on the same trajectory through the quarter to take a 37-22 lead into the second. The Knicks picked it up in the second, but could not cut into the deficit much, as the Thunder held on to lead 65-49 at halftime. The Thunder did not look back, as they pushed their lead to 19, halfway through the first quarter and went on to cruise to their second straight win.
Paul George led the Thunder with 35 points on 13-of-22 shooting, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block, in 28 minutes. Steven Adams followed up with 19 points, six rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block, while Dennis Schroder tallied 15 points, 12 assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. The Thunder shot 54 percent from the field, including 16-of-33 from deep.
Meanwhile, Tim Hardaway Jr. led the Knicks with 20 points on 6-of-12 shooting, three rebounds, one assist and one block, in 24 minutes. Kevin Knox added 15 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal, while Enes Kanter tallied 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting, five rebounds and one assist, in 22 minutes off the bench. The Knicks shot 44 percent from the field, including 7-of-26 from long range.
The Knicks (4-11) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Friday. The Thunder (9-5) take on the Suns in Phoenix on Saturday.
The Thunder got out to a great start at home, as they put together a 15-9 lead, just under four minutes into the game. The Thunder continued on the same trajectory through the quarter to take a 37-22 lead into the second. The Knicks picked it up in the second, but could not cut into the deficit much, as the Thunder held on to lead 65-49 at halftime. The Thunder did not look back, as they pushed their lead to 19, halfway through the first quarter and went on to cruise to their second straight win.
Paul George led the Thunder with 35 points on 13-of-22 shooting, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block, in 28 minutes. Steven Adams followed up with 19 points, six rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block, while Dennis Schroder tallied 15 points, 12 assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. The Thunder shot 54 percent from the field, including 16-of-33 from deep.
Meanwhile, Tim Hardaway Jr. led the Knicks with 20 points on 6-of-12 shooting, three rebounds, one assist and one block, in 24 minutes. Kevin Knox added 15 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal, while Enes Kanter tallied 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting, five rebounds and one assist, in 22 minutes off the bench. The Knicks shot 44 percent from the field, including 7-of-26 from long range.
The Knicks (4-11) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Friday. The Thunder (9-5) take on the Suns in Phoenix on Saturday.
Mavericks Earn Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 118-68, at American Airlines Center on Wednesday evening.
The Jazz got out to a good start on the road, with a 15-10 lead halfway into the first quarter. However, the Mavericks rallied back to take a 30-24 lead into the second. The Jazz came back to start the second and tied the game at 34, just a couple minutes into the quarter, but the Mavericks turned it up a notch, once again, to build a 58-46 by halftime. The Mavs did not look back from there as they held the Jazz to just 22 points for the entire third and fourth quarter, while they poured in 60 points, to pull off the wild, 50-point victory. This marks the third straight win for the Mavs, and the end of a three-game win streak for Jazz.
Harrison Barnes led the Mavericks with 19 points on 6-of-11 shooting, four rebounds and two assists, in 26 minutes. Luka Doncic had a solid night, with 13 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block, in 25 minutes. DeAndre Jordan finished with four points, 10 rebounds, four assists and one steal, in 22 minutes. The Mavericks shot 58 percent from the field, including 12-of-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, Ricky Rubio was the high-point man for the Jazz, with 11 points, along with four steals, three rebounds and three assists, in 24 minutes. Donovan Mitchell tallied 10 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Rudy Gobert added 10 points, 10 rebounds, three steals and two assists, in 25 minutes. They shot 31 percent from the field, including a poor 6-of-35 from long range.
The Jazz (7-7) will look to bounce back as they take on the 76ers in Philadelphia on Friday. The Mavericks (6-8) play host to the Warriors on Saturday.
The Jazz got out to a good start on the road, with a 15-10 lead halfway into the first quarter. However, the Mavericks rallied back to take a 30-24 lead into the second. The Jazz came back to start the second and tied the game at 34, just a couple minutes into the quarter, but the Mavericks turned it up a notch, once again, to build a 58-46 by halftime. The Mavs did not look back from there as they held the Jazz to just 22 points for the entire third and fourth quarter, while they poured in 60 points, to pull off the wild, 50-point victory. This marks the third straight win for the Mavs, and the end of a three-game win streak for Jazz.
Harrison Barnes led the Mavericks with 19 points on 6-of-11 shooting, four rebounds and two assists, in 26 minutes. Luka Doncic had a solid night, with 13 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block, in 25 minutes. DeAndre Jordan finished with four points, 10 rebounds, four assists and one steal, in 22 minutes. The Mavericks shot 58 percent from the field, including 12-of-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, Ricky Rubio was the high-point man for the Jazz, with 11 points, along with four steals, three rebounds and three assists, in 24 minutes. Donovan Mitchell tallied 10 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Rudy Gobert added 10 points, 10 rebounds, three steals and two assists, in 25 minutes. They shot 31 percent from the field, including a poor 6-of-35 from long range.
The Jazz (7-7) will look to bounce back as they take on the 76ers in Philadelphia on Friday. The Mavericks (6-8) play host to the Warriors on Saturday.
Suns Cruise Past Spurs, 116-96
By Oscar Heanue
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 116-96, at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Wednesday evening.
It was a brilliant night for Phoenix (3-11), a team that has not shown much brilliance early in the season. The Suns jumped out to an early lead and maintained it, thanks in large part to a 56.6 percent shooting night from the field. The Suns also hit a season-best 15 three-pointers. Meanwhile, everything seemed to be going wrong for the Spurs' offense. In addition to shooting only 42 percent from the field, San Antonio committed 19 turnovers in the loss.
T.J. Warren led the Suns with 27 points in the win. Rookie big man DeAndre Ayton added a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double. Devin Booker also impressed, dishing out a team-high 12 assists to go with 13 points.
For the Spurs, All-Star guard DeMar DeRozan scored a team-high 24 points, including a perfect 10-of-10 night at the free-throw line. Fellow All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge, though, had a tough night. The veteran big man shot just 3-of-12 from the field en route to just six points.
The game evened the season between the two teams at one game apiece. San Antonio had earned a 120-90 blowout in its last trip to Phoenix, on Halloween.
The Spurs will travel to LA to take on the Clippers on Thursday night. Phoenix, meanwhile, has two days off before hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday.
It was a brilliant night for Phoenix (3-11), a team that has not shown much brilliance early in the season. The Suns jumped out to an early lead and maintained it, thanks in large part to a 56.6 percent shooting night from the field. The Suns also hit a season-best 15 three-pointers. Meanwhile, everything seemed to be going wrong for the Spurs' offense. In addition to shooting only 42 percent from the field, San Antonio committed 19 turnovers in the loss.
T.J. Warren led the Suns with 27 points in the win. Rookie big man DeAndre Ayton added a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double. Devin Booker also impressed, dishing out a team-high 12 assists to go with 13 points.
For the Spurs, All-Star guard DeMar DeRozan scored a team-high 24 points, including a perfect 10-of-10 night at the free-throw line. Fellow All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge, though, had a tough night. The veteran big man shot just 3-of-12 from the field en route to just six points.
The game evened the season between the two teams at one game apiece. San Antonio had earned a 120-90 blowout in its last trip to Phoenix, on Halloween.
The Spurs will travel to LA to take on the Clippers on Thursday night. Phoenix, meanwhile, has two days off before hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday.
LeBron Leads The Charge In Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Portland Trail Blazers, 126-117, at Staples Center on Wednesday evening.
The Trail Blazers got out to a great start on the road, and led 33-26 after one quarter. The Lakers turned the tables in the second, as they poured in 33 points, and held the Blazers to 22, taking a 59-55 lead into halftime. The third quarter remained competitive, however the Lakers kept the advantage by outscoring Portland by four, to push their lead to eight, heading into the final frame. The Lakers kept their foot on the gas, as they pushed the lead to 15, midway through the fourth. The Trail Blazers kept battling, but would only get as close as the nine-point margin, by which they lost.
LeBron James led the charge for the Lakers with 44 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists, three blocks and one steal, in 36 minutes. JaVale McGee followed up with 20 points on 9-of-12 shooting, in 23 minutes. Brandon Ingram finished with 17 points, four assists, two rebounds and a steal, while Lonzo Ball tallied 11 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Lakers shot 47 percent from the field, including 15-of-32 from long range.
Meanwhile, Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 31 points, 11 assists, eight rebounds and one block, in 37 minutes. C.J. McCollum followed up with 23 points, four assists, two steals and one rebound, in 35 minutes, while Jusuf Nurkic tallied 21 points, 14 rebounds, four blocks, three steals and one assist. The Trail Blazers shot 44 percent from the field, including 14-of-33 from long range.
The Trail Blazers (10-4) will look to bounce back as they take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Friday. The Lakers (8-6) take on the Magic in Orlando on Saturday.
The Trail Blazers got out to a great start on the road, and led 33-26 after one quarter. The Lakers turned the tables in the second, as they poured in 33 points, and held the Blazers to 22, taking a 59-55 lead into halftime. The third quarter remained competitive, however the Lakers kept the advantage by outscoring Portland by four, to push their lead to eight, heading into the final frame. The Lakers kept their foot on the gas, as they pushed the lead to 15, midway through the fourth. The Trail Blazers kept battling, but would only get as close as the nine-point margin, by which they lost.
LeBron James led the charge for the Lakers with 44 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists, three blocks and one steal, in 36 minutes. JaVale McGee followed up with 20 points on 9-of-12 shooting, in 23 minutes. Brandon Ingram finished with 17 points, four assists, two rebounds and a steal, while Lonzo Ball tallied 11 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Lakers shot 47 percent from the field, including 15-of-32 from long range.
Meanwhile, Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 31 points, 11 assists, eight rebounds and one block, in 37 minutes. C.J. McCollum followed up with 23 points, four assists, two steals and one rebound, in 35 minutes, while Jusuf Nurkic tallied 21 points, 14 rebounds, four blocks, three steals and one assist. The Trail Blazers shot 44 percent from the field, including 14-of-33 from long range.
The Trail Blazers (10-4) will look to bounce back as they take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Friday. The Lakers (8-6) take on the Magic in Orlando on Saturday.