Pistons Make Easy Work Of Cavs
By Dan Bruno
The Detroit Pistons defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, 113-102, at Little Caesars Arena on Monday evening.
Both teams started off well, while the Pistons led, 14-13, halfway through the quarter. However, the Pistons outscored the visitors 24-14, through the remainder of the quarter, to take a 38-27 lead into the second. They continued to dominate as they expanded their lead to start the quarter, and went on to outscore the Cavs by nine in the quarter, to take a 66-46 lead by halftime. The third quarter was not friendly to Cleveland either, as the Cavs could hardly get within 20 points of the tie, however, the managed to make it a 14-point game early in the fourth. Despite their best efforts, the Pistons would not succumb, and cruised to their second consecutive win. This marks the second straight loss for the Cavs.
Andre Drummond led the Pistons with 23 points, 15 rebounds, three assists and three blocks, in 38 minutes. Blake Griffin added 21 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block, while Reggie Bullock tallied 21 points, four assists and one rebound. The Pistons shot 47 percent from the field, including 13-of-38 from long range.
Meanwhile, Collin Sexton led the Cavaliers with 18 points, four assists, one rebound and one steal, in 23 minutes. Jordan Clarkson tallied 16 points, four rebounds and four assists, in 25 minutes off the bench, while Rodney Hood added 12 points, three assists, two steals and one rebound. The Cavs shot 44 percent from the field, including 8-of-21 from long range.
The Cavaliers (2-13) look ahead to Wednesday, when they play host to the Lakers. The Pistons (8-6) head to Houston to take on the Rockets on Wednesday.
Both teams started off well, while the Pistons led, 14-13, halfway through the quarter. However, the Pistons outscored the visitors 24-14, through the remainder of the quarter, to take a 38-27 lead into the second. They continued to dominate as they expanded their lead to start the quarter, and went on to outscore the Cavs by nine in the quarter, to take a 66-46 lead by halftime. The third quarter was not friendly to Cleveland either, as the Cavs could hardly get within 20 points of the tie, however, the managed to make it a 14-point game early in the fourth. Despite their best efforts, the Pistons would not succumb, and cruised to their second consecutive win. This marks the second straight loss for the Cavs.
Andre Drummond led the Pistons with 23 points, 15 rebounds, three assists and three blocks, in 38 minutes. Blake Griffin added 21 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block, while Reggie Bullock tallied 21 points, four assists and one rebound. The Pistons shot 47 percent from the field, including 13-of-38 from long range.
Meanwhile, Collin Sexton led the Cavaliers with 18 points, four assists, one rebound and one steal, in 23 minutes. Jordan Clarkson tallied 16 points, four rebounds and four assists, in 25 minutes off the bench, while Rodney Hood added 12 points, three assists, two steals and one rebound. The Cavs shot 44 percent from the field, including 8-of-21 from long range.
The Cavaliers (2-13) look ahead to Wednesday, when they play host to the Lakers. The Pistons (8-6) head to Houston to take on the Rockets on Wednesday.
Pacers Dominate, Crush Jazz
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Utah Jazz, 121-94, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Monday evening.
The Pacers (11-6) ended their three-game homestand on a strong note, destroying the Jazz (8-9) right from tip-off and they never gave the Western Conference team a chance to re-group themselves. Indiana quickly jumped to a 13-point lead following the first quarter (32-19) and while Utah offered some degree of resistance in the second quarter (28-25), they were never in the game long enough to make this a tight contest. Indiana cruised their way in the second half and won both remaining quarters (29-23 and 35-24, respectively), securing their third straight win and leaving Indiana on a strong note. On the other hand, Utah lost again and now they have dropped three of their last four games. They ended their five-game road trip with a 2-3 record.
The Pacers didn't have Victor Oladipo, but that didn't seem to matter and six Indiana players ended scoring in double digits. Bojan Bogdanovic led the way with 21 points, while Myles Turner and Thaddeus Young each contributed 12 points coming off the bench. Most of the scoring damage came off the bench, though. Domantas Sabonis and Aaron Holiday each had 19 points, while Doug McDermott added 12 points.
Ricky Rubio was by far the best player on Utah and he did an admirable job of filling the stat sheet since he ended the contest with 28 points (10-of-13 from the field) but also added six assists, four rebounds and three steals. Rudy Gobert had 12 points with 11 rebounds, and Jae Crowder added 14 off the bench. Donovan Mitchell struggled and only finished with seven points.
The Pacers (11-6) ended their three-game homestand on a strong note, destroying the Jazz (8-9) right from tip-off and they never gave the Western Conference team a chance to re-group themselves. Indiana quickly jumped to a 13-point lead following the first quarter (32-19) and while Utah offered some degree of resistance in the second quarter (28-25), they were never in the game long enough to make this a tight contest. Indiana cruised their way in the second half and won both remaining quarters (29-23 and 35-24, respectively), securing their third straight win and leaving Indiana on a strong note. On the other hand, Utah lost again and now they have dropped three of their last four games. They ended their five-game road trip with a 2-3 record.
The Pacers didn't have Victor Oladipo, but that didn't seem to matter and six Indiana players ended scoring in double digits. Bojan Bogdanovic led the way with 21 points, while Myles Turner and Thaddeus Young each contributed 12 points coming off the bench. Most of the scoring damage came off the bench, though. Domantas Sabonis and Aaron Holiday each had 19 points, while Doug McDermott added 12 points.
Ricky Rubio was by far the best player on Utah and he did an admirable job of filling the stat sheet since he ended the contest with 28 points (10-of-13 from the field) but also added six assists, four rebounds and three steals. Rudy Gobert had 12 points with 11 rebounds, and Jae Crowder added 14 off the bench. Donovan Mitchell struggled and only finished with seven points.
76ers Escape Suns, 119-114
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Phoenix Suns, 119-114, at Wells Fargo Center on Monday evening.
The 76ers (12-7) likely walked into Monday's home game feeling pretty good about themselves, and more specifically, their chances of cruising through an interconference contest against the struggling Suns (3-13), which had failed to win a road game in six tries. Philadelphia got an early wake-up call, as Phoenix jumped out to a 36-26 first-quarter lead. The visitors still held an advantage at halftime, albeit by just five points. The Sixers were able to eradicate their deficit in convincing fashion in the third and entered the final 12 minutes with a 92-86 edge. That would prove to be enough, although the Suns got as close 117-114 with 5.5 seconds remaining after a Mikal Bridges three-pointer. Phoenix kept the pressure on their hosts with a 50.6 percent success rate from the field, but they were outrebounded by a 53-31 margin.
Devin Booker paced the Suns with 37 points, a total he supplemented with eight assists and three rebounds. T.J. Warren followed with 21 points, four rebounds, four assists and one block. Deandre Ayton posted 17 points, nine rebounds, one assist and one steal. Bridges finished with 13 points, while Trevor Ariza filled out the stat sheet with 10 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block. Richaun Holmes matched Ariza's point total while leading the bench.
Joel Embiid led the 76ers with a 33-point, 17-rebound double-double that also included one assist, three steals and one block. Ben Simmons had a near triple-double with 19 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and one steal. Mike Muscala matched Simmons' point total to lead the second unit. J.J. Redick poured in 17 points and added four rebounds and three assists. Jimmy Butler contributed 16 points, three rebounds, one assist and two steals.
The Suns remain on the road and visit the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday'night, while the Sixers remain home and face the New Orleans Pelicans on that same evening.
The 76ers (12-7) likely walked into Monday's home game feeling pretty good about themselves, and more specifically, their chances of cruising through an interconference contest against the struggling Suns (3-13), which had failed to win a road game in six tries. Philadelphia got an early wake-up call, as Phoenix jumped out to a 36-26 first-quarter lead. The visitors still held an advantage at halftime, albeit by just five points. The Sixers were able to eradicate their deficit in convincing fashion in the third and entered the final 12 minutes with a 92-86 edge. That would prove to be enough, although the Suns got as close 117-114 with 5.5 seconds remaining after a Mikal Bridges three-pointer. Phoenix kept the pressure on their hosts with a 50.6 percent success rate from the field, but they were outrebounded by a 53-31 margin.
Devin Booker paced the Suns with 37 points, a total he supplemented with eight assists and three rebounds. T.J. Warren followed with 21 points, four rebounds, four assists and one block. Deandre Ayton posted 17 points, nine rebounds, one assist and one steal. Bridges finished with 13 points, while Trevor Ariza filled out the stat sheet with 10 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block. Richaun Holmes matched Ariza's point total while leading the bench.
Joel Embiid led the 76ers with a 33-point, 17-rebound double-double that also included one assist, three steals and one block. Ben Simmons had a near triple-double with 19 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and one steal. Mike Muscala matched Simmons' point total to lead the second unit. J.J. Redick poured in 17 points and added four rebounds and three assists. Jimmy Butler contributed 16 points, three rebounds, one assist and two steals.
The Suns remain on the road and visit the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday'night, while the Sixers remain home and face the New Orleans Pelicans on that same evening.
Hornets Defeat Celtics, 117-112
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the visiting Boston Celtics, 117-112, at Spectrum Center on Monday.
There were nine ties and 18 lead changes in this competitive game, as it wasn't decided until the final minutes. Charlotte's defense was huge, as Boston missed seven of their final eight shots. The Hornets won in comeback fashion, outscoring the Celtics, 33-25, in the fourth quarter. Three-point shooting was the difference in the game, with Charlotte hitting 15-of-41 while Boston connected on just 9-of-32. Boston actually dominated many of the statistics, winning the assists, turnovers, steals. blocks. fastbreak points and points in the paint differentials.
The Celtics (9-8) got a double-double out of Kyrie Irving, as he collected 27 points, five rebounds, 11 assists and two steals. Jayson Tatum amassed 18 points, six rebounds and two assists. Al Horford accrued 10 points, three rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Marcus Smart and Daniel Theis both reached double figures in scoring off of the bench.
The Hornets (8-8) got another gem out of Kemba Walker, as he tallied 43 points, four rebounds and five assists. Jeremy Lamb totaled 18 points and six boards. Nicolas Batum finished with nine points and eight rebounds. Wily Hernangomez was a nice spark off the bench, as he provided 14 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Charlotte playing host to the Indiana Pacers and Boston welcoming the New York Knicks to Beantown.
There were nine ties and 18 lead changes in this competitive game, as it wasn't decided until the final minutes. Charlotte's defense was huge, as Boston missed seven of their final eight shots. The Hornets won in comeback fashion, outscoring the Celtics, 33-25, in the fourth quarter. Three-point shooting was the difference in the game, with Charlotte hitting 15-of-41 while Boston connected on just 9-of-32. Boston actually dominated many of the statistics, winning the assists, turnovers, steals. blocks. fastbreak points and points in the paint differentials.
The Celtics (9-8) got a double-double out of Kyrie Irving, as he collected 27 points, five rebounds, 11 assists and two steals. Jayson Tatum amassed 18 points, six rebounds and two assists. Al Horford accrued 10 points, three rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Marcus Smart and Daniel Theis both reached double figures in scoring off of the bench.
The Hornets (8-8) got another gem out of Kemba Walker, as he tallied 43 points, four rebounds and five assists. Jeremy Lamb totaled 18 points and six boards. Nicolas Batum finished with nine points and eight rebounds. Wily Hernangomez was a nice spark off the bench, as he provided 14 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Charlotte playing host to the Indiana Pacers and Boston welcoming the New York Knicks to Beantown.
Clippers Comeback to Defeat Hawks, 127-119
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Atlanta Hawks, 127-119, at State Farm Arena on Monday.
There were 10 ties and 10 lead changes in this game, as the Clippers won in comeback fashion. In fact, Los Angeles outscored Atlanta, 38-23, in the fourth quarter, as they turned a 15-point third quarter deficit into an eight-point victory. Los Angeles did most of their damage at the free-throw line, hitting 37-of-47 while Atlanta connected on just 17-of-19. The Clippers bench was also a huge factor, as they had four players reach double figures in scoring, combining for 73 points.
The Clippers (11-5) leading scorer came off the bench, with Montrezl Harrell providing 25 points, 11 rebounds, five steals and two blocks. Tobias Harris led the starters with 24 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander totaled 16 points and two rebounds. Mike Scott amassed 18 points and seven boards off the bench while Lou Williams finished with 16 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists.
The Hawks (3-14) were led by Trae Young, as he accumulated 25 points, three rebounds and 17 assists. Tauren Prince totaled 21 points, four rebounds and two steals. Alex Len and Dewayne Dedmon each recorded 12-point, 12-rebound double-doubles. John Collins led the bench with 18 points, three rebounds and six assists in 20 minutes of action.
On deck for the Clippers is a road matchup versus the Washington Wizards on Tuesday. As for Atlanta, they play host to the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday for their next outing.
There were 10 ties and 10 lead changes in this game, as the Clippers won in comeback fashion. In fact, Los Angeles outscored Atlanta, 38-23, in the fourth quarter, as they turned a 15-point third quarter deficit into an eight-point victory. Los Angeles did most of their damage at the free-throw line, hitting 37-of-47 while Atlanta connected on just 17-of-19. The Clippers bench was also a huge factor, as they had four players reach double figures in scoring, combining for 73 points.
The Clippers (11-5) leading scorer came off the bench, with Montrezl Harrell providing 25 points, 11 rebounds, five steals and two blocks. Tobias Harris led the starters with 24 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander totaled 16 points and two rebounds. Mike Scott amassed 18 points and seven boards off the bench while Lou Williams finished with 16 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists.
The Hawks (3-14) were led by Trae Young, as he accumulated 25 points, three rebounds and 17 assists. Tauren Prince totaled 21 points, four rebounds and two steals. Alex Len and Dewayne Dedmon each recorded 12-point, 12-rebound double-doubles. John Collins led the bench with 18 points, three rebounds and six assists in 20 minutes of action.
On deck for the Clippers is a road matchup versus the Washington Wizards on Tuesday. As for Atlanta, they play host to the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday for their next outing.
Pelicans Blast Spurs, 140-126
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 140-126, at Smoothie King Center on Monday.
It was all Spurs (8-8) in the early going on Monday's contest, as the visitors managed to open up a nine-point lead after the first quarter. But from there, San Antonio was unable to keep pace with the high-powered Pelicans (10-7) offense, as it was all New Orleans for the final three periods. Anthony Davis led the way in the 140-point effort, scoring a game-high 29 points on 13-of-22 shooting to go along with nine rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks in 32 minutes. The Pelican's starting backcourt wasn't too far behind, with E'Twaun Moore scoring a very efficient 24 points on 11-of-16 shooting, while Jrue Holiday added 21 points and nine assists of his own. Julius Randle, however, might have had the key performance off the bench, notching a triple-double of 21 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists in just 25 minutes. In the end, New Orleans hot shooting was simply too much for the Spurs to handle, as the home team shot a scorching 57.8 percent from the field Monday night.
As for San Antonio, its offensive performance was nothing to scoff at, as the Spurs shot 50 percent from three and 47.9 percent from the field overall. The team just didn't put together a strong enough defensive performance to keep the game close. DeMar DeRozan led the way with 21 points, while Bryn Forbes was close behind with 20 points on an efficient 7-of-8 shooting. Dante Cunningham was perfect from the field (7-7 FG, 5-5 3Pt) on his way to a surprising 19 points, while Rudy Gay added 17 of his own. What really killed the Spurs on Monday was their inability to take care of the basketball, committing an uncharacteristic 15 turnovers.
It was all Spurs (8-8) in the early going on Monday's contest, as the visitors managed to open up a nine-point lead after the first quarter. But from there, San Antonio was unable to keep pace with the high-powered Pelicans (10-7) offense, as it was all New Orleans for the final three periods. Anthony Davis led the way in the 140-point effort, scoring a game-high 29 points on 13-of-22 shooting to go along with nine rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks in 32 minutes. The Pelican's starting backcourt wasn't too far behind, with E'Twaun Moore scoring a very efficient 24 points on 11-of-16 shooting, while Jrue Holiday added 21 points and nine assists of his own. Julius Randle, however, might have had the key performance off the bench, notching a triple-double of 21 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists in just 25 minutes. In the end, New Orleans hot shooting was simply too much for the Spurs to handle, as the home team shot a scorching 57.8 percent from the field Monday night.
As for San Antonio, its offensive performance was nothing to scoff at, as the Spurs shot 50 percent from three and 47.9 percent from the field overall. The team just didn't put together a strong enough defensive performance to keep the game close. DeMar DeRozan led the way with 21 points, while Bryn Forbes was close behind with 20 points on an efficient 7-of-8 shooting. Dante Cunningham was perfect from the field (7-7 FG, 5-5 3Pt) on his way to a surprising 19 points, while Rudy Gay added 17 of his own. What really killed the Spurs on Monday was their inability to take care of the basketball, committing an uncharacteristic 15 turnovers.
Bucks Come Up Clutch To Hold Off Nuggets
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Denver Nuggets, 104-98, at BMO Harris Bradley Center on Monday evening.
The contest got out to a very competitive start, as there were multiple lead changes and ties through the first quarter, until the Nuggets emerged with a 29-25 lead, heading into the second. The Nuggets continued with the momentum, as they pushed their lead to 11, just two minutes into the quarter. They continued their push until they carried a 10-point lead into halftime. The home team turned the tide in the third, as the Bucks chipped away at the lead, which the Nuggets continued to push ahead, until they finally broke ahead in the final minutes of the third quarter. The Bucks led 78-77, heading into the fourth. The contest continued with the score tied at 89, with five minutes left. The Bucks took the lead with a three-pointer and did not look back. Despite a continued effort from the Nuggets, the Bucks held on with clutch shooting down the stretch.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with 29 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and two steals, in 39 minutes. Eric Bledsoe followed up with 23 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals, in 35 minutes. Khris Middleton came up clutch with a crucial three-pointer, capping off a solid night, with 13 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 20 points, five rebounds, five assists and one steal, in 32 minutes. Jamal Murray had a good game, with 17 points, nine assists, eight rebounds and one block. Gary Harris added 14 points, six assists and one steal, in 34 minutes.
The Nuggets (10-7) will look to bounce back as they take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota, on Wednesday. The Bucks (12-4) play host to the trail Blazers on Wednesday.
The contest got out to a very competitive start, as there were multiple lead changes and ties through the first quarter, until the Nuggets emerged with a 29-25 lead, heading into the second. The Nuggets continued with the momentum, as they pushed their lead to 11, just two minutes into the quarter. They continued their push until they carried a 10-point lead into halftime. The home team turned the tide in the third, as the Bucks chipped away at the lead, which the Nuggets continued to push ahead, until they finally broke ahead in the final minutes of the third quarter. The Bucks led 78-77, heading into the fourth. The contest continued with the score tied at 89, with five minutes left. The Bucks took the lead with a three-pointer and did not look back. Despite a continued effort from the Nuggets, the Bucks held on with clutch shooting down the stretch.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with 29 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and two steals, in 39 minutes. Eric Bledsoe followed up with 23 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals, in 35 minutes. Khris Middleton came up clutch with a crucial three-pointer, capping off a solid night, with 13 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 20 points, five rebounds, five assists and one steal, in 32 minutes. Jamal Murray had a good game, with 17 points, nine assists, eight rebounds and one block. Gary Harris added 14 points, six assists and one steal, in 34 minutes.
The Nuggets (10-7) will look to bounce back as they take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota, on Wednesday. The Bucks (12-4) play host to the trail Blazers on Wednesday.
Grizzlies Grind Out Win Over Mavericks, 98-88
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 98-88, at FedEx Forum on Monday evening.
The Grizzlies (11-5) have gotten off to a strong start this season thanks in large part to the return to health of star point guard Mike Conley, and they've been especially dominant at home. That much was evident again Monday, as Memphis utilized a final-quarter defensive push to limit the Mavericks (7-9) to just 14 points over the final 12 minutes. As has often been the case this season, Conley's efforts were key to the victory, as he led all scorers with 28 points. The Grizzlies also limited Dallas to just 34.1 percent shooting.
Dennis Smith, Jr. led the Mavericks with 19 points, which he supplemented with five assists, three rebounds and two steals. DeAndre Jordan generated a 17-point, 20-rebound double-double. Luka Doncic tallied 15 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and one block. Dorian Finney-Smith managed 13 points, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Harrison Barnes poured in 10 points.
Conley also dished out seven assists, hauled in five rebounds and recorded two steals. Marc Gasol contributed a 17-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included four assists, four blocks and one steal. Jaren Jackson, Jr. filled out the stat sheet with 13 points, three rebounds, two assists, four blocks and two steals. Garrett Temple and JaMychal Green had 12 points each, with the latter also hauling in nine rebounds.
The Mavericks head back home and take on the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night, while the Grizzlies pay a visit to the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday evening as well.
The Grizzlies (11-5) have gotten off to a strong start this season thanks in large part to the return to health of star point guard Mike Conley, and they've been especially dominant at home. That much was evident again Monday, as Memphis utilized a final-quarter defensive push to limit the Mavericks (7-9) to just 14 points over the final 12 minutes. As has often been the case this season, Conley's efforts were key to the victory, as he led all scorers with 28 points. The Grizzlies also limited Dallas to just 34.1 percent shooting.
Dennis Smith, Jr. led the Mavericks with 19 points, which he supplemented with five assists, three rebounds and two steals. DeAndre Jordan generated a 17-point, 20-rebound double-double. Luka Doncic tallied 15 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and one block. Dorian Finney-Smith managed 13 points, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Harrison Barnes poured in 10 points.
Conley also dished out seven assists, hauled in five rebounds and recorded two steals. Marc Gasol contributed a 17-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included four assists, four blocks and one steal. Jaren Jackson, Jr. filled out the stat sheet with 13 points, three rebounds, two assists, four blocks and two steals. Garrett Temple and JaMychal Green had 12 points each, with the latter also hauling in nine rebounds.
The Mavericks head back home and take on the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night, while the Grizzlies pay a visit to the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday evening as well.
Kings Edge Out Thunder, 117-113
By Oscar Heanue
The Sacramento Kings took down the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 117-113, at Golden 1 Center on Monday.
For much of the fourth quarter, it seemed as though Sacramento (9-8) had the game locked up. That changed in the final minute, though, when a last-ditch Thunder (10-6) run closed the gap to just one possession. After leading 113-104 with 37 seconds remaining, a 7-0 run brought OKC to within two points with just five seconds remaining. Paul George capped off the run with a heavily-contested three-pointer, but it proved to be too little too late. Sacramento was able to hit its free-throws to close out the game on the final possession.
Sophomore guard De'Aaron Fox scored only six points, but made up for it with a game-high 13 assists. The bulk of Sacramento's scoring came from Buddy Hield, who poured in 25 points, and Iman Shumpert, who had a season-high 23 in the win. Rookie big man Marvin Bagley also impressed, scoring 15 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and blocking three shots.
For the Thunder, former MVP Russell Westbrook took the floor despite a lingering ankle injury. The injury did not seem to hold him back, as he led his team with 29 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists. George, meanwhile, scored 27 points. The team as a whole, though, was relatively inefficient, shooting just 42.5 percent including 28.6 percent from three-point range.
Both teams will take to the road, with the Thunder visiting Utah on Wednesday and the Kings heading down the road to Oakland to take on Golden State.
For much of the fourth quarter, it seemed as though Sacramento (9-8) had the game locked up. That changed in the final minute, though, when a last-ditch Thunder (10-6) run closed the gap to just one possession. After leading 113-104 with 37 seconds remaining, a 7-0 run brought OKC to within two points with just five seconds remaining. Paul George capped off the run with a heavily-contested three-pointer, but it proved to be too little too late. Sacramento was able to hit its free-throws to close out the game on the final possession.
Sophomore guard De'Aaron Fox scored only six points, but made up for it with a game-high 13 assists. The bulk of Sacramento's scoring came from Buddy Hield, who poured in 25 points, and Iman Shumpert, who had a season-high 23 in the win. Rookie big man Marvin Bagley also impressed, scoring 15 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and blocking three shots.
For the Thunder, former MVP Russell Westbrook took the floor despite a lingering ankle injury. The injury did not seem to hold him back, as he led his team with 29 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists. George, meanwhile, scored 27 points. The team as a whole, though, was relatively inefficient, shooting just 42.5 percent including 28.6 percent from three-point range.
Both teams will take to the road, with the Thunder visiting Utah on Wednesday and the Kings heading down the road to Oakland to take on Golden State.