Celtics Survive Hawks, 129-120
The Boston Celtics defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 129-120, at TD Garden on Saturday afternoon.
The Celtics (43-27) looked ready to roll for the rare Saturday afternoon tip, racking up 43 first-quarter points versus the defensively challenged Hawks (24-46). However, Atlanta kept pace by scoring 36 of their own, and they refused to go away despite Boston totaling 105 points through only three quarters. Atlanta remained competitive despite entering the final period with a 13-point deficit, coming all the way back to knot the game at 112 at the 5:53 mark of the fourth quarter. However, the home squad made a final push, finishing the game on a 17-8 run to seal the win.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with 26 points, adding four rebounds, four assists and two steals. John Collins followed with a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included six assists, one steal and one block. Taurean Prince furnished 17 points, four boards, two assists and two blocks. Vince Carter poured in 16 points off the bench. Kent Bazemore totaled 12 points, four assists and one rebound. Kyle Huerter delivered 10 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal.
Kyrie Irving led the Celtics with 30 points and supplemented them with 11 rebounds, nine assists, two blocks and one steal. Jaylen Brown led the second unit with 23 points, adding three boards and two assists. Marcus Morris generated a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two blocks and one steal. Jayson Tatum finished with 18 points, eight rebounds, four assists and one steal. Marcus Smart managed 16 points, nine assists, one rebound, five steals and one block.
The Hawks remain on the road and take on the Orlando Magic on Sunday evening, while the Celtics remain home and face the Denver Nuggets on Monday night.
The Celtics (43-27) looked ready to roll for the rare Saturday afternoon tip, racking up 43 first-quarter points versus the defensively challenged Hawks (24-46). However, Atlanta kept pace by scoring 36 of their own, and they refused to go away despite Boston totaling 105 points through only three quarters. Atlanta remained competitive despite entering the final period with a 13-point deficit, coming all the way back to knot the game at 112 at the 5:53 mark of the fourth quarter. However, the home squad made a final push, finishing the game on a 17-8 run to seal the win.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with 26 points, adding four rebounds, four assists and two steals. John Collins followed with a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included six assists, one steal and one block. Taurean Prince furnished 17 points, four boards, two assists and two blocks. Vince Carter poured in 16 points off the bench. Kent Bazemore totaled 12 points, four assists and one rebound. Kyle Huerter delivered 10 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal.
Kyrie Irving led the Celtics with 30 points and supplemented them with 11 rebounds, nine assists, two blocks and one steal. Jaylen Brown led the second unit with 23 points, adding three boards and two assists. Marcus Morris generated a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two blocks and one steal. Jayson Tatum finished with 18 points, eight rebounds, four assists and one steal. Marcus Smart managed 16 points, nine assists, one rebound, five steals and one block.
The Hawks remain on the road and take on the Orlando Magic on Sunday evening, while the Celtics remain home and face the Denver Nuggets on Monday night.
Suns Defeat Pelicans in OT, 138-136
The Phoenix Suns defeated the host New Orleans Pelicans, 138-136, at Smoothie King Center on Saturday.
In a battle between two of the worst teams in the west, it took an overtime session to determine a winner and one of the craziest endings you'll ever see. In fact, there were 10 ties and 15 lead changes in total, as it stayed within a five-point margin for the entirety of the fourth quarter and overtime. The ending was absolutely ridiculous, with Phoenix scoring five points in the final 2.2 seconds to turn a three-point deficit into a two-point victory. Josh Jackson hit a three-pointer to tie the game with 2,2 seconds left and then New Orleans got called for a technical foul because they tried to call a timeout with none remaining. Devin Booker nailed the technical free-throw and that was the nail in the coffin. The Suns shooting was key, as they shot 51 percent from the field while holding the Pelicans to 46 percent from the field. Phoenix also outscored New Orleans in the paint, 76-60.
The Suns (16-54) were led by Devin Booker, as he tallied 40 points, five rebounds and 12 assists. Kelly Oubre Jr. finished with 32 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Dragan Bender got a rare start and totaled 13 points and five boards. Josh Jackson led the bench with 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
The Pelicans (30-41) got a fourth-straight triple-double from Elfrid Payton, as he accumulated 16 points, 13 rebounds and 16 assists. Julius Randle led the team in scoring, amassing 21 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Anthony Davis played 22 minutes and provided 15 points, 11 rebounds and three steals. Darius Miller, Cheick Diallo, Ian Clark and Jahlil Okafor each reach double figures in scoring off the bench.
Both teams return to action on Monday against struggling teams, with Phoenix playing host to the Chicago Bulls and New Orleans traveling to face the Dallas Mavericks.
In a battle between two of the worst teams in the west, it took an overtime session to determine a winner and one of the craziest endings you'll ever see. In fact, there were 10 ties and 15 lead changes in total, as it stayed within a five-point margin for the entirety of the fourth quarter and overtime. The ending was absolutely ridiculous, with Phoenix scoring five points in the final 2.2 seconds to turn a three-point deficit into a two-point victory. Josh Jackson hit a three-pointer to tie the game with 2,2 seconds left and then New Orleans got called for a technical foul because they tried to call a timeout with none remaining. Devin Booker nailed the technical free-throw and that was the nail in the coffin. The Suns shooting was key, as they shot 51 percent from the field while holding the Pelicans to 46 percent from the field. Phoenix also outscored New Orleans in the paint, 76-60.
The Suns (16-54) were led by Devin Booker, as he tallied 40 points, five rebounds and 12 assists. Kelly Oubre Jr. finished with 32 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Dragan Bender got a rare start and totaled 13 points and five boards. Josh Jackson led the bench with 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
The Pelicans (30-41) got a fourth-straight triple-double from Elfrid Payton, as he accumulated 16 points, 13 rebounds and 16 assists. Julius Randle led the team in scoring, amassing 21 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Anthony Davis played 22 minutes and provided 15 points, 11 rebounds and three steals. Darius Miller, Cheick Diallo, Ian Clark and Jahlil Okafor each reach double figures in scoring off the bench.
Both teams return to action on Monday against struggling teams, with Phoenix playing host to the Chicago Bulls and New Orleans traveling to face the Dallas Mavericks.
Wizards Outscore Grizzlies, 135-128
The Washington Wizards defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 135-128, at FedEx Forum on Saturday night.
The Wizards (30-40) have developed a reputation for plenty of offense and very little defense, while the visiting Grizzlies (28-42) are essentially known for being their diametric opposite. The first half of that narrative held true Saturday, while the second portion was completely disproven, at least for one night. Memphis exploded for 71 first-half points, but they also were uncharacteristically generous in yielding 69 to Washington. Neither team showed the slightest hint of fatigue following intermission, but the hosts were just a bit better defensively while outscoring the visitors by a 66-57 margin in the third and fourth quarters. As the final score implies, each squad shot particularly well, draining over 50.0 percent of their respective attempts.
Mike Conley paced the Grizzlies with 28 points, adding 12 assists and three rebounds. Jonas Valanciunas furnished 22 points, eight boards, three assists and one block. Avery Bradley poured in 21 points and also posted five assists and two rebounds. Chandler Parsons delivered 16 points, six rebounds, five assists and one steal. Joakim Noah turned in 15 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one block.
Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 40 points and complemented them with seven assists, five rebounds and two steals. Jabari Parker generated a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two assists, one steal and one block. Bobby Portis collected 18 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Jeff Green totaled 15 points, three assists and one rebound. Tomas Satoransky overcame a head injury to start and contribute 15 points, seven assists, six rebounds, one steal and one block. Thomas Bryant tallied 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
The Grizzlies head back home and take on the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night, while the Wizards remain home and take on the Utah Jazz on Monday evening.
The Wizards (30-40) have developed a reputation for plenty of offense and very little defense, while the visiting Grizzlies (28-42) are essentially known for being their diametric opposite. The first half of that narrative held true Saturday, while the second portion was completely disproven, at least for one night. Memphis exploded for 71 first-half points, but they also were uncharacteristically generous in yielding 69 to Washington. Neither team showed the slightest hint of fatigue following intermission, but the hosts were just a bit better defensively while outscoring the visitors by a 66-57 margin in the third and fourth quarters. As the final score implies, each squad shot particularly well, draining over 50.0 percent of their respective attempts.
Mike Conley paced the Grizzlies with 28 points, adding 12 assists and three rebounds. Jonas Valanciunas furnished 22 points, eight boards, three assists and one block. Avery Bradley poured in 21 points and also posted five assists and two rebounds. Chandler Parsons delivered 16 points, six rebounds, five assists and one steal. Joakim Noah turned in 15 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one block.
Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 40 points and complemented them with seven assists, five rebounds and two steals. Jabari Parker generated a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two assists, one steal and one block. Bobby Portis collected 18 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Jeff Green totaled 15 points, three assists and one rebound. Tomas Satoransky overcame a head injury to start and contribute 15 points, seven assists, six rebounds, one steal and one block. Thomas Bryant tallied 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
The Grizzlies head back home and take on the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night, while the Wizards remain home and take on the Utah Jazz on Monday evening.
Mavericks Outlast Cavaliers, 121-116
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 121-116, at American Airlines Center on Saturday night.
The Mavericks (28-41) knew they'd be fighting an uphill battle before the game even started, as Luka Doncic was announced as out due to a knee injury. However, Dallas looked like they didn't miss a beat in the first half, scoring 66 first-half points. The Cavaliers (17-53) couldn't quite keep pace, as they faced a nine-point deficit at halftime and entered the final period down by 12. That wasn't enough to deter Cleveland, as they clawed all the way back to get within three points with 5.3 seconds still remaining. Devin Harris then came through for the home squad, draining two key free throws with 4.3 seconds left to put the game out of reach.
Collin Sexton paced the Cavaliers with 28 points and supplemented them with four assists and three rebounds. Kevin Love and Cedi Osman generated matching 22-point, four-assist tallies, with Love notably hauling in 12 rebounds as well. Jordan Clarkson poured in 17 points to lead the second unit. Ante Zizic furnished 11 points, five rebounds and three assists.
Tim Hardaway, Jr. led the Mavericks with 22 points, complementing them with four rebounds and two assists. Maxi Kleber generated an 18-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included one assist and one block. Jalen Bruson and Dwight Powell turned in 16 points apiece, with Brunson also dishing out seven assists. Dorian Finney-Smith and Dirk Nowitzki generated matching 14-point, six-rebound efforts. Trey Burke registered 11 points.
The Cavaliers head back home to face the Detroit Pistons on Monday night, while the Mavericks remain home to tangle with the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday evening as well.
The Mavericks (28-41) knew they'd be fighting an uphill battle before the game even started, as Luka Doncic was announced as out due to a knee injury. However, Dallas looked like they didn't miss a beat in the first half, scoring 66 first-half points. The Cavaliers (17-53) couldn't quite keep pace, as they faced a nine-point deficit at halftime and entered the final period down by 12. That wasn't enough to deter Cleveland, as they clawed all the way back to get within three points with 5.3 seconds still remaining. Devin Harris then came through for the home squad, draining two key free throws with 4.3 seconds left to put the game out of reach.
Collin Sexton paced the Cavaliers with 28 points and supplemented them with four assists and three rebounds. Kevin Love and Cedi Osman generated matching 22-point, four-assist tallies, with Love notably hauling in 12 rebounds as well. Jordan Clarkson poured in 17 points to lead the second unit. Ante Zizic furnished 11 points, five rebounds and three assists.
Tim Hardaway, Jr. led the Mavericks with 22 points, complementing them with four rebounds and two assists. Maxi Kleber generated an 18-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included one assist and one block. Jalen Bruson and Dwight Powell turned in 16 points apiece, with Brunson also dishing out seven assists. Dorian Finney-Smith and Dirk Nowitzki generated matching 14-point, six-rebound efforts. Trey Burke registered 11 points.
The Cavaliers head back home to face the Detroit Pistons on Monday night, while the Mavericks remain home to tangle with the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday evening as well.
Spurs Earn Eighth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the visiting Portland Trail Blazers, 108-103, at AT&T Center on Saturday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start, with the Spurs holding a two-point lead after a back-and-forth first quarter. The Spurs picked it up to start the second, as they built a double-digit lead, however, the Trail Blazers rallied back to take a 50-48 lead by halftime. It stayed competitive, as the teams were never more than a couple possessions apart in the third, with the Trail Blazers taking a four-point lead into the fourth. The Spurs came out strong in the fourth and took control by the halfway point in the quarter. They held the lead down the stretch to secure their eighth straight win.
DeMar DeRozan led the Spurs with 21 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one block, in 33 minutes. Rudy Gay added 13 points, seven rebounds and one block, while LaMarcus Aldridge tallied 12 points, eight rebounds, two assists, three blocks and a steal. The Spurs shot 47 percent from the field, including 8-of-17 from deep.
Meanwhile, Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 34 points, six rebounds, five assists and one steal, in 37 minutes. Jusuf Nurkic followed up with 24 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, while Rodney Hood chipped in 13 points and three rebounds, off the bench. The Trail Blazers shot 42 percent from the field, including 7-of-28 from long range.
The Trail Blazers (42-27) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pacers on Monday. The Spurs (41-29) play host to the Warriors on Monday.
The contest got out to a competitive start, with the Spurs holding a two-point lead after a back-and-forth first quarter. The Spurs picked it up to start the second, as they built a double-digit lead, however, the Trail Blazers rallied back to take a 50-48 lead by halftime. It stayed competitive, as the teams were never more than a couple possessions apart in the third, with the Trail Blazers taking a four-point lead into the fourth. The Spurs came out strong in the fourth and took control by the halfway point in the quarter. They held the lead down the stretch to secure their eighth straight win.
DeMar DeRozan led the Spurs with 21 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one block, in 33 minutes. Rudy Gay added 13 points, seven rebounds and one block, while LaMarcus Aldridge tallied 12 points, eight rebounds, two assists, three blocks and a steal. The Spurs shot 47 percent from the field, including 8-of-17 from deep.
Meanwhile, Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 34 points, six rebounds, five assists and one steal, in 37 minutes. Jusuf Nurkic followed up with 24 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, while Rodney Hood chipped in 13 points and three rebounds, off the bench. The Trail Blazers shot 42 percent from the field, including 7-of-28 from long range.
The Trail Blazers (42-27) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pacers on Monday. The Spurs (41-29) play host to the Warriors on Monday.
Warriors Roll Thunder, 110-88
The Golden State Warriors defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder, 110-88, at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Saturday.
While this game was expected to be close, Golden State really put it to Oklahoma City here. A 40-27 first quarter really set the tone, as the Warriors won this game in wire-to-wire fashion. In addition, Golden State held a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. Their defense was unbelievable, as they held the Thunder to 32 percent from the field and 32 percent from three-point range while winning the defensive rebounding battle, 45-35. Golden State ended up shooting 47 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while out-assisting the Thunder, 25-18.
The Warriors (47-21) played this game without Kevin Durant (ankle), as Stephen Curry was unstoppable. Curry led the way with 33 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Klay Thompson finished with 23 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals. DeMarcus Cousin amassed 12 points, eight rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks while Draymond Green collected nine points, eight rebounds and six assists.
The Thunder (42-28) were led by Paul George, as he tallied 29 points, 13 rebounds and two assists. Russell Westbrook had a game to forget, as he went 2-of-16 from the field to accumulate seven points, eight rebounds and nine assists. Dennis Schroder led the bench with 15 points and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Golden State traveling to face the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City playing host to the Miami Heat.
While this game was expected to be close, Golden State really put it to Oklahoma City here. A 40-27 first quarter really set the tone, as the Warriors won this game in wire-to-wire fashion. In addition, Golden State held a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. Their defense was unbelievable, as they held the Thunder to 32 percent from the field and 32 percent from three-point range while winning the defensive rebounding battle, 45-35. Golden State ended up shooting 47 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while out-assisting the Thunder, 25-18.
The Warriors (47-21) played this game without Kevin Durant (ankle), as Stephen Curry was unstoppable. Curry led the way with 33 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Klay Thompson finished with 23 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals. DeMarcus Cousin amassed 12 points, eight rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks while Draymond Green collected nine points, eight rebounds and six assists.
The Thunder (42-28) were led by Paul George, as he tallied 29 points, 13 rebounds and two assists. Russell Westbrook had a game to forget, as he went 2-of-16 from the field to accumulate seven points, eight rebounds and nine assists. Dennis Schroder led the bench with 15 points and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Golden State traveling to face the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City playing host to the Miami Heat.
Nuggets Defeat Pacers, 102-100
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Indiana Pacers, 102-100, at Pepsi Center on Saturday.
While Indiana led 36-25 after the first quarter, this game wasn't decided until the final shot. In fact, Paul Millsap broke a tied game with a runner in the final seconds which ultimately won the Nuggets the game. Bojan Bogdanovic then missed a shot in the final second that would have won the game for the Pacers. Denver prevailed because of the middle quarters though, as they outscored Indiana, 54-39, in the second and third quarters. Ball movement was the difference for the Nuggets, as they out-assisted the Pacers, 27-20. Denver also connected on 11-of-38 from long range while Indiana hit just 6-of-24.
The Pacers (44-26) were led by Thaddeus Young, as he totaled 18 points and 10 rebounds. Darren Collison accrued 17 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals. Bojan Bogdanovic tallied 16 points, six rebounds and two assists. Myles Turner totaled 15 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals while Domantas Sabonis led the bench with 16 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
The Nuggets (46-22) were led by Nikola Jokic, as he collected 26 points, seven rebounds and five assists before being ejected in the fourth quarter. Paul Millsap finished with 15 points, 13 rebounds and three assists. Will Barton accumulated 17 points, six rebounds and five assists while Jamal Murray generated 17 points, three rebounds and three assists.
On deck for the Pacers is a road matchup versus the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday. As for the Nuggets is a road matchup versus the Boston Celtics on Monday as well.
While Indiana led 36-25 after the first quarter, this game wasn't decided until the final shot. In fact, Paul Millsap broke a tied game with a runner in the final seconds which ultimately won the Nuggets the game. Bojan Bogdanovic then missed a shot in the final second that would have won the game for the Pacers. Denver prevailed because of the middle quarters though, as they outscored Indiana, 54-39, in the second and third quarters. Ball movement was the difference for the Nuggets, as they out-assisted the Pacers, 27-20. Denver also connected on 11-of-38 from long range while Indiana hit just 6-of-24.
The Pacers (44-26) were led by Thaddeus Young, as he totaled 18 points and 10 rebounds. Darren Collison accrued 17 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals. Bojan Bogdanovic tallied 16 points, six rebounds and two assists. Myles Turner totaled 15 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals while Domantas Sabonis led the bench with 16 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
The Nuggets (46-22) were led by Nikola Jokic, as he collected 26 points, seven rebounds and five assists before being ejected in the fourth quarter. Paul Millsap finished with 15 points, 13 rebounds and three assists. Will Barton accumulated 17 points, six rebounds and five assists while Jamal Murray generated 17 points, three rebounds and three assists.
On deck for the Pacers is a road matchup versus the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday. As for the Nuggets is a road matchup versus the Boston Celtics on Monday as well.
Jazz Hold On For Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Brooklyn Nets, 114-98, at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Saturday evening.
The Jazz got out to a good start at home, with a 28-21 lead after one quarter. They kept the pressure on the second, where they outscored the visitors by 10, to take a 17-point lead into halftime. The Jazz started the third very well, as they pushed their lead to 20, five minutes into the quarter. The Nets did their best to hang in there but trailed by 19 points at the start of the fourth. They kept fighting through the fourth, but could not make much progress, as they could hardly get within 10 points of the Jazz. This marks the third straight win for the Jazz.
Rudy Gobert led the Jazz with 23 points, 17 rebounds, three blocks and one assist, in 34 minutes. Donovan Mitchell followed up with 24 points, six rebounds, four assists and one steal, while Derrick Favors added 13 points, 12 rebounds, three blocks and one assist. The Jazz shot 44 percent from the field, including 13-o-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, Spencer Dinwiddie led the Nets with 22 points, two assists, one rebound and one steal, in 24 minutes off the bench. D'Angelo Russell added 20 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal, while Caris LeVert chipped in six points, four assists, one rebound and two steals. The Nets shot 35 percent from the field, including 12-of-36 from long range.
The Nets (36-35) will look to bounce back as they take on the Clippers in L.A. on Sunday. The Jazz (40-29) take on the Wizards in Washington on Monday.
The Jazz got out to a good start at home, with a 28-21 lead after one quarter. They kept the pressure on the second, where they outscored the visitors by 10, to take a 17-point lead into halftime. The Jazz started the third very well, as they pushed their lead to 20, five minutes into the quarter. The Nets did their best to hang in there but trailed by 19 points at the start of the fourth. They kept fighting through the fourth, but could not make much progress, as they could hardly get within 10 points of the Jazz. This marks the third straight win for the Jazz.
Rudy Gobert led the Jazz with 23 points, 17 rebounds, three blocks and one assist, in 34 minutes. Donovan Mitchell followed up with 24 points, six rebounds, four assists and one steal, while Derrick Favors added 13 points, 12 rebounds, three blocks and one assist. The Jazz shot 44 percent from the field, including 13-o-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, Spencer Dinwiddie led the Nets with 22 points, two assists, one rebound and one steal, in 24 minutes off the bench. D'Angelo Russell added 20 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal, while Caris LeVert chipped in six points, four assists, one rebound and two steals. The Nets shot 35 percent from the field, including 12-of-36 from long range.
The Nets (36-35) will look to bounce back as they take on the Clippers in L.A. on Sunday. The Jazz (40-29) take on the Wizards in Washington on Monday.