Magic Defeat Grizzlies in OT, 123-119
The Orlando Magic defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies in overtime, 123-119, at Amway Center on Friday.
While Memphis either tied or held the lead for the entirety of regulation, Orlando prevailed in overtime. In fact, the Magic rode a 29-15 fourth quarter to tie the game and then outscored the Grizzlies in overtime, 13-9. The overtime was extremely competitive, as there were seven lead changes before the Magic finished the game on a 6-1 run. Free-throw shooting was the difference in the game, with Orlando connecting on 21-of-27 and Memphis hitting just 10-of-21.
The Grizzlies (29-43) were led by Tyler Dorsey, as he provided a career-high 29 point to go along with three rebounds and nine assists. Jonas Valanciunas also had a career game, as he tallied 23 points, 24 rebounds, three assists and four blocks. Justin Holiday amassed 22 points and four boards. Delon Wright accrued 12 points, seven rebounds and eight assists while Chandler Parsons led the bench with 17 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Magic (35-38) were led by Evan Fournier, as he accumulated 27 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Nikola Vucevic finished with 25 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. D.J. Augustin generated 20 points, six rebounds and eight assists while Terrence Ross led the bench with 31 points on 8-of-12 from long range.
Memphis will have to play again on Saturday, as they play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves. As for Orlando, they're off until Monday when they play host to the Philadelphia 76ers.
While Memphis either tied or held the lead for the entirety of regulation, Orlando prevailed in overtime. In fact, the Magic rode a 29-15 fourth quarter to tie the game and then outscored the Grizzlies in overtime, 13-9. The overtime was extremely competitive, as there were seven lead changes before the Magic finished the game on a 6-1 run. Free-throw shooting was the difference in the game, with Orlando connecting on 21-of-27 and Memphis hitting just 10-of-21.
The Grizzlies (29-43) were led by Tyler Dorsey, as he provided a career-high 29 point to go along with three rebounds and nine assists. Jonas Valanciunas also had a career game, as he tallied 23 points, 24 rebounds, three assists and four blocks. Justin Holiday amassed 22 points and four boards. Delon Wright accrued 12 points, seven rebounds and eight assists while Chandler Parsons led the bench with 17 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Magic (35-38) were led by Evan Fournier, as he accumulated 27 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Nikola Vucevic finished with 25 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. D.J. Augustin generated 20 points, six rebounds and eight assists while Terrence Ross led the bench with 31 points on 8-of-12 from long range.
Memphis will have to play again on Saturday, as they play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves. As for Orlando, they're off until Monday when they play host to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Clippers Defeat Cavaliers, 110-108
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the host Cleveland, Cavaliers, 110-108, at Quicken Loans Arena on Friday.
This game meant a lot more to Los Angeles than Cleveland but the Cavaliers left it all on the floor in this competitive battle. A 40-25 first quarter got the Cavaliers out to a big lead but Los Angeles responded by outscoring them in the middle quarters, 67-43. That allowed the Clippers to hold the lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. Free-throw shooting was huge, with Los Angeles hitting 20-of-23 and Cleveland connecting on just 10-of-13. Ball movement was also critical, with the Clippers out-assisting the Cavaliers, 24-14.
The Clippers (43-30) were led by Danilo Gallinari, as he tallied 27 points, three rebounds and three assists. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander totaled 16 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals. Landry Shamet started and amassed 13 points and seven boards. Lou Williams led the bench with 15 points, two rebounds and six assists.
The Cavaliers (19-54) were led by Kevin Love, as he tallied 22 points and eight rebounds. Collin Sexton finished with 20 points and four boards. Cedi Osman generated 11 points, two rebounds and three assists while Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 20 points, five rebounds and two assists. Larry Nance Jr. provided 14 points, nine rebounds and three steals off the bench as well.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Los Angeles traveling to face the New York Knicks and Cleveland playing the Milwaukee Bucks on the road as well.
This game meant a lot more to Los Angeles than Cleveland but the Cavaliers left it all on the floor in this competitive battle. A 40-25 first quarter got the Cavaliers out to a big lead but Los Angeles responded by outscoring them in the middle quarters, 67-43. That allowed the Clippers to hold the lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. Free-throw shooting was huge, with Los Angeles hitting 20-of-23 and Cleveland connecting on just 10-of-13. Ball movement was also critical, with the Clippers out-assisting the Cavaliers, 24-14.
The Clippers (43-30) were led by Danilo Gallinari, as he tallied 27 points, three rebounds and three assists. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander totaled 16 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals. Landry Shamet started and amassed 13 points and seven boards. Lou Williams led the bench with 15 points, two rebounds and six assists.
The Cavaliers (19-54) were led by Kevin Love, as he tallied 22 points and eight rebounds. Collin Sexton finished with 20 points and four boards. Cedi Osman generated 11 points, two rebounds and three assists while Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 20 points, five rebounds and two assists. Larry Nance Jr. provided 14 points, nine rebounds and three steals off the bench as well.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Los Angeles traveling to face the New York Knicks and Cleveland playing the Milwaukee Bucks on the road as well.
Nuggets Dismantle Knicks, 111-93
The Denver Nuggets defeated the New York Knicks, 111-93, at Madison Square Garden on Friday evening.
The Nuggets (49-22) likely had a bit more trouble than they bargained for Thursday versus a game Wizards squad, but they ensure there'd be no such struggles Friday. Denver jumped on the home-court Knicks (14-59) immediately, building a 37-18 first-quarter lead. New York only put a five-dent into their deficit before the half and then allowed the visitors' lead to swell back up to 20 heading into the final period. Besides the robust margin of victory, the home squad also enjoyed a robust 62-45 rebounding advantage.
Nikola Jokic paced the Nuggets with a 21-point, 17-rebound double-double that also included five assists. Jamal Murray followed with 18 points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Gary Harris poured in 14 points and added five rebounds and two steals. Monte Morris furnished 13 points, two rebounds and one assist. Will Barton totaled 12 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Mason Plumlee had a near double-double with 11 points, nine rebounds, four assists and one block.
Emmanuel Mudiay led the Knicks with 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one block. Kevin Knox tallied 19 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Mitchell Robinson supplied 16 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks. Deandre Jordan mustered seven points but hauled in 11 rebounds and recorded one block.
The Nuggets continue their swing through the Eastern Conference on Sunday afternoon versus the Indiana Pacers, while the Knicks remain home and face the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday afternoon.
The Nuggets (49-22) likely had a bit more trouble than they bargained for Thursday versus a game Wizards squad, but they ensure there'd be no such struggles Friday. Denver jumped on the home-court Knicks (14-59) immediately, building a 37-18 first-quarter lead. New York only put a five-dent into their deficit before the half and then allowed the visitors' lead to swell back up to 20 heading into the final period. Besides the robust margin of victory, the home squad also enjoyed a robust 62-45 rebounding advantage.
Nikola Jokic paced the Nuggets with a 21-point, 17-rebound double-double that also included five assists. Jamal Murray followed with 18 points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Gary Harris poured in 14 points and added five rebounds and two steals. Monte Morris furnished 13 points, two rebounds and one assist. Will Barton totaled 12 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Mason Plumlee had a near double-double with 11 points, nine rebounds, four assists and one block.
Emmanuel Mudiay led the Knicks with 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one block. Kevin Knox tallied 19 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Mitchell Robinson supplied 16 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks. Deandre Jordan mustered seven points but hauled in 11 rebounds and recorded one block.
The Nuggets continue their swing through the Eastern Conference on Sunday afternoon versus the Indiana Pacers, while the Knicks remain home and face the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday afternoon.
Thunder Bests Raptors, 116-109
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Toronto Raptors, 116-109, at Air Canada Centre on Friday night.
The Thunder (43-30) were looking to avenge a 123-114 overtime loss to the Raptors (51-22) in the first game of the home-and home set on Wednesday, but things didn't exactly get off on the right foot in that regard. Toronto took a 29-22 lead through 12 minutes, and they'd expanded their advantage to 10 points by intermission. However the light went on for OKC at halftime, as they erased the entirety of their deficit in the third quarter and forged a three-point lead going into the final period. The Raptors got as close as 108-104 with 2:18 remaining, but the visitors finished on an 8-5 run to seal the win. Poor ball security helped to the hosts in, as they were guilty of 20 turnovers.
Paul George paced the Thunder with 28 points and complemented them with six rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Dennis Schroder followed with 26 points, adding seven assists, six boards and one block. Jerami Grant furnished 19 points, three rebounds and two assists. Russell Westbrook generated an 18-point, 13-assist, 12-rebound triple-double that also included four steals and one block. Terrance Ferguson poured in 11 points, while Steven Adams totaled nine points, five rebounds, one assist, three blocks and two steals.
Kawhi Leonard led the Raptors with 37 points while also supplying six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Pascal Siakam registered 25 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Danny Green poured in 19 points and added seven boards and one assist. Serge Ibaka totaled 11 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Fred VanVleet finished with eight points, five assists, two rebounds and one block.
The Thunder remain on the road and take on the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. The Raptors remain home and face the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday evening.
The Thunder (43-30) were looking to avenge a 123-114 overtime loss to the Raptors (51-22) in the first game of the home-and home set on Wednesday, but things didn't exactly get off on the right foot in that regard. Toronto took a 29-22 lead through 12 minutes, and they'd expanded their advantage to 10 points by intermission. However the light went on for OKC at halftime, as they erased the entirety of their deficit in the third quarter and forged a three-point lead going into the final period. The Raptors got as close as 108-104 with 2:18 remaining, but the visitors finished on an 8-5 run to seal the win. Poor ball security helped to the hosts in, as they were guilty of 20 turnovers.
Paul George paced the Thunder with 28 points and complemented them with six rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Dennis Schroder followed with 26 points, adding seven assists, six boards and one block. Jerami Grant furnished 19 points, three rebounds and two assists. Russell Westbrook generated an 18-point, 13-assist, 12-rebound triple-double that also included four steals and one block. Terrance Ferguson poured in 11 points, while Steven Adams totaled nine points, five rebounds, one assist, three blocks and two steals.
Kawhi Leonard led the Raptors with 37 points while also supplying six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Pascal Siakam registered 25 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Danny Green poured in 19 points and added seven boards and one assist. Serge Ibaka totaled 11 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Fred VanVleet finished with eight points, five assists, two rebounds and one block.
The Thunder remain on the road and take on the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. The Raptors remain home and face the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday evening.
Rockets defeat Spurs, 111-105
The Houston Rockets defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 111-105, at Toyota Center on Friday.
This was a true tale of four quarters, as there were some massive swings in this game. In fact, Houston led 36-24 after the first quarter but San Antonio rode a 34-19 fourth quarter to take the lead. The Rockets then rode a 30-24 fourth quarter to victory, as there were five ties and six lead changes in total. Three-point shooting was the difference in the game, with the Rockets connecting on 14-of-37 and the Spurs hitting just 7-of-24. Houston won despite being out-assisted 27-12.
The Spurs (42-31) were led by Bryn Forbes, as he amassed 20 points, five rebounds and two assists. Derrick White generated 18 points, eight rebounds and three assists. DeMar DeRozan accumulated 16 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. LaMarcus Aldridge finished with 10 points, four rebounds and four assists.
The Rockets (46-27) got another unbelievable performance from James Harden, as he tallied 61 points, seven rebounds and three steals on 9-of-13 from three-point range and 14-of-17 from the free-throw line. Chris Paul finished with 18 points, three rebounds and five assists. Clint Capela totaled seven points, 16 rebounds and four assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with San Antonio traveling to face the Boston Celtics and Houston playing the New Orleans Pelicans on the road as well.
This was a true tale of four quarters, as there were some massive swings in this game. In fact, Houston led 36-24 after the first quarter but San Antonio rode a 34-19 fourth quarter to take the lead. The Rockets then rode a 30-24 fourth quarter to victory, as there were five ties and six lead changes in total. Three-point shooting was the difference in the game, with the Rockets connecting on 14-of-37 and the Spurs hitting just 7-of-24. Houston won despite being out-assisted 27-12.
The Spurs (42-31) were led by Bryn Forbes, as he amassed 20 points, five rebounds and two assists. Derrick White generated 18 points, eight rebounds and three assists. DeMar DeRozan accumulated 16 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. LaMarcus Aldridge finished with 10 points, four rebounds and four assists.
The Rockets (46-27) got another unbelievable performance from James Harden, as he tallied 61 points, seven rebounds and three steals on 9-of-13 from three-point range and 14-of-17 from the free-throw line. Chris Paul finished with 18 points, three rebounds and five assists. Clint Capela totaled seven points, 16 rebounds and four assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with San Antonio traveling to face the Boston Celtics and Houston playing the New Orleans Pelicans on the road as well.
Bucks Cruise To Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Miami Heat 116-87, at Fiserv Forum on Friday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start, as the Bucks and Heat traded the lead through the first quarter, until the Bucks emerged with a 33-32 lead going into the second. The Bucks turned it up in the second, as they pushed to an 11-point lead midway through the quarter, and went on to lead by 12 at the half. The third quarter belonged to the Bucks like the second, as the Bucks held a steady lead early, and rallied at the end of the quarter, to push their lead to 25 by the start of the fourth. The Bucks held on and cruised through to fourth, to earn their 29th home win.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks, with 27 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, two blocks and a steal, in 28 minutes. Khris Middleton followed up with 18 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds and one steal, while Pat Connaughton chipped in six points, 10 rebounds and four assists. The Bucks shot 51 percent from the field, including 17-of-34 from deep.
Meanwhile, six players scored in double digits for Miami, but the highest total was 14 points from Hassan Whiteside, who also chipped in nine rebounds and three blocks, in 23 minutes off the bench. Kelly Olynyk added 13 points, while Dwyane Wade and Bam Adebayo tallied 12 points each. The Heat shot 38 percent from the field, including 11-of-37 from long range.
The Heat (35-37) will look to bounce back as they take on the Wizards in Washington on Saturday. The Bucks (54-19) play host to the Cavs on Sunday.
The contest got out to a competitive start, as the Bucks and Heat traded the lead through the first quarter, until the Bucks emerged with a 33-32 lead going into the second. The Bucks turned it up in the second, as they pushed to an 11-point lead midway through the quarter, and went on to lead by 12 at the half. The third quarter belonged to the Bucks like the second, as the Bucks held a steady lead early, and rallied at the end of the quarter, to push their lead to 25 by the start of the fourth. The Bucks held on and cruised through to fourth, to earn their 29th home win.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks, with 27 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, two blocks and a steal, in 28 minutes. Khris Middleton followed up with 18 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds and one steal, while Pat Connaughton chipped in six points, 10 rebounds and four assists. The Bucks shot 51 percent from the field, including 17-of-34 from deep.
Meanwhile, six players scored in double digits for Miami, but the highest total was 14 points from Hassan Whiteside, who also chipped in nine rebounds and three blocks, in 23 minutes off the bench. Kelly Olynyk added 13 points, while Dwyane Wade and Bam Adebayo tallied 12 points each. The Heat shot 38 percent from the field, including 11-of-37 from long range.
The Heat (35-37) will look to bounce back as they take on the Wizards in Washington on Saturday. The Bucks (54-19) play host to the Cavs on Sunday.
Nets Down Lakers In Los Angeles
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the host Los Angeles Lakers, 111-106, at Staples Center on Friday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start, with the lead changing hands a few times, before the Lakers managed to take a three-point lead into the second. The Lakers held the lead for most of the quarter, but the Nets rallied back to take a one-point lead by halftime. The Nets came out strong in the third and pushed their lead to nine by the halfway point, but the Lakers tightened it up to make it a five-point game heading into the fourth. The Lakers did not give up and took the lead early in the fourth. The teams traded the lead through the quarter, until the Nets pulled ahead for one last time, as they held the advantage for the final four minutes, to earn their second straight win. With the loss, the Lakers are officially eliminated from playoff contention.
Joe Harris was the high-point man for Brooklyn, with 26 points on 8-of-15 shooting, in 31 minutes. D'Angelo Russell finished with 21 points, 13 assists, three steals and two rebounds, while Jarrett Allen added 13 points, 11 rebounds and one block. The Nets shot 40 percent from the field, including 16-of-42 from deep.
Meanwhile, JaVale McGee led the Lakers with 33 points, 20 rebounds, six blocks and one steal, in 34 minutes. LeBron James followed up with 25 points, 14 assists, nine rebounds, one steal and one block, while Kyle Kuzma tallied 18 points, five rebounds and one block.
The Lakers (31-41) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Kings on Sunday. The Nets (38-36) take on the Trail Blazers in Portland on Monday.
The contest got out to a competitive start, with the lead changing hands a few times, before the Lakers managed to take a three-point lead into the second. The Lakers held the lead for most of the quarter, but the Nets rallied back to take a one-point lead by halftime. The Nets came out strong in the third and pushed their lead to nine by the halfway point, but the Lakers tightened it up to make it a five-point game heading into the fourth. The Lakers did not give up and took the lead early in the fourth. The teams traded the lead through the quarter, until the Nets pulled ahead for one last time, as they held the advantage for the final four minutes, to earn their second straight win. With the loss, the Lakers are officially eliminated from playoff contention.
Joe Harris was the high-point man for Brooklyn, with 26 points on 8-of-15 shooting, in 31 minutes. D'Angelo Russell finished with 21 points, 13 assists, three steals and two rebounds, while Jarrett Allen added 13 points, 11 rebounds and one block. The Nets shot 40 percent from the field, including 16-of-42 from deep.
Meanwhile, JaVale McGee led the Lakers with 33 points, 20 rebounds, six blocks and one steal, in 34 minutes. LeBron James followed up with 25 points, 14 assists, nine rebounds, one steal and one block, while Kyle Kuzma tallied 18 points, five rebounds and one block.
The Lakers (31-41) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Kings on Sunday. The Nets (38-36) take on the Trail Blazers in Portland on Monday.