Hornets Rally Past Celtics, 124-117
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Boston Celtics, 124-117, at Spectrum Center on Saturday evening.
The Hornets (33-39) are in must-win mode each time they take the court for the balance of the season, but they appeared to be outmatched early in Saturday's game. Charlotte fell behind by a 35-29 margin at the end of one quarter, but they bounced back to erase all but one point of their deficit by halftime. The Celtics (43-30) appeared to regain control in the third by extending their advantage out to nine points. However, Charlotte fired on all cylinders from the 7:43 mark of the fourth onward, as they finished the contest on an eye-popping 30-5 run from that point.
Kyrie Irving led the way for the Celtics with 31 points, adding seven rebounds, six assists and two steals. Jaylen Brown poured in 29 points and added four rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Marcus Morris produced 15 points, nine rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Jayson Tatum and Terry Rozier generated matching 12-point tallies, with Tatum also hauling in six boards and dishing out four assists.
Kemba Walker paced the Hornets with 36 points, supplementing them with 11 rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Miles Bridges furnished 20 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals. Marvin Williams and Malik Monk tallied 13 points each. Dwayne Bacon delivered 11 points, five rebounds, three assists and one block.
The Celtics head back home to face the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night, while the Hornets pay a visit to the Toronto Raptors on Sunday evening as well.
The Hornets (33-39) are in must-win mode each time they take the court for the balance of the season, but they appeared to be outmatched early in Saturday's game. Charlotte fell behind by a 35-29 margin at the end of one quarter, but they bounced back to erase all but one point of their deficit by halftime. The Celtics (43-30) appeared to regain control in the third by extending their advantage out to nine points. However, Charlotte fired on all cylinders from the 7:43 mark of the fourth onward, as they finished the contest on an eye-popping 30-5 run from that point.
Kyrie Irving led the way for the Celtics with 31 points, adding seven rebounds, six assists and two steals. Jaylen Brown poured in 29 points and added four rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Marcus Morris produced 15 points, nine rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Jayson Tatum and Terry Rozier generated matching 12-point tallies, with Tatum also hauling in six boards and dishing out four assists.
Kemba Walker paced the Hornets with 36 points, supplementing them with 11 rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Miles Bridges furnished 20 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals. Marvin Williams and Malik Monk tallied 13 points each. Dwayne Bacon delivered 11 points, five rebounds, three assists and one block.
The Celtics head back home to face the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night, while the Hornets pay a visit to the Toronto Raptors on Sunday evening as well.
Heat Edges Wizards, 112-108
The Miami Heat defeated the Washington Wizards, 112-108, at Capital One Arena on Saturday night.
The Heat (36-37) are feeling plenty of heat these days as they try to retain a hold of the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference while the likes of the Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets remain hot on their tail. Miami trailed the spoiler-minded Wizards (30-44) at the half by a sole point, and the same was true heading into the fourth quarter. The visitors finally made their move beginning at the six-minute mark of the final period after Washington had closed to within 98-96. The Heat went on an 11-3 run over the subsequent 2:49 to forge a 10-point cushion and wouldn't relinquish the lead the rest of the way.
Dwyane Wade paced the Heat with 20 points, adding nine rebounds, five assists and one steal. Dion Waiters tallied 19 points, three rebounds and three assists. Josh Richardson provided 18 points, five assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Bam Adebayo delivered 16 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and four blocks. Kelly Olynyk finished with 14 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two steals. James Johnson came off the bench to pitch in 13 points, five rebounds and one block.
Jeff Green led the Wizards with 25 points, six boards, one steal and one block. Thomas Bryant generated a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included one assist. Bradley Beal totaled 16 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Tomas Satoransky supplied 12 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.
The Heat head back home to take on the Orlando Magic on Tuesday evening, while the Wizards pay a visit to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night as well.
The Heat (36-37) are feeling plenty of heat these days as they try to retain a hold of the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference while the likes of the Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets remain hot on their tail. Miami trailed the spoiler-minded Wizards (30-44) at the half by a sole point, and the same was true heading into the fourth quarter. The visitors finally made their move beginning at the six-minute mark of the final period after Washington had closed to within 98-96. The Heat went on an 11-3 run over the subsequent 2:49 to forge a 10-point cushion and wouldn't relinquish the lead the rest of the way.
Dwyane Wade paced the Heat with 20 points, adding nine rebounds, five assists and one steal. Dion Waiters tallied 19 points, three rebounds and three assists. Josh Richardson provided 18 points, five assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Bam Adebayo delivered 16 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and four blocks. Kelly Olynyk finished with 14 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two steals. James Johnson came off the bench to pitch in 13 points, five rebounds and one block.
Jeff Green led the Wizards with 25 points, six boards, one steal and one block. Thomas Bryant generated a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included one assist. Bradley Beal totaled 16 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Tomas Satoransky supplied 12 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.
The Heat head back home to take on the Orlando Magic on Tuesday evening, while the Wizards pay a visit to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night as well.
Hawks Outlast 76ers, 129-127
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 129-127, at State Farm Arena on Saturday night.
A game with all the potential to turn into a scoreboard-busting affair started to live up to the hype from the opening tip. The 76ers (47-26) and Hawks (26-48) combined for 75 points in the first quarter alone, and it was Atlanta that owned a 74-68 halftime lead. Philadelphia erased that deficit in the third quarter, fittingly sending what would be a wire-to-wire battle tied into the final period. The game continued as a see-saw affair until Trae Young clinched the win by draining a running floater with 0.1 seconds remaining for the victory.
Joel Embiid led the way for the 76ers with a 25-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included two assists. Ben Simmons and Jimmy Butler contributed matching 17-point efforts. Simmons added nine assists, six rebounds, four steals and two blocks, while Butler provided six boards, four assists, one steal and one block. Tobias Harris turned in 13 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one block. J.J. Redick poured in 12 points and added two assists and one rebound. Michael Scott furnished nine points and eight rebounds.
Young paced the Hawks with a 26-point, 11-assist double-double that included six rebounds and one block. Taurean Prince tallied 21 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal. Dewayne Dedmon delivered 17 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one steal. Alex Len managed 14 points, four rebounds, one assist and one block. John Collins contributed 11 points, eight boards, two assists, two blocks and one steal.
The 76ers next pay a visit to the Orlando Magic on Monday night, while the Hawks head to the Big Easy to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday evening.
A game with all the potential to turn into a scoreboard-busting affair started to live up to the hype from the opening tip. The 76ers (47-26) and Hawks (26-48) combined for 75 points in the first quarter alone, and it was Atlanta that owned a 74-68 halftime lead. Philadelphia erased that deficit in the third quarter, fittingly sending what would be a wire-to-wire battle tied into the final period. The game continued as a see-saw affair until Trae Young clinched the win by draining a running floater with 0.1 seconds remaining for the victory.
Joel Embiid led the way for the 76ers with a 25-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included two assists. Ben Simmons and Jimmy Butler contributed matching 17-point efforts. Simmons added nine assists, six rebounds, four steals and two blocks, while Butler provided six boards, four assists, one steal and one block. Tobias Harris turned in 13 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one block. J.J. Redick poured in 12 points and added two assists and one rebound. Michael Scott furnished nine points and eight rebounds.
Young paced the Hawks with a 26-point, 11-assist double-double that included six rebounds and one block. Taurean Prince tallied 21 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal. Dewayne Dedmon delivered 17 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one steal. Alex Len managed 14 points, four rebounds, one assist and one block. John Collins contributed 11 points, eight boards, two assists, two blocks and one steal.
The 76ers next pay a visit to the Orlando Magic on Monday night, while the Hawks head to the Big Easy to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday evening.
Jazz Roll Bulls, 114-83
The Utah Jazz defeated the host Chicago Bulls, 114-83, at United Center on Saturday.
Utah came into this game as a sizable favorite and this final scoreline shows just why. A 33-18 first quarter really set the tone and then a 37-18 second quarter was the dagger. In fact, that allowed the Jazz to lead by at least 28 points for the entirety of the second half. Utah ended up shooting 49 percent from the field and 34 percent from three-point range while holding Chicago to 36 percent from the field and 13 percent from long range. The Jazz also out-rebounded the Bulls, 57-44, and out-assisted them, 27-16.
The Jazz (43-30) were led by Rudy Gobert, as he tallied 21 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and four blocks on 9-of-11 from the field. Donovan Mitchell finished with 16 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Joe Ingles accrued 13 points, six rebounds and three assists while Jae Crowder led the bench with 11 points, six rebounds and four assists.
The Bulls (21-53) got a double-double from Lauri Markkanen to lead the team, as he amassed 18 points and 10 rebounds. Robin Lopez totaled 10 points and four boards. Shaquille Harrison collected six points, nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Cristiano Felicio led the bench with 10 points, six rebounds and two assists.
On deck for Utah is a home matchup versus the Phoenix Suns on Monday. As for Chicago, they're off until Tuesday when they travel to face the Toronto Raptors.
Utah came into this game as a sizable favorite and this final scoreline shows just why. A 33-18 first quarter really set the tone and then a 37-18 second quarter was the dagger. In fact, that allowed the Jazz to lead by at least 28 points for the entirety of the second half. Utah ended up shooting 49 percent from the field and 34 percent from three-point range while holding Chicago to 36 percent from the field and 13 percent from long range. The Jazz also out-rebounded the Bulls, 57-44, and out-assisted them, 27-16.
The Jazz (43-30) were led by Rudy Gobert, as he tallied 21 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and four blocks on 9-of-11 from the field. Donovan Mitchell finished with 16 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Joe Ingles accrued 13 points, six rebounds and three assists while Jae Crowder led the bench with 11 points, six rebounds and four assists.
The Bulls (21-53) got a double-double from Lauri Markkanen to lead the team, as he amassed 18 points and 10 rebounds. Robin Lopez totaled 10 points and four boards. Shaquille Harrison collected six points, nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Cristiano Felicio led the bench with 10 points, six rebounds and two assists.
On deck for Utah is a home matchup versus the Phoenix Suns on Monday. As for Chicago, they're off until Tuesday when they travel to face the Toronto Raptors.
T'Wolves Defeat Grizzlies, 112-99
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the host Memphis Grizzlies, 112-99, at FedEx Forum on Saturday.
While there were 12 lead changes in the first 27 minutes of this game, Memphis took control in the second half. In fact, the Grizzlies rode a 35-18 third quarter to victory, as that allowed them to hold a double-digit lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. Defense was key for the Timberwolves, as they held the Grizzlies to 38 percent from the field and 30 percent from three-point range. Minnesota ended up shooting 48 percent from the field and 46 percent from long range. Rim protection was also key, with the T'Wolves winning the defensive rebounding battle, 36-27, while out-blocking the Grizzlies, 10-4.
The Timberwolves (33-40) were led by Karl-Anthony Towns, as he tallied 33 points, 23 rebounds and three assists. Andrew Wiggins amassed 22 points and four boards. Josh Okogie accrued 17 points, six rebounds and four assists while Tyus Jones collected 12 points, three rebounds and nine assists.
The Grizzlies (29-44) were led by Mike Conley, as he collected 23 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Jonas Valanciunas generated 20 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Delon Wright led the bench with 12 points, four rebounds, six assists and two steals. No other player reached double figures in scoring or rebounding.
On deck for Memphis is a home matchup versus the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, As for Minnesota, they return to action on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Clippers.
While there were 12 lead changes in the first 27 minutes of this game, Memphis took control in the second half. In fact, the Grizzlies rode a 35-18 third quarter to victory, as that allowed them to hold a double-digit lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. Defense was key for the Timberwolves, as they held the Grizzlies to 38 percent from the field and 30 percent from three-point range. Minnesota ended up shooting 48 percent from the field and 46 percent from long range. Rim protection was also key, with the T'Wolves winning the defensive rebounding battle, 36-27, while out-blocking the Grizzlies, 10-4.
The Timberwolves (33-40) were led by Karl-Anthony Towns, as he tallied 33 points, 23 rebounds and three assists. Andrew Wiggins amassed 22 points and four boards. Josh Okogie accrued 17 points, six rebounds and four assists while Tyus Jones collected 12 points, three rebounds and nine assists.
The Grizzlies (29-44) were led by Mike Conley, as he collected 23 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Jonas Valanciunas generated 20 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Delon Wright led the bench with 12 points, four rebounds, six assists and two steals. No other player reached double figures in scoring or rebounding.
On deck for Memphis is a home matchup versus the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, As for Minnesota, they return to action on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Mavericks Obliterate Warriors, 126-91
The Dallas Mavericks defeated host Golden State Warriors, 126-91, at ORACLE Arena on Saturday.
It wouldn't have been surprising to see the Warriors win this game in blowout fashion but the Mavericks turned the tables on them here. In fact, a 37-22 first quarter really set the tone, as Dallas led by 28 points at the half and by 38 points heading into the fourth quarter. It was actually a wire-to-wire win for Dallas, leading by at least 35 points for the entirety of the fourth quarter. The Mavericks ended up shooting 53 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while holding Golden State to 40 percent from the field and 13 percent (4-of-30) from long range. Dallas out-rebounded Golden State, 49-36, and out-assisted them, 33-22.
The Mavericks (29-44) got another triple-double from Luka Doncic, as he led the way with 23 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists and three steals. Dirk Nowitzki amassed 21 points, five rebounds and two blocks. Jalen Brunson accrued 11 points, four rebounds and five assists while Maxi Kleber led the bench with 16 points and nine boards.
The Warriors (49-33) were led by Kevin Durant, as he tallied 25 points, five rebounds and four assists. DeMarcus Cousins amassed 19 points, six rebounds and three assists. Quinn Cook started for Stpehen Curry (rest) and provided seven points, six rebounds and seven assists. Kevon Looney was the only other player in double figures, as he led the bench with 12 points and three boards.
Golden State has to play again on Sunday, as they play host to the Detroit Pistons. As for Dallas, they return to action on Tuesday against the Sacramento Kings.
It wouldn't have been surprising to see the Warriors win this game in blowout fashion but the Mavericks turned the tables on them here. In fact, a 37-22 first quarter really set the tone, as Dallas led by 28 points at the half and by 38 points heading into the fourth quarter. It was actually a wire-to-wire win for Dallas, leading by at least 35 points for the entirety of the fourth quarter. The Mavericks ended up shooting 53 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while holding Golden State to 40 percent from the field and 13 percent (4-of-30) from long range. Dallas out-rebounded Golden State, 49-36, and out-assisted them, 33-22.
The Mavericks (29-44) got another triple-double from Luka Doncic, as he led the way with 23 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists and three steals. Dirk Nowitzki amassed 21 points, five rebounds and two blocks. Jalen Brunson accrued 11 points, four rebounds and five assists while Maxi Kleber led the bench with 16 points and nine boards.
The Warriors (49-33) were led by Kevin Durant, as he tallied 25 points, five rebounds and four assists. DeMarcus Cousins amassed 19 points, six rebounds and three assists. Quinn Cook started for Stpehen Curry (rest) and provided seven points, six rebounds and seven assists. Kevon Looney was the only other player in double figures, as he led the bench with 12 points and three boards.
Golden State has to play again on Sunday, as they play host to the Detroit Pistons. As for Dallas, they return to action on Tuesday against the Sacramento Kings.
Trail Blazers Rally For Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Detroit Pistons, 117-112, at Moda Center on Saturday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start as the Pistons and Trail Blazers traded the lead through the first quarter, with the Blazers taking a 32-28 lead into the second. The Trail Blazers pushed their lead to 12 late in the second, before the Pistons made a run to cut it to a three-point game by halftime. The Blazers came out strong in the third, but the Pistons stayed with it and managed to take a lead late in the quarter, carry a three-point lead into the fourth. The Pistons kept the momentum and led 108-103, with 4:28 left in the game. However, the home team caught fire at the right time, outscoring the visitors by 10 the rest of the way, to secure their third straight win.
Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 28 points, nine assists and six rebounds, in 37 minutes. Al-Farouq Aminu followed up with 22 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal, while Jusuf Nurkic added 15 points, six rebounds, three assists and two blocks. The Trail Blazers shot 54 percent from the field, including 11-of-26 from long range.
Meanwhile, Blake Griffin led the Pistons with 27 points, six assists, three rebounds and one steal, in 35 minutes. Reggie Jackson followed up with 24 points, two rebounds, an assist and a steal, while Andre Drummond added 19 points, 11 rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block. The Pistons shot 50 percent from the field, including 14-of-34 from long range.
The Pistons (37-35) will look to bounce back as they take on the Warriors on Sunday. The Trail Blazers (45-27) play host to the Nets on Monday.
The contest got out to a competitive start as the Pistons and Trail Blazers traded the lead through the first quarter, with the Blazers taking a 32-28 lead into the second. The Trail Blazers pushed their lead to 12 late in the second, before the Pistons made a run to cut it to a three-point game by halftime. The Blazers came out strong in the third, but the Pistons stayed with it and managed to take a lead late in the quarter, carry a three-point lead into the fourth. The Pistons kept the momentum and led 108-103, with 4:28 left in the game. However, the home team caught fire at the right time, outscoring the visitors by 10 the rest of the way, to secure their third straight win.
Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 28 points, nine assists and six rebounds, in 37 minutes. Al-Farouq Aminu followed up with 22 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal, while Jusuf Nurkic added 15 points, six rebounds, three assists and two blocks. The Trail Blazers shot 54 percent from the field, including 11-of-26 from long range.
Meanwhile, Blake Griffin led the Pistons with 27 points, six assists, three rebounds and one steal, in 35 minutes. Reggie Jackson followed up with 24 points, two rebounds, an assist and a steal, while Andre Drummond added 19 points, 11 rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block. The Pistons shot 50 percent from the field, including 14-of-34 from long range.
The Pistons (37-35) will look to bounce back as they take on the Warriors on Sunday. The Trail Blazers (45-27) play host to the Nets on Monday.
Kings Earn Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns, 112-103, at Golden 1 Center on Saturday evening.
The Suns got out to a great start on the road as they outscored the Kings, 32-19, in the first quarter. The Kings chipped away through the second quarter but still trailed by six at halftime. The Kings came out strong in the second half and claimed the lead halfway through the third quarter, before pushing ahead to take a 79-75 lead into the final frame. The Suns make a quick run to take the lead early in the fourth, but the Kings responded with a 9-2 run, and managed to hold the lead the rest of the way. This marks the second straight win for the Kings, and the third straight loss for the Suns.
Harrison Barnes and Buddy Hield led the Kings with 25 points each, while Nemanja Bjelica and Marvin Bagley III both came up big with double-doubles. De'Aaron Fox added 13 points, nine assists, four rebounds and a steal, as the Kings shot 42 percent from the field, including 17-of-38 from deep.
Meanwhile, Devin Booker led the Suns with 32 points, 10 assists, two rebounds and two steals, in 39 minutes. Deandre Ayton followed up with 19 points, 11 rebounds, a steal and a block, while Troy Daniels added 16 points, three rebounds, an assists and a block, off the bench. The Suns shot 41 percent from the field, including 9-of-34 from long range.
The Suns (17-57) will look to bounce back as they take on the Jazz in Utah on Monday. The Kings (36-36) take on the Lakers in L.A. on Sunday.
The Suns got out to a great start on the road as they outscored the Kings, 32-19, in the first quarter. The Kings chipped away through the second quarter but still trailed by six at halftime. The Kings came out strong in the second half and claimed the lead halfway through the third quarter, before pushing ahead to take a 79-75 lead into the final frame. The Suns make a quick run to take the lead early in the fourth, but the Kings responded with a 9-2 run, and managed to hold the lead the rest of the way. This marks the second straight win for the Kings, and the third straight loss for the Suns.
Harrison Barnes and Buddy Hield led the Kings with 25 points each, while Nemanja Bjelica and Marvin Bagley III both came up big with double-doubles. De'Aaron Fox added 13 points, nine assists, four rebounds and a steal, as the Kings shot 42 percent from the field, including 17-of-38 from deep.
Meanwhile, Devin Booker led the Suns with 32 points, 10 assists, two rebounds and two steals, in 39 minutes. Deandre Ayton followed up with 19 points, 11 rebounds, a steal and a block, while Troy Daniels added 16 points, three rebounds, an assists and a block, off the bench. The Suns shot 41 percent from the field, including 9-of-34 from long range.
The Suns (17-57) will look to bounce back as they take on the Jazz in Utah on Monday. The Kings (36-36) take on the Lakers in L.A. on Sunday.