Clippers Defeat Knicks, 124-113
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the host New York Knicks, 124-113, at Madison Square Garden on Sunday.
While Los Angeles came into this game as a sizable favorite, it was close throughout. In fact, there were nine ties and 10 lead changes in total. With that said, the Clippers led throughout, holding the lead for all but a few minutes. Turnovers were the difference in the game, with the Clippers forcing 14 turnovers from the Knicks while committing just eight on their end. Three-point shooting was also critical, with Los Angeles hitting 15-of-35 and New York connecting on 9-of-33.
The Clippers (44-30) were led by Lou Williams, as he provided 29 points, three rebounds, seven assists and two steals off the bench. Danilo Gallinari led the starters with 26 points and eight boards. Ivica Zubac amassed 10 points and 10 rebounds while Montrezl Harrell totaled 24 points and four boards.
The Knicks (14-60) were led by Emmanuel Mudiay, as he tallied 26 points, six rebounds and seven assists. DeAndre Jordan accrued 20 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Damyean Dotson finished with 18 points, three rebounds and two assists while Kadeem Allen led the bench with 16 points and four rebounds.
On deck for the Clippers is a road matchup versus the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday. As for the Knicks, they're off until Thursday when they play host to the Toronto Raptors.
While Los Angeles came into this game as a sizable favorite, it was close throughout. In fact, there were nine ties and 10 lead changes in total. With that said, the Clippers led throughout, holding the lead for all but a few minutes. Turnovers were the difference in the game, with the Clippers forcing 14 turnovers from the Knicks while committing just eight on their end. Three-point shooting was also critical, with Los Angeles hitting 15-of-35 and New York connecting on 9-of-33.
The Clippers (44-30) were led by Lou Williams, as he provided 29 points, three rebounds, seven assists and two steals off the bench. Danilo Gallinari led the starters with 26 points and eight boards. Ivica Zubac amassed 10 points and 10 rebounds while Montrezl Harrell totaled 24 points and four boards.
The Knicks (14-60) were led by Emmanuel Mudiay, as he tallied 26 points, six rebounds and seven assists. DeAndre Jordan accrued 20 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Damyean Dotson finished with 18 points, three rebounds and two assists while Kadeem Allen led the bench with 16 points and four rebounds.
On deck for the Clippers is a road matchup versus the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday. As for the Knicks, they're off until Thursday when they play host to the Toronto Raptors.
Bucks Roll Cavaliers, 127-105
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, 127-105, at Fiserv Forum on Sunday.
Milwaukee came into this game as a sizable favorite and a wire-to-wire win here shows just why. In fact, Milwaukee either won or tied all four individual quarters, as a 68-55 first half was too much for Cleveland to overcome. Rim protection was key for the Bucks, as they won the defensive rebounding battle, 41-32, while out-blocking the Cavaliers, 7-1. Milwaukee ended up shooting 55 percent from the field while holding Cleveland to just 43 percent shooting.
The Cavaliers (19-55) were led by Kevin Love, as he tallied 20 points, 19 rebounds and three assists. Collin Sexton totaled 18 points and five rebounds. Larry Nance Jr. started and accumulated 13 points, three rebounds, six assists and three steals. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 19 points, three rebounds and four assists.
The Bucks (55-19) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, as he collected 26 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and four blocks. Khris Middleton accrued 17 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Eric Bledsoe amassed 12 points, five rebounds, seven assists and two steals while George Hill led the bench with 17 points.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Cleveland playing host to the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee welcoming the Houston Rockets to Fiserv Forum.
Milwaukee came into this game as a sizable favorite and a wire-to-wire win here shows just why. In fact, Milwaukee either won or tied all four individual quarters, as a 68-55 first half was too much for Cleveland to overcome. Rim protection was key for the Bucks, as they won the defensive rebounding battle, 41-32, while out-blocking the Cavaliers, 7-1. Milwaukee ended up shooting 55 percent from the field while holding Cleveland to just 43 percent shooting.
The Cavaliers (19-55) were led by Kevin Love, as he tallied 20 points, 19 rebounds and three assists. Collin Sexton totaled 18 points and five rebounds. Larry Nance Jr. started and accumulated 13 points, three rebounds, six assists and three steals. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 19 points, three rebounds and four assists.
The Bucks (55-19) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, as he collected 26 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and four blocks. Khris Middleton accrued 17 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Eric Bledsoe amassed 12 points, five rebounds, seven assists and two steals while George Hill led the bench with 17 points.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Cleveland playing host to the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee welcoming the Houston Rockets to Fiserv Forum.
Pacers Obliterate Nuggets
By Dan Bruno
The Indiana Pacers defeated the visiting Denver Nuggets, 124-88, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Sunday afternoon.
The Pacers got out to a good start at home and brought a four-point lead into the second quarter. They carried the momentum in the second and would outscore the visitors by 12 in the quarter to take a 16-point lead by halftime. The Nuggets could not get anything going as they started slow in the third and the Pacers pulled ahead again, outscoring them by nine in the quarter, to take a 25-point lead into the final frame. The Pacers held strong through the fourth to earn an impressive home win over one of the leagues top teams.
Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pacers with 35 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal, in 26 minutes. Myles Turner added 17 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal, while Domantas Sabonis tallied 15 points, 13 rebounds and four assists. The Pacers shot 56 percent from the field including 8-of-18 from long range.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 19 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, four blocks and one steal, in 30 minutes. Will Barton followed up 15 points, three rebounds and one assist, while Monte Morris added 12 points, one rebound and one assist, in 23 minutes off the bench. The Nuggets shot 36 percent from the field including 7-of-29 of from deep.
The Nuggets (49-23) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pistons on Tuesday. The Pacers take on the thunder in OKC on Wednesday.
The Pacers got out to a good start at home and brought a four-point lead into the second quarter. They carried the momentum in the second and would outscore the visitors by 12 in the quarter to take a 16-point lead by halftime. The Nuggets could not get anything going as they started slow in the third and the Pacers pulled ahead again, outscoring them by nine in the quarter, to take a 25-point lead into the final frame. The Pacers held strong through the fourth to earn an impressive home win over one of the leagues top teams.
Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pacers with 35 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal, in 26 minutes. Myles Turner added 17 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal, while Domantas Sabonis tallied 15 points, 13 rebounds and four assists. The Pacers shot 56 percent from the field including 8-of-18 from long range.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 19 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, four blocks and one steal, in 30 minutes. Will Barton followed up 15 points, three rebounds and one assist, while Monte Morris added 12 points, one rebound and one assist, in 23 minutes off the bench. The Nuggets shot 36 percent from the field including 7-of-29 of from deep.
The Nuggets (49-23) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pistons on Tuesday. The Pacers take on the thunder in OKC on Wednesday.
Hornets Pull Off Impressive Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the host Toronto Raptors, 115-114, at Scotiabank Arena on Sunday evening.
The Raptors got out to a good start at home with a 20-9 lead early on, but the Hornets rallied to make it a five-point game heading into the second quarter. The Hornets responded in the second and tied it up at 41 four minutes into the quarter. They kept pushing and took a 58-57 lead by halftime. The Hornets carried the momentum into the second half, as they outscored the Raptors by 11 in the third quarter, to take a 12-point lead into the final frame. The Raptors rallied in the fourth and pulled ahead with a two-point lead in the final seconds, however, the Hornets managed to pull off a miracle, as Jeremy Lamb launched a halfcourt shot to steal a one-point win against one of the top teams in the league.
Kawhi Leonard led the Raptors with 28 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks, in 34 minutes. Pascal Siakam followed up with 23 points, seven rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, while Marc Gasol added 17 points, six assists, four rebounds, three blocks and one steal. The Raptors shot 58 percent from the field, including 11-of-26 from long range.
Meanwhile, Dwayne Bacon led the Hornets with 20 points and three rebounds, in 33 minutes. Miles Bridges followed up with 16 points, six rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block, while Kemba Walker totaled 15 points, 13 assists, eight rebounds and four steals. The Hornets shot 44 percent from the field, including 18-of-41 from deep.
The Raptors (51-23) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Bulls on Tuesday. The Hornets (34-39) play host to the Spurs on Tuesday.
The Raptors got out to a good start at home with a 20-9 lead early on, but the Hornets rallied to make it a five-point game heading into the second quarter. The Hornets responded in the second and tied it up at 41 four minutes into the quarter. They kept pushing and took a 58-57 lead by halftime. The Hornets carried the momentum into the second half, as they outscored the Raptors by 11 in the third quarter, to take a 12-point lead into the final frame. The Raptors rallied in the fourth and pulled ahead with a two-point lead in the final seconds, however, the Hornets managed to pull off a miracle, as Jeremy Lamb launched a halfcourt shot to steal a one-point win against one of the top teams in the league.
Kawhi Leonard led the Raptors with 28 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks, in 34 minutes. Pascal Siakam followed up with 23 points, seven rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, while Marc Gasol added 17 points, six assists, four rebounds, three blocks and one steal. The Raptors shot 58 percent from the field, including 11-of-26 from long range.
Meanwhile, Dwayne Bacon led the Hornets with 20 points and three rebounds, in 33 minutes. Miles Bridges followed up with 16 points, six rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block, while Kemba Walker totaled 15 points, 13 assists, eight rebounds and four steals. The Hornets shot 44 percent from the field, including 18-of-41 from deep.
The Raptors (51-23) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Bulls on Tuesday. The Hornets (34-39) play host to the Spurs on Tuesday.
Rockets Handle Pelicans, 113-90
The Houston Rockets defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 113-90, at Smoothie King Arena on Sunday evening.
The Rockets (47-27) set the tone with a dominant first quarter, jumping out to a 33-19 first-quarter lead that they'd extended to 63-44 by halftime. While the Pelicans (31-44) were much more competitive in the second half, Houston still added four points to their advantage by the final buzzer. The visitors were effective on both ends of the floor, draining 48.8 percent of their attempts while limiting New Orleans to a 41.3 percent figure.
James Harden paced the Rockets with 28 points, adding four assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Eric Gordon produced 18 points, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Danuel House, Jr. turned in 14 points, six rebounds and one steal. P.J. Tucker and Kenneth Faried turned in matching 11-point tallies, with Faried also hauling in 11 rebounds. Chris Paul generated an 11-point, 13-assist double-double that also included three rebounds and five steals. Clint Capela mustered eight points while also hauling in 17 rebounds and dishing out one assist.
Frank Jackson led the Pelicans with 19 points while also supplying six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Julius Randle managed 15 points, three rebounds and two assists. Stanley Johnson furnished 13 points, five boards, one assist and one steal. Anthony Davis compiled 12 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Elfrid Payton delivered only four points and also dished out eight assists, brought down four boards, and recorded on steal.
The Rockets next pay a visit to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night, while the Pelicans remain home and take on the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday evening as well.
The Rockets (47-27) set the tone with a dominant first quarter, jumping out to a 33-19 first-quarter lead that they'd extended to 63-44 by halftime. While the Pelicans (31-44) were much more competitive in the second half, Houston still added four points to their advantage by the final buzzer. The visitors were effective on both ends of the floor, draining 48.8 percent of their attempts while limiting New Orleans to a 41.3 percent figure.
James Harden paced the Rockets with 28 points, adding four assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Eric Gordon produced 18 points, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Danuel House, Jr. turned in 14 points, six rebounds and one steal. P.J. Tucker and Kenneth Faried turned in matching 11-point tallies, with Faried also hauling in 11 rebounds. Chris Paul generated an 11-point, 13-assist double-double that also included three rebounds and five steals. Clint Capela mustered eight points while also hauling in 17 rebounds and dishing out one assist.
Frank Jackson led the Pelicans with 19 points while also supplying six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Julius Randle managed 15 points, three rebounds and two assists. Stanley Johnson furnished 13 points, five boards, one assist and one steal. Anthony Davis compiled 12 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Elfrid Payton delivered only four points and also dished out eight assists, brought down four boards, and recorded on steal.
The Rockets next pay a visit to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night, while the Pelicans remain home and take on the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday evening as well.
Spurs Dispose of Celtics, 115-96
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Boston Celtics, 115-96, at TD Garden on Sunday night.
The Spurs (43-31) came into the contest looking to get back on the winning track and keep a hold of their currently slotting as the eighth seed in the Western Conference, but they knew they figured on an uphill battle against the home-court Celtics (43-31). However, San Antonio helped itself with an early 31-24 lead after one quarter, and they'd managed to build a 10-point cushion heading into the final period. Boston was unable to ever mount a series comeback at that point, with the visitors outscoring them by the same 31-24 margin they had in the first. The Celtics' biggest issue was having no answer for LaMarcus Aldridge, who trampled them for 48 points, 13 rebounds and six assists over 37 minutes.
DeMar DeRozan was a distant second to Aldridge, generating 16 points, 11 assists and two blocks. Patty Mills was the only other double-digit Spurs scorer, pouring in 12 points off the bench while also dishing out four assists and recording one rebound. Jakob Poeltl mustered six points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. The starting backcourt of Derrick White and Bryn Forbes posted matching four-point tallies.
Marcus Smart led the Celtics with 14 points, adding four rebounds and one assist. Marcus Morris and Gordon Hayward provided 13 points each while hauling in six and 10 rebounds, respectively. Kyrie Irving contributed a 11-point, 12-assist double-double that also included two rebounds, two steals and one block. Daniel Theis led the second unit with 11 points, seven boards, one assist and one block.
The Spurs remain on the road and next visit the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday evening, while the Celtics travel to Cleveland and tangle with the Cavaliers on Tuesday night as well.
The Spurs (43-31) came into the contest looking to get back on the winning track and keep a hold of their currently slotting as the eighth seed in the Western Conference, but they knew they figured on an uphill battle against the home-court Celtics (43-31). However, San Antonio helped itself with an early 31-24 lead after one quarter, and they'd managed to build a 10-point cushion heading into the final period. Boston was unable to ever mount a series comeback at that point, with the visitors outscoring them by the same 31-24 margin they had in the first. The Celtics' biggest issue was having no answer for LaMarcus Aldridge, who trampled them for 48 points, 13 rebounds and six assists over 37 minutes.
DeMar DeRozan was a distant second to Aldridge, generating 16 points, 11 assists and two blocks. Patty Mills was the only other double-digit Spurs scorer, pouring in 12 points off the bench while also dishing out four assists and recording one rebound. Jakob Poeltl mustered six points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. The starting backcourt of Derrick White and Bryn Forbes posted matching four-point tallies.
Marcus Smart led the Celtics with 14 points, adding four rebounds and one assist. Marcus Morris and Gordon Hayward provided 13 points each while hauling in six and 10 rebounds, respectively. Kyrie Irving contributed a 11-point, 12-assist double-double that also included two rebounds, two steals and one block. Daniel Theis led the second unit with 11 points, seven boards, one assist and one block.
The Spurs remain on the road and next visit the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday evening, while the Celtics travel to Cleveland and tangle with the Cavaliers on Tuesday night as well.
Warriors Beat Pistons, 121-114
By Oscar Heanue
The Golden State Warriors took down the Detroit Pistons, 121-114, at Oracle Arena on Sunday evening.
Sunday's tilt was an important one for the Warriors (50-23), who entered the game in a tie with Denver for first in the Western Conference. Golden State had taken its worst loss of the season on Saturday, falling by a 35-point margin to the Dallas Mavericks. Things went smoothly for the Warriors on Sunday, however, as the team led by double figures at halftime and by 20 by the end of the third quarter. Golden State was able to overcome the absence of DeMarcus Cousins (rest), instead starting recently-signed big man Andrew Bogut. Detroit (37-36) was able to fight back with a 37-point fourth quarter, but it proved to be too little, too late. The Pistons were unable to come within seven points of Golden State in the second half.
Steph Curry led the way for the Warriors with 26 points. Klay Thompson added another 24, knocking down four three-pointers. Kevin Durant logged a double-double, shooting 5-of-6 for 14 points and dishing out 11 assists. In total, the Warriors shot 62.2 percent from the field and a highly efficient 13-of-25 from three-point range.
For Detroit, Blake Griffin scored 24 points and dished out eight assists. The Pistons relied heavily on their second unit, which combined for 62 points on the night. Luke Kennard led the bench unit with 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting.
The Pistons' Western Conference road trip will continue with a visit to Denver on Tuesday. The Warriors, meanwhile, will next suit up in Memphis on Wednesday evening.
Sunday's tilt was an important one for the Warriors (50-23), who entered the game in a tie with Denver for first in the Western Conference. Golden State had taken its worst loss of the season on Saturday, falling by a 35-point margin to the Dallas Mavericks. Things went smoothly for the Warriors on Sunday, however, as the team led by double figures at halftime and by 20 by the end of the third quarter. Golden State was able to overcome the absence of DeMarcus Cousins (rest), instead starting recently-signed big man Andrew Bogut. Detroit (37-36) was able to fight back with a 37-point fourth quarter, but it proved to be too little, too late. The Pistons were unable to come within seven points of Golden State in the second half.
Steph Curry led the way for the Warriors with 26 points. Klay Thompson added another 24, knocking down four three-pointers. Kevin Durant logged a double-double, shooting 5-of-6 for 14 points and dishing out 11 assists. In total, the Warriors shot 62.2 percent from the field and a highly efficient 13-of-25 from three-point range.
For Detroit, Blake Griffin scored 24 points and dished out eight assists. The Pistons relied heavily on their second unit, which combined for 62 points on the night. Luke Kennard led the bench unit with 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting.
The Pistons' Western Conference road trip will continue with a visit to Denver on Tuesday. The Warriors, meanwhile, will next suit up in Memphis on Wednesday evening.
Lakers Defeat Kings, 111-106
By Oscar Heanue
The Los Angeles Lakers took down the Sacramento Kings, 111-106, at Staples Center on Sunday evening.
LeBron James recorded his 81st career triple-double to help the Lakers (32-41) earn a narrow win over Sacramento (36-37). The Kings jumped out to a quick lead in the second quarter, but the Lakers responded with a 39-point third quarter after the halftime break. Sacramento was able to make it a close game after Bogdan Bogdanovic knocked down a three-pointer to cut the deficit to just two with under 20 second remaining. However, James knocked down a pair of free-throws to make it a two-possession game, giving the Lakers the cushion they needed to close out the win.
James finished with 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. Kyle Kuzma delivered another 29 points while knocking down five three-pointers. The win comes on the heels of a 1-9 stretch for the Lakers, who currently occupy 11th place in the Western Conference.
For the Kings, Marvin Bagley III scored 25 points and grabbed 11 rebounds off the bench. Five of Bagley's boards came on the offensive end in what proved to be a nice night for the rookie. Bogdanovic contributed another 17, but the Kings shot a dismal 38 percent from the floor as a team in the loss.
Both teams will suit up again on Tuesday, with the Kings visiting Dallas and the Lakers hosting the Washington Wizards.
LeBron James recorded his 81st career triple-double to help the Lakers (32-41) earn a narrow win over Sacramento (36-37). The Kings jumped out to a quick lead in the second quarter, but the Lakers responded with a 39-point third quarter after the halftime break. Sacramento was able to make it a close game after Bogdan Bogdanovic knocked down a three-pointer to cut the deficit to just two with under 20 second remaining. However, James knocked down a pair of free-throws to make it a two-possession game, giving the Lakers the cushion they needed to close out the win.
James finished with 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. Kyle Kuzma delivered another 29 points while knocking down five three-pointers. The win comes on the heels of a 1-9 stretch for the Lakers, who currently occupy 11th place in the Western Conference.
For the Kings, Marvin Bagley III scored 25 points and grabbed 11 rebounds off the bench. Five of Bagley's boards came on the offensive end in what proved to be a nice night for the rookie. Bogdanovic contributed another 17, but the Kings shot a dismal 38 percent from the floor as a team in the loss.
Both teams will suit up again on Tuesday, with the Kings visiting Dallas and the Lakers hosting the Washington Wizards.