Spurs Dominate, Secure Win Over Jazz
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Utah Jazz, 119-111, on Friday at Orlando.
The Spurs (30-38) were playing a pivotal contest in their race to earn a playoff spot in the Western Conference, and they couldn't have wished for a better opponent since the Jazz (43-26) rested several key players, such as Donovan Mitchell (leg), Rudy Gobert (rest) and Mike Conley (knee). This was noticeable in the way the game happened, as Utah's biggest lead was two points early in the first quarter. The Spurs controlled the contest and led by as much as 16 in the first period, although they were leading by almost double digits during the entire contest. Utah attempted a late comeback, but their efforts were not enough. San Antonio kept their playoff chances alive with a big win, although they still depend on what will happen with the rest of the teams sitting above them in the standings.
Derrick White was the Spurs' leading scorer with 24 points, and he also added six rebounds with four assists. Jakob Poeltl notched 19 points with 10 rebounds, while Rudy Gay chipped in with 14 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals off the bench. Lonnie Walker IV had 14 points, while DeMar DeRozan added 13 points with five assists, two steals and two boards. Dejounte Murray had 11 points.
Jordan Clarkson came off the bench to lead the Jazz with 24 points in 25 minutes while shooting 8-of-18 from the field. Joe Ingles had 12 points, Emmanuel Mudiay notched 14 points with five dimes, and Tony Bradley contributed a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds in 23 minutes off the bench. Mine Oyi scored 14 points while adding seven rebounds in 31 minutes.
The Spurs (30-38) were playing a pivotal contest in their race to earn a playoff spot in the Western Conference, and they couldn't have wished for a better opponent since the Jazz (43-26) rested several key players, such as Donovan Mitchell (leg), Rudy Gobert (rest) and Mike Conley (knee). This was noticeable in the way the game happened, as Utah's biggest lead was two points early in the first quarter. The Spurs controlled the contest and led by as much as 16 in the first period, although they were leading by almost double digits during the entire contest. Utah attempted a late comeback, but their efforts were not enough. San Antonio kept their playoff chances alive with a big win, although they still depend on what will happen with the rest of the teams sitting above them in the standings.
Derrick White was the Spurs' leading scorer with 24 points, and he also added six rebounds with four assists. Jakob Poeltl notched 19 points with 10 rebounds, while Rudy Gay chipped in with 14 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals off the bench. Lonnie Walker IV had 14 points, while DeMar DeRozan added 13 points with five assists, two steals and two boards. Dejounte Murray had 11 points.
Jordan Clarkson came off the bench to lead the Jazz with 24 points in 25 minutes while shooting 8-of-18 from the field. Joe Ingles had 12 points, Emmanuel Mudiay notched 14 points with five dimes, and Tony Bradley contributed a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds in 23 minutes off the bench. Mine Oyi scored 14 points while adding seven rebounds in 31 minutes.
Grizzlies Awaken From Slumber, Topple Thunder, 121-92
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, 121-92, in an NBA seeding game in Orlando on Friday afternoon.
The Grizzlies (33-37) knew they were skating on thin ice coming into the contest, as their own 0-4 record in seeding games and the Trail Blazers' surge in Orlando had left Memphis with just a slim half-game lead over Portland for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. Nevertheless, the message of urgency didn't seem to quite register in the first quarter, when Oklahoma City established a 37-25 lead. It was at that point that Ja Morant and company apparently decided enough was enough, leading to them finishing the final 36 minutes on a 96-67 run to notch an easy and much-needed victory. The stat sheet was unsurprisingly heavily in favor of the Grizzlies considering the lopsided score, with the most striking disparity arguably coming in the 55.4 percent shooting percentage they mustered compared to the Thunder's forgettable 35.1 percent figure.
Chris Paul led the way for the Thunder with 17 points, adding five rebounds, five assists and four steals. Luguentz Dortz followed with 16 points, three boards, two assists and one steal. Danilo Gallinari and Darius Bazley contributed matching 12-point tallies and also dished out two assists apiece. Nerlens Noel furnished 11 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander totaled 10 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal.
Dillon Brooks paced the Grizzlies with 22 points, complementing them with six rebounds, four assists and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas and Morant each provided 19 points, with Valanciunas adding 11 rebounds and Morant recording nine assists. Brandon Clarke and Gorgui Dieng posted 12 points apiece off the bench while pulling down eight and seven rebounds, respectively. Grayson Allen poured in 11 points.
The Thunder is back on the floor on Sunday afternoon against the Washington Wizards, while the Grizzlies face the Toronto Raptors on Sunday afternoon as well.
The Grizzlies (33-37) knew they were skating on thin ice coming into the contest, as their own 0-4 record in seeding games and the Trail Blazers' surge in Orlando had left Memphis with just a slim half-game lead over Portland for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. Nevertheless, the message of urgency didn't seem to quite register in the first quarter, when Oklahoma City established a 37-25 lead. It was at that point that Ja Morant and company apparently decided enough was enough, leading to them finishing the final 36 minutes on a 96-67 run to notch an easy and much-needed victory. The stat sheet was unsurprisingly heavily in favor of the Grizzlies considering the lopsided score, with the most striking disparity arguably coming in the 55.4 percent shooting percentage they mustered compared to the Thunder's forgettable 35.1 percent figure.
Chris Paul led the way for the Thunder with 17 points, adding five rebounds, five assists and four steals. Luguentz Dortz followed with 16 points, three boards, two assists and one steal. Danilo Gallinari and Darius Bazley contributed matching 12-point tallies and also dished out two assists apiece. Nerlens Noel furnished 11 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander totaled 10 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal.
Dillon Brooks paced the Grizzlies with 22 points, complementing them with six rebounds, four assists and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas and Morant each provided 19 points, with Valanciunas adding 11 rebounds and Morant recording nine assists. Brandon Clarke and Gorgui Dieng posted 12 points apiece off the bench while pulling down eight and seven rebounds, respectively. Grayson Allen poured in 11 points.
The Thunder is back on the floor on Sunday afternoon against the Washington Wizards, while the Grizzlies face the Toronto Raptors on Sunday afternoon as well.
Nets Charge Past Kings
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Sacramento Kings, 119-106, on Friday at Orlando.
The contest got out to a competitive start and after a few lead changes in the first, the Kings took a three-point lead into the second quarter. The Nets turned it up a notch in the second and outscored the Kings, 39-26, in the quarter, to grab a 10-point lead by halftime. The Nets stayed in control through the third, as they pushed their lead to 16, before settling on an 11-point lead, heading into the final frame. They kept the momentum going in to the fourth and put the game out of reach, as they expanded their lead to 23, with less than five minutes to go in the contest.
Seven players scored in double digits for the Nets, led by Caris LeVert, who tallied 22 points, seven assists, five rebounds and three steals, in 36 minutes. Joe Harris added 21 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Jarrett Allen tallied 17 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and a block. The Nets shot 49 percent from the field, including 17-of-40 from long range.
Meanwhile, Bogdan Bogdanovic led the Kings with 27 points, six rebounds and two assists, in 34 minutes. De'Aaron Fox added 21 points, seven assists, two rebounds and a steal, while Buddy Hield chipped in 17 points, in 20 minutes off the bench. The Kings shot 43 percent from the field, including 12-of-40 from deep.
The Kings will look to bounce back as they take on the Rockets on Sunday. The Nets play the Clippers on Sunday.
The contest got out to a competitive start and after a few lead changes in the first, the Kings took a three-point lead into the second quarter. The Nets turned it up a notch in the second and outscored the Kings, 39-26, in the quarter, to grab a 10-point lead by halftime. The Nets stayed in control through the third, as they pushed their lead to 16, before settling on an 11-point lead, heading into the final frame. They kept the momentum going in to the fourth and put the game out of reach, as they expanded their lead to 23, with less than five minutes to go in the contest.
Seven players scored in double digits for the Nets, led by Caris LeVert, who tallied 22 points, seven assists, five rebounds and three steals, in 36 minutes. Joe Harris added 21 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Jarrett Allen tallied 17 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and a block. The Nets shot 49 percent from the field, including 17-of-40 from long range.
Meanwhile, Bogdan Bogdanovic led the Kings with 27 points, six rebounds and two assists, in 34 minutes. De'Aaron Fox added 21 points, seven assists, two rebounds and a steal, while Buddy Hield chipped in 17 points, in 20 minutes off the bench. The Kings shot 43 percent from the field, including 12-of-40 from deep.
The Kings will look to bounce back as they take on the Rockets on Sunday. The Nets play the Clippers on Sunday.
Sixers Grind Out Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Orlando Magic, 108-101, on Friday at Orlando.
The contest got out to a competitive start, but the 76ers took the edge mid way through the first quarter and took a two-point lead into the second. They held the edge for most of the second, but the Magic rallied towards the end of the quarter to grab a two-point lead by halftime. Both teams came out strong in the third and played to a standstill through the quarter, as the Magic took a two-point lead into the final frame. The Sixers came out strong in the fourth with a quick, 9-0, run that allowed them enough cushion to keep the edge the rest of the way. This marks the third straight win for the 76ers, while it marks the third straight loss for the Magic.
Four players topped 20 points for Philly, led by Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris, who finished with 23 points each. Alec Burks came up big off the bench, with 22 points, while Al Horford added 21 points and nine rebounds. The 76ers shot 41 percent from the field, including 8-of-29 from long range.
Meanwhile, Evan Fournier led the Magic with 22 points, three rebounds and three assists. Nikola Vucevic followed up with 21 points, 12 rebounds and three assists, while D.J. Augustin chipped in 16 points, five assists and three rebounds. The Magic shot 42 percent from the field, including 8-of-32 from long range.
The Magic will look to bounce back as they take on the Celtics on Sunday. The Sixers play the Trail Blazers on Sunday.
The contest got out to a competitive start, but the 76ers took the edge mid way through the first quarter and took a two-point lead into the second. They held the edge for most of the second, but the Magic rallied towards the end of the quarter to grab a two-point lead by halftime. Both teams came out strong in the third and played to a standstill through the quarter, as the Magic took a two-point lead into the final frame. The Sixers came out strong in the fourth with a quick, 9-0, run that allowed them enough cushion to keep the edge the rest of the way. This marks the third straight win for the 76ers, while it marks the third straight loss for the Magic.
Four players topped 20 points for Philly, led by Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris, who finished with 23 points each. Alec Burks came up big off the bench, with 22 points, while Al Horford added 21 points and nine rebounds. The 76ers shot 41 percent from the field, including 8-of-29 from long range.
Meanwhile, Evan Fournier led the Magic with 22 points, three rebounds and three assists. Nikola Vucevic followed up with 21 points, 12 rebounds and three assists, while D.J. Augustin chipped in 16 points, five assists and three rebounds. The Magic shot 42 percent from the field, including 8-of-32 from long range.
The Magic will look to bounce back as they take on the Celtics on Sunday. The Sixers play the Trail Blazers on Sunday.
Pelicans Defeat Wizards, 118-107
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Washington Wizards, 118-107, in Orlando on Friday.
While Washington led for 28 of the first 32 minutes in this game, New Orleans rode a 37-25 third quarter to a dominating victory. In fact, the Pelicans led by at least seven points for the final 16 minutes of action. Prior to that, there were 10 ties and seven lead changes in total. New Orleans ended up shooting 48 percent from the field while holding Washington to just 42 percent. In addition, the Pelicans doubled up the Wizards in blocks, 8-4, and out-rebounded them, 45-40.
The Wizards (24-45) were led by Rui Hachimura, who tallied 23 points, six rebounds and two assists. Thomas Bryant amassed 22 points, eight rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Troy Brown Jr totaled 20 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two steals. Ish Smith finished with 18 points, six rebounds, 10 assists and four steals.
The Pelicans (30-39) were led by Jrue Holiday and his 28 points, three rebounds, six assists and two steals. Brandon Ingram generated 17 points, four rebounds and five assists. Derrick Favors accrued 12 points, 10 rebounds and two steals while Lonzo Ball provided nine rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Frank Jackson, Nicolo Melli and Josh Hart all reached double figures in scoring off the bench.
Both teams return to action on Sunday against Western Conference foes, with New Orleans playing the San Antonio Spurs and Washington facing the Oklahoma City Thunder.
While Washington led for 28 of the first 32 minutes in this game, New Orleans rode a 37-25 third quarter to a dominating victory. In fact, the Pelicans led by at least seven points for the final 16 minutes of action. Prior to that, there were 10 ties and seven lead changes in total. New Orleans ended up shooting 48 percent from the field while holding Washington to just 42 percent. In addition, the Pelicans doubled up the Wizards in blocks, 8-4, and out-rebounded them, 45-40.
The Wizards (24-45) were led by Rui Hachimura, who tallied 23 points, six rebounds and two assists. Thomas Bryant amassed 22 points, eight rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Troy Brown Jr totaled 20 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two steals. Ish Smith finished with 18 points, six rebounds, 10 assists and four steals.
The Pelicans (30-39) were led by Jrue Holiday and his 28 points, three rebounds, six assists and two steals. Brandon Ingram generated 17 points, four rebounds and five assists. Derrick Favors accrued 12 points, 10 rebounds and two steals while Lonzo Ball provided nine rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Frank Jackson, Nicolo Melli and Josh Hart all reached double figures in scoring off the bench.
Both teams return to action on Sunday against Western Conference foes, with New Orleans playing the San Antonio Spurs and Washington facing the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Celtics Roll Raptors, 122-100
The Boston Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors, 122-100, in Orlando on Friday.
A 21-14 first quarter really set the tone in this game for Boston, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, the Celtics led by 15 points at the half and carried a 34-point lead into the fourth quarter. The Raptors never got the game within 20 for the final 18 minutes of play and trailed by 40 points at one point. Boston ended up shooting 49 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range while holding Toronto to 43 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range. They also out-assisted them, 27-20.
The Celtics (46-23) were led by Jaylen Brown, who tallied 20 points, six rebounds and two assists. Jayson Tatum amassed 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kemba Walker generated 17 points, three rebounds and four assists. Daniel Theis totaled 11 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Brad Wanamaker, Robert Williams and Semi Ojeleye all reached double figures in scoring off the bench.
The Raptors (49-19) had no player score more than 13 points, with Fred VanVleet amassing 13 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kyle Lowry finished with 11 points, two rebounds, two assists and three steals. Marc Gasol accumulated six points, nine rebounds and four assists. The bench actually outscored the starters, 56-44.
Both teams will play again on Sunday, with Boston facing the Orlando Magic and Toronto playing the Memphis Grizzlies.
A 21-14 first quarter really set the tone in this game for Boston, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, the Celtics led by 15 points at the half and carried a 34-point lead into the fourth quarter. The Raptors never got the game within 20 for the final 18 minutes of play and trailed by 40 points at one point. Boston ended up shooting 49 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range while holding Toronto to 43 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range. They also out-assisted them, 27-20.
The Celtics (46-23) were led by Jaylen Brown, who tallied 20 points, six rebounds and two assists. Jayson Tatum amassed 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kemba Walker generated 17 points, three rebounds and four assists. Daniel Theis totaled 11 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Brad Wanamaker, Robert Williams and Semi Ojeleye all reached double figures in scoring off the bench.
The Raptors (49-19) had no player score more than 13 points, with Fred VanVleet amassing 13 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kyle Lowry finished with 11 points, two rebounds, two assists and three steals. Marc Gasol accumulated six points, nine rebounds and four assists. The bench actually outscored the starters, 56-44.
Both teams will play again on Sunday, with Boston facing the Orlando Magic and Toronto playing the Memphis Grizzlies.