Wizards Snap Losing Run, Defeat Celtics
The Washington Wizards defeated the Boston Celtics, 96-90, on Thursday at Orlando.
The Wizards (25-47) entered their regular-season finale on the heels of a seven-game losing streak and had nothing to play for but their pride in their final 2019-20 game of the season against the Celtics (48-24), although Boston was severely depleted since head coach Brad Stevens decided to rest most of their starters ahead of the start of the Eastern Conference Playoffs. The Wizards took advantage of that and built a five-point lead following the first quarter, and they would be in control through most of the contest. The five-point lead remained at the break, although Boston made things closer in the third quarter, where they edged Washington by four points. The Wizards held a slim one-point lead entering the final 12 minutes of play, but they held on to their lead and won 96-90, ending their regular season on a positive note.
Thomas Bryant was the best player for the Wizards and finished the game with 26 points and nine rebounds, while Troy Brown Jr. notched 17 points, eight boards and three assists. Jerome Robinson delivered 10 points, and Ish Smith looked serviceable off the bench with an 11-point, eight-assist performance. Johnathan Williams might have scored just five points, but he left his mark by grabbing a game-high 16 rebounds.
The Celtics used 11 players in this contest and everyone got to see minutes, so it was hard for any player to stand out. One Celtic player did, however, as Javonte Green scored 23 points in 34 minutes of play. Enes Kanter only played 18 minutes, but he posted eight points, five rebounds and three assists. Semi Ojeleye also delivered a strong performance since he contributed 13 points, eight boards and two assists.
The Wizards (25-47) entered their regular-season finale on the heels of a seven-game losing streak and had nothing to play for but their pride in their final 2019-20 game of the season against the Celtics (48-24), although Boston was severely depleted since head coach Brad Stevens decided to rest most of their starters ahead of the start of the Eastern Conference Playoffs. The Wizards took advantage of that and built a five-point lead following the first quarter, and they would be in control through most of the contest. The five-point lead remained at the break, although Boston made things closer in the third quarter, where they edged Washington by four points. The Wizards held a slim one-point lead entering the final 12 minutes of play, but they held on to their lead and won 96-90, ending their regular season on a positive note.
Thomas Bryant was the best player for the Wizards and finished the game with 26 points and nine rebounds, while Troy Brown Jr. notched 17 points, eight boards and three assists. Jerome Robinson delivered 10 points, and Ish Smith looked serviceable off the bench with an 11-point, eight-assist performance. Johnathan Williams might have scored just five points, but he left his mark by grabbing a game-high 16 rebounds.
The Celtics used 11 players in this contest and everyone got to see minutes, so it was hard for any player to stand out. One Celtic player did, however, as Javonte Green scored 23 points in 34 minutes of play. Enes Kanter only played 18 minutes, but he posted eight points, five rebounds and three assists. Semi Ojeleye also delivered a strong performance since he contributed 13 points, eight boards and two assists.
Kings Topple Lakers, 136-122
The Sacramento Kings defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 136-122, in an NBA seeing game in Orlando on Thursday afternoon.
What was the final game of the regular season for both clubs -- and the last contest overall for the eliminated Kings (31-41) -- saw each trot out a makeshift starting five. The Lakers (52-19) jumped out to a 40-30 lead during what was a spirited first 12 minutes, but Sacramento had eradicated their deficit and built a 10-point lead of their own by halftime. After adding another 13 points to their advantage during a 41-point third quarter, the Kings essentially sealed the win.
Buddy Hield led the Kings with 28 points in 26 minutes off the bench, adding five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Bogdan Bogdanovic followed with 27 points, complementing them with nine assists, six rebounds and two steals. Jabari Parker contributed 19 points, eight boards and six assists. Nemanja Bjelica posted a 15-point, 13-assist double-double that also included eight rebounds, two steals and one block. Cory Joseph supplied 13 points, while Yogi Ferrell furnished 11.
Dion Waiters paced the Lakers with 19 points, supplementing them with five assists and three rebounds. LeBron James was limited to 15 minutes and totaled 17 points, four assists and three rebounds. Markieff Morris and Talen Horton-Tucker each tallied 14 points while pulling down four and five rebounds, respectively. Quinn Cook compiled 12 points, four rebounds, four assists and one block, while JR Smith managed 11 points, two assists and one rebound.
The Kings now turn their attention to the 2020-21 campaign, while the Lakers prepare to tangle with the still-to-be-determined No. 8 seed in the first round of the playoffs.
What was the final game of the regular season for both clubs -- and the last contest overall for the eliminated Kings (31-41) -- saw each trot out a makeshift starting five. The Lakers (52-19) jumped out to a 40-30 lead during what was a spirited first 12 minutes, but Sacramento had eradicated their deficit and built a 10-point lead of their own by halftime. After adding another 13 points to their advantage during a 41-point third quarter, the Kings essentially sealed the win.
Buddy Hield led the Kings with 28 points in 26 minutes off the bench, adding five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Bogdan Bogdanovic followed with 27 points, complementing them with nine assists, six rebounds and two steals. Jabari Parker contributed 19 points, eight boards and six assists. Nemanja Bjelica posted a 15-point, 13-assist double-double that also included eight rebounds, two steals and one block. Cory Joseph supplied 13 points, while Yogi Ferrell furnished 11.
Dion Waiters paced the Lakers with 19 points, supplementing them with five assists and three rebounds. LeBron James was limited to 15 minutes and totaled 17 points, four assists and three rebounds. Markieff Morris and Talen Horton-Tucker each tallied 14 points while pulling down four and five rebounds, respectively. Quinn Cook compiled 12 points, four rebounds, four assists and one block, while JR Smith managed 11 points, two assists and one rebound.
The Kings now turn their attention to the 2020-21 campaign, while the Lakers prepare to tangle with the still-to-be-determined No. 8 seed in the first round of the playoffs.
Suns Keep Hopes Alive
By Dan Bruno
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 128-102, on Thursday in Orlando.
The win capped off an incredible, 8-0, undefeated record in the restart for the Suns, as they did everything in their power to complete an unlikely climb up the standings and earn a shot at a playoff spot. They got right down to business, as they took an 11-point lead after one quarter. They carried the momentum through the second and managed to build a 19-point lead by halftime. The Mavs came out with some energy in the third but still had no answers, as the Suns carried ahead to take a 25-point lead into the final frame. The Suns stayed in control through the fourth and held on for the win, giving themselves their best hope at a play-in game. However, it all depends on the result of the Trail Blazers' contest, as the Blazers can lock up the ninth seed with a win.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 27 points, seven rebounds and five assists, in 31 minutes. Dario Saric added 16 points, six rebounds and two assists, off the bench, while Ricky Rubio totaled seven points, 12 assists, two rebounds and a steal. The Suns shot 55 percent from the field, including 14-of-34 from deep.
Meanwhile, the Mavs limited Luka Doncic to just 13 minutes of action, while Kristaps Porzingis (heel) was not in the lineup. Nonetheless, Doncic managed to tally a team-high 18 points on 5-of-9 shooting. Boban Marjanovic totaled 18 points, 20 rebounds and three assists, while Justin Jackson chipped in 13 points, in 29 minutes.
The Mavs are all set and locked in for the playoffs, while the Suns wait on a potential opportunity at a play-in game.
The win capped off an incredible, 8-0, undefeated record in the restart for the Suns, as they did everything in their power to complete an unlikely climb up the standings and earn a shot at a playoff spot. They got right down to business, as they took an 11-point lead after one quarter. They carried the momentum through the second and managed to build a 19-point lead by halftime. The Mavs came out with some energy in the third but still had no answers, as the Suns carried ahead to take a 25-point lead into the final frame. The Suns stayed in control through the fourth and held on for the win, giving themselves their best hope at a play-in game. However, it all depends on the result of the Trail Blazers' contest, as the Blazers can lock up the ninth seed with a win.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 27 points, seven rebounds and five assists, in 31 minutes. Dario Saric added 16 points, six rebounds and two assists, off the bench, while Ricky Rubio totaled seven points, 12 assists, two rebounds and a steal. The Suns shot 55 percent from the field, including 14-of-34 from deep.
Meanwhile, the Mavs limited Luka Doncic to just 13 minutes of action, while Kristaps Porzingis (heel) was not in the lineup. Nonetheless, Doncic managed to tally a team-high 18 points on 5-of-9 shooting. Boban Marjanovic totaled 18 points, 20 rebounds and three assists, while Justin Jackson chipped in 13 points, in 29 minutes.
The Mavs are all set and locked in for the playoffs, while the Suns wait on a potential opportunity at a play-in game.
Grizzlies Handle Bucks, 119-105
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, 119-105, in an NBA seeding game in Orlando on Thursday afternoon.
The Grizzlies (34-39) knew they'd have to secure a win against a Bucks (56-17) team that was likely going to play multiple key pieces sparingly and was already confirmed to be without Giannis Antetokoumpo (suspension) in order to participate in a forthcoming play-in game for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Memphis didn't exactly get off to the most rousing of starts, however, emerging from the first quarter with just a one-point lead. However, they took control of the game by outscoring short-handed Milwaukee, 71-53, over the middle periods, essentially icing the contest at that point. In addition to being without Antetokounmpo, the top-seeded Bucks also limited Eric Bledsoe and Khris Middleton to 20 and 21 minutes, respectively.
Brook Lopez led the way for the Bucks with 19 points, adding nine rebounds, one assist and one block. Frank Mason followed with 18 points, complementing them with eight assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Donte DiVincenzo provided 17 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal off the bench. Middleton finished with 14 points, four boards and four assists, while D.J. Wilson drew the start at power forward and offered 12 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Dillon Brooks paced the Grizzlies with 31 points, supplementing them with two rebounds, two assists and one block. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 26-point, 19-rebound, 12-assist triple-double. Ja Morant delivered a 12-point, 13-rebound, 10-assist triple-double. Kyle Anderson and Brandon Clarke posted matching 10-point tallies while dishing out six assists and pulling in seven boards, respectively.
The Bucks will now face the Orlando Magic in the quarterfinal round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, while the Grizzlies will await the the outcome of Thursday night's Trail Blazers-Nets game to see if they'll take on either Portland or the Phoenix Suns in the play-in game.
The Grizzlies (34-39) knew they'd have to secure a win against a Bucks (56-17) team that was likely going to play multiple key pieces sparingly and was already confirmed to be without Giannis Antetokoumpo (suspension) in order to participate in a forthcoming play-in game for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Memphis didn't exactly get off to the most rousing of starts, however, emerging from the first quarter with just a one-point lead. However, they took control of the game by outscoring short-handed Milwaukee, 71-53, over the middle periods, essentially icing the contest at that point. In addition to being without Antetokounmpo, the top-seeded Bucks also limited Eric Bledsoe and Khris Middleton to 20 and 21 minutes, respectively.
Brook Lopez led the way for the Bucks with 19 points, adding nine rebounds, one assist and one block. Frank Mason followed with 18 points, complementing them with eight assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Donte DiVincenzo provided 17 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal off the bench. Middleton finished with 14 points, four boards and four assists, while D.J. Wilson drew the start at power forward and offered 12 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Dillon Brooks paced the Grizzlies with 31 points, supplementing them with two rebounds, two assists and one block. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 26-point, 19-rebound, 12-assist triple-double. Ja Morant delivered a 12-point, 13-rebound, 10-assist triple-double. Kyle Anderson and Brandon Clarke posted matching 10-point tallies while dishing out six assists and pulling in seven boards, respectively.
The Bucks will now face the Orlando Magic in the quarterfinal round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, while the Grizzlies will await the the outcome of Thursday night's Trail Blazers-Nets game to see if they'll take on either Portland or the Phoenix Suns in the play-in game.
Jazz Defeat Spurs, 118-112
The Utah Jazz defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 118-112, in Orlando on Thursday.
While this wasn't a wire-to-wire win for Utah, they led for all but a single minute. In fact, Utah had a game-high 17-point lead after the first quarter and San Antonio never had a shot to take the lead after that. The Jazz ended up winning the turnover battle, 15-8. That allowed Utah to take 101 shots while San Antonio attempted just 79 total shots.
The Spurs (32-39) were led by Keldon Johnson, who tallied 24 points and two rebounds on 8-of-12 from the field. Dejounte Murray accrued 12 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists. Lonnie Walker IV generated 15 points, three rebounds and four assists while Luka Samanic totaled 16 points, six rebounds and three assists. DeMar DeRozan sat out.
The Jazz (44-28) were led by Rayjon Tucker, who provided 18 points, two rebounds and one assist off the bench. Jordan Clarkson led the starters with 11 points and two rebounds. Tony Bradley totaled six points and 10 boards while Georges Niang had 13 points, five rebounds and two assists off the bench. Rudy Gobert, Mike Conley and Joe Ingles also sat out.
This marks the final game of the season for the Spurs, ending their 22-season playoff streak. As for Utah, they'll finish sixth in the west and play the Denver Nuggets in the opening round of the playoffs.
While this wasn't a wire-to-wire win for Utah, they led for all but a single minute. In fact, Utah had a game-high 17-point lead after the first quarter and San Antonio never had a shot to take the lead after that. The Jazz ended up winning the turnover battle, 15-8. That allowed Utah to take 101 shots while San Antonio attempted just 79 total shots.
The Spurs (32-39) were led by Keldon Johnson, who tallied 24 points and two rebounds on 8-of-12 from the field. Dejounte Murray accrued 12 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists. Lonnie Walker IV generated 15 points, three rebounds and four assists while Luka Samanic totaled 16 points, six rebounds and three assists. DeMar DeRozan sat out.
The Jazz (44-28) were led by Rayjon Tucker, who provided 18 points, two rebounds and one assist off the bench. Jordan Clarkson led the starters with 11 points and two rebounds. Tony Bradley totaled six points and 10 boards while Georges Niang had 13 points, five rebounds and two assists off the bench. Rudy Gobert, Mike Conley and Joe Ingles also sat out.
This marks the final game of the season for the Spurs, ending their 22-season playoff streak. As for Utah, they'll finish sixth in the west and play the Denver Nuggets in the opening round of the playoffs.
Blazers Come From Behind, Secure One-Point Win Over Nets
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 134-133, on Friday at Orlando.
The Blazers (35-39) started their regular-season finale with their backs against the wall, as they already knew they needed to win to secure a play-in berth against the Memphis Grizzlies following Thursday's earlier results. The Nets (35-37) gave the Blazers a good run for their money, though. Portland looked like the better team during the first two quarters, but the Nets would storm back and take the lead for most of the second half. Portland established a reaction in the final minutes and only secured a two-possession lead with less than 55 seconds on the clock after C.J. McCollum drained a mid-range jumper from the free-throw line. Carmelo Anthony missed a wide-open three and Caris LeVert had the chance to win it for the Nets, but his shot over McCollum bounced off the rim. The Blazers, who notched a third straight win, secured a spot in the Western Conference play-in round and will play against the Memphis Grizzlies to determine which team will be the eighth seed of the Conference.
Damian Lillard was Portland's hero once again and finished with 42 points, 12 assists and three rebounds. C.J. McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic provided excellent support for the star point guard, however, as McCollum notched 25 points and seven assists while Nurkic contributed 22 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Hassan Whiteside came off the bench and posted 16 points with nine boards in only 16 minutes.
Caris LeVert couldn't hit the game-winning shot for Brooklyn but still stood out, as he ended with 37 points, nine assists and six rebounds. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot contributed 19 points and eight rebounds, while Joe Harris chipped in with 19 points, four dimes and three boards. Garrett Temple (15 points, 10 boards) and Jarrett Allen (14 points, 11 rebounds) posted double-doubles for Brooklyn despite the loss.
The Blazers (35-39) started their regular-season finale with their backs against the wall, as they already knew they needed to win to secure a play-in berth against the Memphis Grizzlies following Thursday's earlier results. The Nets (35-37) gave the Blazers a good run for their money, though. Portland looked like the better team during the first two quarters, but the Nets would storm back and take the lead for most of the second half. Portland established a reaction in the final minutes and only secured a two-possession lead with less than 55 seconds on the clock after C.J. McCollum drained a mid-range jumper from the free-throw line. Carmelo Anthony missed a wide-open three and Caris LeVert had the chance to win it for the Nets, but his shot over McCollum bounced off the rim. The Blazers, who notched a third straight win, secured a spot in the Western Conference play-in round and will play against the Memphis Grizzlies to determine which team will be the eighth seed of the Conference.
Damian Lillard was Portland's hero once again and finished with 42 points, 12 assists and three rebounds. C.J. McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic provided excellent support for the star point guard, however, as McCollum notched 25 points and seven assists while Nurkic contributed 22 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Hassan Whiteside came off the bench and posted 16 points with nine boards in only 16 minutes.
Caris LeVert couldn't hit the game-winning shot for Brooklyn but still stood out, as he ended with 37 points, nine assists and six rebounds. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot contributed 19 points and eight rebounds, while Joe Harris chipped in with 19 points, four dimes and three boards. Garrett Temple (15 points, 10 boards) and Jarrett Allen (14 points, 11 rebounds) posted double-doubles for Brooklyn despite the loss.
Magic Close Season With Win
By Dan Bruno
The Orlando Magic defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 133-127, on Thursday at Orlando.
The contest got out to a competitive start, as the Magic led for most of the first quarter, with the Pelicans taking a brief lead, before the Magic closed the quarter on a 7-2 run, to take a three-point lead into the second. The Magic kept the momentum going into the second and outscored the Pelicans by 13 points in the quarter, to take a 77-61 lead by halftime. They pushed their lead to 22 midway through the third, but the Pelicans found some life and cut it back to a 12-point game heading into the final frame. The Pelicans made a strong push to the finish and poured in 40 points in the fourth, but the Magic kept one step ahead and closed their season on a high note.
Seven players scored in double digits for Orlando, led by Nikola Vucevic, who totaled 23 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 26 minutes. D.J. Augustin added 22 points, six assists and four rebounds, while James Ennis III finished with 16 points, four rebounds and two steals. The Magic shot 57 percent from the field, including 15-of-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, Frank Jackson led the Pelicans with 31 points on 12-of-14 shooting, in 36 minutes. Nickeil Alexander-Walker followed up with 29 points, seven assists and a steal, while Josh Hart totaled 23 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block. The Pelicans shot 55 percent from the field, including 10-of-34 from long range.
This marks the end of the road for the Pelicans this season, while the Magic get set for a first-round match up against the Bucks.
The contest got out to a competitive start, as the Magic led for most of the first quarter, with the Pelicans taking a brief lead, before the Magic closed the quarter on a 7-2 run, to take a three-point lead into the second. The Magic kept the momentum going into the second and outscored the Pelicans by 13 points in the quarter, to take a 77-61 lead by halftime. They pushed their lead to 22 midway through the third, but the Pelicans found some life and cut it back to a 12-point game heading into the final frame. The Pelicans made a strong push to the finish and poured in 40 points in the fourth, but the Magic kept one step ahead and closed their season on a high note.
Seven players scored in double digits for Orlando, led by Nikola Vucevic, who totaled 23 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 26 minutes. D.J. Augustin added 22 points, six assists and four rebounds, while James Ennis III finished with 16 points, four rebounds and two steals. The Magic shot 57 percent from the field, including 15-of-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, Frank Jackson led the Pelicans with 31 points on 12-of-14 shooting, in 36 minutes. Nickeil Alexander-Walker followed up with 29 points, seven assists and a steal, while Josh Hart totaled 23 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block. The Pelicans shot 55 percent from the field, including 10-of-34 from long range.
This marks the end of the road for the Pelicans this season, while the Magic get set for a first-round match up against the Bucks.