Wizards-Pistons game has been postponed.
Celtics Cruise, Secure Huge Win Over Magic
The Boston Celtics defeated the Orlando Magic, 124-97, at TD Garden on Friday evening.
The Celtics (8-3) were shorthanded in this game in terms of depth, but that didn't seem to matter -- they were absolutely dominant and didn't allow the Magic (6-6) to have a shot as soon as the game started. The numbers do not lie, and the Celtics got off to a strong start and never stepped the foot off the gas, as they raced out to a 34-28 lead in the first quarter and never looked back afterward. The Celtics were so dominant in this game that won each of the quarters separately, with their largest margin of victory came in the fourth quarter where they led by 11 points. The Magic never appeared to have an answer for Boston and looked completely overmatched on both ends of the court. Boston shot 51.1 percent from the field and 40.5 percent from three-point range, while the Magic made only 40.4 percent of their shots and a meager 25 percent from three-point range.
Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 21 points and eight assists, as he thrived in a playmaking role with Jayson Tatum sidelined. Jeff Teague started at point guard and delivered 17 points, while Marcus Smart ended with 14 points while draining four of his 10 shots from beyond the arc. Semi Ojeleye (18 points, six rebounds), Payton Pritchard (16 points, four rebounds, three assists) and Javonte Green (10 points) all posted solid games off the bench as well.
Aaron Gordon led the Magic with 17 points, two rebounds and three assists, while Nikola Vucevic registered 15 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Cole Anthony and Dwayne Bacon also chipped in with 15 points as starters, with Anthony also adding six rebounds and three dimes while Bacon pulled down eight boards. Khem Birch had 12 points and 12 rebounds off the bench.
The Celtics (8-3) were shorthanded in this game in terms of depth, but that didn't seem to matter -- they were absolutely dominant and didn't allow the Magic (6-6) to have a shot as soon as the game started. The numbers do not lie, and the Celtics got off to a strong start and never stepped the foot off the gas, as they raced out to a 34-28 lead in the first quarter and never looked back afterward. The Celtics were so dominant in this game that won each of the quarters separately, with their largest margin of victory came in the fourth quarter where they led by 11 points. The Magic never appeared to have an answer for Boston and looked completely overmatched on both ends of the court. Boston shot 51.1 percent from the field and 40.5 percent from three-point range, while the Magic made only 40.4 percent of their shots and a meager 25 percent from three-point range.
Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 21 points and eight assists, as he thrived in a playmaking role with Jayson Tatum sidelined. Jeff Teague started at point guard and delivered 17 points, while Marcus Smart ended with 14 points while draining four of his 10 shots from beyond the arc. Semi Ojeleye (18 points, six rebounds), Payton Pritchard (16 points, four rebounds, three assists) and Javonte Green (10 points) all posted solid games off the bench as well.
Aaron Gordon led the Magic with 17 points, two rebounds and three assists, while Nikola Vucevic registered 15 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Cole Anthony and Dwayne Bacon also chipped in with 15 points as starters, with Anthony also adding six rebounds and three dimes while Bacon pulled down eight boards. Khem Birch had 12 points and 12 rebounds off the bench.
Cavaliers Edge Knicks, 106-103
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the New York Knicks, 106-103, at RocketMortgage Fieldhouse on Friday night.
The Cavaliers (6-7) came into the contest short-handed once again, as they were still missing their starting backcourt of Collin Sexton (ankle) and Darius Garland (shoulder). However, that didn't stop Cleveland from forging a 57-55 halftime lead. The Knicks (5-8) were able to even the score going into the fourth quarter, but the hosts were able to separate just enough late for the narrow victory. The Cavs enjoyed a particularly impressive advantage on the glass, outrebounding New York by a 48-39 margin.
Julius Randle led the way for the Knicks with 28 points, adding six rebounds and six assists. Immanuel Quickley furnished 23 points, five boards, four assists, one steal and one block. R.J. Barrett delivered 20 points, four rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Elfrid Payton posted nine points and three rebounds.
Andre Drummond paced the Cavaliers with a 33-point, 23-rebound double-double that also includes three assists, two steals and two blocks. Cedi Osman supplied 25 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals. Larry Nance, Jr. registered 14 points, nine rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Damyean Dotson and Isaac Okoro generated matching 13-point, four-assist tallies.
The Knicks remain on the road and pay a visit to the Boston Celtics on Sunday afternoon, while the Cavaliers remain home and host the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night.
The Cavaliers (6-7) came into the contest short-handed once again, as they were still missing their starting backcourt of Collin Sexton (ankle) and Darius Garland (shoulder). However, that didn't stop Cleveland from forging a 57-55 halftime lead. The Knicks (5-8) were able to even the score going into the fourth quarter, but the hosts were able to separate just enough late for the narrow victory. The Cavs enjoyed a particularly impressive advantage on the glass, outrebounding New York by a 48-39 margin.
Julius Randle led the way for the Knicks with 28 points, adding six rebounds and six assists. Immanuel Quickley furnished 23 points, five boards, four assists, one steal and one block. R.J. Barrett delivered 20 points, four rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Elfrid Payton posted nine points and three rebounds.
Andre Drummond paced the Cavaliers with a 33-point, 23-rebound double-double that also includes three assists, two steals and two blocks. Cedi Osman supplied 25 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals. Larry Nance, Jr. registered 14 points, nine rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Damyean Dotson and Isaac Okoro generated matching 13-point, four-assist tallies.
The Knicks remain on the road and pay a visit to the Boston Celtics on Sunday afternoon, while the Cavaliers remain home and host the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night.
Bucks Pick Up Fourth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Dallas Mavericks, 112-109, at Fiserv Forum on Friday evening.
The Bucks got out to a strong start at home with a, 30-23, lead after one quarter. They pushed their lead up to 14, early in the second, but the Mavs battled back to make it an eight-point game by halftime. The Mavs kept up the pressure in the third but could not claim an advantage, as they cut the deficit to three points heading into the final frame. They kept pressing in the fourth and finally managed to grab their first lead since the first quarter and held a two-point advantage with 2:39 left on the clock. However, the Bucks came up clutch by outscoring the visitors, 9-4, the rest of the way. This marks the fourth straight win for the Bucks, while the Mavericks' four-game winning streak comes to a halt.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 31 points, nine rebounds and a block, in 30 minutes. Khris Middleton followed up with 25 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Jrue Holiday tallied 16 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals and a block. The Bucks shot 45 percent from the field, including 14-of-37 from deep.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 28 points, 13 assists and nine rebounds, in 35 minutes. Tim Hardaway Jr. followed up with 22 points on 9-of-17 shooting, while Kristaps Porzingis totaled 15 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. The Mavs shot 46 percent from the field, including 13-of-36 from long range.
The Mavericks (6-5) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Bulls on Sunday. The Bucks (9-4) take on the Nets in Brooklyn on Monday.
The Bucks got out to a strong start at home with a, 30-23, lead after one quarter. They pushed their lead up to 14, early in the second, but the Mavs battled back to make it an eight-point game by halftime. The Mavs kept up the pressure in the third but could not claim an advantage, as they cut the deficit to three points heading into the final frame. They kept pressing in the fourth and finally managed to grab their first lead since the first quarter and held a two-point advantage with 2:39 left on the clock. However, the Bucks came up clutch by outscoring the visitors, 9-4, the rest of the way. This marks the fourth straight win for the Bucks, while the Mavericks' four-game winning streak comes to a halt.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 31 points, nine rebounds and a block, in 30 minutes. Khris Middleton followed up with 25 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Jrue Holiday tallied 16 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals and a block. The Bucks shot 45 percent from the field, including 14-of-37 from deep.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 28 points, 13 assists and nine rebounds, in 35 minutes. Tim Hardaway Jr. followed up with 22 points on 9-of-17 shooting, while Kristaps Porzingis totaled 15 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. The Mavs shot 46 percent from the field, including 13-of-36 from long range.
The Mavericks (6-5) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Bulls on Sunday. The Bucks (9-4) take on the Nets in Brooklyn on Monday.
Grizzlies - Timberwolves game has been postponed.
Grizzlies - Timberwolves game has been postponed.
Thunder Earn First Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls, 127-125, in overtime, at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Friday evening.
The Bulls got out to a strong start on the road with a, 30-22, lead after one quarter. They kept the momentum going in the second, where they outscored the hosts by 10 points, to take an 18-point advantage into halftime. The Bulls came out strong to start the third and pushed their lead to a game-high 22 points, but the Thunder rallied back and outscored the visitors by 10 points in the quarter, to cut it to an eight-point game heading into the final frame. The Bulls regained control early in the fourth and pushed their lead back up to 16, but the Thunder outscored them, 19-3, through the final 4:22, to send the contest to overtime. The Thunder opened overtime with a three-pointer and managed to stay one step ahead the rest of the way, to hold on for their first home win of the season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with a career-high 33 points, to go with 10 assists, five rebounds and a steal, in 43 minutes. Luguentz Dort followed up with 21 points, eight rebounds, six steals and a block, while Isaiah Roby and Kenrich Williams added 14 points each. The Thunder shot 46 percent from the field, including 15-of-45 from long range.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 35 points, seven rebounds and six assists, in 42 minutes. Coby White followed up with 22 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, while Wendell Carter Jr. and Lauri Markkanen added 16 points each. The Bulls shot 47 percent from the field, including 21-of-46 from deep.
The Bulls (4-8) will look to avoid a fifth straight loss, as they take on the Mavs in Dallas on Sunday. The Thunder (6-6) play host to the 76ers on Sunday.
The Bulls got out to a strong start on the road with a, 30-22, lead after one quarter. They kept the momentum going in the second, where they outscored the hosts by 10 points, to take an 18-point advantage into halftime. The Bulls came out strong to start the third and pushed their lead to a game-high 22 points, but the Thunder rallied back and outscored the visitors by 10 points in the quarter, to cut it to an eight-point game heading into the final frame. The Bulls regained control early in the fourth and pushed their lead back up to 16, but the Thunder outscored them, 19-3, through the final 4:22, to send the contest to overtime. The Thunder opened overtime with a three-pointer and managed to stay one step ahead the rest of the way, to hold on for their first home win of the season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with a career-high 33 points, to go with 10 assists, five rebounds and a steal, in 43 minutes. Luguentz Dort followed up with 21 points, eight rebounds, six steals and a block, while Isaiah Roby and Kenrich Williams added 14 points each. The Thunder shot 46 percent from the field, including 15-of-45 from long range.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 35 points, seven rebounds and six assists, in 42 minutes. Coby White followed up with 22 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, while Wendell Carter Jr. and Lauri Markkanen added 16 points each. The Bulls shot 47 percent from the field, including 21-of-46 from deep.
The Bulls (4-8) will look to avoid a fifth straight loss, as they take on the Mavs in Dallas on Sunday. The Thunder (6-6) play host to the 76ers on Sunday.
This game has been postponed.
Jazz Cruise To Fourth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Atlanta Hawks, 116-92, at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Friday evening.
The Jazz got out to a great start at home with a 10-point lead after one quarter and kept control through the second, pushing their lead to 15, by halftime. The Hawks came out stronger in the third and cut the deficit to single digits, but the Jazz answered later in the quarter by pushing their lead back up to 13, heading into the final frame. The Jazz opened the fourth on a 19-2 run to push their lead up to 30 and cruised the rest of the way to their fourth straight win.
Six players scored in double digits for the Jazz, led by Donovan Mitchell, who tallied 26 points on 10-of-20 shooting, in 29 minutes. Rudy Gobert totaled 15 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks, while Jordon Clarkson chipped in 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists, off the bench. The Jazz shot 47 percent from the field, including 20-of-44 from deep.
Meanwhile, Cam Reddish led the Hawks with 20 points and five rebounds, in 28 minutes. Clint Capela followed up with 16 points and 11 rebounds, while De'Andre Hunter totaled 14 points on 6-of-13 shooting. Trae Young had a rough night, with four points on 1-of-11 shooting, in 24 minutes. The Hawks shot 41 percent from the field, including 5-of-28 from long range.
The Hawks (5-6) will look to bounce back as they take on the Trail Blazers in Portland on Saturday. The Jazz (8-4) take on the Nuggets in Denver on Sunday.
The Jazz got out to a great start at home with a 10-point lead after one quarter and kept control through the second, pushing their lead to 15, by halftime. The Hawks came out stronger in the third and cut the deficit to single digits, but the Jazz answered later in the quarter by pushing their lead back up to 13, heading into the final frame. The Jazz opened the fourth on a 19-2 run to push their lead up to 30 and cruised the rest of the way to their fourth straight win.
Six players scored in double digits for the Jazz, led by Donovan Mitchell, who tallied 26 points on 10-of-20 shooting, in 29 minutes. Rudy Gobert totaled 15 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks, while Jordon Clarkson chipped in 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists, off the bench. The Jazz shot 47 percent from the field, including 20-of-44 from deep.
Meanwhile, Cam Reddish led the Hawks with 20 points and five rebounds, in 28 minutes. Clint Capela followed up with 16 points and 11 rebounds, while De'Andre Hunter totaled 14 points on 6-of-13 shooting. Trae Young had a rough night, with four points on 1-of-11 shooting, in 24 minutes. The Hawks shot 41 percent from the field, including 5-of-28 from long range.
The Hawks (5-6) will look to bounce back as they take on the Trail Blazers in Portland on Saturday. The Jazz (8-4) take on the Nuggets in Denver on Sunday.
Lakers Defeat Pelicans, 112-95
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting New Orleans Pelicans, 112-95, at Staples Center on Friday.
While New Orleans less by 15 points midway through the second quarter, Los Angeles rode a big second half to their victory. In fact, the Lakers finished the second quarter on a 14-4 run and then outscored the Pelicans in the third quarter, 27-16. That can be credited to Los Angeles finishing that quarter on a 17-4 run as well. If that weren't enough, Los Angeles finished the fourth quarter on a 28-16 run to cap off the blowout comeback. The Lakers went 15-of-37 from three-point range and 19=of-26 from the free-throw line while the Pelicans connected on just 9-of-28 from long range and 4-of-8 from the free-throw line. Los Angeles also recorded 31 assists to six turnovers while the Pelicans had 22 assists to 20 turnovers.
The Pelicans (4-7) were led by Zion Williamson and his 21 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. Brandon Ingram amassed 20 points, three rebounds, five assists and two steals. Nickeil Alexander-Walker started and provided 12 points, three rebounds and two assists. J.J. Redick led the bench with 12 points and six rebounds.
The Lakers (11-3) were led by LeBron James and his 21 points, eight rebounds and 11 assists. Anthony Davis totaled 17 points, six rebounds, five assists, three steals and three blocks. Dennis Schroder generated 12 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals. Montrezl Harrell led the bench with 16 points and five rebounds while Kyle Kuzma had 11 points and 13 rebounds.
On deck for New Orleans is another road game against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday. As for Los Angeles, they host the Golden State Warriors on Monday for their next outing.
While New Orleans less by 15 points midway through the second quarter, Los Angeles rode a big second half to their victory. In fact, the Lakers finished the second quarter on a 14-4 run and then outscored the Pelicans in the third quarter, 27-16. That can be credited to Los Angeles finishing that quarter on a 17-4 run as well. If that weren't enough, Los Angeles finished the fourth quarter on a 28-16 run to cap off the blowout comeback. The Lakers went 15-of-37 from three-point range and 19=of-26 from the free-throw line while the Pelicans connected on just 9-of-28 from long range and 4-of-8 from the free-throw line. Los Angeles also recorded 31 assists to six turnovers while the Pelicans had 22 assists to 20 turnovers.
The Pelicans (4-7) were led by Zion Williamson and his 21 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. Brandon Ingram amassed 20 points, three rebounds, five assists and two steals. Nickeil Alexander-Walker started and provided 12 points, three rebounds and two assists. J.J. Redick led the bench with 12 points and six rebounds.
The Lakers (11-3) were led by LeBron James and his 21 points, eight rebounds and 11 assists. Anthony Davis totaled 17 points, six rebounds, five assists, three steals and three blocks. Dennis Schroder generated 12 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals. Montrezl Harrell led the bench with 16 points and five rebounds while Kyle Kuzma had 11 points and 13 rebounds.
On deck for New Orleans is another road game against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday. As for Los Angeles, they host the Golden State Warriors on Monday for their next outing.
Clippers Clobber Kings, 138-100
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the host Sacramento Kings, 138-100, at Golden 1 Center on Friday.
While there were seven ties and nine lead changes in this game, Los Angeles won all four individual quarters. In fact, they led by eight points at the half and rode a 37-16 third quarter to their blowout victory. That actually allowed them to lead by at least 25 points for the entirety of the fourth quarter. Los Angeles shot 58 percent from the field and 51 percent from three-point range while holding Sacramento to 47 percent from the field and 31 percent from long range. They did that while out-rebounding the Kings, 47-32, and out-assisting them, 29-23.
The Clippers (9-4) were led by Kawhi Leonard, tallying 27 points, four rebounds and six assists. Paul George amassed 26 points, four rebounds and two assists. Those two combined to shoot 18-of-29 from the field. Reggie Jackson started and totaled 11 points, four rebounds and three assists. Marcus Morris led the bench with 18 points.
The Kings (5-8) were led by Marvin Bagley and his 20 points, five rebounds and two assists. Richaun Holmes generated 17 points and five rebounds on 8-of-11 from the field. Harrison Barnes compiled 14 points, six rebounds and four assists. De'Aaron Fox provided 14 points and three assists. Chimezie Metu led the bench with 10 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Los Angeles returning home to face the Indiana Pacers and Sacramento playing the New Orleans Pelicans at home.
While there were seven ties and nine lead changes in this game, Los Angeles won all four individual quarters. In fact, they led by eight points at the half and rode a 37-16 third quarter to their blowout victory. That actually allowed them to lead by at least 25 points for the entirety of the fourth quarter. Los Angeles shot 58 percent from the field and 51 percent from three-point range while holding Sacramento to 47 percent from the field and 31 percent from long range. They did that while out-rebounding the Kings, 47-32, and out-assisting them, 29-23.
The Clippers (9-4) were led by Kawhi Leonard, tallying 27 points, four rebounds and six assists. Paul George amassed 26 points, four rebounds and two assists. Those two combined to shoot 18-of-29 from the field. Reggie Jackson started and totaled 11 points, four rebounds and three assists. Marcus Morris led the bench with 18 points.
The Kings (5-8) were led by Marvin Bagley and his 20 points, five rebounds and two assists. Richaun Holmes generated 17 points and five rebounds on 8-of-11 from the field. Harrison Barnes compiled 14 points, six rebounds and four assists. De'Aaron Fox provided 14 points and three assists. Chimezie Metu led the bench with 10 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Los Angeles returning home to face the Indiana Pacers and Sacramento playing the New Orleans Pelicans at home.