Spurs Come From Behind, Defeat Rockets
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Houston Rockets, 103-91, at AT&T Center on Saturday afternoon.
The Spurs (7-6) moved over the .500 threshold once again and secured the victory against the Rockets (4-7) thanks to an impressive performance in the second half, where they had to turn things around following a slow start to the contest. The Rockets got off to a better start and jumped out to a 30-21 lead following the initial 12 minutes, but San Antonio made things closer with a 29-23 second quarter. The Spurs finally grabbed the lead in the third quarter, where they outscored the Rockets by six points (25-19) and eventually closed things out with a 28-19 score in the final 12 minutes of action. Houston couldn't sustain the pace of the first quarter and the Spurs took advantage of that. Both teams struggled from the field in this game, though. The Spurs made 40 percent of their shots and 20.8 percent of their three-point attempts, while the Rockets converted just 36.9 percent of their field-goal attempts while draining 37.5 percent of their shots from beyond the arc.
DeMar DeRozan paced the Spurs with 24 points and, aside from being one of five players that scored in double digits, he also filled the stat sheet with seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block. Dejounte Murray had 18 points and 10 rebounds but also added three assists and three steals, while Keldon Johnson chipped in with 11 points and seven boards. Jakob Poeltl posted a double-double off the bench with 13 points and 11 boards, while Patty Mills added 11 points.
The Rockets only had eight players seeing action here and their scoring figures weren't evenly distributed -- three players topped the 20-point mark and the others couldn't reach the 10-point plateau. Christian Wood and Mason Jones each contributed 24 points for Houston, with Wood also adding 18 rebounds and three assists while Mason chipped in with six boards and four dimes. Ben McLemore ended with 21 points, three boards and two steals.
The Spurs (7-6) moved over the .500 threshold once again and secured the victory against the Rockets (4-7) thanks to an impressive performance in the second half, where they had to turn things around following a slow start to the contest. The Rockets got off to a better start and jumped out to a 30-21 lead following the initial 12 minutes, but San Antonio made things closer with a 29-23 second quarter. The Spurs finally grabbed the lead in the third quarter, where they outscored the Rockets by six points (25-19) and eventually closed things out with a 28-19 score in the final 12 minutes of action. Houston couldn't sustain the pace of the first quarter and the Spurs took advantage of that. Both teams struggled from the field in this game, though. The Spurs made 40 percent of their shots and 20.8 percent of their three-point attempts, while the Rockets converted just 36.9 percent of their field-goal attempts while draining 37.5 percent of their shots from beyond the arc.
DeMar DeRozan paced the Spurs with 24 points and, aside from being one of five players that scored in double digits, he also filled the stat sheet with seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block. Dejounte Murray had 18 points and 10 rebounds but also added three assists and three steals, while Keldon Johnson chipped in with 11 points and seven boards. Jakob Poeltl posted a double-double off the bench with 13 points and 11 boards, while Patty Mills added 11 points.
The Rockets only had eight players seeing action here and their scoring figures weren't evenly distributed -- three players topped the 20-point mark and the others couldn't reach the 10-point plateau. Christian Wood and Mason Jones each contributed 24 points for Houston, with Wood also adding 18 rebounds and three assists while Mason chipped in with six boards and four dimes. Ben McLemore ended with 21 points, three boards and two steals.
Nets Defeat Magic In James Harden Debut
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Orlando Magic, 122-115, at Barclays Center on Saturday evening.
The Nets (8-6) secured their fifth win over their last seven contests by topping the Magic (6-7), but this wasn't an ordinary win for them -- this was the first game James Harden played for Brooklyn and the star shooting guard certainly left his mark with his new team. Brooklyn got the lead by three points (29-26) following the first quarter and it seemed they would take control of the game with ease, but the Magic kept things close in both the second (24-23) and third (33-32) quarters. Brooklyn made sure they wouldn't let the game get away from them, though, and they closed things out in the final seconds to register a seven-point win at home. The Nets shot 53.8 percent from the field and 45.7 percent from three-point range, so it was clear their efficiency from the field was key to register the win here. As for the Magic, they shot 46.3 percent from the field but only a meager 30.4 percent from beyond the arc.
Kevin Durant and James Harden stole the show for the Nets -- while Durant paced the offense with 42 points, four rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks, James Harden chipped in with a 32-point, 12-rebound, 14-assist triple-double -- he became the first player in NBA to register a 30-point triple-double in his debut, while also dishing out the most assists in a Nets debut in league history. Joe Harris also made his presence felt with 17 points, and Jeff Green chipped in with 10 points and four boards.
Nikola Vucevic led the Magic with a strong performance across the board, as he ended with 34 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and five steals. Cole Anthony contributed 16 points and eight assists, while Aaron Gordon finished with 11 points, six rebounds and six assists. Terrence Ross snapped his cold streak by scoring 23 points off the bench.
The Nets (8-6) secured their fifth win over their last seven contests by topping the Magic (6-7), but this wasn't an ordinary win for them -- this was the first game James Harden played for Brooklyn and the star shooting guard certainly left his mark with his new team. Brooklyn got the lead by three points (29-26) following the first quarter and it seemed they would take control of the game with ease, but the Magic kept things close in both the second (24-23) and third (33-32) quarters. Brooklyn made sure they wouldn't let the game get away from them, though, and they closed things out in the final seconds to register a seven-point win at home. The Nets shot 53.8 percent from the field and 45.7 percent from three-point range, so it was clear their efficiency from the field was key to register the win here. As for the Magic, they shot 46.3 percent from the field but only a meager 30.4 percent from beyond the arc.
Kevin Durant and James Harden stole the show for the Nets -- while Durant paced the offense with 42 points, four rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks, James Harden chipped in with a 32-point, 12-rebound, 14-assist triple-double -- he became the first player in NBA to register a 30-point triple-double in his debut, while also dishing out the most assists in a Nets debut in league history. Joe Harris also made his presence felt with 17 points, and Jeff Green chipped in with 10 points and four boards.
Nikola Vucevic led the Magic with a strong performance across the board, as he ended with 34 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and five steals. Cole Anthony contributed 16 points and eight assists, while Aaron Gordon finished with 11 points, six rebounds and six assists. Terrence Ross snapped his cold streak by scoring 23 points off the bench.
Raptors Escape Hornets, 116-113
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 116-113, at Amalie Arena on Saturday night.
The Raptors (4-8) came into the contest on what would have to be considered a "run" for them by this season's standards, as Toronto had gone 2-2 over its last four games while suffering a pair of one-point losses in that sample. The Raps got the early jump on the visiting Hornets (6-8) by forging a four-point lead through the first 12 minutes, but Charlotte had cut the deficit in half by intermission. The game continued as a nip-and-tuck battle deep into the fourth quarter, when the Hornets trailed by just a point with 8.4 seconds remaining and came within a missed Terry Rozier three-point attempt at the buzzer of sending the game into overtime.
Gordon Hayward led the Hornets with 25 points, adding five rebounds, three assists and one steal. Rozier followed with 24 points, nine boards, two assists and one steal. Devonte' Graham supplied 20 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal. P.J. Washington generated a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included five assists and two blocks. LaMelo Ball registered 11 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Miles Bridges compiled 10 points and four assists.
Norman Powell paced the Raptors with 24 points complementing them with three rebounds, two assists and one block. Chris Boucher posted 20 points, nine boards, one assist and two blocks. Kyle Lowry furnished 19 points, six rebounds, six assists and one block. OG Anunoby delivered 18 points, five rebounds, one assist and four steals.
The Hornets head back home to take on the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night, while the Raptors remain home to face the Dallas Mavericks on Monday evening.
The Raptors (4-8) came into the contest on what would have to be considered a "run" for them by this season's standards, as Toronto had gone 2-2 over its last four games while suffering a pair of one-point losses in that sample. The Raps got the early jump on the visiting Hornets (6-8) by forging a four-point lead through the first 12 minutes, but Charlotte had cut the deficit in half by intermission. The game continued as a nip-and-tuck battle deep into the fourth quarter, when the Hornets trailed by just a point with 8.4 seconds remaining and came within a missed Terry Rozier three-point attempt at the buzzer of sending the game into overtime.
Gordon Hayward led the Hornets with 25 points, adding five rebounds, three assists and one steal. Rozier followed with 24 points, nine boards, two assists and one steal. Devonte' Graham supplied 20 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal. P.J. Washington generated a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included five assists and two blocks. LaMelo Ball registered 11 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Miles Bridges compiled 10 points and four assists.
Norman Powell paced the Raptors with 24 points complementing them with three rebounds, two assists and one block. Chris Boucher posted 20 points, nine boards, one assist and two blocks. Kyle Lowry furnished 19 points, six rebounds, six assists and one block. OG Anunoby delivered 18 points, five rebounds, one assist and four steals.
The Hornets head back home to take on the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night, while the Raptors remain home to face the Dallas Mavericks on Monday evening.
Pistons Throttle Heat, 120-100
The Detroit Pistons defeated the Miami Heat, 120-100, at American Airlines Arena on Saturday night.
The Pistons (3-9) have frequently faced long odds this season irrespective of opponent, but they appeared to have at least some reason for optimism against a Heat (4-7) team that had been reeling due to a number of key COVID-19-related absences. However, Miami did find out earlier in the day that the trio of Goran Dragic, Kendrick Nunn and Bam Adebayo had cleared health protocols and would be available. Erik Spoelstra's squad seemed to be on its way to hitting its stride after an uneven first quarter when they managed to forge a 56-52 halftime lead. Nevertheless, the game's dynamic completely changed in a third quarter when Detroit doubled up their hosts, 38-19, setting the stage for what turned out to be its biggest margin of victory this season.
Jerami Grant led the Pistons with 24 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, six assists, four blocks and two steals. Derrick Rose supplied 23 points, four assists, one rebound and four steals. Blake Griffin registered 15 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and one block. Isaiah Stewart generated a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double, while Mason Plumlee and Wayne Ellington produced nine points apiece.
Adebayo paced the Heat with 28 points, supplementing them with seven rebounds, six assists and three blocks. Duncan Robinson delivered 22 points, five boards, three assists and one block. KZ Okpala totaled 16 points, while Dragic contributed 12 points, nine assists and two rebounds off the bench.
The Pistons and Heat reconvene in South Florida for a Monday afternoon rematch.
The Pistons (3-9) have frequently faced long odds this season irrespective of opponent, but they appeared to have at least some reason for optimism against a Heat (4-7) team that had been reeling due to a number of key COVID-19-related absences. However, Miami did find out earlier in the day that the trio of Goran Dragic, Kendrick Nunn and Bam Adebayo had cleared health protocols and would be available. Erik Spoelstra's squad seemed to be on its way to hitting its stride after an uneven first quarter when they managed to forge a 56-52 halftime lead. Nevertheless, the game's dynamic completely changed in a third quarter when Detroit doubled up their hosts, 38-19, setting the stage for what turned out to be its biggest margin of victory this season.
Jerami Grant led the Pistons with 24 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, six assists, four blocks and two steals. Derrick Rose supplied 23 points, four assists, one rebound and four steals. Blake Griffin registered 15 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and one block. Isaiah Stewart generated a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double, while Mason Plumlee and Wayne Ellington produced nine points apiece.
Adebayo paced the Heat with 28 points, supplementing them with seven rebounds, six assists and three blocks. Duncan Robinson delivered 22 points, five boards, three assists and one block. KZ Okpala totaled 16 points, while Dragic contributed 12 points, nine assists and two rebounds off the bench.
The Pistons and Heat reconvene in South Florida for a Monday afternoon rematch.
Grizzlies Hold On For Fourth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Philadelphia 76ers, 106-104, at FedEx Forum on Saturday evening.
The 76ers got out to a strong start on the road as they led through the first quarter, but the Grizzlies closed the quarter strong to keep it to a one-point game heading into the second. The Grizzlies carried the momentum into the second and outscored the hosts by seven points in the quarter to take a, 60-54, lead into the half. They maintained control through the third and pushed their lead as high as 14, in the first minute of the fourth. The Sixers bounced back with a, 20-10, run to cut it to a four-point game with 5:29 remaining. The visitors kept the pressure on and cut it to a one-point game in the final minutes, but the Grizzlies managed to keep the edge and hold on for their fourth straight win.
Seven players scored in double digits for the Grizzlies, led by Ja Morant, who tallied 17 points and six assists, in his first game back from an ankle injury. Xavier Tillman followed up with 15 points, four rebounds, four steals and two assists, while Brandon Clarke totaled 11 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two blocks. The Grizzlies shot 44 percent from the field, including 8-of-29 from deep.
Meanwhile, Shake Milton led the 76ers with 28 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals, in 32 minutes. Tobias Harris followed up with 21 points, three rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal, while Dwight Howard totaled eight points, 18 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. The 76ers shot 44 percent from the field, including 7-of-25 from long range.
The Sixers (9-5) will look to bounce back as they take on the Thunder in OKC on Sunday. The Grizzlies (6-6) host the Suns on Monday.
The 76ers got out to a strong start on the road as they led through the first quarter, but the Grizzlies closed the quarter strong to keep it to a one-point game heading into the second. The Grizzlies carried the momentum into the second and outscored the hosts by seven points in the quarter to take a, 60-54, lead into the half. They maintained control through the third and pushed their lead as high as 14, in the first minute of the fourth. The Sixers bounced back with a, 20-10, run to cut it to a four-point game with 5:29 remaining. The visitors kept the pressure on and cut it to a one-point game in the final minutes, but the Grizzlies managed to keep the edge and hold on for their fourth straight win.
Seven players scored in double digits for the Grizzlies, led by Ja Morant, who tallied 17 points and six assists, in his first game back from an ankle injury. Xavier Tillman followed up with 15 points, four rebounds, four steals and two assists, while Brandon Clarke totaled 11 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two blocks. The Grizzlies shot 44 percent from the field, including 8-of-29 from deep.
Meanwhile, Shake Milton led the 76ers with 28 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals, in 32 minutes. Tobias Harris followed up with 21 points, three rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal, while Dwight Howard totaled eight points, 18 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. The 76ers shot 44 percent from the field, including 7-of-25 from long range.
The Sixers (9-5) will look to bounce back as they take on the Thunder in OKC on Sunday. The Grizzlies (6-6) host the Suns on Monday.
By Dan Bruno
This game has been postponed
Trail Blazers Defeat Hawks, 112-106
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Atlanta Hawks, 112-106, at Moda Center on Saturday.
While Atlanta got their lead up to 16 points in the second quarter, Portland rode a 53-40 second half to their victory. In total, there were seven ties and eight lead changes, with Portland holding Atlanta to just 30 percent shooting in the second half. That defense was key all game, with the Hawks shooting just 39 percent from the field and 34 percent from three-point range. In addition, the Trail Blazers won the offensive rebounding battle, 17-7, while winning the turnover differential, 13-7.
The Hawks (5-7) were led by Trae Young, who provided 26 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists on 7-of-23 from the field. Clint Capela totaled 25 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks on 11-of-16 shooting. DeAndre Hunter had 15 points and six boards while Kevin Huerter tallied 13 points, six rebounds and four assists.
The Trail Blazers (8-5) were led by Damian Lillard and his 36 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. C.J. McCollum never returned after the half because of a foot sprain but still dropped 16 points. Enes Kanter got a start and collected 12 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, two steals and five blocks. Derrick Jones amassed 10 points, nine rebounds and two steals while Gary Trent Jr led the bench with 18 points.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Portland remaining home to face the San Antonio Spurs and Atlanta returning home to face the Minnesota Timberwolves.
While Atlanta got their lead up to 16 points in the second quarter, Portland rode a 53-40 second half to their victory. In total, there were seven ties and eight lead changes, with Portland holding Atlanta to just 30 percent shooting in the second half. That defense was key all game, with the Hawks shooting just 39 percent from the field and 34 percent from three-point range. In addition, the Trail Blazers won the offensive rebounding battle, 17-7, while winning the turnover differential, 13-7.
The Hawks (5-7) were led by Trae Young, who provided 26 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists on 7-of-23 from the field. Clint Capela totaled 25 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks on 11-of-16 shooting. DeAndre Hunter had 15 points and six boards while Kevin Huerter tallied 13 points, six rebounds and four assists.
The Trail Blazers (8-5) were led by Damian Lillard and his 36 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. C.J. McCollum never returned after the half because of a foot sprain but still dropped 16 points. Enes Kanter got a start and collected 12 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, two steals and five blocks. Derrick Jones amassed 10 points, nine rebounds and two steals while Gary Trent Jr led the bench with 18 points.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Portland remaining home to face the San Antonio Spurs and Atlanta returning home to face the Minnesota Timberwolves.