Knicks Stun Celtics, Secure 30-Point Win
The New York Knicks defeated the Boston Celtics, 105-75, at TD Garden on Sunday afternoon.
The Celtics (8-4) were favorites entering this game since they arrived into this contest on a five-game winning run, while the Knicks (6-8) had lost five games in a row. That, however, wasn't noticeable as soon as the ball started bouncing. The Knicks quickly jumped out to a 28-17 lead following the first quarter and increased that lead to 13 points at the break, after outscoring Boston 20-18 in the final 12 minutes of the first half. The Knicks pulled away even further in the third quarter (27-15), and the Celtics were so poor offensively that they couldn't reach the 20-point mark in any of the first three quarters. Boston also lost the final quarter but put up a bigger fight -- 30-25 -- and the Knicks cruised their way towards a comfortable victory on enemy soil. The Knicks shot 47.5 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from three-point range, while the Celtics made just 29.8 percent of their buckets, including a meager 15.2 percent from beyond the arc. Boston's shooting woes clearly indicated how the game happened.
The Celtics struggled so much on offense that only two players scored in double digits -- Jaylen Brown recorded 25 points and six rebounds with three assists, while Marcus Smart chipped in with 10 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. No other Celtics player reached the 10-point plateau, with names such as Kemba Walker posting nine points and three rebounds, as well as four assists, in his return to action.
Julius Randle was the best player for the Knicks and ended with 20 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and three steals. R.J. Barrett delivered 19 points and 11 rebounds with three assists. Reggie Bullock posted 11 points as a starter, while Obi Toppin posted 12 points off the bench. Immanuel Quickley delivered 17 points and eight assists while playing 21 minutes off the bench.
The Celtics (8-4) were favorites entering this game since they arrived into this contest on a five-game winning run, while the Knicks (6-8) had lost five games in a row. That, however, wasn't noticeable as soon as the ball started bouncing. The Knicks quickly jumped out to a 28-17 lead following the first quarter and increased that lead to 13 points at the break, after outscoring Boston 20-18 in the final 12 minutes of the first half. The Knicks pulled away even further in the third quarter (27-15), and the Celtics were so poor offensively that they couldn't reach the 20-point mark in any of the first three quarters. Boston also lost the final quarter but put up a bigger fight -- 30-25 -- and the Knicks cruised their way towards a comfortable victory on enemy soil. The Knicks shot 47.5 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from three-point range, while the Celtics made just 29.8 percent of their buckets, including a meager 15.2 percent from beyond the arc. Boston's shooting woes clearly indicated how the game happened.
The Celtics struggled so much on offense that only two players scored in double digits -- Jaylen Brown recorded 25 points and six rebounds with three assists, while Marcus Smart chipped in with 10 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. No other Celtics player reached the 10-point plateau, with names such as Kemba Walker posting nine points and three rebounds, as well as four assists, in his return to action.
Julius Randle was the best player for the Knicks and ended with 20 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and three steals. R.J. Barrett delivered 19 points and 11 rebounds with three assists. Reggie Bullock posted 11 points as a starter, while Obi Toppin posted 12 points off the bench. Immanuel Quickley delivered 17 points and eight assists while playing 21 minutes off the bench.
Cavaliers and Wizards Postponed Sunday
The Cleveland Cavaliers-Washington Wizards game scheduled for Sunday afternoon has been postponed due to COVID-19 protocols.
Bulls Handle Mavericks, 117-101
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 117-101, at American Airlines Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Bulls (5-8) came into Sunday's contest looking to put an end to a four-game losing streak, and they got off to a solid start in that regard by jumping out to a 27-23 first-quarter lead. The second period truly changed the dynamic of the game, however, as Chicago extended its advantage to 15 points by halftime. The Mavericks (6-6) could only shave a point off their deficit in the third, and the visitors continued to hold their own during the final period for a comfortable victory.
Lauri Markkanen paced the Bulls with 29 points, complementing them with 10 rebounds and three assists. Garrett Temple supplied 21 points, three boards, three assists, two steals and one block. Thaddeus Young delivered 15 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Otto Porter Jr. compiled 14 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one steal. Wendell Carter registered 12 points, seven rebounds, one assist, five steals and one block. Zach LaVine generated a 10-point, 10-assist double-double that also included three steals.
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with a 36-point, 16-rebound, 15-assist triple-double that also included two steals. Kristaps Porzings totaled 20 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Willie Cauley-Stein and James Johnson turned in matching 10-point tallies while also pulling down five and two rebounds, respectively.
The Bulls return home to face the Houston Rockets on Monday night, while the Mavericks visit the Toronto Raptors in Tampa on Monday night as well.
The Bulls (5-8) came into Sunday's contest looking to put an end to a four-game losing streak, and they got off to a solid start in that regard by jumping out to a 27-23 first-quarter lead. The second period truly changed the dynamic of the game, however, as Chicago extended its advantage to 15 points by halftime. The Mavericks (6-6) could only shave a point off their deficit in the third, and the visitors continued to hold their own during the final period for a comfortable victory.
Lauri Markkanen paced the Bulls with 29 points, complementing them with 10 rebounds and three assists. Garrett Temple supplied 21 points, three boards, three assists, two steals and one block. Thaddeus Young delivered 15 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Otto Porter Jr. compiled 14 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one steal. Wendell Carter registered 12 points, seven rebounds, one assist, five steals and one block. Zach LaVine generated a 10-point, 10-assist double-double that also included three steals.
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with a 36-point, 16-rebound, 15-assist triple-double that also included two steals. Kristaps Porzings totaled 20 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Willie Cauley-Stein and James Johnson turned in matching 10-point tallies while also pulling down five and two rebounds, respectively.
The Bulls return home to face the Houston Rockets on Monday night, while the Mavericks visit the Toronto Raptors in Tampa on Monday night as well.
Postponed
By Dan Bruno
This game has been postponed
Jazz Top Nuggets For Fifth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz defeated the host Denver Nuggets, 109-105, at Ball Arena on Sunday evening.
The contest got out to a tight start with the Jazz holding a one-point lead after one quarter. The Jazz led for most of the second, but the Nuggets closed the quarter on a, 8-3, run to take a five-point lead into the half. The Nuggets kept the upper hand for most of the third but the Jazz rallied to close the quarter and grab a two-point lead heading into the final frame. The Jazz stayed strong in the fourth and did not let go of the advantage, as they managed to stay a couple steps ahead the rest of the way to earn their fifth straight win.
Jordan Clarkson led the Jazz with 23 points on 9-of-13 shooting, in 29 minutes off the bench. Donovan Mitchell followed up with 18 points, seven assists, three rebounds, two blocks and a steal, while Rudy Gobert totaled 15 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks. The Jazz shot 51 percent from the field, including 15-of-35 from deep.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 35 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists, two steals and a block, in 39 minutes. Jamal Murray added 30 points, five rebounds, four assists and a block, while no other players scored in double digits for the Nuggets. The Nuggets shot 40 percent from the field, including 14-of-37 from long range.
The Nuggets (6-7) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Thunder on Tuesday. The Jazz (9-4) play host to the Pelicans on Tuesday.
The contest got out to a tight start with the Jazz holding a one-point lead after one quarter. The Jazz led for most of the second, but the Nuggets closed the quarter on a, 8-3, run to take a five-point lead into the half. The Nuggets kept the upper hand for most of the third but the Jazz rallied to close the quarter and grab a two-point lead heading into the final frame. The Jazz stayed strong in the fourth and did not let go of the advantage, as they managed to stay a couple steps ahead the rest of the way to earn their fifth straight win.
Jordan Clarkson led the Jazz with 23 points on 9-of-13 shooting, in 29 minutes off the bench. Donovan Mitchell followed up with 18 points, seven assists, three rebounds, two blocks and a steal, while Rudy Gobert totaled 15 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks. The Jazz shot 51 percent from the field, including 15-of-35 from deep.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 35 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists, two steals and a block, in 39 minutes. Jamal Murray added 30 points, five rebounds, four assists and a block, while no other players scored in double digits for the Nuggets. The Nuggets shot 40 percent from the field, including 14-of-37 from long range.
The Nuggets (6-7) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Thunder on Tuesday. The Jazz (9-4) play host to the Pelicans on Tuesday.
Pelicans Defeat Kings, 128-123
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the host Sacramento Kings, 128-123, at Golden 1 Center on Sunday.
While there were only three ties and five lead changes in this game, it came down to the final seconds. In fact, It was a 116-115 game with 3:16 left in favor of New Orleans but they finished on a 12-8 run to prevail. A 34-25 first quarter really allowed them to command things, holding the lead for the final three quarters. In fact, they led by 19 points at times in their win. The Pelicans ended up shooting 50 percent from three-point range while the Kings hit just 33 percent of theirs. New Orleans also out-rebounded Sacramento, 48-33. In addition, the Pelicans bench outscored the Kings bench, 33-13.
The Pelicans (4-7) were led by Zion Williamson and his 31 points, six rebounds and two assists on 13-of-15 from the field. Brandon Ingram tallied 22 points and three rebounds. Eric Bledsoe amassed 21 points and six boards. Steven Adams generated 12 points, 15 rebounds and four assists while J.J. Redick led the bench with 15 points and four assists,
The Kings (5-8) got a career-best 43 points from De'Aaron Fox, providing four rebounds, 13 assists and four steals on 17-of-27 from the field. Marvin Bagley III accrued 26 points and 10 rebounds. Buddy Hield finished with 18 points, four rebounds and three assists while Richaun Holmes had 16 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.
On deck for New Orleans is another road game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday. As for Sacramento, they're off until Wednesday when they face the Los Angeles Clippers on the road as well.
While there were only three ties and five lead changes in this game, it came down to the final seconds. In fact, It was a 116-115 game with 3:16 left in favor of New Orleans but they finished on a 12-8 run to prevail. A 34-25 first quarter really allowed them to command things, holding the lead for the final three quarters. In fact, they led by 19 points at times in their win. The Pelicans ended up shooting 50 percent from three-point range while the Kings hit just 33 percent of theirs. New Orleans also out-rebounded Sacramento, 48-33. In addition, the Pelicans bench outscored the Kings bench, 33-13.
The Pelicans (4-7) were led by Zion Williamson and his 31 points, six rebounds and two assists on 13-of-15 from the field. Brandon Ingram tallied 22 points and three rebounds. Eric Bledsoe amassed 21 points and six boards. Steven Adams generated 12 points, 15 rebounds and four assists while J.J. Redick led the bench with 15 points and four assists,
The Kings (5-8) got a career-best 43 points from De'Aaron Fox, providing four rebounds, 13 assists and four steals on 17-of-27 from the field. Marvin Bagley III accrued 26 points and 10 rebounds. Buddy Hield finished with 18 points, four rebounds and three assists while Richaun Holmes had 16 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.
On deck for New Orleans is another road game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday. As for Sacramento, they're off until Wednesday when they face the Los Angeles Clippers on the road as well.
Clippers Defeat Pacers, 129-96
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Indiana Pacers, 129-96, at Staples Center on Sunday.
A 36-26 first quarter in favor of the Clippers really set the tone in this game, with Los Angeles holding the lead for the final three quarters. Indiana was able to get it down to a two-point margin early in the third quarter but the Clippers rode a 39-20 third quarter to a 25-point lead heading into the fourth. Indiana never got the game within 19 points after that. Los Angeles ended up shooting 55 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range while Indiana connected on just 42 percent from the field and 29 percent from long range. In addition, the Clippers out-rebounded the Pacers, 52-33, while outscoring their bench, 65-14.
The Pacers (8-5) were led by Doug McDermott, who totaled 23 points and two assists on 9-of-12 from the field. Domantas Sabonis amassed 19 points, 14 rebounds, six assists and two steals. Malcolm Brogdon generated 16 points, two rebounds and eight assists while Justin Holiday had 15 points, three rebounds and two steals.
The Clippers (10-4) were led by Paul George and his 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Marcus Morris and Luke Kennard matched those 20 points to lead the bench. Kawhi Leonard collected 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Leonard and George combined to go 15-of-24 from the field. Patrick Beverley accrued 11 points, five rebounds and six assists.
Both teams will be off until Wednesday, with Los Angeles remaining home to face the struggling Sacramento Kings and Indiana returning home to play the Dallas Mavericks.
A 36-26 first quarter in favor of the Clippers really set the tone in this game, with Los Angeles holding the lead for the final three quarters. Indiana was able to get it down to a two-point margin early in the third quarter but the Clippers rode a 39-20 third quarter to a 25-point lead heading into the fourth. Indiana never got the game within 19 points after that. Los Angeles ended up shooting 55 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range while Indiana connected on just 42 percent from the field and 29 percent from long range. In addition, the Clippers out-rebounded the Pacers, 52-33, while outscoring their bench, 65-14.
The Pacers (8-5) were led by Doug McDermott, who totaled 23 points and two assists on 9-of-12 from the field. Domantas Sabonis amassed 19 points, 14 rebounds, six assists and two steals. Malcolm Brogdon generated 16 points, two rebounds and eight assists while Justin Holiday had 15 points, three rebounds and two steals.
The Clippers (10-4) were led by Paul George and his 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Marcus Morris and Luke Kennard matched those 20 points to lead the bench. Kawhi Leonard collected 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Leonard and George combined to go 15-of-24 from the field. Patrick Beverley accrued 11 points, five rebounds and six assists.
Both teams will be off until Wednesday, with Los Angeles remaining home to face the struggling Sacramento Kings and Indiana returning home to play the Dallas Mavericks.