Knicks Hold Off Rally, Defeat Magic
The New York Knicks defeated the Orlando Magic, 91-84, at Madison Square Garden on Monday afternoon.
The Knicks (7-8) and the Magic (7-8) have been trending in the wrong direction over the last few weeks, but New York has now won two games in a row following their wins on a back-to-back set -- they topped the Boston Celtics on Sunday and now defeated Orlando on Monday. The Knicks established their lead early in the first quarter and led by six points (19-13), but they managed to increase that advantage in both the second (28-25) and third (19-16) quarters as well. The Magic attempted a late comeback in the final 12 minutes and edged the Knicks by five points in the fourth, but their efforts were not enough. The Knicks cruised their way towards victory and are beginning to leave their five-game losing streak on the rearview, while the Magic have been playing woeful of late and pushed their losing streak to six games. With the win, the Knicks are now 3-4 at home while the Magic are 3-5 on the road.
R.J. Barrett delivered a strong performance for the Knicks and finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds, leading the team in scoring. Julius Randle also chipped in with a double-double after posting 21 points and 17 rebounds, while Reggie Bullock contributed 13 points. Mitchell Robinson added six points while making just two of five shots, but he chipped in with 10 rebounds. Immanuel Quickley had 11 points off the bench.
As it has been the trend all season long, Nikola Vucevic led the Magic with 24 points and 14 rebounds, while Aaron Gordon contributed 18 points, 17 rebounds, nine assists and two blocks. Terrence Ross, who had been ice cold lately, was the only other Orlando player who scored in double digits since he chipped in with 19 points off the bench despite going 5-for-16 from the field.
The Knicks (7-8) and the Magic (7-8) have been trending in the wrong direction over the last few weeks, but New York has now won two games in a row following their wins on a back-to-back set -- they topped the Boston Celtics on Sunday and now defeated Orlando on Monday. The Knicks established their lead early in the first quarter and led by six points (19-13), but they managed to increase that advantage in both the second (28-25) and third (19-16) quarters as well. The Magic attempted a late comeback in the final 12 minutes and edged the Knicks by five points in the fourth, but their efforts were not enough. The Knicks cruised their way towards victory and are beginning to leave their five-game losing streak on the rearview, while the Magic have been playing woeful of late and pushed their losing streak to six games. With the win, the Knicks are now 3-4 at home while the Magic are 3-5 on the road.
R.J. Barrett delivered a strong performance for the Knicks and finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds, leading the team in scoring. Julius Randle also chipped in with a double-double after posting 21 points and 17 rebounds, while Reggie Bullock contributed 13 points. Mitchell Robinson added six points while making just two of five shots, but he chipped in with 10 rebounds. Immanuel Quickley had 11 points off the bench.
As it has been the trend all season long, Nikola Vucevic led the Magic with 24 points and 14 rebounds, while Aaron Gordon contributed 18 points, 17 rebounds, nine assists and two blocks. Terrence Ross, who had been ice cold lately, was the only other Orlando player who scored in double digits since he chipped in with 19 points off the bench despite going 5-for-16 from the field.
Cavaliers-Wizards Postponed Monday
The game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena scheduled for Monday afternoon at Capital One Arena has been postponed due to the NBA's health and safety protocols.
Hawks Defeat T'Wolves, 108-97
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 108-97, at Philips Arena on Monday.
Atlanta won or tied all four individual quarters in this game, holding the lead for the final three quarters. In fact, Minnesota never got within five points for the final 20 minutes of play. The Hawks ended up shooting 47 percent from the field, 39 percent from three-point range and 92 percent from the free-throw line while the Timberwolves shot 40 percent from the field, 37 percent from long range and 69 percent from the charity stripe. Atlanta did that while out-rebounding Minnesota, 48-39, and out-assisting them, 32-22.
The Timberwolves (3-9) were led by D'Angelo Russell, tallying 31 points, three rebounds, seven assists and four steals. Malik Beasley amassed 15 points, five rebounds and three assists. Naz Reid started for Karl-Anthony Towns and totaled nine points, two rebounds and two steals. Anthony Edwards led the bench with 12 points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Hawks (6-7) were led by De'Andre Hunter, who generated 25 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals. Clint Capela provided 23 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, two steals and three blocks. Trae Young collected 20 points, eight rebounds, 13 assists and three steals. Kevin Huerter compiled 17 points, six rebounds, eight assists and four steals.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Minnesota playing host to the Orlando Magic and Atlanta remaining home to face the Detroit Pistons.
Atlanta won or tied all four individual quarters in this game, holding the lead for the final three quarters. In fact, Minnesota never got within five points for the final 20 minutes of play. The Hawks ended up shooting 47 percent from the field, 39 percent from three-point range and 92 percent from the free-throw line while the Timberwolves shot 40 percent from the field, 37 percent from long range and 69 percent from the charity stripe. Atlanta did that while out-rebounding Minnesota, 48-39, and out-assisting them, 32-22.
The Timberwolves (3-9) were led by D'Angelo Russell, tallying 31 points, three rebounds, seven assists and four steals. Malik Beasley amassed 15 points, five rebounds and three assists. Naz Reid started for Karl-Anthony Towns and totaled nine points, two rebounds and two steals. Anthony Edwards led the bench with 12 points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Hawks (6-7) were led by De'Andre Hunter, who generated 25 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals. Clint Capela provided 23 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, two steals and three blocks. Trae Young collected 20 points, eight rebounds, 13 assists and three steals. Kevin Huerter compiled 17 points, six rebounds, eight assists and four steals.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Minnesota playing host to the Orlando Magic and Atlanta remaining home to face the Detroit Pistons.
Spurs Earn Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 125-104, at Moda Center on Monday evening.
The Spurs got out to a strong start on the road with a, 32-28, lead after one quarter. They maintained the upper hand through the second and pushed their lead to five by halftime. The Trail Blazers kept it close through the third and briefly claimed a two-point advantage, but the Spurs rallied ahead to reclaim a five-point lead heading into the final frame. The Spurs carried the momentum into the fourth, where they took over and pushed their lead as high as 22 points, on the way to their second straight win.
LaMarcus Aldridge was the high-point man for the Spurs with 22 points on 10-of-17 shooting, in 24 minutes. DeMar DeRozan added 20 points, 11 assists, six rebounds and two steals, while Patty Mills and Rudy Gay each tallied 21 points off the bench. The Spurs shot 53 percent from the field, including 15-of-33 from long range.
Meanwhile, Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 35 points on 10-of-23 shooting, six assists, three rebounds, a steal and a block, in 35 minutes. Rodney Hood followed up with 21 points on 9-of-14 shooting, while Carmelo Anthony chipped in 14 points off the bench. The Trail Blazers shot 43 percent from the field, including 10-of-35 from long range.
The Trail Blazers (8-6) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Grizzlies on Wednesday. The Spurs (8-6) take on the Warriors in Golden State on Wednesday.
The Spurs got out to a strong start on the road with a, 32-28, lead after one quarter. They maintained the upper hand through the second and pushed their lead to five by halftime. The Trail Blazers kept it close through the third and briefly claimed a two-point advantage, but the Spurs rallied ahead to reclaim a five-point lead heading into the final frame. The Spurs carried the momentum into the fourth, where they took over and pushed their lead as high as 22 points, on the way to their second straight win.
LaMarcus Aldridge was the high-point man for the Spurs with 22 points on 10-of-17 shooting, in 24 minutes. DeMar DeRozan added 20 points, 11 assists, six rebounds and two steals, while Patty Mills and Rudy Gay each tallied 21 points off the bench. The Spurs shot 53 percent from the field, including 15-of-33 from long range.
Meanwhile, Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 35 points on 10-of-23 shooting, six assists, three rebounds, a steal and a block, in 35 minutes. Rodney Hood followed up with 21 points on 9-of-14 shooting, while Carmelo Anthony chipped in 14 points off the bench. The Trail Blazers shot 43 percent from the field, including 10-of-35 from long range.
The Trail Blazers (8-6) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Grizzlies on Wednesday. The Spurs (8-6) take on the Warriors in Golden State on Wednesday.
Grizzlies Close Out Fifth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns, 108-104, at FedEx Forum on Monday evening.
The Suns got out to a strong start on the road with a, 24-18, lead after one quarter. The Grizzlies answered in the second, where they outscored the visitors by 10 points, to take a four-point lead into halftime. They carried the momentum into the third and pushed their lead up to eight points early in the quarter, but the Suns fought back to cut it to a two-point game heading into the final frame. The Suns pulled ahead in the fourth and built a six-point lead with about four minutes to go. The Grizzlies took over in the final minutes, where they outscored the visitors, 18-8, to pull ahead and close out their fifth straight win.
Seven players scored in double digits for the Grizzlies, led by Ja Morant and Brandon Clarke, who tallied 17 points each. Grayson Allen added 16 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal, off the bench, while Tyus Jones totaled 11 points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Grizzlies shot 49 percent from the field, including 11-of-26 from long range.
Meanwhile, Deandre Ayton led the Suns with 18 points, 16 rebounds, three assists and a block, in 34 minutes. Mikal Bridges followed up with 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, while Chris Paul totaled 16 points, seven assists, three rebounds and three steals. The Suns shot 46 percent from the field, including 15-of-36 from long range.
The Suns (7-5) will look to bounce back as they take on the Rockets in Houston on Wednesday. The Grizzlies (7-6) take on Trail Blazers in Portland on Wednesday.
The Suns got out to a strong start on the road with a, 24-18, lead after one quarter. The Grizzlies answered in the second, where they outscored the visitors by 10 points, to take a four-point lead into halftime. They carried the momentum into the third and pushed their lead up to eight points early in the quarter, but the Suns fought back to cut it to a two-point game heading into the final frame. The Suns pulled ahead in the fourth and built a six-point lead with about four minutes to go. The Grizzlies took over in the final minutes, where they outscored the visitors, 18-8, to pull ahead and close out their fifth straight win.
Seven players scored in double digits for the Grizzlies, led by Ja Morant and Brandon Clarke, who tallied 17 points each. Grayson Allen added 16 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal, off the bench, while Tyus Jones totaled 11 points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Grizzlies shot 49 percent from the field, including 11-of-26 from long range.
Meanwhile, Deandre Ayton led the Suns with 18 points, 16 rebounds, three assists and a block, in 34 minutes. Mikal Bridges followed up with 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, while Chris Paul totaled 16 points, seven assists, three rebounds and three steals. The Suns shot 46 percent from the field, including 15-of-36 from long range.
The Suns (7-5) will look to bounce back as they take on the Rockets in Houston on Wednesday. The Grizzlies (7-6) take on Trail Blazers in Portland on Wednesday.
Nets Come Up Clutch To Close Out Fourth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the visiting Milwaukee Bucks, 125-123, at Barclays Center on Monday evening.
The Bucks got out to a strong start on the road and led by six after one quarter. The Nets came out stronger in the second and pulled ahead early in the quarter. They held the advantage through most of the quarter and hung on to a one-point lead at halftime. The Nets carried the momentum into the third, where they pushed their lead as high as 11, before the Bucks cut it back to a five-point game heading into the final frame. The Nets held the edge early in the quarter, but the Bucks tied it up at 110, with five minutes left. The teams traded the lead a multiple times over the last few minutes, but the Nets came out on top, thanks to a three-pointer by Kevin Durant, with 36 seconds left on the clock. The Bucks missed two attempts in the final 30 seconds and saw their four-game winning streak come to an end, while the Nets walked away with their fourth straight win.
James Harden led the Nets with 34 points, 12 assists, six rebounds and a block, in 40 minutes. Kevin Durant added 30 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two blocks, while Joe Harris chipped in 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting. The Nets shot 55 percent from the field, including 15-of-31 from deep.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 34 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and two steals, in 39 minutes. Khris Middleton followed up with 25 points, four rebounds, four assists and four steals, while Jrue Holiday tallied 22 points, six assists and four rebounds. The Bucks shot 44 percent from the field, including 11-of-37 from long range.
The Bucks (9-5) will look to bounce back, as they play host to the Lakers on Thursday. The Nets (9-6) take on the Cavaliers in Cleveland on Wednesday.
The Bucks got out to a strong start on the road and led by six after one quarter. The Nets came out stronger in the second and pulled ahead early in the quarter. They held the advantage through most of the quarter and hung on to a one-point lead at halftime. The Nets carried the momentum into the third, where they pushed their lead as high as 11, before the Bucks cut it back to a five-point game heading into the final frame. The Nets held the edge early in the quarter, but the Bucks tied it up at 110, with five minutes left. The teams traded the lead a multiple times over the last few minutes, but the Nets came out on top, thanks to a three-pointer by Kevin Durant, with 36 seconds left on the clock. The Bucks missed two attempts in the final 30 seconds and saw their four-game winning streak come to an end, while the Nets walked away with their fourth straight win.
James Harden led the Nets with 34 points, 12 assists, six rebounds and a block, in 40 minutes. Kevin Durant added 30 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two blocks, while Joe Harris chipped in 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting. The Nets shot 55 percent from the field, including 15-of-31 from deep.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 34 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and two steals, in 39 minutes. Khris Middleton followed up with 25 points, four rebounds, four assists and four steals, while Jrue Holiday tallied 22 points, six assists and four rebounds. The Bucks shot 44 percent from the field, including 11-of-37 from long range.
The Bucks (9-5) will look to bounce back, as they play host to the Lakers on Thursday. The Nets (9-6) take on the Cavaliers in Cleveland on Wednesday.
Raptors Defeat Mavericks, 116-93
The Toronto Raptors defeated the host Dallas Mavericks, 116-93, at Amalie Arena on Monday.
While there were six ties and 15 lead changes in this game, Toronto rode a 69-46 second half to a blowout victory. In fact, they led by at least five points for the final 18 minutes and held a double-digit lead for the final 10 minutes. The Raptors bench came up huge, outscoring the Mavericks bench, 55-36. In addition, the Raptors out-rebounded the Mavs, 46-38, while outscoring them in the paint, 56-38. In total, Toronto shot 50 percent from the field while holding Dallas to 38 percent shooting.
The Mavericks (6-7) were led by Kristaps Porzingis and his 23 points, nine rebounds and two blocks. Luka Doncic tallied 15 points, seven rebounds and nine assists. Jalen Brunson started and amassed 13 points, two rebounds and two assists. Trey Burke led the bench with 17 points, three assists and two steals. Tim Hardaway Jr went 0-of-12 from the field to go scoreless.
The Raptors (5-8) were led by Kyle Lowry, who collected 23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Pascal Siakam totaled 19 points, three rebounds and five assists. OG Anunoby generated 13 points, 11 rebounds and two steals. Fred VanVleet shot just 2-of-10 from the field but still compiled six points, four rebounds, six assists and four steals. Chris Boucher led the bench with 21 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and three blocks.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Toronto remaining home to face the Miami Heat and Dallas staying on the East Coast to face the Indiana Pacers.
While there were six ties and 15 lead changes in this game, Toronto rode a 69-46 second half to a blowout victory. In fact, they led by at least five points for the final 18 minutes and held a double-digit lead for the final 10 minutes. The Raptors bench came up huge, outscoring the Mavericks bench, 55-36. In addition, the Raptors out-rebounded the Mavs, 46-38, while outscoring them in the paint, 56-38. In total, Toronto shot 50 percent from the field while holding Dallas to 38 percent shooting.
The Mavericks (6-7) were led by Kristaps Porzingis and his 23 points, nine rebounds and two blocks. Luka Doncic tallied 15 points, seven rebounds and nine assists. Jalen Brunson started and amassed 13 points, two rebounds and two assists. Trey Burke led the bench with 17 points, three assists and two steals. Tim Hardaway Jr went 0-of-12 from the field to go scoreless.
The Raptors (5-8) were led by Kyle Lowry, who collected 23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Pascal Siakam totaled 19 points, three rebounds and five assists. OG Anunoby generated 13 points, 11 rebounds and two steals. Fred VanVleet shot just 2-of-10 from the field but still compiled six points, four rebounds, six assists and four steals. Chris Boucher led the bench with 21 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and three blocks.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Toronto remaining home to face the Miami Heat and Dallas staying on the East Coast to face the Indiana Pacers.
Bulls Get By Rockets, 125-120
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Houston Rockets, 125-120, at United Center on Monday night.
The Bulls (6-8) checked into Monday's contest trying to build on a surprising double-digit win over the Mavericks on Sunday, a victory that had snapped a four-game losing streak. Chicago impressively looked as if it hadn't cooled off whatsoever during a dominant first quarter in which they outscored the Rockets (4-8) by a 28-16 margin. The hosts still held that 12-point lead at halftime, but they had to battle to the wire with a Houston squad that managed to shave a total of seven points from its deficit by game's end.
Victor Oladipo led the Rockets in his team debut with 32 points, adding nine assists, five rebounds and two steals. Christian Wood supplied 30 points, nine boards, one assist and one steal. Eric Gordon registered 21 points, four assists and two rebounds. Jaesean Tate managed 11 points, six rebounds and one block, while Mason Jones poured in 10 points.
Zach LaVine paced the Bulls with 33 points, complementing them with seven assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Lauri Markkanen delivered 18 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Denzel Valentine and Garrett Temple generated matching 13-point tallies, with Valentine also pulling down eight rebounds. Thaddeus Young finished with 12 points, nine rebounds, three assists and one steal. Wendell Carter and Coby White produced 10 points apiece, with Carter also recording eight boards and White contributing four rebounds and four assists.
The Rockets head back home to take on the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night, while the Bulls are off until Friday night, when they'll visit the Charlotte Hornets.
The Bulls (6-8) checked into Monday's contest trying to build on a surprising double-digit win over the Mavericks on Sunday, a victory that had snapped a four-game losing streak. Chicago impressively looked as if it hadn't cooled off whatsoever during a dominant first quarter in which they outscored the Rockets (4-8) by a 28-16 margin. The hosts still held that 12-point lead at halftime, but they had to battle to the wire with a Houston squad that managed to shave a total of seven points from its deficit by game's end.
Victor Oladipo led the Rockets in his team debut with 32 points, adding nine assists, five rebounds and two steals. Christian Wood supplied 30 points, nine boards, one assist and one steal. Eric Gordon registered 21 points, four assists and two rebounds. Jaesean Tate managed 11 points, six rebounds and one block, while Mason Jones poured in 10 points.
Zach LaVine paced the Bulls with 33 points, complementing them with seven assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Lauri Markkanen delivered 18 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Denzel Valentine and Garrett Temple generated matching 13-point tallies, with Valentine also pulling down eight rebounds. Thaddeus Young finished with 12 points, nine rebounds, three assists and one steal. Wendell Carter and Coby White produced 10 points apiece, with Carter also recording eight boards and White contributing four rebounds and four assists.
The Rockets head back home to take on the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night, while the Bulls are off until Friday night, when they'll visit the Charlotte Hornets.
Heat Defeat Pistons, 113-107
The Miami Heat defeated the visiting Detroit Pistons, 113-107, at American Airlines Arena on Monday.
While Detroit led 36-24 after the first quarter, Miami outscored them by 18 points across the final three quarters to prevail. They did most of their damage in the second and third quarters, outscoring the Pistons, 64-46. The Heat ended up shooting 57 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range while holding the Pistons to 46 percent from the field and 35 percent from long range. In addition, Miami doubled up Detroit in blocks, 6-3, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 13-6.
The Pistons (3-10) were led by Jerami Grant and his 27 points, four rebounds and six assists. Wayne Ellington totaled 24 points, two rebounds and two assists. Mason Plumlee compiled 15 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Derrick Rose led the bench with 21 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals.
The Heat (5-7) were led by Bam Adebayo, collecting 28 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and two steals. Goran Dragic tallied 22 points, three rebounds and three assists. Both of those guys went 9-of-15 from the field. Duncan Robinson generated 18 points, three rebounds and three assists while Kendrick Nunn led the bench with 18 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Detroit traveling to face the Atlanta Hawks and Miami playing the Toronto Raptors on the road as well.
While Detroit led 36-24 after the first quarter, Miami outscored them by 18 points across the final three quarters to prevail. They did most of their damage in the second and third quarters, outscoring the Pistons, 64-46. The Heat ended up shooting 57 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range while holding the Pistons to 46 percent from the field and 35 percent from long range. In addition, Miami doubled up Detroit in blocks, 6-3, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 13-6.
The Pistons (3-10) were led by Jerami Grant and his 27 points, four rebounds and six assists. Wayne Ellington totaled 24 points, two rebounds and two assists. Mason Plumlee compiled 15 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Derrick Rose led the bench with 21 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals.
The Heat (5-7) were led by Bam Adebayo, collecting 28 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and two steals. Goran Dragic tallied 22 points, three rebounds and three assists. Both of those guys went 9-of-15 from the field. Duncan Robinson generated 18 points, three rebounds and three assists while Kendrick Nunn led the bench with 18 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Detroit traveling to face the Atlanta Hawks and Miami playing the Toronto Raptors on the road as well.
Warriors Squeak By Lakers, 115-113
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 105-103, at Staples Center on Monday night.
Despite sporting a much more fortified roster than for most of last season's injury-riddled campaign, this current edition of the Warriors (7-6) still entered Monday's contest with just a .500 mark and as significant underdogs to the Lakers (11-4). The first half played out pretty much as oddsmakers envisioned, with the defending champions taking a 64-48 lead into intermission. However, Golden State began to show signs of life during a third quarter in which they shaved five points from their deficit, and they rallied to victory by outscoring Los Angeles, 34-21, over the final 12 minutes. The visitors had to sweat matters out until the buzzer, however, when LeBron James' three-point attempt failed to find the net.
Stephen Curry paced the Warriors with 26 points, adding seven assists, one rebound and one steal. Kelly Oubre, Jr. furnished 23 points, four rebounds, two blocks and two steals. Eric Paschall checked in with 19 points, four boards, three assists and one steal. Andrew Wiggins delivered 18 points, three boards, one assist and one steal.
Dennis Schroder led the Lakers with 25 points, complementing them with five rebounds, three assists and two steals. James turned in 19 points, five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Anthony Davis generated a 17-point, 17-rebound double-double that also included seven assists, three blocks and two steals. Montrezl Harrell matched Davis' scoring tally and also pulled down eight rebounds. Kyle Kuzma posted a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double off the bench.
The Warriors head back home to face the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, while the Lakers pay a visit to the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night.
Despite sporting a much more fortified roster than for most of last season's injury-riddled campaign, this current edition of the Warriors (7-6) still entered Monday's contest with just a .500 mark and as significant underdogs to the Lakers (11-4). The first half played out pretty much as oddsmakers envisioned, with the defending champions taking a 64-48 lead into intermission. However, Golden State began to show signs of life during a third quarter in which they shaved five points from their deficit, and they rallied to victory by outscoring Los Angeles, 34-21, over the final 12 minutes. The visitors had to sweat matters out until the buzzer, however, when LeBron James' three-point attempt failed to find the net.
Stephen Curry paced the Warriors with 26 points, adding seven assists, one rebound and one steal. Kelly Oubre, Jr. furnished 23 points, four rebounds, two blocks and two steals. Eric Paschall checked in with 19 points, four boards, three assists and one steal. Andrew Wiggins delivered 18 points, three boards, one assist and one steal.
Dennis Schroder led the Lakers with 25 points, complementing them with five rebounds, three assists and two steals. James turned in 19 points, five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Anthony Davis generated a 17-point, 17-rebound double-double that also included seven assists, three blocks and two steals. Montrezl Harrell matched Davis' scoring tally and also pulled down eight rebounds. Kyle Kuzma posted a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double off the bench.
The Warriors head back home to face the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, while the Lakers pay a visit to the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night.