Cavaliers Stun Nets In Double-Overtime Win
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 147-135, at RocketMortgage Fieldhouse on Wednesday evening.
The Cavaliers (7-7) and the Nets (9-7) entered this game on opposite runs of form, as the Cavaliers were 2-3 in their previous five games while the Nets arrived into this contest on a four-game winning streak. The Cavaliers had a five-point lead in the first quarter (28-23) and it was a back-and-forth contest, with Brooklyn winning the second quarter (26-23), Cleveland recovering the lead after three (36-29) and Brooklyn sending the game to overtime after winning the final 12 minutes by a nine-point margin (35-26). The Nets seemed set to win the game in overtime, but Collin Sexton drilled a game-tying three-pointer with less than 2.0 seconds on the clock, and Sexton carried the Cavaliers in the second overtime en route to their seventh win of the season. Brooklyn had chances to win the game, but they couldn't take advantage of them and Cleveland ended securing a huge upset against one of the hottest teams in the Eastern Conference over the last few weeks.
Collin Sexton was the undisputed star of the game, as he ended with 42 points while draining a few key three-point shots in overtime -- he also had five rebounds and five assists. Andre Drummond had 13 points with seven boards, while Cedi Osman chipped in with 25 points, seven rebounds and seven dimes. Larry Nance filled the stat sheet with 15 points, eight rebounds, five assists and four steals. Jarrett Allen had 12 points and 11 rebounds off the bench.
Kevin Durant paced the Nets in scoring with 38 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists, while James Harden delivered another triple-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists. Kyrie Irving made 15 of his 28 shots en route to 37 points in his return. Jeff Green posted 16 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
The Cavaliers (7-7) and the Nets (9-7) entered this game on opposite runs of form, as the Cavaliers were 2-3 in their previous five games while the Nets arrived into this contest on a four-game winning streak. The Cavaliers had a five-point lead in the first quarter (28-23) and it was a back-and-forth contest, with Brooklyn winning the second quarter (26-23), Cleveland recovering the lead after three (36-29) and Brooklyn sending the game to overtime after winning the final 12 minutes by a nine-point margin (35-26). The Nets seemed set to win the game in overtime, but Collin Sexton drilled a game-tying three-pointer with less than 2.0 seconds on the clock, and Sexton carried the Cavaliers in the second overtime en route to their seventh win of the season. Brooklyn had chances to win the game, but they couldn't take advantage of them and Cleveland ended securing a huge upset against one of the hottest teams in the Eastern Conference over the last few weeks.
Collin Sexton was the undisputed star of the game, as he ended with 42 points while draining a few key three-point shots in overtime -- he also had five rebounds and five assists. Andre Drummond had 13 points with seven boards, while Cedi Osman chipped in with 25 points, seven rebounds and seven dimes. Larry Nance filled the stat sheet with 15 points, eight rebounds, five assists and four steals. Jarrett Allen had 12 points and 11 rebounds off the bench.
Kevin Durant paced the Nets in scoring with 38 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists, while James Harden delivered another triple-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists. Kyrie Irving made 15 of his 28 shots en route to 37 points in his return. Jeff Green posted 16 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
Porzingis, Doncic Lead Mavericks To Win Over Pacers
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Indiana Pacers, 124-112, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Wednesday evening.
The Mavericks (7-7) entered this game on a three-game losing streak, but they managed to snap that negative run with a strong performance against a depleted Pacers (8-6) team that was missing several key rotation pieces for this contest. Dallas quickly jumped out to a 37-28 lead in the first quarter and didn't look back, but the Pacers made things close after winning both the second (35-28) and third (29-28) quarters. Dallas was up by just one point entering the final 12 minutes of action, but the Mavericks closed things out when it mattered the most and won the final quarter by a 31-20 score, creating the 12-point differential that resulted in the win. The Mavericks shot 52.6 percent from the field but only 29.6 percent from three-point range, while the Pacers converted 44.6 percent of their shots and 41 percent of their three-point shots.
Kristaps Porzingis led the Mavericks in scoring with 27 points and 13 rebounds, while Luka Doncic registered a triple-double of 13 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists despite shooting just 5-for-15 from the field. Tim Hardaway and Jalen Brunson each contributed 19 points and three rebounds, with Hardaway dishing out two dimes and Brunson adding four assists. Trey Burke impressed with 22 points coming off the bench.
Malcolm Brogdon led the Pacers in scoring with 26 points and five assists, while Domantas Sabonis had another double-double of 25 points and 10 boards. Doug McDermott chipped in with 16 points and eight rebounds, while Jrue Holiday added 10 points, three rebounds and two assists. Aaron Holiday (13 points) and Jeremy Lamb (10 points) delivered good performances off the bench.
The Mavericks (7-7) entered this game on a three-game losing streak, but they managed to snap that negative run with a strong performance against a depleted Pacers (8-6) team that was missing several key rotation pieces for this contest. Dallas quickly jumped out to a 37-28 lead in the first quarter and didn't look back, but the Pacers made things close after winning both the second (35-28) and third (29-28) quarters. Dallas was up by just one point entering the final 12 minutes of action, but the Mavericks closed things out when it mattered the most and won the final quarter by a 31-20 score, creating the 12-point differential that resulted in the win. The Mavericks shot 52.6 percent from the field but only 29.6 percent from three-point range, while the Pacers converted 44.6 percent of their shots and 41 percent of their three-point shots.
Kristaps Porzingis led the Mavericks in scoring with 27 points and 13 rebounds, while Luka Doncic registered a triple-double of 13 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists despite shooting just 5-for-15 from the field. Tim Hardaway and Jalen Brunson each contributed 19 points and three rebounds, with Hardaway dishing out two dimes and Brunson adding four assists. Trey Burke impressed with 22 points coming off the bench.
Malcolm Brogdon led the Pacers in scoring with 26 points and five assists, while Domantas Sabonis had another double-double of 25 points and 10 boards. Doug McDermott chipped in with 16 points and eight rebounds, while Jrue Holiday added 10 points, three rebounds and two assists. Aaron Holiday (13 points) and Jeremy Lamb (10 points) delivered good performances off the bench.
76ers Topple Celtics, 117-109
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Boston Celtics, 117-109, at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday night.
The 76ers (10-5) came into the contest looking to put a stop to a recent skid, and they got off to a strong start in that regard with a 32-25 lead through one. However, the Celtics (8-5) had erased that deficit and built a three-point advantage by halftime, one that had grown to six by the start of the fourth quarter. Philadelphia then changed the dynamic of the game, opening on a 14-7 run over the first 3:58 of the quarter and then outscoring Boston by a 17-6 margin over the final 5:44 for the win.
Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 26 points, complementing them with five rebounds and three assists. Marcus Smart supplied 25 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Daniel Theis generated a 23-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist and one steal. Kemba Walker furnished 19 points, six assists and two rebounds.
Joel Embiid paced the 76ers with 42 points, adding 10 rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Tobias Harris delivered 22 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals. Shake Milton poured in 16 points, while Danny Green registered 12 points, six boards and one assist. Ben Simmons contributed 11 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals.
The Celtics and 76ers meet for a rematch in Philadelphia on Friday night.
The 76ers (10-5) came into the contest looking to put a stop to a recent skid, and they got off to a strong start in that regard with a 32-25 lead through one. However, the Celtics (8-5) had erased that deficit and built a three-point advantage by halftime, one that had grown to six by the start of the fourth quarter. Philadelphia then changed the dynamic of the game, opening on a 14-7 run over the first 3:58 of the quarter and then outscoring Boston by a 17-6 margin over the final 5:44 for the win.
Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 26 points, complementing them with five rebounds and three assists. Marcus Smart supplied 25 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Daniel Theis generated a 23-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist and one steal. Kemba Walker furnished 19 points, six assists and two rebounds.
Joel Embiid paced the 76ers with 42 points, adding 10 rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Tobias Harris delivered 22 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals. Shake Milton poured in 16 points, while Danny Green registered 12 points, six boards and one assist. Ben Simmons contributed 11 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals.
The Celtics and 76ers meet for a rematch in Philadelphia on Friday night.
Wizards and Hornets Postponed Wednesday
The game between the Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets scheduled for Spectrum Center on Wednesday night was postponed due to COVID-19 protocols.
Hawks Edge Pistons in OT, 123-115
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Detroit Pistons, 123-115, in overtime at State Farm Arena on Wednesday night.
The Pistons (3-11) got off to a stronger start than usual, winning both first-half quarters on their way to a 52-45 halftime lead. When Detroit added another seven points to its advantage over the Hawks (7-7) in the third quarter, it appeared they could put the game away with one more surge during the final period. However, that run never came, with Atlanta battling back to tie the game with 5.4 seconds remaining and then seeing John Collins block Jerami Grant's would-be game-winning layup to force overtime. In the extra period, the hosts then outscored their visitors by a 12-4 margin over the final 2:12 for the eight-point win.
Grant led the Pistons with 32 points, complementing them with six rebounds and five assists. Brake Griffin followed with 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one steal. Wayne Ellington and Derrick Rose poured in 16 and 14 points, respectively. Mason Plumlee delivered 10 points, nine boards and one assist.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with 38 points, supplementing them with 10 assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Collins generated a 31-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included one steal and one block. Clint Capela posted a 27-point, 26-rebound double-double that also included two assists, five blocks and one steal. Kyle Huerter finished with 17 points, five boards, four assists and two steals.
The Pistons head back home to face the Houston Rockets on Friday night, while the Hawks visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.
The Pistons (3-11) got off to a stronger start than usual, winning both first-half quarters on their way to a 52-45 halftime lead. When Detroit added another seven points to its advantage over the Hawks (7-7) in the third quarter, it appeared they could put the game away with one more surge during the final period. However, that run never came, with Atlanta battling back to tie the game with 5.4 seconds remaining and then seeing John Collins block Jerami Grant's would-be game-winning layup to force overtime. In the extra period, the hosts then outscored their visitors by a 12-4 margin over the final 2:12 for the eight-point win.
Grant led the Pistons with 32 points, complementing them with six rebounds and five assists. Brake Griffin followed with 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one steal. Wayne Ellington and Derrick Rose poured in 16 and 14 points, respectively. Mason Plumlee delivered 10 points, nine boards and one assist.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with 38 points, supplementing them with 10 assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Collins generated a 31-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included one steal and one block. Clint Capela posted a 27-point, 26-rebound double-double that also included two assists, five blocks and one steal. Kyle Huerter finished with 17 points, five boards, four assists and two steals.
The Pistons head back home to face the Houston Rockets on Friday night, while the Hawks visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.
Heat Hold On For Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat defeated the host Toronto Raptors, 111-102, at Amalie Arena on Wednesday evening,
The Heat got out to a good start on the road and held a six-point lead after one quarter. The Raptors responded in the second and closed the half on a, 14-7, run to take a two-point lead into the break. Both teams came out strong in the third and the score stayed close to start the quarter, but the Heat pulled away late and took a six-point lead into the final frame. They kept the momentum going in the fourth and built a 15-point lead with just under three minutes left, which was enough for the Heat to close out their second straight win.
Kendrick Nunn came up big off the bench to lead the Heat with 28 points, eight rebounds and five assists, in 34 minutes. Goran Dragic followed up with 17 points, five assists, four rebounds and a steal, while Bam Adebayo totaled 14 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists. The Heat shot 49 percent from the field, including 18-of-40 from deep.
Meanwhile, Fred VanVleet led the Raptors with 24 points, nine assists, five rebounds and a steal, in 36 minutes. Pascal Siakam followed up with 18 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal, while O.G. Anunoby added 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Raptors shot 40 percent from the field, including 16-of-49 from long range.
The Raptors (5-9) and Heat (6-7) are set to square off again at Amalie Arena on Friday.
The Heat got out to a good start on the road and held a six-point lead after one quarter. The Raptors responded in the second and closed the half on a, 14-7, run to take a two-point lead into the break. Both teams came out strong in the third and the score stayed close to start the quarter, but the Heat pulled away late and took a six-point lead into the final frame. They kept the momentum going in the fourth and built a 15-point lead with just under three minutes left, which was enough for the Heat to close out their second straight win.
Kendrick Nunn came up big off the bench to lead the Heat with 28 points, eight rebounds and five assists, in 34 minutes. Goran Dragic followed up with 17 points, five assists, four rebounds and a steal, while Bam Adebayo totaled 14 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists. The Heat shot 49 percent from the field, including 18-of-40 from deep.
Meanwhile, Fred VanVleet led the Raptors with 24 points, nine assists, five rebounds and a steal, in 36 minutes. Pascal Siakam followed up with 18 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal, while O.G. Anunoby added 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Raptors shot 40 percent from the field, including 16-of-49 from long range.
The Raptors (5-9) and Heat (6-7) are set to square off again at Amalie Arena on Friday.
Cole Anthony Wins It For Magic With Last-Second Three
By Dan Bruno
The Orlando Magic defeated the host Minnesota Timberwolves, 97-96, at Target Center on Wednesday evening.
The Timberwolves led by five, with 34 seconds to go, when Magic rookie, Cole Anthony drained a three to make it a two-point game. The Timberwolves then missed two free throws, which allowed just enough time for Anthony to grab the defensive rebound, race up the court and launch the game-wining three-pointer right at the buzzer. The Timberwolves had led by as many as 20 points late in the first half, before they fell flat in the second half for their third straight loss. The win marks the end of a six-game slide for the Magic.
Cole Anthony finished with 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a block, in 27 minutes, while Nikola Vucevic led the Magic with 28 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two blocks and steal. Evan Fournier had a solid outing, with 24 points, two assists and two steals. The Magic shot 39 percent from the field, including 10-of-31 from deep.
Meanwhile, D'Angelo Russell led the Timberwolves with 19 points, six assists and two blocks, in 31 minutes. Malik Beasley added 13 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a steal, while Naz Reid finished with 14 points, three rebounds and three blocks. The Timberwolves shot 42 percent from the field, including 15-of-35 from long range.
The Timberwolves (3-10) will look to bounce back as they take on the Hawks on Friday. The Magic (7-8) take on the Pacers in Indiana on Friday.
The Timberwolves led by five, with 34 seconds to go, when Magic rookie, Cole Anthony drained a three to make it a two-point game. The Timberwolves then missed two free throws, which allowed just enough time for Anthony to grab the defensive rebound, race up the court and launch the game-wining three-pointer right at the buzzer. The Timberwolves had led by as many as 20 points late in the first half, before they fell flat in the second half for their third straight loss. The win marks the end of a six-game slide for the Magic.
Cole Anthony finished with 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a block, in 27 minutes, while Nikola Vucevic led the Magic with 28 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two blocks and steal. Evan Fournier had a solid outing, with 24 points, two assists and two steals. The Magic shot 39 percent from the field, including 10-of-31 from deep.
Meanwhile, D'Angelo Russell led the Timberwolves with 19 points, six assists and two blocks, in 31 minutes. Malik Beasley added 13 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a steal, while Naz Reid finished with 14 points, three rebounds and three blocks. The Timberwolves shot 42 percent from the field, including 15-of-35 from long range.
The Timberwolves (3-10) will look to bounce back as they take on the Hawks on Friday. The Magic (7-8) take on the Pacers in Indiana on Friday.
Suns Defeat Rockets, 109-103
The Phoenix Suns defeated the host Houston Rockets, 109-103, at Toyota Center on Wednesday.
Phoenix got out to a hot start by outscoring Houston in the first half, 63-53, and never relinquished the lead after that. With that said, the Rockets were able to get the margin down to two points with 1:38 remaining but the Suns ended the game on a 6-2 run to prevail. That first half allowed Phoenix to hold the lead for the final 40 minutes of this game. The Suns ended up out-rebounding the Rockets, 45-39, while out-assisting them, 25-17. That allowed Phoenix to shoot 47 percent from the field while holding Houston to just 42 percent shooting. Not to mention, the Suns had 11 blocks to the Rockets five.
The Suns (8-5) were led by Deandre Ayton and his 26 points, 17 rebounds, three assists and five blocks on 11-of-15 from the field. Devin Booker tallied 24 points, five rebounds and two assists. Chris Paul accrued 13 points, four rebounds and four assists while Mikal Bridges totaled eight points, five rebounds and five assists,
The Rockets (4-9) were led by Eric Gordon, amassing 22 points, two rebounds and two assists. Victor Oladipo accumulated 22 points, five rebounds, six assists and three steals. Christian Wood finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. No other player reached double figures in scoring and none of them had more than three assists.
On deck for Houston is a road matchup with the Detroit Pistons on Friday. Phoenix also returns to action on Friday, returning home to face the Denver Nuggets.
Phoenix got out to a hot start by outscoring Houston in the first half, 63-53, and never relinquished the lead after that. With that said, the Rockets were able to get the margin down to two points with 1:38 remaining but the Suns ended the game on a 6-2 run to prevail. That first half allowed Phoenix to hold the lead for the final 40 minutes of this game. The Suns ended up out-rebounding the Rockets, 45-39, while out-assisting them, 25-17. That allowed Phoenix to shoot 47 percent from the field while holding Houston to just 42 percent shooting. Not to mention, the Suns had 11 blocks to the Rockets five.
The Suns (8-5) were led by Deandre Ayton and his 26 points, 17 rebounds, three assists and five blocks on 11-of-15 from the field. Devin Booker tallied 24 points, five rebounds and two assists. Chris Paul accrued 13 points, four rebounds and four assists while Mikal Bridges totaled eight points, five rebounds and five assists,
The Rockets (4-9) were led by Eric Gordon, amassing 22 points, two rebounds and two assists. Victor Oladipo accumulated 22 points, five rebounds, six assists and three steals. Christian Wood finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. No other player reached double figures in scoring and none of them had more than three assists.
On deck for Houston is a road matchup with the Detroit Pistons on Friday. Phoenix also returns to action on Friday, returning home to face the Denver Nuggets.
Warriors Earn Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 121-99, at Chase Center on Wednesday evening.
The Warriors jumped out to a great start at home with a, 36-24, lead after one quarter. They kept up the pace in the second and increased their lead to 19, by halftime. The Spurs came out stronger in the third but could not make a dent in the deficit, only keep it from getting worse, as they trailed by 19, heading into the final frame. The Warriors kept their focus in the fourth and pushed their lead to 25, with less than five minutes to go, which was more than enough to close out their second straight win.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 26 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, in 31 minutes. James Wiseman followed up with 20 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Andrew Wiggins tallied 18 points, seven rebounds and three assists. The Warriors shot 50 percent from the field, including 15-of-38 from long range.
Meanwhile, Dejounte Murray led the Spurs with 22 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 29 minutes. DeMar DeRozan followed up with 15 points, three assists and two rebounds, while Keldon Johnson chipped in 12 points, eight rebounds and three assists. The Spurs shot 37 percent from the field, including just 4-of-33 from deep.
The Spurs (8-7) will look to bounce back as they host the Mavericks on Friday. The Warriors (8-6) will be right back in action as they play host to the Knicks on Thursday.
The Warriors jumped out to a great start at home with a, 36-24, lead after one quarter. They kept up the pace in the second and increased their lead to 19, by halftime. The Spurs came out stronger in the third but could not make a dent in the deficit, only keep it from getting worse, as they trailed by 19, heading into the final frame. The Warriors kept their focus in the fourth and pushed their lead to 25, with less than five minutes to go, which was more than enough to close out their second straight win.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 26 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, in 31 minutes. James Wiseman followed up with 20 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Andrew Wiggins tallied 18 points, seven rebounds and three assists. The Warriors shot 50 percent from the field, including 15-of-38 from long range.
Meanwhile, Dejounte Murray led the Spurs with 22 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 29 minutes. DeMar DeRozan followed up with 15 points, three assists and two rebounds, while Keldon Johnson chipped in 12 points, eight rebounds and three assists. The Spurs shot 37 percent from the field, including just 4-of-33 from deep.
The Spurs (8-7) will look to bounce back as they host the Mavericks on Friday. The Warriors (8-6) will be right back in action as they play host to the Knicks on Thursday.
Clippers Defeat Kings, 115-96
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings, 115-96, at Staples Center on Wednesday.
While there were seven ties and 12 lead changes in this game, Los Angeles rode a 34-19 third quarter to their victory. In fact, that allowed the Clippers to lead by at least 11 points for the final 15 minutes of play. Free-throw shooting was the difference, with Los Angeles connecting on 17-of-18 and Sacramento hitting just 5-of-12. In addition, the Clippers out-rebounded the Kings, 48-39. Los Angeles also outscored Sacramento in fastbreak points, 22-9, and in points off of turnovers, 29-13.
The Kings (5-10) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 25 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Buddy Hield amassed 13 points, two rebounds, three assists and three steals. Marvin Bagley III totaled 10 points and eight boards while Richaun Holmes generated eight points, seven rebounds and four assists. Glenn Robinson III led the bench with 14 points, two rebounds and two assists.
The Clippers (11-4) were led by Kawhi Leonard and his 32 points, three rebounds, five assists and six steals. Paul George tallied 19 points, seven rebounds, 12 assists and two blocks. Nicolas Batum compiled 11 points, three rebounds and three steals while Ivica Zubac led the bench with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Los Angeles remaining home to face the Oklahoma City Thunder, while Sacramento returns home to face the New York Knicks.
While there were seven ties and 12 lead changes in this game, Los Angeles rode a 34-19 third quarter to their victory. In fact, that allowed the Clippers to lead by at least 11 points for the final 15 minutes of play. Free-throw shooting was the difference, with Los Angeles connecting on 17-of-18 and Sacramento hitting just 5-of-12. In addition, the Clippers out-rebounded the Kings, 48-39. Los Angeles also outscored Sacramento in fastbreak points, 22-9, and in points off of turnovers, 29-13.
The Kings (5-10) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 25 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Buddy Hield amassed 13 points, two rebounds, three assists and three steals. Marvin Bagley III totaled 10 points and eight boards while Richaun Holmes generated eight points, seven rebounds and four assists. Glenn Robinson III led the bench with 14 points, two rebounds and two assists.
The Clippers (11-4) were led by Kawhi Leonard and his 32 points, three rebounds, five assists and six steals. Paul George tallied 19 points, seven rebounds, 12 assists and two blocks. Nicolas Batum compiled 11 points, three rebounds and three steals while Ivica Zubac led the bench with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Los Angeles remaining home to face the Oklahoma City Thunder, while Sacramento returns home to face the New York Knicks.
This game has been postponed due to COVID protocols.