Rockets Defeat Pistons In Battle Of Struggling Teams
The Houston Rockets defeated the Detroit Pistons, 103-102, at Little Caesars Arena on Friday evening.
The Pistons (3-12) and the Rockets (5-9) have been two of the worst teams in their respective Conferences, but they delivered an entertaining contest that was literally decided in the final play of the game. The Rockets got off to an impressive start and built a 13-point lead following the first quarter (34-21), but the Pistons responded and won both the second (26-21) and third (34-22) quarters of the game, taking the lead with only 12 minutes left on the clock. The Rockets came through when it mattered the most, however, and a 26-21 fourth-quarter score allowed them to secure the victory. The Pistons could've won the game when Jerami Grant was fouled by P.J. Tucker with no time left on the clock, but the foul happened after the buzzer so Grant didn't have the chance to go to the free-throw line.
The Rockets didn't have John Wall or Christian Wood available, but Eric Gordon stepped it up and led the offense with 20 points and three assists. DeMarcus Cousins struggled badly from the floor and only notched five points while 2-for-16 from the field, but he also grabbed 15 rebounds and dished out seven dimes. P.J. Tucker had 15 points with seven rebounds, while Victor Oladipo, Jae'Sean Tate and David Nwaba all had 13 points.
Jerami Grant led the Pistons with 21 points and eight rebounds, while he also added three assists. Blake Griffin once again had a secondary role and posted seven points while grabbing 10 boards and dishing out three assists. Wayne Ellington and Delon Wright each contributed 18 points, though Wright filled out the stat sheet with six rebounds, two assists and three steals as well. Josh Jackson had 12 points off the bench.
The Pistons (3-12) and the Rockets (5-9) have been two of the worst teams in their respective Conferences, but they delivered an entertaining contest that was literally decided in the final play of the game. The Rockets got off to an impressive start and built a 13-point lead following the first quarter (34-21), but the Pistons responded and won both the second (26-21) and third (34-22) quarters of the game, taking the lead with only 12 minutes left on the clock. The Rockets came through when it mattered the most, however, and a 26-21 fourth-quarter score allowed them to secure the victory. The Pistons could've won the game when Jerami Grant was fouled by P.J. Tucker with no time left on the clock, but the foul happened after the buzzer so Grant didn't have the chance to go to the free-throw line.
The Rockets didn't have John Wall or Christian Wood available, but Eric Gordon stepped it up and led the offense with 20 points and three assists. DeMarcus Cousins struggled badly from the floor and only notched five points while 2-for-16 from the field, but he also grabbed 15 rebounds and dished out seven dimes. P.J. Tucker had 15 points with seven rebounds, while Victor Oladipo, Jae'Sean Tate and David Nwaba all had 13 points.
Jerami Grant led the Pistons with 21 points and eight rebounds, while he also added three assists. Blake Griffin once again had a secondary role and posted seven points while grabbing 10 boards and dishing out three assists. Wayne Ellington and Delon Wright each contributed 18 points, though Wright filled out the stat sheet with six rebounds, two assists and three steals as well. Josh Jackson had 12 points off the bench.
Pacers Hold On, Top Magic After Overtime
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Orlando Magic after overtime, 120-118, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Friday evening.
The Pacers (9-6) and the Magic (7-9) both entered this game dealing with lots of absences due to injury, and that was probably the reason why this contest turned out to be more even than anyone would've expected it. The Pacers got off to a stronger start and build a 37-28 lead after the first quarter, but the Magic responded quickly and shortened the gap to just one point after winning the two subsequent quarters by scores of 32-25 and 27-26, respectively. The Magic also won the final quarter by only one point (21-20) and that means there would be five extra minutes to determine the winner, but the Pacers came through in the clutch when they needed it the most. Indiana won the overtime by just two points (12-10), but that was enough to come away with the win -- that allowed them to bounce back from an ugly loss against the Dallas Mavericks earlier this week.
Nikola Vucevic and Evan Fournier carried the Magic offensively and both combined for 50 points -- while Fournier ended with 26 points, nine assists and four rebounds, Vucevic chipped in with 24 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Aaron Gordon came close to posting a triple-double since he ended with 17 points, nine rebounds and nine assists across 37 minutes. Dwayne Bacon (16 points) and Terrence Ross (12 points) produced solid outings off the bench as well.
Malcolm Brogdon led the Pacers with 23 points, six assists and three rebounds, while the returning Myles Turner contributed 22 points, nine rebounds and three blocks. Jeremy Lamb also had 22 points off the bench, while Domantas Sabonis made his presence felt with 18 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and five steals. Doug McDermott had 13 points.
The Pacers (9-6) and the Magic (7-9) both entered this game dealing with lots of absences due to injury, and that was probably the reason why this contest turned out to be more even than anyone would've expected it. The Pacers got off to a stronger start and build a 37-28 lead after the first quarter, but the Magic responded quickly and shortened the gap to just one point after winning the two subsequent quarters by scores of 32-25 and 27-26, respectively. The Magic also won the final quarter by only one point (21-20) and that means there would be five extra minutes to determine the winner, but the Pacers came through in the clutch when they needed it the most. Indiana won the overtime by just two points (12-10), but that was enough to come away with the win -- that allowed them to bounce back from an ugly loss against the Dallas Mavericks earlier this week.
Nikola Vucevic and Evan Fournier carried the Magic offensively and both combined for 50 points -- while Fournier ended with 26 points, nine assists and four rebounds, Vucevic chipped in with 24 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Aaron Gordon came close to posting a triple-double since he ended with 17 points, nine rebounds and nine assists across 37 minutes. Dwayne Bacon (16 points) and Terrence Ross (12 points) produced solid outings off the bench as well.
Malcolm Brogdon led the Pacers with 23 points, six assists and three rebounds, while the returning Myles Turner contributed 22 points, nine rebounds and three blocks. Jeremy Lamb also had 22 points off the bench, while Domantas Sabonis made his presence felt with 18 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and five steals. Doug McDermott had 13 points.
Bulls Topple Hornets, 123-110
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Charlotte Hornets,123-110, at Spectrum Center on Friday night.
The Bulls (7-8) got their quest to extend a two-game winning streak off to a strong start, putting up 61 points in an efficient first half on their way to an eight-point lead at intermission. Chicago extended its advantage over the Hornets (6-9) by another four points during the third quarter, and when they matched Charlotte bucket for bucket over the final 12 minutes, they finished with a relatively comfortable victory.
Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 25 points, adding nine assists, six rebounds, one steal and one block. Lauri Markkanen furnished 23 points, two rebounds and one block. Coby White supplied 18 points, eight assists, two rebounds and two steals. Garrett Temple registered 15 points, five boards, one assist and three steals. Otto Porter compiled 13 points, eight rebounds and two assists.
Gordon Hayward paced the Hornets with 34 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Devonte' Graham compiled 24 points, six assists, three rebounds and one steal. P.J. Washington totaled 16 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block. Terry Rozier delivered 10 points, six assists, four boards and two steals.
The Bulls head back home to take on the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night, while the Hornets visit the Orlando Magic on Sunday evening.
The Bulls (7-8) got their quest to extend a two-game winning streak off to a strong start, putting up 61 points in an efficient first half on their way to an eight-point lead at intermission. Chicago extended its advantage over the Hornets (6-9) by another four points during the third quarter, and when they matched Charlotte bucket for bucket over the final 12 minutes, they finished with a relatively comfortable victory.
Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 25 points, adding nine assists, six rebounds, one steal and one block. Lauri Markkanen furnished 23 points, two rebounds and one block. Coby White supplied 18 points, eight assists, two rebounds and two steals. Garrett Temple registered 15 points, five boards, one assist and three steals. Otto Porter compiled 13 points, eight rebounds and two assists.
Gordon Hayward paced the Hornets with 34 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Devonte' Graham compiled 24 points, six assists, three rebounds and one steal. P.J. Washington totaled 16 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block. Terry Rozier delivered 10 points, six assists, four boards and two steals.
The Bulls head back home to take on the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night, while the Hornets visit the Orlando Magic on Sunday evening.
Cavaliers Best Nets, 125-113
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Brooklyn Nets at RocketMortgage Fieldhouse on Friday night.
The Cavaliers (8-7) got some good news ahead of the tip-off of Friday's rematch, as the Nets (9-8) announced Kevin Durant would sit out for load management. However, Brooklyn didn't look very fazed early, trailing by just one at the end of the first quarter and maintaining that slim deficit going into halftime. Nevertheless, the tide turned in the third, when Cleveland added 13 points to its edge on the way to 12-point victory.
Kyrie Irving paced the Nets with 38 points, adding five assists, one rebound and one block. James Harden generated a 19-point, 11-assist double-double that also included five rebounds. Jeff Green managed 13 points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot poured in 11 points.
Collin Sexton led the Cavaliers with 25 points, complementing them with nine assists and two rebounds. Andre Drummond and Jarrett Allen generated matching 19-point tallies, with Drummond also pulling down 16 rebounds, recording four assists and posting two steals. Larry Nance totaled 15 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Taurean Prince registered 14 points, three rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Darius Garland made his return from a shoulder injury and furnished 11 points and three assists in 22 minutes off the bench.
The Nets head back home to face the Miami Heat on Saturday night, while the Cavaliers visit the Boston Celtics on Sunday evening.
The Cavaliers (8-7) got some good news ahead of the tip-off of Friday's rematch, as the Nets (9-8) announced Kevin Durant would sit out for load management. However, Brooklyn didn't look very fazed early, trailing by just one at the end of the first quarter and maintaining that slim deficit going into halftime. Nevertheless, the tide turned in the third, when Cleveland added 13 points to its edge on the way to 12-point victory.
Kyrie Irving paced the Nets with 38 points, adding five assists, one rebound and one block. James Harden generated a 19-point, 11-assist double-double that also included five rebounds. Jeff Green managed 13 points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot poured in 11 points.
Collin Sexton led the Cavaliers with 25 points, complementing them with nine assists and two rebounds. Andre Drummond and Jarrett Allen generated matching 19-point tallies, with Drummond also pulling down 16 rebounds, recording four assists and posting two steals. Larry Nance totaled 15 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Taurean Prince registered 14 points, three rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Darius Garland made his return from a shoulder injury and furnished 11 points and three assists in 22 minutes off the bench.
The Nets head back home to face the Miami Heat on Saturday night, while the Cavaliers visit the Boston Celtics on Sunday evening.
Sixers Dominate Again, Defeat Celtics For Second Time This Week
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Boston Celtics, 122-110, at Wells Fargo Center on Friday night.
The 76ers (11-5) were coming off a 117-109 win over the Celtics (8-6) on Wednesday, and Philadelphia managed to win against the same opponent for the second time over the last three days. The Celtics grabbed the lead early and enjoyed a strong start in this one, however, as they jumped out to a 33-25 lead following the first quarter. That would all the advantage they would accomplish, though, as Philadelphia quickly began to turn things around with a 24-19 second quarter and pulled away for good after putting up 42 points in the third quarter alone -- as opposed to Boston's 28. The 76ers entered the final 12 minutes of action with an 11-point lead, and they would stretch it even further after winning the final quarter by a 31-30 score, closing things out and earning a comfortable 12-point win against another contending franchise in the Eastern Conference.
Jaylen Brown had one of the best games of his career en route to 42 points, nine rebounds and three assists, but his efforts were not enough to carry the Celtics. Marcus Smart had 20 points and seven assists, while Kemba Walker posted decent numbers with 19 points, three rebounds, five assists and three steals. They were the only three Boston players that scored in double digits, though.
Joel Embiid had another monster performance and racked up 38 points and 11 rebounds while adding three assists and a steal across 30 minutes. Tobias Harris delivered 23 points, eight rebounds and three assists, while Ben Simmons chipped in with 15 points, 11 assists, three boards, two steals and a block. Seth Curry also ended with 15 points while also making three of his five three-point attempts.
The 76ers (11-5) were coming off a 117-109 win over the Celtics (8-6) on Wednesday, and Philadelphia managed to win against the same opponent for the second time over the last three days. The Celtics grabbed the lead early and enjoyed a strong start in this one, however, as they jumped out to a 33-25 lead following the first quarter. That would all the advantage they would accomplish, though, as Philadelphia quickly began to turn things around with a 24-19 second quarter and pulled away for good after putting up 42 points in the third quarter alone -- as opposed to Boston's 28. The 76ers entered the final 12 minutes of action with an 11-point lead, and they would stretch it even further after winning the final quarter by a 31-30 score, closing things out and earning a comfortable 12-point win against another contending franchise in the Eastern Conference.
Jaylen Brown had one of the best games of his career en route to 42 points, nine rebounds and three assists, but his efforts were not enough to carry the Celtics. Marcus Smart had 20 points and seven assists, while Kemba Walker posted decent numbers with 19 points, three rebounds, five assists and three steals. They were the only three Boston players that scored in double digits, though.
Joel Embiid had another monster performance and racked up 38 points and 11 rebounds while adding three assists and a steal across 30 minutes. Tobias Harris delivered 23 points, eight rebounds and three assists, while Ben Simmons chipped in with 15 points, 11 assists, three boards, two steals and a block. Seth Curry also ended with 15 points while also making three of his five three-point attempts.
Raptors Blast Heat, 101-81
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Miami Heat, 101-81, at Amalie Arena on Friday night.
The Raptors (6-9) came into Friday's contest looking to build in recent strong play and a 4-3 home mark. Toronto was able to set the tone for another successful night early, building a 17-point advantage over the Heat (6-8) through the first 12 minutes. Miami would shave eight points off its deficit during the middle quarters, but the hosts ultimately reasserted themselves by outscoring their visitors, 28-17, in the final period.
Kendrick Nunn led the Heat with 22 points, complementing them with five assists, four rebounds and three steals. Bam Adebayo delivered 14 points, eight boards and four assists. Goran Dragic supplied 13 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Duncan Robinson poured in 11 points.
Norman Powell paced the Raptors with 23 points, supplementing them with three rebounds and two steals. OG Anunoby managed 21 points, four boards one assist and two steals. Pascal Siakam generated a 15-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included five assists and one steal. Fred VanVleet delivered 13 points, seven assists, five rebounds and two steals. Terence Davis contributed 12 points.
The Heat remain on the road and next visit the Brooklyn Nets for a Saturday night showdown. Meanwhile the Raptors try to stay hot against the Indiana Pacers, which they take on Sunday afternoon in a road matchup.
The Raptors (6-9) came into Friday's contest looking to build in recent strong play and a 4-3 home mark. Toronto was able to set the tone for another successful night early, building a 17-point advantage over the Heat (6-8) through the first 12 minutes. Miami would shave eight points off its deficit during the middle quarters, but the hosts ultimately reasserted themselves by outscoring their visitors, 28-17, in the final period.
Kendrick Nunn led the Heat with 22 points, complementing them with five assists, four rebounds and three steals. Bam Adebayo delivered 14 points, eight boards and four assists. Goran Dragic supplied 13 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Duncan Robinson poured in 11 points.
Norman Powell paced the Raptors with 23 points, supplementing them with three rebounds and two steals. OG Anunoby managed 21 points, four boards one assist and two steals. Pascal Siakam generated a 15-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included five assists and one steal. Fred VanVleet delivered 13 points, seven assists, five rebounds and two steals. Terence Davis contributed 12 points.
The Heat remain on the road and next visit the Brooklyn Nets for a Saturday night showdown. Meanwhile the Raptors try to stay hot against the Indiana Pacers, which they take on Sunday afternoon in a road matchup.
This game has been postponed due to COVID protocols.
Hawks Dominate In Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the host Minnesota Timberwolves, 116-98, at Target Center on Friday evening.
Trae Young poured in 43 points on 14-of-22 shooting, including 8-of-12 from deep, while Clint Capela put up a rare triple-double with 13 points, 19 rebounds and 10 blocks, to lead the Hawks to their third straight win. Cam Reddish chipped in 15 points, five rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The Hawks shot 46 percent from the field, including 15-of-35 from long range.
The Hawks got out to a great start in the win with a, 25-19, lead after one quarter. They carried the momentum through the second, where they outscored the hosts by 13 points, to take a 19-point lead into halftime. The Hawks picked up where they left off in the second half, as they came out strong in the third and increased their lead to 25, heading into the final frame. The Timberwolves had no answers in the fourth, as the Hawks pushed their lead to a game-high 28 points, and cruised to the finish.
Meanwhile, Malik Beasley led the Timberwolves with 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting, in 25 minutes. Jarrett Culver added 15 points, two rebounds and two assists, while Naz Reid chipped in 13 points, eight rebounds and four blocks. The Timberwolves shot 43 percent from the field, including 8-of-32 from long range.
The Timberwolves (3-11) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pelicans on Saturday. The Hawks (8-7) take on the Bucks in Milwaukee on Sunday.
Trae Young poured in 43 points on 14-of-22 shooting, including 8-of-12 from deep, while Clint Capela put up a rare triple-double with 13 points, 19 rebounds and 10 blocks, to lead the Hawks to their third straight win. Cam Reddish chipped in 15 points, five rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The Hawks shot 46 percent from the field, including 15-of-35 from long range.
The Hawks got out to a great start in the win with a, 25-19, lead after one quarter. They carried the momentum through the second, where they outscored the hosts by 13 points, to take a 19-point lead into halftime. The Hawks picked up where they left off in the second half, as they came out strong in the third and increased their lead to 25, heading into the final frame. The Timberwolves had no answers in the fourth, as the Hawks pushed their lead to a game-high 28 points, and cruised to the finish.
Meanwhile, Malik Beasley led the Timberwolves with 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting, in 25 minutes. Jarrett Culver added 15 points, two rebounds and two assists, while Naz Reid chipped in 13 points, eight rebounds and four blocks. The Timberwolves shot 43 percent from the field, including 8-of-32 from long range.
The Timberwolves (3-11) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pelicans on Saturday. The Hawks (8-7) take on the Bucks in Milwaukee on Sunday.
Mavericks Defeat Spurs, 122-117
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 122-117, at AT&T Center on Friday.
While there were only two lead changes in this game, it came down to the final seconds. In fact, San Antonio got the margin down to one-point with 1:03 left thanks to a 7-0 run but Dallas was able to prevail, finishing the game on a 9- 5 spurt. Those two lead changes actually came in the first quarter, with Dallas holding the lead for the final 40 minutes of play. The 12 combined turnovers between these teams marked the lowest in any game all year. Dallas dominated down low, outscoring San Antonio in the paint, 50-40.
The Mavericks (8-7) got a near triple-double from Luka Doncic, who tallied 36 points, nine rebounds and 11 assists. Tim Hardaway shot 8-of-12 from the field to amass 21 points and two rebounds. Kristaps Porzingis generated 21 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Jalen Brunson provided 16 points, four rebounds and six assists.
The Spurs (8-8) were led by DeMar DeRozan, collecting 29 points, six rebounds and six assists. LaMarcus Aldridge totaled 26 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Kerryon Johnson compiled 17 points, 14 rebounds and three assists. Rudy Gay led the bench with 16 points, four rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Dejounte Murray left in the first quarter because of an ankle injury and did not return.
Dallas will have to play again on Saturday, remaining home to face the Houston Rockets. As for San Antonio, they return to action on Sunday with the Spurs returning home to play the Washington Wizards.
While there were only two lead changes in this game, it came down to the final seconds. In fact, San Antonio got the margin down to one-point with 1:03 left thanks to a 7-0 run but Dallas was able to prevail, finishing the game on a 9- 5 spurt. Those two lead changes actually came in the first quarter, with Dallas holding the lead for the final 40 minutes of play. The 12 combined turnovers between these teams marked the lowest in any game all year. Dallas dominated down low, outscoring San Antonio in the paint, 50-40.
The Mavericks (8-7) got a near triple-double from Luka Doncic, who tallied 36 points, nine rebounds and 11 assists. Tim Hardaway shot 8-of-12 from the field to amass 21 points and two rebounds. Kristaps Porzingis generated 21 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Jalen Brunson provided 16 points, four rebounds and six assists.
The Spurs (8-8) were led by DeMar DeRozan, collecting 29 points, six rebounds and six assists. LaMarcus Aldridge totaled 26 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Kerryon Johnson compiled 17 points, 14 rebounds and three assists. Rudy Gay led the bench with 16 points, four rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Dejounte Murray left in the first quarter because of an ankle injury and did not return.
Dallas will have to play again on Saturday, remaining home to face the Houston Rockets. As for San Antonio, they return to action on Sunday with the Spurs returning home to play the Washington Wizards.
Clippers Earn Sixth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 120-106, at Staple Center on Friday evening.
The Clippers got out to a great start at home as they led, 36-18, after one quarter. They pushed their lead to a game-high 27 points, mid way through the second, but the Thunder managed to trim it back to a 17-point game by halftime. The Clippers pushed their lead back over 20, early in the the third, but the Thunder kept up the fight and outscored the hosts by four points in the quarter to reduce the deficit to 13, heading into the final frame. However, the Clippers maintained control down the stretch and confidently closed out to their sixth straight win.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 31 points, eight rebounds, three steals and two blocks, in 37 minutes. Paul George followed up with 29 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a steal, while Serge Ibaka totaled 17 points and 11 rebounds. The Clippers shot 51 percent from the field, including 10-of-33 from deep.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 30 points, eight assists, three rebounds and two steals, in 38 minutes. Luguentz Dort followed up with 19 points on 7-of-13 shooting, while George Hill added 12 points and five rebounds. The Thunder shot 47 percent from the field, including 14-of-42 from long range.
The Thunder (6-8) and the Clippers (12-4) will face off again in L.A. on Sunday.
The Clippers got out to a great start at home as they led, 36-18, after one quarter. They pushed their lead to a game-high 27 points, mid way through the second, but the Thunder managed to trim it back to a 17-point game by halftime. The Clippers pushed their lead back over 20, early in the the third, but the Thunder kept up the fight and outscored the hosts by four points in the quarter to reduce the deficit to 13, heading into the final frame. However, the Clippers maintained control down the stretch and confidently closed out to their sixth straight win.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 31 points, eight rebounds, three steals and two blocks, in 37 minutes. Paul George followed up with 29 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a steal, while Serge Ibaka totaled 17 points and 11 rebounds. The Clippers shot 51 percent from the field, including 10-of-33 from deep.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 30 points, eight assists, three rebounds and two steals, in 38 minutes. Luguentz Dort followed up with 19 points on 7-of-13 shooting, while George Hill added 12 points and five rebounds. The Thunder shot 47 percent from the field, including 14-of-42 from long range.
The Thunder (6-8) and the Clippers (12-4) will face off again in L.A. on Sunday.
Nuggets Come Up Clutch In Overtime Win
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the host Phoenix Suns, 130-126, in overtime at PHX Arena on Friday evening.
The Suns got out to a strong start at home and led by nine after one quarter. They kept the upper hand through the second and pushed their lead to 14 points by halftime. The Nuggets responded to start the third and quickly cut the deficit down to three, but the Suns kept their composure and maintained a four-point lead heading into the final frame. The Nuggets got the jump to start the fourth and took the edge early in the quarter, but after a few lead changes, the score was tied at 114, at the end of regulation. The Nuggets scored four straight to start the overtime period, but the Suns caught up and grabbed a one-point lead with just under two minutes to go. However, Will Barton came up clutch with six points, to help the Nuggets outscore the hosts, 8-3, in the remaining time and close out the hard-fought road win.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 31 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and three steals, in 39 minutes. Jamal Murray added 18 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, three steals and a block, while Will Barton and Monte Morris chipped in 17 points each. The Nuggets shot 52 percent from the field, including 6-of-26 from long range.
Meanwhile, Devin Booker led the Suns with 31 points, five rebounds, five assists, a block and a steal, in 40 minutes. Deandre Ayton followed up with 27 points and 13 rebounds, while Miles Bridges added 24 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block. The Suns shot 50 percent from the field, including 17-of-44 from deep.
The Suns (8-6) and the Nuggets (8-7) will face off once again in Phoenix on Saturday.
The Suns got out to a strong start at home and led by nine after one quarter. They kept the upper hand through the second and pushed their lead to 14 points by halftime. The Nuggets responded to start the third and quickly cut the deficit down to three, but the Suns kept their composure and maintained a four-point lead heading into the final frame. The Nuggets got the jump to start the fourth and took the edge early in the quarter, but after a few lead changes, the score was tied at 114, at the end of regulation. The Nuggets scored four straight to start the overtime period, but the Suns caught up and grabbed a one-point lead with just under two minutes to go. However, Will Barton came up clutch with six points, to help the Nuggets outscore the hosts, 8-3, in the remaining time and close out the hard-fought road win.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 31 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and three steals, in 39 minutes. Jamal Murray added 18 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, three steals and a block, while Will Barton and Monte Morris chipped in 17 points each. The Nuggets shot 52 percent from the field, including 6-of-26 from long range.
Meanwhile, Devin Booker led the Suns with 31 points, five rebounds, five assists, a block and a steal, in 40 minutes. Deandre Ayton followed up with 27 points and 13 rebounds, while Miles Bridges added 24 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block. The Suns shot 50 percent from the field, including 17-of-44 from deep.
The Suns (8-6) and the Nuggets (8-7) will face off once again in Phoenix on Saturday.
This game has been postponed due to COVID protocols.
Kings Defeat Knicks, 103-94
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting New York Knicks, 103-94, at Golden 1 Center on Friday.
There were fives ties and 12 lead changes in this game, with Sacramento riding a 54-40 second half to their victory. In fact, that allowed them to hold the lead for the final 18 minutes of play, with Sacramento getting their lead up to 12 points late in the fourth quarter. The Kings ended up holding the Knicks to just 38 percent from the field and 23 percent from three-point range. In addition, Sacramento had 14 blocks and six steals to New York's two steals and six blocks while winning the turnover battle, 11-6.
The Knicks (8-9) were led by Julius Randle and his 26 points, 15 rebounds and four assists. R.J. Barrett amassed 21 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Mitchell Robinson recorded a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double on 6-of-8 shooting. Alec Burks led the bench with nine points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Kings (5-11) were led by De'Aaron Fox, tallying 22 points, three rebounds and seven assists. Harrison Barnes collected 21 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Richaun Holmes generated 10 points, 14 rebounds and six blocks. Marvin Bagley III also had a double-double while Tyler Haliburton led the bench with 16 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and four blocks.
On deck for New York is another road game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. Sacramento was also supposed to play Sunday but that matchup was postponed against the Memphis Grizzlies.
There were fives ties and 12 lead changes in this game, with Sacramento riding a 54-40 second half to their victory. In fact, that allowed them to hold the lead for the final 18 minutes of play, with Sacramento getting their lead up to 12 points late in the fourth quarter. The Kings ended up holding the Knicks to just 38 percent from the field and 23 percent from three-point range. In addition, Sacramento had 14 blocks and six steals to New York's two steals and six blocks while winning the turnover battle, 11-6.
The Knicks (8-9) were led by Julius Randle and his 26 points, 15 rebounds and four assists. R.J. Barrett amassed 21 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Mitchell Robinson recorded a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double on 6-of-8 shooting. Alec Burks led the bench with nine points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Kings (5-11) were led by De'Aaron Fox, tallying 22 points, three rebounds and seven assists. Harrison Barnes collected 21 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Richaun Holmes generated 10 points, 14 rebounds and six blocks. Marvin Bagley III also had a double-double while Tyler Haliburton led the bench with 16 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and four blocks.
On deck for New York is another road game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. Sacramento was also supposed to play Sunday but that matchup was postponed against the Memphis Grizzlies.