Sixers Extend Winning Run, Defeat Pistons
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Detroit Pistons, 114-110, at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday evening.
The 76ers (12-5) pushed the winning run to three games, and they've won five of their last six contests to confirm their place as one of the teams to beat in the Eastern Conference. They had to work harder than expected, however, as the Pistons (3-13) made things hard for them. The Pistons got off to a stronger start and led by three points following the first quarter (31-28), but Philadelphia turned things around quickly -- they made it a two-point game by halftime (33-32) but grabbed the advantage following a 33-25 score in the third quarter. The Pistons attempted a comeback in the final 12 minutes and kept the game close at all times, but it wasn't enough. Despite the fact that Detroit won the final quarter by a 22-20 score, the 76ers held on and secured the victory.
Joel Embiid delivered another impressive performance on both ends of the court and carried the Sixers offensively with 33 points and 14 rebounds while also adding two blocks. Ben Simmons stuffed the stat sheet with 20 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, three steals and a block. Tobias Harris chipped in with 17 points and four boards, while Seth Curry contributed 14 points, three rebounds and two steals. The 76ers shot 45.8 percent from the floor and 34.8 percent from three-point range.
Seven Detroit players scored in double digits, and the Pistons shot 43 percent from the field, including 42.4 percent from deep. Jerami Grant only had 11 points with nine rebounds, and the scoring leader was Wayne Ellington with 17 points. Sekou Doumbouya (13 points) and Svi Mykhailiuk (15 points) looked impressive off the bench.
The 76ers (12-5) pushed the winning run to three games, and they've won five of their last six contests to confirm their place as one of the teams to beat in the Eastern Conference. They had to work harder than expected, however, as the Pistons (3-13) made things hard for them. The Pistons got off to a stronger start and led by three points following the first quarter (31-28), but Philadelphia turned things around quickly -- they made it a two-point game by halftime (33-32) but grabbed the advantage following a 33-25 score in the third quarter. The Pistons attempted a comeback in the final 12 minutes and kept the game close at all times, but it wasn't enough. Despite the fact that Detroit won the final quarter by a 22-20 score, the 76ers held on and secured the victory.
Joel Embiid delivered another impressive performance on both ends of the court and carried the Sixers offensively with 33 points and 14 rebounds while also adding two blocks. Ben Simmons stuffed the stat sheet with 20 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, three steals and a block. Tobias Harris chipped in with 17 points and four boards, while Seth Curry contributed 14 points, three rebounds and two steals. The 76ers shot 45.8 percent from the floor and 34.8 percent from three-point range.
Seven Detroit players scored in double digits, and the Pistons shot 43 percent from the field, including 42.4 percent from deep. Jerami Grant only had 11 points with nine rebounds, and the scoring leader was Wayne Ellington with 17 points. Sekou Doumbouya (13 points) and Svi Mykhailiuk (15 points) looked impressive off the bench.
Timberwolves End Four-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting New Orleans Pelicans, 120-110, at Target Center on Saturday evening.
The Pelicans got out to a good start and held a three-point lead after one quarter. The Timberwolves kept it close through the second, but the Pelicans hung on to a one-point advantage by halftime. The Timberwolves came out stronger in the third quarter and held the Pelicans scoreless for about four minutes, while they were able to rally ahead, outscoring the visitors by 10 in the quarter, to take a nine-point lead into the final frame. The Timberwolves continued to press in the fourth and pushed their lead as high as 18 points, which was enough to carry them the rest of the way and end a four-game slide.
Naz Reid led the Timberwolves with 20 points on 5-of-10 shooting, including 2-of-4 from deep, in 27 minutes. Jarred Vanderbilt totaled 16 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and a block, while Anthony Edwards chipped in 18 points off the bench. The Timberwolves shot 43 percent from the field, including 12-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 30 points on 11-of-20 shooting, in 36 minutes. Eric Bledsoe followed up with 28 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Zion Williamson finished with 19 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block. The Pelicans shot 46 percent from the field, including 10-of-33 from long range.
The Pelicans (5-10) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Spurs on Monday. The Timberwolves (4-11) take on the Warriors in Golden State on Monday.
The Pelicans got out to a good start and held a three-point lead after one quarter. The Timberwolves kept it close through the second, but the Pelicans hung on to a one-point advantage by halftime. The Timberwolves came out stronger in the third quarter and held the Pelicans scoreless for about four minutes, while they were able to rally ahead, outscoring the visitors by 10 in the quarter, to take a nine-point lead into the final frame. The Timberwolves continued to press in the fourth and pushed their lead as high as 18 points, which was enough to carry them the rest of the way and end a four-game slide.
Naz Reid led the Timberwolves with 20 points on 5-of-10 shooting, including 2-of-4 from deep, in 27 minutes. Jarred Vanderbilt totaled 16 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and a block, while Anthony Edwards chipped in 18 points off the bench. The Timberwolves shot 43 percent from the field, including 12-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 30 points on 11-of-20 shooting, in 36 minutes. Eric Bledsoe followed up with 28 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Zion Williamson finished with 19 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block. The Pelicans shot 46 percent from the field, including 10-of-33 from long range.
The Pelicans (5-10) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Spurs on Monday. The Timberwolves (4-11) take on the Warriors in Golden State on Monday.
Nets Topple Heat, 128-124
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Miami Heat, 128-124, at Barclays Center on Saturday night.
The Nets (10-8) came into Saturday's contest looking to snap a two-game losing streak and see their Big Three of Kyrie Irving, James Harden and Kevin Durant on the floor together for only the second time. Brooklyn's night could hardly have gotten off to a better start, considering they owned a 36-25 lead after the first 12 minutes and had only lost a point off that advantage by intermission. The hosts then added another four points to their edge in the third, giving them a seemingly easy path to victory. However, the Heat (6-9) opened the final period with a 13-0 run over the first 2:33 and were as close as within two points with 3.3 seconds remaining before the Nets finished them off with a pair of Harden free throws.
Bam Adebayo paced the Heat with 41 points, adding nine assists, five rebounds and one steal. Goran Dragic followed with 19 points, seven assists and one rebound. Duncan Robinson and Kendrick Nunn had matching 18-point, five-rebound tallies.
Durant led the Nets with 31 points, complementing them with four rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Irving totaled 28 points, seven assists, six rebounds and one block. Joe Harris supplied 23 points, two rebounds, two assists and one block. Harden generated a 12-point, 11-assist double-double that also included seven rebounds. Jeff Green furnished 11 points, five boards and three assists.
The Heat and Nets reconnect for a rematch at Barclays Center on Monday night.
The Nets (10-8) came into Saturday's contest looking to snap a two-game losing streak and see their Big Three of Kyrie Irving, James Harden and Kevin Durant on the floor together for only the second time. Brooklyn's night could hardly have gotten off to a better start, considering they owned a 36-25 lead after the first 12 minutes and had only lost a point off that advantage by intermission. The hosts then added another four points to their edge in the third, giving them a seemingly easy path to victory. However, the Heat (6-9) opened the final period with a 13-0 run over the first 2:33 and were as close as within two points with 3.3 seconds remaining before the Nets finished them off with a pair of Harden free throws.
Bam Adebayo paced the Heat with 41 points, adding nine assists, five rebounds and one steal. Goran Dragic followed with 19 points, seven assists and one rebound. Duncan Robinson and Kendrick Nunn had matching 18-point, five-rebound tallies.
Durant led the Nets with 31 points, complementing them with four rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Irving totaled 28 points, seven assists, six rebounds and one block. Joe Harris supplied 23 points, two rebounds, two assists and one block. Harden generated a 12-point, 11-assist double-double that also included seven rebounds. Jeff Green furnished 11 points, five boards and three assists.
The Heat and Nets reconnect for a rematch at Barclays Center on Monday night.
Lakers Topple Bulls, 101-90
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Chicago Bulls, 101-90, at United Center on Saturday night.
The Lakers (13-4) had been running hot coming into Saturday's game, and they appeared to be well on their way to their seventh victory in eight games when they forged a 30-point halftime lead. The Bulls (7-9) did keep fighting in the second half, shaving 13 points off their deficit during the third quarter but ultimately not getting any closer than their 11-point margin of defeat.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 37 points, adding six rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. LeBron James followed with 17 points, 11 boards, six assists and two steals. Montrezl Harrell and Talen Horton-Tucker supplied matching 10-point tallies, with Harrell also pulling down five boards. Dennis Schroder compiled nine points, four assists and three rebounds.
Zach LaVine paced the Bulls with 21 points, complementing them with 10 rebounds, four assists and one steal. Coby White totaled 14 points, seven boards and four assists. Patrick Williams delivered 13 points, eight boards, one assist and one block. Lauri Markkanen registered 12 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The Lakers remain on the road and next visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night, while the Bulls remain home and take on the Boston Celtics in a Monday night matchup as well.
The Lakers (13-4) had been running hot coming into Saturday's game, and they appeared to be well on their way to their seventh victory in eight games when they forged a 30-point halftime lead. The Bulls (7-9) did keep fighting in the second half, shaving 13 points off their deficit during the third quarter but ultimately not getting any closer than their 11-point margin of defeat.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 37 points, adding six rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. LeBron James followed with 17 points, 11 boards, six assists and two steals. Montrezl Harrell and Talen Horton-Tucker supplied matching 10-point tallies, with Harrell also pulling down five boards. Dennis Schroder compiled nine points, four assists and three rebounds.
Zach LaVine paced the Bulls with 21 points, complementing them with 10 rebounds, four assists and one steal. Coby White totaled 14 points, seven boards and four assists. Patrick Williams delivered 13 points, eight boards, one assist and one block. Lauri Markkanen registered 12 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The Lakers remain on the road and next visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night, while the Bulls remain home and take on the Boston Celtics in a Monday night matchup as well.
Rockets Earn Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets defeated the host Dallas Mavericks, 133-108, at American Airlines Center on Saturday evening.
The Rockets got out to a great start, as they took a, 38-27, lead after one quarter and stayed in control through the second to carry the 11-point lead into halftime. The Mavericks jumped out to a quick start in the third and used a, 12-4, run to cut it to a three point game, but the Rockets responded by outscoring the hosts, 30-12, through the rest of the quarter, to take a 21-point lead into the final frame. The Rockets never trailed in the contest, as they maintained control the rest of the way, pushing their lead as high as 27 points, on the way to a second straight win.
Eric Gordon led the Rockets with 33 points on 10-of-17 shooting, in 30 minutes. DeMarcus Cousins came up huge with 28 points, 17 rebounds and five assists, while David Nwaba chipped in 18 points on 6-of-7 shooting, off the bench. The Rockets shot 55 percent from the field, including 16-of-37 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 26 points, eight assists, five rebounds and a block, in 29 minutes. Boban Marjanovic added 15 points and 12 rebounds, in 19 minutes off the bench, while Tim Hardaway Jr. chipped in 15 points. The Mavericks shot 45 percent from the field, including just 5-of-25 from deep.
The Mavs (8-8) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nuggets on Monday. The Rockets (6-9) play host to the Wizards on Tuesday.
The Rockets got out to a great start, as they took a, 38-27, lead after one quarter and stayed in control through the second to carry the 11-point lead into halftime. The Mavericks jumped out to a quick start in the third and used a, 12-4, run to cut it to a three point game, but the Rockets responded by outscoring the hosts, 30-12, through the rest of the quarter, to take a 21-point lead into the final frame. The Rockets never trailed in the contest, as they maintained control the rest of the way, pushing their lead as high as 27 points, on the way to a second straight win.
Eric Gordon led the Rockets with 33 points on 10-of-17 shooting, in 30 minutes. DeMarcus Cousins came up huge with 28 points, 17 rebounds and five assists, while David Nwaba chipped in 18 points on 6-of-7 shooting, off the bench. The Rockets shot 55 percent from the field, including 16-of-37 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 26 points, eight assists, five rebounds and a block, in 29 minutes. Boban Marjanovic added 15 points and 12 rebounds, in 19 minutes off the bench, while Tim Hardaway Jr. chipped in 15 points. The Mavericks shot 45 percent from the field, including just 5-of-25 from deep.
The Mavs (8-8) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nuggets on Monday. The Rockets (6-9) play host to the Wizards on Tuesday.
Nuggets Defeat Suns in 2OT, 120-112
The Denver Nuggets defeated the host Phoenix Suns in 2OT, 120-112, at Phoenix Suns Arena on Saturday.
There were 13 ties and 25 lead changes in this game, taking two overtimes to determine a winner. In fact, neither club ever held a double-digit lead in this game, with the Nuggets outscoring the Suns in the second overtime, 14-6. Jamal Murray actually hit a game-tying three at the end of regulation to send the game into overtime while Jae Crowder connected on a game-tying three of his own at the end of that overtime to send it into a second one. The Nuggets bench was huge, outscoring the Suns bench, 52-23. In addition, Denver won the rebounding battle, 65-50.
The Nuggets (9-7) were led by Nikola Jokic and his 29 points, 22 rebounds and six assists. Murray finished with 26 points, six rebounds and five assists. Gary Harris was the only other starter with more than two points, amassing 10 points and three boards. JaMychal Green led the bench with 16 points, five rebounds and two assists while Michael Porter had 14 points and 11 boards.
The Suns (8-7) were led by Chris Paul, collecting 21 points, nine rebounds, 13 assists and two steals. Crowder matched those 21 points, adding seven rebounds and three assists to his line. Cameron Johnson totaled 19 points, three rebounds and two assists while Deandre Ayton tallied 17 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks.
On deck for Denver is a road game against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday. As for Phoenix, they're off until Wednesday when they face the Oklahoma City Thunder at home.
There were 13 ties and 25 lead changes in this game, taking two overtimes to determine a winner. In fact, neither club ever held a double-digit lead in this game, with the Nuggets outscoring the Suns in the second overtime, 14-6. Jamal Murray actually hit a game-tying three at the end of regulation to send the game into overtime while Jae Crowder connected on a game-tying three of his own at the end of that overtime to send it into a second one. The Nuggets bench was huge, outscoring the Suns bench, 52-23. In addition, Denver won the rebounding battle, 65-50.
The Nuggets (9-7) were led by Nikola Jokic and his 29 points, 22 rebounds and six assists. Murray finished with 26 points, six rebounds and five assists. Gary Harris was the only other starter with more than two points, amassing 10 points and three boards. JaMychal Green led the bench with 16 points, five rebounds and two assists while Michael Porter had 14 points and 11 boards.
The Suns (8-7) were led by Chris Paul, collecting 21 points, nine rebounds, 13 assists and two steals. Crowder matched those 21 points, adding seven rebounds and three assists to his line. Cameron Johnson totaled 19 points, three rebounds and two assists while Deandre Ayton tallied 17 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks.
On deck for Denver is a road game against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday. As for Phoenix, they're off until Wednesday when they face the Oklahoma City Thunder at home.
Jazz Extend Winning Streak With Thumping Win Over Warriors
The Utah Jazz defeated the Golden State Warriors, 127-108, at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Saturday.
The Jazz (12-4) started the year with a few stumbling performances but have caught fire of late and have pushed their winning streak to eight games following an impressive victory over the Warriors (8-8), who can't seem to move past the .500 mark on a steady basis. Utah quickly established control of the game following a 39-30 first quarter and they never looked back, winning the second quarter emphatically by a 38-17 score and further stretching their advantage with a 31-25 win. The Warriors won the final quarter by a 36-19 score, but that wasn't enough to mount a comeback. With the win, the Jazz moved to 5-2 at home while the Warriors fell to 3-4 away from home. Utah shot 47.9 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range in the win, while the Warriors made 45.2 percent of their shots and 35.9 percent of their three-point attempts.
Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz in scoring with a 23-point performance, but he also added seven rebounds and six assists. Rudy Gobert chipped in with another double-double, as he put up 11 points, 14 rebounds, two steals and a block. Bojan Bogdanovic contributed 14 points, seven rebounds and eight assists, while Mike Conley had 17 points and three steals. Jordan Clarkson (14 points) and Joe Ingles (13 points) thrived off the bench as well.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 24 points, and he passed Reggie Miller for second place in the all-time list of most three-pointers made -- he also added seven rebounds and seven assists. James Wiseman had 15 points with five rebounds, while Andrew Wiggins contributed 13 points, five rebounds and two assists. No other Golden State player scored in double digits throughout the game.
The Jazz (12-4) started the year with a few stumbling performances but have caught fire of late and have pushed their winning streak to eight games following an impressive victory over the Warriors (8-8), who can't seem to move past the .500 mark on a steady basis. Utah quickly established control of the game following a 39-30 first quarter and they never looked back, winning the second quarter emphatically by a 38-17 score and further stretching their advantage with a 31-25 win. The Warriors won the final quarter by a 36-19 score, but that wasn't enough to mount a comeback. With the win, the Jazz moved to 5-2 at home while the Warriors fell to 3-4 away from home. Utah shot 47.9 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range in the win, while the Warriors made 45.2 percent of their shots and 35.9 percent of their three-point attempts.
Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz in scoring with a 23-point performance, but he also added seven rebounds and six assists. Rudy Gobert chipped in with another double-double, as he put up 11 points, 14 rebounds, two steals and a block. Bojan Bogdanovic contributed 14 points, seven rebounds and eight assists, while Mike Conley had 17 points and three steals. Jordan Clarkson (14 points) and Joe Ingles (13 points) thrived off the bench as well.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 24 points, and he passed Reggie Miller for second place in the all-time list of most three-pointers made -- he also added seven rebounds and seven assists. James Wiseman had 15 points with five rebounds, while Andrew Wiggins contributed 13 points, five rebounds and two assists. No other Golden State player scored in double digits throughout the game.