Celtics Deliver Huge Win Over Raptors
The Boston Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors, 132-125, at TD Garden on Thursday evening.
The Celtics (19-17) are headed into the All-Star break on excellent form and this win over the Raptors (17-19) was their fourth straight victory -- and it wasn't an easy win by any means. The Raptors grabbed a 34-31 lead in the first quarter and made it a four-point game (70-66) by the halftime break. However, Boston turned things around in the third quarter and responded with a 35-22 score, meaning they jumped to a nine-point advantage with only 12 minutes left on the clock. Toronto won the final quarter by just two points (33-31) but that wasn't enough, and the Celtics came through with a strong win at home to close out the first half of their regular season. Boston shot an impressive 60.8 percent from the field in the win while also making 44.8 percent of his three-point attempts, while Toronto shot 49.5 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range in the loss.
Jayson Tatum carried the Celtics offensively with 27 points but also added 12 rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Jaylen Brown chipped in with 21 points, seven boards and four dimes. Kemba Walker had 15 points and six assists, while Tristan Thompson ended with 13 points and three rebounds. Eight Boston players scored in double figures here, and the performances of Grant Williams (17 points) and Jeff Teague (14 points) stood out off the bench.
Norman Powell had 25 points to lead the Raptors' starting five, but the team's top two performances came off the bench since Chris Boucher had 30 points and five rebounds while Terence Davis notched 22 points and four assists. Kyle Lowry only had 14 points but he added 19 assists, and Aron Baynes posted 13 points with nine rebounds.
The Celtics (19-17) are headed into the All-Star break on excellent form and this win over the Raptors (17-19) was their fourth straight victory -- and it wasn't an easy win by any means. The Raptors grabbed a 34-31 lead in the first quarter and made it a four-point game (70-66) by the halftime break. However, Boston turned things around in the third quarter and responded with a 35-22 score, meaning they jumped to a nine-point advantage with only 12 minutes left on the clock. Toronto won the final quarter by just two points (33-31) but that wasn't enough, and the Celtics came through with a strong win at home to close out the first half of their regular season. Boston shot an impressive 60.8 percent from the field in the win while also making 44.8 percent of his three-point attempts, while Toronto shot 49.5 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range in the loss.
Jayson Tatum carried the Celtics offensively with 27 points but also added 12 rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Jaylen Brown chipped in with 21 points, seven boards and four dimes. Kemba Walker had 15 points and six assists, while Tristan Thompson ended with 13 points and three rebounds. Eight Boston players scored in double figures here, and the performances of Grant Williams (17 points) and Jeff Teague (14 points) stood out off the bench.
Norman Powell had 25 points to lead the Raptors' starting five, but the team's top two performances came off the bench since Chris Boucher had 30 points and five rebounds while Terence Davis notched 22 points and four assists. Kyle Lowry only had 14 points but he added 19 assists, and Aron Baynes posted 13 points with nine rebounds.
Wizards edge Clippers, 119-117
The Washington Wizards defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, 119-117, at Capital One Arena on Thursday night.
The Wizards (14-20) appeared to catch a break before the game even started when Paul George was announced as out for the Clippers (24-14) due to dizziness just before the opening tip. However, after exiting the first quarter with a three-point lead, Washington found itself facing a seven-point deficit by intermission. The home squad then eliminated that shortfall altogether during the third quarter, setting up a photo finish in the final period that saw Los Angeles close to within one point with 8.5 seconds remaining before Rui Hachimura was able to sink one of two free throws to provide just enough cushion.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 22 points, adding five rebounds and three assists. Patrick Beverley furnished 17 points, three rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Lou Williams delivered 16 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Terrance Mann and Luke Kennard generated matching 14-point tallies while pulling down five and four rebounds, respectively. Ivica Zubac supplied a 13-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included one assist and one steal.
Bradley Beal paced the Wizards with 33 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, three assists. two steals and one block. Russell Westbrook contributed 27 points, 11 assists, nine rebounds and four steals. Moritz Wagner delivered 12 points, three rebounds, one assist and three steals. Davis Bertans and Raul Neto compiled 11 points each, with Bertans also recording four boards. Robin Lopez totaled 10 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one block.
The Clippers return to action following the All-Star break next Thursday when they host the Golden State Warriors, while the Wizards are back on the floor Wednesday night, when they travel to face the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Wizards (14-20) appeared to catch a break before the game even started when Paul George was announced as out for the Clippers (24-14) due to dizziness just before the opening tip. However, after exiting the first quarter with a three-point lead, Washington found itself facing a seven-point deficit by intermission. The home squad then eliminated that shortfall altogether during the third quarter, setting up a photo finish in the final period that saw Los Angeles close to within one point with 8.5 seconds remaining before Rui Hachimura was able to sink one of two free throws to provide just enough cushion.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 22 points, adding five rebounds and three assists. Patrick Beverley furnished 17 points, three rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Lou Williams delivered 16 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Terrance Mann and Luke Kennard generated matching 14-point tallies while pulling down five and four rebounds, respectively. Ivica Zubac supplied a 13-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included one assist and one steal.
Bradley Beal paced the Wizards with 33 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, three assists. two steals and one block. Russell Westbrook contributed 27 points, 11 assists, nine rebounds and four steals. Moritz Wagner delivered 12 points, three rebounds, one assist and three steals. Davis Bertans and Raul Neto compiled 11 points each, with Bertans also recording four boards. Robin Lopez totaled 10 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one block.
The Clippers return to action following the All-Star break next Thursday when they host the Golden State Warriors, while the Wizards are back on the floor Wednesday night, when they travel to face the Memphis Grizzlies.
Knicks Surpass .500 Mark, Defeat Pistons
The New York Knicks defeated the Detroit Pistons, 114-104, at Madison Square Garden on Thursday evening.
The Knicks (19-18) finally moved over the .500 threshold and end the first half of the season on a strong note following their victory here, as they dominated the game and defeated the Pistons (10-26) with ease after a strong start to the game. New York quickly jumped out to a 33-27 score in the first quarter and extended that advantage even further with a 26-19 score in the second quarter. The Knicks didn't take the foot off the pedal in the second half, however, and they also won the third quarter by a 34-28 score. The Pistons woke up in the fourth quarter and won by a 30-21 score, but it was too late to mount any sort of comeback -- the Knicks raced out to the win and finished the first half of the season on a strong note, while the Pistons have now dropped four of their last five games.
Julius Randle led the Knicks with a 27-point, 16-rebound double-double but also notched seven assists and a block. Elfrid Payton had 20 points and six rebounds but also added four assists and four steals, while R.J. Barrett chipped in with 21 points, five dimes and four boards. Reggie Bullock and Nerlens Noel each had 12 points, but the big man also added 11 rebounds, four steals and two blocks to make his presence felt on defense.
Eight of nine Detroit players that featured here ended with double-digit scoring numbers, and Wayne Ellington led the team with 17 points against his former team. Saddiq Bey had 14 points, while Mason Plumlee and Dennis Smith both contributed 12 -- Plumlee also added 13 boards and four assists. Rodney McGruder was the spark off the bench with 13 points.
The Knicks (19-18) finally moved over the .500 threshold and end the first half of the season on a strong note following their victory here, as they dominated the game and defeated the Pistons (10-26) with ease after a strong start to the game. New York quickly jumped out to a 33-27 score in the first quarter and extended that advantage even further with a 26-19 score in the second quarter. The Knicks didn't take the foot off the pedal in the second half, however, and they also won the third quarter by a 34-28 score. The Pistons woke up in the fourth quarter and won by a 30-21 score, but it was too late to mount any sort of comeback -- the Knicks raced out to the win and finished the first half of the season on a strong note, while the Pistons have now dropped four of their last five games.
Julius Randle led the Knicks with a 27-point, 16-rebound double-double but also notched seven assists and a block. Elfrid Payton had 20 points and six rebounds but also added four assists and four steals, while R.J. Barrett chipped in with 21 points, five dimes and four boards. Reggie Bullock and Nerlens Noel each had 12 points, but the big man also added 11 rebounds, four steals and two blocks to make his presence felt on defense.
Eight of nine Detroit players that featured here ended with double-digit scoring numbers, and Wayne Ellington led the team with 17 points against his former team. Saddiq Bey had 14 points, while Mason Plumlee and Dennis Smith both contributed 12 -- Plumlee also added 13 boards and four assists. Rodney McGruder was the spark off the bench with 13 points.
Nuggets Upend Pacers, 113-103
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Indiana Pacers, 113-103, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Thursday night.
The Nuggets (21-15) checked into the contest looking to build on the momentum of a decisive win over the Milwaukee Bucks in their most recent contest, and after trailing by just one point coming out of the first quarter, they came back to forge a nine-point lead by halftime. The Pacers (16-19) were only able to shave a point off their deficit in the third quarter and subsequently trailed by as much as 18 during a fourth quarter during which they never truly threatened Denver.
Michael Porter, Jr. paced the Nuggets with 24 points, adding 11 rebounds, two steals and one block. Jamal Murray furnished 23 points, four assists, two rebounds and two steals. Nikola Jokic generated a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included eight assists. Will Barton supplied 16 points, six rebounds, one assist and one block.
Myles Turner led the Pacers with a 22-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included three blocks and one steal. Doug McDermott delivered 20 points, four rebounds, one assist and three steals. Justin Holiday registered 16 points, two assists, one rebound and two steals. Domantas Sabonis churned out a 10-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that also included four steals. Malcolm Brogdon and T.J. McConnell collected 10 points each as well while dishing out six assists and recording five rebounds, respectively.
The Nuggets return to action Friday, March 12, when they'll visit the Memphis Grizzlies. Meanwhile, the Pacers are also off until that date, when they'll travel to face the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Nuggets (21-15) checked into the contest looking to build on the momentum of a decisive win over the Milwaukee Bucks in their most recent contest, and after trailing by just one point coming out of the first quarter, they came back to forge a nine-point lead by halftime. The Pacers (16-19) were only able to shave a point off their deficit in the third quarter and subsequently trailed by as much as 18 during a fourth quarter during which they never truly threatened Denver.
Michael Porter, Jr. paced the Nuggets with 24 points, adding 11 rebounds, two steals and one block. Jamal Murray furnished 23 points, four assists, two rebounds and two steals. Nikola Jokic generated a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included eight assists. Will Barton supplied 16 points, six rebounds, one assist and one block.
Myles Turner led the Pacers with a 22-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included three blocks and one steal. Doug McDermott delivered 20 points, four rebounds, one assist and three steals. Justin Holiday registered 16 points, two assists, one rebound and two steals. Domantas Sabonis churned out a 10-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that also included four steals. Malcolm Brogdon and T.J. McConnell collected 10 points each as well while dishing out six assists and recording five rebounds, respectively.
The Nuggets return to action Friday, March 12, when they'll visit the Memphis Grizzlies. Meanwhile, the Pacers are also off until that date, when they'll travel to face the Los Angeles Lakers.
Bucks Top Grizzlies In Wild Finish
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the host Memphis Grizzlies, 112-111, at FedEx Forum on Thursday evening.
The Bucks got out to a great start on the road with a, 31-17, lead after one quarter. The Grizzlies picked up the pace in the second, where they outscored the visitors, 34-30, to cut it to a 10-point game at halftime. The Grizzlies carried the momentum into the third and rallied through the quarter to tie it up at 84, heading into the final frame. The Grizzlies held an edge for most of the fourth, but the Bucks tied it up at 109, with 13 seconds to go. The contest ended in a wild finish as the Grizzlies hit a go-ahead bucket with 7.3 seconds left, before Jrue Holiday came up with the winning bucket for the Bucks.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for the Bucks with 26 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, two steals and a block, in 36 minutes. Khris Middleton followed up with 22 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Jrue Holiday finished with 15 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. The Bucks shot 44 percent from the field, including 10-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 35 points, six rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 38 minutes. Jonas Valanciunas tallied 13 points, 12 rebounds, a steal and a block, while Dillon Brooks totaled 23 points, seven assists, four rebounds, three steals and three blocks. The Grizzlies shot 39 percent from the field, including 8-of-34 from deep.
The Grizzlies (16-16) will be back in action next Wednesday when they host the Wizards. The Bucks (22-14) play host to the Knicks on next Thursday.
The Bucks got out to a great start on the road with a, 31-17, lead after one quarter. The Grizzlies picked up the pace in the second, where they outscored the visitors, 34-30, to cut it to a 10-point game at halftime. The Grizzlies carried the momentum into the third and rallied through the quarter to tie it up at 84, heading into the final frame. The Grizzlies held an edge for most of the fourth, but the Bucks tied it up at 109, with 13 seconds to go. The contest ended in a wild finish as the Grizzlies hit a go-ahead bucket with 7.3 seconds left, before Jrue Holiday came up with the winning bucket for the Bucks.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for the Bucks with 26 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, two steals and a block, in 36 minutes. Khris Middleton followed up with 22 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Jrue Holiday finished with 15 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. The Bucks shot 44 percent from the field, including 10-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 35 points, six rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 38 minutes. Jonas Valanciunas tallied 13 points, 12 rebounds, a steal and a block, while Dillon Brooks totaled 23 points, seven assists, four rebounds, three steals and three blocks. The Grizzlies shot 39 percent from the field, including 8-of-34 from deep.
The Grizzlies (16-16) will be back in action next Wednesday when they host the Wizards. The Bucks (22-14) play host to the Knicks on next Thursday.
Heat Hold On For Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat defeated the host New Orleans Pelicans, 103-93, at Smoothie King Center on Thursday evening.
The Heat got out to a great start on the road with a, 31-15, lead after one quarter. The Heat pushed their lead to a game-high 17 points in the second quarter, but the Pelicans rallied back to cut it to a 10-point game by halftime. The Pelicans kept up the fight in the third, but the Heat stayed in control and took a seven-point lead into the final frame. The Pelicans started the fourth with a three-pointer to cut it to a four-point game and stayed within striking distance, but the Heat stayed focused and closed strong to earn the road win.
Jimmy Butler led the way for the Heat with 29 points, nine assists, three steals and three rebounds, in 34 minutes. Kelly Olynyk added 18 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and a steal, while Kendrick Nunn and Goran Dragic chipped in 13 points each. The Heat shot 49 percent from the field, including 10-of-30 from deep.
Meanwhile, Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 17 points, nine assists, five rebounds, two steals and a block, in 32 minutes. Steven Adams added 15 points and five rebounds, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker finished with 13 points, four assists, three rebounds, a steal and a block. The Pelicans shot 39 percent from the field, including 11-of-43 from long range.
The Pelicans (15-21) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Timberwolves next Thursday. The Heat (18-18) play host to the Magic next Thursday.
The Heat got out to a great start on the road with a, 31-15, lead after one quarter. The Heat pushed their lead to a game-high 17 points in the second quarter, but the Pelicans rallied back to cut it to a 10-point game by halftime. The Pelicans kept up the fight in the third, but the Heat stayed in control and took a seven-point lead into the final frame. The Pelicans started the fourth with a three-pointer to cut it to a four-point game and stayed within striking distance, but the Heat stayed focused and closed strong to earn the road win.
Jimmy Butler led the way for the Heat with 29 points, nine assists, three steals and three rebounds, in 34 minutes. Kelly Olynyk added 18 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and a steal, while Kendrick Nunn and Goran Dragic chipped in 13 points each. The Heat shot 49 percent from the field, including 10-of-30 from deep.
Meanwhile, Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 17 points, nine assists, five rebounds, two steals and a block, in 32 minutes. Steven Adams added 15 points and five rebounds, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker finished with 13 points, four assists, three rebounds, a steal and a block. The Pelicans shot 39 percent from the field, including 11-of-43 from long range.
The Pelicans (15-21) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Timberwolves next Thursday. The Heat (18-18) play host to the Magic next Thursday.
Thunder Rally For Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 107-102, at AT&T Center on Thursday evening.
The contest got out to a tight start with the Thunder holding a three-point lead after one quarter. The Spurs turned it up a notch in the second where they outscored the visitors, 37-23, to take an 11-point lead into halftime. The Thunder came out strong and responded in the third, where they outscored the Spurs by eight points, to cut it to a three-point game heading into the final frame. The Thunder kept the momentum going in the fourth and grabbed the lead early in the quarter. They continued the effort the rest of the way and held on for the impressive road win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 33 points, eight assists, three rebounds and a block, in 36 minutes. Mike Muscala added 18 points, seven rebounds and a block, while Isaiah Roby tallied 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Thunder shot 43 percent from the field, including 12-of-40 from long range.
Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan led the Spurs with 20 points, six rebounds and four assists, in 36 minutes. Trey Lyles added 15 points, 10 rebounds and a steal, while Dejounte Murray finished with 14 points, nine assists, four rebounds and two steals. The Spurs shot 47 percent from the field, including 10-of-31 from deep.
The Spurs (18-14) will look to bounce back as they take on the Mavs in Dallas next Wednesday. The Thunder (15-21) play host to the Mavericks next Thursday.
The contest got out to a tight start with the Thunder holding a three-point lead after one quarter. The Spurs turned it up a notch in the second where they outscored the visitors, 37-23, to take an 11-point lead into halftime. The Thunder came out strong and responded in the third, where they outscored the Spurs by eight points, to cut it to a three-point game heading into the final frame. The Thunder kept the momentum going in the fourth and grabbed the lead early in the quarter. They continued the effort the rest of the way and held on for the impressive road win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 33 points, eight assists, three rebounds and a block, in 36 minutes. Mike Muscala added 18 points, seven rebounds and a block, while Isaiah Roby tallied 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Thunder shot 43 percent from the field, including 12-of-40 from long range.
Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan led the Spurs with 20 points, six rebounds and four assists, in 36 minutes. Trey Lyles added 15 points, 10 rebounds and a steal, while Dejounte Murray finished with 14 points, nine assists, four rebounds and two steals. The Spurs shot 47 percent from the field, including 10-of-31 from deep.
The Spurs (18-14) will look to bounce back as they take on the Mavs in Dallas next Wednesday. The Thunder (15-21) play host to the Mavericks next Thursday.
Suns Defeat Warriors, 120-98
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Golden State Warriors, 120-98, at Phoenix Suns Arena on Thursday.
a 34-23 first quarter really set the tone for Phoenix in this game, winning or tying all four individual quarters. In fact, they rode a 33-25 fourth quarter to their blowout victory, holding a double-digit lead for the final 20 minutes of play. The Suns shot 51 percent from the field, 40 percent from three-point range and 77 percent from the free-throw line while the Warriors hit just 44 percent from the field, 34 percent from long range and 63 percent from the charity stripe. In addition, Phoenix out-rebounded Golden State, 52-39, while out-assisting them, 31-22.
The Warriors (19-18) leading scorer came off the bench, with Jordan Poole providing 26 points and three rebounds on 10-of-16 from the field. Andrew Wiggins led the starters with 16 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals. James Wiseman had 11 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Nico Mannion made his first career start and collected nine points, four rebounds and six assists.
The Suns (24-11) were led by Devin Booker, tallying 16 points, five rebounds and six assists, despite shooting 6-of-20 from the field. Jae Crowder amassed 14 points, four rebounds and two assists. Deandre Ayton totaled 11 points, 10 rebounds and two assists while Chris Paul had 10 points, four rebounds and three assists. None of those players stepped on the court in the fourth quarter. Cameron Payne led the bench with 17 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and three steals.
This marks the final game before the All-Star break for both of these teams. They'll both return to action next Thursday, with Phoenix traveling to face the Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State facing the Los Angeles Clippers on the road as well.
a 34-23 first quarter really set the tone for Phoenix in this game, winning or tying all four individual quarters. In fact, they rode a 33-25 fourth quarter to their blowout victory, holding a double-digit lead for the final 20 minutes of play. The Suns shot 51 percent from the field, 40 percent from three-point range and 77 percent from the free-throw line while the Warriors hit just 44 percent from the field, 34 percent from long range and 63 percent from the charity stripe. In addition, Phoenix out-rebounded Golden State, 52-39, while out-assisting them, 31-22.
The Warriors (19-18) leading scorer came off the bench, with Jordan Poole providing 26 points and three rebounds on 10-of-16 from the field. Andrew Wiggins led the starters with 16 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals. James Wiseman had 11 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Nico Mannion made his first career start and collected nine points, four rebounds and six assists.
The Suns (24-11) were led by Devin Booker, tallying 16 points, five rebounds and six assists, despite shooting 6-of-20 from the field. Jae Crowder amassed 14 points, four rebounds and two assists. Deandre Ayton totaled 11 points, 10 rebounds and two assists while Chris Paul had 10 points, four rebounds and three assists. None of those players stepped on the court in the fourth quarter. Cameron Payne led the bench with 17 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and three steals.
This marks the final game before the All-Star break for both of these teams. They'll both return to action next Thursday, with Phoenix traveling to face the Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State facing the Los Angeles Clippers on the road as well.
Trail Blazers Defeat Kings, 123-119
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings,123-119 , at Moda Center on Thursday.
It took nine ties and 11 lead changes to determine a winner in this game, with neither club ever leading by more than seven points. Ironically, Portland got out to that seven-point lead in the final minute, going on a 16-4 with 3:43 left across the next three minutes. Sacramento got it close with a couple of late three-pointers but never had a shot to tie the game. Portland's only real advantage was in free-throw shooting, hitting 24-of-25 while Sacramento connected on just 10-of-16. In addition, the Trail Blazers bench outscored the Kings bench, 35-23. Sacramento actually won the rebounding, assisting, points in the paint, fastbreak scoring and turnover differentials.
The Kings (14-22) were led by De'Aaron Fox and his 32 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists. Buddy Hield amassed 21 points, six rebounds and three assists. Harrison Barnes provided 17 points, five rebounds and two assists. Marvin Bagley III accrued 14 points, nine rebounds and three assists while Richaun Holmes had 12 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Nemanja Bjelica led the bench with 12 points and nine boards.
The Trail Blazers (21-14) got another gem from Damian Lillard, tallying 44 points and seven assists on 8-of-15 from three-point range. Enes Kanter compiled 22 points, 21 rebounds and two assists. Derrick Jones Jr accumulated eight points, four rebounds and four assists while Robert Covington collected seven points, six rebounds, three steals and three blocks. Carmelo Anthony led the bench with 16 points, two rebounds and three assists.
Both teams are taking a week off for the All-Star break. They'll both return next Thursday with Sacramento hosting the Houston Rockets and Portland playing host to the Phoenix Suns.
It took nine ties and 11 lead changes to determine a winner in this game, with neither club ever leading by more than seven points. Ironically, Portland got out to that seven-point lead in the final minute, going on a 16-4 with 3:43 left across the next three minutes. Sacramento got it close with a couple of late three-pointers but never had a shot to tie the game. Portland's only real advantage was in free-throw shooting, hitting 24-of-25 while Sacramento connected on just 10-of-16. In addition, the Trail Blazers bench outscored the Kings bench, 35-23. Sacramento actually won the rebounding, assisting, points in the paint, fastbreak scoring and turnover differentials.
The Kings (14-22) were led by De'Aaron Fox and his 32 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists. Buddy Hield amassed 21 points, six rebounds and three assists. Harrison Barnes provided 17 points, five rebounds and two assists. Marvin Bagley III accrued 14 points, nine rebounds and three assists while Richaun Holmes had 12 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Nemanja Bjelica led the bench with 12 points and nine boards.
The Trail Blazers (21-14) got another gem from Damian Lillard, tallying 44 points and seven assists on 8-of-15 from three-point range. Enes Kanter compiled 22 points, 21 rebounds and two assists. Derrick Jones Jr accumulated eight points, four rebounds and four assists while Robert Covington collected seven points, six rebounds, three steals and three blocks. Carmelo Anthony led the bench with 16 points, two rebounds and three assists.
Both teams are taking a week off for the All-Star break. They'll both return next Thursday with Sacramento hosting the Houston Rockets and Portland playing host to the Phoenix Suns.