Magic Defeats Pistons In Comeback Fashion
The Orlando Magic defeated the Detroit Pistons, 119-112, at Little Caesars Arena on Monday evening.
The Magic (21-44) and the Pistons (19-46) delivered an interesting game considering both teams are among the worst franchises in the Eastern Conference, and while Detroit got off to a better start, Orlando ended on the winning side of things after an impressive stretch of dominance between the end of the first quarter and the beginning of the fourth. The Pistons led 26-21 after the first quarter, but the Magic quickly responded and grabbed the lead by halftime following a 30-22 score in the second 12 minutes of action. The Magic bolstered that advantage following a 37-30 score in the third quarter, and that essentially sealed the deal with 12 minutes left on the clock. Detroit won the final quarter by a three-point margin, but that wasn't enough to mount a comeback and Orlando won the game with ease despite its slow start.
Surprisingly, Orlando's four highest scorers came off the bench -- Mo Bamba delivered one of his best games of the season and finished with 22 points and 15 rebounds across 29 minutes, while Chasson Randle notched 18 points and five rebounds. R.J. Hampton sniffed a triple-double after posting 16 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds, and Ignas Brazdeikis contributed 14 points with three rebounds. Wendell Carter Jr. and Gary Harris produced matching 11-point tallies.
Saddiq Bey led Detroit with an impressive 26-point, nine-rebound effort, while Isaiah Stewart contributed 10 points and eight rebounds. Hamidou Diallo registered 16 points and seven rebounds, while Frank Jackson looked impressive off the bench and delivered 19 points with two rebounds and two assists. Tyler Cook ended with 13 points and three rebounds. No other Detroit player scored in double digits.
The Magic (21-44) and the Pistons (19-46) delivered an interesting game considering both teams are among the worst franchises in the Eastern Conference, and while Detroit got off to a better start, Orlando ended on the winning side of things after an impressive stretch of dominance between the end of the first quarter and the beginning of the fourth. The Pistons led 26-21 after the first quarter, but the Magic quickly responded and grabbed the lead by halftime following a 30-22 score in the second 12 minutes of action. The Magic bolstered that advantage following a 37-30 score in the third quarter, and that essentially sealed the deal with 12 minutes left on the clock. Detroit won the final quarter by a three-point margin, but that wasn't enough to mount a comeback and Orlando won the game with ease despite its slow start.
Surprisingly, Orlando's four highest scorers came off the bench -- Mo Bamba delivered one of his best games of the season and finished with 22 points and 15 rebounds across 29 minutes, while Chasson Randle notched 18 points and five rebounds. R.J. Hampton sniffed a triple-double after posting 16 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds, and Ignas Brazdeikis contributed 14 points with three rebounds. Wendell Carter Jr. and Gary Harris produced matching 11-point tallies.
Saddiq Bey led Detroit with an impressive 26-point, nine-rebound effort, while Isaiah Stewart contributed 10 points and eight rebounds. Hamidou Diallo registered 16 points and seven rebounds, while Frank Jackson looked impressive off the bench and delivered 19 points with two rebounds and two assists. Tyler Cook ended with 13 points and three rebounds. No other Detroit player scored in double digits.
Wizards Outlast Pacers, 154-141
The Washington Wizards defeated the Indiana Pacers, 154-141, at Capital One Arena on Monday night.
Considering the two teams' defensive deficiencies, it wasn't exactly surprising to see a total of 148 points scored in the first half alone, with the Wizards (30-35) heading into intermission with an 82-66 lead over the Pacers (30-34). When Washington added another four points to its advantage in the third quarter, the victory was well in hand, even with Indiana putting up 39 points over the final 12 minutes.
Caris LeVert led the Pacers with 33 points, adding seven rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Domantas Sabonis generated a 32-point, 20-rebound double-double that also included nine assists and three steals. Justin Holiday, Aaron Holiday and T.J. McConnell all contributed 15 points, with McConnell also pulling down nine rebounds and dishing out seven assists. Doug McDermott provided 11 points, while Edmond Sumner and Oshae Brissett generated matching 10-point tallies.
Rui Hachimura paced the Wizards with 27 points, supplementing them with seven rebounds, two assists and one block. Bradley Beal furnished 26 points, six assists, five rebounds, two steals and one block. Daniel Gafford totaled 15 points, two rebounds, three blocks and one steal. Russell Westbrook contributed a 14-point, 24-assist, 21-rebound triple-double that also included one steal and one block. Davis Bertans supplied 14 points, five assists and four rebounds. Chandler Hutchison and Ish Smith posted 13 points each, with Hutchison also offering three assists and three steals.
The Pacers return home to host the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night, while the Wizards hit the road and tangle with the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night as well.
Considering the two teams' defensive deficiencies, it wasn't exactly surprising to see a total of 148 points scored in the first half alone, with the Wizards (30-35) heading into intermission with an 82-66 lead over the Pacers (30-34). When Washington added another four points to its advantage in the third quarter, the victory was well in hand, even with Indiana putting up 39 points over the final 12 minutes.
Caris LeVert led the Pacers with 33 points, adding seven rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Domantas Sabonis generated a 32-point, 20-rebound double-double that also included nine assists and three steals. Justin Holiday, Aaron Holiday and T.J. McConnell all contributed 15 points, with McConnell also pulling down nine rebounds and dishing out seven assists. Doug McDermott provided 11 points, while Edmond Sumner and Oshae Brissett generated matching 10-point tallies.
Rui Hachimura paced the Wizards with 27 points, supplementing them with seven rebounds, two assists and one block. Bradley Beal furnished 26 points, six assists, five rebounds, two steals and one block. Daniel Gafford totaled 15 points, two rebounds, three blocks and one steal. Russell Westbrook contributed a 14-point, 24-assist, 21-rebound triple-double that also included one steal and one block. Davis Bertans supplied 14 points, five assists and four rebounds. Chandler Hutchison and Ish Smith posted 13 points each, with Hutchison also offering three assists and three steals.
The Pacers return home to host the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night, while the Wizards hit the road and tangle with the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night as well.
Warriors Dominate, Secure Comfortable Win Over Pelicans
The Golden State Warriors defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 123-108, at Smoothie King Center on Monday evening.
The Warriors (33-32) entered this game having won six of their last 10 games while the Pelicans (29-36) had dropped six of their last 10 games, and both trends were noticeable as soon as this game started. Golden State quickly jumped out to a 39-21 lead in the first quarter and they would never relinquish that lead the rest of the way -- the Warriors did a good job of controlling the game the rest of the way. New Orleans won the second quarter by a 33-27 score and seemed as if they would be able to fight their way back in the second half, but that wasn't possible -- the Warriors won the third quarter by a 29-26 score and closed things out with 12 minutes left on the clock .The final quarter ended with a 28-28 tie in the final 12 minutes, but the game was already decided following the first 12 minutes of action. Given how both teams are positioned in the standings, this was a huge win for the Warriors in the race to earn a spot in the play-in tournament.
Stephen Curry carried the Warriors with an impressive 41-point performance that also included eight assists and four rebounds -- he made 14 of his 26 shots despite going just 8-for-18 from three-point range. Andrew Wiggins had an impressive performance as well and finished with 26 points and four rebounds, while Draymond Green contributed a triple-double after ending with 10 points, 13 rebounds and 15 assists -- he also had three steals and two blocks. Juan Toscano-Anderson added 14 points off the bench.
Zion Williamson was the Pelicans' top offensive threat and finished with 32 points and eight rebounds, while Brandon Ingram notched 19 points. Eric Bledsoe had 11 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Willy Hernangomez chipped in with 10 points and seven boards. Lonzo Ball had seven points while shooting only 3-for-18 from the field.
The Warriors (33-32) entered this game having won six of their last 10 games while the Pelicans (29-36) had dropped six of their last 10 games, and both trends were noticeable as soon as this game started. Golden State quickly jumped out to a 39-21 lead in the first quarter and they would never relinquish that lead the rest of the way -- the Warriors did a good job of controlling the game the rest of the way. New Orleans won the second quarter by a 33-27 score and seemed as if they would be able to fight their way back in the second half, but that wasn't possible -- the Warriors won the third quarter by a 29-26 score and closed things out with 12 minutes left on the clock .The final quarter ended with a 28-28 tie in the final 12 minutes, but the game was already decided following the first 12 minutes of action. Given how both teams are positioned in the standings, this was a huge win for the Warriors in the race to earn a spot in the play-in tournament.
Stephen Curry carried the Warriors with an impressive 41-point performance that also included eight assists and four rebounds -- he made 14 of his 26 shots despite going just 8-for-18 from three-point range. Andrew Wiggins had an impressive performance as well and finished with 26 points and four rebounds, while Draymond Green contributed a triple-double after ending with 10 points, 13 rebounds and 15 assists -- he also had three steals and two blocks. Juan Toscano-Anderson added 14 points off the bench.
Zion Williamson was the Pelicans' top offensive threat and finished with 32 points and eight rebounds, while Brandon Ingram notched 19 points. Eric Bledsoe had 11 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Willy Hernangomez chipped in with 10 points and seven boards. Lonzo Ball had seven points while shooting only 3-for-18 from the field.
Hawks Thump Trail Blazers, 123-114
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, 123-114, at State Farm Arena on Monday night.
The Hawks (36-30) checked into the contest with a bit of a rest advantage on the visiting Trail Blazers (36-29), which were coming off a hard-fought 10-point win against the Celtics on Sunday night. Nevertheless, Atlanta encountered a feisty Portland squad early, with the hosts holding just a one-point lead through one quarter and a six-point advantage at halftime. The visitors kept the heat on the home squad during the third quarter, allowing their deficit to grow by only one point. However, the Hawks finally gained some separation with a 19-6 run over the first 6:47 of the final period, setting up the key home win.
Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 33 points, complementing them with eight assists, two rebounds and two steals. C.J. McCollum managed 20 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one block. Norman Powell compiled 15 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Carmelo Anthony poured in 14 points.
Danilo Gallinari paced the Hawks with 28 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Bogdan Bogdanovic produced 25 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Trae Young generated a 21-point, 11-assist double-double that also included six rebounds. John Collins registered 15 points, eight rebounds and one assist. Clint Capela finished with an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists, two blocks and one steal.
The Trail Blazers remain on the road and visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night, while the Hawks remain home and host the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night as well.
The Hawks (36-30) checked into the contest with a bit of a rest advantage on the visiting Trail Blazers (36-29), which were coming off a hard-fought 10-point win against the Celtics on Sunday night. Nevertheless, Atlanta encountered a feisty Portland squad early, with the hosts holding just a one-point lead through one quarter and a six-point advantage at halftime. The visitors kept the heat on the home squad during the third quarter, allowing their deficit to grow by only one point. However, the Hawks finally gained some separation with a 19-6 run over the first 6:47 of the final period, setting up the key home win.
Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 33 points, complementing them with eight assists, two rebounds and two steals. C.J. McCollum managed 20 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one block. Norman Powell compiled 15 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Carmelo Anthony poured in 14 points.
Danilo Gallinari paced the Hawks with 28 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Bogdan Bogdanovic produced 25 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Trae Young generated a 21-point, 11-assist double-double that also included six rebounds. John Collins registered 15 points, eight rebounds and one assist. Clint Capela finished with an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists, two blocks and one steal.
The Trail Blazers remain on the road and visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night, while the Hawks remain home and host the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night as well.
Sixers Dominant In Fifth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the host Chicago Bulls, 106-94, at United Center on Monday evening.
The Sixers got out to a great start with a, 34-20, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second and added another three points to their advantage, making it a 17-point game by halftime. The Bulls had no answers in the third, as the 76ers pushed their lead to a game-high 23 points early in the quarter, before taking a 20-point lead into the final frame. The Bulls put up a fight in the fourth but it was too little, too late, as the 76ers cruised to their fifth straight win, while this marks the fourth straight loss for the Bulls.
Tobias Harris led the way for the 76ers with 21 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 34 minutes. Seth Curry followed up with 20 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Joel Embiid totaled 13 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. The 76ers shot 53 percent from the field, including 11-of-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, Coby White led the Bulls with 23 points, five assists and two rebounds, in 28 minutes. Thaddeus Young followed up with 13 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Daniel Theis finished with 11 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. The Bulls shot 41 percent from the field, including 11-of-34 from deep.
The Bulls (26-39) will look to bounce back as they take on the Hornets in Charlotte on Thursday. The 76ers (44-21) take on the Rockets in Houston on Wednesday.
The Sixers got out to a great start with a, 34-20, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second and added another three points to their advantage, making it a 17-point game by halftime. The Bulls had no answers in the third, as the 76ers pushed their lead to a game-high 23 points early in the quarter, before taking a 20-point lead into the final frame. The Bulls put up a fight in the fourth but it was too little, too late, as the 76ers cruised to their fifth straight win, while this marks the fourth straight loss for the Bulls.
Tobias Harris led the way for the 76ers with 21 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 34 minutes. Seth Curry followed up with 20 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Joel Embiid totaled 13 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. The 76ers shot 53 percent from the field, including 11-of-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, Coby White led the Bulls with 23 points, five assists and two rebounds, in 28 minutes. Thaddeus Young followed up with 13 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Daniel Theis finished with 11 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. The Bulls shot 41 percent from the field, including 11-of-34 from deep.
The Bulls (26-39) will look to bounce back as they take on the Hornets in Charlotte on Thursday. The 76ers (44-21) take on the Rockets in Houston on Wednesday.
Knicks Defeat Grizzlies, 118-104
The New York Knicks defeated the host Memphis Grizzlies, 118-104, at FedEx Forum on Monday.
While Memphis grabbed the first lead in this game, New York held the lead for the final three quarters. In fact, they rode a 44-36 second quarter to an 11-point halftime lead and took a 17-point lead into the fourth quarter behind a 28-22 third quarter. The Knicks ended up shooting 51 percent from the field and 52 percent from three-point range while holding the Grizzlies to 40 percent from the field and 39 percent from long range. New York also doubled up Memphis in blocks, 8-4.
The Knicks (37-28) were led by Julius Randle, tallying 28 points, six rebounds and six assists. R.J. Barrett amassed 15 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Reggie Bullock had 13 points and five boards while Taj Gibson generated six points, 12 rebounds and five blocks. Derrick Rose led the bench with 25 points, two rebounds and two assists.
The Grizzlies (32-32) were led by Dillon Brooks and his 25 points and two steals. Kyle Anderson accrued 13 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Jonas Valancinuas compiled 11 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks while Ja Morant collected eight points, five rebounds and six assists on 2-of-14 from the field. Desmond Bane led the bench with 22 points, eight rebounds and three steals.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with New York traveling to face the surging Denver Nuggets and Memphis playing the Minnesota Timberwolves on the road as well.
While Memphis grabbed the first lead in this game, New York held the lead for the final three quarters. In fact, they rode a 44-36 second quarter to an 11-point halftime lead and took a 17-point lead into the fourth quarter behind a 28-22 third quarter. The Knicks ended up shooting 51 percent from the field and 52 percent from three-point range while holding the Grizzlies to 40 percent from the field and 39 percent from long range. New York also doubled up Memphis in blocks, 8-4.
The Knicks (37-28) were led by Julius Randle, tallying 28 points, six rebounds and six assists. R.J. Barrett amassed 15 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Reggie Bullock had 13 points and five boards while Taj Gibson generated six points, 12 rebounds and five blocks. Derrick Rose led the bench with 25 points, two rebounds and two assists.
The Grizzlies (32-32) were led by Dillon Brooks and his 25 points and two steals. Kyle Anderson accrued 13 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Jonas Valancinuas compiled 11 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks while Ja Morant collected eight points, five rebounds and six assists on 2-of-14 from the field. Desmond Bane led the bench with 22 points, eight rebounds and three steals.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with New York traveling to face the surging Denver Nuggets and Memphis playing the Minnesota Timberwolves on the road as well.
Lakers Edge Out Nuggets At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Denver Nuggets, 93-89, at Staples Center on Monday evening.
The Lakers jumped out to a quick, 12-5, lead, but the Nuggets rallied back to take a four-point lead by the end of the first quarter. The Nuggets stayed on top for most of the second, but the Lakers closed the quarter on a, 11-3, run to take a three-point advantage into the half. The Nuggets came out strong to start the third and took a brief lead, but the Lakers reclaimed control and increased their advantage to five, heading into the final frame. The score stayed tight through the fourth, as the Lakers edged out the Nuggets in crunch time. This marks the end of a three-game slide for the Lakers, and the end of a five-game winning streak for the Nuggets.
Anthony Davis led the way for the Lakers with 25 points, seven rebounds and three blocks, in 33 minutes. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, while Marc Gasol totaled 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a block. The Lakers shot 43 percent from the field, including 13-of-30 from long range.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 32 points, nine rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block, in 35 minutes. Michael Porter Jr. followed up with 19 points, six rebounds and a steal, while JaVale McGee added 10 points, three rebounds and a block. The Nuggets shot 43 percent from the field, including 6-of-24 from long range.
The Nuggets (43-22) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Knicks on Wednesday. The Lakers (37-28) take on the Clippers on Thursday.
The Lakers jumped out to a quick, 12-5, lead, but the Nuggets rallied back to take a four-point lead by the end of the first quarter. The Nuggets stayed on top for most of the second, but the Lakers closed the quarter on a, 11-3, run to take a three-point advantage into the half. The Nuggets came out strong to start the third and took a brief lead, but the Lakers reclaimed control and increased their advantage to five, heading into the final frame. The score stayed tight through the fourth, as the Lakers edged out the Nuggets in crunch time. This marks the end of a three-game slide for the Lakers, and the end of a five-game winning streak for the Nuggets.
Anthony Davis led the way for the Lakers with 25 points, seven rebounds and three blocks, in 33 minutes. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, while Marc Gasol totaled 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a block. The Lakers shot 43 percent from the field, including 13-of-30 from long range.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 32 points, nine rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block, in 35 minutes. Michael Porter Jr. followed up with 19 points, six rebounds and a steal, while JaVale McGee added 10 points, three rebounds and a block. The Nuggets shot 43 percent from the field, including 6-of-24 from long range.
The Nuggets (43-22) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Knicks on Wednesday. The Lakers (37-28) take on the Clippers on Thursday.
Jazz Defeat Spurs, 110-99
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 110-99, at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Monday.
Utah got out to a 31-22 lead after the first quarter and took a 17-point lead into the half behind a 29-21 second quarter. That actually led to a wire-to-wire win for the Jazz, holding a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. Utah shot 50 percent from the field and 31 percent from three-point range while holding San Antonio to 47 percent from the field and 28 percent from long range. In addition, the Jazz out-rebounded the Spurs, 50-37, while outscoring them in the paint, 66-46.
The Spurs (31-33) were led by DeMar DeRozan and his 22 points, six assists and three steals. Dejounte Murray collected 15 points, six rebounds and five assists. Rudy Gay led the bench with 17 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Devin Vassell was the only other player in double figures, amassing 11 points and six boards.
The Jazz (47-18) were led by Bojan Bogdanovic, tallying 25 points, three rebounds and two assists. Rudy Gobert had 24 points, 15 rebounds, two steals and three blocks. Joe Ingles accrued 13 points, two rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 16 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals.
These teams will have a rematch on Wednesday for their next outing.
Utah got out to a 31-22 lead after the first quarter and took a 17-point lead into the half behind a 29-21 second quarter. That actually led to a wire-to-wire win for the Jazz, holding a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. Utah shot 50 percent from the field and 31 percent from three-point range while holding San Antonio to 47 percent from the field and 28 percent from long range. In addition, the Jazz out-rebounded the Spurs, 50-37, while outscoring them in the paint, 66-46.
The Spurs (31-33) were led by DeMar DeRozan and his 22 points, six assists and three steals. Dejounte Murray collected 15 points, six rebounds and five assists. Rudy Gay led the bench with 17 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Devin Vassell was the only other player in double figures, amassing 11 points and six boards.
The Jazz (47-18) were led by Bojan Bogdanovic, tallying 25 points, three rebounds and two assists. Rudy Gobert had 24 points, 15 rebounds, two steals and three blocks. Joe Ingles accrued 13 points, two rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 16 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals.
These teams will have a rematch on Wednesday for their next outing.