Celtics Dominate Magic With Ease, Win By 36 Points
The Boston Celtics defeated the Orlando Magic, 132-96, at Amway Center on Wednesday evening.
The Celtics (35-31) didn't have problems getting past the Magic (21-45) in a game that featured two teams moving in opposite directions -- while the Celtics are looking to secure a playoff berth, the Magic are already thinking about next season and their long rebuilding process over the next few years. Boston signaled its intentions early on and jumped out to a 39-27 lead in the first quarter, and they wouldn't relinquish that advantage the rest of the way -- in fact, Boston was up by 18 points by the time the first half came to a close. The Celtics didn't step the foot off the gas, though, and they also won the remaining two quarters by decent differentials, as they outscored their opponents 37-30 in the third quarter and 32-21 over the final 12 minutes of action. It was one of the most dominant performances of the Celtics on both ends of the court, as they shot 53.1 percent from the field while limiting Orlando to just 38.8 percent from the field.
Boston allowed 14 players to take the court in this game, but the usual suspects led the way -- Kemba Walker scored 32 points and added four assists, while Jayson Tatum chipped in with 27 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Evan Fournier added 18 points with five boards and four assists as well, and Payton Pritchard added 14 points across 18 minutes off the bench.
Dwayne Bacon and Moritz Wagner were the best players for the Magic since both ended with 20 points -- Bacon also added four boards while Wagner chipped in with four rebounds, two steals and a block. Mo Bamba got the start and looked impressive, as he posted a double-double of 19 points, 15 rebounds, four blocks and three steals. R.J. Hampton had 18 points off the bench.
The Celtics (35-31) didn't have problems getting past the Magic (21-45) in a game that featured two teams moving in opposite directions -- while the Celtics are looking to secure a playoff berth, the Magic are already thinking about next season and their long rebuilding process over the next few years. Boston signaled its intentions early on and jumped out to a 39-27 lead in the first quarter, and they wouldn't relinquish that advantage the rest of the way -- in fact, Boston was up by 18 points by the time the first half came to a close. The Celtics didn't step the foot off the gas, though, and they also won the remaining two quarters by decent differentials, as they outscored their opponents 37-30 in the third quarter and 32-21 over the final 12 minutes of action. It was one of the most dominant performances of the Celtics on both ends of the court, as they shot 53.1 percent from the field while limiting Orlando to just 38.8 percent from the field.
Boston allowed 14 players to take the court in this game, but the usual suspects led the way -- Kemba Walker scored 32 points and added four assists, while Jayson Tatum chipped in with 27 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Evan Fournier added 18 points with five boards and four assists as well, and Payton Pritchard added 14 points across 18 minutes off the bench.
Dwayne Bacon and Moritz Wagner were the best players for the Magic since both ended with 20 points -- Bacon also added four boards while Wagner chipped in with four rebounds, two steals and a block. Mo Bamba got the start and looked impressive, as he posted a double-double of 19 points, 15 rebounds, four blocks and three steals. R.J. Hampton had 18 points off the bench.
Trail Blazers Defeat Cavaliers, 141-105
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the host Cleveland Cavaliers, 141-105, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Wednesday.
While there were six ties and five lead changes in the first quarter, Portland never relinquished the lead after that. In fact, they won each of the final three quarters by at least nine points apiece, leading by 10 at the half and by 22 points going into the fourth quarter. The Trail Blazers shot 58 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range while holding the Cavaliers to 41 percent from the field and 34 percent from long range. Portland also out-rebounded Cleveland, 54-42, while outscoring them in the paint, 64-34.
The Trail Blazers (37-29) were led by Damian Lillard, tallying 32 points, three rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Jusuf Nurkic amassed 15 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and four blocks. C.J. McCollum had 10 points and five assists. Enes Kanter led the bench with 18 points and 13 rebounds while Carmelo Anthony provided 16 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Cavaliers (21-45) were led by Kevin Love and his 18 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Collin Sexton accrued 15 points, four assists and two steals. Cedi Osman generated 14 points, two rebounds and two assists while Jarrett Allen compiled nine points, 13 rebounds and two assists. Dean Wade led the bench with 16 points and five rebounds.
Both teams return to action on Friday against tough teams, with Portland returning home to face the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland traveling to play the Dallas Mavericks.
While there were six ties and five lead changes in the first quarter, Portland never relinquished the lead after that. In fact, they won each of the final three quarters by at least nine points apiece, leading by 10 at the half and by 22 points going into the fourth quarter. The Trail Blazers shot 58 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range while holding the Cavaliers to 41 percent from the field and 34 percent from long range. Portland also out-rebounded Cleveland, 54-42, while outscoring them in the paint, 64-34.
The Trail Blazers (37-29) were led by Damian Lillard, tallying 32 points, three rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Jusuf Nurkic amassed 15 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and four blocks. C.J. McCollum had 10 points and five assists. Enes Kanter led the bench with 18 points and 13 rebounds while Carmelo Anthony provided 16 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Cavaliers (21-45) were led by Kevin Love and his 18 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Collin Sexton accrued 15 points, four assists and two steals. Cedi Osman generated 14 points, two rebounds and two assists while Jarrett Allen compiled nine points, 13 rebounds and two assists. Dean Wade led the bench with 16 points and five rebounds.
Both teams return to action on Friday against tough teams, with Portland returning home to face the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland traveling to play the Dallas Mavericks.
Hawks Defeat Suns, 135-103
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns, 135-103, at State Farm Arena on Wednesday.
While there were nine ties and eight lead changes in this game, Atlanta won in blowout fashion. In fact, they led by nine points going into the final quarter and rode a 38-15 fourth quarter to this lopsided scoreline. The Hawks shot 63 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range while holding the Suns to 42 percent from the field and 38 percent from long distance. In addition, Atlanta out-rebounded Phoenix, 46-30, while out-assisting them, 35-19. The Hawks bench also outscored the Suns bench, 74-36.
The Suns (47-19) were led by Devin Booker and his 30 points, three rebounds and five assists. Mikal Bridges amassed 18 points and three rebounds. Chris Paul had just nine points, two rebounds and six assists Deandre Ayton totaled seven points, eight rebounds and three assists. Only two of their players reached double figures in scoring
The Hawks (37-30) were led by Clint Capela, collecting 18 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. Bogdan Bogdanovic generated 16 points, six assists, two steals and two blocks. Trae Young finished with 16 points, two rebounds and 12 assists. Lou Williams led the bench with 16 points, four rebounds and five assists while Danilo Gallinari provided 16 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Atlanta has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Thursday, traveling to play the Indiana Pacers. Phoenix returns home to play the New York Knicks on Friday for their next outing.
While there were nine ties and eight lead changes in this game, Atlanta won in blowout fashion. In fact, they led by nine points going into the final quarter and rode a 38-15 fourth quarter to this lopsided scoreline. The Hawks shot 63 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range while holding the Suns to 42 percent from the field and 38 percent from long distance. In addition, Atlanta out-rebounded Phoenix, 46-30, while out-assisting them, 35-19. The Hawks bench also outscored the Suns bench, 74-36.
The Suns (47-19) were led by Devin Booker and his 30 points, three rebounds and five assists. Mikal Bridges amassed 18 points and three rebounds. Chris Paul had just nine points, two rebounds and six assists Deandre Ayton totaled seven points, eight rebounds and three assists. Only two of their players reached double figures in scoring
The Hawks (37-30) were led by Clint Capela, collecting 18 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. Bogdan Bogdanovic generated 16 points, six assists, two steals and two blocks. Trae Young finished with 16 points, two rebounds and 12 assists. Lou Williams led the bench with 16 points, four rebounds and five assists while Danilo Gallinari provided 16 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Atlanta has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Thursday, traveling to play the Indiana Pacers. Phoenix returns home to play the New York Knicks on Friday for their next outing.
Sixers Dominate, Secure Win Over Rockets
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Houston Rockets, 135-115, at Toyota Center on Wednesday night.
The 76ers (45-21) looked to build off their win over the Bulls on Monday and had little trouble to get past a Rockets (16-50) team that has different goals compared to Philadelphia's one. The Sixers didn't have problems establishing control of the game early on and quickly jumped out to a 39-30 lead following the first quarter, and while the rest of the game was certainly tighter, the Sixers didn't lose the grip of the contest the rest of the way. Philadelphia won the second quarter by a three-point margin (36-33) and further enhanced that lead after a 33-28 score in the first 12 minutes of the second half. The Rockets didn't have a chance at attempting a comeback in the fourth and Philadelphia won the final quarter by three points once again (27-24), running away with the contest with absolute ease.
Joel Embiid had another MVP-quality performance and carried the Sixers with 34 points and 12 rebounds while adding two assists and a block as well. Tobias Harris had 15 points with three assists and two rebounds, while Ben Simmons chipped in with 10 points, three boards and three dimes. Seth Curry finished with 11 points and three rebounds, and Shake Milton had 19 points off the bench. Dwight Howard delivered 10 points with eight boards.
The Rockets only used seven players and four of them finished with at least 20 points. Kelly Olynyk led the way and came close to a triple-double after finishing with 27 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, while Kenyon Martin Jr. chipped in with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Anthony Lamb had 22 points and Armoni Brooks added 20 points.
The 76ers (45-21) looked to build off their win over the Bulls on Monday and had little trouble to get past a Rockets (16-50) team that has different goals compared to Philadelphia's one. The Sixers didn't have problems establishing control of the game early on and quickly jumped out to a 39-30 lead following the first quarter, and while the rest of the game was certainly tighter, the Sixers didn't lose the grip of the contest the rest of the way. Philadelphia won the second quarter by a three-point margin (36-33) and further enhanced that lead after a 33-28 score in the first 12 minutes of the second half. The Rockets didn't have a chance at attempting a comeback in the fourth and Philadelphia won the final quarter by three points once again (27-24), running away with the contest with absolute ease.
Joel Embiid had another MVP-quality performance and carried the Sixers with 34 points and 12 rebounds while adding two assists and a block as well. Tobias Harris had 15 points with three assists and two rebounds, while Ben Simmons chipped in with 10 points, three boards and three dimes. Seth Curry finished with 11 points and three rebounds, and Shake Milton had 19 points off the bench. Dwight Howard delivered 10 points with eight boards.
The Rockets only used seven players and four of them finished with at least 20 points. Kelly Olynyk led the way and came close to a triple-double after finishing with 27 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, while Kenyon Martin Jr. chipped in with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Anthony Lamb had 22 points and Armoni Brooks added 20 points.
Kings Hold On For Fourth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Sacramento Kings defeated the host Indiana Pacers, 104-93, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Wednesday evening.
The Kings got out to a good start with a, 30-26, lead after one quarter. The score stayed close through the second, but the Kings pulled away towards the end of the quarter to take a nine-point lead by halftime. The Kings came out strong in the third and pushed their lead to a game-high 24 points, before the Pacers cut it to a 17-point game heading into the final frame. The Pacers kept pushing in the fourth but it was too little, too late, as they came up 11 points short, for their second straight loss, while this marks the fourth straight win for the Kings.
Marvin Bagley led the Kings with 31 points and 12 rebounds, in 34 minutes. Delon Wright followed up with 23 points, seven rebounds, six assists, six steals and a block, while Buddy Hield chipped in 16 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals. The Kings shot 45 percent from the field, including 8-of-32 from long range.
Meanwhile, Domantas Sabonis led the Pacers with 17 points, 13 rebonds, eight assists and a steal, in 37 minutes. Caris LeVert followed up with 14 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal, while T.J. McConnell added 11 points, seven assists, three rebounds and three steals. The Pacers shot 43 percent from the field, including 9-of-25 from deep.
The Pacers (30-35) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Hawks on Thursday. The Kings (29-27) play host to the Spurs on Friday.
The Kings got out to a good start with a, 30-26, lead after one quarter. The score stayed close through the second, but the Kings pulled away towards the end of the quarter to take a nine-point lead by halftime. The Kings came out strong in the third and pushed their lead to a game-high 24 points, before the Pacers cut it to a 17-point game heading into the final frame. The Pacers kept pushing in the fourth but it was too little, too late, as they came up 11 points short, for their second straight loss, while this marks the fourth straight win for the Kings.
Marvin Bagley led the Kings with 31 points and 12 rebounds, in 34 minutes. Delon Wright followed up with 23 points, seven rebounds, six assists, six steals and a block, while Buddy Hield chipped in 16 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals. The Kings shot 45 percent from the field, including 8-of-32 from long range.
Meanwhile, Domantas Sabonis led the Pacers with 17 points, 13 rebonds, eight assists and a steal, in 37 minutes. Caris LeVert followed up with 14 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal, while T.J. McConnell added 11 points, seven assists, three rebounds and three steals. The Pacers shot 43 percent from the field, including 9-of-25 from deep.
The Pacers (30-35) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Hawks on Thursday. The Kings (29-27) play host to the Spurs on Friday.
Bucks Top Wizards In High-Scoring Contest
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Washington Wizards, 135-134, at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday evening.
The Wizards got out to a great start with a, 37-29, lead after one quarter. The Bucks turned it around in the second and outscored the visitors, 42-34, to tie it up at 71, by halftime. They carried the momentum into the third, where they outscored the Wizards by eight, to take the advantage into the final frame. The Wizards started the fourth on a, 9-0, to grab a brief lead, but the Bucks reclaimed control and managed to hang on to the edge the rest of the way to close out their fourth straight win.
Jrue Holiday led the Bucks with 29 points, six assists, five rebounds and a block, in 31 minutes. Giannis Antetokounmpo followed up with 23 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and two blocks, while Donte DiVincenzo chipped in 19 points, four assists, three rebounds and a steal. The Bucks shot 53 percent from the field, including 18-of-37 from long range.
Meanwhile, Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 42 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 38 minutes. Russell Westbrook totaled 29 points, 17 assists, 12 rebounds, three steals and a block, while Daniel Gafford totaled 12 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and a block. The Wizards shot 49 percent from the field including, 8-of-22 from deep.
The Wizards (30-36) will look to bounce back as they take on the Raptors on Thursday. The Bucks (42-24) play host to the Rockets on Friday.
The Wizards got out to a great start with a, 37-29, lead after one quarter. The Bucks turned it around in the second and outscored the visitors, 42-34, to tie it up at 71, by halftime. They carried the momentum into the third, where they outscored the Wizards by eight, to take the advantage into the final frame. The Wizards started the fourth on a, 9-0, to grab a brief lead, but the Bucks reclaimed control and managed to hang on to the edge the rest of the way to close out their fourth straight win.
Jrue Holiday led the Bucks with 29 points, six assists, five rebounds and a block, in 31 minutes. Giannis Antetokounmpo followed up with 23 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and two blocks, while Donte DiVincenzo chipped in 19 points, four assists, three rebounds and a steal. The Bucks shot 53 percent from the field, including 18-of-37 from long range.
Meanwhile, Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 42 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 38 minutes. Russell Westbrook totaled 29 points, 17 assists, 12 rebounds, three steals and a block, while Daniel Gafford totaled 12 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and a block. The Wizards shot 49 percent from the field including, 8-of-22 from deep.
The Wizards (30-36) will look to bounce back as they take on the Raptors on Thursday. The Bucks (42-24) play host to the Rockets on Friday.
Grizzlies Defeat T'Wolves, 139-135
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the host Minnesota Timberwolves, 139-135, at Target Center on Wednesday.
It took 10 ties and 13 lead changes to determine a winner in this game, staying within a single-digit margin for the final 20 minutes of play. The Grizzlies finished the game on a 12-7 run across the final 2:46 to prevail. Memphis ended up shooting 54 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range. In addition, the Grizzlies out-rebounded the Timberwolves, 46-41. Memphis also outscored Minnesota in the paint, 72-58, and in second-chance points, 23-15.
The Grizzlies (33-32) were led by Ja Morant and his 37 points, four rebounds and 10 assists on 14-of-25 from the field. Kyle Anderson amassed 20 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Dillon Brooks generated 16 points, four rebounds and three assists. Desmond Bane led the bench with 22 points, four rebounds and three assists.
The Timberwolves (20-46) were led by Anthony Edwards, finishing with 42 points, six rebounds and seven assists on 17-of-22 shooting. Karl-Anthony Towns compiled 22 points, four rebounds and five assists. D'Angelo Russell had 22 points, four rebounds and 14 assists while Naz Reid led the bench with 14 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.
Memphis has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Thursday, facing the Detroit Pistons on the road. As for Minnesota, they return to action on Friday in a road matchup with the Miami Heat.
It took 10 ties and 13 lead changes to determine a winner in this game, staying within a single-digit margin for the final 20 minutes of play. The Grizzlies finished the game on a 12-7 run across the final 2:46 to prevail. Memphis ended up shooting 54 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range. In addition, the Grizzlies out-rebounded the Timberwolves, 46-41. Memphis also outscored Minnesota in the paint, 72-58, and in second-chance points, 23-15.
The Grizzlies (33-32) were led by Ja Morant and his 37 points, four rebounds and 10 assists on 14-of-25 from the field. Kyle Anderson amassed 20 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Dillon Brooks generated 16 points, four rebounds and three assists. Desmond Bane led the bench with 22 points, four rebounds and three assists.
The Timberwolves (20-46) were led by Anthony Edwards, finishing with 42 points, six rebounds and seven assists on 17-of-22 shooting. Karl-Anthony Towns compiled 22 points, four rebounds and five assists. D'Angelo Russell had 22 points, four rebounds and 14 assists while Naz Reid led the bench with 14 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.
Memphis has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Thursday, facing the Detroit Pistons on the road. As for Minnesota, they return to action on Friday in a road matchup with the Miami Heat.
Nuggets Topple Knicks, 113-97
The Denver Nuggets defeated the New York Knicks, 113-97, at Ball Arena on Wednesday night.
The Nuggets (44-22) were facing a Knicks (37-29) squad that came in with a robust allotment of hype attached, but Denver quickly set a dominant tone by jumping out to a 34-12 advantage through the first 12 minutes. That early 22-point edge unsurprisingly proved insurmountable, but the home squad was far from complacent the rest of the way and still finished with a comfortable win. Both teams actually shot under 40.0 percent, but the hosts enjoyed a massive 64-42 rebounding advantage.
Immanuel Quickley paced the Knicks with 18 points, adding three rebounds and one steal. Julius Randle, Reggie Bullock, RJ Barrett and Derrick Rose all contributed 14 points apiece. Randle added eight rebounds and five assists, while Bullock and Rose pulled down two boards each.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with a 32-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included six assists, two steals and two blocks. Austin Rivers furnished 25 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals. Michael Porter, Jr. delivered 17 points, six rebounds and three assists. Facundo Campazzo supplied 16 points, nine rebounds, four assists, five steals and two blocks.
The Knicks remain on the road and tangle with the Phoenix Suns on Friday night, while the Nuggets pay a visit to the Utah Jazz on Friday night as well.
The Nuggets (44-22) were facing a Knicks (37-29) squad that came in with a robust allotment of hype attached, but Denver quickly set a dominant tone by jumping out to a 34-12 advantage through the first 12 minutes. That early 22-point edge unsurprisingly proved insurmountable, but the home squad was far from complacent the rest of the way and still finished with a comfortable win. Both teams actually shot under 40.0 percent, but the hosts enjoyed a massive 64-42 rebounding advantage.
Immanuel Quickley paced the Knicks with 18 points, adding three rebounds and one steal. Julius Randle, Reggie Bullock, RJ Barrett and Derrick Rose all contributed 14 points apiece. Randle added eight rebounds and five assists, while Bullock and Rose pulled down two boards each.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with a 32-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included six assists, two steals and two blocks. Austin Rivers furnished 25 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals. Michael Porter, Jr. delivered 17 points, six rebounds and three assists. Facundo Campazzo supplied 16 points, nine rebounds, four assists, five steals and two blocks.
The Knicks remain on the road and tangle with the Phoenix Suns on Friday night, while the Nuggets pay a visit to the Utah Jazz on Friday night as well.
Jazz Decimates Spurs, 126-94
The Utah Jazz defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 126-94, at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Wednesday night.
The Jazz (48-18) knew by tipoff that there appeared to be an opening from them to regain sole possession of first place in the Western Conference, considering the Suns were well on their way to dropping their contest to the Hawks by that point. Utah played like a team on a mission right from the jump, doubling up a 12-point first-quarter lead over the Spurs (31-34) by halftime. The hosts then left no doubt as to the final outcome by tacking on another 13 points to their advantage in the third, making the final period a moot point.
Luka Samanic led the Spurs with 15 points, adding five rebounds, one assist and one block. Drew Eubanks totaled 14 points, nine rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Devin Vassell matched Eubanks' scoring and also posted four boards, two assists and one block. Tre Jones poured in 11 points. No San Antonio starter besides Vassell scored in double digits, with Jakob Poeltl's eight points the closest tally. He added four rebounds, one assist and two steals.
Jordan Clarkson paced the Jazz with 30 points, supplementing them with six rebounds and four assists. Bojan Bogdanovic followed with 24 points, supplementing them with two rebounds and two steals. Joe Ingles supplied 14 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Georges Niang registered 11 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal. Rudy Gobert delivered 10 points, eight boards and one assist.
The Spurs remain on the road and visit the Sacramento Kings on Friday night, while the Jazz remain home and host the Denver Nuggets on Friday night as well.
The Jazz (48-18) knew by tipoff that there appeared to be an opening from them to regain sole possession of first place in the Western Conference, considering the Suns were well on their way to dropping their contest to the Hawks by that point. Utah played like a team on a mission right from the jump, doubling up a 12-point first-quarter lead over the Spurs (31-34) by halftime. The hosts then left no doubt as to the final outcome by tacking on another 13 points to their advantage in the third, making the final period a moot point.
Luka Samanic led the Spurs with 15 points, adding five rebounds, one assist and one block. Drew Eubanks totaled 14 points, nine rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Devin Vassell matched Eubanks' scoring and also posted four boards, two assists and one block. Tre Jones poured in 11 points. No San Antonio starter besides Vassell scored in double digits, with Jakob Poeltl's eight points the closest tally. He added four rebounds, one assist and two steals.
Jordan Clarkson paced the Jazz with 30 points, supplementing them with six rebounds and four assists. Bojan Bogdanovic followed with 24 points, supplementing them with two rebounds and two steals. Joe Ingles supplied 14 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Georges Niang registered 11 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal. Rudy Gobert delivered 10 points, eight boards and one assist.
The Spurs remain on the road and visit the Sacramento Kings on Friday night, while the Jazz remain home and host the Denver Nuggets on Friday night as well.