Bulls Enjoy Strong Start In Win Over Hornets
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 120-99, at Spectrum Center on Thursday evening.
The Bulls (27-39) and the Hornets (33-33) met Thursday in a battle between two teams fighting for a spot in the play-in tournament, but the Bulls got off to a stronger start and that would be everything they'd need to come away with the victory in this one. The Bulls jumped out to a 34-24 lead in the first quarter and that'd be all the edge they'd need the rest of the way, as the Hornets were unable to pose much of a threat the rest of the contest. Charlotte won the second quarter by a 29-25 score and made it a six-point game by halftime, but Chicago closed any door of a potential comeback following a 37-21 lead in the third quarter. The Hornets won the final quarter by a one-point margin (25-24) but the game was completely decided by then -- the Bulls secured a huge win that keeps their play-in chance alive with only a few games left in the schedule.
Nikola Vucevic was the best player on the court for the Bulls, as he finished with a team-high 29 points while also adding 14 rebounds, three assists and two steals. Zach LaVine returned from a lengthy absence and posted 14 points with three rebounds and two assists while logging just 27 minutes, and Coby White chipped in with 14 points, six dimes and four boards. Patrick Williams notched 11 points with nine rebounds, and Garrett Temple added 12 points off the bench.
P.J. Washington contributed 24 points to lead the Hornets in this one, but his efforts weren't enough -- he also had six boards, two rebounds and two steals. Terry Rozier had 12 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals. LaMelo Ball had four points while shooting 1-10 FG. Malik Monk had 20 points.
The Bulls (27-39) and the Hornets (33-33) met Thursday in a battle between two teams fighting for a spot in the play-in tournament, but the Bulls got off to a stronger start and that would be everything they'd need to come away with the victory in this one. The Bulls jumped out to a 34-24 lead in the first quarter and that'd be all the edge they'd need the rest of the way, as the Hornets were unable to pose much of a threat the rest of the contest. Charlotte won the second quarter by a 29-25 score and made it a six-point game by halftime, but Chicago closed any door of a potential comeback following a 37-21 lead in the third quarter. The Hornets won the final quarter by a one-point margin (25-24) but the game was completely decided by then -- the Bulls secured a huge win that keeps their play-in chance alive with only a few games left in the schedule.
Nikola Vucevic was the best player on the court for the Bulls, as he finished with a team-high 29 points while also adding 14 rebounds, three assists and two steals. Zach LaVine returned from a lengthy absence and posted 14 points with three rebounds and two assists while logging just 27 minutes, and Coby White chipped in with 14 points, six dimes and four boards. Patrick Williams notched 11 points with nine rebounds, and Garrett Temple added 12 points off the bench.
P.J. Washington contributed 24 points to lead the Hornets in this one, but his efforts weren't enough -- he also had six boards, two rebounds and two steals. Terry Rozier had 12 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals. LaMelo Ball had four points while shooting 1-10 FG. Malik Monk had 20 points.
Mavericks Pull Comeback To Defeat Nets
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 113-109, at American Airlines Center on Thursday evening.
The Mavericks (38-28) are now 10 games over the .500 threshold and delivered one of their most convincing wins of the season Thursday, topping one of the Eastern Conference candidates, the Nets (43-24), while coming from behind in the fourth quarter. Dallas got off to a better start and jumped out to a 37-32 lead in the first quarter, but the Nets responded quickly and made it a one-point game following a 30-26 score in the second quarter. Brooklyn even managed to take control of the game following the third quarter and a 21-19 score allowed them to have a one-point lead with just 12 minutes left on the clock, but the Mavericks turned things around right when it seemed more unlikely. A 31-26 score in the fourth quarter allowed Dallas to come away with the victory. The Nets struggled from the field in this loss and shot 43.2 percent from the field and 35.1 percent from three-point range, while Dallas had a huge edge from the field -- the Mavs made 44.9 percent of their shots and drained 44.1 percent from beyond the arc.
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks in this win with a 24-point while adding 10 rebounds, eight assists and two steals, while Tim Hardaway Jr. chipped in with 23 points and six rebounds. Dorian Finney-Smith posted 17 points with eight rebounds, while Josh Richardson had 10 points. Dwight Powell contributed a double-double off the bench thanks to 12 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, while Jalen Brunson added 15 points off the bench as well.
Kyrie Irving was the Nets' best player by a wide margin and paced the team with a game-high 45 points -- he also added five rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks. Kevin Durant had 20 points and nine rebounds, while Blake Griffin had a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double. Jeff Green chipped in with 11 points coming off the bench as well.
The Mavericks (38-28) are now 10 games over the .500 threshold and delivered one of their most convincing wins of the season Thursday, topping one of the Eastern Conference candidates, the Nets (43-24), while coming from behind in the fourth quarter. Dallas got off to a better start and jumped out to a 37-32 lead in the first quarter, but the Nets responded quickly and made it a one-point game following a 30-26 score in the second quarter. Brooklyn even managed to take control of the game following the third quarter and a 21-19 score allowed them to have a one-point lead with just 12 minutes left on the clock, but the Mavericks turned things around right when it seemed more unlikely. A 31-26 score in the fourth quarter allowed Dallas to come away with the victory. The Nets struggled from the field in this loss and shot 43.2 percent from the field and 35.1 percent from three-point range, while Dallas had a huge edge from the field -- the Mavs made 44.9 percent of their shots and drained 44.1 percent from beyond the arc.
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks in this win with a 24-point while adding 10 rebounds, eight assists and two steals, while Tim Hardaway Jr. chipped in with 23 points and six rebounds. Dorian Finney-Smith posted 17 points with eight rebounds, while Josh Richardson had 10 points. Dwight Powell contributed a double-double off the bench thanks to 12 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, while Jalen Brunson added 15 points off the bench as well.
Kyrie Irving was the Nets' best player by a wide margin and paced the team with a game-high 45 points -- he also added five rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks. Kevin Durant had 20 points and nine rebounds, while Blake Griffin had a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double. Jeff Green chipped in with 11 points coming off the bench as well.
Wizards Outlast Raptors in OT, 131-129
The Washington Wizards defeated the Toronto Raptors in overtime, 131-129, at Amalie Arena on Thursday night.
The Wizards (31-36) checked into the contest as one of the league's hottest teams, but early on, Washington encountered a highly motivated Raptors (27-40) squad that stood to gain a full game in the standings with a victory. Toronto was able to extend a two-point first-quarter lead to nine by halftime, giving the home squad a seemingly commanding edge going into the second half. However, the visitors were able to whittle five points from their deficit during the third period, and it took a three-point bucket from Fred VanVleet with two seconds in regulation for the hosts to avoid defeat at that point. The extra period was equally competitive, with a missed Pascal Siakam three-point attempt at the buzzer finally sending the visitors home winners.
Bradley Beal paced the Wizards with 28 points, complementing them with five rebounds and five assists. Raul Neto contributed 25 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Robin Lopez furnished 24 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. Davis Bertans delivered 14 points and five rebounds. Russell Westbrook generated a 13-point, 17-rebound, 17-assist triple-double that also included one steal. Alex Len totaled 10 points, four rebounds and one assist.
Siakam led the Raptors with 44 points, supplementing them with 11 rebounds, seven assists and one steal. Gary Trent collected 25 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. VanVleet supplied 22 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Khem Birch generated 17 points, nine rebounds, one assist, four blocks and one steal. DeAndre' Bembry offered 10 points, five rebounds, one assist and two steals.
The Wizards visit the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night, while the Raptors host the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night as well.
The Wizards (31-36) checked into the contest as one of the league's hottest teams, but early on, Washington encountered a highly motivated Raptors (27-40) squad that stood to gain a full game in the standings with a victory. Toronto was able to extend a two-point first-quarter lead to nine by halftime, giving the home squad a seemingly commanding edge going into the second half. However, the visitors were able to whittle five points from their deficit during the third period, and it took a three-point bucket from Fred VanVleet with two seconds in regulation for the hosts to avoid defeat at that point. The extra period was equally competitive, with a missed Pascal Siakam three-point attempt at the buzzer finally sending the visitors home winners.
Bradley Beal paced the Wizards with 28 points, complementing them with five rebounds and five assists. Raul Neto contributed 25 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Robin Lopez furnished 24 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. Davis Bertans delivered 14 points and five rebounds. Russell Westbrook generated a 13-point, 17-rebound, 17-assist triple-double that also included one steal. Alex Len totaled 10 points, four rebounds and one assist.
Siakam led the Raptors with 44 points, supplementing them with 11 rebounds, seven assists and one steal. Gary Trent collected 25 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. VanVleet supplied 22 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Khem Birch generated 17 points, nine rebounds, one assist, four blocks and one steal. DeAndre' Bembry offered 10 points, five rebounds, one assist and two steals.
The Wizards visit the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night, while the Raptors host the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night as well.
Pistons Surprise Grizzlies, 111-97
The Detroit Pistons defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 111-97, at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday night.
The Grizzlies (33-33) were clearly the team with a higher degree of motivation coming into the contest, considering their spot within the Western Conference play-in level. However, it was the non-contending Pistons (20-47) that played like a team with a playoff spot to lock down, nearly matching the visitors bucket for bucket during a first quarter they emerged from with a one-point deficit and then building a nine-point lead by halftime with an impressive second quarter during which they held Memphis to 17 points. Detroit still held an eight-point edge going into the final period, and they ensured victory by turning back several rallies and then concluding on a 12-3 run over the final 2:43.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 20 points, adding five assists, three rebounds and one block. Jonas Valanciunas finished with a 19-point, 16-rebound double-double that also included two assists and two blocks. Jaren Jackson supplied 17 points, five rebounds and four steals. Jon Konchar netted 11 points and five rebounds, while Brandon Clarke registered 10 points, six boards, one assist and two blocks.
Cory Joseph and Wayne Ellington co-led the Pistons with 18 points, with Joseph also dishing out 11 assists and three steals. Isaiah Stewart posted 15 points, seven rebounds, one assist and three blocks. Seko Doumbouya managed 14 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Saddiq Bey and Jahlil Okafor posted matching 13-point, five-rebound tallies, while Frank Jackson poured in 11 points.
The Grizzlies visit the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night, while the Pistons also hit the road and tangle with the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night.
The Grizzlies (33-33) were clearly the team with a higher degree of motivation coming into the contest, considering their spot within the Western Conference play-in level. However, it was the non-contending Pistons (20-47) that played like a team with a playoff spot to lock down, nearly matching the visitors bucket for bucket during a first quarter they emerged from with a one-point deficit and then building a nine-point lead by halftime with an impressive second quarter during which they held Memphis to 17 points. Detroit still held an eight-point edge going into the final period, and they ensured victory by turning back several rallies and then concluding on a 12-3 run over the final 2:43.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 20 points, adding five assists, three rebounds and one block. Jonas Valanciunas finished with a 19-point, 16-rebound double-double that also included two assists and two blocks. Jaren Jackson supplied 17 points, five rebounds and four steals. Jon Konchar netted 11 points and five rebounds, while Brandon Clarke registered 10 points, six boards, one assist and two blocks.
Cory Joseph and Wayne Ellington co-led the Pistons with 18 points, with Joseph also dishing out 11 assists and three steals. Isaiah Stewart posted 15 points, seven rebounds, one assist and three blocks. Seko Doumbouya managed 14 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Saddiq Bey and Jahlil Okafor posted matching 13-point, five-rebound tallies, while Frank Jackson poured in 11 points.
The Grizzlies visit the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night, while the Pistons also hit the road and tangle with the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night.
Pacers Hold Off Hawks At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Indiana Pacers defeated the visiting Atlanta Hawks, 133-126, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Thursday evening.
The Pacers got out to a strong start with a, 36-26, lead after one quarter. The Hawks came out stronger in the second, but the Pacers stayed in control and pushed their lead to 14 points by halftime. Both teams came out strong in the third, where they matched each other with 38 points apiece, as the Pacers maintaining their 14-point advantage heading into the final frame. The Hawks kept up the fight in the fourth and cut it to a one-point game with three minutes to go, but the Pacers came up clutch in crunch time to close out the home win and end a two-game slide, while this marks the end of a three-game streak for the Hawks.
Caris LeVert led the way for the Pacers with 31 points, 12 assists, three rebounds, three blocks and two steals, in 40 minutes. Domantas Sabonis followed up with 30 points, nine assists, eight rebounds and a steal, while T.J. McConnell chipped in 19 points, five assists, four steals and two rebounds. The Pacers shot 62 percent from the field, including 8-of-20 from long range.
Meanwhile, Trae Young led the Hawks with 30 points, 10 assists, four rebounds and a block, in 35 minutes. Bogdan Bogdanovic followed up with 28 points on 11-of-18 shooting, while John Collins totaled 25 points, seven rebounds, a steal and a block. The Hawks shot 51 percent from the field, including 15-of-37 from deep.
The Hawks (37-31) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Wizards on Monday. The Pacers (31-35) play host to the Wizards on Saturday.
The Pacers got out to a strong start with a, 36-26, lead after one quarter. The Hawks came out stronger in the second, but the Pacers stayed in control and pushed their lead to 14 points by halftime. Both teams came out strong in the third, where they matched each other with 38 points apiece, as the Pacers maintaining their 14-point advantage heading into the final frame. The Hawks kept up the fight in the fourth and cut it to a one-point game with three minutes to go, but the Pacers came up clutch in crunch time to close out the home win and end a two-game slide, while this marks the end of a three-game streak for the Hawks.
Caris LeVert led the way for the Pacers with 31 points, 12 assists, three rebounds, three blocks and two steals, in 40 minutes. Domantas Sabonis followed up with 30 points, nine assists, eight rebounds and a steal, while T.J. McConnell chipped in 19 points, five assists, four steals and two rebounds. The Pacers shot 62 percent from the field, including 8-of-20 from long range.
Meanwhile, Trae Young led the Hawks with 30 points, 10 assists, four rebounds and a block, in 35 minutes. Bogdan Bogdanovic followed up with 28 points on 11-of-18 shooting, while John Collins totaled 25 points, seven rebounds, a steal and a block. The Hawks shot 51 percent from the field, including 15-of-37 from deep.
The Hawks (37-31) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Wizards on Monday. The Pacers (31-35) play host to the Wizards on Saturday.
Warriors Defeat Thunder, 118-97
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 118-97, at Chase Center on Thursday.
The Warriors won all four quarters by at least four points apiece, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, Golden State led by at least 14 points for the entirety of the second half. The Warriors shot 49 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range while holding the Thunder to 41 percent from the field and 23 percent from long range. Golden State out-assisted Oklahoma City, 36-21, while out-rebounding them, 49-39.
The Thunder (21-46) were led by Ty Jerome, leading the bench with 23 points, four rebounds and three assists. Darius Bazley amassed 22 points, three rebounds and two assists. Theo Maledon accrued 15 points, four rebounds, eight assists and two steals. No other player had more than eight points or four assists.
The Warriors (34-33) were led by Stephen Curry and his 34 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Andrew Wiggins totaled 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Kent Bazemore had 13 points and six boards while Draymond Green tallied five points, nine rebounds and nine assists. Mychal Mulder led the bench with 25 points.
These teams will run it back for a rematch on Saturday for their next outings.
The Warriors won all four quarters by at least four points apiece, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, Golden State led by at least 14 points for the entirety of the second half. The Warriors shot 49 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range while holding the Thunder to 41 percent from the field and 23 percent from long range. Golden State out-assisted Oklahoma City, 36-21, while out-rebounding them, 49-39.
The Thunder (21-46) were led by Ty Jerome, leading the bench with 23 points, four rebounds and three assists. Darius Bazley amassed 22 points, three rebounds and two assists. Theo Maledon accrued 15 points, four rebounds, eight assists and two steals. No other player had more than eight points or four assists.
The Warriors (34-33) were led by Stephen Curry and his 34 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Andrew Wiggins totaled 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Kent Bazemore had 13 points and six boards while Draymond Green tallied five points, nine rebounds and nine assists. Mychal Mulder led the bench with 25 points.
These teams will run it back for a rematch on Saturday for their next outings.
Clippers Defeat Lakers, 118-94
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, 118-94, at Staples Center on Thursday.
The Clippers got out to a 29-20 lead after the first quarter and put the game to bed behind a 36-22 second quarter. That 23-point halftime lead allowed the Clippers to lead by at least 17 points for the entirety of the second half. The Clippers shot 53 percent from the field, 42 percent from three-point range and 89 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Lakers to 38 percent from the field, 28 percent from long range and 62 percent from the free-throw line. They also out-rebounded them, 48-34, despite losing the turnover battle, 22-10.
The Lakers (37-29) were led by Kyle Kuzma and his 25 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. He was the only starter in double figures, with Anthony Davis departing in the first quarter due to an ankle/back injury. Andre Drummond amassed nine points and six rebounds. Montrezl Harrell led the bench with 14 points, six rebounds and four assists.
The Clippers (45-22) were led by Paul George, tallying 24 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Kawhi Leonard collected 15 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Ivica Zubac generated 14 points and eight rebounds. Rajon Rondo led the bench with 11 points and five assists while DeMarcus Cousins also provided 11 points.
Los Angeles has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Friday, facing the Portland Trail Blazers on the road. As for the Clippers, they're off until Sunday when they play host to the New York Knicks.
The Clippers got out to a 29-20 lead after the first quarter and put the game to bed behind a 36-22 second quarter. That 23-point halftime lead allowed the Clippers to lead by at least 17 points for the entirety of the second half. The Clippers shot 53 percent from the field, 42 percent from three-point range and 89 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Lakers to 38 percent from the field, 28 percent from long range and 62 percent from the free-throw line. They also out-rebounded them, 48-34, despite losing the turnover battle, 22-10.
The Lakers (37-29) were led by Kyle Kuzma and his 25 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. He was the only starter in double figures, with Anthony Davis departing in the first quarter due to an ankle/back injury. Andre Drummond amassed nine points and six rebounds. Montrezl Harrell led the bench with 14 points, six rebounds and four assists.
The Clippers (45-22) were led by Paul George, tallying 24 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Kawhi Leonard collected 15 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Ivica Zubac generated 14 points and eight rebounds. Rajon Rondo led the bench with 11 points and five assists while DeMarcus Cousins also provided 11 points.
Los Angeles has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Friday, facing the Portland Trail Blazers on the road. As for the Clippers, they're off until Sunday when they play host to the New York Knicks.