Sixers Mount Comeback To Get Past Pelicans
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 109-107, at Wells Fargo Center on Friday evening.
The 76ers (46-21) and the Pelicans (30-37) played a tight contest Friday and at one point it seemed the Pelicans were ready to pull the upset against one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, but the Sixers adjusted right before it was too late and came away with the win after coming from behind in the fourth quarter. It's worth noting Philadelphia got off to a stronger start and secured a 32-21 lead following the first quarter and bolstered that advantage even further following a 38-33 score in the second quarter, but New Orleans flipped the script in the second half and grabbed a three-point lead after limiting the Sixers to just 18 points in the first 12 minutes of the second half (37-18). New Orleans couldn't hold on and the Sixers mounted a fourth-quarter comeback late in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Pelicans by a 21-16 score in the final 12 minutes of action. It was a closer game than anyone would have expected it, but the Sixers responded to their tag of favorites and came away with the win.
Joel Embiid had an excellent performance for the Sixers and finished with 37 points and 13 rebounds, while Ben Simmons dished out 10 dimes to go along with nine rebounds and eight points. Tobias Harris had 17 points, and Seth Curry contributed 16 points, six rebounds and five assists. George Hill added 11 points off the bench. Dwight Howard had four points with nine boards.
Lonzo Ball and Eric Bledsoe each led the Pelicans with 18 points, as both had bigger roles on offense with Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson both sidelined due to injuries. Jaxson Hayes was the team's highest scorer, however, as he notched 19 points coming off the bench. Willy Hernangomez had 11 points with nine rebounds, and James Johnson added 10 points. Kira Lewis Jr. had 13 points off the bench.
The 76ers (46-21) and the Pelicans (30-37) played a tight contest Friday and at one point it seemed the Pelicans were ready to pull the upset against one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, but the Sixers adjusted right before it was too late and came away with the win after coming from behind in the fourth quarter. It's worth noting Philadelphia got off to a stronger start and secured a 32-21 lead following the first quarter and bolstered that advantage even further following a 38-33 score in the second quarter, but New Orleans flipped the script in the second half and grabbed a three-point lead after limiting the Sixers to just 18 points in the first 12 minutes of the second half (37-18). New Orleans couldn't hold on and the Sixers mounted a fourth-quarter comeback late in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Pelicans by a 21-16 score in the final 12 minutes of action. It was a closer game than anyone would have expected it, but the Sixers responded to their tag of favorites and came away with the win.
Joel Embiid had an excellent performance for the Sixers and finished with 37 points and 13 rebounds, while Ben Simmons dished out 10 dimes to go along with nine rebounds and eight points. Tobias Harris had 17 points, and Seth Curry contributed 16 points, six rebounds and five assists. George Hill added 11 points off the bench. Dwight Howard had four points with nine boards.
Lonzo Ball and Eric Bledsoe each led the Pelicans with 18 points, as both had bigger roles on offense with Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson both sidelined due to injuries. Jaxson Hayes was the team's highest scorer, however, as he notched 19 points coming off the bench. Willy Hernangomez had 11 points with nine rebounds, and James Johnson added 10 points. Kira Lewis Jr. had 13 points off the bench.
Bulls Pull Huge Upset In Rout Over Celtics
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Boston Celtics, 121-99, at United Center on Friday evening.
The Bulls (28-39) delivered one of their best performances of the season Friday and pulled a huge win over the Celtics (35-32) in a game where they practically led from start to finish. Chicago jumped out to a 30-28 lead in the first quarter, but the Bulls established a massive differential in the second quarter after outscoring the Celtics by a 30-18 margin. Boston would never recover from that, and while they attempted to turn things around in the second half, they simply didn't have enough in them to flip the script. Chicago won the final two quarters as well, outscoring Boston by a 34-28 score in the third quarter and a 27-25 score in the final 12 minutes of action. The Bulls shot 43.4 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range in the win, while the Celtics only shot 40.7 percent from the field and 28.2 percent from beyond the arc.
Zach LaVine and Coby White were nothing short of a dynamic backcourt duo for the Bulls and both ended with 25 points in this contest -- while LaVine also added five rebounds, two assists and two steals, White chipped in with seven rebounds and five dimes. Nikola Vucevic only scored 18 points, but he posted a triple-double since he also notched 14 rebounds and 10 assists to go along with two steals. No other Chicago player scored in double digits.
Kemba Walker was the leading scorer for the Celtics and at times carried the team on his own offensively -- he finished with 33 points The only other player who scored at least 15 points was Evan Fournier, who ended with 17 points. Jayson Tatum only had nine points (3-15 FG). Tristan Thompson ended with eight points.
The Bulls (28-39) delivered one of their best performances of the season Friday and pulled a huge win over the Celtics (35-32) in a game where they practically led from start to finish. Chicago jumped out to a 30-28 lead in the first quarter, but the Bulls established a massive differential in the second quarter after outscoring the Celtics by a 30-18 margin. Boston would never recover from that, and while they attempted to turn things around in the second half, they simply didn't have enough in them to flip the script. Chicago won the final two quarters as well, outscoring Boston by a 34-28 score in the third quarter and a 27-25 score in the final 12 minutes of action. The Bulls shot 43.4 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range in the win, while the Celtics only shot 40.7 percent from the field and 28.2 percent from beyond the arc.
Zach LaVine and Coby White were nothing short of a dynamic backcourt duo for the Bulls and both ended with 25 points in this contest -- while LaVine also added five rebounds, two assists and two steals, White chipped in with seven rebounds and five dimes. Nikola Vucevic only scored 18 points, but he posted a triple-double since he also notched 14 rebounds and 10 assists to go along with two steals. No other Chicago player scored in double digits.
Kemba Walker was the leading scorer for the Celtics and at times carried the team on his own offensively -- he finished with 33 points The only other player who scored at least 15 points was Evan Fournier, who ended with 17 points. Jayson Tatum only had nine points (3-15 FG). Tristan Thompson ended with eight points.
Heat Topples Timberwolves, 121-112
The Miami Heat defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves at American Airlines Arena on Friday night.
The Heat (36-31) was the team with postseason-related incentive coming in Friday, but the visiting Timberwolves (20-47), which had already given multiple quality teams trouble during the second half of the season, came out of the gate sharp. Minnesota owned a 32-28 lead after one quarter before Miami surged back to outscore their visitors by a 61-46 margin during the middle periods. That gave the hosts an 11-point edge going into the fourth quarter, and although the T-Wolves would get as close as within seven on multiple occasions during the final period, Erik Spoelstra's squad emerged with a solid margin of victory.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 27 points, adding six rebounds and four assists. Anthony Edwards followed with 25 points, six boards, three assists and one block. D'Angelo Russell managed 17 points, four assists and three rebounds. Ricky Rubio contributed 16 points, nine assists, three rebounds and two steals. Jarred Vanderbilt furnished eight points, 11 rebounds, one assist, five steals and two blocks.
Tyler Herro paced the Heat with 27 points, supplementing them with four assists and three rebounds. Jimmy Butler supplied 25 points, eight rebounds, six assists and five steals. Goran Dragic delivered 23 points, four boards and three assists. Bam Adebayo finished with 15 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Kendrick Nunn poured in 12 points.
The Timberwolves visit the Orlando Magic on Sunday night, while the Heat visit the Boston Celtics on Sunday afternoon.
The Heat (36-31) was the team with postseason-related incentive coming in Friday, but the visiting Timberwolves (20-47), which had already given multiple quality teams trouble during the second half of the season, came out of the gate sharp. Minnesota owned a 32-28 lead after one quarter before Miami surged back to outscore their visitors by a 61-46 margin during the middle periods. That gave the hosts an 11-point edge going into the fourth quarter, and although the T-Wolves would get as close as within seven on multiple occasions during the final period, Erik Spoelstra's squad emerged with a solid margin of victory.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 27 points, adding six rebounds and four assists. Anthony Edwards followed with 25 points, six boards, three assists and one block. D'Angelo Russell managed 17 points, four assists and three rebounds. Ricky Rubio contributed 16 points, nine assists, three rebounds and two steals. Jarred Vanderbilt furnished eight points, 11 rebounds, one assist, five steals and two blocks.
Tyler Herro paced the Heat with 27 points, supplementing them with four assists and three rebounds. Jimmy Butler supplied 25 points, eight rebounds, six assists and five steals. Goran Dragic delivered 23 points, four boards and three assists. Bam Adebayo finished with 15 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Kendrick Nunn poured in 12 points.
The Timberwolves visit the Orlando Magic on Sunday night, while the Heat visit the Boston Celtics on Sunday afternoon.
Bucks Outlast Surprisingly Competitive Rockets, 141-133
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Houston Rockets, 141-133, at Fiserv Forum on Friday night.
Despite having surprisingly dropped a seven-point decision to the Rockets (16-51) in late April, the Bucks (43-24) could hardly have been blamed if they'd been a bit overconfident going into battle Friday night. Houston had multiple starters sidelined, including Kevin Porter (ankle), who'd lit up Milwaukee for a career-high 50 points in the aforementioned first game between the teams. However, the visitors matched their hosts bucket for bucket in the first quarter and trailed by just one at halftime. The Bucks did appear to take control of the contest when they outscored the Rockets by a 43-29 margin in the third, but matters got interesting momentarily when the lead got back down to single digits in the closing minutes.
Kenyon Martin, Jr. paced the Rockets with 26 points, adding seven rebounds and seven assists. Kelly Olynyk generated a 23-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included seven assists, two steals and one block. Armoni Brooks furnished 19 points, six assists, three rebounds, three steals and one block. D.J. Augustin supplied 17 points, five assists and two rebounds. Khyri Thomas totaled 16 points. Anthony Lamb and Daquan Jefferies posted 14 and 12 points, respectively, while each bringing down four rebounds.
Brook Lopez led the Bucks with 24 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Khris Middleton registered 23 points, three assists and two rebounds. Jrue Holiday compiled 20 points, eight assists, four rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Donte DiVincenzo finished with 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Giannis Antetokounmpo contributed a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included seven assists, two steals and one block. Bobby Portis offered 16 points, eight rebounds and one assist.
The Rockets remain on the road and visit the Utah Jazz on Saturday night, while the Bucks have the weekend off before tangling with the San Antonio Spurs on the road Monday night.
Despite having surprisingly dropped a seven-point decision to the Rockets (16-51) in late April, the Bucks (43-24) could hardly have been blamed if they'd been a bit overconfident going into battle Friday night. Houston had multiple starters sidelined, including Kevin Porter (ankle), who'd lit up Milwaukee for a career-high 50 points in the aforementioned first game between the teams. However, the visitors matched their hosts bucket for bucket in the first quarter and trailed by just one at halftime. The Bucks did appear to take control of the contest when they outscored the Rockets by a 43-29 margin in the third, but matters got interesting momentarily when the lead got back down to single digits in the closing minutes.
Kenyon Martin, Jr. paced the Rockets with 26 points, adding seven rebounds and seven assists. Kelly Olynyk generated a 23-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included seven assists, two steals and one block. Armoni Brooks furnished 19 points, six assists, three rebounds, three steals and one block. D.J. Augustin supplied 17 points, five assists and two rebounds. Khyri Thomas totaled 16 points. Anthony Lamb and Daquan Jefferies posted 14 and 12 points, respectively, while each bringing down four rebounds.
Brook Lopez led the Bucks with 24 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Khris Middleton registered 23 points, three assists and two rebounds. Jrue Holiday compiled 20 points, eight assists, four rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Donte DiVincenzo finished with 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Giannis Antetokounmpo contributed a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included seven assists, two steals and one block. Bobby Portis offered 16 points, eight rebounds and one assist.
The Rockets remain on the road and visit the Utah Jazz on Saturday night, while the Bucks have the weekend off before tangling with the San Antonio Spurs on the road Monday night.
Hornets Finish Strong To Secure Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 122-112, at Spectrum Center on Friday evening.
The Hornets got out to a good start and led for most of the first quarter, but the Magic rallied back to take a five-point lead into the second. The Magic held the edge through the second, while the hosts managed to trim it to a two-point game by halftime. The Hornets carried the momentum into the third quarter and outscored the visitors by seven, to take a five-point lead into the final frame. They stayed in control through the final frame, where they pushed their lead to a game-high 13 points to secure the home win.
Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 28 points, six assists and five rebounds, in 39 minutes. LaMelo Ball followed up with 27 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals, while P.J. Washington added 23 points, nine rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The Hornets shot 48 percent from the field, including 9-of-33 from deep.
Meanwhile, Dwayne Bacon led the Magic with 26 points, four rebounds and two assists, in 33 minutes. Cole Anthony followed up with 22 points, six rebounds and two blocks, while Mo Bamba totaled nine points, 18 rebounds, four blocks and a steal. The Magic shot 41 percent from the field, including 9-of-30 from long range.
The Magic (21-46) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Timberwolves on Sunday. The Hornets (33-34) play host to the Pelicans on Sunday.
The Hornets got out to a good start and led for most of the first quarter, but the Magic rallied back to take a five-point lead into the second. The Magic held the edge through the second, while the hosts managed to trim it to a two-point game by halftime. The Hornets carried the momentum into the third quarter and outscored the visitors by seven, to take a five-point lead into the final frame. They stayed in control through the final frame, where they pushed their lead to a game-high 13 points to secure the home win.
Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 28 points, six assists and five rebounds, in 39 minutes. LaMelo Ball followed up with 27 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals, while P.J. Washington added 23 points, nine rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The Hornets shot 48 percent from the field, including 9-of-33 from deep.
Meanwhile, Dwayne Bacon led the Magic with 26 points, four rebounds and two assists, in 33 minutes. Cole Anthony followed up with 22 points, six rebounds and two blocks, while Mo Bamba totaled nine points, 18 rebounds, four blocks and a steal. The Magic shot 41 percent from the field, including 9-of-30 from long range.
The Magic (21-46) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Timberwolves on Sunday. The Hornets (33-34) play host to the Pelicans on Sunday.
Mavs Close Out Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, 110-90, at American Airlines Center on Friday evening.
The Mavericks got out to a great start with a, 33-19, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second and increased their advantage to 25 points, by halftime. The Cavs came out stronger in the third, but they could only cut it to a 21-point game heading into the final frame. They kept up the fight in the fourth but it was not nearly enough to break down the Mavs, who held on to earn their third straight win, while this marks the ninth straight loss for the Cavs.
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 24 points, eight assists and a block, in 23 minutes. Tim Hardaway Jr. followed up with 20 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Josh Richardson added 18 points, five rebounds, three assists, three steals and a block. The Mavericks shot 49 percent from the field, including 10-of-32 from deep.
Meanwhile, Collin Sexton led the Cavs with 27 points, four rebounds and four assists, in 36 minutes. Cedi Osman followed up with 22 points, seven assists, five rebounds and a steal, while Isaac Okoro chipped in 15 points and five rebounds. The Cavs shot 38 percent from the field, including 6-of-29 from long range.
The Cavs (21-46) and Mavs (39-28) will face off again on Sunday, in Dallas.
The Mavericks got out to a great start with a, 33-19, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second and increased their advantage to 25 points, by halftime. The Cavs came out stronger in the third, but they could only cut it to a 21-point game heading into the final frame. They kept up the fight in the fourth but it was not nearly enough to break down the Mavs, who held on to earn their third straight win, while this marks the ninth straight loss for the Cavs.
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 24 points, eight assists and a block, in 23 minutes. Tim Hardaway Jr. followed up with 20 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Josh Richardson added 18 points, five rebounds, three assists, three steals and a block. The Mavericks shot 49 percent from the field, including 10-of-32 from deep.
Meanwhile, Collin Sexton led the Cavs with 27 points, four rebounds and four assists, in 36 minutes. Cedi Osman followed up with 22 points, seven assists, five rebounds and a steal, while Isaac Okoro chipped in 15 points and five rebounds. The Cavs shot 38 percent from the field, including 6-of-29 from long range.
The Cavs (21-46) and Mavs (39-28) will face off again on Sunday, in Dallas.
Jazz Defeat Nuggets, 127-120
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Denver Nuggets, 127-120, at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Friday.
There were nine ties and 13 lead changes in this game, with Utah riding a 29-21 fourth quarter to their victory. Utah actually never led by more than four points before the final quarter, with Denver leading for all but a few minutes until the final frame. The Jazz shot 48 percent from the field, 46 percent from three-point range and 87 percent from the free-throw line. Utah also won the turnover battle, 17-10.
The Nuggets (44-23) were led by Michael Porter Jr, tallying 31 points, six rebounds and two steals. Nikola Jokic collected 24 points, nine rebounds and 13 assists. Paul Millsap had 19 points and two assists. Aaron Gordon totaled 10 points and six rebounds while Facundo Campazzo generated five points, eight rebounds and nine assists. Austin Rivers led the bench with 18 points.
The Jazz (49-18) got a career-best 48 points from Bojan Bogdanovic, providing eight rebounds, two assists and two steals on 16-of-23 from the field. Rudy Gobert accrued 14 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Joe Ingles accumulated 10 points, three rebounds and nine assists. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 21 points, five rebounds and eight assists.
Denver has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, returning home to face the Brooklyn Nets. Utah also plays on Saturday, remaining home to play the Houston Rockets.
There were nine ties and 13 lead changes in this game, with Utah riding a 29-21 fourth quarter to their victory. Utah actually never led by more than four points before the final quarter, with Denver leading for all but a few minutes until the final frame. The Jazz shot 48 percent from the field, 46 percent from three-point range and 87 percent from the free-throw line. Utah also won the turnover battle, 17-10.
The Nuggets (44-23) were led by Michael Porter Jr, tallying 31 points, six rebounds and two steals. Nikola Jokic collected 24 points, nine rebounds and 13 assists. Paul Millsap had 19 points and two assists. Aaron Gordon totaled 10 points and six rebounds while Facundo Campazzo generated five points, eight rebounds and nine assists. Austin Rivers led the bench with 18 points.
The Jazz (49-18) got a career-best 48 points from Bojan Bogdanovic, providing eight rebounds, two assists and two steals on 16-of-23 from the field. Rudy Gobert accrued 14 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Joe Ingles accumulated 10 points, three rebounds and nine assists. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 21 points, five rebounds and eight assists.
Denver has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, returning home to face the Brooklyn Nets. Utah also plays on Saturday, remaining home to play the Houston Rockets.
Suns Dominate Second Half For Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting New York Knicks, 128-105, at Phoenix Suns Arena on Friday night.
The Knicks got out to a good start with a, 33-30, lead after a high-scoring first quarter. They stayed strong through the second and outscored the hosts by four points in the quarter, pushing their advantage to seven, by halftime. However, the Suns picked it up in the second half, as they came out strong in the third quarter, outscoring the visitors by nine points, to take a two-point lead into the final frame. The Suns did not leave anything to chance in the fourth as they powered through the finish, outscoring the guests, by 21 points in the quarter, to complete the impressive home win.
Deandre Ayton led the Suns with 26 points, 15 rebounds, a steal and a block, in 29 minutes. Chris Paul totaled 17 points, 11 assists and six rebounds, while Jae Crowder added 18 points, off the bench. The Suns shot 46 percent from the field, including 18-of-41 from long range.
Meanwhile, Julius Randle led the Knicks with 24 points, 11 rebounds and four assists, in 33 minutes. R.J. Barrett followed up with 23 points, eight rebounds and three assists, while Derrick Rose added 17 points, six assists and four rebounds. The Knicks shot 45 percent from the field, including 11-of-32 from long range.
The Knicks (37-29) will look to bounce back as they take on the Clippers in L.A. on Sunday afternoon. The Suns (48-19) take on the Lakers in L.A. on Sunday evening.
The Knicks got out to a good start with a, 33-30, lead after a high-scoring first quarter. They stayed strong through the second and outscored the hosts by four points in the quarter, pushing their advantage to seven, by halftime. However, the Suns picked it up in the second half, as they came out strong in the third quarter, outscoring the visitors by nine points, to take a two-point lead into the final frame. The Suns did not leave anything to chance in the fourth as they powered through the finish, outscoring the guests, by 21 points in the quarter, to complete the impressive home win.
Deandre Ayton led the Suns with 26 points, 15 rebounds, a steal and a block, in 29 minutes. Chris Paul totaled 17 points, 11 assists and six rebounds, while Jae Crowder added 18 points, off the bench. The Suns shot 46 percent from the field, including 18-of-41 from long range.
Meanwhile, Julius Randle led the Knicks with 24 points, 11 rebounds and four assists, in 33 minutes. R.J. Barrett followed up with 23 points, eight rebounds and three assists, while Derrick Rose added 17 points, six assists and four rebounds. The Knicks shot 45 percent from the field, including 11-of-32 from long range.
The Knicks (37-29) will look to bounce back as they take on the Clippers in L.A. on Sunday afternoon. The Suns (48-19) take on the Lakers in L.A. on Sunday evening.
Trail Blazers Defeat Lakers, 106-101
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, 106-101, at Moda Center on Friday.
There were just two ties and six lead changes in this game, with Portland leading for all but a few minutes. A 34-22 first quarter really allowed them to take control, with Los Angeles never leading for more than two minutes and never getting that lead north of three points. The Trail Blazers held the Lakers to 42 percent from the field and 38 percent from three-point range. In addition, Portland out-assisted Los Angeles, 22-19, while winning the turnover battle, 14-8. The Trail Blazers also tripled up the Lakers in steals. 6-2.
The Lakers (37-30) were led by Anthony Davis and his 36 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. Alex Caruso amassed 18 points, six rebounds and two assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope accrued 17 points, four rebounds and five assists. Andre Drummond and Kyle Kuzma each had just four points apiece, with Kuzma shooting 2-of-11 from the field.
The Trail Blazers (38-29) were led by Damian Lillard, tallying 38 points, four rebounds, seven assists and two steals. C.J. McCollum amassed 21 points, three rebounds and four assists. Norman Powell had 19 points while Jusuf Nurkic provided 10 points, 13 rebounds and five assists. Enes Kanter led the bench with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Portland has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, facing the San Antonio Spurs at home. As for Los Angeles, they return to action on Sunday in a home matchup with the Phoenix Suns.
There were just two ties and six lead changes in this game, with Portland leading for all but a few minutes. A 34-22 first quarter really allowed them to take control, with Los Angeles never leading for more than two minutes and never getting that lead north of three points. The Trail Blazers held the Lakers to 42 percent from the field and 38 percent from three-point range. In addition, Portland out-assisted Los Angeles, 22-19, while winning the turnover battle, 14-8. The Trail Blazers also tripled up the Lakers in steals. 6-2.
The Lakers (37-30) were led by Anthony Davis and his 36 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. Alex Caruso amassed 18 points, six rebounds and two assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope accrued 17 points, four rebounds and five assists. Andre Drummond and Kyle Kuzma each had just four points apiece, with Kuzma shooting 2-of-11 from the field.
The Trail Blazers (38-29) were led by Damian Lillard, tallying 38 points, four rebounds, seven assists and two steals. C.J. McCollum amassed 21 points, three rebounds and four assists. Norman Powell had 19 points while Jusuf Nurkic provided 10 points, 13 rebounds and five assists. Enes Kanter led the bench with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Portland has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, facing the San Antonio Spurs at home. As for Los Angeles, they return to action on Sunday in a home matchup with the Phoenix Suns.
Spurs Defeat Kings, 113-104
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the host Sacramento Kings, 113-104, at Golden 1 Center on Friday.
While there were six lead changes in this game, San Antonio led for all but a handful of minutes. That can be attributed to a 25-21 first quarter and then a 34-23 fourth quarter to put the game to bed. The Spurs shot 52 percent from the field while holding the Kings below 49 percent. In addition. San Antonio shot 17-of-19 from the free-throw line while Sacramento hit just 9-of-15. The Spurs also out-rebounded the Kings, 44-35, while winning the turnover battle, 16-13.
The Spurs (32-34) were led by DeMar DeRozan, tallying 25 points, six rebounds and three assists. Dejounte Murray accrued 22 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Lonnie Walker had 16 points and two assists while Keldon Johnson provided 16 points, five rebounds and two assists. Jakob Poeltl totaled 11 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and four blocks.
The Kings (29-38) were led by Delon Wright, collecting 17 points, seven rebounds and nine assists. Buddy Hield compiled 17 points, five rebounds, six assists and two steals. Richaun Holmes accumulated 15 points, five rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Terence Davis led the bench with 24 points, three rebounds and three steals.
San Antonio plays the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday in a road matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers. As for Sacramento, they host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday for their next outing.
While there were six lead changes in this game, San Antonio led for all but a handful of minutes. That can be attributed to a 25-21 first quarter and then a 34-23 fourth quarter to put the game to bed. The Spurs shot 52 percent from the field while holding the Kings below 49 percent. In addition. San Antonio shot 17-of-19 from the free-throw line while Sacramento hit just 9-of-15. The Spurs also out-rebounded the Kings, 44-35, while winning the turnover battle, 16-13.
The Spurs (32-34) were led by DeMar DeRozan, tallying 25 points, six rebounds and three assists. Dejounte Murray accrued 22 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Lonnie Walker had 16 points and two assists while Keldon Johnson provided 16 points, five rebounds and two assists. Jakob Poeltl totaled 11 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and four blocks.
The Kings (29-38) were led by Delon Wright, collecting 17 points, seven rebounds and nine assists. Buddy Hield compiled 17 points, five rebounds, six assists and two steals. Richaun Holmes accumulated 15 points, five rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Terence Davis led the bench with 24 points, three rebounds and three steals.
San Antonio plays the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday in a road matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers. As for Sacramento, they host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday for their next outing.