Heat Top Celtics In Battle Of Playoff Contenders
The Miami Heat defeated the Boston Celtics, 130-124, at TD Garden on Sunday afternoon.
The Heat (37-31) got off to an impressive start Sunday against the Celtics (35-33) and their performance over their first 12 minutes was enough to seal them the victory here. Miami outscored Boston by a 36-23 score in the first 12 minutes and they managed to control the game the rest of the way, bolstering their lead even further following a 43-30 score in the second half; this means they had a 26-point edge by halftime. The Celtics looked far better in the second half and led the third quarter by a 31-26 score and even sniffed the chance of a comeback after defeating Miami by a 40-25 score in the final 12 minutes. However, that was not enough to complete the comeback and the Heat ended winning despite slowing things down in the second half.
Jimmy Butler led the Heat in this victory with a double-double of 26 points and 11 assists -- he also notched eight rebounds and two steals. Duncan Robinson had 22 points, while Kendrick Nunn delivered 12 points, two rebounds and two assists. Bam Adebayo posted 20 points and also added six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Trevor Ariza had 19 points. Tyler Herro notched 12 points off the bench.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics after putting up 29 points -- he also added six assists, five rebounds, two blocks and a steal. Evan Fournier had 30 points and eight assists, while Kemba Walker notched 18 points, two steals, two boards and six assists. Marcus Smart delivered 16 points while adding four assists, two steals and two rebounds. Aaron Nesmith ended with 16 points off the bench.
The Heat (37-31) got off to an impressive start Sunday against the Celtics (35-33) and their performance over their first 12 minutes was enough to seal them the victory here. Miami outscored Boston by a 36-23 score in the first 12 minutes and they managed to control the game the rest of the way, bolstering their lead even further following a 43-30 score in the second half; this means they had a 26-point edge by halftime. The Celtics looked far better in the second half and led the third quarter by a 31-26 score and even sniffed the chance of a comeback after defeating Miami by a 40-25 score in the final 12 minutes. However, that was not enough to complete the comeback and the Heat ended winning despite slowing things down in the second half.
Jimmy Butler led the Heat in this victory with a double-double of 26 points and 11 assists -- he also notched eight rebounds and two steals. Duncan Robinson had 22 points, while Kendrick Nunn delivered 12 points, two rebounds and two assists. Bam Adebayo posted 20 points and also added six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Trevor Ariza had 19 points. Tyler Herro notched 12 points off the bench.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics after putting up 29 points -- he also added six assists, five rebounds, two blocks and a steal. Evan Fournier had 30 points and eight assists, while Kemba Walker notched 18 points, two steals, two boards and six assists. Marcus Smart delivered 16 points while adding four assists, two steals and two rebounds. Aaron Nesmith ended with 16 points off the bench.
Knicks Secure Statement Win Over Clippers
The New York Knicks defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, 106-100, at Staples Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Knicks (37-30) have been one of the best teams in the league since the beginning of April but secured perhaps their biggest victory of the season, traveling to Los Angeles to defeat the Clippers (45-22), one of the top teams in the Western Conference. The game was tight from start to finish but the Clippers looked better early on and mustered a three-point lead following the first quarter (29-26) only to see the Knicks get on top just before the break by a two-point edge following a 30-25 score. The Knicks wouldn't relinquish that advantage and even led the subsequent two quarters, 23-20 and 27-26, respectively. The Clippers never gave up on their quest to mounting a comeback, but they just weren't successful and the Knicks ended stealing a huge win on the road.
Despite coming off the bench, Derrick Rose led the Knicks in this one with 25 points and eight assists -- he also added six rebounds across 32 minutes. R.J. Barrett had 18 points and seven boards, but he also chipped in with four assists and two steals. Julius Randle finished with a double-double after scoring 14 points and adding 14 rebounds, while Reggie Bullock stuffed the stat sheet thanks to 24 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers in this one and finished with 29 points while adding four rebounds and three assists, while Paul George ended with 18 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Reggie Jackson had 12 points and four rebounds, while Marcus Morris notched seven points. Nicolas Batum ended with 13 points off the bench.
The Knicks (37-30) have been one of the best teams in the league since the beginning of April but secured perhaps their biggest victory of the season, traveling to Los Angeles to defeat the Clippers (45-22), one of the top teams in the Western Conference. The game was tight from start to finish but the Clippers looked better early on and mustered a three-point lead following the first quarter (29-26) only to see the Knicks get on top just before the break by a two-point edge following a 30-25 score. The Knicks wouldn't relinquish that advantage and even led the subsequent two quarters, 23-20 and 27-26, respectively. The Clippers never gave up on their quest to mounting a comeback, but they just weren't successful and the Knicks ended stealing a huge win on the road.
Despite coming off the bench, Derrick Rose led the Knicks in this one with 25 points and eight assists -- he also added six rebounds across 32 minutes. R.J. Barrett had 18 points and seven boards, but he also chipped in with four assists and two steals. Julius Randle finished with a double-double after scoring 14 points and adding 14 rebounds, while Reggie Bullock stuffed the stat sheet thanks to 24 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers in this one and finished with 29 points while adding four rebounds and three assists, while Paul George ended with 18 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Reggie Jackson had 12 points and four rebounds, while Marcus Morris notched seven points. Nicolas Batum ended with 13 points off the bench.
Mavericks Thump Cavaliers, 124-97
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 124-97, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Sunday night.
The Mavericks (40-28) checked into the contest likely looking to make quick work of the Cavaliers (21-47) in what was Dallas' sixth game in eight nights, and they wasted no time setting the right tone while jumping out to a nine-point lead that was extended to 11 by halftime. The visitors left no doubt as to the outcome when they added another 15 points to their advantage in the third period, cruising to an easy win despite the ejection of Luka Doncic from the game in the third quarter for a flagrant 2 foul against Collin Sexton.
Tim Hardaway, Jr. led the Mavericks with 25 points, adding three assists and two rebounds. Josh Richardson furnished 20 points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals. Doncic supplied 15 points, five boards, five assists and two steals. Jalen Brunson registered 13 points, seven assists, one rebound and two steals. Dwight Powell turned in 12 points, nine rebounds, four assists, four blocks and one steal.
Sexton paced the Cavaliers with 24 points, seven assists and three rebounds. Mfiondou Kabengele posted 14 points, four rebounds and one assist. Brodric Thomas managed 13 points, three rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Isaac Okoro poured in 12 points, while Damyean Dotson delivered 10 points, two assists and one steal.
The Mavericks visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night, while the Cavaliers remain home and host the Indiana Pacers on Monday night.
The Mavericks (40-28) checked into the contest likely looking to make quick work of the Cavaliers (21-47) in what was Dallas' sixth game in eight nights, and they wasted no time setting the right tone while jumping out to a nine-point lead that was extended to 11 by halftime. The visitors left no doubt as to the outcome when they added another 15 points to their advantage in the third period, cruising to an easy win despite the ejection of Luka Doncic from the game in the third quarter for a flagrant 2 foul against Collin Sexton.
Tim Hardaway, Jr. led the Mavericks with 25 points, adding three assists and two rebounds. Josh Richardson furnished 20 points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals. Doncic supplied 15 points, five boards, five assists and two steals. Jalen Brunson registered 13 points, seven assists, one rebound and two steals. Dwight Powell turned in 12 points, nine rebounds, four assists, four blocks and one steal.
Sexton paced the Cavaliers with 24 points, seven assists and three rebounds. Mfiondou Kabengele posted 14 points, four rebounds and one assist. Brodric Thomas managed 13 points, three rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Isaac Okoro poured in 12 points, while Damyean Dotson delivered 10 points, two assists and one steal.
The Mavericks visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night, while the Cavaliers remain home and host the Indiana Pacers on Monday night.
Timberwolves Best Magic, 128-96
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Orlando Magic, 128-96, at Amway Center on Sunday night.
Neither the Timberwolves (21-47) nor the Magic (21-47) are going to sniff the postseason, so a matchup between the two this late in the season could have been a recipe for some disinterested basketball. However, one team came out ready to play Sunday, as Minnesota jumped out to a 15-point lead through the first 12 minutes and had doubled it up by halftime. The 30-point advantage made the second half elementary, and that figure was also the visitors' final margin of victory.
Karl-Anthony Towns and D'Angelo Russell co-led the Timberwolves with 27 points, with Towns adding nine rebounds and Russell dishing out eight assists. Ricky Rubio offered 18 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Anthony Edwards supplied a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included five assists and one block.
R.J. Hampton paced the Magic with 19 points, supplementing them with five rebounds and three assists. Dwayne Bacon tallied 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Ignas Brazdeikis finished with 16 points, six boards and three assists. Moritz Wagner and Cole Anthony generated matching 11-point contributions while pulling down five and four rebounds, respectively.
The Timberwolves remain on the road and visit the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night, while the Magic hit the road and visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night as well.
Neither the Timberwolves (21-47) nor the Magic (21-47) are going to sniff the postseason, so a matchup between the two this late in the season could have been a recipe for some disinterested basketball. However, one team came out ready to play Sunday, as Minnesota jumped out to a 15-point lead through the first 12 minutes and had doubled it up by halftime. The 30-point advantage made the second half elementary, and that figure was also the visitors' final margin of victory.
Karl-Anthony Towns and D'Angelo Russell co-led the Timberwolves with 27 points, with Towns adding nine rebounds and Russell dishing out eight assists. Ricky Rubio offered 18 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Anthony Edwards supplied a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included five assists and one block.
R.J. Hampton paced the Magic with 19 points, supplementing them with five rebounds and three assists. Dwayne Bacon tallied 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Ignas Brazdeikis finished with 16 points, six boards and three assists. Moritz Wagner and Cole Anthony generated matching 11-point contributions while pulling down five and four rebounds, respectively.
The Timberwolves remain on the road and visit the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night, while the Magic hit the road and visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night as well.
Pelicans Rally For Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the host Charlotte Hornets, 112-110, at Spectrum Center on Sunday evening.
The Pelicans got out to a good start with a, 34-25, lead after one quarter, but the Hornets came out on fire in the second and poured in 42 points, to take a 10-point lead into halftime. The game tightened up in the third, as the Pelicans rallied to make it a one-point game by the mid point of the quarter, but the Hornets picked up the pace towards the end of the quarter and took a seven-point lead into the final frame. The Pelicans once again started the quarter strong and rallied to a one-point lead with six minutes left. They kept the pressure on down the stretch and managed to stay a step ahead the rest of the way.
Eric Bledsoe led the way for the Pelicans with 24 points, 11 assists, four rebounds and two steals, in 33 minutes. Jaxson Hayes followed up with 18 points, eight rebounds, six blocks and a steal, while Willy Hernangomez totaled nine points, 16 rebounds, two steals and a block. The Pelicans shot 46 percent from the field, including 12-of-37 from long range.
Meanwhile, Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 43 points, five rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 41 minutes. LaMelo Ball added 22 points, five assists, four rebounds and a steal, while P.J. Washington tallied 14 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The Hornets shot 44 percent from the field, including 13-of-37 from deep.
The Hornets (33-35) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nuggets on Tuesday. The Pelicans (31-37) take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Monday.
The Pelicans got out to a good start with a, 34-25, lead after one quarter, but the Hornets came out on fire in the second and poured in 42 points, to take a 10-point lead into halftime. The game tightened up in the third, as the Pelicans rallied to make it a one-point game by the mid point of the quarter, but the Hornets picked up the pace towards the end of the quarter and took a seven-point lead into the final frame. The Pelicans once again started the quarter strong and rallied to a one-point lead with six minutes left. They kept the pressure on down the stretch and managed to stay a step ahead the rest of the way.
Eric Bledsoe led the way for the Pelicans with 24 points, 11 assists, four rebounds and two steals, in 33 minutes. Jaxson Hayes followed up with 18 points, eight rebounds, six blocks and a steal, while Willy Hernangomez totaled nine points, 16 rebounds, two steals and a block. The Pelicans shot 46 percent from the field, including 12-of-37 from long range.
Meanwhile, Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 43 points, five rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 41 minutes. LaMelo Ball added 22 points, five assists, four rebounds and a steal, while P.J. Washington tallied 14 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The Hornets shot 44 percent from the field, including 13-of-37 from deep.
The Hornets (33-35) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nuggets on Tuesday. The Pelicans (31-37) take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Monday.
Bulls Hold On For Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls defeated the host Detroit Pistons, 108-96, at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday night.
The Bulls got out to a great start with a 10-point lead after one quarter and stayed in control through the second, pushing their lead to 18 points by halftime. The Pistons picked up the pace in the third quarter, but the Bulls kept up and only allowed them to trim the deficit by one point heading into the final frame. The Pistons kept pushing in the fourth but could not make up enough ground to cover what they lost early in the contest, as the Bulls hung on to earn their third straight win.
Zach LaVine led the way for the Bulls with 30 points, six assists and three rebounds, in 35 minutes. Nikola Vucevic totaled 29 points, 16 rebounds, two assists and a block, while Coby White added 21 points, four rebounds and three assists. The Bulls shot 51 percent from the field, including 12-of-32 from long range.
Meanwhile, Killian Hayes led the Pistons with 21 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, in 38 minutes. Saddiq Bey followed up with 20 points and seven rebounds, while Isaiah Stewart added 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks. The Pistons shot 46 percent from the field, including 11-of-27 from long range.
The Pistons (20-49) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Timberwolves on Tuesday. The Bulls (29-39) play host to the Nets on Tuesday.
The Bulls got out to a great start with a 10-point lead after one quarter and stayed in control through the second, pushing their lead to 18 points by halftime. The Pistons picked up the pace in the third quarter, but the Bulls kept up and only allowed them to trim the deficit by one point heading into the final frame. The Pistons kept pushing in the fourth but could not make up enough ground to cover what they lost early in the contest, as the Bulls hung on to earn their third straight win.
Zach LaVine led the way for the Bulls with 30 points, six assists and three rebounds, in 35 minutes. Nikola Vucevic totaled 29 points, 16 rebounds, two assists and a block, while Coby White added 21 points, four rebounds and three assists. The Bulls shot 51 percent from the field, including 12-of-32 from long range.
Meanwhile, Killian Hayes led the Pistons with 21 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, in 38 minutes. Saddiq Bey followed up with 20 points and seven rebounds, while Isaiah Stewart added 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks. The Pistons shot 46 percent from the field, including 11-of-27 from long range.
The Pistons (20-49) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Timberwolves on Tuesday. The Bulls (29-39) play host to the Nets on Tuesday.
Lakers Defeat Suns, 123-110
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns, 123-110, at Staples Center on Sunday.
A 30-19 first quarter really set the tone for the Lakers in this game, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, the Suns never got within six points after that opening frame. The Lakers ended up out-rebounding the Suns, 41-32, and on the offensive boards, 14-3. That allowed Los Angeles to outscore Phoenix in second-chance points, 17-7. Los Angeles also recorded 11 steals while winning the turnover battle, 15-13.
The Suns (48-20) were led by Devin Booker, tallying 21 points and six rebounds. Mikal Bridges amassed 15 points, two rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Chris Paul collected 13 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and four steals. Cameron Payne led the bench with 24 points while Jae Crowder had 13 points. No other player reached double figures in scoring.
The Lakers (38-30) were led by Anthony Davis, who finished with a season-high 42 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, three steals and three blocks. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope accrued 17 points, two rebounds, two assists and three steals. Alex Caruso accrued 17 points, three rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Ben McLemore and Montrezl Harrell led the bench with 12 points apiece.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Los Angeles remaining home to face the New York Knicks and Phoenix traveling to face the Golden State Warriors.
A 30-19 first quarter really set the tone for the Lakers in this game, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, the Suns never got within six points after that opening frame. The Lakers ended up out-rebounding the Suns, 41-32, and on the offensive boards, 14-3. That allowed Los Angeles to outscore Phoenix in second-chance points, 17-7. Los Angeles also recorded 11 steals while winning the turnover battle, 15-13.
The Suns (48-20) were led by Devin Booker, tallying 21 points and six rebounds. Mikal Bridges amassed 15 points, two rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Chris Paul collected 13 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and four steals. Cameron Payne led the bench with 24 points while Jae Crowder had 13 points. No other player reached double figures in scoring.
The Lakers (38-30) were led by Anthony Davis, who finished with a season-high 42 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, three steals and three blocks. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope accrued 17 points, two rebounds, two assists and three steals. Alex Caruso accrued 17 points, three rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Ben McLemore and Montrezl Harrell led the bench with 12 points apiece.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Los Angeles remaining home to face the New York Knicks and Phoenix traveling to face the Golden State Warriors.
Kings Clobber Thunder, 126-98
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 126-98, at Golden 1 Center on Sunday.
Sacramento outscored Oklahoma City by at least eight points in each of the first three quarters, holding a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. In fact, the Kings led by 20 points at the half and carried a 35-point lead into the fourth quarter in this lopsided game. Sacramento ended up shooting 53 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while holding Oklahoma City to 39 percent from the field and 30 percent from long range. In addition, they out-rebounded them, 51-38, while out-assisting OKC, 29-23. The Kings also out-blocked the Thunder, 11-3.
The Thunder (21-48) were led by Darius Bazley and his 18 points, six rebounds and two assists. Aleksej Pokusevski amassed 13 points, two rebounds and five assists. Theo Maledon had 13 points, two rebounds and two assists. Moses Brown accrued 12 points, nine rebounds, two steals and three blocks while Jaylen Hoard led the bench with 16 points and five boards.
The Kings (30-38) were led by Mo Harkless, generating 18 points, five rebounds and three assists. Terence Davis matched those 18 points off the bench, providing four rebounds, six assists and two steals. Delon Wright collected 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Buddy Hield compiled 14 points, five rebounds, seven assists and two blocks.
These teams will remain in Sacramento for a rematch on Tuesday.
Sacramento outscored Oklahoma City by at least eight points in each of the first three quarters, holding a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. In fact, the Kings led by 20 points at the half and carried a 35-point lead into the fourth quarter in this lopsided game. Sacramento ended up shooting 53 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while holding Oklahoma City to 39 percent from the field and 30 percent from long range. In addition, they out-rebounded them, 51-38, while out-assisting OKC, 29-23. The Kings also out-blocked the Thunder, 11-3.
The Thunder (21-48) were led by Darius Bazley and his 18 points, six rebounds and two assists. Aleksej Pokusevski amassed 13 points, two rebounds and five assists. Theo Maledon had 13 points, two rebounds and two assists. Moses Brown accrued 12 points, nine rebounds, two steals and three blocks while Jaylen Hoard led the bench with 16 points and five boards.
The Kings (30-38) were led by Mo Harkless, generating 18 points, five rebounds and three assists. Terence Davis matched those 18 points off the bench, providing four rebounds, six assists and two steals. Delon Wright collected 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Buddy Hield compiled 14 points, five rebounds, seven assists and two blocks.
These teams will remain in Sacramento for a rematch on Tuesday.