Hawks Edge Wizards, 125-124
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Washington Wizards, 125-124, at State Farm Arena on Monday night.
There was electricity in the air from the opening tip, as both the Wizards (32-37) and Hawks (38-31) had playoff positioning to play for in the contest and Russell Westbrook was also poised to become the all-time leader in NBA history in triple-doubles after tying Oscar Robertson on Saturday night against the Pacers. As has frequently been the case recently with games involving Washington, the first half was both hotly contested and high scoring. The visitors went into intermission with a one-point advantage, but Atlanta took a seemingly commanding 17-point lead into the final period after a dominating third quarter during which they outpaced the Wizards by a 35-17 margin. Nevertheless, behind Russell Westbrook, who did in fact accomplish the record-setting triple-double with 28 points, 21 assists and 13 rebounds, Washington had a chance until he misfired on a three-point attempt with just over a second remaining following a Raul Neto block of John Collins.
Rui Hachimura followed Westbrook with 20 points, adding three rebounds and one steal. Robin Lopez provided 18 points, three rebounds and one block. Ish Smith registered 16 points, three rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Davis Bertans supplied 15 points, four boards and two assists. Neto poured in 12 points.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with 36 points, complementing them with nine assists and six rebounds. Collins posted 28 points, eight rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Bogdan Bogdanovic furnished 25 points, five boards, four assists and two steals. Clint Capela generated a 10-point, 22-rebound double-double with one assist and four blocks.
The Wizards and Hawks reconvene for a rematch on Wednesday night at State Farm Arena.
There was electricity in the air from the opening tip, as both the Wizards (32-37) and Hawks (38-31) had playoff positioning to play for in the contest and Russell Westbrook was also poised to become the all-time leader in NBA history in triple-doubles after tying Oscar Robertson on Saturday night against the Pacers. As has frequently been the case recently with games involving Washington, the first half was both hotly contested and high scoring. The visitors went into intermission with a one-point advantage, but Atlanta took a seemingly commanding 17-point lead into the final period after a dominating third quarter during which they outpaced the Wizards by a 35-17 margin. Nevertheless, behind Russell Westbrook, who did in fact accomplish the record-setting triple-double with 28 points, 21 assists and 13 rebounds, Washington had a chance until he misfired on a three-point attempt with just over a second remaining following a Raul Neto block of John Collins.
Rui Hachimura followed Westbrook with 20 points, adding three rebounds and one steal. Robin Lopez provided 18 points, three rebounds and one block. Ish Smith registered 16 points, three rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Davis Bertans supplied 15 points, four boards and two assists. Neto poured in 12 points.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with 36 points, complementing them with nine assists and six rebounds. Collins posted 28 points, eight rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Bogdan Bogdanovic furnished 25 points, five boards, four assists and two steals. Clint Capela generated a 10-point, 22-rebound double-double with one assist and four blocks.
The Wizards and Hawks reconvene for a rematch on Wednesday night at State Farm Arena.
Pacers Finish Strong To Secure Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The Indiana Pacers defeated the host Cleveland Cavaliers, 111-102, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Monday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start, with the Cavs holding a, 28-27, leads after one quarter. The Cavs held the edge through most of the second and pushed their lead to seven, by halftime. The Pacers came out stronger in the third and overtook the edge towards the end of the quarter to take a two-point lead into the final frame. They carried the momentum into the final frame and pushed their lead to 10 with a couple minutes to, where they were able to close out the road win.
Domantas Sabonis led the Pacers with 21 points, 20 rebounds, nine assists, four blocks and two steals, in 38 minutes. Caris LeVert added 20 points, 10 rebounds, three rebounds, a steal and a block, while Kelan Martin added 25 points, seven rebound and a block, off the bench. The Pacers shot 50 percent from the field, including 11-of-27 from deep.
Meanwhile, Collin Sexton led the Cavaliers with 25 points, eight assists, five rebounds and a steal, in 36 minutes. Isaac Okoro added 22 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Dean Wade tallied 19 points, 12 rebounds, three steals and two assists. The Cavs shot 35 percent from the field, including 13-of-39 from long range.
The Cavs (21-48) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Celtics on Wednesday. The Pacers (32-36) play host to the 76ers on Tuesday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start, with the Cavs holding a, 28-27, leads after one quarter. The Cavs held the edge through most of the second and pushed their lead to seven, by halftime. The Pacers came out stronger in the third and overtook the edge towards the end of the quarter to take a two-point lead into the final frame. They carried the momentum into the final frame and pushed their lead to 10 with a couple minutes to, where they were able to close out the road win.
Domantas Sabonis led the Pacers with 21 points, 20 rebounds, nine assists, four blocks and two steals, in 38 minutes. Caris LeVert added 20 points, 10 rebounds, three rebounds, a steal and a block, while Kelan Martin added 25 points, seven rebound and a block, off the bench. The Pacers shot 50 percent from the field, including 11-of-27 from deep.
Meanwhile, Collin Sexton led the Cavaliers with 25 points, eight assists, five rebounds and a steal, in 36 minutes. Isaac Okoro added 22 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Dean Wade tallied 19 points, 12 rebounds, three steals and two assists. The Cavs shot 35 percent from the field, including 13-of-39 from long range.
The Cavs (21-48) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Celtics on Wednesday. The Pacers (32-36) play host to the 76ers on Tuesday evening.
Grizzlies Topple Pelicans, 115-110
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 115-110, at Smoothie King Center on Monday night.
The Grizzlies (35-33) came into the contest looking to continue securing their final postseason positioning, but the opposing Pelicans (31-38) were also highly motivated to try and remain alive for a play-in spot, despite missing their two biggest stars in Zion Williamson (finger) and Brandon Ingram (ankle). Memphis was the more efficient squad in the first half, extending a five-point first-quarter lead to a 12-point advantage by halftime. That cushion wouldn't be enough to hold off New Orleans during the visitors' dominant 29-15 third quarter, but a 15-6 run for the home squad within the final period was key to their successful comeback.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Pelicans with 18 points, complementing them with six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Willy Hernangomez supplied 15 points, eight rebounds and four assists. James Johnson and Jaxson Hayes generated matching 13-point tallies, with Johnson also recording seven rebounds and five assists. Naji Marshall and Lonzo Ball posted 12 points apiece while adding 11 and eight rebounds, respectively. Eric Bledsoe furnished 11 points, five rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block.
Dillon Brooks paced the Grizzlies with 23 points, supplementing them with four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two assists and five blocks. Kyle Anderson contributed 14 points, four rebounds, four assists and four blocks. Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson poured in 12 points each, with Jackson also recording seven rebounds and four blocks and Morant handing out 12 assists.
The Pelicans remain on the road and visit the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, while the Grizzlies remain home and host the Mavericks on Tuesday night.
The Grizzlies (35-33) came into the contest looking to continue securing their final postseason positioning, but the opposing Pelicans (31-38) were also highly motivated to try and remain alive for a play-in spot, despite missing their two biggest stars in Zion Williamson (finger) and Brandon Ingram (ankle). Memphis was the more efficient squad in the first half, extending a five-point first-quarter lead to a 12-point advantage by halftime. That cushion wouldn't be enough to hold off New Orleans during the visitors' dominant 29-15 third quarter, but a 15-6 run for the home squad within the final period was key to their successful comeback.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Pelicans with 18 points, complementing them with six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Willy Hernangomez supplied 15 points, eight rebounds and four assists. James Johnson and Jaxson Hayes generated matching 13-point tallies, with Johnson also recording seven rebounds and five assists. Naji Marshall and Lonzo Ball posted 12 points apiece while adding 11 and eight rebounds, respectively. Eric Bledsoe furnished 11 points, five rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block.
Dillon Brooks paced the Grizzlies with 23 points, supplementing them with four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two assists and five blocks. Kyle Anderson contributed 14 points, four rebounds, four assists and four blocks. Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson poured in 12 points each, with Jackson also recording seven rebounds and four blocks and Morant handing out 12 assists.
The Pelicans remain on the road and visit the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, while the Grizzlies remain home and host the Mavericks on Tuesday night.
Spurs Top Bucks In High-Scoring Contest
By Dan Bruno
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the visiting Milwaukee Bucks, 146-125, at AT&T Center on Monday evening.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start as the Spurs, led 45-36, after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second and poured in another 42 points to push their lead to 23, by halftime. The contest tightened up in the third and the Bucks managed to trim three points off the deficit, making it a 20-point game heading into the final quarter. The Bucks kept up the fight but it was too little, too late, as the Spurs hung on tight to close out the impressive home win.
Seven players scored in double digits for the Spurs, led by DeMar DeRozan, who totaled 23 points, three rebounds and three assists, in 29 minutes. Dejounte Murray followed up with 21 points, nine assists, six rebounds and a steal, while Keldon Johnson and Patty Mills added 20 points each. The Spurs shot 59 percent from the field, including 17-of-29 from deep.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 28 points, four assists and three rebounds, in 29 minutes. Khris Middleton followed up with 23 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while Jrue Holiday added 20 points, six assists and two rebounds. The Bucks shot 50 percent from the field, including 13-of-41 from long range.
The Bucks (43-25) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Magic on Tuesday. The Spurs (33-35) take on the Nets in Brooklyn on Wednesday.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start as the Spurs, led 45-36, after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second and poured in another 42 points to push their lead to 23, by halftime. The contest tightened up in the third and the Bucks managed to trim three points off the deficit, making it a 20-point game heading into the final quarter. The Bucks kept up the fight but it was too little, too late, as the Spurs hung on tight to close out the impressive home win.
Seven players scored in double digits for the Spurs, led by DeMar DeRozan, who totaled 23 points, three rebounds and three assists, in 29 minutes. Dejounte Murray followed up with 21 points, nine assists, six rebounds and a steal, while Keldon Johnson and Patty Mills added 20 points each. The Spurs shot 59 percent from the field, including 17-of-29 from deep.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 28 points, four assists and three rebounds, in 29 minutes. Khris Middleton followed up with 23 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while Jrue Holiday added 20 points, six assists and two rebounds. The Bucks shot 50 percent from the field, including 13-of-41 from long range.
The Bucks (43-25) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Magic on Tuesday. The Spurs (33-35) take on the Nets in Brooklyn on Wednesday.
Warriors Defeat Jazz, 119-116
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 119-116, at Chase Center on Monday.
There were 14 ties and 18 lead changes in this game, coming down to the final shot. In fact, Stephen Curry hit a game-winning three with 15 seconds left and Utah went on to miss their next two shots to seal the win for the Warriors. Golden State led by 18 points early in the fourth quarter but Utah's late run wasn't quite enough. The Warriors recorded 26 assists to 10 turnovers while the Jazz matched their 14 assists with 14 turnovers. That allowed Golden State to win the points off of turnovers battle, 26-6.
The Jazz (50-19) were led by Jordan Clarkson, who provided 41 points and seven rebounds off the bench. Bojan Bogdanovic tallied 27 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Rudy Gobert had 10 points and 16 rebounds. Royce O'Neale finished 10 points, five rebounds and two assists while Joe Ingles accrued five points, three rebounds and five assists.
The Warriors (36-33) were led by Stephen Curry and his 36 points, four rebounds, six assists and two steals. Kent Bazemore generated 19 points, four rebounds and two assists. Andrew Wiggins compiled 14 points and five rebounds while Draymond Green collected 12 points, six rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. Jordan Poole led the bench with 20 points.
Golden State has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Tuesday, staying home to face the Phoenix Suns. As for Utah, they host the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday for their next outing.
There were 14 ties and 18 lead changes in this game, coming down to the final shot. In fact, Stephen Curry hit a game-winning three with 15 seconds left and Utah went on to miss their next two shots to seal the win for the Warriors. Golden State led by 18 points early in the fourth quarter but Utah's late run wasn't quite enough. The Warriors recorded 26 assists to 10 turnovers while the Jazz matched their 14 assists with 14 turnovers. That allowed Golden State to win the points off of turnovers battle, 26-6.
The Jazz (50-19) were led by Jordan Clarkson, who provided 41 points and seven rebounds off the bench. Bojan Bogdanovic tallied 27 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Rudy Gobert had 10 points and 16 rebounds. Royce O'Neale finished 10 points, five rebounds and two assists while Joe Ingles accrued five points, three rebounds and five assists.
The Warriors (36-33) were led by Stephen Curry and his 36 points, four rebounds, six assists and two steals. Kent Bazemore generated 19 points, four rebounds and two assists. Andrew Wiggins compiled 14 points and five rebounds while Draymond Green collected 12 points, six rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. Jordan Poole led the bench with 20 points.
Golden State has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Tuesday, staying home to face the Phoenix Suns. As for Utah, they host the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday for their next outing.
Trail Blazers Defeat Rockets, 140-129
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 140-129, at Moda Center on Monday.
Portland kicked things off with a 50-33 first quarter, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, the Rockets never got within five after that, with Portland getting their lead up to 19 points at times. The Trail Blazers shot 51 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range while recording 30 assists. Portland's starters dominated this game, outscoring Houston's starters, 118-74. In addition, the Trail Blazers doubled up the Rockets in fastbreak points, 26-13.
The Rockets (16-53) were led by Kelly Olynyk, tallying 21 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two steals. D.J. Augustin matched those 21 points, adding two rebounds and two assists to his tally. Kenyon Martin Jr amassed 15 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals. Jae'Sean Tate accrued 12 points, seven rebounds and eight assists while Khyri Thomas and Armoni Brooks led the bench with 18 points apiece.
The Trail Blazers (40-29) were led by Damian Lillard, collecting 34 points, nine rebounds and six assists. C.J. McCollum had 28 points, three rebounds and seven assists. Norman Powell totaled 28 points, six rebounds and four assists. Jusuf Nurkic compiled 22 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. Derrick Jones led the bench with 11 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday against tough teams, with Houston traveling to face the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland playing the Utah Jazz on the road as well.
Portland kicked things off with a 50-33 first quarter, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, the Rockets never got within five after that, with Portland getting their lead up to 19 points at times. The Trail Blazers shot 51 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range while recording 30 assists. Portland's starters dominated this game, outscoring Houston's starters, 118-74. In addition, the Trail Blazers doubled up the Rockets in fastbreak points, 26-13.
The Rockets (16-53) were led by Kelly Olynyk, tallying 21 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two steals. D.J. Augustin matched those 21 points, adding two rebounds and two assists to his tally. Kenyon Martin Jr amassed 15 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals. Jae'Sean Tate accrued 12 points, seven rebounds and eight assists while Khyri Thomas and Armoni Brooks led the bench with 18 points apiece.
The Trail Blazers (40-29) were led by Damian Lillard, collecting 34 points, nine rebounds and six assists. C.J. McCollum had 28 points, three rebounds and seven assists. Norman Powell totaled 28 points, six rebounds and four assists. Jusuf Nurkic compiled 22 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. Derrick Jones led the bench with 11 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday against tough teams, with Houston traveling to face the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland playing the Utah Jazz on the road as well.