Wizards Clinch Play-In Berth With Win Over Cavaliers
The Washington Wizards defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 120-105, at Capital One Arena on Friday evening.
The Wizards (33-38) got off to a slow start against the Cavaliers (22-49) and found themselves down after the first quarter, but they turned things around quickly enough to secure a huge win over their Eastern Conference rivals. Cleveland grabbed a 33-31 lead following the first 12 minutes of action, but Washington turned things around just before the break following a 27-23 score in the second quarter. The Wizards would pull away for good in the third quarter following a 33-20 score, and they closed things out with a 29-29 tie in the fourth quarter, as Cleveland couldn't even attempt a late comeback in the final 12 minutes of action. The Wizards shot 46.1 percent from the field, while the Cavaliers made 46.4 percent of their field-goal attempts. With the win, the Wizards secured a spot in the play-in tournament.
Russell Westbrook carried the Wizards in this one with another triple-double, as he ended with 21 points, 17 assists and 12 rebounds while also adding three steals. Davis Bertans had 17 points, while Rui Hachimura delivered 14 points and three rebounds. Four bench players scored in double digits for Washington, as Robin Lopez notched 14 points while Daniel Gafford and Anthony Gill produced matching 12-point tallies. Ish Smith had 11 points. All four aforementioned bench scorers for the Wizards grabbed five rebounds each.
Collin Sexton led the Cavaliers with 26 points and Jarrett Allen chipped in with a double-double, as he mustered 18 points and 14 rebounds to go along with three assists. Isaac Okoro had 17 points and six rebounds, while Cedi Osman had 16 points with six dimes. Dean Wade had 12 points.
The Wizards (33-38) got off to a slow start against the Cavaliers (22-49) and found themselves down after the first quarter, but they turned things around quickly enough to secure a huge win over their Eastern Conference rivals. Cleveland grabbed a 33-31 lead following the first 12 minutes of action, but Washington turned things around just before the break following a 27-23 score in the second quarter. The Wizards would pull away for good in the third quarter following a 33-20 score, and they closed things out with a 29-29 tie in the fourth quarter, as Cleveland couldn't even attempt a late comeback in the final 12 minutes of action. The Wizards shot 46.1 percent from the field, while the Cavaliers made 46.4 percent of their field-goal attempts. With the win, the Wizards secured a spot in the play-in tournament.
Russell Westbrook carried the Wizards in this one with another triple-double, as he ended with 21 points, 17 assists and 12 rebounds while also adding three steals. Davis Bertans had 17 points, while Rui Hachimura delivered 14 points and three rebounds. Four bench players scored in double digits for Washington, as Robin Lopez notched 14 points while Daniel Gafford and Anthony Gill produced matching 12-point tallies. Ish Smith had 11 points. All four aforementioned bench scorers for the Wizards grabbed five rebounds each.
Collin Sexton led the Cavaliers with 26 points and Jarrett Allen chipped in with a double-double, as he mustered 18 points and 14 rebounds to go along with three assists. Isaac Okoro had 17 points and six rebounds, while Cedi Osman had 16 points with six dimes. Dean Wade had 12 points.
Nuggets Pull Away Late In Win Over Pistons
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Detroit Pistons, 104-91, at Little Caesar's Arena on Friday.
The Nuggets (47-24) didn't have problems securing the win Friday in a game where they had to use a big second half to pull away from their rivals, the Pistons (20-51). Denver raced out to a 29-25 lead in the first quarter and looked in complete control of the contest, but the Pistons responded with a 28-28 tie in the second quarter that made things tighter than expected. The Nuggets would pull away for good in the third quarter, though, outscoring Detroit by a 30-21 score, and the game was essentially over since then. The final quarter ended with a 17-17 tie, but it was too late for the Pistons to mount a comeback as the Nuggets sealed the victory with relative ease.
Nikola Jokic carried the Nuggets in this win and posted a triple-double, as he finished with 20 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists, while Markus Howard also delivered 20 points. Vlatko Cancar notched 11 points, while Monte Morris recorded 15 points coming off the bench. No other Denver player scored in double digits in this one, with Michael Porter Jr. posting nine points (3-11 FG) and Austin Rivers adding eight points in another start.
Six of Detroit's eight players scored in double digits in this game, with Hamidou Diallo leading the way with an 18-point performance that also included 12 rebounds and Tyler Cook ending with 17 points and five rebounds off the bench. Saddiq Bey had 14 points, Jahill Okafor added 13 points, and Josh Jackson notched 11 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.
The Nuggets (47-24) didn't have problems securing the win Friday in a game where they had to use a big second half to pull away from their rivals, the Pistons (20-51). Denver raced out to a 29-25 lead in the first quarter and looked in complete control of the contest, but the Pistons responded with a 28-28 tie in the second quarter that made things tighter than expected. The Nuggets would pull away for good in the third quarter, though, outscoring Detroit by a 30-21 score, and the game was essentially over since then. The final quarter ended with a 17-17 tie, but it was too late for the Pistons to mount a comeback as the Nuggets sealed the victory with relative ease.
Nikola Jokic carried the Nuggets in this win and posted a triple-double, as he finished with 20 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists, while Markus Howard also delivered 20 points. Vlatko Cancar notched 11 points, while Monte Morris recorded 15 points coming off the bench. No other Denver player scored in double digits in this one, with Michael Porter Jr. posting nine points (3-11 FG) and Austin Rivers adding eight points in another start.
Six of Detroit's eight players scored in double digits in this game, with Hamidou Diallo leading the way with an 18-point performance that also included 12 rebounds and Tyler Cook ending with 17 points and five rebounds off the bench. Saddiq Bey had 14 points, Jahill Okafor added 13 points, and Josh Jackson notched 11 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.
76ers Slam Magic, 122-97
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Orlando Magic, 122-97, at Wells Fargo Center on Friday night, clinching the Eastern Conference's top seed with the victory.
The 76ers (48-23) had no shortage of motivation entering Friday's contest, considering they'd missed a couple of prior opportunities to notch the top seed in the Eastern Conference. They encountered a Magic (21-50) team that seemed intent on playing spoiler early, however, with Philadelphia escaping the first 12 minutes hanging on to a narrow three-point advantage. However, the hosts sprung to action in the second quarter, adding 20 points to their lead before halftime with excellent play on both ends of the floor. That changed the dynamic of the contest for good, and the Sixers were able to essentially cruise in the second half.
Ignas Brazdeikis led the Magic with 21 points, adding six rebounds, one assist and two blocks. R.J. Hampton and Chasson Randle posted matching 12-point contributions, with Hampton adding 11 rebounds and nine assists. Cole Anthony and Mo Bamba generated matching 11-point, five-rebound tallies, with Anthony adding three assists.
Seth Curry paced the 76ers with 20 points, supplementing them with three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Shake Milton registered 15 points, three rebounds and three assists. Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons posted 13 points apiece, with Embiid also pulling down 11 rebounds and Simmons dishing out nine assists. Isaiah Joe poured in 11 points, while Furkan Korkmaz totaled 10 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The two teams reconvene at Wells Fargo Center for a season-ending rematch on Sunday.
The 76ers (48-23) had no shortage of motivation entering Friday's contest, considering they'd missed a couple of prior opportunities to notch the top seed in the Eastern Conference. They encountered a Magic (21-50) team that seemed intent on playing spoiler early, however, with Philadelphia escaping the first 12 minutes hanging on to a narrow three-point advantage. However, the hosts sprung to action in the second quarter, adding 20 points to their lead before halftime with excellent play on both ends of the floor. That changed the dynamic of the contest for good, and the Sixers were able to essentially cruise in the second half.
Ignas Brazdeikis led the Magic with 21 points, adding six rebounds, one assist and two blocks. R.J. Hampton and Chasson Randle posted matching 12-point contributions, with Hampton adding 11 rebounds and nine assists. Cole Anthony and Mo Bamba generated matching 11-point, five-rebound tallies, with Anthony adding three assists.
Seth Curry paced the 76ers with 20 points, supplementing them with three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Shake Milton registered 15 points, three rebounds and three assists. Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons posted 13 points apiece, with Embiid also pulling down 11 rebounds and Simmons dishing out nine assists. Isaiah Joe poured in 11 points, while Furkan Korkmaz totaled 10 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The two teams reconvene at Wells Fargo Center for a season-ending rematch on Sunday.
Jazz Dominant Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder, 109-93, at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Friday evening.
The Jazz got out to a great start with a, 30-20, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second and pushed their lead up to 14 points, by halftime. The Thunder had no answers in the second half, as the Jazz dominated the third quarter, outscoring the hosts by 12 points, to push their lead to 26 points, heading into the final frame. The Jazz pushed their lead to a game-high 29 points early in the fourth and were able to cruise to the road win, while this marks the ninth straight loss for the Thunder.
Bojan Bogdanovic led the Jazz with 22 points, three assists, two rebounds and a steal, in 26 minutes. Jordan Clarkson followed up with 18 points, three assists, three rebounds and a steal, while Rudy Gobert totaled 16 points, 18 rebounds, two blocks and a steal. The Jazz shot 43 percent from the field, including 13-of-39 from long range.
Meanwhile, Svi Mykhailiuk led the Thunder with 19 points on 8-of-14 shooting, in 25 minutes. Gabriel Deck followed up with 18 points and six rebounds, while Theo Maledon added 18 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. The Thunder shot 42 percent from the field, including 6-of-19 from long range.
The Thunder (21-50) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Clippers on Sunday. The Jazz (51-20) take on the Kings in Sacramento on Sunday.
The Jazz got out to a great start with a, 30-20, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second and pushed their lead up to 14 points, by halftime. The Thunder had no answers in the second half, as the Jazz dominated the third quarter, outscoring the hosts by 12 points, to push their lead to 26 points, heading into the final frame. The Jazz pushed their lead to a game-high 29 points early in the fourth and were able to cruise to the road win, while this marks the ninth straight loss for the Thunder.
Bojan Bogdanovic led the Jazz with 22 points, three assists, two rebounds and a steal, in 26 minutes. Jordan Clarkson followed up with 18 points, three assists, three rebounds and a steal, while Rudy Gobert totaled 16 points, 18 rebounds, two blocks and a steal. The Jazz shot 43 percent from the field, including 13-of-39 from long range.
Meanwhile, Svi Mykhailiuk led the Thunder with 19 points on 8-of-14 shooting, in 25 minutes. Gabriel Deck followed up with 18 points and six rebounds, while Theo Maledon added 18 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. The Thunder shot 42 percent from the field, including 6-of-19 from long range.
The Thunder (21-50) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Clippers on Sunday. The Jazz (51-20) take on the Kings in Sacramento on Sunday.
Mavericks Topple Raptors, 114-110
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Toronto Raptors, 114-110, at American Airlines Center on Friday night.
The Mavericks (42-29) still had a chance to potentially improve postseason positioning with a win, and they appeared well on their way by forging a 14-point lead through the first two quarters. However, the Raptors (27-44) wouldn't quit despite already being eliminated and playing without four starters, making a five-point dent in their deficit during the third quarter and getting as close as within two points on multiple occasions inside the final period before two Josh Richardson free throws with 3.9 seconds remaining let Dallas escape.
Jalen Harris paced the Raptors with 31 points, complementing them with four assists, two rebounds and one steal. Malachi Flynn supplied 26 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Stanley Johnson posted a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist and one steal. Khem Birch and Aron Baynes posted matching 13-point, six-rebound tallies.
Kristaps Porzingis led the Mavericks with a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists, Luka Doncic turned in a 20-point, 11-assist, 10-rebound triple-double. Jalen Brunson furnished 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and one block. Dorian Finney-Smith delivered 17 points, three boards and two assists. Richardson poured in 10 points.
The Raptors head home to host the Indiana Pacers in the season finale Sunday afternoon, while the Mavericks visit the Minnesota Timberwolves to wrap up their regular season Sunday night.
The Mavericks (42-29) still had a chance to potentially improve postseason positioning with a win, and they appeared well on their way by forging a 14-point lead through the first two quarters. However, the Raptors (27-44) wouldn't quit despite already being eliminated and playing without four starters, making a five-point dent in their deficit during the third quarter and getting as close as within two points on multiple occasions inside the final period before two Josh Richardson free throws with 3.9 seconds remaining let Dallas escape.
Jalen Harris paced the Raptors with 31 points, complementing them with four assists, two rebounds and one steal. Malachi Flynn supplied 26 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Stanley Johnson posted a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist and one steal. Khem Birch and Aron Baynes posted matching 13-point, six-rebound tallies.
Kristaps Porzingis led the Mavericks with a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists, Luka Doncic turned in a 20-point, 11-assist, 10-rebound triple-double. Jalen Brunson furnished 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and one block. Dorian Finney-Smith delivered 17 points, three boards and two assists. Richardson poured in 10 points.
The Raptors head home to host the Indiana Pacers in the season finale Sunday afternoon, while the Mavericks visit the Minnesota Timberwolves to wrap up their regular season Sunday night.
Rockets Top Clippers In Impressive Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets defeated the visiting Los Angeles Clippers, 122-115, at Toyota Center on Friday evening.
The Clippers got out to a good start and led, 33-30, after one quarter. The Rockets picked up the pace in the second and poured in 43 points, to take a four-point lead by halftime. They carried the momentum into the third and outscored the visitors by another eight points, to take a 12-point lead into the final frame. The Clippers picked up the defense in the fourth, but they could not complete the comeback, as the Rockets held on to snap a seven-game slide.
Kelly Olynyk led the way for the Rockets with 20 points, 11 assists, nine rebounds and three steals, in 31 minutes. Jae'Sean Tate added 20 points, three rebounds and a block, while Khyri Thomas tallied 17 points, five assists, three blocks and three rebounds. The Rockets shot 53 percent from the field, including 14-of-37 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luke Kennard led the Clippers with 23 points on 9-of-19 shooting, in 40 minutes. Rajon Rondo added nine points, 13 assists, three rebounds and a steal, while Serge Ibaka totaled 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists, off the bench. The Clippers shot 48 percent from the field, including 11-of-35 from deep.
The Clippers (47-24) will look to bounce back in their last game of the season, as they take on the Thunder in OKC on Sunday. The Rockets (17-54) will look to close out their season on a high note, as they take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Sunday.
The Clippers got out to a good start and led, 33-30, after one quarter. The Rockets picked up the pace in the second and poured in 43 points, to take a four-point lead by halftime. They carried the momentum into the third and outscored the visitors by another eight points, to take a 12-point lead into the final frame. The Clippers picked up the defense in the fourth, but they could not complete the comeback, as the Rockets held on to snap a seven-game slide.
Kelly Olynyk led the way for the Rockets with 20 points, 11 assists, nine rebounds and three steals, in 31 minutes. Jae'Sean Tate added 20 points, three rebounds and a block, while Khyri Thomas tallied 17 points, five assists, three blocks and three rebounds. The Rockets shot 53 percent from the field, including 14-of-37 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luke Kennard led the Clippers with 23 points on 9-of-19 shooting, in 40 minutes. Rajon Rondo added nine points, 13 assists, three rebounds and a steal, while Serge Ibaka totaled 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists, off the bench. The Clippers shot 48 percent from the field, including 11-of-35 from deep.
The Clippers (47-24) will look to bounce back in their last game of the season, as they take on the Thunder in OKC on Sunday. The Rockets (17-54) will look to close out their season on a high note, as they take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Sunday.
Grizzlies Escape Kings, 107-106
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Sacramento Kings, 107-106, at FedEx Forum on Friday night.
The Grizzlies (38-33) checked in looking to execute a quick two-game sweep over the Kings (31-40) after eliminating them from contention Thursday, but they saw a four-point first-quarter lead turn into a deficit of the same margin by halftime. Memphis returned the favor in the third quarter and entered the final period with a three-point advantage, and after the visitors' quarter-opening 10-4 run over the first 3:39 gave them a three-point edge, the hosts got back in front and continually held off rallies until Terence Davis' three-point attempt at the buzzer failed to find the rim.
Louis King led the Kings with 27 points, adding nine rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks. Damian Jones generated a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Justin James furnished 16 points, nine boards, two assists and one steal. Chimezie Metu delivered 15 points, five rebounds and one assist. Buddy Hield totaled 11 points, five assists and two rebounds.
Justise Winslow paced the Grizzlies with a 25-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included four assists. Xavier Tillman posted a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double and also contributed one assist, one steal and one block. Killian Tillie supplied 16 points, six boards and one assist. John Konchar managed 15 points, five rebounds and one assist. De'Anthony Melton registered 10 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Kings return home and host the Utah Jazz on Sunday night to close out the season, while the Grizzlies visit the Golden State Warriors on Sunday afternoon for their finale.
The Grizzlies (38-33) checked in looking to execute a quick two-game sweep over the Kings (31-40) after eliminating them from contention Thursday, but they saw a four-point first-quarter lead turn into a deficit of the same margin by halftime. Memphis returned the favor in the third quarter and entered the final period with a three-point advantage, and after the visitors' quarter-opening 10-4 run over the first 3:39 gave them a three-point edge, the hosts got back in front and continually held off rallies until Terence Davis' three-point attempt at the buzzer failed to find the rim.
Louis King led the Kings with 27 points, adding nine rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks. Damian Jones generated a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Justin James furnished 16 points, nine boards, two assists and one steal. Chimezie Metu delivered 15 points, five rebounds and one assist. Buddy Hield totaled 11 points, five assists and two rebounds.
Justise Winslow paced the Grizzlies with a 25-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included four assists. Xavier Tillman posted a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double and also contributed one assist, one steal and one block. Killian Tillie supplied 16 points, six boards and one assist. John Konchar managed 15 points, five rebounds and one assist. De'Anthony Melton registered 10 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Kings return home and host the Utah Jazz on Sunday night to close out the season, while the Grizzlies visit the Golden State Warriors on Sunday afternoon for their finale.
Warriors Get Past Pelicans, 125-122
The Golden State Warriors defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 125-122, at Chase Center on Friday night.
Both the Pelicans (31-40) and Warriors (38-33) checked into the contest missing all of their top scorers, setting up an unpredictable game scenario. Neither club was at a loss for offense early despite the absences, with Golden State emerging from the first quarter with a 41-32 lead. However, the hosts were up 75-57 by halftime, portending what seemed to be a comfortable win. New Orleans wouldn't back down, cutting its 18-point deficit in half and ultimately taking a one-point edge with 25.9 seconds remaining before Jordan Poole scored the last four points for the hosts to secure the win.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Pelicans with 30 points, complementing them with five rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Naji Marshall posted a 20-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Jaxson Hayes supplied 19 points and eight boards. Wenyen Gabriel registered 14 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Eric Bledsoe managed 11 points, four assists, one rebound and one block. Willy Hernangomez contributed 10 points, nine rebounds and one assist.
Poole paced the Warriors with 38 points, supplementing them with six assists, four rebounds and one block. Mychal Mulder compiled 28 points, two rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Kent Bazemore finished with 14 points, four rebounds, one assist and two steals. Eric Paschall delivered 12 points and four rebounds.
The Pelicans return home to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night to close out the season, while the Warriors host the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday afternoon for their final game of the regular season.
Both the Pelicans (31-40) and Warriors (38-33) checked into the contest missing all of their top scorers, setting up an unpredictable game scenario. Neither club was at a loss for offense early despite the absences, with Golden State emerging from the first quarter with a 41-32 lead. However, the hosts were up 75-57 by halftime, portending what seemed to be a comfortable win. New Orleans wouldn't back down, cutting its 18-point deficit in half and ultimately taking a one-point edge with 25.9 seconds remaining before Jordan Poole scored the last four points for the hosts to secure the win.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Pelicans with 30 points, complementing them with five rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Naji Marshall posted a 20-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Jaxson Hayes supplied 19 points and eight boards. Wenyen Gabriel registered 14 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Eric Bledsoe managed 11 points, four assists, one rebound and one block. Willy Hernangomez contributed 10 points, nine rebounds and one assist.
Poole paced the Warriors with 38 points, supplementing them with six assists, four rebounds and one block. Mychal Mulder compiled 28 points, two rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Kent Bazemore finished with 14 points, four rebounds, one assist and two steals. Eric Paschall delivered 12 points and four rebounds.
The Pelicans return home to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night to close out the season, while the Warriors host the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday afternoon for their final game of the regular season.