Knicks Rout Sixers In Eastern Conference Battle
The New York Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 112-99, at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday evening.
The Knicks (3-1) and the 76ers (2-2) are two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference -- on paper -- but New York got the upper hand in this contest at Madison Square Garden, as they got into an early deficit but responded well to come away with the victory. Philadelphia jumped out to a 26-23 lead in the first quarter, but New York flipped the script after outscoring their rivals by 23 points in the second quarter (39-16), grabbing a 20-point lead they'd never relinquish. Even though won the remaining two quarters, by scores of 30-28 and 27-22, respectively, the damage had already been done and the Knicks cruised their way to a comfortable finish.
Kemba Walker carried the Knicks offensively since he finished with 19 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals and a block, while Julius Randle chipped in with 16 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. Evan Fournier had 18 points and four dimes, while R.J. Barrett contributed 10 points and seven boards. Derrick Rose added 13 points off the bench as well. New York shot 47.1 percent from the field and 43.2 percent from three-point range.
Tobias Harris was the Sixers' best player and came close from posting a triple-double of 23 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. Joel Embiid had 14 points, and Danny Green contributed 12 points. Georges Niang contributed 13 points coming off the bench as well. The Sixers shot 43.9 percent from the field and a meager 29.3 percent from three-point range.
The Knicks (3-1) and the 76ers (2-2) are two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference -- on paper -- but New York got the upper hand in this contest at Madison Square Garden, as they got into an early deficit but responded well to come away with the victory. Philadelphia jumped out to a 26-23 lead in the first quarter, but New York flipped the script after outscoring their rivals by 23 points in the second quarter (39-16), grabbing a 20-point lead they'd never relinquish. Even though won the remaining two quarters, by scores of 30-28 and 27-22, respectively, the damage had already been done and the Knicks cruised their way to a comfortable finish.
Kemba Walker carried the Knicks offensively since he finished with 19 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals and a block, while Julius Randle chipped in with 16 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. Evan Fournier had 18 points and four dimes, while R.J. Barrett contributed 10 points and seven boards. Derrick Rose added 13 points off the bench as well. New York shot 47.1 percent from the field and 43.2 percent from three-point range.
Tobias Harris was the Sixers' best player and came close from posting a triple-double of 23 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. Joel Embiid had 14 points, and Danny Green contributed 12 points. Georges Niang contributed 13 points coming off the bench as well. The Sixers shot 43.9 percent from the field and a meager 29.3 percent from three-point range.
Warriors Get Past Thunder, 106-98
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, 106-98, at Paycom Center on Tuesday night.
The Thunder (0-4) came into the contest reeling from three straight defeats to open the new campaign, but Oklahoma City showed early it came to play against the undefeated Warriors (4-0). The hosts built a surprising 34-29 lead through one and made sure Golden State didn't negate their early momentum prior to halftime, extending their lead to 11 points by intermission. However, the unexpected deficit seemed to stir Steve Kerr's squad to life, with the Dubs erasing the OKC's advantage altogether and building a five-point edge going into the final period. The home squad continued to hang close, but the Warriors finally created some separation over the final 3:54, never letting the Thunder get any closer than seven points the rest of the way.
Stephen Curry paced the Warriors with 23 points, adding six rebounds, four assists and one block. Andrew Wiggins supplied 21 points, four rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Damion Lee netted 20 points. Jordan Poole registered 10 points, seven assists, two rebounds and two blocks. Draymond Green contributed a full line of eight points, nine rebounds, eight assists, three steals and one block.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 30 points, complementing them with 30 points, four assists, one rebound and one steal. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl managed 12 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal. Luguentz Dort delivered 11 points, four rebounds and three assists. Aleksej Pokusevski and Kenrich Williams posted matching nine-point tallies off the bench while pulling down four and five rebounds, respectively.
The Warriors return home to host the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday night, while the Thunder host the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night.
The Thunder (0-4) came into the contest reeling from three straight defeats to open the new campaign, but Oklahoma City showed early it came to play against the undefeated Warriors (4-0). The hosts built a surprising 34-29 lead through one and made sure Golden State didn't negate their early momentum prior to halftime, extending their lead to 11 points by intermission. However, the unexpected deficit seemed to stir Steve Kerr's squad to life, with the Dubs erasing the OKC's advantage altogether and building a five-point edge going into the final period. The home squad continued to hang close, but the Warriors finally created some separation over the final 3:54, never letting the Thunder get any closer than seven points the rest of the way.
Stephen Curry paced the Warriors with 23 points, adding six rebounds, four assists and one block. Andrew Wiggins supplied 21 points, four rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Damion Lee netted 20 points. Jordan Poole registered 10 points, seven assists, two rebounds and two blocks. Draymond Green contributed a full line of eight points, nine rebounds, eight assists, three steals and one block.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 30 points, complementing them with 30 points, four assists, one rebound and one steal. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl managed 12 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal. Luguentz Dort delivered 11 points, four rebounds and three assists. Aleksej Pokusevski and Kenrich Williams posted matching nine-point tallies off the bench while pulling down four and five rebounds, respectively.
The Warriors return home to host the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday night, while the Thunder host the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night.
Mavericks Top Rockets, 116-106
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Houston Rockets, 116-106, at American Airlines Center on Tuesday night.
The Mavericks (2-1) came into the game knowing they were playing an inferior opponent on paper, but the Rockets (1-3) immediately served notice they weren't exactly going to lay down for their division mates. Houston jumped out to a 31-27 lead through the first 12 minutes, and they still held a three-point edge by halftime. The tough first 24 minutes seemed to spring Dallas to life, as it eliminated its deficit altogether in the third quarter and went into the final period with a three-point advantage of its own. The hosts then turned up their defense during the fourth quarter, holding the visitors to 18 points in the final 12 minutes for the win.
Eric Gordon led the Rockets with 22 points, supplementing them with two assists, one rebound, two steals and one block. Christian Wood generated a 16-point, 17-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Daniel Theis supplied 15 points, 10 boards, one assist and one block. Kevin Porter totaled 13 points, eight assists, five rebounds and two steals. Jalen Green delivered 10 points, five rebounds and one assist.
Luka Doncic paced the Mavericks with 26 points, complementing them with 14 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and one block. Tim Hardaway and Reggie Bullock generated matching 16-point tallies while recording two and four rebounds, respectively. Boban Marjanovic and Jalen Brunson provided matching 11-point, four-rebound efforts, with Brunson also dishing out 11 assists.
The Rockets head back home to host the Utah Jazz on Thursday night, while the Mavericks host the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night as well.
The Mavericks (2-1) came into the game knowing they were playing an inferior opponent on paper, but the Rockets (1-3) immediately served notice they weren't exactly going to lay down for their division mates. Houston jumped out to a 31-27 lead through the first 12 minutes, and they still held a three-point edge by halftime. The tough first 24 minutes seemed to spring Dallas to life, as it eliminated its deficit altogether in the third quarter and went into the final period with a three-point advantage of its own. The hosts then turned up their defense during the fourth quarter, holding the visitors to 18 points in the final 12 minutes for the win.
Eric Gordon led the Rockets with 22 points, supplementing them with two assists, one rebound, two steals and one block. Christian Wood generated a 16-point, 17-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Daniel Theis supplied 15 points, 10 boards, one assist and one block. Kevin Porter totaled 13 points, eight assists, five rebounds and two steals. Jalen Green delivered 10 points, five rebounds and one assist.
Luka Doncic paced the Mavericks with 26 points, complementing them with 14 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and one block. Tim Hardaway and Reggie Bullock generated matching 16-point tallies while recording two and four rebounds, respectively. Boban Marjanovic and Jalen Brunson provided matching 11-point, four-rebound efforts, with Brunson also dishing out 11 assists.
The Rockets head back home to host the Utah Jazz on Thursday night, while the Mavericks host the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night as well.
Lakers Rally To Top Spurs In OT
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 125-121, in overtime at AT&T Center on Tuesday evening.
The Spurs got out to a great start at home with a, 29-27, lead after one quarter. The pace picked up in the second, where the Lakers outscored the hosts, 34-33, to cut it to a one-point game by halftime. The Spurs came out strong in the third quarter and claimed control, outscoring the Lakers by 11 points in the quarter, to take a 12-point lead into the final frame. The Lakers turned up the defense in the fourth and rallied all the way to a two-point lead with just under a minute left on the clock, but the Spurs came up clutch to tie it up and force overtime. The Lakers scored the first five points in overtime, but the Spurs tied it up again with 1:31 to go. However, the Lakers responded with two unanswered baskets to claim the final advantage and walk away with the road win.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 35 points, 17 rebounds, four assists and four blocks, in 42 minutes. Russell Westbrook followed up with 33 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and three steals, while Malik Monk chipped in 17 points on 6-of-15 shooting. The Lakers shot 48 percent from the field, including 8-of-30 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jakob Poeltl led the Spurs with 27 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks, in 38 minutes. Dejounte Murray added 21 points, 15 assists, 12 rebounds, two steals and two blocks, while Lonnie Walker tallied 21 points, six assists and two rebounds. The Spurs shot 44 percent from the field, including 13-of-36 from deep.
The Spurs (1-3) will look to bounce back as they take on the Mavs in Dallas on Thursday. The Lakers (2-2) take on the Thunder in OKC on Wednesday.
The Spurs got out to a great start at home with a, 29-27, lead after one quarter. The pace picked up in the second, where the Lakers outscored the hosts, 34-33, to cut it to a one-point game by halftime. The Spurs came out strong in the third quarter and claimed control, outscoring the Lakers by 11 points in the quarter, to take a 12-point lead into the final frame. The Lakers turned up the defense in the fourth and rallied all the way to a two-point lead with just under a minute left on the clock, but the Spurs came up clutch to tie it up and force overtime. The Lakers scored the first five points in overtime, but the Spurs tied it up again with 1:31 to go. However, the Lakers responded with two unanswered baskets to claim the final advantage and walk away with the road win.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 35 points, 17 rebounds, four assists and four blocks, in 42 minutes. Russell Westbrook followed up with 33 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and three steals, while Malik Monk chipped in 17 points on 6-of-15 shooting. The Lakers shot 48 percent from the field, including 8-of-30 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jakob Poeltl led the Spurs with 27 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks, in 38 minutes. Dejounte Murray added 21 points, 15 assists, 12 rebounds, two steals and two blocks, while Lonnie Walker tallied 21 points, six assists and two rebounds. The Spurs shot 44 percent from the field, including 13-of-36 from deep.
The Spurs (1-3) will look to bounce back as they take on the Mavs in Dallas on Thursday. The Lakers (2-2) take on the Thunder in OKC on Wednesday.
Jazz Defeat Nuggets, 122-110
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Denver Nuggets, 122-110, at Vivint Arena on Tuesday.
The final scoreline is unfair to Denver, with Utah riding a 31-20 fourth quarter to this double-digit win. In fact, there were 12 ties and 30 lead changes through the first 40 minutes, with the Jazz finishing on a 31-17 run. Utah shot 22 of-29 from the free-throw line while Denver connected on just 16-of-24. In addition, the Jazz out-rebounded the Nuggets 41-35, while outscoring them in the paint, 60-52. Their bench also outscored Denver's bench, 42-13.
The Nuggets (2-2) were led by Nikola Jokic and his 24 points, six rebounds and six assists. He played just 15 minutes due to a knee injury. Will Barton amassed 21 points, four rebounds and three assists. Aaron Gordon totaled 20 points and seven boards, while Monte Morris accrued 19 points and four assists.
The Jazz (3-0) were led by Rudy Gobert, gobbling up 23 points and 16 rebounds. Donovan Mitchell tallied 22 points, two rebounds and six assists. Mike Conley collected 15 points, two rebounds and five assists. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 19 points while Joe Ingles finished with 13 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Denver will be off until Friday when they play host to the Dallas Mavericks. As for Utah, they return to action on Thursday when they travel to face the Houston Rockets.
The final scoreline is unfair to Denver, with Utah riding a 31-20 fourth quarter to this double-digit win. In fact, there were 12 ties and 30 lead changes through the first 40 minutes, with the Jazz finishing on a 31-17 run. Utah shot 22 of-29 from the free-throw line while Denver connected on just 16-of-24. In addition, the Jazz out-rebounded the Nuggets 41-35, while outscoring them in the paint, 60-52. Their bench also outscored Denver's bench, 42-13.
The Nuggets (2-2) were led by Nikola Jokic and his 24 points, six rebounds and six assists. He played just 15 minutes due to a knee injury. Will Barton amassed 21 points, four rebounds and three assists. Aaron Gordon totaled 20 points and seven boards, while Monte Morris accrued 19 points and four assists.
The Jazz (3-0) were led by Rudy Gobert, gobbling up 23 points and 16 rebounds. Donovan Mitchell tallied 22 points, two rebounds and six assists. Mike Conley collected 15 points, two rebounds and five assists. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 19 points while Joe Ingles finished with 13 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Denver will be off until Friday when they play host to the Dallas Mavericks. As for Utah, they return to action on Thursday when they travel to face the Houston Rockets.