Hornets Get Back To Winning Ways, Defeat Magic
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Orlando Magic, 120-111, at Amway Center on Wednesday evening.
The Hornets (4-1) were coming off a loss in their previous contest but have turned things around quickly and recorded their fourth win of the campaign after easily topping the Magic (1-4) in what was a big come-from-behind win for Charlotte. The first quarter ended with a 31-31 score and while Charlotte grabbed a three-point lead at the break following a 33-30 score in the second quarter, it's worth noting that Orlando turned things around and grabbed the advantage after outscoring their rivals by a 32-27 score in the third. With just a two-point lead, Orlando had the chance to close things out but couldn't complete the job, allowing Charlotte to mount a late comeback. The Hornets won the final quarter by 11 points (29-18) and that was more than enough to cruise their way in the final minutes while also keeping the away record undefeated (3-0). Meanwhile, the Magic have now gone 0-2 at home this season.
Miles Bridges carried the Hornets offensively in this one since he ended with 31 points and six rebounds, while Gordon Hayward had an impressive performance of 24 points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block. Mason Plumlee had a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds, while neither LaMelo Ball (seven points, 3-14 FG) nor Kelly Oubre Jr. (four points, 1-7 FG) managed to deliver good performances. Jalen McDaniels had 16 points off the bench, and Caleb Martin mustered 12 points.
Cole Anthony was Orlando's best player and finished with 24 points and six assists, while Wendell Carter Jr. contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds. Mo Bamba also had a double-double since he contributed 14 points and 10 boards, and Franz Wagner had 15 points. Terrence Ross added 18 points off the bench.
The Hornets (4-1) were coming off a loss in their previous contest but have turned things around quickly and recorded their fourth win of the campaign after easily topping the Magic (1-4) in what was a big come-from-behind win for Charlotte. The first quarter ended with a 31-31 score and while Charlotte grabbed a three-point lead at the break following a 33-30 score in the second quarter, it's worth noting that Orlando turned things around and grabbed the advantage after outscoring their rivals by a 32-27 score in the third. With just a two-point lead, Orlando had the chance to close things out but couldn't complete the job, allowing Charlotte to mount a late comeback. The Hornets won the final quarter by 11 points (29-18) and that was more than enough to cruise their way in the final minutes while also keeping the away record undefeated (3-0). Meanwhile, the Magic have now gone 0-2 at home this season.
Miles Bridges carried the Hornets offensively in this one since he ended with 31 points and six rebounds, while Gordon Hayward had an impressive performance of 24 points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block. Mason Plumlee had a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds, while neither LaMelo Ball (seven points, 3-14 FG) nor Kelly Oubre Jr. (four points, 1-7 FG) managed to deliver good performances. Jalen McDaniels had 16 points off the bench, and Caleb Martin mustered 12 points.
Cole Anthony was Orlando's best player and finished with 24 points and six assists, while Wendell Carter Jr. contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds. Mo Bamba also had a double-double since he contributed 14 points and 10 boards, and Franz Wagner had 15 points. Terrence Ross added 18 points off the bench.
Wizards Hold On, Defeat Celtics
The Washington Wizards defeated the Boston Celtics, 116-107, at TD Garden on Wednesday evening.
The Wizards (3-1) are enjoying a strong start to the season and they used a strong start -- and a strong finish -- to defeat the Celtics (2-3) on the road. Washington jumped out to a 24-19 lead in the first quarter, and they bolstered that advantage with a 38-33 score in the second quarter. The Celtics bounced back in the second half, though, and they played the third quarter with revamped energy -- something that allowed them to cut the deficit to just one point following a 34-25 score. However, Boston couldn't complete the comeback in the fourth quarter and the Wizards ran out with the victory following a 29-21 score in the final 12 minutes of action. The Wizards shot 51.2 percent from the field, while the Celtics only made 43.5 percent of their shots. That was the main difference in the outcome of this contest.
Montrezl Harrell led the Wizards in scoring after pouring 25 points and 11 rebounds across 38 minutes off the bench, while Spencer Dinwiddie delivered 22 points as well. Bradley Beal had a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Kyle Kuzma stuffed the stat sheet with 12 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 11 points for the winning cause.
Jayson Tatum had 23 points to lead the losing cause, and he also added seven rebounds and two assists. Al Horford had 16 points and Robert Williams III chipped in with 13 points -- both added 11 rebounds as well, and it's worth highlighting that Williams also mustered four blocks. Dennis Schroder contributed 22 points while coming off the bench, and Jaylen Brown supplied 13 points with four boards.
The Wizards (3-1) are enjoying a strong start to the season and they used a strong start -- and a strong finish -- to defeat the Celtics (2-3) on the road. Washington jumped out to a 24-19 lead in the first quarter, and they bolstered that advantage with a 38-33 score in the second quarter. The Celtics bounced back in the second half, though, and they played the third quarter with revamped energy -- something that allowed them to cut the deficit to just one point following a 34-25 score. However, Boston couldn't complete the comeback in the fourth quarter and the Wizards ran out with the victory following a 29-21 score in the final 12 minutes of action. The Wizards shot 51.2 percent from the field, while the Celtics only made 43.5 percent of their shots. That was the main difference in the outcome of this contest.
Montrezl Harrell led the Wizards in scoring after pouring 25 points and 11 rebounds across 38 minutes off the bench, while Spencer Dinwiddie delivered 22 points as well. Bradley Beal had a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Kyle Kuzma stuffed the stat sheet with 12 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 11 points for the winning cause.
Jayson Tatum had 23 points to lead the losing cause, and he also added seven rebounds and two assists. Al Horford had 16 points and Robert Williams III chipped in with 13 points -- both added 11 rebounds as well, and it's worth highlighting that Williams also mustered four blocks. Dennis Schroder contributed 22 points while coming off the bench, and Jaylen Brown supplied 13 points with four boards.
Hawks Edge Pelicans, 102-99
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 102-99, at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday night.
Matters didn't start off promising in the least for the Hawks (3-1) in their matchup against the struggling Pelicans (1-4), as New Orleans parlayed strong play on either end of the floor to forge a 33-19 lead through the first 12 minutes. Atlanta was able to muster much better offensive play in the second quarter, which led to a more manageable five-point deficit at intermission. The visitors had even more momentum coming out of halftime, posting a 31-18 advantage during the third period to take a solid eight-point lead into the final period. However, the Hawks' victory wasn't sealed until the final minute, when a missed free throw from New Orleans' Herbert Jones and a subsequent missed layup from Devonte Graham conspired to keep the hosts from overcoming a thin one-point deficit.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 31 points, complementing them with seven assists and five rebounds. John Collins generated a 16-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included four assists. De'Andre Hunter furnished 13 points, two rebounds and one steal. Bogdan Bogdanovic delivered 12 points, three rebounds, three assists and one block. Clint Capela mustered just five points but pulled down 12 rebounds and recorded three blocks.
Graham paced the Pelicans with 21 points, adding six assists, five rebounds and one steal. Brandon Ingram registered 20 points, eight boards, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas contributed a 16-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included three assists, one steal and one block. Jones, Jaxson Hayes and Trey Murphy III all posted eight points.
The Hawks remain on the road and visit the Washington Wizards on Thursday night, while the Pelicans host the Sacramento Kings on Friday night.
Matters didn't start off promising in the least for the Hawks (3-1) in their matchup against the struggling Pelicans (1-4), as New Orleans parlayed strong play on either end of the floor to forge a 33-19 lead through the first 12 minutes. Atlanta was able to muster much better offensive play in the second quarter, which led to a more manageable five-point deficit at intermission. The visitors had even more momentum coming out of halftime, posting a 31-18 advantage during the third period to take a solid eight-point lead into the final period. However, the Hawks' victory wasn't sealed until the final minute, when a missed free throw from New Orleans' Herbert Jones and a subsequent missed layup from Devonte Graham conspired to keep the hosts from overcoming a thin one-point deficit.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 31 points, complementing them with seven assists and five rebounds. John Collins generated a 16-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included four assists. De'Andre Hunter furnished 13 points, two rebounds and one steal. Bogdan Bogdanovic delivered 12 points, three rebounds, three assists and one block. Clint Capela mustered just five points but pulled down 12 rebounds and recorded three blocks.
Graham paced the Pelicans with 21 points, adding six assists, five rebounds and one steal. Brandon Ingram registered 20 points, eight boards, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas contributed a 16-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included three assists, one steal and one block. Jones, Jaxson Hayes and Trey Murphy III all posted eight points.
The Hawks remain on the road and visit the Washington Wizards on Thursday night, while the Pelicans host the Sacramento Kings on Friday night.
Heat Topples Nets, 106-93
The Miami Heat defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 106-93, at Barclays Center on Wednesday night.
The Heat (3-1) came into the contest knowing they weren't facing a Nets team that had lived up to its hype early in the season, which presumably left a solid opening for a road upset. Miami played like that was very much in the realm of possibility from the start, forging a 29-22 lead through one. However, the Nets (2-3) awakened from their slumber at that point, erasing their deficit during the second quarter and building a two-point edge going into intermission. Nevertheless, Miami came out of the halftime locker room clicking on all cylinders, retaking the advantage by a seven-point margin heading into the final period. While Brooklyn made things interesting for more than half the quarter, the visitors' 12-4 run over the final 4:01 sealed the road victory.
Bam Adebayo led the way for the Heat with 24 points, adding nine rebounds. Jimmy Butler generated a 17-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included seven assists, four steals and one block. P.J. Tucker furnished 15 points, seven boards and two assists. Dewayne Dedmon and Tyler Herro posted 14 points apiece while pulling down nine and eight rebounds, respectively.
Kevin Durant paced the Nets with a 25-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two assists, two blocks and one steal. Joe Harris supplied 15 points, three rebounds, one steal and one block. James Harden registered 14 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block. Bruce Brown delivered 12 points, five rebounds, one assist and three steals.
The Heat return home to host the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night, while the Nets remain home and welcome the Indiana Pacers on Friday evening as well.
The Heat (3-1) came into the contest knowing they weren't facing a Nets team that had lived up to its hype early in the season, which presumably left a solid opening for a road upset. Miami played like that was very much in the realm of possibility from the start, forging a 29-22 lead through one. However, the Nets (2-3) awakened from their slumber at that point, erasing their deficit during the second quarter and building a two-point edge going into intermission. Nevertheless, Miami came out of the halftime locker room clicking on all cylinders, retaking the advantage by a seven-point margin heading into the final period. While Brooklyn made things interesting for more than half the quarter, the visitors' 12-4 run over the final 4:01 sealed the road victory.
Bam Adebayo led the way for the Heat with 24 points, adding nine rebounds. Jimmy Butler generated a 17-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included seven assists, four steals and one block. P.J. Tucker furnished 15 points, seven boards and two assists. Dewayne Dedmon and Tyler Herro posted 14 points apiece while pulling down nine and eight rebounds, respectively.
Kevin Durant paced the Nets with a 25-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two assists, two blocks and one steal. Joe Harris supplied 15 points, three rebounds, one steal and one block. James Harden registered 14 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block. Bruce Brown delivered 12 points, five rebounds, one assist and three steals.
The Heat return home to host the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night, while the Nets remain home and welcome the Indiana Pacers on Friday evening as well.
Raptors Top Pacers For First Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Indiana Pacers, 118-100, at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Raptors got out to a solid start at home with a, 29-24, lead after one quarter. They kept the momentum through the second quarter and were able to add another four points to their lead, making it a nine-point game by halftime. The Raptors came out strong in the third and maintained control, outscoring the visitors, 30-23, in the frame, to push their lead to 16, heading into the final frame. The Pacers had no answers in the fourth, as the Raptors held on to earn their first home win of the season, while this marks the second straight loss for the Pacers.
Fred VanVleet led the way for the Raptors with 26 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, in 37 minutes. OG Anunoby followed up with 25 points, five steals, three assists and three rebounds, while Scottie Barnes chipped in 18 points, seven assists, seven rebounds and two blocks. The Raptors shot 46 percent from the field, including 47 percent from deep.
Meanwhile, Malcolm Brogdon led the Pacers with 18 points, five rebounds, five assists and a steal, but he was forced to leave the game with a sore hamstring, after 22 minutes of action. Chris Duarte followed up with 14 points on 6-of-15 shooting, while Jeremy Lamb chipped in 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting, off the bench. The Pacers shot 48 percent from the field, including 34.5 percent from long range.
The Pacers (1-4) will look to bounce back as they take on the Nets in Brooklyn on Friday. The Raptors play host to the Magic on Friday.
The Raptors got out to a solid start at home with a, 29-24, lead after one quarter. They kept the momentum through the second quarter and were able to add another four points to their lead, making it a nine-point game by halftime. The Raptors came out strong in the third and maintained control, outscoring the visitors, 30-23, in the frame, to push their lead to 16, heading into the final frame. The Pacers had no answers in the fourth, as the Raptors held on to earn their first home win of the season, while this marks the second straight loss for the Pacers.
Fred VanVleet led the way for the Raptors with 26 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, in 37 minutes. OG Anunoby followed up with 25 points, five steals, three assists and three rebounds, while Scottie Barnes chipped in 18 points, seven assists, seven rebounds and two blocks. The Raptors shot 46 percent from the field, including 47 percent from deep.
Meanwhile, Malcolm Brogdon led the Pacers with 18 points, five rebounds, five assists and a steal, but he was forced to leave the game with a sore hamstring, after 22 minutes of action. Chris Duarte followed up with 14 points on 6-of-15 shooting, while Jeremy Lamb chipped in 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting, off the bench. The Pacers shot 48 percent from the field, including 34.5 percent from long range.
The Pacers (1-4) will look to bounce back as they take on the Nets in Brooklyn on Friday. The Raptors play host to the Magic on Friday.
Timberwolves Pull Upset, Defeat Bucks
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, 113-108, at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday evening.
The Timberwolves (3-1) have been one of the biggest surprises of the Western Conference so far, but they recorded one of their best wins in recent memory after topping the reigning league champions, the Bucks (3-2), by a slim five-point margin. Minnesota jumped out to a massive 10-point lead following the first quarter (44-34), and they kept that lead at the halftime break despite allowing Milwaukee to win the second quarter by a meager two-point differential (24-22). Minnesota restored their lead and won the third quarter by a 28-21 score, so meaning they were up by 15 points with only 12 minutes left to go. Milwaukee turned things around and limited the Timberwolves to just 19 fourth-quarter points while winning by a 10-point margin, but that wasn't enough to complete the comeback. Minnesota ended winning by just five points and came away on top.
De'Angelo Russell was the best player for the Timberwolves in this game, as he ended with 29 points, six assists and five rebounds, while Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards both chipped in with 25 points -- while Towns also added five assists and three blocks, Edwards also chipped in with seven boards and three dimes. Jarred Vanderbilt had a 10-point, 13-rebound double-double, and Jaden McDaniels chipped in with 11 boards.
Giannis Antetokounmpo did everything he could to avoid Milwaukee's loss and finished with 40 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists, but no other Milwaukee player reached the 20-point plateau. Khris Middleton had 16 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Grayson Allen chipped in with 13 points while going 3-for-8 from deep. Minnesota only shot 41.1 percent from the field and 27.5 percent from three-point range.
The Timberwolves (3-1) have been one of the biggest surprises of the Western Conference so far, but they recorded one of their best wins in recent memory after topping the reigning league champions, the Bucks (3-2), by a slim five-point margin. Minnesota jumped out to a massive 10-point lead following the first quarter (44-34), and they kept that lead at the halftime break despite allowing Milwaukee to win the second quarter by a meager two-point differential (24-22). Minnesota restored their lead and won the third quarter by a 28-21 score, so meaning they were up by 15 points with only 12 minutes left to go. Milwaukee turned things around and limited the Timberwolves to just 19 fourth-quarter points while winning by a 10-point margin, but that wasn't enough to complete the comeback. Minnesota ended winning by just five points and came away on top.
De'Angelo Russell was the best player for the Timberwolves in this game, as he ended with 29 points, six assists and five rebounds, while Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards both chipped in with 25 points -- while Towns also added five assists and three blocks, Edwards also chipped in with seven boards and three dimes. Jarred Vanderbilt had a 10-point, 13-rebound double-double, and Jaden McDaniels chipped in with 11 boards.
Giannis Antetokounmpo did everything he could to avoid Milwaukee's loss and finished with 40 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists, but no other Milwaukee player reached the 20-point plateau. Khris Middleton had 16 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Grayson Allen chipped in with 13 points while going 3-for-8 from deep. Minnesota only shot 41.1 percent from the field and 27.5 percent from three-point range.
Thunder Rally Back From 26-Point Deficit For Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, 123-115, at Paycom Center on Wednesday evening.
The Lakers jumped out to a great start on the road with a, 41-19, lead after one quarter. The Lakers pushed their lead to a game-high 26 points, mid-way through the second, but the Thunder kept fighting and cut it back to a 16-point game by halftime. The Thunder carried the momentum into the third quarter, where they outscored the visitors, 41-23, to take a two-point lead into the final frame. The Thunder started the fourth with an, 11-5, run to push their lead to eight points mid-way through the quarter and were able to hang onto the edge the rest of the way, earning their first win of the season. This marks the end of a two-game win streak for the Lakers.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for the Thunder with 27 points, nine rebounds and five assists, in 38 minutes. Darius Bazley followed up with 20 points, six rebounds, four steals, two assists and a block, while Josh Giddey tallied 18 points, 10 assists and two rebounds. The Thunder shot 50 percent from the field, including 15-of-37 from deep.
Meanwhile, Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 30 points, eight rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 37 minutes. Russell Westbrook tallied a triple-double with 20 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists, but he also logged 10 turnovers. Avery Bradley and Carmelo Anthony chipped in 13 points each. The Lakers shot 50 percent from the field, including 11-of-35 from long range.
The Lakers (2-3) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Cavs on Friday. The Thunder (1-4) take on the Warriors in Golden State on Saturday.
The Lakers jumped out to a great start on the road with a, 41-19, lead after one quarter. The Lakers pushed their lead to a game-high 26 points, mid-way through the second, but the Thunder kept fighting and cut it back to a 16-point game by halftime. The Thunder carried the momentum into the third quarter, where they outscored the visitors, 41-23, to take a two-point lead into the final frame. The Thunder started the fourth with an, 11-5, run to push their lead to eight points mid-way through the quarter and were able to hang onto the edge the rest of the way, earning their first win of the season. This marks the end of a two-game win streak for the Lakers.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for the Thunder with 27 points, nine rebounds and five assists, in 38 minutes. Darius Bazley followed up with 20 points, six rebounds, four steals, two assists and a block, while Josh Giddey tallied 18 points, 10 assists and two rebounds. The Thunder shot 50 percent from the field, including 15-of-37 from deep.
Meanwhile, Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 30 points, eight rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 37 minutes. Russell Westbrook tallied a triple-double with 20 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists, but he also logged 10 turnovers. Avery Bradley and Carmelo Anthony chipped in 13 points each. The Lakers shot 50 percent from the field, including 11-of-35 from long range.
The Lakers (2-3) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Cavs on Friday. The Thunder (1-4) take on the Warriors in Golden State on Saturday.
Kings Defeat Suns, 110-107
The Sacramento Kings defeated the host Phoenix Suns, 110-107, at Footprint Center on Wednesday.
While Phoenix led for the entirety of the first half, Sacramento rode a 29-15 third quarter to a competitive fourth quarter. In fact, they started the fourth quarter on a 13-7 run, getting their lead to a game-high 13-point lead. That 20-point turnaround allowed the Kings to hold the lead for the entire fourth quarter, despite Phoenix tying it with 35 seconds remaining, going on a 19-6 run to tie the game. That didn't matter though, with Harrison Barnes knocking down a game-winning three at the buzzer. Three-point shooting was key all night, with Sacramento connecting on 15-of-38, while Phoenix hit just 6-of-22. In addition, the Kings bench outscored the Suns bench, 41-24.
The Kings (2-2) were led by Buddy Hield, providing 26 points, five rebounds, two steals and two blocks off the bench. Barnes led the starters with 22 points, nine rebounds and four assists. De'Aaron Fox amassed 18 points, two rebounds and nine assists. Tyrese Haliburton tallied 15 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals. Richaun Holmes had 12 points, 12 rebounds and three assists.
The Suns (1-3) were led by Devin Booker and his 31 points, six rebounds and eight assists. Deandre Ayton accrued 21 points and 21 rebounds. Mikal Bridges generated 15 points, five rebounds and two blocks. Chris Paul missed nine of his 10 shots to finish with six points, six rebounds, eight assists and two steals.
On deck for Sacramento is a road matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. As for Phoenix, they return to action on Saturday when they play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
While Phoenix led for the entirety of the first half, Sacramento rode a 29-15 third quarter to a competitive fourth quarter. In fact, they started the fourth quarter on a 13-7 run, getting their lead to a game-high 13-point lead. That 20-point turnaround allowed the Kings to hold the lead for the entire fourth quarter, despite Phoenix tying it with 35 seconds remaining, going on a 19-6 run to tie the game. That didn't matter though, with Harrison Barnes knocking down a game-winning three at the buzzer. Three-point shooting was key all night, with Sacramento connecting on 15-of-38, while Phoenix hit just 6-of-22. In addition, the Kings bench outscored the Suns bench, 41-24.
The Kings (2-2) were led by Buddy Hield, providing 26 points, five rebounds, two steals and two blocks off the bench. Barnes led the starters with 22 points, nine rebounds and four assists. De'Aaron Fox amassed 18 points, two rebounds and nine assists. Tyrese Haliburton tallied 15 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals. Richaun Holmes had 12 points, 12 rebounds and three assists.
The Suns (1-3) were led by Devin Booker and his 31 points, six rebounds and eight assists. Deandre Ayton accrued 21 points and 21 rebounds. Mikal Bridges generated 15 points, five rebounds and two blocks. Chris Paul missed nine of his 10 shots to finish with six points, six rebounds, eight assists and two steals.
On deck for Sacramento is a road matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. As for Phoenix, they return to action on Saturday when they play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Trail Blazers Defeat Grizzles, 116-96
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, 116-96, at Moda Center on Wednesday.
While there were 10 ties and 10 lead changes through the first three quarters, Portland rode a 36-20 third quarter to their blowout win. They proceeded to outscore the Grizzlies 14-1 to start the fourth quarter, grabbing a then game-high 23-point lead. It got up to 26 points at times, with the starters resting most of the fourth quarter. The Trail Blazers shot 46 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range while holding the Grizzlies to 37 percent from the field and 34 percent from long range. In addition, Portland won the turnover battle, 21-13, while outscoring them in the paint, 44-30.
The Grizzlies (2-2) were led by Desmond Bane, totaling 19 points and three rebounds. Ja Morant tallied 17 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists, despite committing nine turnovers. No other player had more than eight points, seven rebounds or four assists. John Konchar led the bench with seven points, seven rebounds and four assists.
The Trail Blazers (2-2) were led by C.J. McCollum and his 25 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Damian Lillard accrued 20 points, three rebounds and 10 assists. Jusuf Nurkic had 17 points, eight rebounds and three steals. Anfernee Simons led the bench with 17 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Memphis has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Thursday, facing the Golden State Warriors on the road. As for Portland, they return to action on Friday in a home matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers.
While there were 10 ties and 10 lead changes through the first three quarters, Portland rode a 36-20 third quarter to their blowout win. They proceeded to outscore the Grizzlies 14-1 to start the fourth quarter, grabbing a then game-high 23-point lead. It got up to 26 points at times, with the starters resting most of the fourth quarter. The Trail Blazers shot 46 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range while holding the Grizzlies to 37 percent from the field and 34 percent from long range. In addition, Portland won the turnover battle, 21-13, while outscoring them in the paint, 44-30.
The Grizzlies (2-2) were led by Desmond Bane, totaling 19 points and three rebounds. Ja Morant tallied 17 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists, despite committing nine turnovers. No other player had more than eight points, seven rebounds or four assists. John Konchar led the bench with seven points, seven rebounds and four assists.
The Trail Blazers (2-2) were led by C.J. McCollum and his 25 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Damian Lillard accrued 20 points, three rebounds and 10 assists. Jusuf Nurkic had 17 points, eight rebounds and three steals. Anfernee Simons led the bench with 17 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Memphis has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Thursday, facing the Golden State Warriors on the road. As for Portland, they return to action on Friday in a home matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Cavaliers Defeat Clippers, 92-79
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the host Los Angeles Clippers, 92-79, at Staples Center on Wednesday.
Cleveland rode a 23-14 first quarter to their double-digit victory, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, they held a double-digit lead for the final eight minutes of play. The Cavaliers held the Clippers to 36 percent from the field and 22 percent from three-point range, In addition, Cleveland shot 23-of-27 from the free-throw line while Los Angeles connected on just 8-of-13. The Cavaliers also out-rebounded the Clippers, 57-36. Cleveland outscored LA in fastbreak points, 16-10, and in second-chance points, 19-3.
The Cavaliers (3-2) were led by Collin Sexton and his 26 points, seven rebounds and three steals. Darius Garland generated 16 points, four rebounds and six assists. Evan Mobley amassed 12 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Ricky Rubio led the bench with 15 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Kevin Love amassed 10 points and 10 boards.
The Clippers (1-3) were led by Reggie Jackson, tallying 16 points, four rebounds and three assists. Nicolas Batum accumulated 16 points, four rebounds and two assists. Paul George went 6-of-20 from the field to finish with 12 points, 10 rebounds and four steals. Terance Mann led the bench with seven points, three rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Los Angeles traveling to face the Portland Trail Blazers and Cleveland staying on the West Coast to face the Los Angeles Lakers.
Cleveland rode a 23-14 first quarter to their double-digit victory, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, they held a double-digit lead for the final eight minutes of play. The Cavaliers held the Clippers to 36 percent from the field and 22 percent from three-point range, In addition, Cleveland shot 23-of-27 from the free-throw line while Los Angeles connected on just 8-of-13. The Cavaliers also out-rebounded the Clippers, 57-36. Cleveland outscored LA in fastbreak points, 16-10, and in second-chance points, 19-3.
The Cavaliers (3-2) were led by Collin Sexton and his 26 points, seven rebounds and three steals. Darius Garland generated 16 points, four rebounds and six assists. Evan Mobley amassed 12 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Ricky Rubio led the bench with 15 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Kevin Love amassed 10 points and 10 boards.
The Clippers (1-3) were led by Reggie Jackson, tallying 16 points, four rebounds and three assists. Nicolas Batum accumulated 16 points, four rebounds and two assists. Paul George went 6-of-20 from the field to finish with 12 points, 10 rebounds and four steals. Terance Mann led the bench with seven points, three rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Los Angeles traveling to face the Portland Trail Blazers and Cleveland staying on the West Coast to face the Los Angeles Lakers.