Raptors Come From Behind, Top Magic
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Orlando Magic, 110-109, at Scotiabank Arena on Friday evening.
The Raptors (3-3) and the Magic (1-5) played a tight contest and it was a game that went down to the wire, as it was decided by just one point. Toronto jumped out to a 23-20 lead in the first quarter, and they maintained that advantage after the second quarter ended with a 31-31 tie. The Magic turned things around and grabbed the lead after winning the third quarter by a 27-23 score, meaning they had a one-point lead with only 12 minutes left. However, Orlando could not take advantage of that and did not hold on to their lead. The Raptors won the final quarter by a 33-31 score and that was enough to secure a one-point lead. Toronto shot 50 percent from the field and 30 percent from three-point range, while Orlando shot 47.1 percent from both the field and deep.
Scottie Barnes carried the Raptors on offense and finished with 21 points and nine rebounds, while Fred VanVleet finished with 19 points while scoring most of his points in the fourth quarter and adding six assists as well. Gary Trent also chipped in with 19 points, while OG Anunoby contributed 16 points, five boards and three dimes. Dalano Banton mustered 10 points off the bench.
Cole Anthony carried the Magic offensively once again and finished with 24 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Jalen Suggs impressed with 21 points and four assists. Wendell Carter Jr. ended with 17 points and 12 rebounds, and Mo Bamba also had a double-double since he ended with 14 points and 18 rebounds to go along with five assists as well. Franz Wagner had 10 points and Gary Harris ended with 11 points off the bench.
The Raptors (3-3) and the Magic (1-5) played a tight contest and it was a game that went down to the wire, as it was decided by just one point. Toronto jumped out to a 23-20 lead in the first quarter, and they maintained that advantage after the second quarter ended with a 31-31 tie. The Magic turned things around and grabbed the lead after winning the third quarter by a 27-23 score, meaning they had a one-point lead with only 12 minutes left. However, Orlando could not take advantage of that and did not hold on to their lead. The Raptors won the final quarter by a 33-31 score and that was enough to secure a one-point lead. Toronto shot 50 percent from the field and 30 percent from three-point range, while Orlando shot 47.1 percent from both the field and deep.
Scottie Barnes carried the Raptors on offense and finished with 21 points and nine rebounds, while Fred VanVleet finished with 19 points while scoring most of his points in the fourth quarter and adding six assists as well. Gary Trent also chipped in with 19 points, while OG Anunoby contributed 16 points, five boards and three dimes. Dalano Banton mustered 10 points off the bench.
Cole Anthony carried the Magic offensively once again and finished with 24 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Jalen Suggs impressed with 21 points and four assists. Wendell Carter Jr. ended with 17 points and 12 rebounds, and Mo Bamba also had a double-double since he ended with 14 points and 18 rebounds to go along with five assists as well. Franz Wagner had 10 points and Gary Harris ended with 11 points off the bench.
Heat Cruise To Top Hornets
The Miami Heat defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 114-99, at FTX Arena on Friday evening.
The Heat (4-1) and the Hornets (4-2) have been two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference this season, but Miami got the best of this matchup thanks to a strong start and they never looked back. Miami jumped out to a 33-22 lead in the first quarter, and they bolstered that lead following a 31-24 score in the second quarter. Charlotte responded with a 29-20 score in the third quarter, but that was just an ocean in the desert. Miami restored the lead with a 30-24 score in the fourth quarter and that was enough to get the win. Miami shot 47.3 percent from the field, while Charlotte shot just 38.9 percent from the floor.
Jimmy Butler was the best player for the Heat since he ended with 32 points and 10 rebounds, but he also had five assists. Bam Adebayo also posted a double-double since he ended with 26 points and 19 points but also added two assists. Duncan Robinson finished with 10 points, while Tyler Herro had an excellent game off the bench since he ended with 26 points, six assists and five rebounds.
Gordon Hayward was the best player for Charlotte since he ended with 23 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Miles Bridges ended with 22 points and eight rebounds. Kelly Oubre Jr. ended with 17 points and four boards, while LaMelo Ball only mustered six points while adding six assists and five boards. Cody Martin also had a good game off the bench with 15 points, three boards and two dimes.
The Heat (4-1) and the Hornets (4-2) have been two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference this season, but Miami got the best of this matchup thanks to a strong start and they never looked back. Miami jumped out to a 33-22 lead in the first quarter, and they bolstered that lead following a 31-24 score in the second quarter. Charlotte responded with a 29-20 score in the third quarter, but that was just an ocean in the desert. Miami restored the lead with a 30-24 score in the fourth quarter and that was enough to get the win. Miami shot 47.3 percent from the field, while Charlotte shot just 38.9 percent from the floor.
Jimmy Butler was the best player for the Heat since he ended with 32 points and 10 rebounds, but he also had five assists. Bam Adebayo also posted a double-double since he ended with 26 points and 19 points but also added two assists. Duncan Robinson finished with 10 points, while Tyler Herro had an excellent game off the bench since he ended with 26 points, six assists and five rebounds.
Gordon Hayward was the best player for Charlotte since he ended with 23 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Miles Bridges ended with 22 points and eight rebounds. Kelly Oubre Jr. ended with 17 points and four boards, while LaMelo Ball only mustered six points while adding six assists and five boards. Cody Martin also had a good game off the bench with 15 points, three boards and two dimes.
Nets Get Past Pacers, 105-98
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Indiana Pacers, 105-98, at Barclays Center on Friday night.
A short-handed Pacers (1-5) squad playing without Malcolm Brogdon (hamstring) was able to get off to an encouraging start, taking a 12-point lead through one. However, the Nets (3-3) changed the dynamic of the contest in the second quarter, turning the tables on Indiana and managing to forge a three-point edge going into halftime. Brooklyn kept its foot on the gas in the third as well, adding another eight points to their advantage and then hanging on in the final period for the relatively narrow victory.
Torrey Craig led the way for the Pacers with a 28-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Chris Duarte supplied 19 points, four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Domantas Sabonis registered 16 points, seven rebounds, six assists, three steals and one block. Jeremy Lamb contributed 12 points, while Myles Turner mustered nine points, nine rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal.
James Harden paced the Nets with 29 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and one steal. Kevin Durant generated a 22-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included seven assists and one steal. LaMarcus Aldridge supplied 21 points, eight rebounds, one steal and one block.
The Pacers next host the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night, while the Nets host the Detroit Pistons on Sunday night.
A short-handed Pacers (1-5) squad playing without Malcolm Brogdon (hamstring) was able to get off to an encouraging start, taking a 12-point lead through one. However, the Nets (3-3) changed the dynamic of the contest in the second quarter, turning the tables on Indiana and managing to forge a three-point edge going into halftime. Brooklyn kept its foot on the gas in the third as well, adding another eight points to their advantage and then hanging on in the final period for the relatively narrow victory.
Torrey Craig led the way for the Pacers with a 28-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Chris Duarte supplied 19 points, four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Domantas Sabonis registered 16 points, seven rebounds, six assists, three steals and one block. Jeremy Lamb contributed 12 points, while Myles Turner mustered nine points, nine rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal.
James Harden paced the Nets with 29 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and one steal. Kevin Durant generated a 22-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included seven assists and one steal. LaMarcus Aldridge supplied 21 points, eight rebounds, one steal and one block.
The Pacers next host the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night, while the Nets host the Detroit Pistons on Sunday night.
Kings Get Past Pelicans, 113-109
The Sacramento Kings defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 113-109, at Smoothie King Center on Friday night.
The Kings (3-2) hit the ground running from the opening tip, turning a seven-point first-quarter lead into an 11-point advantage. However, the Pelicans (1-5) came out of the halftime locker room playing effectively on both ends of the floor, outscoring Sacramento by a 24-18 margin in the third quarter. Each squad then got hot from the field in the final period, and although New Orleans got as close as within three points with 19.8 seconds remaining, a pair of free throws apiece by Buddy Hield and Harrison Barnes sealed the win for the visitors.
De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 23 points, complementing them with seven rebounds and five assists. Richaun Holmes provided 21 points, six rebounds, one assist and one block. Hield tallied 20 points, six boards, one assist and two steals. Barnes generated an 18-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included two assists. Tyrese Haliburton supplied 17 points, eight assists, two rebounds and one block.
Jonas Valanciunas paced the Pelicans with a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included one assist, two steals and two blocks. Brandon Ingram delivered 22 points, six rebounds and six assists. Devonte Graham registered 16 points, three boards, two assists and two steals. Herbert Jones poured in 12 points, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker managed 11 points, four rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal.
The Kings remain on the road and visit the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday afternoon, while the Pelicans host the New York Knicks on Saturday night.
The Kings (3-2) hit the ground running from the opening tip, turning a seven-point first-quarter lead into an 11-point advantage. However, the Pelicans (1-5) came out of the halftime locker room playing effectively on both ends of the floor, outscoring Sacramento by a 24-18 margin in the third quarter. Each squad then got hot from the field in the final period, and although New Orleans got as close as within three points with 19.8 seconds remaining, a pair of free throws apiece by Buddy Hield and Harrison Barnes sealed the win for the visitors.
De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 23 points, complementing them with seven rebounds and five assists. Richaun Holmes provided 21 points, six rebounds, one assist and one block. Hield tallied 20 points, six boards, one assist and two steals. Barnes generated an 18-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included two assists. Tyrese Haliburton supplied 17 points, eight assists, two rebounds and one block.
Jonas Valanciunas paced the Pelicans with a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included one assist, two steals and two blocks. Brandon Ingram delivered 22 points, six rebounds and six assists. Devonte Graham registered 16 points, three boards, two assists and two steals. Herbert Jones poured in 12 points, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker managed 11 points, four rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal.
The Kings remain on the road and visit the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday afternoon, while the Pelicans host the New York Knicks on Saturday night.
Nuggets Top Visiting Mavs In Blowout
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Dallas Mavericks, 106-75, at Ball Arena on Friday evening.
The Nuggets jumped out to an early 11-point lead and held a, 29-21, lead after one quarter. The Mavericks made a push in the second and took a brief lead early in the quarter, before the Nuggets reclaimed control and rallied to a 10-point lead by halftime. The Nuggets ran away with the game in the third quarter as they outscored the visitors, 33-12, in the frame to increase the deficit to 31, heading in the final frame. The Mavs had no answers down the stretch, as the Nuggets were able to cruise to the home win and end a two-game slide, while this marks the end of a three-game win streak for the Mavericks.
Will Barton led the way for the Nuggets with 17 points, six assists and five rebounds, in 27 minutes of action. Jeff Green followed up with 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting, while Aaron Gordon added 13 points, five rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The Nuggets shot 52 percent from the field, including 11-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, only two players scored in double digits for the Mavs, as Luka Doncic led the way with 16 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 26 minutes, while Trey Burke chipped in 11 points, in 16 minutes off the bench. The Mavs shot 29.5 percent from the field, including 8-of-37 from downtown.
The Mavericks (3-2) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Kings on Sunday. The Nuggets (3-2) will be right back in action on Saturday, when they take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota.
The Nuggets jumped out to an early 11-point lead and held a, 29-21, lead after one quarter. The Mavericks made a push in the second and took a brief lead early in the quarter, before the Nuggets reclaimed control and rallied to a 10-point lead by halftime. The Nuggets ran away with the game in the third quarter as they outscored the visitors, 33-12, in the frame to increase the deficit to 31, heading in the final frame. The Mavs had no answers down the stretch, as the Nuggets were able to cruise to the home win and end a two-game slide, while this marks the end of a three-game win streak for the Mavericks.
Will Barton led the way for the Nuggets with 17 points, six assists and five rebounds, in 27 minutes of action. Jeff Green followed up with 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting, while Aaron Gordon added 13 points, five rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The Nuggets shot 52 percent from the field, including 11-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, only two players scored in double digits for the Mavs, as Luka Doncic led the way with 16 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 26 minutes, while Trey Burke chipped in 11 points, in 16 minutes off the bench. The Mavs shot 29.5 percent from the field, including 8-of-37 from downtown.
The Mavericks (3-2) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Kings on Sunday. The Nuggets (3-2) will be right back in action on Saturday, when they take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota.
Trail Blazers Defeat Clippers, 111-92
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Los Angeles Clippers, 111-92, at Moda Center on Friday.
Portland won all four individual quarters in this game, riding a 23-16 third quarter and a 35-25 fourth quarter to their blowout victory. Los Angeles actually got it down to a four-point margin midway through the fourth quarter but never took a shot to tie the game in the second half, The Trail Blazers out-rebounded the Clippers, 63-43, while out-assisting them, 21-17. In addition, Portland shot 19-of-41 from three-point range while holding the Clippers to 15-of-42 from long range.
The Clippers (1-4) had just one starter reach double figures in scoring, with Paul George collecting 42 points, eight rebounds and two assists on 15-of-24 from the field. Luke Kennard led the bench with 16 points, four rebounds and two steals. Reggie Jackson generated eight points, four rebounds and four assists, while the other three starters combined for eight points.
The Trail Blazers (3-2) were led by Damian Lillard and his 25 points, four rebounds and six assists. C.J. McCollum amassed 14 points and two blocks. Jusuf Nurkic collected 14 points, 17 rebounds, three assists and two steals. Norman Powell returned to provide 12 points and three boards, while Cody Zeller led the bench with nine points and seven boards.
On deck for Portland is a road matchup with the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. As for Los Angeles, they return to action on Monday in a favorable home matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Portland won all four individual quarters in this game, riding a 23-16 third quarter and a 35-25 fourth quarter to their blowout victory. Los Angeles actually got it down to a four-point margin midway through the fourth quarter but never took a shot to tie the game in the second half, The Trail Blazers out-rebounded the Clippers, 63-43, while out-assisting them, 21-17. In addition, Portland shot 19-of-41 from three-point range while holding the Clippers to 15-of-42 from long range.
The Clippers (1-4) had just one starter reach double figures in scoring, with Paul George collecting 42 points, eight rebounds and two assists on 15-of-24 from the field. Luke Kennard led the bench with 16 points, four rebounds and two steals. Reggie Jackson generated eight points, four rebounds and four assists, while the other three starters combined for eight points.
The Trail Blazers (3-2) were led by Damian Lillard and his 25 points, four rebounds and six assists. C.J. McCollum amassed 14 points and two blocks. Jusuf Nurkic collected 14 points, 17 rebounds, three assists and two steals. Norman Powell returned to provide 12 points and three boards, while Cody Zeller led the bench with nine points and seven boards.
On deck for Portland is a road matchup with the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. As for Los Angeles, they return to action on Monday in a favorable home matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Lakers Defeat Cavaliers, 113-101
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, 113-101, at Staples Center on Friday.
It took nine ties and eight lead changes to determine a winner in this game, with neither team leading by more than 12 points. The Lakers actually outscored the Cavaliers, 59-47, in the second half. Most of that damage was done late, finishing on a 23-10 run across the final 7:15, holding Cleveland to just two made shots in that span. Los Angeles ended up shooting 55 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while holding Cleveland to 43 percent from the field and 35 percent from long range. In addition, the Lakers out-rebounded the Cavaliers, 42-36, while out-blocking them, 6-1.
The Cavaliers (3-3) were led by Evan Mobley, hitting 10 of his 16 shots to tally 23 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Darius Garland generated 18 points and 11 assists. Lauri Markkanen amassed 17 points and three boards while Ricky Rubio led the bench with 18 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals.
The Lakers (3-3) were led by LeBron James and his 26 points, three rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Russell Westbrook tallied 19 points, six rebounds and five assists. Anthony Davis accrued 15 points, nine rebounds and three assists while Carmelo Anthony provided 24 points off the bench on 9-of-12 from the field.
Cleveland has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, facing the Phoenix Suns on the road. As for the Lakers. they play host to the Houston Rockets on Friday for their next fixture.
It took nine ties and eight lead changes to determine a winner in this game, with neither team leading by more than 12 points. The Lakers actually outscored the Cavaliers, 59-47, in the second half. Most of that damage was done late, finishing on a 23-10 run across the final 7:15, holding Cleveland to just two made shots in that span. Los Angeles ended up shooting 55 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while holding Cleveland to 43 percent from the field and 35 percent from long range. In addition, the Lakers out-rebounded the Cavaliers, 42-36, while out-blocking them, 6-1.
The Cavaliers (3-3) were led by Evan Mobley, hitting 10 of his 16 shots to tally 23 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Darius Garland generated 18 points and 11 assists. Lauri Markkanen amassed 17 points and three boards while Ricky Rubio led the bench with 18 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals.
The Lakers (3-3) were led by LeBron James and his 26 points, three rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Russell Westbrook tallied 19 points, six rebounds and five assists. Anthony Davis accrued 15 points, nine rebounds and three assists while Carmelo Anthony provided 24 points off the bench on 9-of-12 from the field.
Cleveland has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, facing the Phoenix Suns on the road. As for the Lakers. they play host to the Houston Rockets on Friday for their next fixture.