Wizards Top Celtics After Two Overtime Periods
The Washington Wizards defeated the Boston Celtics, 115-112, at Capital One Arena on Saturday evening.
The Wizards (5-1) remain one of the biggest surprises of the season and managed to inflict more damage on Ime Udoka's Celtics (2-4), though this was a tight game that needed two overtime periods to find a winner. The Wizards were on top early on and led by five points following the first quarter, although they found a way to make it a six-point game at the break. Boston responded with a 26-23 score in the third and a two-point lead over the final 12 minutes of action, so overtime was needed to determine a winner. Not even one extra time was enough, as the Celtics failed to close things out, and Washington took advantage of that to run away with the victory in the second OT. A key defensive from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was the play the decided the game in the Wizards' favor. Washington shot 36.5 percent from the field while Boston made 41.1 percent of their attempts. The real difference came on the three-point shooting, where Boston went a meager 2-for-26 (7.7 percent) while the Wizards shot 27.8 percent from deep.
Bradley Beal carried Washington on offense and posted 36 points to go along with seven rebounds and six assists, while both Montrezl Harrell and Spencer Dinwiddie chipped in with 20 points. While Harrell recorded 14 rebounds as well, Dinwiddie contributed nine boards and four assists. Kyle Kuzma had an impressive double-double of 17 points and 17 rebounds, while no other Washington player scored in double digits in this one.
Jayson Tatum had a strong game for the Celtics, as he ended with 27 points and 15 rebounds, but he also added three assists, two steals and a block. Jaylen Brown continued his inconsistent ways and led Boston in scoring this time, pouring 34 points to go along with six rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. Jason Richardson had 18 points off the bench.
The Wizards (5-1) remain one of the biggest surprises of the season and managed to inflict more damage on Ime Udoka's Celtics (2-4), though this was a tight game that needed two overtime periods to find a winner. The Wizards were on top early on and led by five points following the first quarter, although they found a way to make it a six-point game at the break. Boston responded with a 26-23 score in the third and a two-point lead over the final 12 minutes of action, so overtime was needed to determine a winner. Not even one extra time was enough, as the Celtics failed to close things out, and Washington took advantage of that to run away with the victory in the second OT. A key defensive from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was the play the decided the game in the Wizards' favor. Washington shot 36.5 percent from the field while Boston made 41.1 percent of their attempts. The real difference came on the three-point shooting, where Boston went a meager 2-for-26 (7.7 percent) while the Wizards shot 27.8 percent from deep.
Bradley Beal carried Washington on offense and posted 36 points to go along with seven rebounds and six assists, while both Montrezl Harrell and Spencer Dinwiddie chipped in with 20 points. While Harrell recorded 14 rebounds as well, Dinwiddie contributed nine boards and four assists. Kyle Kuzma had an impressive double-double of 17 points and 17 rebounds, while no other Washington player scored in double digits in this one.
Jayson Tatum had a strong game for the Celtics, as he ended with 27 points and 15 rebounds, but he also added three assists, two steals and a block. Jaylen Brown continued his inconsistent ways and led Boston in scoring this time, pouring 34 points to go along with six rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. Jason Richardson had 18 points off the bench.
Knicks Cruise, Win Easily Over Pelicans
The New York Knicks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 123-117, at Smoothie King Center on Saturday night.
The Knicks (5-1) now own the league's best record and delivered an impressive performance on both sides of the ball, winning easily -- despite what the scoreline indicates -- on the road against the Pelicans (1-6), a team that keeps trending in the wrong direction. The Knicks got off to a strong start and jumped out to a 34-28 lead in the first quarter to set the tone of the contest, but New Orleans shortened the gap with a 31-29 second quarter that made it a four-point game at the halftime break. The Knicks would not lose the grip at any point during the second half and while the Pelicans stayed close to them, they couldn't complete the comeback. In fact, New York won both the third and fourth quarters by one point each, 25-24 and 35-34, to walk away with the victory.
R.J. Barrett had an impressive performance in this game and carried the Knicks offensively with 35 points on 12-for-18 shooting, but he also added eight rebounds and six assists. Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier each delivered 19 points, though Walker did a better job of stuffing the box score with five assists, four rebounds and four steals. Julius Randle had 10 points, six rebounds and four assists, and Taj Gibson delivered 13 points and seven boards off the bench.
Jonas Valanciunas led the Pelicans on offense and finished with 27 points and 14 rebounds, while Devonte' Graham finished with 17 points and eight assists to go along with three steals. Josh Hart had 16 points and eight rebounds, Nickeil Alexander-Walker mustered 13 points and six dimes, and Herbert Jones added 12 points with five assists, three boards and three steals. Kira Lewis Jr. mustered 12 points off the bench.
The Knicks (5-1) now own the league's best record and delivered an impressive performance on both sides of the ball, winning easily -- despite what the scoreline indicates -- on the road against the Pelicans (1-6), a team that keeps trending in the wrong direction. The Knicks got off to a strong start and jumped out to a 34-28 lead in the first quarter to set the tone of the contest, but New Orleans shortened the gap with a 31-29 second quarter that made it a four-point game at the halftime break. The Knicks would not lose the grip at any point during the second half and while the Pelicans stayed close to them, they couldn't complete the comeback. In fact, New York won both the third and fourth quarters by one point each, 25-24 and 35-34, to walk away with the victory.
R.J. Barrett had an impressive performance in this game and carried the Knicks offensively with 35 points on 12-for-18 shooting, but he also added eight rebounds and six assists. Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier each delivered 19 points, though Walker did a better job of stuffing the box score with five assists, four rebounds and four steals. Julius Randle had 10 points, six rebounds and four assists, and Taj Gibson delivered 13 points and seven boards off the bench.
Jonas Valanciunas led the Pelicans on offense and finished with 27 points and 14 rebounds, while Devonte' Graham finished with 17 points and eight assists to go along with three steals. Josh Hart had 16 points and eight rebounds, Nickeil Alexander-Walker mustered 13 points and six dimes, and Herbert Jones added 12 points with five assists, three boards and three steals. Kira Lewis Jr. mustered 12 points off the bench.
Pistons Top Magic For First Win Of The Season
By Dan Bruno
The Detroit Pistons defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 110-103, at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start, but the Pistons took a five-point lead after one quarter. They pushed their lead up to nine, early in the second, but the Magic rallied back to cut it to a one-point game by halftime. The Magic stayed strong to start the third and took a seven-point lead mid way through the quarter, before the Pistons closed the quarter on a, 27-11, run to take a nine-point lead into the final frame. They kept the momentum going and pushed their lead to a game-high 18 points, with five minutes left in the contest, which was enough for the Pistons to close out their first win of the season.
First-overall pick, Cade Cunningham made his NBA debut and finished with just two points on 1-of-8 shooting, in 19 minutes. Jerami Grant led the way for the Pistons with 22 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a steal. Kelly Olynyk followed up with 18 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks, while Josh Jackson chipped in 13 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block, off the bench.
Meanwhile, Franz Wagner led the Magic with 19 points on 8-of-15 shooting, in 28 minutes. Cole Anthony followed up with 15 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, while Moritz Wagner chipped in 13 points and five rebounds, off the bench.
The Pistons (1-4) will be right back in action, as they take on the Nets in Brooklyn on Sunday.
The contest got out to a competitive start, but the Pistons took a five-point lead after one quarter. They pushed their lead up to nine, early in the second, but the Magic rallied back to cut it to a one-point game by halftime. The Magic stayed strong to start the third and took a seven-point lead mid way through the quarter, before the Pistons closed the quarter on a, 27-11, run to take a nine-point lead into the final frame. They kept the momentum going and pushed their lead to a game-high 18 points, with five minutes left in the contest, which was enough for the Pistons to close out their first win of the season.
First-overall pick, Cade Cunningham made his NBA debut and finished with just two points on 1-of-8 shooting, in 19 minutes. Jerami Grant led the way for the Pistons with 22 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a steal. Kelly Olynyk followed up with 18 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks, while Josh Jackson chipped in 13 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block, off the bench.
Meanwhile, Franz Wagner led the Magic with 19 points on 8-of-15 shooting, in 28 minutes. Cole Anthony followed up with 15 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, while Moritz Wagner chipped in 13 points and five rebounds, off the bench.
The Pistons (1-4) will be right back in action, as they take on the Nets in Brooklyn on Sunday.
Raptors Hold On, Top Pacers In Tight Affair
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Indiana Pacers, 97-94, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday night.
The Raptors (4-3) and the Pacers (1-6) played a tight game that went down to the wire, and while Indiana got off to a better start, Toronto eventually rallied back and held on to their slim lead to close things out in the fourth. The Pacers jumped out to a 25-22 lead in the first quarter, but the Raptors responded with a 24-22 score in the second 12 minutes of action, making it a one-point game at the halftime break. The Raptors would grab the lead at the end of the third following a 21-19 quarter, and kept that tendency of winning each quarter by just points in the fourth as well. They outscored Indiana by a 30-28 score, and they finished with a tight win on the road. Toronto shot 42.4 percent from the field and 34.4 percent from deep, while the Pacers shot 43.2 percent from the field and 30.2 percent from three-point range.
Scottie Barnes continued his excellent start to the season with a team-high 21-point outing that also included 12 rebounds, while OG Anunoby contributed 15 points, five rebounds and five assists. Fred VanVleet ended with 16 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Svy Mykhailiuk made his presence felt off he bench with 16 points.
Domantas Sabonis had 22 points for the Pacers but also added 14 rebounds, three steals and two assists, while Caris LeVert mustered 15 points in his return to action. Chris Duarte had 12 points, six assists and six rebounds, while Myles Turner had a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds, but he also chipped in with five blocks and four assists.
The Raptors (4-3) and the Pacers (1-6) played a tight game that went down to the wire, and while Indiana got off to a better start, Toronto eventually rallied back and held on to their slim lead to close things out in the fourth. The Pacers jumped out to a 25-22 lead in the first quarter, but the Raptors responded with a 24-22 score in the second 12 minutes of action, making it a one-point game at the halftime break. The Raptors would grab the lead at the end of the third following a 21-19 quarter, and kept that tendency of winning each quarter by just points in the fourth as well. They outscored Indiana by a 30-28 score, and they finished with a tight win on the road. Toronto shot 42.4 percent from the field and 34.4 percent from deep, while the Pacers shot 43.2 percent from the field and 30.2 percent from three-point range.
Scottie Barnes continued his excellent start to the season with a team-high 21-point outing that also included 12 rebounds, while OG Anunoby contributed 15 points, five rebounds and five assists. Fred VanVleet ended with 16 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Svy Mykhailiuk made his presence felt off he bench with 16 points.
Domantas Sabonis had 22 points for the Pacers but also added 14 rebounds, three steals and two assists, while Caris LeVert mustered 15 points in his return to action. Chris Duarte had 12 points, six assists and six rebounds, while Myles Turner had a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds, but he also chipped in with five blocks and four assists.
Sixers Dominant In Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the visiting Atlanta Hawks, 122-94, at Wells Fargo Center on Saturday evening.
The Sixers jumped out of the gates at home, with a, 28-15, lead after one quarter. The Hawks picked up their offense in the second but could not cut into the deficit, as the Sixers outscored them by one point in the quarter, to take a 14-point lead into the break. The Sixers picked up where they left off in the third and outscored the visitors by six points in the frame, increasing their advantage to 20, heading into the fourth. The Hawks had no answers in the fourth, as the 76ers were able to cruise to their second straight win, while this marks the second straight loss for the Hawks.
Tobias Harris led the way for the Sixers with 22 points, 11 rebounds and four assists, in 31 minutes. Joel Embiid followed up with 19 points, five rebounds, two assists and a block, while Tyrese Maxey added 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting. The 76ers shot 53 percent from the field, including 12-of-38 from long range.
Meanwhile, Cam Reddish was the high-point man for the Hawks with 16 points on 7-of-14 shooting, in 20 minutes off the bench. Trae Young added 13 points and 10 assists, while Clint Capela tallied 11 points and 12 rebounds. The Hawks shot 38 percent from the field, including 8-of-22 from deep.
The Hawks (3-3) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Wizards on Monday. The 76ers (4-2) play host to the Trail Blazers on Monday.
The Sixers jumped out of the gates at home, with a, 28-15, lead after one quarter. The Hawks picked up their offense in the second but could not cut into the deficit, as the Sixers outscored them by one point in the quarter, to take a 14-point lead into the break. The Sixers picked up where they left off in the third and outscored the visitors by six points in the frame, increasing their advantage to 20, heading into the fourth. The Hawks had no answers in the fourth, as the 76ers were able to cruise to their second straight win, while this marks the second straight loss for the Hawks.
Tobias Harris led the way for the Sixers with 22 points, 11 rebounds and four assists, in 31 minutes. Joel Embiid followed up with 19 points, five rebounds, two assists and a block, while Tyrese Maxey added 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting. The 76ers shot 53 percent from the field, including 12-of-38 from long range.
Meanwhile, Cam Reddish was the high-point man for the Hawks with 16 points on 7-of-14 shooting, in 20 minutes off the bench. Trae Young added 13 points and 10 assists, while Clint Capela tallied 11 points and 12 rebounds. The Hawks shot 38 percent from the field, including 8-of-22 from deep.
The Hawks (3-3) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Wizards on Monday. The 76ers (4-2) play host to the Trail Blazers on Monday.
Bulls Come Up Big At Home To Topple Jazz
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 107-99, at United Center on Saturday evening.
The contest got out to a tight start, as the Bulls led, 25-24, after one quarter. They picked up some momentum early in the second and rallied to an 11-point lead, but the Jazz bounced back to take a three-point lead by halftime. The Bulls came out strong again in the third and outscored the visitors, 25-15, in the quarter to take a seven-point lead into the final frame. They carried the momentum into the fourth and pushed the lead to a game-high 17 points mid way through the quarter, which was enough to hang on and hand the Jazz their first loss of the season.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 32 points on 13-of-22 shooting, in 35 minutes. Zach LaVine followed up with 26 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Nikola Vucevic totaled 16 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Bulls shot 43 percent from the field, including 5-of-21 from long range.
Meanwhile, Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 30 points on 9-of-27 shooting, and 10-of-10 shooting from the foul line. Rudy Gobert totaled 17 points, 19 rebounds, three blocks and a steal, while Jordan Clarkson chipped in 16 points, off the bench. The Jazz shot 38 percent from the field, including 11-of-38 from deep.
The Jazz (4-1) will look to get back on track as they take on the Bucks in Milwaukee on Sunday. The Bulls (5-1) take on the Celtics in Boston on Monday.
The contest got out to a tight start, as the Bulls led, 25-24, after one quarter. They picked up some momentum early in the second and rallied to an 11-point lead, but the Jazz bounced back to take a three-point lead by halftime. The Bulls came out strong again in the third and outscored the visitors, 25-15, in the quarter to take a seven-point lead into the final frame. They carried the momentum into the fourth and pushed the lead to a game-high 17 points mid way through the quarter, which was enough to hang on and hand the Jazz their first loss of the season.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 32 points on 13-of-22 shooting, in 35 minutes. Zach LaVine followed up with 26 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Nikola Vucevic totaled 16 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Bulls shot 43 percent from the field, including 5-of-21 from long range.
Meanwhile, Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 30 points on 9-of-27 shooting, and 10-of-10 shooting from the foul line. Rudy Gobert totaled 17 points, 19 rebounds, three blocks and a steal, while Jordan Clarkson chipped in 16 points, off the bench. The Jazz shot 38 percent from the field, including 11-of-38 from deep.
The Jazz (4-1) will look to get back on track as they take on the Bucks in Milwaukee on Sunday. The Bulls (5-1) take on the Celtics in Boston on Monday.
Spurs Outlast Bucks In Milwaukee
By Dan Bruno
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the host Milwaukee Bucks, 102-93, at Fiserv Forum on Saturday evening.
The contest got out to a tight start, as the Spurs led, 27-24, after one quarter. It stayed close through the second, but the Bucks were able to push ahead with a two-point lead by halftime. The contest remained a low-scoring one through the third, where the Spurs outscored the hosts, 24-20, to take a, 69-67, lead into the final frame. The Spurs carried the momentum into the fourth, where they pushed to a six-point lead mid way through the quarter. The Bucks were not able to reclaim any control, as the visitors eventually increased the deficit to 10 points and held on to close out the impressive road win. This marks the end of a four-game slide for the Spurs, while it marks the second straight loss for the Bucks.
Dejounte Murray led the way for the Spurs with 23 points, nine assists, five rebounds and three steals, in 37 minutes. Derrick White followed up with 17 points, four assists, two rebounds and a block, while Keldon Johnson totaled 12 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The Spurs shot 41 percent from the field, including 7-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 28 points, 13 rebounds and three assists, in 34 minutes. Khris Middleton followed up with 19 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals, while Grayson Allen added 12 points and five rebounds. The Bucks shot 40 percent from the field, including 10-of-39 from deep.
The Bucks (3-3) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Jazz on Sunday. The Spurs (2-4) take on the Pacers in Indiana on Monday.
The contest got out to a tight start, as the Spurs led, 27-24, after one quarter. It stayed close through the second, but the Bucks were able to push ahead with a two-point lead by halftime. The contest remained a low-scoring one through the third, where the Spurs outscored the hosts, 24-20, to take a, 69-67, lead into the final frame. The Spurs carried the momentum into the fourth, where they pushed to a six-point lead mid way through the quarter. The Bucks were not able to reclaim any control, as the visitors eventually increased the deficit to 10 points and held on to close out the impressive road win. This marks the end of a four-game slide for the Spurs, while it marks the second straight loss for the Bucks.
Dejounte Murray led the way for the Spurs with 23 points, nine assists, five rebounds and three steals, in 37 minutes. Derrick White followed up with 17 points, four assists, two rebounds and a block, while Keldon Johnson totaled 12 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The Spurs shot 41 percent from the field, including 7-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 28 points, 13 rebounds and three assists, in 34 minutes. Khris Middleton followed up with 19 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals, while Grayson Allen added 12 points and five rebounds. The Bucks shot 40 percent from the field, including 10-of-39 from deep.
The Bucks (3-3) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Jazz on Sunday. The Spurs (2-4) take on the Pacers in Indiana on Monday.
Heat Earn Fourth Straight Win In Blowout Fashion
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat defeated the host Memphis Grizzlies, 129-103, at FedEx Forum on Saturday evening.
The Heat got out to a hot start with a, 38-22, lead after one quarter, and they pushed the advantage to 19 points mid way through the second, before the Grizzlies woke up and managed to trim it back to a 13-point game by halftime. However, the Heat came out on fire again in the third and outscored the hosts by 10 points in the frame, to take a 23-point lead into the fourth quarter. The Grizzlies had no answers down the stretch, as the Heat were able to cruise to their fourth straight win.
Jimmy Butler led the way for the Heat with 27 points, seven assists, five rebounds and three steals, in 30 minutes. Tyler Herro followed up with 22 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Kyle Lowry and Duncan Robinson added 15 points each. The Heat shot 52 percent from the field, including 21-of-37 from long range.
Meanwhile, Ja Morant and De'Anthony Melton tallied 20 points each to lead the Grizzlies. Desmond Bane followed up with 17 points, while Kyle Anderson was the only other player to score in double digits, with 13 points, off the bench. The Grizzlies shot 39 percent from the field, including 16-of-50 from deep.
The Grizzlies (3-3) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nuggets on Monday. The Heat (5-1) take on the Mavs in Dallas on Tuesday.
The Heat got out to a hot start with a, 38-22, lead after one quarter, and they pushed the advantage to 19 points mid way through the second, before the Grizzlies woke up and managed to trim it back to a 13-point game by halftime. However, the Heat came out on fire again in the third and outscored the hosts by 10 points in the frame, to take a 23-point lead into the fourth quarter. The Grizzlies had no answers down the stretch, as the Heat were able to cruise to their fourth straight win.
Jimmy Butler led the way for the Heat with 27 points, seven assists, five rebounds and three steals, in 30 minutes. Tyler Herro followed up with 22 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Kyle Lowry and Duncan Robinson added 15 points each. The Heat shot 52 percent from the field, including 21-of-37 from long range.
Meanwhile, Ja Morant and De'Anthony Melton tallied 20 points each to lead the Grizzlies. Desmond Bane followed up with 17 points, while Kyle Anderson was the only other player to score in double digits, with 13 points, off the bench. The Grizzlies shot 39 percent from the field, including 16-of-50 from deep.
The Grizzlies (3-3) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nuggets on Monday. The Heat (5-1) take on the Mavs in Dallas on Tuesday.
Warriors Defeat Thunder, 103-82
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 103-82, at Chase Center on Saturday.
Golden State won each of the first three quarters in this game by at least three points apiece, riding a 28-20 first quarter and 27-14 third quarter to their blowout win. In fact, that 28-20 first quarter allowed them to win in wire-to-wire fashion, holding a double-digit lead for the final 22 minutes. The Warriors shot 42 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range while holding the Thunder to 36 percent from the field and 21 percent from long range. In addition, Golden State out-rebounded Oklahoma City, 56-45, while out-assisting them, 30-14.
The Thunder (1-5) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his 15 points, five rebounds and two assists. Luguentz Dort amassed 14 points, one steal and one block. Josh Giddey accrued 10 points, four rebounds and six assists. Aleksej Pokusevski led the bench with seven points and nine boards.
The Warriors (5-1) were led by Stephen Curry, tallying 20 points, five rebounds and six assists. Draymond Green collected 14 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. Andrew Wiggins had 14 points and two boards while Jordan Poole provided 14 points, three rebounds and four assists. Otto Porter led the bench with 10 points.
On deck for Oklahoma City is a road matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday. As for Golden State, they're off until Wednesday when they play host to the Charlotte Hornets.
Golden State won each of the first three quarters in this game by at least three points apiece, riding a 28-20 first quarter and 27-14 third quarter to their blowout win. In fact, that 28-20 first quarter allowed them to win in wire-to-wire fashion, holding a double-digit lead for the final 22 minutes. The Warriors shot 42 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range while holding the Thunder to 36 percent from the field and 21 percent from long range. In addition, Golden State out-rebounded Oklahoma City, 56-45, while out-assisting them, 30-14.
The Thunder (1-5) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his 15 points, five rebounds and two assists. Luguentz Dort amassed 14 points, one steal and one block. Josh Giddey accrued 10 points, four rebounds and six assists. Aleksej Pokusevski led the bench with seven points and nine boards.
The Warriors (5-1) were led by Stephen Curry, tallying 20 points, five rebounds and six assists. Draymond Green collected 14 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. Andrew Wiggins had 14 points and two boards while Jordan Poole provided 14 points, three rebounds and four assists. Otto Porter led the bench with 10 points.
On deck for Oklahoma City is a road matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday. As for Golden State, they're off until Wednesday when they play host to the Charlotte Hornets.
Nuggets Defeat T'Wolves, 93-91
The Denver Nuggets defeated the host Minnesota Timberwolves, 93-91, at Target Center on Saturday.
While Minnesota led for over 40 minutes of this game, Denver was the one to prevail. In fact, they rode a 24-18 fourth quarter to their comeback win, forcing two missed layups in the final two seconds to hold on. The Nuggets recorded 11 steals and 11 blocks while the T'Wolves had just 14 combined steals and blocks. In addition, Denver out-rebounded Minnesota, 60-52.
The Nuggets (4-2) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 26 points, 19 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks. Monte Morris amassed 16 points, four rebounds and five assists. Aaron Gordon tallied 12 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Michael Porter amassed seven points, 12 rebounds and three assists.
The Timberwolves (3-2) were led by Karl-Anthony Towns and his 14 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Malik Beasley led the bench with 18 points, two rebounds and two assists. D'Angelo Russell registered 14 points, six assists and two steals, while Anthony Edwards totaled 14 points and 11 boards. Naz Reid also provided 12 points, four rebounds and two blocks.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Denver staying on the road to face the Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota remaining home to play the Orlando Magic.
While Minnesota led for over 40 minutes of this game, Denver was the one to prevail. In fact, they rode a 24-18 fourth quarter to their comeback win, forcing two missed layups in the final two seconds to hold on. The Nuggets recorded 11 steals and 11 blocks while the T'Wolves had just 14 combined steals and blocks. In addition, Denver out-rebounded Minnesota, 60-52.
The Nuggets (4-2) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 26 points, 19 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks. Monte Morris amassed 16 points, four rebounds and five assists. Aaron Gordon tallied 12 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Michael Porter amassed seven points, 12 rebounds and three assists.
The Timberwolves (3-2) were led by Karl-Anthony Towns and his 14 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Malik Beasley led the bench with 18 points, two rebounds and two assists. D'Angelo Russell registered 14 points, six assists and two steals, while Anthony Edwards totaled 14 points and 11 boards. Naz Reid also provided 12 points, four rebounds and two blocks.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Denver staying on the road to face the Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota remaining home to play the Orlando Magic.
Suns Defeat Cavaliers, 101-92
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, 101-92, at Footprint Center on Saturday.
While Cleveland got out to a 31-24 lead after the first quarter, Phoenix proceeded to outscore them, 54-34, in the middle quarters to take control. In fact, the Suns got their lead up to 24 points at times, holding the lead for the entirety of the second half. The nine-point final margin was the closest it got in the final 20 minutes. The Suns shot 46 percent from the field while holding the Cavaliers below 40 percent. In addition, Phoenix out-assisted Cleveland, 27-21, while winning the turnover battle, 19-13.
The Cavaliers (3-4) were led by Cedi Osman, providing 20 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals off the bench. Lauri Markkanen led the starters with 11 points, two assists and two blocks. Darius Garland generated 11 points, three rebounds and five assists. Kevin Love amassed 11 points and 12 boards off the bench as well.
The Suns (2-3) were led by Devin Booker and his 27 points, four rebounds and nine assists. Deandre Ayton accrued 17 points, 12 rebounds and three steals. Chris Paul collected 16 points, two rebounds, 10 assists and four steals while Mikal Bridges had 10 points, five rebounds and three assists. Cameron Johnson led the bench with 10 points.
Cleveland returns to action on Monday in a road matchup with the Charlotte Hornets. As for Phoenix, they play host to the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday for their next outing.
While Cleveland got out to a 31-24 lead after the first quarter, Phoenix proceeded to outscore them, 54-34, in the middle quarters to take control. In fact, the Suns got their lead up to 24 points at times, holding the lead for the entirety of the second half. The nine-point final margin was the closest it got in the final 20 minutes. The Suns shot 46 percent from the field while holding the Cavaliers below 40 percent. In addition, Phoenix out-assisted Cleveland, 27-21, while winning the turnover battle, 19-13.
The Cavaliers (3-4) were led by Cedi Osman, providing 20 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals off the bench. Lauri Markkanen led the starters with 11 points, two assists and two blocks. Darius Garland generated 11 points, three rebounds and five assists. Kevin Love amassed 11 points and 12 boards off the bench as well.
The Suns (2-3) were led by Devin Booker and his 27 points, four rebounds and nine assists. Deandre Ayton accrued 17 points, 12 rebounds and three steals. Chris Paul collected 16 points, two rebounds, 10 assists and four steals while Mikal Bridges had 10 points, five rebounds and three assists. Cameron Johnson led the bench with 10 points.
Cleveland returns to action on Monday in a road matchup with the Charlotte Hornets. As for Phoenix, they play host to the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday for their next outing.