Clippers Use Strong Start To Get Past Pistons
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Detroit Pistons, 107-96, at Staples Center on Friday afternoon.
The Clippers (11-8) enjoyed a blistering start and the first two quarters were enough to get past a Pistons (4-15) team that woke up too late to mount a comeback. Los Angeles dominated right from tip-off and jumped out to a 30-18 lead following the first quarter, an advantage they'd extend following a 34-22 score in the second quarter. The Clippers were up by 24 points at the break, but Detroit showed signs of life following a 22-18 score in the third quarter and a 34-25 score in the fourth when the game was all but decided. The Pistons deserve credit for putting up a fight in the second half, but it was just too late for them. The Clippers cruised their way to a comfortable victory that opened Friday's monster slate in the NBA. The Clippers shot 42.9 percent from the field and 28.9 percent from deep, while the Pistons shot 36.7 percent from the field and 24.2 percent from deep.
Reggie Jackson led the Clippers with 21 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Ivica Zubac posted a double-double of 10 points and 13 rebounds. Eric Bledsoe had 15 points, three boards and three dimes, while Paul George finished with 12 points, five boards, four assists and three steals. Terrence Mann looked impressive off the bench with 16 points and 10 rebounds across 31 minutes, and Isaiah Hartenstein had 10 points as well.
Jerami Grant had 20 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Pistons in this defeat, while rookie Cade Cunningham filled the stat sheet with 10 points, six rebounds, six assists and three steals. Cory Joseph had 10 points and four assists, while Isaiah Stewart pulled down 12 rebounds to go along with four points. Trey Lyles had 13 points off the bench.
The Clippers (11-8) enjoyed a blistering start and the first two quarters were enough to get past a Pistons (4-15) team that woke up too late to mount a comeback. Los Angeles dominated right from tip-off and jumped out to a 30-18 lead following the first quarter, an advantage they'd extend following a 34-22 score in the second quarter. The Clippers were up by 24 points at the break, but Detroit showed signs of life following a 22-18 score in the third quarter and a 34-25 score in the fourth when the game was all but decided. The Pistons deserve credit for putting up a fight in the second half, but it was just too late for them. The Clippers cruised their way to a comfortable victory that opened Friday's monster slate in the NBA. The Clippers shot 42.9 percent from the field and 28.9 percent from deep, while the Pistons shot 36.7 percent from the field and 24.2 percent from deep.
Reggie Jackson led the Clippers with 21 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Ivica Zubac posted a double-double of 10 points and 13 rebounds. Eric Bledsoe had 15 points, three boards and three dimes, while Paul George finished with 12 points, five boards, four assists and three steals. Terrence Mann looked impressive off the bench with 16 points and 10 rebounds across 31 minutes, and Isaiah Hartenstein had 10 points as well.
Jerami Grant had 20 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Pistons in this defeat, while rookie Cade Cunningham filled the stat sheet with 10 points, six rebounds, six assists and three steals. Cory Joseph had 10 points and four assists, while Isaiah Stewart pulled down 12 rebounds to go along with four points. Trey Lyles had 13 points off the bench.
Suns Cruise Their Way, Get Past Knicks
The Phoenix Suns defeated the New York Knicks, 118-97, at Madison Square Garden on Friday night.
The Suns (16-3) remain one of the best teams in the Western Conference and cruised their way to a massive victory, their 15th in a row, against a Knicks (10-9) that was unable to react when it mattered the most. The Suns quickly jumped out to a 33-27 lead following the first quarter and never looked back, as they kept winning quarter after quarter. In fact, the Suns won all four quarters on their own: 24-17 in the second, 31-27 in the third, and 30-26 in the fourth when the game was already decided. The Suns looked stingy on defense and accurate when it comes to their shooting, as they made 55.7 percent of their shots from the field and 46.4 percent of their three-point attempts, while the Knicks shot just 37 percent from the field and a meager 30.8 percent from deep.
Devin Booker led the way for the Suns with 32 points and three assists, while Chris Paul chipped in with 14 points and 10 assists. Deandre Ayton also had a double-double since he contributed 14 points and 13 rebounds, while Mikal Bridges ended with 10 points and Jae Crowder added 11 points of his own. Cameron Payne had 13 points and six dimes off the bench.
Kemba Walker was the best player for the Knicks in this one, as he ended with 17 points and three rebounds to lead the losing cause. Evan Fournier had 11 points and five rebounds, while R.J. Barrett notched 10 points and three boards. Julius Randle had a woeful game and finished with nine points and six rebounds. Immanuel Quickley posted 16 points and four assists coming off the bench.
The Suns (16-3) remain one of the best teams in the Western Conference and cruised their way to a massive victory, their 15th in a row, against a Knicks (10-9) that was unable to react when it mattered the most. The Suns quickly jumped out to a 33-27 lead following the first quarter and never looked back, as they kept winning quarter after quarter. In fact, the Suns won all four quarters on their own: 24-17 in the second, 31-27 in the third, and 30-26 in the fourth when the game was already decided. The Suns looked stingy on defense and accurate when it comes to their shooting, as they made 55.7 percent of their shots from the field and 46.4 percent of their three-point attempts, while the Knicks shot just 37 percent from the field and a meager 30.8 percent from deep.
Devin Booker led the way for the Suns with 32 points and three assists, while Chris Paul chipped in with 14 points and 10 assists. Deandre Ayton also had a double-double since he contributed 14 points and 13 rebounds, while Mikal Bridges ended with 10 points and Jae Crowder added 11 points of his own. Cameron Payne had 13 points and six dimes off the bench.
Kemba Walker was the best player for the Knicks in this one, as he ended with 17 points and three rebounds to lead the losing cause. Evan Fournier had 11 points and five rebounds, while R.J. Barrett notched 10 points and three boards. Julius Randle had a woeful game and finished with nine points and six rebounds. Immanuel Quickley posted 16 points and four assists coming off the bench.
Bulls Blast Magic, 123-88
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Orlando Magic, 123-88, at Amway Center on Friday night.
The host Magic (4-16) had given several quality teams a difficult time to varying degree over their first 20 games, and it appeared the pattern would repeat itself early in Friday's contest. The Bulls (13-7) and Orlando matched each other bucket for bucket in the first quarter to head into the second with a 27-27 deadlock. However, the visitors began to separate in before halftime and never really looked back, outscoring the home squad by a 63-42 margin over the middle periods. The 21-point edge would prove more than enough for the comfortable road win.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 23 points, complementing them with five rebounds and four assists. Zach LaVine provided 21 points, five assists and four rebounds. Colby White supplied 20 points, four boards, two assists and one steal. Nikola Vucevic registered 16 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one block. Lonzo Ball contributed 13 points, six assists, four rebounds and five steals.
Wendell Carter led the way for the Magic against his old squad, posting a 26-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists and two steals. Franz Wagner delivered 15 points, five rebounds, four assists and one block. Jalen Suggs furnished 14 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block.
The Bulls head back home to host the Miami Heat on Saturday night, while the Magic hit the road to visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night as well.
The host Magic (4-16) had given several quality teams a difficult time to varying degree over their first 20 games, and it appeared the pattern would repeat itself early in Friday's contest. The Bulls (13-7) and Orlando matched each other bucket for bucket in the first quarter to head into the second with a 27-27 deadlock. However, the visitors began to separate in before halftime and never really looked back, outscoring the home squad by a 63-42 margin over the middle periods. The 21-point edge would prove more than enough for the comfortable road win.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 23 points, complementing them with five rebounds and four assists. Zach LaVine provided 21 points, five assists and four rebounds. Colby White supplied 20 points, four boards, two assists and one steal. Nikola Vucevic registered 16 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one block. Lonzo Ball contributed 13 points, six assists, four rebounds and five steals.
Wendell Carter led the way for the Magic against his old squad, posting a 26-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists and two steals. Franz Wagner delivered 15 points, five rebounds, four assists and one block. Jalen Suggs furnished 14 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block.
The Bulls head back home to host the Miami Heat on Saturday night, while the Magic hit the road to visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night as well.
Hornets Dominant In Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 133-115, at Spectrum Center on Friday evening.
The contest got out to a tight start, as the Hornets led, 30-28, after one quarter. The hosts built some momentum in the second and rallied to a 15-point lead late in the quarter, before the Timberwolves cut it back to a 10-point game by halftime. The Timberwolves could not make much progress in the second half, as the Hornets extended their lead to 16 points, heading into the final frame. The Hornets stayed in control through the fourth and pushed their lead to a game-high 24 points mid way through the quarter, which was more than enough to cruise to the finish for their third straight win. The loss marks the end of a five-game winning streak for the Timberwolves.
Seven players scored in double digits for the Hornets, led by Kelly Oubre, who totaled 27 points on 10-of-17 shooting, in 27 minutes off the bench. Miles Bridges and Gordon Hayward added 18 points each, while LaMelo Ball tallied 10 points, six rebounds, 13 assists and a steal. The Hornets shot 56 percent from the field, including 23-of-40 from long range.
Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 31 minutes. D'Angelo Russell tallied 18 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Malik Beasley added 18 points on 6-of-14 shooting, off the bench. The Timberwolves shot 45 percent from the field, including 11-of-35 from deep.
The Timberwolves (9-10) will look to bounce back as they take on the 76ers in Philly on Saturday. The Hornets (13-8) take on the Rockets in Houston on Saturday.
The contest got out to a tight start, as the Hornets led, 30-28, after one quarter. The hosts built some momentum in the second and rallied to a 15-point lead late in the quarter, before the Timberwolves cut it back to a 10-point game by halftime. The Timberwolves could not make much progress in the second half, as the Hornets extended their lead to 16 points, heading into the final frame. The Hornets stayed in control through the fourth and pushed their lead to a game-high 24 points mid way through the quarter, which was more than enough to cruise to the finish for their third straight win. The loss marks the end of a five-game winning streak for the Timberwolves.
Seven players scored in double digits for the Hornets, led by Kelly Oubre, who totaled 27 points on 10-of-17 shooting, in 27 minutes off the bench. Miles Bridges and Gordon Hayward added 18 points each, while LaMelo Ball tallied 10 points, six rebounds, 13 assists and a steal. The Hornets shot 56 percent from the field, including 23-of-40 from long range.
Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 31 minutes. D'Angelo Russell tallied 18 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Malik Beasley added 18 points on 6-of-14 shooting, off the bench. The Timberwolves shot 45 percent from the field, including 11-of-35 from deep.
The Timberwolves (9-10) will look to bounce back as they take on the 76ers in Philly on Saturday. The Hornets (13-8) take on the Rockets in Houston on Saturday.
Pacers Topple Raptors, 114-97
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Toronto Raptors, 114-97, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday night.
The Pacers (9-12) checked in with an ugly mark overall but a solid 5-3 record at home, yet it was the Raptors (9-11) that were more efficient during a first quarter they emerged from with a 35-31 lead. Indiana changed the tone of the contest for good in the second, however, erasing their deficit and taking a 13-point edge into halftime. The home squad continued to play impressive defense in the second half as well, limiting Toronto to 40 points in the final two quarters.
Fred VanVleet led the way for the Raptors with 26 points, adding five rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes furnished matching 17-point tallies, while pulling down 12 and seven rebounds, respectively. Gary Trent, Jr. poured in 13 points.
Domantas Sabonis led the Pacers with a 23-point, 18-rebound double-double that also included two assists. Caris LeVert managed 19 points, five rebounds and three assists. Myles Turner generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist and two blocks. Kelan Martin contributed 15 points, Chris Duarte went for 12 points and six rebounds, while Malcolm Brogdon posted an 11-point, 12-assist double-double that included four rebounds and one steal.
The Raptors return home to host the Boston Celtics on Sunday evening, while the Pacers remain home and host the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday afternoon.
The Pacers (9-12) checked in with an ugly mark overall but a solid 5-3 record at home, yet it was the Raptors (9-11) that were more efficient during a first quarter they emerged from with a 35-31 lead. Indiana changed the tone of the contest for good in the second, however, erasing their deficit and taking a 13-point edge into halftime. The home squad continued to play impressive defense in the second half as well, limiting Toronto to 40 points in the final two quarters.
Fred VanVleet led the way for the Raptors with 26 points, adding five rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes furnished matching 17-point tallies, while pulling down 12 and seven rebounds, respectively. Gary Trent, Jr. poured in 13 points.
Domantas Sabonis led the Pacers with a 23-point, 18-rebound double-double that also included two assists. Caris LeVert managed 19 points, five rebounds and three assists. Myles Turner generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist and two blocks. Kelan Martin contributed 15 points, Chris Duarte went for 12 points and six rebounds, while Malcolm Brogdon posted an 11-point, 12-assist double-double that included four rebounds and one steal.
The Raptors return home to host the Boston Celtics on Sunday evening, while the Pacers remain home and host the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday afternoon.
Wizards Hang On To Edge Out Thunder In OKC
By Dan Bruno
The Washington Wizards defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder, 101-99, at Paycom Center on Friday evening.
The contest got out to a tight start, as the Thunder led, 27-25, after one quarter. The hosts pushed their lead to 10, mid way through the second, but the Wizards closed the half on a, 19-7, run to take a two-point lead into the break. The Wizards came out strong and held the edge to start the third, before pushing their advantage to 10, late in the quarter, and taking an eight-point lead into the final frame. The Thunder rallied back in the fourth and tied it up a 84, with 6:37 left. However, the Wizards quickly reclaimed the edge and did not waiver the rest of the way, as they held on to close out the road win and end a two-game slide. This marks the fifth straight loss for the Thunder.
Bradley Beal and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope poured in 20 points each to lead the way for the Wizards. Montrezl Harrell followed up with 14 points and five rebounds, off the bench, while Kyle Kuzma totaled 11 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. The Wizards shot 48 percent from the field, including 10-of-29 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luguentz Dort led the Thunder with 21 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 15 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, a steal and a block, while Josh Giddey and Kenrich Williams chipped in 11 points each. The Thunder shot 40 percent from the field, including 11-of-33 from deep.
The Thunder (6-13) will look to bounce back as they take on the Rockets in Houston on Monday. The Wizards (12-7) take on the Mavericks in Dallas on Saturday.
The contest got out to a tight start, as the Thunder led, 27-25, after one quarter. The hosts pushed their lead to 10, mid way through the second, but the Wizards closed the half on a, 19-7, run to take a two-point lead into the break. The Wizards came out strong and held the edge to start the third, before pushing their advantage to 10, late in the quarter, and taking an eight-point lead into the final frame. The Thunder rallied back in the fourth and tied it up a 84, with 6:37 left. However, the Wizards quickly reclaimed the edge and did not waiver the rest of the way, as they held on to close out the road win and end a two-game slide. This marks the fifth straight loss for the Thunder.
Bradley Beal and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope poured in 20 points each to lead the way for the Wizards. Montrezl Harrell followed up with 14 points and five rebounds, off the bench, while Kyle Kuzma totaled 11 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. The Wizards shot 48 percent from the field, including 10-of-29 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luguentz Dort led the Thunder with 21 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 15 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, a steal and a block, while Josh Giddey and Kenrich Williams chipped in 11 points each. The Thunder shot 40 percent from the field, including 11-of-33 from deep.
The Thunder (6-13) will look to bounce back as they take on the Rockets in Houston on Monday. The Wizards (12-7) take on the Mavericks in Dallas on Saturday.
Hawks Stay Hot, Blast Grizzlies, 132-100
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 132-100, at FedEx Forum on Friday night.
The Hawks (11-9) checked in looking for their seventh straight win, and they got off to a good start in that regard by extending an eight-point first-quarter lead into a 14-point halftime advantage. Memphis' Ja Morant also exited the game after just nine minutes with a knee injury of unknown severity and did not return. Atlanta then blew the game open coming out of intermission, outscoring the Grizzlies (9-10) by a massive 43-18 margin the third quarter to set the stage for the dominant victory. The visitors had a blazing hot hand, shooting 58.4 percent, including 48.1 percent from distance.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 31 points, adding 10 assists. Clint Capela followed with a 23-point, 17-point double-double that included two assists, three blocks and one steal. John Collins delivered 21 points, eight boards, two assists, one steal and one block. Cam Reddish led the second unit with 14 points.
Jon Konchar paced the Grizzlies with 17 points, complementing them with five rebounds and three assists. Jaren Jackson Jr. totaled 14 points, five boards, one steal and one block. Dillon Brooks supplied 12 points, five rebounds and one assist. Tyus Jones netted 10 points.
The Hawks head home to host the New York Knicks on Saturday night, while the Grizzlies host the Sacramento Kings on Sunday evening.
The Hawks (11-9) checked in looking for their seventh straight win, and they got off to a good start in that regard by extending an eight-point first-quarter lead into a 14-point halftime advantage. Memphis' Ja Morant also exited the game after just nine minutes with a knee injury of unknown severity and did not return. Atlanta then blew the game open coming out of intermission, outscoring the Grizzlies (9-10) by a massive 43-18 margin the third quarter to set the stage for the dominant victory. The visitors had a blazing hot hand, shooting 58.4 percent, including 48.1 percent from distance.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 31 points, adding 10 assists. Clint Capela followed with a 23-point, 17-point double-double that included two assists, three blocks and one steal. John Collins delivered 21 points, eight boards, two assists, one steal and one block. Cam Reddish led the second unit with 14 points.
Jon Konchar paced the Grizzlies with 17 points, complementing them with five rebounds and three assists. Jaren Jackson Jr. totaled 14 points, five boards, one steal and one block. Dillon Brooks supplied 12 points, five rebounds and one assist. Tyus Jones netted 10 points.
The Hawks head home to host the New York Knicks on Saturday night, while the Grizzlies host the Sacramento Kings on Sunday evening.
Spurs Rally To Top Celtics At Home
By Dan Bruno
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the visiting Boston Celtics, 96-88, at AT&T Center on Friday evening.
The Spurs jumped out to a great start at home with a, 30-14, lead after one quarter. The Celtics picked up their play in the second but could not make much of a dent in the deficit, as they trailed by 15 points at halftime. The Celtics came out stronger in the third and outscored the hosts by eight points, to cut it to a seven-point game, heading into the final frame. They kept the momentum going to start the fourth and rallied to a seven-point lead late in the quarter. However, the Spurs closed the contest on a, 15-0, run to secure the impressive home win, while this marks the second straight loss for the Celtics.
Dejounte Murray led the Spurs with 29 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, three steals and a block, in 38 minutes. Derrick White and Keldon Johnson added 17 points each, while Tre Jones chipped in 12 points, two rebounds and two assists. The Spurs shot 44 percent from the field, including 6-of-24 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 24 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 40 minutes. Jaylen Brown followed up with 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and a block, while Marcus Smart added 13 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, a steal and a block. The Celtics shot 37 percent from the field, including 10-of-34 from deep.
The Celtics (10-10) will look to bounce back as they take on the Raptors in Toronto on Sunday. The Spurs (5-13) play host to the Wizards on Monday.
The Spurs jumped out to a great start at home with a, 30-14, lead after one quarter. The Celtics picked up their play in the second but could not make much of a dent in the deficit, as they trailed by 15 points at halftime. The Celtics came out stronger in the third and outscored the hosts by eight points, to cut it to a seven-point game, heading into the final frame. They kept the momentum going to start the fourth and rallied to a seven-point lead late in the quarter. However, the Spurs closed the contest on a, 15-0, run to secure the impressive home win, while this marks the second straight loss for the Celtics.
Dejounte Murray led the Spurs with 29 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, three steals and a block, in 38 minutes. Derrick White and Keldon Johnson added 17 points each, while Tre Jones chipped in 12 points, two rebounds and two assists. The Spurs shot 44 percent from the field, including 6-of-24 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 24 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 40 minutes. Jaylen Brown followed up with 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and a block, while Marcus Smart added 13 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, a steal and a block. The Celtics shot 37 percent from the field, including 10-of-34 from deep.
The Celtics (10-10) will look to bounce back as they take on the Raptors in Toronto on Sunday. The Spurs (5-13) play host to the Wizards on Monday.
Bucks Defeat Nuggets, 120-109
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the host Denver Nuggets, 120-109, at Ball Arena on Friday.
Milwaukee kicked this game off with a 27-16 first quarter, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, the Bucks led by at least five points for the final three quarters and held a double-digit lead for the closing 15 minutes. Milwaukee shot 63 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range while holding Denver to 44 percent from the field and 36 percent from long range. In addition, the Bucks out-rebounded the Nuggets, 44-31, while outscoring them in the paint, 48-40.
The Bucks (12-8) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, tallying 24 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists on 10-of-13 shooting. Khris Middleton collected 17 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Jrue Holiday amassed 16 points, five rebounds and six assists, while Pat Connaughton led the bench with 20 points and four rebounds.
The Nuggets (9-10) were led by Aaron Gordon, accruing 18 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals. Will Barton accumulated 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals. Jeff Green had 15 points and four boards, while Monte Morris compiled 15 points and eight assists. Facundo Campazzo led the bench with 16 points and two assists.
On deck for Milwaukee is a road matchup with the Indiana Pacers on Sunday. As for Denver, they return to action on Monday in a road matchup with the Miami Heat.
Milwaukee kicked this game off with a 27-16 first quarter, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, the Bucks led by at least five points for the final three quarters and held a double-digit lead for the closing 15 minutes. Milwaukee shot 63 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range while holding Denver to 44 percent from the field and 36 percent from long range. In addition, the Bucks out-rebounded the Nuggets, 44-31, while outscoring them in the paint, 48-40.
The Bucks (12-8) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, tallying 24 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists on 10-of-13 shooting. Khris Middleton collected 17 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Jrue Holiday amassed 16 points, five rebounds and six assists, while Pat Connaughton led the bench with 20 points and four rebounds.
The Nuggets (9-10) were led by Aaron Gordon, accruing 18 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals. Will Barton accumulated 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals. Jeff Green had 15 points and four boards, while Monte Morris compiled 15 points and eight assists. Facundo Campazzo led the bench with 16 points and two assists.
On deck for Milwaukee is a road matchup with the Indiana Pacers on Sunday. As for Denver, they return to action on Monday in a road matchup with the Miami Heat.
Pelicans Defeat Jazz, 98-97
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the host Utah Jazz, 98-97, at Vivint Arena on Friday.
It took 14 lead changes to determine a winner in this game, staying within a double-digit margin for all but one minute. New Orleans actually scored the final five points across the closing 30 seconds to prevail, getting a game-winning three from DeVonte' Graham with 1.9 seconds remaining. The Pelicans shot 41 percent from the field and 85 percent from three-point range while holding the Jazz to 39 percent from long range and 67 percent from the charity stripe. New Orleans also out-assisted Utah, 27-17.
The Pelicans (5-16) were led by Brandon Ingram and his 21 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Jonas Valanciunas amassed 11 points and 10 rebounds. Graham hit that game-winner and finished with nine points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals. Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the bench with 15 points and two rebounds.
The Jazz (12-7) were led by Bojan Bogdanovic and his 23 points and four rebounds. Donovan Mitchell generated 16 points, four rebounds and six assists. Mike Conley collected 12 points, four rebounds and five assists. Rudy Gobert compiled nine points, 10 rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Joe Ingles led the bench with 12 points and five boards.
These teams will have a rematch on Saturday for their next game.
It took 14 lead changes to determine a winner in this game, staying within a double-digit margin for all but one minute. New Orleans actually scored the final five points across the closing 30 seconds to prevail, getting a game-winning three from DeVonte' Graham with 1.9 seconds remaining. The Pelicans shot 41 percent from the field and 85 percent from three-point range while holding the Jazz to 39 percent from long range and 67 percent from the charity stripe. New Orleans also out-assisted Utah, 27-17.
The Pelicans (5-16) were led by Brandon Ingram and his 21 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Jonas Valanciunas amassed 11 points and 10 rebounds. Graham hit that game-winner and finished with nine points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals. Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the bench with 15 points and two rebounds.
The Jazz (12-7) were led by Bojan Bogdanovic and his 23 points and four rebounds. Donovan Mitchell generated 16 points, four rebounds and six assists. Mike Conley collected 12 points, four rebounds and five assists. Rudy Gobert compiled nine points, 10 rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Joe Ingles led the bench with 12 points and five boards.
These teams will have a rematch on Saturday for their next game.
Warriors Defeat Trail Blazers, 118-103
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Portland Trail Blazers, 118-103, at Chase Center on Friday.
Golden State outscored Portland in the second quarter, 31-18, leading by at least eight points for the entirety of the second half. They capped off their victory with a 33-26 third quarter, getting their lead up to 21 points at times. The Warriors shot 54 percent from the field while holding the Trail Blazers below 42 percent. In addition, Golden State out-rebounded Portland, 48-37, while out-assisting them, 31-23.
The Trail Blazers (10-10) were led by Jusuf Nurkic and his 17 points, four rebounds and three assists. Damian Lillard amassed 16 points and six assists. C.J. McCollum accrued 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Norman Powell provided 15 points, two rebounds and two assists, while Anfernee Simons led the bench with 19 points, six rebounds, two assists and three steals.
The Warriors (16-2) were led by Stephen Curry, collecting 32 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Andrew Wiggins accumulated 25 points, five rebounds and two assists. Jordan Poole compiled 14 points, two rebounds and five assists, while Draymond Green tallied 12 points, eight rebounds, 12 assists, two steals and three blocks.
On deck for Golden State is a road matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. As for Portland, they return to action on Monday in a road matchup with the Utah Jazz.
Golden State outscored Portland in the second quarter, 31-18, leading by at least eight points for the entirety of the second half. They capped off their victory with a 33-26 third quarter, getting their lead up to 21 points at times. The Warriors shot 54 percent from the field while holding the Trail Blazers below 42 percent. In addition, Golden State out-rebounded Portland, 48-37, while out-assisting them, 31-23.
The Trail Blazers (10-10) were led by Jusuf Nurkic and his 17 points, four rebounds and three assists. Damian Lillard amassed 16 points and six assists. C.J. McCollum accrued 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Norman Powell provided 15 points, two rebounds and two assists, while Anfernee Simons led the bench with 19 points, six rebounds, two assists and three steals.
The Warriors (16-2) were led by Stephen Curry, collecting 32 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Andrew Wiggins accumulated 25 points, five rebounds and two assists. Jordan Poole compiled 14 points, two rebounds and five assists, while Draymond Green tallied 12 points, eight rebounds, 12 assists, two steals and three blocks.
On deck for Golden State is a road matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. As for Portland, they return to action on Monday in a road matchup with the Utah Jazz.
Kings Defeat Lakers in 3OT, 141-137
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Los Angeles Lakers in 3OT, 141-137, at Staples Center on Friday,
It took 19 ties and 23 lead changes to determine a winner in this game, taking three overtimes to determine a winner. The Kings outscored the Lakers, 17-13, in the final overtime, forcing the Lakers to shoot 1-of-8 from three-point range. An 11-2 run in the middle of that overtime was the key stretch, giving Sacramento a game-high seven-point lead. The Kings ended up out-rebounding the Lakers, 56-51, while winning the turnover battle, 19-13. In addition, they outscored them in second-chance points, 23-13.
The Kings (8-12) were led by De'Aaron Fox, collecting 34 points, six rebounds and eight assists. Tyrese Haliburton amassed 19 points, six rebounds, nine assists and five blocks. Buddy Hield led the bench with 25 points, four rebounds, six assists and two steals. Marvin Bagley provided 13 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
The Lakers (10-11) were led by LeBron James and his 30 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists. Russell Westbrook tallied 29 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists and two steals. Anthony Davis accrued 23 points, eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and four blocks. Malik Monk led the bench with 20 points, five rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday against struggling teams, with Sacramento traveling to face the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles playing host to the Detroit Pistons.
It took 19 ties and 23 lead changes to determine a winner in this game, taking three overtimes to determine a winner. The Kings outscored the Lakers, 17-13, in the final overtime, forcing the Lakers to shoot 1-of-8 from three-point range. An 11-2 run in the middle of that overtime was the key stretch, giving Sacramento a game-high seven-point lead. The Kings ended up out-rebounding the Lakers, 56-51, while winning the turnover battle, 19-13. In addition, they outscored them in second-chance points, 23-13.
The Kings (8-12) were led by De'Aaron Fox, collecting 34 points, six rebounds and eight assists. Tyrese Haliburton amassed 19 points, six rebounds, nine assists and five blocks. Buddy Hield led the bench with 25 points, four rebounds, six assists and two steals. Marvin Bagley provided 13 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
The Lakers (10-11) were led by LeBron James and his 30 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists. Russell Westbrook tallied 29 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists and two steals. Anthony Davis accrued 23 points, eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and four blocks. Malik Monk led the bench with 20 points, five rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday against struggling teams, with Sacramento traveling to face the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles playing host to the Detroit Pistons.