Mavericks Overcome Slow Start, Get Past Knicks
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the New York Knicks, 121-100, at Madison Square Garden on Saturday afternoon.
The Mavericks (11-11) moved back to the .500 threshold with a comfortable win over the Knicks (10-13) despite playing on the road, and it was a game where Dallas dominated despite enduring a rough start. New York jumped to a 32-20 lead in the first quarter, but the Mavericks began to show signs of life in the second quarter and outscored their rivals by a 32-27 score in the second quarter. Dallas would jump to a massive lead after halftime, and they never looked back after putting up a 41-15 score in the third quarter. The game was all but over in the final quarter, but Dallas didn’t slow down and outscored their rivals by a 28-26 score in the final minutes to seal a massive win.
Luka Doncic was the best player for the Mavericks in this win and carried the team with a 30-point performance that also included eight rebounds and seven assists, while Spencer Dinwiddie came close to a triple-double after delivering 17 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. Tim Hardaway had an outstanding performance as well and notched 28 points with seven boards, and Maxi Kleber added 13 points with three rebounds off the bench.
Julius Randle was the best player for the Knicks with 24 points, five rebounds and three assists, while both Jalen Brunson and RJ Barrett had 13 points with three assists. Brunson also had two boards, and Barrett had six rebounds. Immanuel Quickley impressed and scored 23 points coming off the bench. Quentin Grimes posted nine points, and he also finished with two steals.
The Mavericks (11-11) moved back to the .500 threshold with a comfortable win over the Knicks (10-13) despite playing on the road, and it was a game where Dallas dominated despite enduring a rough start. New York jumped to a 32-20 lead in the first quarter, but the Mavericks began to show signs of life in the second quarter and outscored their rivals by a 32-27 score in the second quarter. Dallas would jump to a massive lead after halftime, and they never looked back after putting up a 41-15 score in the third quarter. The game was all but over in the final quarter, but Dallas didn’t slow down and outscored their rivals by a 28-26 score in the final minutes to seal a massive win.
Luka Doncic was the best player for the Mavericks in this win and carried the team with a 30-point performance that also included eight rebounds and seven assists, while Spencer Dinwiddie came close to a triple-double after delivering 17 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. Tim Hardaway had an outstanding performance as well and notched 28 points with seven boards, and Maxi Kleber added 13 points with three rebounds off the bench.
Julius Randle was the best player for the Knicks with 24 points, five rebounds and three assists, while both Jalen Brunson and RJ Barrett had 13 points with three assists. Brunson also had two boards, and Barrett had six rebounds. Immanuel Quickley impressed and scored 23 points coming off the bench. Quentin Grimes posted nine points, and he also finished with two steals.
Kings Secure Comfortable Win Over Clippers
The Sacramento Kings defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, 123-96, at crypto.com arena on Saturday afternoon.
The Kings (11-9) moved to 4-5 on the road with the win and delivered another excellent showing on offense to get past the Clippers (13-10), a team that is now sitting at 7-5 at home following this loss. Sacramento shot an impressive 51.7 percent from the field in this one and delivered another quality performance on offense, but the defensive effort also deserves credit. The Kings limited the Clippers to just 35.5 percent from the field and 27.3 percent from the field, but as if that was not enough, this was also the fourth-lowest scoring output for the Clippers in the current season. Los Angeles felt the absences of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, and they paid a steep price for that. It was a one-sided game, as the Kings raced out to a 38-24 lead in the first quarter and were up by 22 points at the break, meaning the second half wasn’t needed. The Kings closed things out comfortably, however, and as a result, the Kings secured a massive win against another potential playoff team in the Western Conference.
All five starters scored in double digits for the Kings in this one. Domantas Sabonis had a team-high 24 points to go along with six assists and five rebounds, while Keegan Murray finished with 23 points and seven boards. De’Aaron Fox posted 14 points, six boards and four dimes, Kevin Huerter delivered 12 points, and Harrison Barnes ended up with 10 points. Malik Monk enjoyed a strong game off the bench as well and finished with 13 points. Chimezie Metu had 10 points.
Only four players scored in double digits for the Clippers, and the two starters were Ivica Zubac and Terance Mann -- both ended with 13 points, while Zubac also contributed 15 rebounds. Brandon Boston Jr. recorded a team-high 18 points across 20 minutes off the bench, and John Wall ended with 12 points.
The Kings (11-9) moved to 4-5 on the road with the win and delivered another excellent showing on offense to get past the Clippers (13-10), a team that is now sitting at 7-5 at home following this loss. Sacramento shot an impressive 51.7 percent from the field in this one and delivered another quality performance on offense, but the defensive effort also deserves credit. The Kings limited the Clippers to just 35.5 percent from the field and 27.3 percent from the field, but as if that was not enough, this was also the fourth-lowest scoring output for the Clippers in the current season. Los Angeles felt the absences of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, and they paid a steep price for that. It was a one-sided game, as the Kings raced out to a 38-24 lead in the first quarter and were up by 22 points at the break, meaning the second half wasn’t needed. The Kings closed things out comfortably, however, and as a result, the Kings secured a massive win against another potential playoff team in the Western Conference.
All five starters scored in double digits for the Kings in this one. Domantas Sabonis had a team-high 24 points to go along with six assists and five rebounds, while Keegan Murray finished with 23 points and seven boards. De’Aaron Fox posted 14 points, six boards and four dimes, Kevin Huerter delivered 12 points, and Harrison Barnes ended up with 10 points. Malik Monk enjoyed a strong game off the bench as well and finished with 13 points. Chimezie Metu had 10 points.
Only four players scored in double digits for the Clippers, and the two starters were Ivica Zubac and Terance Mann -- both ended with 13 points, while Zubac also contributed 15 rebounds. Brandon Boston Jr. recorded a team-high 18 points across 20 minutes off the bench, and John Wall ended with 12 points.
Shorthanded Bucks Top Hornets
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the host Charlotte Hornets, 105-96, at Spectrum Center on Saturday evening.
Despite missing Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee), Jrue Holiday (knee) and Khris Middleton (rest), the Bucks were able to get the job done in Charlotte. The game got out to a competitive start as the Bucks led 30-24 after one quarter. They kept the upper hand through the second and pushed to an 11-point lead by halftime. The Hornets came out stronger in the third but the Bucks kept pace and maintained their 11-point cushion heading into the final frame. The Hornets put up a valiant effort in the fourth, but they could hardly make a dent in the deficit and fell short for the home loss.
Bobby Portis led the Bucks with 20 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, in 31 minutes. Jordan Nwora followed up with 17 points, four rebounds and a steal, while Brook Lopez and Jevon Carter tallied 14 points each. The Bucks shot 46 percent from the field, including 12-of-32 from long range,
Meanwhile, Terry Rozier led the way for the Hornets, with 26 points, five rebounds and four assists, in 36 minutes. Jalen McDaniels followed up with 21 points, five rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, while Kelly Oubre added 20 points, two rebounds and two steals. The Hornets shot 39 percent from the field, including 5-of-24 from deep.
The Hornets (7-16) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Clippers on Monday. The Bucks (16-6) take on the Magic in Orlando on Monday.
Despite missing Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee), Jrue Holiday (knee) and Khris Middleton (rest), the Bucks were able to get the job done in Charlotte. The game got out to a competitive start as the Bucks led 30-24 after one quarter. They kept the upper hand through the second and pushed to an 11-point lead by halftime. The Hornets came out stronger in the third but the Bucks kept pace and maintained their 11-point cushion heading into the final frame. The Hornets put up a valiant effort in the fourth, but they could hardly make a dent in the deficit and fell short for the home loss.
Bobby Portis led the Bucks with 20 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, in 31 minutes. Jordan Nwora followed up with 17 points, four rebounds and a steal, while Brook Lopez and Jevon Carter tallied 14 points each. The Bucks shot 46 percent from the field, including 12-of-32 from long range,
Meanwhile, Terry Rozier led the way for the Hornets, with 26 points, five rebounds and four assists, in 36 minutes. Jalen McDaniels followed up with 21 points, five rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, while Kelly Oubre added 20 points, two rebounds and two steals. The Hornets shot 39 percent from the field, including 5-of-24 from deep.
The Hornets (7-16) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Clippers on Monday. The Bucks (16-6) take on the Magic in Orlando on Monday.
Thunder Outlast Timberwolves In OKC
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the host Minnesota Timberwolves, 135-128, at Target Center on Saturday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Thunder led 32-29 after one quarter. The Thunder kept the upper had through most of the second and pushed their lead to six, heading into the break. The Timberwolves turned it up a notch in the third and outscored the visitors by 10, to take a four-point advantage into the final frame. However, the Thunder responded in the fourth and took control down the stretch to secure their second straight win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 33 points, six assists, three steals and a block, in 35 minutes. Josh Giddey followed up with 21 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks, while Luguentz Dort added 18 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Thunder shot 52 percent from the field, including 11-of-26 from deep.
Meanwhile, D'Angelo Russell led the Timberwolves with 27 points, three rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Anthony Edwards tallied 26 points, three rebounds, four assists and six steals, while Jaylen Nowell added 21 points, three rebounds and two assists, off the bench. The Timberwolves shot 53 percent from the field, including 10-of-30 from long range.
The Timberwolves (11-12) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pacers on Wednesday. The Thunder (10-13) take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Monday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Thunder led 32-29 after one quarter. The Thunder kept the upper had through most of the second and pushed their lead to six, heading into the break. The Timberwolves turned it up a notch in the third and outscored the visitors by 10, to take a four-point advantage into the final frame. However, the Thunder responded in the fourth and took control down the stretch to secure their second straight win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 33 points, six assists, three steals and a block, in 35 minutes. Josh Giddey followed up with 21 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks, while Luguentz Dort added 18 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Thunder shot 52 percent from the field, including 11-of-26 from deep.
Meanwhile, D'Angelo Russell led the Timberwolves with 27 points, three rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Anthony Edwards tallied 26 points, three rebounds, four assists and six steals, while Jaylen Nowell added 21 points, three rebounds and two assists, off the bench. The Timberwolves shot 53 percent from the field, including 10-of-30 from long range.
The Timberwolves (11-12) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pacers on Wednesday. The Thunder (10-13) take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Monday.
Raptors Roll Past Magic
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 121-108, at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday evening.
The Raptors jumped out to a great start with a 36-22 lead after one quarter. The hosts kept up the pace in the second and added to their advantage to make it a 16-point game by halftime. The visitors had no answers in the third, as the Raptors continued to expand their cushion, amassing a 21-point lead heading into the final frame. The Magic made a push in the fourth but it was not enough, as the Raptors cruised to the home win, ending a two-game slide. This marks the eighth straight loss for the Magic.
O.G. Anunoby led the Raptors with 32 points, two rebounds, four assists and three steals, in 33 minutes. Pascal Siakam followed up with 26 points, eight rebounds, 10 assists and three steals, while Scottie Barnes tallied 17 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block. The Raptors shot 56 percent from the field, including 9-of-29 from deep.
Meanwhile, Bol Bol tallied 18 points, seven rebounds, a steal and a block, while Terrence Ross finished with 18 points and two steals off the bench, to lead the way for the Magic. Admiral Schofield added 13 points and three assists, while Cole Anthony chipped in 12 points, three rebounds, five assists and a steal. The Magic shot 49 percent from the field, including 11-of-28 from long range.
The Magic (5-19) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Bucks on Monday. The Raptors (12-11) play host to the Celtics on Monday.
The Raptors jumped out to a great start with a 36-22 lead after one quarter. The hosts kept up the pace in the second and added to their advantage to make it a 16-point game by halftime. The visitors had no answers in the third, as the Raptors continued to expand their cushion, amassing a 21-point lead heading into the final frame. The Magic made a push in the fourth but it was not enough, as the Raptors cruised to the home win, ending a two-game slide. This marks the eighth straight loss for the Magic.
O.G. Anunoby led the Raptors with 32 points, two rebounds, four assists and three steals, in 33 minutes. Pascal Siakam followed up with 26 points, eight rebounds, 10 assists and three steals, while Scottie Barnes tallied 17 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block. The Raptors shot 56 percent from the field, including 9-of-29 from deep.
Meanwhile, Bol Bol tallied 18 points, seven rebounds, a steal and a block, while Terrence Ross finished with 18 points and two steals off the bench, to lead the way for the Magic. Admiral Schofield added 13 points and three assists, while Cole Anthony chipped in 12 points, three rebounds, five assists and a steal. The Magic shot 49 percent from the field, including 11-of-28 from long range.
The Magic (5-19) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Bucks on Monday. The Raptors (12-11) play host to the Celtics on Monday.
Warriors Defeat Rockets, 120-101
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 120-101, at Chase Center on Saturday.
A 39-23 first quarter set the foundation for Golden State in this blowout victory, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. They got their lead up to 25 points at times and held a double-digit lead for over 30 minutes. Golden State shot 53 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range (25-of-52) while holding Houston to 44 percent from the field and 11 percent from long distance (3-of-28). The Warriors also doubled up the Rockets in assists, 34-17,
The Rockets (6-17) were led by Kevin Porter Jr, providing 20 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals. KJ Martin amassed 13 points and seven boards. Jalen Green missed 13 of his 19 shots to finish with 13 points and three assists. Tari Eason led the bench with 13 points and 10 boards.
The Warriors (13-11) were led by Andrew Wiggins, accruing 36 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals on 14-of-19 from the field. Stephen Curry collected 30 points, three rebounds and 10 assists. Jordan Poole started and totaled 21 points, two rebounds and five assists, while Kevon Looney had nine points, 12 rebounds and two assists. Draymond Green tallied three points, six rebounds and six assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Golden State remaining home to play the Indiana Pacers and Houston returning home to face the Philadelphia 76ers.
A 39-23 first quarter set the foundation for Golden State in this blowout victory, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. They got their lead up to 25 points at times and held a double-digit lead for over 30 minutes. Golden State shot 53 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range (25-of-52) while holding Houston to 44 percent from the field and 11 percent from long distance (3-of-28). The Warriors also doubled up the Rockets in assists, 34-17,
The Rockets (6-17) were led by Kevin Porter Jr, providing 20 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals. KJ Martin amassed 13 points and seven boards. Jalen Green missed 13 of his 19 shots to finish with 13 points and three assists. Tari Eason led the bench with 13 points and 10 boards.
The Warriors (13-11) were led by Andrew Wiggins, accruing 36 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals on 14-of-19 from the field. Stephen Curry collected 30 points, three rebounds and 10 assists. Jordan Poole started and totaled 21 points, two rebounds and five assists, while Kevon Looney had nine points, 12 rebounds and two assists. Draymond Green tallied three points, six rebounds and six assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Golden State remaining home to play the Indiana Pacers and Houston returning home to face the Philadelphia 76ers.
Blazers Defeat Jazz, 116-111
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the host Utah Jazz, 116-111, at Vivint Arena on Saturday.
There were eight ties and 14 lead changes in this game, with Portland riding a 40-31 first quarter to their win. They got their lead up to 15 points at times, with Utah never leading by more than four. They also outscored Utah 5-0 over the closing 29 seconds when the game was tied, forcing three turnovers from them in the final 30 seconds. The Trail Blazers shot 48 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range while holding the Jazz to 45 percent from the field and 37 percent from long range. Portland also out-rebounded Utah, 54-49.
The Trail Blazers (12-11) were led by Anfernee Simons, collecting a career-high 45 points, two rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Jerami Grant generated 33 points and five assists. Jusuf Nurkic totaled 15 points, 14 rebounds and four assists, while Trendon Watford accumulated nine points and 14 boards. Justise Winslow compiled two points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals.
The Jazz (14-12) were led by Jordan Clarkson, missing 17 of his 27 shots to finish with 24 points, five rebounds and three assists. Lauri Markkanen accrued 21 points, six rebounds, two assists and three steals. Collin Sexton had 19 points and three boards, while Jarred Vanderbilt produced 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kelly Olynyk also totaled 15 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.
Portland has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Sunday, playing host to the Indiana Pacers. As for Utah, they're off until Wednesday, when they play host to the Golden State Warriors.
There were eight ties and 14 lead changes in this game, with Portland riding a 40-31 first quarter to their win. They got their lead up to 15 points at times, with Utah never leading by more than four. They also outscored Utah 5-0 over the closing 29 seconds when the game was tied, forcing three turnovers from them in the final 30 seconds. The Trail Blazers shot 48 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range while holding the Jazz to 45 percent from the field and 37 percent from long range. Portland also out-rebounded Utah, 54-49.
The Trail Blazers (12-11) were led by Anfernee Simons, collecting a career-high 45 points, two rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Jerami Grant generated 33 points and five assists. Jusuf Nurkic totaled 15 points, 14 rebounds and four assists, while Trendon Watford accumulated nine points and 14 boards. Justise Winslow compiled two points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals.
The Jazz (14-12) were led by Jordan Clarkson, missing 17 of his 27 shots to finish with 24 points, five rebounds and three assists. Lauri Markkanen accrued 21 points, six rebounds, two assists and three steals. Collin Sexton had 19 points and three boards, while Jarred Vanderbilt produced 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kelly Olynyk also totaled 15 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.
Portland has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Sunday, playing host to the Indiana Pacers. As for Utah, they're off until Wednesday, when they play host to the Golden State Warriors.