Knicks take down Nets, 105-93, in New York state showdown
The New York Knicks took down the Brooklyn Nets, 105-93, at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.
It was a close affair for much of the afternoon, with each team trading buckets and leads over the first three quarters. The Knicks (42-28) held a three-point lead at the start of the fourth quarter, and were able to extend their cushion to double digits following a 12-3 run to start the frame. New York was able to extend its lead by as much as 18 points down the stretch as the Nets (26-45) were limited to 16 points in the fourth quarter. The Knicks improved their home record to 23-13, thanks to their 48 points in the paint and 18 fast-break points. The Nets dropped to 10-26 on the road despite shooting better from the field and the free-throw line than their opponents.
Cam Thomas led the Nets with 19 points, five rebounds and six assists, but he was responsible for five of the team’s 15 turnovers. Mikal Bridges added 18 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Cam Johnson supplied 13 points, two rebounds and two assists. Lonnie Walker led the bench with nine points and two rebounds, while Dennis Schroder added nine points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Donte DiVincenzo led the Knicks with 31 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Miles McBride tallied 26 points, two rebounds and three assists, while Jalen Brunson finished with 17 points, four rebounds and eight assists. Isaiah Hartenstein filled the box score with 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two blocks and four steals. Josh Hart had six points, 13 rebounds and five assists.
Both teams will play their next games March 25. The Nets head to Canada to take on the Toronto Raptors, while the Knicks welcome in the Detroit Pistons.
It was a close affair for much of the afternoon, with each team trading buckets and leads over the first three quarters. The Knicks (42-28) held a three-point lead at the start of the fourth quarter, and were able to extend their cushion to double digits following a 12-3 run to start the frame. New York was able to extend its lead by as much as 18 points down the stretch as the Nets (26-45) were limited to 16 points in the fourth quarter. The Knicks improved their home record to 23-13, thanks to their 48 points in the paint and 18 fast-break points. The Nets dropped to 10-26 on the road despite shooting better from the field and the free-throw line than their opponents.
Cam Thomas led the Nets with 19 points, five rebounds and six assists, but he was responsible for five of the team’s 15 turnovers. Mikal Bridges added 18 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Cam Johnson supplied 13 points, two rebounds and two assists. Lonnie Walker led the bench with nine points and two rebounds, while Dennis Schroder added nine points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Donte DiVincenzo led the Knicks with 31 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Miles McBride tallied 26 points, two rebounds and three assists, while Jalen Brunson finished with 17 points, four rebounds and eight assists. Isaiah Hartenstein filled the box score with 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two blocks and four steals. Josh Hart had six points, 13 rebounds and five assists.
Both teams will play their next games March 25. The Nets head to Canada to take on the Toronto Raptors, while the Knicks welcome in the Detroit Pistons.
Kings Come Through Late, Defeat Magic
The Sacramento Kings defeated the Orlando Magic, 109-107, at Kia Center on Saturday.
The Kings (40-29) and the Magic (42-28) engaged in a tight battle on Saturday. Even though it was a back-and-forth contest, the Kings came through in the clutch to steal the victory in the dying stages of the fourth quarter. Sacramento looked good early on and built a 27-26 lead in the first quarter, but Orlando responded with a 30-27 score in the second quarter. The Magic held a two-point lead entering the second half, but the Kings erased it following a 27-25 score in the third quarter. Everything was squared heading into the final 12 minutes of action, and the Magic had plenty of chances to secure the victory. However, the Kings executed better down the stretch and raced to victory. With the win, the Kings moved to 20-16 on the road. Meanwhile, the Magic fell to 25-9 at home.
Domantas Sabonis once again sniffed a triple-double after ending with 21 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists. De’Aaron Fox led the way for the Kings with 31 points, eight rebounds, three steals and two assists. Keegan Murray posted 22 points and seven rebounds. Keon Ellis had 19 points, six assists, five rebounds and two steals. Sacramento shot 43.7 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from three-point range.
Jonathan Isaac thrived off the bench and led the way for the Magic with 25 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Paolo Banchero had 22 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Franz Wagner recorded 18 points, four assists and three boards. Wendell Carter. Jr. grabbed 11 rebounds but only scored three points. Cole Anthony chipped in with 16 points, seven rebounds and six assists off the bench. Orlando shot 47.2 percent from the field and 28.6 percent from three-point range.
The Kings (40-29) and the Magic (42-28) engaged in a tight battle on Saturday. Even though it was a back-and-forth contest, the Kings came through in the clutch to steal the victory in the dying stages of the fourth quarter. Sacramento looked good early on and built a 27-26 lead in the first quarter, but Orlando responded with a 30-27 score in the second quarter. The Magic held a two-point lead entering the second half, but the Kings erased it following a 27-25 score in the third quarter. Everything was squared heading into the final 12 minutes of action, and the Magic had plenty of chances to secure the victory. However, the Kings executed better down the stretch and raced to victory. With the win, the Kings moved to 20-16 on the road. Meanwhile, the Magic fell to 25-9 at home.
Domantas Sabonis once again sniffed a triple-double after ending with 21 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists. De’Aaron Fox led the way for the Kings with 31 points, eight rebounds, three steals and two assists. Keegan Murray posted 22 points and seven rebounds. Keon Ellis had 19 points, six assists, five rebounds and two steals. Sacramento shot 43.7 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from three-point range.
Jonathan Isaac thrived off the bench and led the way for the Magic with 25 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Paolo Banchero had 22 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Franz Wagner recorded 18 points, four assists and three boards. Wendell Carter. Jr. grabbed 11 rebounds but only scored three points. Cole Anthony chipped in with 16 points, seven rebounds and six assists off the bench. Orlando shot 47.2 percent from the field and 28.6 percent from three-point range.
Hawks Dominate In Blowout Win Over Hornets
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 132-91, at State Farm Arena on Saturday.
The Hawks (31-39) remain alive in the race for a Play-In Tournament due to the struggles of the other Eastern Conference teams. On that note, this win over the Hornets (17-53) was certainly a step in the right direction for them. This was an easy win for the Hawks, and the game was already decided by halftime. The Hawks jumped to a 30-28 lead in the first quarter, and by the time the second quarter ended, the lead was 18 points for Atlanta. The Hawks didn’t step off the gas in the second half, though, outscoring their opponents by a 33-26 score in the third quarter as well. The Hornets didn’t even sniff a comeback in the fourth quarter, and instead, the Hawks closed things out with a 33-17 score in the final 12 minutes. The Hawks moved to 17-17 at home with the win, while the Hornets fell to 8-29 away from home.
Dejounte Murray was the leading scorer for the Hawks with 28 points, 12 assists, seven rebounds and five steals. Clint Capela had a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double. Bogdan Bogdanovic posted 12 points, six assists and three rebounds. De’Andre Hunter had 11 points and three assists. Bruno Fernando delivered a career-high 25 points off the bench while grabbing six rebounds. Garrison Mathews had 20 points, and Trent Forrest dished out nine assists. The Hawks shot 55.6 percent from the field and 47.6 percent from deep.
Miles Bridges was the best player for the Hornets and led them in scoring with 27 points while adding five rebounds. Nick Richards had a strong double-double of 12 points and 16 rebounds. Brandon Miller recorded 13 points. No other Charlotte player scored in double digits. The Hornets shot 41.7 percent from the field and 28.2 percent from three-point range.
The Hawks (31-39) remain alive in the race for a Play-In Tournament due to the struggles of the other Eastern Conference teams. On that note, this win over the Hornets (17-53) was certainly a step in the right direction for them. This was an easy win for the Hawks, and the game was already decided by halftime. The Hawks jumped to a 30-28 lead in the first quarter, and by the time the second quarter ended, the lead was 18 points for Atlanta. The Hawks didn’t step off the gas in the second half, though, outscoring their opponents by a 33-26 score in the third quarter as well. The Hornets didn’t even sniff a comeback in the fourth quarter, and instead, the Hawks closed things out with a 33-17 score in the final 12 minutes. The Hawks moved to 17-17 at home with the win, while the Hornets fell to 8-29 away from home.
Dejounte Murray was the leading scorer for the Hawks with 28 points, 12 assists, seven rebounds and five steals. Clint Capela had a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double. Bogdan Bogdanovic posted 12 points, six assists and three rebounds. De’Andre Hunter had 11 points and three assists. Bruno Fernando delivered a career-high 25 points off the bench while grabbing six rebounds. Garrison Mathews had 20 points, and Trent Forrest dished out nine assists. The Hawks shot 55.6 percent from the field and 47.6 percent from deep.
Miles Bridges was the best player for the Hornets and led them in scoring with 27 points while adding five rebounds. Nick Richards had a strong double-double of 12 points and 16 rebounds. Brandon Miller recorded 13 points. No other Charlotte player scored in double digits. The Hornets shot 41.7 percent from the field and 28.2 percent from three-point range.
Celtics Topple Bulls, 124-113
The Boston Celtics defeated the Chicago Bulls, 124-113, at United Center on Saturday night.
The Celtics (57-14) were still road favorites despite sitting out some regulars, but the Bulls (34-37) were able to play them to a 31-31 tie through one. While Boston did manage to come back in the second to build a six-point lead before halftime, Chicago sliced its deficit in half during the third quarter. However, the visitors were eventually able to exert their will in the final period and finished on a 17-11 run over the final 5:33 after the home squad closed to within five.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 26 points, complementing them with six assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Al Horford and Sam Hauser generated matching 23-point, one-assist efforts while pulling down eight and five rebounds, respectively. Derrick White supplied 17 points, six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Payton Pritchard registered 15 points, eight assists, three rebounds and one steal.
DeMar DeRozan paced the Bulls with 28 points, supplementing them with nine assists, six rebounds and one block. Nikola Vucevic, Alex Caruso and Ayo Dosunmu provided 14 points each. Vucevic added five assists, two rebounds, two blocks and one steal, Caruso contributed three rebounds, three assists and one steal and Dosunmu posted four assists, two rebounds and two steals. Dalen Terry tallied 12 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Coby White and Torrey Craig put up 11 points apiece, with White adding 10 assists and five rebounds.
The Celtics next visit the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night, while the Bulls host the Washington Wizards on Monday night as well.
The Celtics (57-14) were still road favorites despite sitting out some regulars, but the Bulls (34-37) were able to play them to a 31-31 tie through one. While Boston did manage to come back in the second to build a six-point lead before halftime, Chicago sliced its deficit in half during the third quarter. However, the visitors were eventually able to exert their will in the final period and finished on a 17-11 run over the final 5:33 after the home squad closed to within five.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 26 points, complementing them with six assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Al Horford and Sam Hauser generated matching 23-point, one-assist efforts while pulling down eight and five rebounds, respectively. Derrick White supplied 17 points, six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Payton Pritchard registered 15 points, eight assists, three rebounds and one steal.
DeMar DeRozan paced the Bulls with 28 points, supplementing them with nine assists, six rebounds and one block. Nikola Vucevic, Alex Caruso and Ayo Dosunmu provided 14 points each. Vucevic added five assists, two rebounds, two blocks and one steal, Caruso contributed three rebounds, three assists and one steal and Dosunmu posted four assists, two rebounds and two steals. Dalen Terry tallied 12 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Coby White and Torrey Craig put up 11 points apiece, with White adding 10 assists and five rebounds.
The Celtics next visit the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night, while the Bulls host the Washington Wizards on Monday night as well.
Rockets Dismantle Jazz, 147-119
The Houston Rockets defeated the Utah Jazz, 147-119, at Toyota Center on Saturday night.
The Rockets (35-35) were big home favorites coming over a Jazz (29-42) squad sitting out Lauri Markkanen (rest), and they immediately validated that status by racking up an incredible 47 points in the first 12 minutes. That 26-point advantage was augmented by another four points by intermission, essentially making the second half of the lopsided victory a formality.
John Collins led the Jazz with 25 points, complementing them with six rebounds, one assist and one steal. Collin Sexton supplied 20 points, eight assists, one rebound and one steal. Brice Sensabaugh turned in 16 points, four rebounds and four assists. Keyonte George managed 15 points, five assists and four rebounds. Walker Kessler and Kira Lewis Jr. produced matching 12-point tallies while recording nine and five rebounds, respectively. Lewis added another four assists.
Jalen Green paced the Rockets with 41 points, complementing them with four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Fred VanVleet furnished 34 points, seven assists, three rebounds and two steals. Jeff Green compiled 21 points, four boards, one assist and two blocks. Dillon Brooks registered 12 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal.
The Jazz returns home to host the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night, while the Rockets host the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night.
The Rockets (35-35) were big home favorites coming over a Jazz (29-42) squad sitting out Lauri Markkanen (rest), and they immediately validated that status by racking up an incredible 47 points in the first 12 minutes. That 26-point advantage was augmented by another four points by intermission, essentially making the second half of the lopsided victory a formality.
John Collins led the Jazz with 25 points, complementing them with six rebounds, one assist and one steal. Collin Sexton supplied 20 points, eight assists, one rebound and one steal. Brice Sensabaugh turned in 16 points, four rebounds and four assists. Keyonte George managed 15 points, five assists and four rebounds. Walker Kessler and Kira Lewis Jr. produced matching 12-point tallies while recording nine and five rebounds, respectively. Lewis added another four assists.
Jalen Green paced the Rockets with 41 points, complementing them with four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Fred VanVleet furnished 34 points, seven assists, three rebounds and two steals. Jeff Green compiled 21 points, four boards, one assist and two blocks. Dillon Brooks registered 12 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal.
The Jazz returns home to host the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night, while the Rockets host the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night.
Suns Defeat Spurs, 131-106
The Phoenix Suns defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 131-106, at Frost Bank Center on Saturday.
Phoenix won each of the first three quarters by at least nine points apiece, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. They actually led by 18 points at the half and carried a 32-point lead into the fourth quarter, leading by at least 20 points for the final 22 minutes. The Suns shot 60 percent from the field and 46 percent from three-point range while holding the Spurs to 47 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range. Phoenix also recorded 38 assists to eight turnovers, while San Antonio had 27 assists to 15 turnovers.
The Suns (42-29) were led by Devin Booker, finishing with 32 points, seven rebounds and nine assists. Kevin Durant shot 12-of-16 from the field to collect 25 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals. Bradley Beal accrued 13 points and 12 assists, while Jusuf Nurkic had six points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three steals. Bol Bol led the bench with 13 points and four boards.
The Spurs (15-56) were led by Victor Wembanyama, tallying 13 points, five rebounds and four assists. Keldon Johnson led the bench with 14 points and four rebounds. Tre Jones totaled 10 points and five assists, while Jeremy Sochan had seven points, three rebounds and two assists. Zach Collins and Blake Wesley both reached double figures in scoring off the bench as well.
These teams will have a rematch on Monday for their next outing.
Phoenix won each of the first three quarters by at least nine points apiece, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. They actually led by 18 points at the half and carried a 32-point lead into the fourth quarter, leading by at least 20 points for the final 22 minutes. The Suns shot 60 percent from the field and 46 percent from three-point range while holding the Spurs to 47 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range. Phoenix also recorded 38 assists to eight turnovers, while San Antonio had 27 assists to 15 turnovers.
The Suns (42-29) were led by Devin Booker, finishing with 32 points, seven rebounds and nine assists. Kevin Durant shot 12-of-16 from the field to collect 25 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals. Bradley Beal accrued 13 points and 12 assists, while Jusuf Nurkic had six points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three steals. Bol Bol led the bench with 13 points and four boards.
The Spurs (15-56) were led by Victor Wembanyama, tallying 13 points, five rebounds and four assists. Keldon Johnson led the bench with 14 points and four rebounds. Tre Jones totaled 10 points and five assists, while Jeremy Sochan had seven points, three rebounds and two assists. Zach Collins and Blake Wesley both reached double figures in scoring off the bench as well.
These teams will have a rematch on Monday for their next outing.
Wizards Defeat Raptors, 112-109
The Washington Wizards defeated the visiting Toronto Raptors, 112-109, at Capital One Arena on Saturday.
There were 15 ties and 26 lead changes in this game and it wasn't decided until the final shot. Bruce Brown had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer for Toronto but was unsuccessful from the corner. Washington finished this game on an 11-5 run over the closing 3:20 and never led by more than four points until that deciding run. The Wizards shot 48 percent from the field and 31 percent from three-point range, while the Raptors shot 43 percent from the field and 25 percent from long range. Washington also out-rebounded Toronto, 63-50, while doubling them up in second-chance points, 18-9.
The Raptors (23-48) were led by Gary Trent Jr, tallying 31 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals. Gradey Dick amassed 17 points, two rebounds and two assists. Kelly Olynyk collected 14 points, six rebounds, 10 assists and two steals, while Ochai Agbaji totaled 12 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Brown led the bench with 11 points, six rebounds and three assists.
The Wizards (13-58) were led by Deni Avdija, accruing 22 points, 13 rebounds and five assists. Jordan Poole provided 18 points, four rebounds, 12 assists and three steals. Corey Kispert compiled 18 points and two assists, while Kyla Kuzma had 16 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Richaun Holmes rounded out the starting lineup with 15 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Washington traveling to face the Chicago Bulls and Toronto returning home to face the Brooklyn Nets.
There were 15 ties and 26 lead changes in this game and it wasn't decided until the final shot. Bruce Brown had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer for Toronto but was unsuccessful from the corner. Washington finished this game on an 11-5 run over the closing 3:20 and never led by more than four points until that deciding run. The Wizards shot 48 percent from the field and 31 percent from three-point range, while the Raptors shot 43 percent from the field and 25 percent from long range. Washington also out-rebounded Toronto, 63-50, while doubling them up in second-chance points, 18-9.
The Raptors (23-48) were led by Gary Trent Jr, tallying 31 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals. Gradey Dick amassed 17 points, two rebounds and two assists. Kelly Olynyk collected 14 points, six rebounds, 10 assists and two steals, while Ochai Agbaji totaled 12 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Brown led the bench with 11 points, six rebounds and three assists.
The Wizards (13-58) were led by Deni Avdija, accruing 22 points, 13 rebounds and five assists. Jordan Poole provided 18 points, four rebounds, 12 assists and three steals. Corey Kispert compiled 18 points and two assists, while Kyla Kuzma had 16 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Richaun Holmes rounded out the starting lineup with 15 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Washington traveling to face the Chicago Bulls and Toronto returning home to face the Brooklyn Nets.
Shorthanded Nuggets Take Care Of Business In Portland
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 114-111, at Moda Center on Saturday evening.
Despite missing Nikola Jokic (hip) and Jamal Murray (ankle), the Nuggets managed to grind out the road win. The game got out to a competitive start as the Nuggets held a four-point lead after one quarter. They picked up momentum in the second and rallied to a 15-point lead, before the Trail Blazers cut it back to a 10-point game at the break. The hosts turned up their play in the third and outscored the Nuggets, 36-28, to bring it to just a two-point game entering the final quarter. The Blazers kept the energy going and grabbed a brief edge, but the Nuggets closed on a, 25-20, run to secure their third straight win. This also marks the sixth-straight loss for the Trail Blazers.
Reggie Jackson stepped up to lead the Nuggets with 23 points, five rebounds and two assists, in 29 minutes. Aaron Gordon followed up with 22 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and three blocks, while Christian Braun tallied 17 points, eight rebounds, six assists, three steals and a block, off the bench.
Meanwhile, Duop Reath led the Trail Blazers with 24 points, eight rebounds, two assists, a steal and two blocks, in 26 minutes. Scoot Henderson followed up with 22 points, four rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Toumani Camara added 16 points, seven rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block.
The Trail Blazers (19-52) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Rockets on Monday. The Nuggets (50-21) play host to the Grizzlies on Monday.
Despite missing Nikola Jokic (hip) and Jamal Murray (ankle), the Nuggets managed to grind out the road win. The game got out to a competitive start as the Nuggets held a four-point lead after one quarter. They picked up momentum in the second and rallied to a 15-point lead, before the Trail Blazers cut it back to a 10-point game at the break. The hosts turned up their play in the third and outscored the Nuggets, 36-28, to bring it to just a two-point game entering the final quarter. The Blazers kept the energy going and grabbed a brief edge, but the Nuggets closed on a, 25-20, run to secure their third straight win. This also marks the sixth-straight loss for the Trail Blazers.
Reggie Jackson stepped up to lead the Nuggets with 23 points, five rebounds and two assists, in 29 minutes. Aaron Gordon followed up with 22 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and three blocks, while Christian Braun tallied 17 points, eight rebounds, six assists, three steals and a block, off the bench.
Meanwhile, Duop Reath led the Trail Blazers with 24 points, eight rebounds, two assists, a steal and two blocks, in 26 minutes. Scoot Henderson followed up with 22 points, four rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Toumani Camara added 16 points, seven rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block.
The Trail Blazers (19-52) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Rockets on Monday. The Nuggets (50-21) play host to the Grizzlies on Monday.