Allen, Garland register double-doubles to lift Cavs over Hornets
The Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Charlotte Hornets, 115-92, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Monday.
It was an even affair after 12 minutes, but the Cavaliers (44-28) dominated in the second quarter, 31-17, to take a 14-point lead into halftime. The Hornets (17-54) managed to keep up with their opponents in the third frame and even cut the deficit to single digits. However, Cleveland dominated down the stretch, winning the fourth quarter by 11 points and rode the momentum to improve to 23-14 at home. Charlotte, following the loss, dropped to 8-30 on the road.
Brandon Miller led the Hornets with 24 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Miles Bridges added 13 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Tre Mann added 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Grant Williams led the bench with 12 points, two rebounds and two steals, while Aleksej Pokusevski added 11 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals in reserve. Nick Richards tallied 11 points, three rebounds and two blocks.
Evan Mobley led the starters with 17 points, seven rebounds and eight assists, while Georges Niang led the bench with 17 points as well. Jarrett Allen registered his 36th double-double of the season with 17 points, 13 rebounds and four assists. Darius Garland finished with 15 points, four rebounds and 10 assists for his fourth double-double of the season. Isaac Okoro chipped in 14 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Hornets and Cavaliers will square off again Thursday in the second game of a home-and-home series, with the contest taking place in Charlotte.
It was an even affair after 12 minutes, but the Cavaliers (44-28) dominated in the second quarter, 31-17, to take a 14-point lead into halftime. The Hornets (17-54) managed to keep up with their opponents in the third frame and even cut the deficit to single digits. However, Cleveland dominated down the stretch, winning the fourth quarter by 11 points and rode the momentum to improve to 23-14 at home. Charlotte, following the loss, dropped to 8-30 on the road.
Brandon Miller led the Hornets with 24 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Miles Bridges added 13 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Tre Mann added 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Grant Williams led the bench with 12 points, two rebounds and two steals, while Aleksej Pokusevski added 11 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals in reserve. Nick Richards tallied 11 points, three rebounds and two blocks.
Evan Mobley led the starters with 17 points, seven rebounds and eight assists, while Georges Niang led the bench with 17 points as well. Jarrett Allen registered his 36th double-double of the season with 17 points, 13 rebounds and four assists. Darius Garland finished with 15 points, four rebounds and 10 assists for his fourth double-double of the season. Isaac Okoro chipped in 14 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Hornets and Cavaliers will square off again Thursday in the second game of a home-and-home series, with the contest taking place in Charlotte.
Hawks Rally To Defeat Celtics
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Boston Celtics, 120-118, at State Farm Arena on Monday.
The Hawks (32-39) recorded a huge win that could be pivotal in securing a spot in the Play-In Tournament over the Celtics (57-15). It wasn’t an easy win, however, as Atlanta endured a rough start and looked lost in the early stages. Boston took advantage of that to build a 44-22 lead in the first 12 minutes, and Boston led by as much as 30 points at one point. However, the Hawks showed signs of life in the second quarter, outscoring the Celtics by a 34-30 score. A 34-22 third quarter reduced Boston’s lead even further, and by the time the fourth quarter started, Atlanta had all the momentum on its side. The Hawks would end up completing the comeback, and a 30-22 score in the final 12 minutes gave them a massive victory. With the win, the Hawks moved to 18-17 at home, while the Celtics fell to 25-12 on the road.
De’Andre Hunter led the way for the Hawks with 24 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Dejounte Murray had a big double-double after posting 19 points and 15 assists, and Clint Capela did the same after racking up 14 points and 12 boards. Murray also had five rebounds and three assists. Vit Krejci delivered 16 points. Bogdan Bogdanovic recorded 22 points, and Bruno Fernando added 13 points off the bench.
Jayson Tatum was the best player for the Celtics and finished with a game-high 37 points while adding eight rebounds, five assists and two steals. Jaylen Brown recorded 24 points, four rebounds and three steals. Kristaps Porzingis added 17 points, five rebounds and three blocks. Payton Pritchard added 15 points, six assists and five rebounds coming off the bench.
The Hawks (32-39) recorded a huge win that could be pivotal in securing a spot in the Play-In Tournament over the Celtics (57-15). It wasn’t an easy win, however, as Atlanta endured a rough start and looked lost in the early stages. Boston took advantage of that to build a 44-22 lead in the first 12 minutes, and Boston led by as much as 30 points at one point. However, the Hawks showed signs of life in the second quarter, outscoring the Celtics by a 34-30 score. A 34-22 third quarter reduced Boston’s lead even further, and by the time the fourth quarter started, Atlanta had all the momentum on its side. The Hawks would end up completing the comeback, and a 30-22 score in the final 12 minutes gave them a massive victory. With the win, the Hawks moved to 18-17 at home, while the Celtics fell to 25-12 on the road.
De’Andre Hunter led the way for the Hawks with 24 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Dejounte Murray had a big double-double after posting 19 points and 15 assists, and Clint Capela did the same after racking up 14 points and 12 boards. Murray also had five rebounds and three assists. Vit Krejci delivered 16 points. Bogdan Bogdanovic recorded 22 points, and Bruno Fernando added 13 points off the bench.
Jayson Tatum was the best player for the Celtics and finished with a game-high 37 points while adding eight rebounds, five assists and two steals. Jaylen Brown recorded 24 points, four rebounds and three steals. Kristaps Porzingis added 17 points, five rebounds and three blocks. Payton Pritchard added 15 points, six assists and five rebounds coming off the bench.
Knicks Enjoy Strong Start, Destroy Pistons
The New York Knicks defeated the Detroit Pistons, 124-99, at Madison Square Garden on Monday.
The Knicks (43-28) didn’t have problems to secure a massive victory over the Pistons (12-60) in front of 19,812 fans at Madison Square Garden. The difference in talent and execution on both teams is massive, and the Knicks reflected that by jumping to a 36-17 lead in the first quarter. The 19-point lead was a differential Detroit was never able to relinquish. Even though Detroit put up a fight the rest of the way, including winning the second quarter by a 25-23 margin, the Knicks didn’t have problems closing things out. The Knicks pulled away even further with a 36-24 score in the third quarter. Detroit won the final 12 minutes, but the game was already decided by then. With the win, the Knicks moved to 24-13 at home, while the Pistons fell to 5-29 on the road.
Donte DiVincenzo finished with 40 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals to lead the Knicks. Josh Hart recorded a triple-double after finishing with 11 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists. Miles McBride had 13 points, five rebounds and four assists. Jalen Brunson finished with 28 points and six assists. Bojan Bogdanovic had 13 points coming off the bench. The Knicks shot 50.6 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from three-point range.
Marcus Sasser was the best player for the Pistons and finished with 24 points and six assists. James Wiseman posted 14 points and 11 rebounds. No other Detroit starter scored in double digits. Evan Fournier had 15 points and Malachi Flynn added 14, with both players coming off the bench. Flynn also dished out three assists and made two steals. The Pistons shot 38.6 percent from the field and 29.4 percent from three-point range.
The Knicks (43-28) didn’t have problems to secure a massive victory over the Pistons (12-60) in front of 19,812 fans at Madison Square Garden. The difference in talent and execution on both teams is massive, and the Knicks reflected that by jumping to a 36-17 lead in the first quarter. The 19-point lead was a differential Detroit was never able to relinquish. Even though Detroit put up a fight the rest of the way, including winning the second quarter by a 25-23 margin, the Knicks didn’t have problems closing things out. The Knicks pulled away even further with a 36-24 score in the third quarter. Detroit won the final 12 minutes, but the game was already decided by then. With the win, the Knicks moved to 24-13 at home, while the Pistons fell to 5-29 on the road.
Donte DiVincenzo finished with 40 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals to lead the Knicks. Josh Hart recorded a triple-double after finishing with 11 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists. Miles McBride had 13 points, five rebounds and four assists. Jalen Brunson finished with 28 points and six assists. Bojan Bogdanovic had 13 points coming off the bench. The Knicks shot 50.6 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from three-point range.
Marcus Sasser was the best player for the Pistons and finished with 24 points and six assists. James Wiseman posted 14 points and 11 rebounds. No other Detroit starter scored in double digits. Evan Fournier had 15 points and Malachi Flynn added 14, with both players coming off the bench. Flynn also dished out three assists and made two steals. The Pistons shot 38.6 percent from the field and 29.4 percent from three-point range.
Nets Come From Behind, Top Raptors In Low-Scoring Affair
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Toronto Raptors, 96-88, at Scotiabank Arena on Monday.
The Nets (27-45) and the Raptors (23-49) played a low-scoring game that turned out to be quite entertaining. However, the Nets executed better down the stretch, and their dominance in the final minutes was enough to close things out. Brooklyn jumped to a 22-20 score in the first quarter. They bolstered their advantage even further to a four-point edge at halftime following a 27-25 score in the second quarter. The Raptors showed signs of life and flipped the script completely, outscoring Brooklyn in the third quarter and jumping to a one-point lead after a 24-19 score. However, the Nets managed to complete the comeback in the fourth quarter after a 28-19 score in the final 12 minutes. With the win, the Nets moved to 11-26 on the road, while the Raptors fell to 13-23 at home. The win also keeps Brooklyn’s chances of entering the Play-In Tournament alive.
Dennis Schroder led the way for the Nets with 19 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Nic Claxton only had nine points, but he grabbed 16 rebounds. Mikal Bridges had 13 points and four assists. Jalen Wilson recorded 12 points, five rebounds and two assists. Dorian Finney-Smith posted 11 points, five rebounds and three assists. Trendon Watford had 19 points and seven rebounds off the bench. The Nets shot 45.7 percent from the field and 23.1 percent from three-point range.
Gary Trent Jr. led the Raptors with 18 points. Kelly Olynyk delivered 10 points, nine assists and four rebounds. Javon Freeman-Liberty had 15 points, four rebounds and two assists. Ochai Agbaji posted 11 points and five rebounds. Bruce Brown added 10 points coming off the bench. The Raptors shot 43.5 percent from the field and a meager 18.5 percent from three-point range.
The Nets (27-45) and the Raptors (23-49) played a low-scoring game that turned out to be quite entertaining. However, the Nets executed better down the stretch, and their dominance in the final minutes was enough to close things out. Brooklyn jumped to a 22-20 score in the first quarter. They bolstered their advantage even further to a four-point edge at halftime following a 27-25 score in the second quarter. The Raptors showed signs of life and flipped the script completely, outscoring Brooklyn in the third quarter and jumping to a one-point lead after a 24-19 score. However, the Nets managed to complete the comeback in the fourth quarter after a 28-19 score in the final 12 minutes. With the win, the Nets moved to 11-26 on the road, while the Raptors fell to 13-23 at home. The win also keeps Brooklyn’s chances of entering the Play-In Tournament alive.
Dennis Schroder led the way for the Nets with 19 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Nic Claxton only had nine points, but he grabbed 16 rebounds. Mikal Bridges had 13 points and four assists. Jalen Wilson recorded 12 points, five rebounds and two assists. Dorian Finney-Smith posted 11 points, five rebounds and three assists. Trendon Watford had 19 points and seven rebounds off the bench. The Nets shot 45.7 percent from the field and 23.1 percent from three-point range.
Gary Trent Jr. led the Raptors with 18 points. Kelly Olynyk delivered 10 points, nine assists and four rebounds. Javon Freeman-Liberty had 15 points, four rebounds and two assists. Ochai Agbaji posted 11 points and five rebounds. Bruce Brown added 10 points coming off the bench. The Raptors shot 43.5 percent from the field and a meager 18.5 percent from three-point range.
Wizards Edge Bulls, 107-105
The Washington Wizards defeated the Chicago Bulls, 107-105, at United Center on Monday night.
The Wizards (14-58) opened the game in surprisingly dominant fashion, building a 31-17 lead through one that looked to have them well on their way to a third straight win. However, the Bulls (34-38) rediscovered their offense in the second period, lopping 10 points from their deficit before halftime and then eliminating the rest of it in the third quarter. A highly competitive final period came down to the final seconds, when Justin Champagnie sunk a free throw with 5.1 seconds left to give Washington a two-point advantage and DeMar DeRozan's 44-foot pullup jumper at the buzzer failed to find the net.
Jordan Poole led the Wizards with 23 points, adding five assists and three rebounds. Corey Kispert generated a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double that included three assists and two steals. Marvin Bagley totaled 16 points and two rebounds, while Richaun Holmes generated a 14-point, 15-rebound double-double that included two assists, one steal and one block.
DeRozan paced the Bulls with 27 points, supplementing them with six assists, two rebounds, five steals and one block. Coby White supplied 22 points, five assists, four rebounds and one block. Alex Caruso and Ayo Dosunmu contributed matching 12-point tallies, with Caruso also posting six rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Andre Drummond offered a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist and two blocks.
The Wizards return home to host the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night, while the Bulls host the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night as well.
The Wizards (14-58) opened the game in surprisingly dominant fashion, building a 31-17 lead through one that looked to have them well on their way to a third straight win. However, the Bulls (34-38) rediscovered their offense in the second period, lopping 10 points from their deficit before halftime and then eliminating the rest of it in the third quarter. A highly competitive final period came down to the final seconds, when Justin Champagnie sunk a free throw with 5.1 seconds left to give Washington a two-point advantage and DeMar DeRozan's 44-foot pullup jumper at the buzzer failed to find the net.
Jordan Poole led the Wizards with 23 points, adding five assists and three rebounds. Corey Kispert generated a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double that included three assists and two steals. Marvin Bagley totaled 16 points and two rebounds, while Richaun Holmes generated a 14-point, 15-rebound double-double that included two assists, one steal and one block.
DeRozan paced the Bulls with 27 points, supplementing them with six assists, two rebounds, five steals and one block. Coby White supplied 22 points, five assists, four rebounds and one block. Alex Caruso and Ayo Dosunmu contributed matching 12-point tallies, with Caruso also posting six rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Andre Drummond offered a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist and two blocks.
The Wizards return home to host the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night, while the Bulls host the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night as well.
Rockets Top Trail Blazers, 110-92
The Houston Rockets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, 110-92, at Toyota Center on Monday night.
The Rockets (36-35) were big home favorites coming in, but they were up by just three points after one. The Trail Blazers (19-53) then were even more competitive in the second quarter, limiting the hosts to only 19 points while erasing their deficit and building a surprising four-point halftime advantage. That seemed to wake Houston up, as the Rockets outscored Portland by a 63-41 margin over the final two quarters to win going away.
Dalano Banton led the Trail Blazers with 28 points, complementing them with 11 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and one steal. Scoot Henderson supplied 15 points, four assists and three rebounds. Toumani Camara recorded 12 points, five boards, two steals and two blocks.
Jalen Green paced the Rockets with 27 points, complementing them with six rebounds, three assists, three steals and one block. Jock Landale generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block. Fred VanVleet furnished 15 points, four assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Amen Thompson tallied 12 points, nine rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Aaron Holiday and Dillon Brooks generated matching 11-point efforts while contributing four assists and two rebounds, respectively.
The Trail Blazers remain on the road and next visit the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night, while the Rockets visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night.
The Rockets (36-35) were big home favorites coming in, but they were up by just three points after one. The Trail Blazers (19-53) then were even more competitive in the second quarter, limiting the hosts to only 19 points while erasing their deficit and building a surprising four-point halftime advantage. That seemed to wake Houston up, as the Rockets outscored Portland by a 63-41 margin over the final two quarters to win going away.
Dalano Banton led the Trail Blazers with 28 points, complementing them with 11 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and one steal. Scoot Henderson supplied 15 points, four assists and three rebounds. Toumani Camara recorded 12 points, five boards, two steals and two blocks.
Jalen Green paced the Rockets with 27 points, complementing them with six rebounds, three assists, three steals and one block. Jock Landale generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block. Fred VanVleet furnished 15 points, four assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Amen Thompson tallied 12 points, nine rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Aaron Holiday and Dillon Brooks generated matching 11-point efforts while contributing four assists and two rebounds, respectively.
The Trail Blazers remain on the road and next visit the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night, while the Rockets visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night.
Spurs Stun Suns, 104-102
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Phoenix Suns, 104-102, at Frost Bank Center on Monday night.
The Spurs (16-56) were underdogs despite being at home, so when they built a 29-22 lead through one, it portended a potentially unpredictable night. The Suns (42-30) did seem to get things back to normal by forging a 28-18 edge in the second period, but San Antonio fought back in the third to take a one-point edge into the final period. A see-saw fourth quarter eventually saw Phoenix holding a one-point advantage with 51.1 seconds following a pair of Devin Booker free throws, but Jeremy Sochan's subsequent three-pointer and missed long-distance attempts by Kevin Durant and Booker with under 10 seconds remaining sealed the hosts' upset victory.
Booker led the Suns with 36 points, complementing them with six rebounds, four assists, three blocks and one steal. Durant supplied 29 points, eight rebounds, six assists and one steal. Royce O'Neale managed 12 points, five rebounds, two assists and one block.
Sochan and Devin Vassell co-led the Spurs with 26-point contributions, with Sochan also pulling down 18 rebounds and Vassell posting seven assists, four rebounds and three steals. Zach Collins furnished 18 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal. Keldon Johnson registered 14 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal.
The Suns remain on the road and visit the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night, while the Spurs visit the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night.
The Spurs (16-56) were underdogs despite being at home, so when they built a 29-22 lead through one, it portended a potentially unpredictable night. The Suns (42-30) did seem to get things back to normal by forging a 28-18 edge in the second period, but San Antonio fought back in the third to take a one-point edge into the final period. A see-saw fourth quarter eventually saw Phoenix holding a one-point advantage with 51.1 seconds following a pair of Devin Booker free throws, but Jeremy Sochan's subsequent three-pointer and missed long-distance attempts by Kevin Durant and Booker with under 10 seconds remaining sealed the hosts' upset victory.
Booker led the Suns with 36 points, complementing them with six rebounds, four assists, three blocks and one steal. Durant supplied 29 points, eight rebounds, six assists and one steal. Royce O'Neale managed 12 points, five rebounds, two assists and one block.
Sochan and Devin Vassell co-led the Spurs with 26-point contributions, with Sochan also pulling down 18 rebounds and Vassell posting seven assists, four rebounds and three steals. Zach Collins furnished 18 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal. Keldon Johnson registered 14 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal.
The Suns remain on the road and visit the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night, while the Spurs visit the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night.
Nuggets Roll Past Visiting Grizzlies
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, 128-103, at Ball Arena on Monday evening.
The Nuggets jumped out to a great start with a, 39-24, lead after one quarter. They maintain the momentum in the second and outscored the visitors, 30-20, to make it a 25-point difference heading into the break. The Grizzlies came out with a better effort in the third but could only trim the deficit by two and trailed by 23, entering the final frame. The Nuggets maintained their focus and had no trouble down the stretch, closing out their fourth straight win.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 29 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and a block, in 31 minutes. Christian Braun followed up with 17 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Reggie Jackson added 15 points, eight assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, five players scored in double digits for the Grizzlies, led by Lamar Stevens, who totaled 19 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 23 minutes off the bench. Scotty Pippen followed up with 17 points, two rebounds and four assists, while GG Jackson and Desmond Bane tallied 15 points each.
The Grizzlies (24-48) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Lakers on Wednesday. The Nuggets (51-21) play host to the Suns on Wednesday.
The Nuggets jumped out to a great start with a, 39-24, lead after one quarter. They maintain the momentum in the second and outscored the visitors, 30-20, to make it a 25-point difference heading into the break. The Grizzlies came out with a better effort in the third but could only trim the deficit by two and trailed by 23, entering the final frame. The Nuggets maintained their focus and had no trouble down the stretch, closing out their fourth straight win.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 29 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and a block, in 31 minutes. Christian Braun followed up with 17 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Reggie Jackson added 15 points, eight assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, five players scored in double digits for the Grizzlies, led by Lamar Stevens, who totaled 19 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 23 minutes off the bench. Scotty Pippen followed up with 17 points, two rebounds and four assists, while GG Jackson and Desmond Bane tallied 15 points each.
The Grizzlies (24-48) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Lakers on Wednesday. The Nuggets (51-21) play host to the Suns on Wednesday.
Mavs Defeat Jazz, 115-105
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the host Utah Jazz, 115-105, at Vivint Arena on Monday.
There were seven ties and nine lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than eight points until the final minutes. Dallas is the team who changed that, riding a 27-17 fourth quarter to their comeback win. The Mavericks shot 48 percent from the field while holding the Jazz below 43 percent shooting. Dallas also recorded nine steals and seven blocks, while Utah had just six steals and three blocks. That led to the Mavs winning the turnover battle, 12-6.
The Mavericks (42-29) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 29 points, 12 rebounds and 13 assists. Kyrie Irving compiled 27 points, three rebounds and five assists. PJ Washington provided 16 points and four rebounds. Daniel Gafford generated 13 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, two steals and five blocks, while Tim Hardaway Jr led the bench with 13 points, two rebounds, four assists and three steals.
The Jazz (29-43) were led by Lauri Markkanen, finishing with 34 points, seven rebounds and two assists. John Collins taliied 21 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Collin Sexton totaled 20 points, two rebounds and six assists, while Jordan Clarkson led the bench with four points, four rebounds and eight assists.
On deck for Utah is a home matchup with the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. As for Dallas, they have to play again on Tuesday, staying on the road to play the Sacramento Kings.
There were seven ties and nine lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than eight points until the final minutes. Dallas is the team who changed that, riding a 27-17 fourth quarter to their comeback win. The Mavericks shot 48 percent from the field while holding the Jazz below 43 percent shooting. Dallas also recorded nine steals and seven blocks, while Utah had just six steals and three blocks. That led to the Mavs winning the turnover battle, 12-6.
The Mavericks (42-29) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 29 points, 12 rebounds and 13 assists. Kyrie Irving compiled 27 points, three rebounds and five assists. PJ Washington provided 16 points and four rebounds. Daniel Gafford generated 13 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, two steals and five blocks, while Tim Hardaway Jr led the bench with 13 points, two rebounds, four assists and three steals.
The Jazz (29-43) were led by Lauri Markkanen, finishing with 34 points, seven rebounds and two assists. John Collins taliied 21 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Collin Sexton totaled 20 points, two rebounds and six assists, while Jordan Clarkson led the bench with four points, four rebounds and eight assists.
On deck for Utah is a home matchup with the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. As for Dallas, they have to play again on Tuesday, staying on the road to play the Sacramento Kings.
Kings Defeat Sixers, 108-96
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Philadelphia 76ers, 108-96, at Golden One Center on Monday.
There were only two lead changes in this game, with Sacramento never relinquishing the lead after the first quarter. The Kings actually led by at least nine points for the entirety of the second half, getting their lead up to 22 points at times. Sacramento shot 44 percent from the field while holding Philadelphia below 42 percent shooting. The Kings also recorded 25 assists to seven turnovers, while the Sixers had 18 assists to 15 turnovers.
The Sixers (39-33) were led by Tyrese Maxey, totaling 29 points, three rebounds and two assists. Tobias Harris had 12 points and eight rebounds. The other three starters combined for eight points and one assist. DJ Wilson and Ricky Council led the bench with 10 points and two rebounds apiece.
The Kings (42-29) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 23 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals. Keegan Murray amassed 23 points, three rebounds and four assists. Domantas Sabonis collected 11 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists, while Malik Monk provided 11 points, four rebounds and four assists off the bench.
Sacramento has to play again on Tuesday, remaining home to play the Dallas Mavericks. As for Philly, they return home to play the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday for their next outing.
There were only two lead changes in this game, with Sacramento never relinquishing the lead after the first quarter. The Kings actually led by at least nine points for the entirety of the second half, getting their lead up to 22 points at times. Sacramento shot 44 percent from the field while holding Philadelphia below 42 percent shooting. The Kings also recorded 25 assists to seven turnovers, while the Sixers had 18 assists to 15 turnovers.
The Sixers (39-33) were led by Tyrese Maxey, totaling 29 points, three rebounds and two assists. Tobias Harris had 12 points and eight rebounds. The other three starters combined for eight points and one assist. DJ Wilson and Ricky Council led the bench with 10 points and two rebounds apiece.
The Kings (42-29) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 23 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals. Keegan Murray amassed 23 points, three rebounds and four assists. Domantas Sabonis collected 11 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists, while Malik Monk provided 11 points, four rebounds and four assists off the bench.
Sacramento has to play again on Tuesday, remaining home to play the Dallas Mavericks. As for Philly, they return home to play the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday for their next outing.
Pacers Defeat Clippers, 133-116
The Indiana Pacers defeated the host Los Angeles Clippers, 133-116, at Crypto.com Arena on Monday.
While there were 11 ties and 12 lead changes in the first half, Indiana never relinquished the lead in the second half. That 36-28 second quarter carried the Pacers, riding a 68-54 second half to their road victory. Indiana shot 58 percent from the field and 61 percent from three-point range (17-of-28), while Los Angeles shot 54 percent from the field and 30 percent from long range (6-of-20).
The Pacers (41-32) were led by Pascal Siakam, providing 31 points, four rebounds and two assists. Myles Turner tallied 24 points and six rebounds. Tyrese Haliburton had 21 points, nine assists and two steals, while TJ McConnell led the bench with 15 points, two rebounds and six assists. Jarace Walker accrued eight points, four rebounds and seven assists.
The Clippers (44-27) were led by Paul George, finishing with 26 points, three assists and two steals. Kawhi Leonard collected 26 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. James Harden amassed 11 points, three rebounds and seven assists, while Ivica Zubac generated nine points, 11 rebounds and two assists. Norman Powell led the bench with 22 points and three boards.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Indiana staying on the road to play the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles traveling to face the Philadelphia 76ers.
While there were 11 ties and 12 lead changes in the first half, Indiana never relinquished the lead in the second half. That 36-28 second quarter carried the Pacers, riding a 68-54 second half to their road victory. Indiana shot 58 percent from the field and 61 percent from three-point range (17-of-28), while Los Angeles shot 54 percent from the field and 30 percent from long range (6-of-20).
The Pacers (41-32) were led by Pascal Siakam, providing 31 points, four rebounds and two assists. Myles Turner tallied 24 points and six rebounds. Tyrese Haliburton had 21 points, nine assists and two steals, while TJ McConnell led the bench with 15 points, two rebounds and six assists. Jarace Walker accrued eight points, four rebounds and seven assists.
The Clippers (44-27) were led by Paul George, finishing with 26 points, three assists and two steals. Kawhi Leonard collected 26 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. James Harden amassed 11 points, three rebounds and seven assists, while Ivica Zubac generated nine points, 11 rebounds and two assists. Norman Powell led the bench with 22 points and three boards.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Indiana staying on the road to play the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles traveling to face the Philadelphia 76ers.