Heat Dominates, Secure Win Over Pacers
The Miami Heat defeated the Indiana Pacers, 113-104, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday night.
The Heat (14-9) looked impressive in their win over the Pacers (9-16) on Friday, grabbing a commanding lead in the first quarter and never looking back en route to a strong win at home. Miami created separation in the first quarter and outscored their rivals by a 32-25 score in the first quarter, and they would never look back after that. Even though the second quarter ended with a 30-30 tie, Miami won the third quarter by a 30-26 score as well and they were up by 11 points with only 12 minutes left on the clock. The final quarter was tighter, but Miami’s win was never in danger and they didn’t have problems coming away with a strong victory against their Conference rivals.
Kyle Lowry was the best player for the Heat since he ended with 26 points and nine assists, while Duncan Robinson contributed 24 points. Tyler Herro added 18 points, and P.J. Tucker filled the stat sheet with six points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Omer Yertseven and Gabe Vincent both had 12 points coming off the bench. No other Heat player scored in double digits.
Caris LeVert contributed 27 points for the Pacers, but he also added three assists, two rebounds and two steals, while Chris Duarte had 15 points and four rebounds. Myles Turner had 20 points and four rebounds, while Malcolm Brogdon chipped in with 14 points, seven assists and four boards. Domantas Sabonis came off the bench and posted a double-double of 14 points and 16 boards.
The Heat (14-9) looked impressive in their win over the Pacers (9-16) on Friday, grabbing a commanding lead in the first quarter and never looking back en route to a strong win at home. Miami created separation in the first quarter and outscored their rivals by a 32-25 score in the first quarter, and they would never look back after that. Even though the second quarter ended with a 30-30 tie, Miami won the third quarter by a 30-26 score as well and they were up by 11 points with only 12 minutes left on the clock. The final quarter was tighter, but Miami’s win was never in danger and they didn’t have problems coming away with a strong victory against their Conference rivals.
Kyle Lowry was the best player for the Heat since he ended with 26 points and nine assists, while Duncan Robinson contributed 24 points. Tyler Herro added 18 points, and P.J. Tucker filled the stat sheet with six points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Omer Yertseven and Gabe Vincent both had 12 points coming off the bench. No other Heat player scored in double digits.
Caris LeVert contributed 27 points for the Pacers, but he also added three assists, two rebounds and two steals, while Chris Duarte had 15 points and four rebounds. Myles Turner had 20 points and four rebounds, while Malcolm Brogdon chipped in with 14 points, seven assists and four boards. Domantas Sabonis came off the bench and posted a double-double of 14 points and 16 boards.
Cavaliers Topple Wizards, 116-101
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Washington Wizards, 116-101, at Capital One Arena on Friday night.
The Cavaliers (13-10) checked into the contest looking to prove itself on the road against yet another tough opponent, and by compiling 65 points over the first two quarters, they managed to forge a 19-point halftime lead over the Wizards (14-9). When they added another eight points to their advantage in the third quarter, the final result was a foregone conclusion, although Washington managed to shave off 12 points from its final margin of defeat in a meaningless fourth quarter.
Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 32 points, complementing them with 10 assists, eight rebounds and one steal. Jarrett Allen generated a 28-point, 13-rebound double-double that included two assists, two blocks and one steal. Lauri Markkanen furnished 15 points, six rebounds and two assists. Kevin Love supplied 13 points, nine rebounds and two assists.
Deni Avdija paced the Wizards with 16 points, supplementing them with three rebounds and one block. Bradley Beal delivered 14 points, three boards, one assist and one block. Raul Neto registered 13 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal. Kyle Kuzma turned in 12 points, four rebounds and three assists. Aaron Holiday contributed 11 points, four assists and two rebounds.
The Cavaliers return home to host the Utah Jazz on Sunday afternoon, while the Wizards travel to tangle with the Toronto Raptors on Sunday evening.
The Cavaliers (13-10) checked into the contest looking to prove itself on the road against yet another tough opponent, and by compiling 65 points over the first two quarters, they managed to forge a 19-point halftime lead over the Wizards (14-9). When they added another eight points to their advantage in the third quarter, the final result was a foregone conclusion, although Washington managed to shave off 12 points from its final margin of defeat in a meaningless fourth quarter.
Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 32 points, complementing them with 10 assists, eight rebounds and one steal. Jarrett Allen generated a 28-point, 13-rebound double-double that included two assists, two blocks and one steal. Lauri Markkanen furnished 15 points, six rebounds and two assists. Kevin Love supplied 13 points, nine rebounds and two assists.
Deni Avdija paced the Wizards with 16 points, supplementing them with three rebounds and one block. Bradley Beal delivered 14 points, three boards, one assist and one block. Raul Neto registered 13 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal. Kyle Kuzma turned in 12 points, four rebounds and three assists. Aaron Holiday contributed 11 points, four assists and two rebounds.
The Cavaliers return home to host the Utah Jazz on Sunday afternoon, while the Wizards travel to tangle with the Toronto Raptors on Sunday evening.
Sixers Come From Behind, Top Hawks
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 98-96, at StateFarm Arena on Friday night.
The 76ers (12-11) and the Hawks (12-11) played a tight contest that went down to the wire, and while Atlanta led through most of the game, the Sixers capped a massive rally and they won thanks to a jumper from Joel Embiid with less than 45 seconds left. The 76ers grabbed a 31-22 lead in the first quarter, but the Hawks turned things around with a 30-13 score in the second quarter. They were still in front after three with a 35-34 score in the third, but the Sixers responded and flipped the script in the fourth. They limited the Hawks to just nine points in the fourth and that was enough to win the game.
Joel Embiid led the way for the Sixers with 28 points and 12 rebounds, while Seth Curry had 18 points and five assists. Georges Niang had 13 points, while Tyrese Maxey posted 11 points and five dimes. Danny Green notched 10 points as well. No other Philadelphia player scored in double digits.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 25 points and 10 assists, and he also ended with four rebounds. Kevin Huerter had 12 points, and John Collins chipped in with 18 points and eight rebounds. Danilo Gallinari impressed off the bench and finished with 18 points, eight boards and three assists. Lou Williams had 11 points off the bench as well. Clint Capela had six points and 11 rebounds.
The 76ers (12-11) and the Hawks (12-11) played a tight contest that went down to the wire, and while Atlanta led through most of the game, the Sixers capped a massive rally and they won thanks to a jumper from Joel Embiid with less than 45 seconds left. The 76ers grabbed a 31-22 lead in the first quarter, but the Hawks turned things around with a 30-13 score in the second quarter. They were still in front after three with a 35-34 score in the third, but the Sixers responded and flipped the script in the fourth. They limited the Hawks to just nine points in the fourth and that was enough to win the game.
Joel Embiid led the way for the Sixers with 28 points and 12 rebounds, while Seth Curry had 18 points and five assists. Georges Niang had 13 points, while Tyrese Maxey posted 11 points and five dimes. Danny Green notched 10 points as well. No other Philadelphia player scored in double digits.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 25 points and 10 assists, and he also ended with four rebounds. Kevin Huerter had 12 points, and John Collins chipped in with 18 points and eight rebounds. Danilo Gallinari impressed off the bench and finished with 18 points, eight boards and three assists. Lou Williams had 11 points off the bench as well. Clint Capela had six points and 11 rebounds.
Nets Edge Timberwolves, 110-105
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 110-105, at Barclays Center on Friday night.
The Nets (16-6) found themselves in the unfamiliar position of trailing an inferior opponent on their home court early, as they were down by a 34-27 margin after 12 minutes to a Timberwolves (11-12) squad missing Karl-Anthony Towns (back). However, Brooklyn bounced back to erase its deficit altogether in the second quarter and take a four-point lead into halftime. Undeterred, Minnesota chipped three points away from that advantage during the third, setting up an exciting final period. Ultimately, a 6-0 run by the hosts in the latter portion of the fourth quarter and a Kevin Durant 15-footer with 11.3 seconds remaining helped seal the Nets' win.
D'Angelo Russell led the Timberwolves with 21 points, complementing them with 11 assists, three rebounds and one steal. Naz Reid and Anthony Edwards generated matching 19-point efforts while pulling down seven rebounds and dishing out four assists, respectively. Malik Beasley furnished 18 points, four rebounds, one assist and one block. Taurean Prince netted 11 points, while Jarred Vanderbilt posted a 10-point, 15-rebound double-double that included three assists, one steal and one block.
Durant paced the Nets with 30 points, supplementing them with 10 rebounds and six assists. Patty Mills supplied 23 points, three assists and one steal. James Harden delivered 20 points, nine assists, seven rebounds and two steals. LaMarcus Aldridge managed 13 points, five rebounds, two assists and one block. James Johnson posted 11 points and six boards.
The Timberwolves return home to host the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night, while the Nets remain home to host the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night.
The Nets (16-6) found themselves in the unfamiliar position of trailing an inferior opponent on their home court early, as they were down by a 34-27 margin after 12 minutes to a Timberwolves (11-12) squad missing Karl-Anthony Towns (back). However, Brooklyn bounced back to erase its deficit altogether in the second quarter and take a four-point lead into halftime. Undeterred, Minnesota chipped three points away from that advantage during the third, setting up an exciting final period. Ultimately, a 6-0 run by the hosts in the latter portion of the fourth quarter and a Kevin Durant 15-footer with 11.3 seconds remaining helped seal the Nets' win.
D'Angelo Russell led the Timberwolves with 21 points, complementing them with 11 assists, three rebounds and one steal. Naz Reid and Anthony Edwards generated matching 19-point efforts while pulling down seven rebounds and dishing out four assists, respectively. Malik Beasley furnished 18 points, four rebounds, one assist and one block. Taurean Prince netted 11 points, while Jarred Vanderbilt posted a 10-point, 15-rebound double-double that included three assists, one steal and one block.
Durant paced the Nets with 30 points, supplementing them with 10 rebounds and six assists. Patty Mills supplied 23 points, three assists and one steal. James Harden delivered 20 points, nine assists, seven rebounds and two steals. LaMarcus Aldridge managed 13 points, five rebounds, two assists and one block. James Johnson posted 11 points and six boards.
The Timberwolves return home to host the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night, while the Nets remain home to host the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night.
Rockets Finish Strong To Earn Fifth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 118-116, at Toyota Center on Friday evening.
The contest got out to a tight start, but the Rockets pulled away towards the end of the quarter, taking a, 31-24, lead into the second. The score stayed close through the second, but the Magic closed the quarter strong and took a two-point edge by halftime. The Magic rallied to a nine-point lead mid wad through the third, but the Rockets rallied back to take a one-point advantage heading into the final frame. The Rockets carried the momentum into the fourth and pushed ahead to a game-high 13-point advantage, with four minutes left. The Magic mounted a huge comeback to tie the game at 114, with 47 seconds on the clock, however, Eric Gordon came up clutch for the Rockets to close out their fifth straight win.
Eric Gordon led the way for the Rockets, with 24 points on 10-of-14 shooting, in 32 minutes of action. Christian Wood totaled 20 points, 14 rebounds, four rebounds, a steal and a block, while Jae'Sean Tate finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block. The Rockets shot 47 percent from the field, including 17-of-47 from deep.
Meanwhile, Cole Anthony led the Magic with 26 points, two rebounds and seven assists, in 36 minutes. Terrence Ross followed up with 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Franz Wagner added 17 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. The Magic shot 49 percent from the field, including 13-of-37 from long range.
The Magic (5-19) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Warriors on Monday. The Rockets (6-16) play host to the Pelicans on Sunday.
The contest got out to a tight start, but the Rockets pulled away towards the end of the quarter, taking a, 31-24, lead into the second. The score stayed close through the second, but the Magic closed the quarter strong and took a two-point edge by halftime. The Magic rallied to a nine-point lead mid wad through the third, but the Rockets rallied back to take a one-point advantage heading into the final frame. The Rockets carried the momentum into the fourth and pushed ahead to a game-high 13-point advantage, with four minutes left. The Magic mounted a huge comeback to tie the game at 114, with 47 seconds on the clock, however, Eric Gordon came up clutch for the Rockets to close out their fifth straight win.
Eric Gordon led the way for the Rockets, with 24 points on 10-of-14 shooting, in 32 minutes of action. Christian Wood totaled 20 points, 14 rebounds, four rebounds, a steal and a block, while Jae'Sean Tate finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block. The Rockets shot 47 percent from the field, including 17-of-47 from deep.
Meanwhile, Cole Anthony led the Magic with 26 points, two rebounds and seven assists, in 36 minutes. Terrence Ross followed up with 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Franz Wagner added 17 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. The Magic shot 49 percent from the field, including 13-of-37 from long range.
The Magic (5-19) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Warriors on Monday. The Rockets (6-16) play host to the Pelicans on Sunday.
Pelicans Use Strong Second Half To Secure Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the visiting Dallas Mavericks, 107-91, at American Airlines Center on Friday evening.
The contest got out to a slow start as the Mavs led, 19-14, after one quarter. The pace picked up in the second, but the score stayed close, as the Mavs held on to four-point advantage at halftime. The visitors came out stronger in the third and outscored the hosts by 15 points in the quarter to rally to an 11-point lead heading into the final frame. The Pelicans stayed in control through the fourth and charged to a game-high 18-point lead with less than a minute to go, as they closed out the impressive road win.
Brandon Ingram led the way for the Pelicans, with 24 points, eight rebounds, 12 assists and two steals, in 38 minutes. Jonas Valanciunas followed up with 14 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Herbert Jones and Devote' Graham chipped in 13 points each. The Pelicans shot 42 percent from the field, including 12-of-30 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 21 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, in 35 minutes. Jalen Brunson followed up with 16 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Maxi Kleber tallied 13 points, nine rebounds and a steal. The Mavericks shot 40.5 percent from the field, including 10-of-34 from deep.
The Mavericks (11-10) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Grizzlies on Saturday. The Pelicans (7-18) take on the Rockets in Houston on Wednesday.
The contest got out to a slow start as the Mavs led, 19-14, after one quarter. The pace picked up in the second, but the score stayed close, as the Mavs held on to four-point advantage at halftime. The visitors came out stronger in the third and outscored the hosts by 15 points in the quarter to rally to an 11-point lead heading into the final frame. The Pelicans stayed in control through the fourth and charged to a game-high 18-point lead with less than a minute to go, as they closed out the impressive road win.
Brandon Ingram led the way for the Pelicans, with 24 points, eight rebounds, 12 assists and two steals, in 38 minutes. Jonas Valanciunas followed up with 14 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Herbert Jones and Devote' Graham chipped in 13 points each. The Pelicans shot 42 percent from the field, including 12-of-30 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 21 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, in 35 minutes. Jalen Brunson followed up with 16 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Maxi Kleber tallied 13 points, nine rebounds and a steal. The Mavericks shot 40.5 percent from the field, including 10-of-34 from deep.
The Mavericks (11-10) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Grizzlies on Saturday. The Pelicans (7-18) take on the Rockets in Houston on Wednesday.
Jazz Hold Off Celtics In High-Scoring Showdown
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Boston Celtics, 137-130, at Vivint Arena on Friday evening.
The Jazz got out to a great start at home with a, 38-25, lead after one quarter. The Celtics retaliated in the second and outscored the hosts by 10 points, to cut it to a three-point game by halftime. Both teams came out on fire in the third and poured in 41 points each, as the Jazz retained their three-point advantage heading into the final frame. The pace kept up in the third and the Celtics took the edge early in the quarter, but the Jazz outscored the visitors, 28-21, through the final six minutes to close out their third straight win.
Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 34 points and six assists, in 33 minutes. Mike Conley followed up with 29 points, four rebounds, seven assists and a block, while Rudy Gobert totaled 18 points, 12 rebounds, two blocks and a steal. The Jazz shot 56 percent from the field, including 27-of-51 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 37 points, six rebounds, five assists and a block, in 38 minutes. Dennis Schroder followed up with 26 points, two rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Al Horford added 21 points, six rebounds, nine assists, a steal and a block. The Celtics shot 52 percent from the field, including 14-of-39 from deep.
The Celtics (12-11) will look to bounce back as they take on the Trail Blazers in Portland on Saturday. The Jazz (15-7) take on the Cavs in Cleveland on Sunday.
The Jazz got out to a great start at home with a, 38-25, lead after one quarter. The Celtics retaliated in the second and outscored the hosts by 10 points, to cut it to a three-point game by halftime. Both teams came out on fire in the third and poured in 41 points each, as the Jazz retained their three-point advantage heading into the final frame. The pace kept up in the third and the Celtics took the edge early in the quarter, but the Jazz outscored the visitors, 28-21, through the final six minutes to close out their third straight win.
Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 34 points and six assists, in 33 minutes. Mike Conley followed up with 29 points, four rebounds, seven assists and a block, while Rudy Gobert totaled 18 points, 12 rebounds, two blocks and a steal. The Jazz shot 56 percent from the field, including 27-of-51 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 37 points, six rebounds, five assists and a block, in 38 minutes. Dennis Schroder followed up with 26 points, two rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Al Horford added 21 points, six rebounds, nine assists, a steal and a block. The Celtics shot 52 percent from the field, including 14-of-39 from deep.
The Celtics (12-11) will look to bounce back as they take on the Trail Blazers in Portland on Saturday. The Jazz (15-7) take on the Cavs in Cleveland on Sunday.
Warriors Defeat Suns, 118-96
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns, 118-96, at Chase Center on Friday.
A 28-21 first quarter set the foundation for Golden State in this win, holding the lead for the final three quarters. In fact, a 67-48 completed their blowout win, holding a double-digit lead for the final 17 minutes of play. The Warriors shot 49 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range while holding the Suns to 38 percent from the field and 36 percent from long range. In addition, Golden State out-assisted Phoenix, 30-23, while out-rebounding them, 51-38.
The Suns (19-4) were led by Deandre Ayton and his 23 points, six rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Chris Paul collected 12 points, three rebounds and eight assists. Jae Crowder compiled 11 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals while Cameron Johnson led the bench with 12 points, four rebounds and two assists.
The Warriors (19-3) were led by Stephen Curry, tallying 23 points, five rebounds and five assists. Andrew Wiggins amassed 19 points, five rebounds and two assists. Jordan Poole totaled 14 points and five assists. Draymond Green accumulated nine points, nine rebounds, nine assists, six steals and three blocks. Gary Payton II led the bench with 19 points and five boards, while Juan Toscano-Anderson accrued 17 points, five rebounds and five assists.
Golden State has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, remaining home to face the San Antonio Spurs. As for Phoenix, they have the same matchup on Monday for their next outing.
A 28-21 first quarter set the foundation for Golden State in this win, holding the lead for the final three quarters. In fact, a 67-48 completed their blowout win, holding a double-digit lead for the final 17 minutes of play. The Warriors shot 49 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range while holding the Suns to 38 percent from the field and 36 percent from long range. In addition, Golden State out-assisted Phoenix, 30-23, while out-rebounding them, 51-38.
The Suns (19-4) were led by Deandre Ayton and his 23 points, six rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Chris Paul collected 12 points, three rebounds and eight assists. Jae Crowder compiled 11 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals while Cameron Johnson led the bench with 12 points, four rebounds and two assists.
The Warriors (19-3) were led by Stephen Curry, tallying 23 points, five rebounds and five assists. Andrew Wiggins amassed 19 points, five rebounds and two assists. Jordan Poole totaled 14 points and five assists. Draymond Green accumulated nine points, nine rebounds, nine assists, six steals and three blocks. Gary Payton II led the bench with 19 points and five boards, while Juan Toscano-Anderson accrued 17 points, five rebounds and five assists.
Golden State has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, remaining home to face the San Antonio Spurs. As for Phoenix, they have the same matchup on Monday for their next outing.
Clippers Defeat Lakers, 119-115
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the host Los Angeles Lakers, 119-115, at Staples Center on Friday.
The Clippers won this game in wire-to-wire fashion, despite never leading by more than 12 points. The Lakers tied the game on three occasions and got it down to a one-point margin in the final minutes. The Clippers shot 16-of-35 from three-point range and 21-of-24 from the free-throw line while the Lakers connected on just 12-of-33 from long range and 13-of-21 from the charity stripe.
The Clippers (12-11) were led by Marcus Morris and his 21 points and two rebounds. Paul George collected 19 points, eight rebounds and nine assists. Reggie Jackson amassed 16 points, two rebounds and eight assists. Luke Kennard led the bench with 19 points and four rebounds. Serge Ibaka got a start and totaled nine points, six rebounds and three assists.
The Lakers (12-12) were led by Anthony Davis, tallying 27 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. LeBron James collected 23 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and two steals. Russell Westbrook amassed 10 points, two rebounds and nine assists. Malik Monk led the bench with 20 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Clippers play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, traveling to face the Sacramento Kings. As for the Lakers, they return to action on Tuesday in a home matchup with the Boston Celtics.
The Clippers won this game in wire-to-wire fashion, despite never leading by more than 12 points. The Lakers tied the game on three occasions and got it down to a one-point margin in the final minutes. The Clippers shot 16-of-35 from three-point range and 21-of-24 from the free-throw line while the Lakers connected on just 12-of-33 from long range and 13-of-21 from the charity stripe.
The Clippers (12-11) were led by Marcus Morris and his 21 points and two rebounds. Paul George collected 19 points, eight rebounds and nine assists. Reggie Jackson amassed 16 points, two rebounds and eight assists. Luke Kennard led the bench with 19 points and four rebounds. Serge Ibaka got a start and totaled nine points, six rebounds and three assists.
The Lakers (12-12) were led by Anthony Davis, tallying 27 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. LeBron James collected 23 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and two steals. Russell Westbrook amassed 10 points, two rebounds and nine assists. Malik Monk led the bench with 20 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Clippers play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, traveling to face the Sacramento Kings. As for the Lakers, they return to action on Tuesday in a home matchup with the Boston Celtics.