Nuggets Hold Off Knicks Rally To Win
The Denver Nuggets defeated the New York Knicks, 113-99, at Madison Square Garden on Saturday afternoon.
The Nuggets (11-11) and the Knicks (11-12) have been hovering around the .500 mark all season long and as expected, they played a tight contest where neither team was able to dominate, at least in the early going. The first quarter saw Denver establishing their terms and conditions, however, and they grabbed a 30-25 lead after the first 12 minutes of play. The Nuggets took advantage of the momentum of the first quarter and also won the second (30-24) and third (32-22) quarters, building an impressive 19-point lead with only 12 minutes left to play. New York won the final quarter by a 28-21 score, but that was not enough to mount a potential comeback and the Nuggets ended winning the game with absolute ease.
Nikola Jokic was the best player for Denver and finished with 32 points and 11 rebounds, while Will Barton contributed 13 points, six rebounds and six assists. Jeff Green had another strong performance and finished with 11 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Zeke Nnaji had the best game of his young career, as he poured in 21 points and eight rebounds across 34 minutes coming off the bench.
Julius Randle led the way for the Knicks with 24 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, while Evan Fournier ended with 15 points, five assists and three rebounds. Alec Burks notched 11 points and two steals, while R.J. Barrett posted 13 points. Derrick Rose finished with 11 points coming off the bench, and he also added four rebounds and four assists.
The Nuggets (11-11) and the Knicks (11-12) have been hovering around the .500 mark all season long and as expected, they played a tight contest where neither team was able to dominate, at least in the early going. The first quarter saw Denver establishing their terms and conditions, however, and they grabbed a 30-25 lead after the first 12 minutes of play. The Nuggets took advantage of the momentum of the first quarter and also won the second (30-24) and third (32-22) quarters, building an impressive 19-point lead with only 12 minutes left to play. New York won the final quarter by a 28-21 score, but that was not enough to mount a potential comeback and the Nuggets ended winning the game with absolute ease.
Nikola Jokic was the best player for Denver and finished with 32 points and 11 rebounds, while Will Barton contributed 13 points, six rebounds and six assists. Jeff Green had another strong performance and finished with 11 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Zeke Nnaji had the best game of his young career, as he poured in 21 points and eight rebounds across 34 minutes coming off the bench.
Julius Randle led the way for the Knicks with 24 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, while Evan Fournier ended with 15 points, five assists and three rebounds. Alec Burks notched 11 points and two steals, while R.J. Barrett posted 13 points. Derrick Rose finished with 11 points coming off the bench, and he also added four rebounds and four assists.
Bucks Topple Shorthanded Heat
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Miami Heat, 124-102, at Fiserv Forum on Saturday evening.
The Bucks jumped out to a strong start with a, 34-23, lead after one quarter. They kept the pressure on in the second and pushed their lead to 17, by halftime. The Heat had no answers in the third, as the Bucks outscored the visitors, 36-24, to take a 29-point lead into the final frame. The Heat put up a fight in the fourth, but it was too little, too late, as the Bucks closed out the blowout home win.
Pat Connaughton led the Bucks with 23 points on 8-of-15 shooting, in 28 minutes. Khris Middleton followed up with 22 points, six rebounds, and nine assists, while Bobby Portis totaled 19 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. The Bucks shot 45 percent from the field, including 18-of-50 from deep.
Meanwhile, Max Strus led the Heat with 25 points on 8-of-13 shooting, off the bench. Tyler Herro added 15 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Caleb Martin finished with 16 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. The Heat shot 40 percent from the field, including 17-of-43 from long range.
The Heat (14-10) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Grizzlies on Monday. The Bucks (15-9) play host to the Cavs on Monday.
The Bucks jumped out to a strong start with a, 34-23, lead after one quarter. They kept the pressure on in the second and pushed their lead to 17, by halftime. The Heat had no answers in the third, as the Bucks outscored the visitors, 36-24, to take a 29-point lead into the final frame. The Heat put up a fight in the fourth, but it was too little, too late, as the Bucks closed out the blowout home win.
Pat Connaughton led the Bucks with 23 points on 8-of-15 shooting, in 28 minutes. Khris Middleton followed up with 22 points, six rebounds, and nine assists, while Bobby Portis totaled 19 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. The Bucks shot 45 percent from the field, including 18-of-50 from deep.
Meanwhile, Max Strus led the Heat with 25 points on 8-of-13 shooting, off the bench. Tyler Herro added 15 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Caleb Martin finished with 16 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. The Heat shot 40 percent from the field, including 17-of-43 from long range.
The Heat (14-10) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Grizzlies on Monday. The Bucks (15-9) play host to the Cavs on Monday.
Bulls Edge Nets In Brooklyn
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls defeated the host Brooklyn Nets, 111-107, at Barclays Center on Saturday evening.
The Nets got out to a good start at home with a, 34-28, lead after one quarter. The Bulls kept it close in the second and cut it to a four-point game by halftime. The score stayed tight through the third, but the Nets maintained their advantage and took a three-point edge into the final frame. The Bulls took over in the fourth, as they took the lead early in the quarter and finished strong to break away for their third straight win.
Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 31 points, eight rebounds, six assists and a block, in 37 minutes. DeMar DeRozan followed up with 29 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Nikola Vucevic added 11 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Bulls shot 48 percent from the field, including 10-of-31 from long range.
Kevin Durant led the Nets with 28 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two blocks, in 38 minutes. LaMarcus Aldridge followed up with 20 points, seven rebounds and a steal, while James Harden added 14 points, seven rebounds, 14 assists and a steal. The Nets shot 41 percent from the field, including 8-of-25 from deep.
The Nets (16-7) will look to bounce back as they take on the Mavs in Dallas on Tuesday. The Bulls (16-8) play host to the Nuggets on Monday.
The Nets got out to a good start at home with a, 34-28, lead after one quarter. The Bulls kept it close in the second and cut it to a four-point game by halftime. The score stayed tight through the third, but the Nets maintained their advantage and took a three-point edge into the final frame. The Bulls took over in the fourth, as they took the lead early in the quarter and finished strong to break away for their third straight win.
Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 31 points, eight rebounds, six assists and a block, in 37 minutes. DeMar DeRozan followed up with 29 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Nikola Vucevic added 11 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Bulls shot 48 percent from the field, including 10-of-31 from long range.
Kevin Durant led the Nets with 28 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two blocks, in 38 minutes. LaMarcus Aldridge followed up with 20 points, seven rebounds and a steal, while James Harden added 14 points, seven rebounds, 14 assists and a steal. The Nets shot 41 percent from the field, including 8-of-25 from deep.
The Nets (16-7) will look to bounce back as they take on the Mavs in Dallas on Tuesday. The Bulls (16-8) play host to the Nuggets on Monday.
Grizzlies Hold On For Impressive Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the host Dallas Mavericks, 97-90, at American Airlines Center on Saturday evening.
The Grizzlies got out to a good start one the road and led by four, after one quarter. They kept it up in the second and added another eight points to their advantage to make it a 12-point game at halftime. The Mavs picked up their play in the third, but the Grizzlies held strong and took a 14-point lead into the final frame. The Mavs put the pressure on in the fourth, but the Grizzlies came up clutch to hold out for their third straight win.
Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 29 points, nine rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, in 33 minutes. Tyus Jones followed up with 16 points, six rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while Steven Adams totaled 11 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Grizzlies shot 49 percent from the field, including 9-of-26 from long range.
Meanwhile, Tim Hardaway Jr. led the Mavericks with 29 points and seven rebounds, in 31 minutes. Jalen Brunson followed up with 15 points, three rebounds and eight assists, while Dorian Finney-Smith chipped in 14 points, six rebounds and four assists. The Mavericks shot 34 percent from the field, including 15-of-43 from deep.
The Mavs (11-11) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nets on Tuesday. The Grizzlies (13-10 )take on the Heat in Miami on Monday.
The Grizzlies got out to a good start one the road and led by four, after one quarter. They kept it up in the second and added another eight points to their advantage to make it a 12-point game at halftime. The Mavs picked up their play in the third, but the Grizzlies held strong and took a 14-point lead into the final frame. The Mavs put the pressure on in the fourth, but the Grizzlies came up clutch to hold out for their third straight win.
Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 29 points, nine rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, in 33 minutes. Tyus Jones followed up with 16 points, six rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while Steven Adams totaled 11 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Grizzlies shot 49 percent from the field, including 9-of-26 from long range.
Meanwhile, Tim Hardaway Jr. led the Mavericks with 29 points and seven rebounds, in 31 minutes. Jalen Brunson followed up with 15 points, three rebounds and eight assists, while Dorian Finney-Smith chipped in 14 points, six rebounds and four assists. The Mavericks shot 34 percent from the field, including 15-of-43 from deep.
The Mavs (11-11) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nets on Tuesday. The Grizzlies (13-10 )take on the Heat in Miami on Monday.
Spurs Shock Warriors, 112-107
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the host Golden State Warriors, 112-107, at Chase Center on Saturday.
San Antonio led for all but two minutes in this game, thanks to a 36-21 first quarter. The Spurs actually led by 22 points at times, with Golden State recapturing the lead late in the fourth quarter. They held that lead for less than a minute though, with San Antonio finishing the game on a 9-1 across the final three minutes to prevail. San Antonio shot 48 percent from the field and 84 percent from the free-throw line while holding Golden State to 44 percent from the field and 67 percent from the charity stripe. The Spurs also outscored the Warriors in fastbreak points, 19-11.
The Spurs (8-13) were led by Derrick White, tallying 25 points, three assists and three steals. Dejonute Murray collected 23 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Keldon Johnson amassed 15 points, seven rebounds and three assists, while Jakob Poeltl had six points, nine rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Lonnie Walker led the bench with 21 points.
The Warriors (19-4) were led by Stephen Curry, generating 27 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three steals on 7-of-28 from the field. Jordan Poole provided 15 points, three rebounds and three assists. Andrew Wiggins accrued 11 points and four rebounds while Draymond Green accumulated nine points, eight rebounds and nine assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Golden state remaining home to play the Orlando Magic and San Antonio staying on the road to face the Phoenix Suns.
San Antonio led for all but two minutes in this game, thanks to a 36-21 first quarter. The Spurs actually led by 22 points at times, with Golden State recapturing the lead late in the fourth quarter. They held that lead for less than a minute though, with San Antonio finishing the game on a 9-1 across the final three minutes to prevail. San Antonio shot 48 percent from the field and 84 percent from the free-throw line while holding Golden State to 44 percent from the field and 67 percent from the charity stripe. The Spurs also outscored the Warriors in fastbreak points, 19-11.
The Spurs (8-13) were led by Derrick White, tallying 25 points, three assists and three steals. Dejonute Murray collected 23 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Keldon Johnson amassed 15 points, seven rebounds and three assists, while Jakob Poeltl had six points, nine rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Lonnie Walker led the bench with 21 points.
The Warriors (19-4) were led by Stephen Curry, generating 27 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three steals on 7-of-28 from the field. Jordan Poole provided 15 points, three rebounds and three assists. Andrew Wiggins accrued 11 points and four rebounds while Draymond Green accumulated nine points, eight rebounds and nine assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Golden state remaining home to play the Orlando Magic and San Antonio staying on the road to face the Phoenix Suns.
Celtics Roll Trail Blazers, 145-117
The Boston Celtics defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 145-117, at Moda Center on Saturday.
A 38-23 first quarter set the foundation for Boston in this blowout win, holding the lead for the final 46 minutes. In fact, they completed this demolition with an 81-59 second half, grabbing a game-high 31-point lead in the final moments. The Celtics shot 56 percent from the field and 57 from three-point range while holding the Trail Blazers to 47 percent from the field and 28 percent from long range. Boston also out-rebounded Portland, 47-31, while out-assisting them, 26-22.
The Celtics (13-11) were led by Dennis Schroder and his 31 points, four rebounds and eight assists. Jayson Tatum tallied 31 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Marcus Smart amassed 17 points, two rebounds and four assists while Enes Freedom led the bench with nine points, 15 rebounds and two blocks. All of those guys shot above 55 percent from the field.
The Trail Blazers (11-13) were led by C.J. McCollum, compiling 24 points and six assists. Dennis Smith Jr got a rare start and finished with 21 points, four rebounds, six assists and three steals. Jusuf Nurkic totaled 18 points and five rebounds. Cody Zeller led the bench with 10 points and eight rebounds, while Larry Nance had nine points and five rebounds.
On deck for Portland is a home matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday. As for Boston, they return to action on Tuesday in a road matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers.
A 38-23 first quarter set the foundation for Boston in this blowout win, holding the lead for the final 46 minutes. In fact, they completed this demolition with an 81-59 second half, grabbing a game-high 31-point lead in the final moments. The Celtics shot 56 percent from the field and 57 from three-point range while holding the Trail Blazers to 47 percent from the field and 28 percent from long range. Boston also out-rebounded Portland, 47-31, while out-assisting them, 26-22.
The Celtics (13-11) were led by Dennis Schroder and his 31 points, four rebounds and eight assists. Jayson Tatum tallied 31 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Marcus Smart amassed 17 points, two rebounds and four assists while Enes Freedom led the bench with nine points, 15 rebounds and two blocks. All of those guys shot above 55 percent from the field.
The Trail Blazers (11-13) were led by C.J. McCollum, compiling 24 points and six assists. Dennis Smith Jr got a rare start and finished with 21 points, four rebounds, six assists and three steals. Jusuf Nurkic totaled 18 points and five rebounds. Cody Zeller led the bench with 10 points and eight rebounds, while Larry Nance had nine points and five rebounds.
On deck for Portland is a home matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday. As for Boston, they return to action on Tuesday in a road matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kings Defeat Clippers, 104-99
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Los Angeles Clippers, 104-99, at Golden 1 Center on Saturday.
While there were only six ties and five lead changes in this game, Sacramento held the lead for the entirety of the second half. That can be attributed to a 21-16 second quarter, with the Clippers never taking a shot to tie the game in the second half after that. The Kings shot 42 percent from the field and 80 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Clippers to 38 percent from the field and 67 percent from the charity stripe. In addition, Sacramento outscored LA in the paint, 40-32, while doubling them up in fastbreak points, 14-7.
The Clippers (12-12) were led by Marcus Morris and his 21 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Paul George generated 15 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and two steals on 5-of-21 shooting. Reggie Jackson registered 18 points and two rebounds, while Ivica Zubac amassed 12 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks. Luke Kennard led the bench with 12 points and five rebounds.
The Kings (10-14) were led by Terence Davis, tallying 28 points and four rebounds on 6-of-11 from three-point range. Tyrese Haliburton totaled 18 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. De'Aaron Fox accrued 17 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Marvin Bagley III led the bench with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
On deck for Los Angeles is a road matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday. As for Sacramento, they return to action on Wednesday in a home matchup with the Orlando Magic.
While there were only six ties and five lead changes in this game, Sacramento held the lead for the entirety of the second half. That can be attributed to a 21-16 second quarter, with the Clippers never taking a shot to tie the game in the second half after that. The Kings shot 42 percent from the field and 80 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Clippers to 38 percent from the field and 67 percent from the charity stripe. In addition, Sacramento outscored LA in the paint, 40-32, while doubling them up in fastbreak points, 14-7.
The Clippers (12-12) were led by Marcus Morris and his 21 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Paul George generated 15 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and two steals on 5-of-21 shooting. Reggie Jackson registered 18 points and two rebounds, while Ivica Zubac amassed 12 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks. Luke Kennard led the bench with 12 points and five rebounds.
The Kings (10-14) were led by Terence Davis, tallying 28 points and four rebounds on 6-of-11 from three-point range. Tyrese Haliburton totaled 18 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. De'Aaron Fox accrued 17 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Marvin Bagley III led the bench with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
On deck for Los Angeles is a road matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday. As for Sacramento, they return to action on Wednesday in a home matchup with the Orlando Magic.