Thunder Mount Huge Comeback To Get Past Pistons
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Detroit Pistons, 114-103, at Little Caesars Arena on Monday night.
The Thunder (7-16) had to come from behind to escape with a victory over the Pistons (4-19), though it was a game in which they had to mount an impressive comeback following a slow start. Detroit jumped out to a 37-28 lead following the first quarter and bolstered that lead even further following a 26-22 score in the second quarter. However, the Thunder played the second half with a more aggressive approach and won the third quarter by four points (22-18), limiting the Pistons offensively and looking in prime position to mount a comeback. That's exactly what happened in the fourth quarter, as the Thunder outscored Detroit 42-22 en route to an impressive win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looked impressive for the Thunder and delivered a 30-point, 13-assist double-double, while Luguentz Dort contributed 28 points. Josh Giddey had 12 points and five assists, and Kenrich Williams impressed off the bench with 12 points, four steals, three rebounds, three steals and two blocks. No other Thunder player scored in double digits. Oklahoma City shot 50 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range.
Cade Cunningham was the best player for Detroit in this loss and posted 28 points with 11 rebounds, though he also added five assists and two steals. Jerami Grant had 20 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Saddiq Bey notched 15 points, seven boards, two dimes and two steals. No other Detroit player scored in double digits. The Pistons shot 41.4 percent from the field and 39 percent from deep.
The Thunder (7-16) had to come from behind to escape with a victory over the Pistons (4-19), though it was a game in which they had to mount an impressive comeback following a slow start. Detroit jumped out to a 37-28 lead following the first quarter and bolstered that lead even further following a 26-22 score in the second quarter. However, the Thunder played the second half with a more aggressive approach and won the third quarter by four points (22-18), limiting the Pistons offensively and looking in prime position to mount a comeback. That's exactly what happened in the fourth quarter, as the Thunder outscored Detroit 42-22 en route to an impressive win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looked impressive for the Thunder and delivered a 30-point, 13-assist double-double, while Luguentz Dort contributed 28 points. Josh Giddey had 12 points and five assists, and Kenrich Williams impressed off the bench with 12 points, four steals, three rebounds, three steals and two blocks. No other Thunder player scored in double digits. Oklahoma City shot 50 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range.
Cade Cunningham was the best player for Detroit in this loss and posted 28 points with 11 rebounds, though he also added five assists and two steals. Jerami Grant had 20 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Saddiq Bey notched 15 points, seven boards, two dimes and two steals. No other Detroit player scored in double digits. The Pistons shot 41.4 percent from the field and 39 percent from deep.
Pacers Come Up Big At Home To End Four-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Indiana Pacers defeated the visiting Washington Wizards, 116-110, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Monday evening.
The Pacers got out to a great start at home with a, 28-18, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second and added another point to their advantage, to make it an 11-point game by halftime. Both teams came out strong in the third, but the Wizards could hardly make a dent in the deficit, as they trailed by 10, heading into the final frame. The visitors kept up the fight in the fourth and briefly cut it to a nine-point game, but the Pacers did not waiver and held on to close out the home win and put an end to a four-game losing streak. This marks the third straight loss for the Wizards.
Domantas Sabonis led the Pacers with 30 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, three steals and a block, in 36 minutes. Caris LeVert followed up with 19 points on 9-of-18 shooting, while Malcolm Brogdon totaled 17 points, six rebounds and eight assists. The Pacers shot 52 percent from the field, including 9-of-23 from long range.
Meanwhile, Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 34 points, two rebounds and four assists, in 39 minutes. Kyle Kuzma and Daniel Gafford chipped in 14 points each, while Aaron Holiday and Montrezl Harrell added 11 points each. The Wizards shot 53 percent from the field, including 7-of-15 from deep.
The Wizards (14-11) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pistons in Detroit on Wednesday. The Pacers (10-16) play host to the Knicks on Wednesday.
The Pacers got out to a great start at home with a, 28-18, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second and added another point to their advantage, to make it an 11-point game by halftime. Both teams came out strong in the third, but the Wizards could hardly make a dent in the deficit, as they trailed by 10, heading into the final frame. The visitors kept up the fight in the fourth and briefly cut it to a nine-point game, but the Pacers did not waiver and held on to close out the home win and put an end to a four-game losing streak. This marks the third straight loss for the Wizards.
Domantas Sabonis led the Pacers with 30 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, three steals and a block, in 36 minutes. Caris LeVert followed up with 19 points on 9-of-18 shooting, while Malcolm Brogdon totaled 17 points, six rebounds and eight assists. The Pacers shot 52 percent from the field, including 9-of-23 from long range.
Meanwhile, Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 34 points, two rebounds and four assists, in 39 minutes. Kyle Kuzma and Daniel Gafford chipped in 14 points each, while Aaron Holiday and Montrezl Harrell added 11 points each. The Wizards shot 53 percent from the field, including 7-of-15 from deep.
The Wizards (14-11) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pistons in Detroit on Wednesday. The Pacers (10-16) play host to the Knicks on Wednesday.
76ers Outlast Hornets in OT, 127-124
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 127-124, in overtime at Spectrum Center on Monday night.
The 76ers (13-11) knew they were facing a depleted Hornets (14-12) squad, but also aware Charlotte had just put on an impressive offensive display without its starting backcourt versus the Hawks just 24 hours earlier. The home squad still had the hot hand to open the contest, jumping out to a 34-23 lead through one. However, Philadelphia roared back with a 44-point second quarter that erased its deficit altogether and sent the visitors into halftime with a five-point lead. A nip-and-tuck second half followed, one that Joel Embiid tied with a 19-foot pullup jumper with only 30 seconds remaining. In the extra period, the big man made up for missing a potential game-winning shot with under a second left in regulation by scoring the first six of Philly's eight points in the extra period on the way to the close win.
Embiid led the way for the 76ers with 43 points, adding 15 rebounds, seven assists and one steal. Tobias Harris generated a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double that included four assists, two blocks and one steal. Shake Milton furnished 16 points, four boards, two assists and one block.
Kelly Oubre paced the Hornets with 35 points, complementing them with five rebounds, three assists, four steals and one block. Miles Bridges supplied 16 points, six boards and six assists. P.J. Washington matched Bridges' scoring off the bench and added eight rebounds, four assists, three blocks and one steal. Cody Martin delivered 14 points, six rebounds and four assists. Gordon Hayward and Nick Richards generated matching 12-point, five-rebound contributions, with Hayward also dishing out nine assists.
The two teams reconvene at Spectrum Center for a rematch on Wednesday night.
The 76ers (13-11) knew they were facing a depleted Hornets (14-12) squad, but also aware Charlotte had just put on an impressive offensive display without its starting backcourt versus the Hawks just 24 hours earlier. The home squad still had the hot hand to open the contest, jumping out to a 34-23 lead through one. However, Philadelphia roared back with a 44-point second quarter that erased its deficit altogether and sent the visitors into halftime with a five-point lead. A nip-and-tuck second half followed, one that Joel Embiid tied with a 19-foot pullup jumper with only 30 seconds remaining. In the extra period, the big man made up for missing a potential game-winning shot with under a second left in regulation by scoring the first six of Philly's eight points in the extra period on the way to the close win.
Embiid led the way for the 76ers with 43 points, adding 15 rebounds, seven assists and one steal. Tobias Harris generated a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double that included four assists, two blocks and one steal. Shake Milton furnished 16 points, four boards, two assists and one block.
Kelly Oubre paced the Hornets with 35 points, complementing them with five rebounds, three assists, four steals and one block. Miles Bridges supplied 16 points, six boards and six assists. P.J. Washington matched Bridges' scoring off the bench and added eight rebounds, four assists, three blocks and one steal. Cody Martin delivered 14 points, six rebounds and four assists. Gordon Hayward and Nick Richards generated matching 12-point, five-rebound contributions, with Hayward also dishing out nine assists.
The two teams reconvene at Spectrum Center for a rematch on Wednesday night.
Grizzlies Come Up With Fifth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the host Miami Heat, 105-90, at FTX Center on Monday evening.
The Grizzlies got out to a strong start on the road and led, 34-25, after one quarter. The Heat came out stronger in the second, but the visitors stayed a couple steps ahead and pushed their advantage to 11, by halftime. The Heat had no answers in the second half, as the Grizzlies added another four points to their advantage through the third quarter and held strong through the fourth to close out their fifth straight win. This marks the second consecutive loss for the Heat.
Desmond Bane and Dillon Brooks led the Grizzlies with 21 points each. Steven Adams came up large, with 17 points, 16 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, while Jaren Jackson Jr. and Tyus Jones added 14 points each. The Grizzlies shot 43 percent from the field, including 13-of-33 from long range.
Meanwhile, Tyler Herro led the Heat with 24 points, three rebounds and four assists, in 29 minutes off the bench. Kyle Lowry followed up with 17 points, four rebounds, eight assists, a steal and a block, while Jimmy Butler and Duncan Robinson chipped in 10 points each. The Heat shot 46 percent from the field, including 6-of-22 from long range.
The Heat (14-11) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Bucks on Wednesday. The Grizzlies (14-10) play host to the Mavericks on Wednesday.
The Grizzlies got out to a strong start on the road and led, 34-25, after one quarter. The Heat came out stronger in the second, but the visitors stayed a couple steps ahead and pushed their advantage to 11, by halftime. The Heat had no answers in the second half, as the Grizzlies added another four points to their advantage through the third quarter and held strong through the fourth to close out their fifth straight win. This marks the second consecutive loss for the Heat.
Desmond Bane and Dillon Brooks led the Grizzlies with 21 points each. Steven Adams came up large, with 17 points, 16 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, while Jaren Jackson Jr. and Tyus Jones added 14 points each. The Grizzlies shot 43 percent from the field, including 13-of-33 from long range.
Meanwhile, Tyler Herro led the Heat with 24 points, three rebounds and four assists, in 29 minutes off the bench. Kyle Lowry followed up with 17 points, four rebounds, eight assists, a steal and a block, while Jimmy Butler and Duncan Robinson chipped in 10 points each. The Heat shot 46 percent from the field, including 6-of-22 from long range.
The Heat (14-11) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Bucks on Wednesday. The Grizzlies (14-10) play host to the Mavericks on Wednesday.
Bulls overcome DeRozan absence to get past Nuggets
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Denver Nuggets, 109-97, at United Center on Monday night.
The Bulls (17-8) and the Nuggets (11-12) played a tight game and while the visitors got off to a better start, Chicago ultimately adjusted and secured a massive victory against their opponents. Chicago looked sluggish early on, however, and they saw themselves down after the first quarter following a 27-18 score. However, the Bulls responded with a 28-22 score in the second quarter and carried all the momentum into halftime despite being down by three points. The Bulls would take the lead for good in the third with a 31-22 score, and they closed things out with a 32-26 score in the final 12 minutes of action. This victory gets even more value since Chicago didn't have DeMar DeRozan, who missed the game due to the fact he got placed in the league's health and safety protocols.
Zach LaVine stepped his game up for the Bulls with DeRozan being out and finished with a game-high 32 points and also added eight assists, while both Lonzo Ball and Nikola Vucevic finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds each. Derrick Jones had 12 points and nine rebounds, while rookie Ayo Dosumnu delivered 11 points, eight assists and six rebounds.
Monte Morris and Will Barton were the leading scorers for the Nuggets since both ended with 19 points -- Morris also had seven assists and four boards while Barton pulled down five rebounds. Nikola Jokic posted an impressive triple-double and finished with 17 points, 15 assists and 12 rebounds, while Jeff Green had a double-double of 14 points and 13 rebounds. Aaron Gordon had 18 points.
The Bulls (17-8) and the Nuggets (11-12) played a tight game and while the visitors got off to a better start, Chicago ultimately adjusted and secured a massive victory against their opponents. Chicago looked sluggish early on, however, and they saw themselves down after the first quarter following a 27-18 score. However, the Bulls responded with a 28-22 score in the second quarter and carried all the momentum into halftime despite being down by three points. The Bulls would take the lead for good in the third with a 31-22 score, and they closed things out with a 32-26 score in the final 12 minutes of action. This victory gets even more value since Chicago didn't have DeMar DeRozan, who missed the game due to the fact he got placed in the league's health and safety protocols.
Zach LaVine stepped his game up for the Bulls with DeRozan being out and finished with a game-high 32 points and also added eight assists, while both Lonzo Ball and Nikola Vucevic finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds each. Derrick Jones had 12 points and nine rebounds, while rookie Ayo Dosumnu delivered 11 points, eight assists and six rebounds.
Monte Morris and Will Barton were the leading scorers for the Nuggets since both ended with 19 points -- Morris also had seven assists and four boards while Barton pulled down five rebounds. Nikola Jokic posted an impressive triple-double and finished with 17 points, 15 assists and 12 rebounds, while Jeff Green had a double-double of 14 points and 13 rebounds. Aaron Gordon had 18 points.
Bucks Topple Cavaliers, 112-104
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 112-104, at Fiserv Forum on Monday night.
The Bucks (16-9) knew they'd be in for a fight against a Cavaliers (13-12) squad that had given several quality teams trouble this season, and sure enough, the first quarter played out to a 24-24 deadlock. However, Milwaukee was able to change the tone of the contest with a big performance in the middle periods, The hosts outscored Cleveland by a 64-54 margin over the second and third quarters, helping set the stage for the eight-point victory.
Jarrett Allen led the Cavaliers with 25 points, complementing them with nine rebounds and two blocks. Lauri Markkanen furnished 20 points, seven boards, two assists and one block. Kevin Love totaled 15 points, four rebounds and three assists. Evan Mobley supplied 12 points, six boards, two assists and one steal. Darius Garland registered 10 points, nine assists and three rebounds.
Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with a 27-point, 12-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block. Khris Middleton posted 21 points, eight assists and three rebounds. Jrue Holiday managed 20 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, two steals and one block. Pat Connaughton furnished 12 points and four rebounds, while Bobby Portis generated a 10-point, 16-rebound double-double that included three assists and one block.
The Cavaliers head back home to host the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night, while the Bucks hit the road and visit the Miami Heat on Wednesday night as well.
The Bucks (16-9) knew they'd be in for a fight against a Cavaliers (13-12) squad that had given several quality teams trouble this season, and sure enough, the first quarter played out to a 24-24 deadlock. However, Milwaukee was able to change the tone of the contest with a big performance in the middle periods, The hosts outscored Cleveland by a 64-54 margin over the second and third quarters, helping set the stage for the eight-point victory.
Jarrett Allen led the Cavaliers with 25 points, complementing them with nine rebounds and two blocks. Lauri Markkanen furnished 20 points, seven boards, two assists and one block. Kevin Love totaled 15 points, four rebounds and three assists. Evan Mobley supplied 12 points, six boards, two assists and one steal. Darius Garland registered 10 points, nine assists and three rebounds.
Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with a 27-point, 12-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block. Khris Middleton posted 21 points, eight assists and three rebounds. Jrue Holiday managed 20 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, two steals and one block. Pat Connaughton furnished 12 points and four rebounds, while Bobby Portis generated a 10-point, 16-rebound double-double that included three assists and one block.
The Cavaliers head back home to host the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night, while the Bucks hit the road and visit the Miami Heat on Wednesday night as well.
Hawks Hold Off Timberwolves In Minnesota
By Dan Bruno
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the host Minnesota Timberwolves, 121-110, at Target Center on Monday evening.
The Hawks got out to a strong start on the road with a, 33-24, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second and managed to add another four points to their advantage, to make it a 13-point game-by halftime. The hosts had no answers in the third, as the Hawks poured in 35 points in the quarter and pushed their lead to 18, heading into the final frame. The Timberwolves put up a fight in the fourth, but they could not cut the deficit below 10 points, as the Hawks held on to end a two-game slide.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 29 points, seven rebounds, 11 assists and two steals, in 36 minutes. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot followed up with 23 points on 8-of-18 shooting, while Danilo Gallinari added 20 points, five rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, off the bench. The Hawks shot 44 percent from the field and knocked down 25 three-pointers.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 31 points, 16 rebounds, six assists and a block, in 41 minutes. Malik Beasley followed up with 24 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Anthony Edwards logged 20 points, seven assists, three blocks and two steals. The Timberwolves shot 40 percent from the field, including 17-of-40 from deep.
The Timberwolves (11-13) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Jazz on Wednesday. The Hawks (13-12) play host to the Nets on Friday.
The Hawks got out to a strong start on the road with a, 33-24, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second and managed to add another four points to their advantage, to make it a 13-point game-by halftime. The hosts had no answers in the third, as the Hawks poured in 35 points in the quarter and pushed their lead to 18, heading into the final frame. The Timberwolves put up a fight in the fourth, but they could not cut the deficit below 10 points, as the Hawks held on to end a two-game slide.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 29 points, seven rebounds, 11 assists and two steals, in 36 minutes. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot followed up with 23 points on 8-of-18 shooting, while Danilo Gallinari added 20 points, five rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, off the bench. The Hawks shot 44 percent from the field and knocked down 25 three-pointers.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 31 points, 16 rebounds, six assists and a block, in 41 minutes. Malik Beasley followed up with 24 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Anthony Edwards logged 20 points, seven assists, three blocks and two steals. The Timberwolves shot 40 percent from the field, including 17-of-40 from deep.
The Timberwolves (11-13) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Jazz on Wednesday. The Hawks (13-12) play host to the Nets on Friday.
Suns Defeat Spurs, 108-104
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 108-104, at Footprint Center on Monday.
While there were only six ties and four lead changes in this game, it wasn't decided until the final seconds. With that said, Phoenix overcome an 11-point deficit by outscoring San Antonio, 25-15, in the second quarter and 28-22 in the third. The Spurs were able to tie the game twice in the fourth quarter but never recaptured the lead after those middle frames. The Suns shot 46 percent from the field while holding the Spurs to 43 percent. In addition, they out-rebounded San Antonio, 49-41, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 17-7.
The Spurs (8-14) were led by Dejounte Murray, tallying 17 points, six rebounds, 14 assists and two steals. Doug McDermott amassed 14 points, two rebounds and two assists. Jakob Poeltl provided 14 points, 11 rebounds and two assists, while Keldon Johnson amassed 13 points and six rebounds. Bryn Forbes led the bench with 15 points and three boards.
The Suns (20-4) were led by Chris Paul, collecting 21 points, three rebounds and 10 assists. Jae Crowder compiled 19 points and six rebounds. Deandre Ayton amassed 14 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Mikal Bridges accrued six points, nine rebounds and four assists, while JaVale McGee and Cameron Johnson led the bench with 13 points apiece.
San Antonio has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Tuesday, facing the New York Knicks at home. As for Phoenix, they're off until Friday when they play host to the Boston Celtics.
While there were only six ties and four lead changes in this game, it wasn't decided until the final seconds. With that said, Phoenix overcome an 11-point deficit by outscoring San Antonio, 25-15, in the second quarter and 28-22 in the third. The Spurs were able to tie the game twice in the fourth quarter but never recaptured the lead after those middle frames. The Suns shot 46 percent from the field while holding the Spurs to 43 percent. In addition, they out-rebounded San Antonio, 49-41, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 17-7.
The Spurs (8-14) were led by Dejounte Murray, tallying 17 points, six rebounds, 14 assists and two steals. Doug McDermott amassed 14 points, two rebounds and two assists. Jakob Poeltl provided 14 points, 11 rebounds and two assists, while Keldon Johnson amassed 13 points and six rebounds. Bryn Forbes led the bench with 15 points and three boards.
The Suns (20-4) were led by Chris Paul, collecting 21 points, three rebounds and 10 assists. Jae Crowder compiled 19 points and six rebounds. Deandre Ayton amassed 14 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Mikal Bridges accrued six points, nine rebounds and four assists, while JaVale McGee and Cameron Johnson led the bench with 13 points apiece.
San Antonio has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Tuesday, facing the New York Knicks at home. As for Phoenix, they're off until Friday when they play host to the Boston Celtics.
Warriors Wallop Magic, 126-95
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 126-95, at Chase Center on Monday.
While Orlando led 12-2 early on in the first quarter, Golden State never relinquished the lead across the final three quarters. The Warriors ended up outscoring them in that opening frame, 31-26, and then proceeded to put the game to bed behind a 34-18 second quarter and 28-16 fourth quarter. Golden State led by at least 15 points for the entirety of the second half after that, getting their lead up to 32 points at times. Golden State shot 49 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range while holding Orlando to 43 percent from the field and 29 percent from long range. The Warriors also recorded 28 assists to 15 turnovers while the Magic had 18 assists to 22 turnovers.
The Magic (5-20) were led by Gary Harris and his 17 points and three rebounds. Franz Wagner accrued 15 points, four rebounds, six assists and three steals. Wendell Carter Jr collected 14 points, 12 rebounds and three assists. R.J. Hampton led the bench with 16 points and two rebounds.
The Warriors (20-4) were led by Stephen Curry, collecting 31 points, three rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Andrew Wiggins amassed 28 points, three rebounds and three assists. Jordan Poole provided 12 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Draymond Green had seven points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Golden State remaining home to face the Portland Trail Blazers and Orlando traveling to face the Sacramento Kings.
While Orlando led 12-2 early on in the first quarter, Golden State never relinquished the lead across the final three quarters. The Warriors ended up outscoring them in that opening frame, 31-26, and then proceeded to put the game to bed behind a 34-18 second quarter and 28-16 fourth quarter. Golden State led by at least 15 points for the entirety of the second half after that, getting their lead up to 32 points at times. Golden State shot 49 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range while holding Orlando to 43 percent from the field and 29 percent from long range. The Warriors also recorded 28 assists to 15 turnovers while the Magic had 18 assists to 22 turnovers.
The Magic (5-20) were led by Gary Harris and his 17 points and three rebounds. Franz Wagner accrued 15 points, four rebounds, six assists and three steals. Wendell Carter Jr collected 14 points, 12 rebounds and three assists. R.J. Hampton led the bench with 16 points and two rebounds.
The Warriors (20-4) were led by Stephen Curry, collecting 31 points, three rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Andrew Wiggins amassed 28 points, three rebounds and three assists. Jordan Poole provided 12 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Draymond Green had seven points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Golden State remaining home to face the Portland Trail Blazers and Orlando traveling to face the Sacramento Kings.
Clippers Defeat Trail Blazers, 102-90
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 102-90, at Moda Center on Monday.
There were eight ties and 11 lead changes in this game, with neither team ever attaining a double-digit lead until the final minute. In fact, no club led by more than seven points until the final two minutes, with LA finishing on a 12-2 run across the closing four minutes to grab that game-high lead. That capped off a 25-16 fourth quarter and a 54-41 second half. Los Angeles shot 11-of-36 from three-point range while Portland connected on just 5-of-22. In addition, the Clippers won the turnover battle, 18-13.
The Clippers (12-12) were led by Paul George, tallying 21 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four steals. Marcus Morris amassed 17 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals. Reggie Jackson totaled 16 points, six rebounds and six assists while Luke Kennard had 15 points and six boards in a rare start.
The Trail Blazers (11-13) had to play this game without Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, led by Jusuf Nurkic and his 31 points and five rebounds. Norman Powell provided 29 points and five rebounds. Dennis Smith Jr accrued 13 points, six rebounds and seven assists, while Robert Covington registered two points, 10 rebounds, three steals and two blocks.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Portland traveling to face the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles returning home to play the Boston Celtics.
There were eight ties and 11 lead changes in this game, with neither team ever attaining a double-digit lead until the final minute. In fact, no club led by more than seven points until the final two minutes, with LA finishing on a 12-2 run across the closing four minutes to grab that game-high lead. That capped off a 25-16 fourth quarter and a 54-41 second half. Los Angeles shot 11-of-36 from three-point range while Portland connected on just 5-of-22. In addition, the Clippers won the turnover battle, 18-13.
The Clippers (12-12) were led by Paul George, tallying 21 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four steals. Marcus Morris amassed 17 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals. Reggie Jackson totaled 16 points, six rebounds and six assists while Luke Kennard had 15 points and six boards in a rare start.
The Trail Blazers (11-13) had to play this game without Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, led by Jusuf Nurkic and his 31 points and five rebounds. Norman Powell provided 29 points and five rebounds. Dennis Smith Jr accrued 13 points, six rebounds and seven assists, while Robert Covington registered two points, 10 rebounds, three steals and two blocks.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Portland traveling to face the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles returning home to play the Boston Celtics.