Nets Top Spurs In Overtime To Open Sunday Slate
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 121-119, at Barclays Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Nets (25-13) and the Spurs (15-24) had to play five extra minutes to determine a winner in a tight contest Sunday, but eventually, Brooklyn ended with the win after a buzzer-beating shot from Cam Thomas in overtime. The game was tight, though, and in fact, the first quarter ended with a 32-32 tie. The Nets pulled away in the second with a 28-19 score, but San Antonio played with a different mindset in the second half and quickly erased that nine-point deficit. Gregg Popovich's men won the third quarter by a 38-31 score and the fourth one by a slim two-point edge (24-22), meaning they did enough to force overtime. The Spurs carried the momentum into the extra five minutes and came close to pulling the upset, but Cam Thomas had other plans and drained the game-winning shot with a jumper in the lane with only 1.4 seconds left on the clock. With the win, Brooklyn snapped its five-game losing streak.
As it has been the case in most games this season, Kevin Durant and James Harden led the Nets in this contest -- Durant ended with 28 points, six assists and four rebounds, while Harden recorded a double-double of 26 points and 12 assists while also grabbing seven boards. Nic Claxton posted a double-double of 16 points and 14 rebounds, and Patty Mills chipped in with 13 points while also adding six boards, four assists and two blocks. Cam Thomas had 11 points and six rebounds off the bench.
Lonnie Walker IV led the Spurs with a 25-point effort, while both Dejounte Murray and Jakob Poeltl had double-doubles -- the star guard notched 19 points and 12 assists to go along with nine rebounds, and the big man posted 11 points and 12 rebounds. Keita Bates-Diop notched 10 points and six rebounds. Bryn Forbes added 18 points off the bench, and rookie Josh Primo delivered 12 points.
The Nets (25-13) and the Spurs (15-24) had to play five extra minutes to determine a winner in a tight contest Sunday, but eventually, Brooklyn ended with the win after a buzzer-beating shot from Cam Thomas in overtime. The game was tight, though, and in fact, the first quarter ended with a 32-32 tie. The Nets pulled away in the second with a 28-19 score, but San Antonio played with a different mindset in the second half and quickly erased that nine-point deficit. Gregg Popovich's men won the third quarter by a 38-31 score and the fourth one by a slim two-point edge (24-22), meaning they did enough to force overtime. The Spurs carried the momentum into the extra five minutes and came close to pulling the upset, but Cam Thomas had other plans and drained the game-winning shot with a jumper in the lane with only 1.4 seconds left on the clock. With the win, Brooklyn snapped its five-game losing streak.
As it has been the case in most games this season, Kevin Durant and James Harden led the Nets in this contest -- Durant ended with 28 points, six assists and four rebounds, while Harden recorded a double-double of 26 points and 12 assists while also grabbing seven boards. Nic Claxton posted a double-double of 16 points and 14 rebounds, and Patty Mills chipped in with 13 points while also adding six boards, four assists and two blocks. Cam Thomas had 11 points and six rebounds off the bench.
Lonnie Walker IV led the Spurs with a 25-point effort, while both Dejounte Murray and Jakob Poeltl had double-doubles -- the star guard notched 19 points and 12 assists to go along with nine rebounds, and the big man posted 11 points and 12 rebounds. Keita Bates-Diop notched 10 points and six rebounds. Bryn Forbes added 18 points off the bench, and rookie Josh Primo delivered 12 points.
Clippers Dominate, Secure Win Over Hawks
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 106-93, at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday afternoon.
The Clippers (20-21) had an excellent performance against the Hawks (17-22), and they didn't have problems coming away with the victory in a game where they were in the driver seat from start to finish. Los Angeles jumped out to a 31-23 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, though Atlanta did put up a fight after winning the second quarter by a 30-28 score. The Clippers pulled away for good following a 27-20 score, and that meant they were up by 13 points with only 12 minutes left on the score. The final quarter ended with a 20-20 tie, and the Clippers raced out to a comfortable victory in front of their fans. With the win, the Clippers improved to 13-12 at home while the Hawks fell to 9-13 when playing away from home.
Amir Coffey was the leading scorer for the Clippers since he ended with 21 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Marcus Morris Sr. contributed 15 points and two boards. Nicolas Batum ended with 10 points and eight boards, and Reggie Jackson chipped in with 12 points, three boards and three assists. Ivica Zubac only had eight points, but he grabbed 13 rebounds. Serge Ibaka looked impressive off the bench with 16 points.
Trae Young was the leading scorer for the Hawks with 19 points, seven assists and two steals, and Bogdan Bogdanovic finished with 19 points as well while adding six boards, three assists and two steals. Kevin Huerter ended with 11 points. Timothy Luwawu-Cabarrot contributed 14 points and four rebounds while coming off the bench. Onyeka Okongwu had nine points and 10 rebounds.
The Clippers (20-21) had an excellent performance against the Hawks (17-22), and they didn't have problems coming away with the victory in a game where they were in the driver seat from start to finish. Los Angeles jumped out to a 31-23 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, though Atlanta did put up a fight after winning the second quarter by a 30-28 score. The Clippers pulled away for good following a 27-20 score, and that meant they were up by 13 points with only 12 minutes left on the score. The final quarter ended with a 20-20 tie, and the Clippers raced out to a comfortable victory in front of their fans. With the win, the Clippers improved to 13-12 at home while the Hawks fell to 9-13 when playing away from home.
Amir Coffey was the leading scorer for the Clippers since he ended with 21 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Marcus Morris Sr. contributed 15 points and two boards. Nicolas Batum ended with 10 points and eight boards, and Reggie Jackson chipped in with 12 points, three boards and three assists. Ivica Zubac only had eight points, but he grabbed 13 rebounds. Serge Ibaka looked impressive off the bench with 16 points.
Trae Young was the leading scorer for the Hawks with 19 points, seven assists and two steals, and Bogdan Bogdanovic finished with 19 points as well while adding six boards, three assists and two steals. Kevin Huerter ended with 11 points. Timothy Luwawu-Cabarrot contributed 14 points and four rebounds while coming off the bench. Onyeka Okongwu had nine points and 10 rebounds.
Wizards Use Strong Finish To Edge Magic
By Dan Bruno
The Washington Wizards defeated the host Orlando Magic, 102-100, at Amway Center on Sunday evening.
The Magic got out to a good start at home and led, 26-20, after one quarter. The Wizards kept it close through the second, but the Magic held the edge and took a seven-point lead into the break. The Wizards came out strong in the third and and grabbed the lead early in the quarter, but the Magic reclaimed control and took a four-point lead into the final frame. The Wizards turned it up a notch in the fourth and rallied in front mid way through the quarter. They kept the pressure on and maintained the upper hand the rest of the way, narrowly closing out the road win. This marks the ninth straight loss for the Magic.
Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 27 points, 22 rebounds and a block, in 38 minutes. Bradley Beal followed up with 20 points, six rebounds, seven assists and a block, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope chipped in 14 points. The Wizards shot 41 percent from the field, including 11-of-29 from deep.
Meanwhile, Terrence Ross led the Magic with 32 points on 13-of-20 shooting, including 4-of-5 from long range, in 31 minutes off the bench. Franz Wagner followed up with 16 points and six rebounds, while Cole Anthony tallied 12 points, six rebounds, two assists, a block and a steal.The Magic shot 40 percent from the field, including 9-of-28 from long range.
The Magic (7-34) will look to bounce back as they wait to take on the Wizards in Washington on Wednesday. In the meantime, the Wizards (20-20) play host to the Thunder on Tuesday.
The Magic got out to a good start at home and led, 26-20, after one quarter. The Wizards kept it close through the second, but the Magic held the edge and took a seven-point lead into the break. The Wizards came out strong in the third and and grabbed the lead early in the quarter, but the Magic reclaimed control and took a four-point lead into the final frame. The Wizards turned it up a notch in the fourth and rallied in front mid way through the quarter. They kept the pressure on and maintained the upper hand the rest of the way, narrowly closing out the road win. This marks the ninth straight loss for the Magic.
Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 27 points, 22 rebounds and a block, in 38 minutes. Bradley Beal followed up with 20 points, six rebounds, seven assists and a block, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope chipped in 14 points. The Wizards shot 41 percent from the field, including 11-of-29 from deep.
Meanwhile, Terrence Ross led the Magic with 32 points on 13-of-20 shooting, including 4-of-5 from long range, in 31 minutes off the bench. Franz Wagner followed up with 16 points and six rebounds, while Cole Anthony tallied 12 points, six rebounds, two assists, a block and a steal.The Magic shot 40 percent from the field, including 9-of-28 from long range.
The Magic (7-34) will look to bounce back as they wait to take on the Wizards in Washington on Wednesday. In the meantime, the Wizards (20-20) play host to the Thunder on Tuesday.
Raptors Edge Pelicans, 105-101
The Toronto Raptors defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 105-101, at Scotiabank Arena on Sunday evening.
The Raptors (20-17) came into the contest looking to keep the good times rolling after rattling off five consecutive victories, but they encountered a tough opponent from the outset in a Pelicans (14-26) squad that was missing Josh Hart (personal). Toronto clawed its way to a tiny one-point halftime lead, and it ultimately took a Chris Boucher tip shot and Khem Birch free throw to gain enough separation once New Orleans had closed to within a point with 1:20 remaining.
Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 22 points, adding five rebounds and four assists. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 20-point, 17-rebound double-double that included one assist, one steal and one block. Herbert Jones furnished 13 points, two rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Devonte' Graham and Nickeil Alexander-Walker turned in matching 11-point efforts.
Fred Van Vleet paced the Raptors with 32 points, supplementing them with four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Pascal Siakam managed 29 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. OG Anunoby delivered 12 points, five boards and two assists.
The Pelicans return home to host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night, while the Raptors remain home and face the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night as well.
The Raptors (20-17) came into the contest looking to keep the good times rolling after rattling off five consecutive victories, but they encountered a tough opponent from the outset in a Pelicans (14-26) squad that was missing Josh Hart (personal). Toronto clawed its way to a tiny one-point halftime lead, and it ultimately took a Chris Boucher tip shot and Khem Birch free throw to gain enough separation once New Orleans had closed to within a point with 1:20 remaining.
Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 22 points, adding five rebounds and four assists. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 20-point, 17-rebound double-double that included one assist, one steal and one block. Herbert Jones furnished 13 points, two rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Devonte' Graham and Nickeil Alexander-Walker turned in matching 11-point efforts.
Fred Van Vleet paced the Raptors with 32 points, supplementing them with four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Pascal Siakam managed 29 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. OG Anunoby delivered 12 points, five boards and two assists.
The Pelicans return home to host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night, while the Raptors remain home and face the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night as well.
Timberwolves Roll Past Rockets
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the host Houston Rockets, 141-123, at Toyota Center on Sunday evening.
The Timberwolves jumped out to a strong start and led, 36-26, after one quarter. They kicked it up a notch in the second and outscored the hosts by 11 points in the quarter, to take a 21-point lead by halftime. The Rockets came out a bit better in the third but still had no answers, as the Timberwolves added another two points to their lead, making it a 23-point game heading into the fourth. The Timberwolves had no trouble hanging on the rest of the way for their fourth straight win.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 40 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. D'Angelo Russell followed up with 22 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and a steal, while Jarred Vanderbilt added 21 points, 19 rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. The Timberwolves shot 51 percent from the field, including 15-of-42 from deep.
Meanwhile, Christian Wood led the Rockets with 22 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two blocks, 28 minutes. Josh Christopher followed up with 19 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Eric Gordon and Kenyon Martin Jr, chipped in 13 points each. The Rockets shot 47 percent from the field, including 14-of-43 from long range.
The Rockets (11-30) will look to bounce back as they play host to the 76ers on Monday. The Timberwolves (20-20) take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Tuesday.
The Timberwolves jumped out to a strong start and led, 36-26, after one quarter. They kicked it up a notch in the second and outscored the hosts by 11 points in the quarter, to take a 21-point lead by halftime. The Rockets came out a bit better in the third but still had no answers, as the Timberwolves added another two points to their lead, making it a 23-point game heading into the fourth. The Timberwolves had no trouble hanging on the rest of the way for their fourth straight win.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 40 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. D'Angelo Russell followed up with 22 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and a steal, while Jarred Vanderbilt added 21 points, 19 rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. The Timberwolves shot 51 percent from the field, including 15-of-42 from deep.
Meanwhile, Christian Wood led the Rockets with 22 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two blocks, 28 minutes. Josh Christopher followed up with 19 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Eric Gordon and Kenyon Martin Jr, chipped in 13 points each. The Rockets shot 47 percent from the field, including 14-of-43 from long range.
The Rockets (11-30) will look to bounce back as they play host to the 76ers on Monday. The Timberwolves (20-20) take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Tuesday.
Nuggets Get Past Thunder, 99-95
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, 99-95, at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Sunday night.
The Nuggets (20-18) looked like they were on the way to a comfortable win when they jumped out to a 36-23 lead through one. The Thunder (13-26) was only able to knock one point from its deficit before halftime, but they won the third quarter by an impressive 29-19 margin to really make matters interesting. Ultimately, the game was knotted at 95 with 53.5 seconds remaining when Nikola Jokic and Will Barton sunk four free throws to secure the victory.
Jokic and Austin Rivers co-led the Nuggets with 22 points, with Jokic pulling down 18 rebounds. Jeff Green poured in 16 points. Barton totaled 14 points, four boards and four assists. Monte Morris supplied eight points, five assists, three rebounds and one assist.
Luguentz Dort paced the Thunder with 14 points, five rebounds and one assist. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl furnished 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals. Josh Giddey managed 11 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and one steal. Darius Bazley registered 10 points, five rebounds and three blocks.
The Nuggets remain on the road and pay a visit to the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night, while the Thunder visits the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night as well.
The Nuggets (20-18) looked like they were on the way to a comfortable win when they jumped out to a 36-23 lead through one. The Thunder (13-26) was only able to knock one point from its deficit before halftime, but they won the third quarter by an impressive 29-19 margin to really make matters interesting. Ultimately, the game was knotted at 95 with 53.5 seconds remaining when Nikola Jokic and Will Barton sunk four free throws to secure the victory.
Jokic and Austin Rivers co-led the Nuggets with 22 points, with Jokic pulling down 18 rebounds. Jeff Green poured in 16 points. Barton totaled 14 points, four boards and four assists. Monte Morris supplied eight points, five assists, three rebounds and one assist.
Luguentz Dort paced the Thunder with 14 points, five rebounds and one assist. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl furnished 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals. Josh Giddey managed 11 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and one steal. Darius Bazley registered 10 points, five rebounds and three blocks.
The Nuggets remain on the road and pay a visit to the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night, while the Thunder visits the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night as well.
Mavs Confident In Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls, 113-99, at American Airlines Center on Sunday evening.
The Bulls got out to a great start with a 10-point lead after one quarter, but the Mavericks responded in the second and cut it to a one-point game by halftime. The score stayed tight through the third, but the Mavs picked it up towards the end of the quarter and took a four-point lead into the final frame. The Mavericks carried the momentum into the fourth and outscored the visitors by 10 points in the period, to close out their sixth straight win.
Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 22 points on 8-of-23 shooting, 14 rebounds and 14 assists. Maxi Kleber tallied 18 points, four rebounds, two assists and a block. while Josh Green finished with 18 points and six rebounds, off the bench. The Mavericks shot 50 percent from the field, including 16-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan tallied 20 points, four rebounds, eight assists and a block, while Zach LaVine tallied 20 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals, to lead the way for the Bulls. Nikola Vucevic added 13 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Coby White chipped in 13 points, four rebounds and two assists. The Bulls shot 43 percent from the field, including 11-of-33 from deep.
The Bulls (26-11) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pistons on Tuesday. The Mavs (22-18) take on the Knicks in New York on Wednesday.
The Bulls got out to a great start with a 10-point lead after one quarter, but the Mavericks responded in the second and cut it to a one-point game by halftime. The score stayed tight through the third, but the Mavs picked it up towards the end of the quarter and took a four-point lead into the final frame. The Mavericks carried the momentum into the fourth and outscored the visitors by 10 points in the period, to close out their sixth straight win.
Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 22 points on 8-of-23 shooting, 14 rebounds and 14 assists. Maxi Kleber tallied 18 points, four rebounds, two assists and a block. while Josh Green finished with 18 points and six rebounds, off the bench. The Mavericks shot 50 percent from the field, including 16-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan tallied 20 points, four rebounds, eight assists and a block, while Zach LaVine tallied 20 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals, to lead the way for the Bulls. Nikola Vucevic added 13 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Coby White chipped in 13 points, four rebounds and two assists. The Bulls shot 43 percent from the field, including 11-of-33 from deep.
The Bulls (26-11) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pistons on Tuesday. The Mavs (22-18) take on the Knicks in New York on Wednesday.
Warriors Defeat Cavaliers, 96-82
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, 96-82, at Chase Center on Sunday.
While Cleveland held the lead for the first five minutes of this game, Golden State never relinquished the lead after a 24-21 first quarter. A 28-14 third quarter was the deciding stretch, with the Warriors getting their lead up to 24 points at times. That allowed Golden State to hold a double-digit lead for the final 18 minutes of play. Volume was the difference, with Golden State attempting 97 shots and 42 threes while Cleveland had just 75 field goal attempts and 24 three-point attempts. That can be attributed to Golden State out-rebounding Cleveland on the offensive end, 22-8 while forcing 18 turnovers from the Cavs.
The Cavaliers (22-18) were led by Lamar Stevens and his 17 points, four rebounds and two steals. Jarrett Allen amassed 12 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Evan Mobley totaled 11 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Darius Garland had just nine points, two rebounds and four assists. Rajon Rondo led the bench with 15 points, three rebounds and five assists.
The Warriors (30-9) were led by Stephen Curry, collecting 28 points, five rebounds and five assists. Klay Thompson played 19 minutes in his season debut, accruing 17 points and three rebounds. Andrew Wiggins had 10 points and two rebounds, while Kevon Looney collected six points, 18 rebounds, three assists and four steals.
Cleveland has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Monday, staying on the road to face the Sacramento Kings. As for Golden State, they return to action on Tuesday in a road matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies.
While Cleveland held the lead for the first five minutes of this game, Golden State never relinquished the lead after a 24-21 first quarter. A 28-14 third quarter was the deciding stretch, with the Warriors getting their lead up to 24 points at times. That allowed Golden State to hold a double-digit lead for the final 18 minutes of play. Volume was the difference, with Golden State attempting 97 shots and 42 threes while Cleveland had just 75 field goal attempts and 24 three-point attempts. That can be attributed to Golden State out-rebounding Cleveland on the offensive end, 22-8 while forcing 18 turnovers from the Cavs.
The Cavaliers (22-18) were led by Lamar Stevens and his 17 points, four rebounds and two steals. Jarrett Allen amassed 12 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Evan Mobley totaled 11 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Darius Garland had just nine points, two rebounds and four assists. Rajon Rondo led the bench with 15 points, three rebounds and five assists.
The Warriors (30-9) were led by Stephen Curry, collecting 28 points, five rebounds and five assists. Klay Thompson played 19 minutes in his season debut, accruing 17 points and three rebounds. Andrew Wiggins had 10 points and two rebounds, while Kevon Looney collected six points, 18 rebounds, three assists and four steals.
Cleveland has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Monday, staying on the road to face the Sacramento Kings. As for Golden State, they return to action on Tuesday in a road matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Trail Blazers Defeat Kings, 103-88
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings, 103-88, at Moda Center on Sunday.
A 27-21 first quarter set the foundation for Portland in this victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, they led by 13 points at the half and got their lead up to 19 points at times in the second half. The Trail Blazers shot 42 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range (17-of-40) while holding the Kings to 39 percent from the field and 23 percent from long range (7-of-31). In addition, Portland out-assisted Sacramento, 26-20, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 13-7.
The Kings (16-26) were led by Tyrese Haliburton, tallying 17 points, nine assists and two steals. Alex Len amassed 16 points and 10 rebounds. De'Aaron Fox finished with 14 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Harrison Barnes had 13 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Buddy Hield led the bench with 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Trail Blazers (15-24) were led by Anfernee Simons, accruing 31 points, three rebounds and six assists. Jusuf Nurkic collected 14 points, 16 rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Nassir Little and Ben McLemore had 13 points and two assists apiece, while Robert Covington registered eight points, six rebounds, three steals and three blocks.
Both teams have to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Monday, with Portland remaining home to face the Brooklyn Nets and Sacramento returning home to play the Cleveland Cavaliers.
A 27-21 first quarter set the foundation for Portland in this victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, they led by 13 points at the half and got their lead up to 19 points at times in the second half. The Trail Blazers shot 42 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range (17-of-40) while holding the Kings to 39 percent from the field and 23 percent from long range (7-of-31). In addition, Portland out-assisted Sacramento, 26-20, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 13-7.
The Kings (16-26) were led by Tyrese Haliburton, tallying 17 points, nine assists and two steals. Alex Len amassed 16 points and 10 rebounds. De'Aaron Fox finished with 14 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Harrison Barnes had 13 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Buddy Hield led the bench with 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Trail Blazers (15-24) were led by Anfernee Simons, accruing 31 points, three rebounds and six assists. Jusuf Nurkic collected 14 points, 16 rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Nassir Little and Ben McLemore had 13 points and two assists apiece, while Robert Covington registered eight points, six rebounds, three steals and three blocks.
Both teams have to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Monday, with Portland remaining home to face the Brooklyn Nets and Sacramento returning home to play the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Grizzlies Defeat Lakers, 127-119
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the host Los Angeles Lakers, 127-119, at Crypto Center on Sunday.
While there were six ties and five lead changes in the first quarter, Memphis never relinquished the lead after that. In fact, they rode a 38-25 second quarter to a 13-point halftime lead and then took a 24-point lead into the fourth behind a 42-31 third quarter. Los Angeles made the final score respectable behind a 36-20 fourth quarter but Memphis led by 29 points at times. The Grizzlies shot 54 percent from the field while holding the Lakers to 46 percent shooting. In addition, they out-assisted Los Angeles, 33-26, while out-rebounding them, 48-41.
The Grizzlies (28-14) were led by Desmond Bane, tallying 23 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals. Jaren Jackson Jr generated 21 points, 12 rebounds and six blocks. Ja Morant amassed 16 points, five rebounds and seven assists, while Kyle Anderson accrued 14 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Lakers (21-20) had just one starter score more than seven points, with LeBron James leading the way with 35 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Russell Westbrook collected six points, seven rebounds and six assists, despite missing 10 of his 12 shots. Wayne Ellington and Austin Reaves led the bench with 16 points apiece.
On deck for Memphis is a home matchup with the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. As for Los Angeles, they return to action on Wednesday in a road matchup with the Sacramento Kings.
While there were six ties and five lead changes in the first quarter, Memphis never relinquished the lead after that. In fact, they rode a 38-25 second quarter to a 13-point halftime lead and then took a 24-point lead into the fourth behind a 42-31 third quarter. Los Angeles made the final score respectable behind a 36-20 fourth quarter but Memphis led by 29 points at times. The Grizzlies shot 54 percent from the field while holding the Lakers to 46 percent shooting. In addition, they out-assisted Los Angeles, 33-26, while out-rebounding them, 48-41.
The Grizzlies (28-14) were led by Desmond Bane, tallying 23 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals. Jaren Jackson Jr generated 21 points, 12 rebounds and six blocks. Ja Morant amassed 16 points, five rebounds and seven assists, while Kyle Anderson accrued 14 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Lakers (21-20) had just one starter score more than seven points, with LeBron James leading the way with 35 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Russell Westbrook collected six points, seven rebounds and six assists, despite missing 10 of his 12 shots. Wayne Ellington and Austin Reaves led the bench with 16 points apiece.
On deck for Memphis is a home matchup with the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. As for Los Angeles, they return to action on Wednesday in a road matchup with the Sacramento Kings.