Celtics Secure Comfortable Win Over Pacers
The Boston Celtics defeated the Indiana Pacers, 119-100, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday evening.
The Celtics (21-21) enjoyed a strong start in this one and quickly jumped out to a 35-25 lead after the opening quarter against the Pacers (15-27). The Pacers responded with a 24-19 score in the second quarter, but that was not enough to threaten Boston's lead. A 33-22 score in the third quarter lifted Boston for good, and the 32-29 score in the fourth allowed the Celtics to cruise to victory.
Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum led the Celtics in this one, with Tatum ending with 33 points and seven rebounds while Brown posted a team-high 34 points while adding five boards and three dimes. Dennis Schroder started and ended with 23 points, and Robert Williams III grabbed nine rebounds while adding five points. No other Boston player scored in double digits in this one, but 13 Celtics saw the floor.
Only four Indiana players scored in double digits in this game and neither ended with 20 or more points. Myles Turner led the way with 18 points and four boards, while Domantas Sabonis delivered 17 points, six rebounds and six assists. Caris LeVert notched 16 points and four dimes, and Justin Holiday had 13 points.
The Celtics (21-21) enjoyed a strong start in this one and quickly jumped out to a 35-25 lead after the opening quarter against the Pacers (15-27). The Pacers responded with a 24-19 score in the second quarter, but that was not enough to threaten Boston's lead. A 33-22 score in the third quarter lifted Boston for good, and the 32-29 score in the fourth allowed the Celtics to cruise to victory.
Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum led the Celtics in this one, with Tatum ending with 33 points and seven rebounds while Brown posted a team-high 34 points while adding five boards and three dimes. Dennis Schroder started and ended with 23 points, and Robert Williams III grabbed nine rebounds while adding five points. No other Boston player scored in double digits in this one, but 13 Celtics saw the floor.
Only four Indiana players scored in double digits in this game and neither ended with 20 or more points. Myles Turner led the way with 18 points and four boards, while Domantas Sabonis delivered 17 points, six rebounds and six assists. Caris LeVert notched 16 points and four dimes, and Justin Holiday had 13 points.
Hornets Topple 76ers, 109-98
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 109-98, at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday night.
The Hornets (23-19) came into the contest looking to build on a three-game winning streak, but the 76ers (23-17) were shooting for their eighth straight victory and were just a bit better in the first quarter, emerging with a 35-34 lead. However, Charlotte changed the dynamic of the contest for good in the second quarter, outscoring Philadelphia by a 30-15 margin to take a 14-point advantage into halftime. The hosts did manage to put a five-point dent in their deficit during the third quarter, but the cushion they'd built proved enough to still provide a double-digit win.
Gordon Hayward led the Hornets with 30 points, adding seven assists, four rebounds and three steals. Terry Rozier followed with 22 points, complementing them with four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Miles Bridges supplied 21 points, eight boards, two assists, two blocks and one steal. LaMelo Ball totaled 13 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and one steal. Cody Martin poured in 11 points off the bench.
Joel Embiid paced the 76ers with 31 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, three assists and one block. Tobias Harris registered 17 points, eight rebounds, five assists and one steal. Furkan Korkmaz delivered 14 points. Tyrese Maxey and Seth Curry generated matching 10-point, three-rebound, three-assist tallies.
The Hornets return home to host the Orlando Magic on Friday night, while the 76ers welcome in the Boston Celtics on Friday night as well.
The Hornets (23-19) came into the contest looking to build on a three-game winning streak, but the 76ers (23-17) were shooting for their eighth straight victory and were just a bit better in the first quarter, emerging with a 35-34 lead. However, Charlotte changed the dynamic of the contest for good in the second quarter, outscoring Philadelphia by a 30-15 margin to take a 14-point advantage into halftime. The hosts did manage to put a five-point dent in their deficit during the third quarter, but the cushion they'd built proved enough to still provide a double-digit win.
Gordon Hayward led the Hornets with 30 points, adding seven assists, four rebounds and three steals. Terry Rozier followed with 22 points, complementing them with four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Miles Bridges supplied 21 points, eight boards, two assists, two blocks and one steal. LaMelo Ball totaled 13 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and one steal. Cody Martin poured in 11 points off the bench.
Joel Embiid paced the 76ers with 31 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, three assists and one block. Tobias Harris registered 17 points, eight rebounds, five assists and one steal. Furkan Korkmaz delivered 14 points. Tyrese Maxey and Seth Curry generated matching 10-point, three-rebound, three-assist tallies.
The Hornets return home to host the Orlando Magic on Friday night, while the 76ers welcome in the Boston Celtics on Friday night as well.
Wizards Hold On To Defeat Magic
The Washington Wizards defeated the Orlando Magic, 112-106, at Capital One Arena on Wednesday night.
The Wizards (22-20) continue to rise and recorded their third straight win by topping a resilient Magic (7-35) team. Washington enjoyed a strong start and went up 33-16 after the first quarter, and they never looked back after that. The Magic responded with a 27-19 score in the second quarter, but that was not enough to mount a comeback. Washington won the third quarter by a 32-29 score and that was enough to close things out. Orlando won the final quarter by a 34-28 score, but again, they fell short from mounting a comeback. The Wizards held on and secured the victory.
Kyle Kuzma came close from putting up a triple-double in this one, as he finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. Corey Kispert ended with 11 points, and Spencer Dinwiddie delivered 17 points and four assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope recorded 12 points and 10 rebounds. Montreal Harrell delivered 16 points and eight rebounds off the bench.
Six Orlando players scored in double digits in this one and Cole Anthony was the leading scorer with 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Robin Lopez notched 16 points and 11 boards as well. Franz Wagner posted 14 points and 10 assists, and Chuma Okeke ended with 10 points. Gary Harris had 14 points, and Terrence Ross notched 17 points off the bench.
The Wizards (22-20) continue to rise and recorded their third straight win by topping a resilient Magic (7-35) team. Washington enjoyed a strong start and went up 33-16 after the first quarter, and they never looked back after that. The Magic responded with a 27-19 score in the second quarter, but that was not enough to mount a comeback. Washington won the third quarter by a 32-29 score and that was enough to close things out. Orlando won the final quarter by a 34-28 score, but again, they fell short from mounting a comeback. The Wizards held on and secured the victory.
Kyle Kuzma came close from putting up a triple-double in this one, as he finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. Corey Kispert ended with 11 points, and Spencer Dinwiddie delivered 17 points and four assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope recorded 12 points and 10 rebounds. Montreal Harrell delivered 16 points and eight rebounds off the bench.
Six Orlando players scored in double digits in this one and Cole Anthony was the leading scorer with 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Robin Lopez notched 16 points and 11 boards as well. Franz Wagner posted 14 points and 10 assists, and Chuma Okeke ended with 10 points. Gary Harris had 14 points, and Terrence Ross notched 17 points off the bench.
Heat Throttles Hawks, 115-91
The Miami Heat defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 115-91, at State Farm Arena on Wednesday night.
The Hawks (17-23) came into the contest looking to shake out of an extended funk, and they got off to a good start in that regard with a 27-21 lead through the first 12 minutes. However, the Heat (26-15) began to change the tone of the contest for good in the second quarter, erasing their deficit and building a five-point lead going into halftime. Miami then put the contest away for good in the third, when it added another 14 points to its advantage during a dominant quarter they won by a 30-16 margin.
Tyler Herro led the way for the Heat with a 21-point, 11-assist double-double that included nine rebounds and one block. Caleb Martin generated an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double. Duncan Robinson and Gabe Vincent posted 14 points apiece while recording two rebounds and two assists, respectively. Omer Yurtseven posted 13 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and one block. Max Strus supplied 11 points, two boards and one assist, while P.J. Tucker finished with 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.
John Collins paced the Hawks with a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists and one steal. Trae Young and Bogdan Bogdanovic posted 15 points apiece while posting five assists and five rebounds, respectively. De'Andre Hunter matched his pair of teammates' scoring total off the bench.
The two teams reconvene Friday night at FTX Arena in Miami for the second installment of the home-and-home series.
The Hawks (17-23) came into the contest looking to shake out of an extended funk, and they got off to a good start in that regard with a 27-21 lead through the first 12 minutes. However, the Heat (26-15) began to change the tone of the contest for good in the second quarter, erasing their deficit and building a five-point lead going into halftime. Miami then put the contest away for good in the third, when it added another 14 points to its advantage during a dominant quarter they won by a 30-16 margin.
Tyler Herro led the way for the Heat with a 21-point, 11-assist double-double that included nine rebounds and one block. Caleb Martin generated an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double. Duncan Robinson and Gabe Vincent posted 14 points apiece while recording two rebounds and two assists, respectively. Omer Yurtseven posted 13 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and one block. Max Strus supplied 11 points, two boards and one assist, while P.J. Tucker finished with 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.
John Collins paced the Hawks with a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists and one steal. Trae Young and Bogdan Bogdanovic posted 15 points apiece while posting five assists and five rebounds, respectively. De'Andre Hunter matched his pair of teammates' scoring total off the bench.
The two teams reconvene Friday night at FTX Arena in Miami for the second installment of the home-and-home series.
Knicks Confident In Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The New York Knicks defeated the visiting Dallas Mavericks, 108-85, at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday evening.
The Knicks got out to a good start at home with a nine-point lead after one quarter, and they held strong to push their lead to 11, by halftime. The Mavs had no answers in the second half, as the Knicks added another seven points to their cushion to make it an 18-point game heading into the final frame. The hosts kept the pressure on through the fourth and confidently closed out their second straight win.
R.J. Barrett led the way for the Knicks with 32 points, seven rebounds and two assists, in 41 minutes. Mitchell Robinson totaled 19 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks and a steal, while Julius Randle finished with 17 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists. The Knicks shot 47 percent from the field, including 12-of-27 from deep.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 21 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and two steals, in 36 minutes. Jalen Brunson followed up with 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Tim Hardaway Jr. chipped in 13 points, three assists and a steal, off the bench. The Mavs shot 41 percent from the field, including 8-of-37 from long range.
The Mavs (22-19) will look to bounce back as they take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Friday. The Knicks (21-21) take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Saturday.
The Knicks got out to a good start at home with a nine-point lead after one quarter, and they held strong to push their lead to 11, by halftime. The Mavs had no answers in the second half, as the Knicks added another seven points to their cushion to make it an 18-point game heading into the final frame. The hosts kept the pressure on through the fourth and confidently closed out their second straight win.
R.J. Barrett led the way for the Knicks with 32 points, seven rebounds and two assists, in 41 minutes. Mitchell Robinson totaled 19 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks and a steal, while Julius Randle finished with 17 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists. The Knicks shot 47 percent from the field, including 12-of-27 from deep.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 21 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and two steals, in 36 minutes. Jalen Brunson followed up with 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Tim Hardaway Jr. chipped in 13 points, three assists and a steal, off the bench. The Mavs shot 41 percent from the field, including 8-of-37 from long range.
The Mavs (22-19) will look to bounce back as they take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Friday. The Knicks (21-21) take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Saturday.
Rockets Close Out Hard-Fought Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 128-124, at AT&T Center on Wednesday evening.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start as the Rockets led, 39-36, after one quarter. The Spurs turned it up in the second and rallied to a four-point lead by halftime. The Spurs held the edge through most of the third, but the Rockets closed the quarter on a, 16-6, run to reclaim a one-point lead heading into the final frame. The Rockets kept up the momentum and pushed to a seven-point mid way through the quarter. They managed to stay in control the rest of the way and close out the hard-fought road win, while this marks the fourth straight loss for the Spurs.
Eric Gordon led the Rockets with 31 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 32 minutes. Christian Wood followed up with 23 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and a block, while Kevin Porter Jr. added 18 points, four rebounds and two assists. The Rockets shot 55 percent from the field, including 16-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, Dejounte Murray led the Spurs with 32 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists and three steals, in 37 minutes. Bryn Forbes followed up with 21 points on 7-of-15 shooting, while Keldon Johnson added 18 points and five rebounds. The Spurs shot 43 percent from the field, including 17-of-46 from deep.
The Spurs (15-26) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Cavs on Friday. The Rockets (12-31) take on the Kings in Sacramento on Friday.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start as the Rockets led, 39-36, after one quarter. The Spurs turned it up in the second and rallied to a four-point lead by halftime. The Spurs held the edge through most of the third, but the Rockets closed the quarter on a, 16-6, run to reclaim a one-point lead heading into the final frame. The Rockets kept up the momentum and pushed to a seven-point mid way through the quarter. They managed to stay in control the rest of the way and close out the hard-fought road win, while this marks the fourth straight loss for the Spurs.
Eric Gordon led the Rockets with 31 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 32 minutes. Christian Wood followed up with 23 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and a block, while Kevin Porter Jr. added 18 points, four rebounds and two assists. The Rockets shot 55 percent from the field, including 16-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, Dejounte Murray led the Spurs with 32 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists and three steals, in 37 minutes. Bryn Forbes followed up with 21 points on 7-of-15 shooting, while Keldon Johnson added 18 points and five rebounds. The Spurs shot 43 percent from the field, including 17-of-46 from deep.
The Spurs (15-26) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Cavs on Friday. The Rockets (12-31) take on the Kings in Sacramento on Friday.
Cavs Close Out Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the host Utah Jazz, 111-91, at Vivint Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Cavs jumped out to a strong start and held a three-point lead after one quarter. They kept the upper hand through the second and pushed their advantage to six, by halftime. The visitors came out even stronger in the third, as they outscored the Jazz, 30-16, to take a 20-point lead into the final frame. The Jazz had no solution in the fourth and fell for their fourth straight loss, while the Cavs closed out their second straight win.
Lamar Stevens led the Cavaliers with 23 points, seven rebounds and two steals, in 30 minutes. Lauri Markkanen followed up with 20 points, six rebounds and a block, while Evan Mobley totaled 15 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and a block. The Cavs shot 53 percent from the field, including 11-of-30 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jordan Clarkson led the Jazz with 22 points on 8-of-17 shooting, in 34 minutes off the bench. Eric Paschall followed up with 18 points, seven rebounds and a block, while Donovan Mitchell totaled 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and a steal. The Jazz shot 40 percent from the field, including 16-of-47 from deep.
The Jazz (28-14) will look to bounce back as they take on the Nuggets in Denver on Sunday. The Cavs (24-18) take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Friday.
The Cavs jumped out to a strong start and held a three-point lead after one quarter. They kept the upper hand through the second and pushed their advantage to six, by halftime. The visitors came out even stronger in the third, as they outscored the Jazz, 30-16, to take a 20-point lead into the final frame. The Jazz had no solution in the fourth and fell for their fourth straight loss, while the Cavs closed out their second straight win.
Lamar Stevens led the Cavaliers with 23 points, seven rebounds and two steals, in 30 minutes. Lauri Markkanen followed up with 20 points, six rebounds and a block, while Evan Mobley totaled 15 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and a block. The Cavs shot 53 percent from the field, including 11-of-30 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jordan Clarkson led the Jazz with 22 points on 8-of-17 shooting, in 34 minutes off the bench. Eric Paschall followed up with 18 points, seven rebounds and a block, while Donovan Mitchell totaled 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and a steal. The Jazz shot 40 percent from the field, including 16-of-47 from deep.
The Jazz (28-14) will look to bounce back as they take on the Nuggets in Denver on Sunday. The Cavs (24-18) take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Friday.
Nets Destroy Bulls, 138-112
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the host Chicago Bulls, 138-112, at United Center on Wednesday.
While this game was tied midway through the third quarter, Brooklyn finished that frame on a 30-8 run to take control. They continued that run in the fourth by starting that frame with 13 unanswered points, getting their lead up to 38 points at times. Those runs capped off a 76-42 second half. The Nets shot 56 percent from the field and 53 percent from three-point range while holding the Bulls to 47 percent from the field and 37 percent from long range. In addition, Brooklyn out-rebounded Chicago, 35-22, while out-rebounding them, 41-35. They did that while winning the turnover battle, 17-9.
The Nets (26-14) were led by Kevin Durant and his 27 points, two rebounds, nine assists and two steals. James Harden had 25 points, seven rebounds and 16 assists. Day-Ron Sharpe got a rare start and amassed 20 points and seven rebounds. Kyrie Irving collected nine points, four rebounds and three assists, while Patty Mills led the bench with 21 points and three rebounds.
The Bulls (27-12) were led by Zach LaVine, tallying 22 points and six assists. DeMar DeRozan accrued 19 points and four rebounds. Nikola Vucevic generated 14 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Lonzo Ball finished with nine points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Coby White led the bench with 16 points, two rebounds and two steals.
Brooklyn has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Thursday, playing host to the Oklahoma City Thunder. As for Chicago, they return to action on Friday in a home matchup with the Golden State Warriors.
While this game was tied midway through the third quarter, Brooklyn finished that frame on a 30-8 run to take control. They continued that run in the fourth by starting that frame with 13 unanswered points, getting their lead up to 38 points at times. Those runs capped off a 76-42 second half. The Nets shot 56 percent from the field and 53 percent from three-point range while holding the Bulls to 47 percent from the field and 37 percent from long range. In addition, Brooklyn out-rebounded Chicago, 35-22, while out-rebounding them, 41-35. They did that while winning the turnover battle, 17-9.
The Nets (26-14) were led by Kevin Durant and his 27 points, two rebounds, nine assists and two steals. James Harden had 25 points, seven rebounds and 16 assists. Day-Ron Sharpe got a rare start and amassed 20 points and seven rebounds. Kyrie Irving collected nine points, four rebounds and three assists, while Patty Mills led the bench with 21 points and three rebounds.
The Bulls (27-12) were led by Zach LaVine, tallying 22 points and six assists. DeMar DeRozan accrued 19 points and four rebounds. Nikola Vucevic generated 14 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Lonzo Ball finished with nine points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Coby White led the bench with 16 points, two rebounds and two steals.
Brooklyn has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Thursday, playing host to the Oklahoma City Thunder. As for Chicago, they return to action on Friday in a home matchup with the Golden State Warriors.
Kings Defeat Lakers, 125-116
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, 125-116, at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday.
While Los Angeles led for all but two minutes in the first half, Sacramento rode a 40-23 third quarter to their victory. In fact, that allowed them to get their lead up to 13 points at times, holding the lead for the final 18 minutes of play. The Lakers never had a shot to tie the game after that third quarter. The Kings shot 55 percent from the field and 84 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Lakers to 43 percent from the field and 67 percent from the charity stripe. In addition, Sacramento outscored Los Angeles in the paint, 70-42.
The Lakers (21-21) were led by LeBron James and his 34 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Malik Monk amassed 22 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Russell Westbrook missed 12 of his 14 shots to finish with eight points, 12 rebounds and six assists. Austin Reaves led the bench with 19 points and three rebounds.
The Kings (17-27) were led by De'Aaron Fox, accumulating 29 points, four rebounds and four assists. Harrison Barnes had 23 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Marvin Bagley totaled 16 points and nine rebounds, while Chimezie Metu compiled 14 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Tyrese Haliburton tallied 14 points, three rebounds, 10 assists and two steals as well.
On deck for Sacramento is a home matchup with the Houston Rockets on Friday. As for Los Angeles, they're off until Saturday when they travel to face the Denver Nuggets.
While Los Angeles led for all but two minutes in the first half, Sacramento rode a 40-23 third quarter to their victory. In fact, that allowed them to get their lead up to 13 points at times, holding the lead for the final 18 minutes of play. The Lakers never had a shot to tie the game after that third quarter. The Kings shot 55 percent from the field and 84 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Lakers to 43 percent from the field and 67 percent from the charity stripe. In addition, Sacramento outscored Los Angeles in the paint, 70-42.
The Lakers (21-21) were led by LeBron James and his 34 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Malik Monk amassed 22 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Russell Westbrook missed 12 of his 14 shots to finish with eight points, 12 rebounds and six assists. Austin Reaves led the bench with 19 points and three rebounds.
The Kings (17-27) were led by De'Aaron Fox, accumulating 29 points, four rebounds and four assists. Harrison Barnes had 23 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Marvin Bagley totaled 16 points and nine rebounds, while Chimezie Metu compiled 14 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Tyrese Haliburton tallied 14 points, three rebounds, 10 assists and two steals as well.
On deck for Sacramento is a home matchup with the Houston Rockets on Friday. As for Los Angeles, they're off until Saturday when they travel to face the Denver Nuggets.