Celtics Come From Behind To Top Pelicans
The Boston Celtics defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 104-92, at TD Garden on Monday afternoon.
The Celtics (23-22) moved over the .500 threshold after topping the Pelicans (16-28), but the game turned out to be more complicated than expected as Boston had to mount a second-half comeback in order to avoid what would’ve been an embarrassing loss in front of their fans. New Orleans enjoyed a strong start and quickly jumped out to a 29-18 lead following the first quarter, and while Boston responded with a 21-17 score in the second quarter, the Pelicans were still leading comfortably by halftime. The Celtics flipped the script in the second half, however, limiting New Orleans to 23 points in both the third and fourth quarters while topping the 30-point plateau as well. The result of those quarters ending 32-23 and 33-23 was that the Celtics turned things around completely and ended cruising their way to victory.
Jayson Tatum carried the Celtics in this contest, as he ended with 27 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Dennis Schroder and Jaylen Brown produced matching 23-point tallies, with Schroder adding nine assists and Brown pulling down eight boards. Al Horford had 12 points, and Grant Williams notched 10 points. No other Boston player scored in double digits here.
Jonas Valanciunas was the best player for the Pelicans since he ended with a double-double of 22 points and 14 rebounds, and Brandon Ingram also had a double-double of 15 points and 10 boards while also dishing out six assists. Herbert Jones had 16 points, and Josh Hart finished with 13 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Devonte’ Graham delivered 11 points, five assists and three boards. No other New Orleans player scored in double digits.
The Celtics (23-22) moved over the .500 threshold after topping the Pelicans (16-28), but the game turned out to be more complicated than expected as Boston had to mount a second-half comeback in order to avoid what would’ve been an embarrassing loss in front of their fans. New Orleans enjoyed a strong start and quickly jumped out to a 29-18 lead following the first quarter, and while Boston responded with a 21-17 score in the second quarter, the Pelicans were still leading comfortably by halftime. The Celtics flipped the script in the second half, however, limiting New Orleans to 23 points in both the third and fourth quarters while topping the 30-point plateau as well. The result of those quarters ending 32-23 and 33-23 was that the Celtics turned things around completely and ended cruising their way to victory.
Jayson Tatum carried the Celtics in this contest, as he ended with 27 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Dennis Schroder and Jaylen Brown produced matching 23-point tallies, with Schroder adding nine assists and Brown pulling down eight boards. Al Horford had 12 points, and Grant Williams notched 10 points. No other Boston player scored in double digits here.
Jonas Valanciunas was the best player for the Pelicans since he ended with a double-double of 22 points and 14 rebounds, and Brandon Ingram also had a double-double of 15 points and 10 boards while also dishing out six assists. Herbert Jones had 16 points, and Josh Hart finished with 13 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Devonte’ Graham delivered 11 points, five assists and three boards. No other New Orleans player scored in double digits.
Hornets Dominate To Cruise Past Knicks
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the New York Knicks, 97-87, at Madison Square Garden on Monday afternoon.
The Hornets (24-20) secured a big win over the Knicks (22-22) in a game they dominated from start to finish. Charlotte quickly jumped out to a 34-23 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, as the Knicks simply didn’t have answers on either end of the court. Charlotte won the second quarter by a 28-21 score, and they also won the third quarter by a 24-23 margin, so they managed to build an impressive lead with only 12 minutes left on the score. New York showed signs of a potential turnaround in the final quarter and limited Charlotte to just 11 points (winning by a 20-11 score) but it was too late. The game was already decided and the Knicks won with absolute ease.
Despite the win, it’s worth noting only three Charlotte players scored in double digits here. Miles Bridges led the way with an impressive 38-point effort that also included 12 rebounds and five assists, while Terry Rozier contributed 22 points, seven assists and six rebounds to the winning cause. Gordon Hayward posted 16 points, four assists and two steals. Cody Martin had nine points and seven rebounds.
Julius Randle and R.J. Barrett co-led the Knicks in scoring with 18 points each, and each had a double-double as well -- Randle grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out three assists, while Barrett pulled down 12 boards and handed five dimes to go along with two steals. Mitchell Robinson had 10 points and six rebounds. Immanuel Quickley had 12 points and Obi Toppin had 11, both off the bench.
The Hornets (24-20) secured a big win over the Knicks (22-22) in a game they dominated from start to finish. Charlotte quickly jumped out to a 34-23 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, as the Knicks simply didn’t have answers on either end of the court. Charlotte won the second quarter by a 28-21 score, and they also won the third quarter by a 24-23 margin, so they managed to build an impressive lead with only 12 minutes left on the score. New York showed signs of a potential turnaround in the final quarter and limited Charlotte to just 11 points (winning by a 20-11 score) but it was too late. The game was already decided and the Knicks won with absolute ease.
Despite the win, it’s worth noting only three Charlotte players scored in double digits here. Miles Bridges led the way with an impressive 38-point effort that also included 12 rebounds and five assists, while Terry Rozier contributed 22 points, seven assists and six rebounds to the winning cause. Gordon Hayward posted 16 points, four assists and two steals. Cody Martin had nine points and seven rebounds.
Julius Randle and R.J. Barrett co-led the Knicks in scoring with 18 points each, and each had a double-double as well -- Randle grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out three assists, while Barrett pulled down 12 boards and handed five dimes to go along with two steals. Mitchell Robinson had 10 points and six rebounds. Immanuel Quickley had 12 points and Obi Toppin had 11, both off the bench.
Wizards Cruise To Victory Against Sixers
The Washington Wizards defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 117-98, at Capital One Arena on Monday afternoon.
The Wizards (23-21) enjoyed a blistering start to the game and quickly raced out to a 38-29 lead following the first quarter, and that would set the tone for the rest of the game considering the Sixers (25-18) were far from their best. Washington could not carry the momentum and the 76ers responded with a 26-23 score, perhaps showing signs of a potential comeback in the second half. Nothing that would have been further from the truth, though. The Wizards won the third quarter by a 30-28 score and entered the final 12 minutes of action holding an eight-point lead. Washington would then close things out with a 26-15 score in the final quarter. With the win, the Wizards moved to 13-8 at home while the 76ers fell to 16-9 on the road.
Montrezl Harrell led the way for the Wizards and scored 18 points off the bench, while Kyle Kuzma contributed 15 points, 16 rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Bradley Beal had 13 points, six assists and five rebounds, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope notched 14 points and three boards. Thomas Bryant had 15 points and five rebounds off the bench, while Corey Kispert and Rui Hachimura each had 11 points.
Joel Embiid was the best player for the 76ers since he ended with a game-high 32 points while also adding eight rebounds, and Tyrese Maxey delivered 18 points and four boards. No other Philadelphia player scored in double digits in this one, perhaps exemplifying the struggles the team had on the offensive side of the ball. Tobias Harris looked disappointing and ended with seven points (3-11 FG).
The Wizards (23-21) enjoyed a blistering start to the game and quickly raced out to a 38-29 lead following the first quarter, and that would set the tone for the rest of the game considering the Sixers (25-18) were far from their best. Washington could not carry the momentum and the 76ers responded with a 26-23 score, perhaps showing signs of a potential comeback in the second half. Nothing that would have been further from the truth, though. The Wizards won the third quarter by a 30-28 score and entered the final 12 minutes of action holding an eight-point lead. Washington would then close things out with a 26-15 score in the final quarter. With the win, the Wizards moved to 13-8 at home while the 76ers fell to 16-9 on the road.
Montrezl Harrell led the way for the Wizards and scored 18 points off the bench, while Kyle Kuzma contributed 15 points, 16 rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Bradley Beal had 13 points, six assists and five rebounds, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope notched 14 points and three boards. Thomas Bryant had 15 points and five rebounds off the bench, while Corey Kispert and Rui Hachimura each had 11 points.
Joel Embiid was the best player for the 76ers since he ended with a game-high 32 points while also adding eight rebounds, and Tyrese Maxey delivered 18 points and four boards. No other Philadelphia player scored in double digits in this one, perhaps exemplifying the struggles the team had on the offensive side of the ball. Tobias Harris looked disappointing and ended with seven points (3-11 FG).
Cavaliers Edge Nets, 114-107
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 114-107 at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Monday afternoon.
The Nets (27-16) came into the contest short-handed due to Kevin Durant's knee injury, which is expected to keep him out multiple weeks. However, since it was a road game, Kyrie Irving was available, and he helped propel Brooklyn to a productive first quarter that the visitors emerged from with a 31-30 lead. However, the Cavaliers (27-18) bounced back in the second quarter to eventually take a five-point lead into halftime, one they subsequently saw evaporate in the third quarter. In fact, the Nets held a one-point edge heading into the fourth, but Cleveland would go on to finish on a 27-16 run over the final 10:47 for the narrow victory.
Irving led with 27 points, supplementing them with nine assists, seven rebounds and one steal. James Harden posted a 22-point, 10-assist double-double that includes seven rebounds and two steals. LaMarcus Aldridge furnished 13 points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Kessler Edwards and Patty Mills posted matching 11-point contributions, with Edwards adding three rebounds. Day'Ron Sharpe supplied 10 points, six boards, two assists, two steals and one block.
Darius Garland paced the Cavaliers with a 22-point, 12-assist double-double that included six rebounds and two steals. Isaac Okoro totaled 15 points. Jarrett Allen and Lauri Markkanen posted 14 points apiece while pulling down 10 and six rebounds, respectively. Kevin Love turned in 14 points, five rebounds and five assists. Evan Mobley registered 12 points, six boards, one assist and one block.
The Nets remain on the road and visit the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night, while the Cavaliers visit the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night as well.
The Nets (27-16) came into the contest short-handed due to Kevin Durant's knee injury, which is expected to keep him out multiple weeks. However, since it was a road game, Kyrie Irving was available, and he helped propel Brooklyn to a productive first quarter that the visitors emerged from with a 31-30 lead. However, the Cavaliers (27-18) bounced back in the second quarter to eventually take a five-point lead into halftime, one they subsequently saw evaporate in the third quarter. In fact, the Nets held a one-point edge heading into the fourth, but Cleveland would go on to finish on a 27-16 run over the final 10:47 for the narrow victory.
Irving led with 27 points, supplementing them with nine assists, seven rebounds and one steal. James Harden posted a 22-point, 10-assist double-double that includes seven rebounds and two steals. LaMarcus Aldridge furnished 13 points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Kessler Edwards and Patty Mills posted matching 11-point contributions, with Edwards adding three rebounds. Day'Ron Sharpe supplied 10 points, six boards, two assists, two steals and one block.
Darius Garland paced the Cavaliers with a 22-point, 12-assist double-double that included six rebounds and two steals. Isaac Okoro totaled 15 points. Jarrett Allen and Lauri Markkanen posted 14 points apiece while pulling down 10 and six rebounds, respectively. Kevin Love turned in 14 points, five rebounds and five assists. Evan Mobley registered 12 points, six boards, one assist and one block.
The Nets remain on the road and visit the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night, while the Cavaliers visit the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night as well.
Clippers Top Pacers in Shootout, 139-133
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Indiana Pacers, 139-133, at Crypto.com Arena on Monday afternoon.
The Clippers (22-23) came into the contest trying to snap out of a 2-5 funk over their last seven, and they got off to an excellent start in that regard with a 40-point haul in the first quarter. The efficient offensive effort afforded Los Angeles a 13-point lead going into the second, and the hosts still held a nine-point edge at halftime. The advantage was back to 14 to start the final period, and although the Pacers (15-29) clawed all the way back to get within three with 31.3 seconds left, Reggie Jackson scored five points over the final 28.8 seconds to seal the victory.
Caris LeVert led the Pacers with 26 points, adding nine rebounds, four assists and one steal. Chris Duarte delivered 24 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals. Domantas Sabonis generated a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double that includes seven assists and two blocks. Justin Holiday poured in 18 points. Giga Bitadze turned in 17 points, eight boards, two assists and two blocks. Oshae Brissett posted 13 points, three rebounds and one assist.
Nicolas Batum paced the Clippers with 32 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Jackson registered 26 points, five boards, three assists and three steals. Marcus Morris supplied 21 points, eight boards, three assists and one block. Amir Coffey delivered 16 points, seven assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block.
The Pacers remain on the road visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night, while the Clippers hit the road and tangle with the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night as well.
The Clippers (22-23) came into the contest trying to snap out of a 2-5 funk over their last seven, and they got off to an excellent start in that regard with a 40-point haul in the first quarter. The efficient offensive effort afforded Los Angeles a 13-point lead going into the second, and the hosts still held a nine-point edge at halftime. The advantage was back to 14 to start the final period, and although the Pacers (15-29) clawed all the way back to get within three with 31.3 seconds left, Reggie Jackson scored five points over the final 28.8 seconds to seal the victory.
Caris LeVert led the Pacers with 26 points, adding nine rebounds, four assists and one steal. Chris Duarte delivered 24 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals. Domantas Sabonis generated a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double that includes seven assists and two blocks. Justin Holiday poured in 18 points. Giga Bitadze turned in 17 points, eight boards, two assists and two blocks. Oshae Brissett posted 13 points, three rebounds and one assist.
Nicolas Batum paced the Clippers with 32 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Jackson registered 26 points, five boards, three assists and three steals. Marcus Morris supplied 21 points, eight boards, three assists and one block. Amir Coffey delivered 16 points, seven assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block.
The Pacers remain on the road visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night, while the Clippers hit the road and tangle with the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night as well.
Grizzlies Handle Bulls, 119-106
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Chicago Bulls, 119-106, at FedEx Forum on Monday afternoon.
The Grizzlies (31-15) were looking to get right back in the win column after seeing their 11-game win streak snapped their last time on the floor, but the short-handed Bulls (27-15) played them to a 20-20 tie through the first 12 minutes. However, the tide of the contest would turn over the subsequent pair of quarters, with Memphis outscoring Chicago by a 72-52 margin to seal the victory. The hosts shot 51.1 percent, including 40.0 percent from three-point range.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 24 points, complementing them with five assists. Coby White tallied 16 points, six boards and five assists. Ayo Dosunmu supplied 15 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, five steals and two blocks. Troy Brown delivered 14 points, five boards and one block. Matt Thomas and Malcolm Hill posted 13 and 12 points, respectively, with Hill adding eight rebounds.
Ja Morant and Desmond Bane co-led the Grizzlies with matching 25-point tallies while recording four rebounds and four assists, respectively. Brandon Clarke compiled 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jaren Jackson delivered 14 points, five rebounds and five blocks. Tyus Jones churned out 11 points, eight assists, one rebound and one steal.
The Bulls return home to host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night, while the Grizzlies travel to Milwaukee to face the Bucks on Wednesday night.
The Grizzlies (31-15) were looking to get right back in the win column after seeing their 11-game win streak snapped their last time on the floor, but the short-handed Bulls (27-15) played them to a 20-20 tie through the first 12 minutes. However, the tide of the contest would turn over the subsequent pair of quarters, with Memphis outscoring Chicago by a 72-52 margin to seal the victory. The hosts shot 51.1 percent, including 40.0 percent from three-point range.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 24 points, complementing them with five assists. Coby White tallied 16 points, six boards and five assists. Ayo Dosunmu supplied 15 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, five steals and two blocks. Troy Brown delivered 14 points, five boards and one block. Matt Thomas and Malcolm Hill posted 13 and 12 points, respectively, with Hill adding eight rebounds.
Ja Morant and Desmond Bane co-led the Grizzlies with matching 25-point tallies while recording four rebounds and four assists, respectively. Brandon Clarke compiled 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jaren Jackson delivered 14 points, five rebounds and five blocks. Tyus Jones churned out 11 points, eight assists, one rebound and one steal.
The Bulls return home to host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night, while the Grizzlies travel to Milwaukee to face the Bucks on Wednesday night.
Hawks Finish Strong To Top Bucks
By Dan Bruno
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the visiting Milwaukee Bucks, 121-114, at State Farm Arena on Monday evening.
The Bucks got out to a strong start in the contest and led by nine, after one quarter. Both teams were strong in the second, but the Bucks stayed in control and added another three points to their advantage, making it a 12-point game by halftime. The visitors held strong to start the third, but the Hawks chipped away to make it a five-point game heading into the final frame. The hosts carried the momentum into the fourth and went on to outscore the Bucks by 12 points in the quarter to secure the impressive home win and end a five-game slide.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 30 points, four rebounds, 11 assists and a steal, in 40 minutes. De'Andre Hunter followed up with 20 points, nine rebounds, two assists and a block, while John Collins logged 16 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and three blocks. The Hawks shot 44 percent from the field, including 15-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, Khris Middleton led the Bucks with 34 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks, in 35 minutes. Giannis Antetokounmpo followed up with 27 points, six rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block, while Bobby Portis logged 13 points, 13 rebounds, a steal and a block. The Bucks shot 44 percent from the field, including 16-of-38 from deep.
The Bucks (27-19) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Grizzlies on Wednesday. The Hawks (18-25) play host to the Timberwolves on Wednesday.
The Bucks got out to a strong start in the contest and led by nine, after one quarter. Both teams were strong in the second, but the Bucks stayed in control and added another three points to their advantage, making it a 12-point game by halftime. The visitors held strong to start the third, but the Hawks chipped away to make it a five-point game heading into the final frame. The hosts carried the momentum into the fourth and went on to outscore the Bucks by 12 points in the quarter to secure the impressive home win and end a five-game slide.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 30 points, four rebounds, 11 assists and a steal, in 40 minutes. De'Andre Hunter followed up with 20 points, nine rebounds, two assists and a block, while John Collins logged 16 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and three blocks. The Hawks shot 44 percent from the field, including 15-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, Khris Middleton led the Bucks with 34 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks, in 35 minutes. Giannis Antetokounmpo followed up with 27 points, six rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block, while Bobby Portis logged 13 points, 13 rebounds, a steal and a block. The Bucks shot 44 percent from the field, including 16-of-38 from deep.
The Bucks (27-19) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Grizzlies on Wednesday. The Hawks (18-25) play host to the Timberwolves on Wednesday.
Trail Blazers Close Out Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the host Orlando Magic, 98-88, at Amway Center on Monday evening.
The Trail Blazers held a five-point edge after a slow first quarter, but they picked up the pace in the second and outscored the hosts, 32-23, to take a 14-point lead by halftime. The Magic had no answers in the third, as the Trail Blazers outscored the Magic by another six points, to push it to a 20-point game heading into the final frame. The Magic put up a fight in the fourth, but it was too little, too late, as the Trail Blazers hung on for their second consecutive win.
Jusuf Nurkic came up huge for the Trial Blazers with 21 points, 22 rebounds, two assists, four steals and two blocks, in 36 minutes. C.J. McCollum followed up with 16 points on 7-of-13 shooting, while Ben McLemore chipped in 14 points, off the bench. The Trail Blazers shot 41 percent from the field, including 7-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Franz Wagner and Moritz Wagner tallied 14 points each to lead the Magic. Gary Harris totaled 10 points, three rebounds and a steal, while Jalen Suggs chipped in 10 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Magic shot 38 percent from the field, including 8-of-32 from deep.
The Magic (8-37) will look to bounce back as they take on the 76ers on Wednesday. The Trail Blazers (18-25) take on the Heat in Miami on Wednesday.
The Trail Blazers held a five-point edge after a slow first quarter, but they picked up the pace in the second and outscored the hosts, 32-23, to take a 14-point lead by halftime. The Magic had no answers in the third, as the Trail Blazers outscored the Magic by another six points, to push it to a 20-point game heading into the final frame. The Magic put up a fight in the fourth, but it was too little, too late, as the Trail Blazers hung on for their second consecutive win.
Jusuf Nurkic came up huge for the Trial Blazers with 21 points, 22 rebounds, two assists, four steals and two blocks, in 36 minutes. C.J. McCollum followed up with 16 points on 7-of-13 shooting, while Ben McLemore chipped in 14 points, off the bench. The Trail Blazers shot 41 percent from the field, including 7-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Franz Wagner and Moritz Wagner tallied 14 points each to lead the Magic. Gary Harris totaled 10 points, three rebounds and a steal, while Jalen Suggs chipped in 10 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Magic shot 38 percent from the field, including 8-of-32 from deep.
The Magic (8-37) will look to bounce back as they take on the 76ers on Wednesday. The Trail Blazers (18-25) take on the Heat in Miami on Wednesday.
Heat Hold Off Raptors In Miami
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat defeated the visiting Toronto Raptors, 104-99, at FTX Center on Monday evening.
The Raptors got out to a good start with a, 30-27, lead after one quarter. The Heat turned it up a notch in the second and outscored the visitors by 10 points in the quarter, to take a seven-point lead into the break. The Raptors came out strong in the third and grabbed the lead, but the Heat got back on track and rallied to reclaim a five-point lead heading into the final frame. The score stayed close through the fourth, but the Heat maintained the upper hand and closed out the home win.
Tyler Herro led the Heat with 23 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 34 minutes off the bench. Jimmy Butler followed up with 19 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and a steal, while Gabe Vincent chipped in 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting. The Heat shot 46 percent from the field, including 9-of-24 from long range.
Meanwhile, Chris Boucher led the Raptors, with 23 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks, in 38 minutes off the bench. Fred VanVleet followed up with 22 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Pascal Siakam totaled 18 points, six rebounds, 10 assists, five steals and a block. The Raptors shot 41 percent from the field, including 13-of-36 from deep.
The Raptors (21-20) will look to bounce back as they take on the Mavs in Dallas on Wednesday. The Heat (28-16) play host to the Trail Blazers on Wednesday.
The Raptors got out to a good start with a, 30-27, lead after one quarter. The Heat turned it up a notch in the second and outscored the visitors by 10 points in the quarter, to take a seven-point lead into the break. The Raptors came out strong in the third and grabbed the lead, but the Heat got back on track and rallied to reclaim a five-point lead heading into the final frame. The score stayed close through the fourth, but the Heat maintained the upper hand and closed out the home win.
Tyler Herro led the Heat with 23 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 34 minutes off the bench. Jimmy Butler followed up with 19 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and a steal, while Gabe Vincent chipped in 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting. The Heat shot 46 percent from the field, including 9-of-24 from long range.
Meanwhile, Chris Boucher led the Raptors, with 23 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks, in 38 minutes off the bench. Fred VanVleet followed up with 22 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Pascal Siakam totaled 18 points, six rebounds, 10 assists, five steals and a block. The Raptors shot 41 percent from the field, including 13-of-36 from deep.
The Raptors (21-20) will look to bounce back as they take on the Mavs in Dallas on Wednesday. The Heat (28-16) play host to the Trail Blazers on Wednesday.
Mavericks Defeat Thunder, 104-102
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder, 104-102, at Chesapeake Arena on Monday.
A 33-24 first quarter really set the tone for Dallas in this game, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, they got their lead up to 22 points at times in the third quarter and never allowed Oklahoma City to take a game-tying shot in the second half. OKC actually had a possession down two points with 1.8 seconds left but turned the ball over on the inbound. The Mavericks out-rebounded the Thunder, 47-42, while out-assisting them, 28-20. In addition, Dallas out-blocked OKC, 7-2.
The Mavericks (25-19) got a triple-double from Luka Doncic, tallying 20 points, 11 rebounds, 12 assists, three steals and three blocks, despite missing 13 of his 17 shots. Dorian Finney-Smith had 17 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jalen Brunson compiled 14 points, five rebounds and eight assists, while Kristaps Porzingis provided 14 points, eight rebounds and four blocks.
The Thunder (14-29) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, accruing 34 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Luguentz Dort amassed 18 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Josh Giddey generated 10 points, six rebounds and five assists. Aaron Wiggins led the bench with eight points, five rebounds and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Oklahoma City traveling to face the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas returning home to play the Toronto Raptors.
A 33-24 first quarter really set the tone for Dallas in this game, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, they got their lead up to 22 points at times in the third quarter and never allowed Oklahoma City to take a game-tying shot in the second half. OKC actually had a possession down two points with 1.8 seconds left but turned the ball over on the inbound. The Mavericks out-rebounded the Thunder, 47-42, while out-assisting them, 28-20. In addition, Dallas out-blocked OKC, 7-2.
The Mavericks (25-19) got a triple-double from Luka Doncic, tallying 20 points, 11 rebounds, 12 assists, three steals and three blocks, despite missing 13 of his 17 shots. Dorian Finney-Smith had 17 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jalen Brunson compiled 14 points, five rebounds and eight assists, while Kristaps Porzingis provided 14 points, eight rebounds and four blocks.
The Thunder (14-29) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, accruing 34 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Luguentz Dort amassed 18 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Josh Giddey generated 10 points, six rebounds and five assists. Aaron Wiggins led the bench with eight points, five rebounds and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Oklahoma City traveling to face the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas returning home to play the Toronto Raptors.
Suns Defeat Spurs, 121-107
The Phoenix Suns defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 121-107, at AT&T Center on Monday.
While there were nine ties and 18 lead changes in this game, Phoenix rode a 34-16 fourth quarter to their blowout win. In fact, they never led by more than seven points until the final frame, getting their lead up to 15 points at times. The Suns shot 52 percent from the field while holding the Spurs below 45 percent shooting. In addition, Phoenix out-assisted San Antonio, 29-21, while winning the turnover battle, 12-5. They did that while tripling up the Spurs in steals, 9-3, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 17-3.
The Suns (34-9) were led by Devin Booker, tallying a season-high 48 points, five rebounds, six assists and three steals. Chris Paul collected 15 points, two rebounds, 12 assists, two steals and two blocks. Bismack Biyombo led the bench with 17 points and 14 rebounds, while Cameron Payne provided 11 points, two rebounds and four assists.
The Spurs (16-28) were led by Jakob Poeltl and his 23 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Dejounte Murray amassed 18 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Doug McDermott dropped 15 points, while Derrick White totaled 14 points and seven assists. Keldon Johnson also finished with 14 points and seven rebounds.
On deck for San Antonio is a home matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday. As for Phoenix, they return to action on Thursday in a road matchup with the Dallas Mavericks.
While there were nine ties and 18 lead changes in this game, Phoenix rode a 34-16 fourth quarter to their blowout win. In fact, they never led by more than seven points until the final frame, getting their lead up to 15 points at times. The Suns shot 52 percent from the field while holding the Spurs below 45 percent shooting. In addition, Phoenix out-assisted San Antonio, 29-21, while winning the turnover battle, 12-5. They did that while tripling up the Spurs in steals, 9-3, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 17-3.
The Suns (34-9) were led by Devin Booker, tallying a season-high 48 points, five rebounds, six assists and three steals. Chris Paul collected 15 points, two rebounds, 12 assists, two steals and two blocks. Bismack Biyombo led the bench with 17 points and 14 rebounds, while Cameron Payne provided 11 points, two rebounds and four assists.
The Spurs (16-28) were led by Jakob Poeltl and his 23 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Dejounte Murray amassed 18 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Doug McDermott dropped 15 points, while Derrick White totaled 14 points and seven assists. Keldon Johnson also finished with 14 points and seven rebounds.
On deck for San Antonio is a home matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday. As for Phoenix, they return to action on Thursday in a road matchup with the Dallas Mavericks.
Lakers Defeat Jazz, 101-95
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 101-95, at Crypto.com Center on Monday.
There were nine ties and 14 lead changes in this competitive game, with neither team leading by more than 11 points. With that said, Los Angeles finished the game on a 27-12 run across thre closing 8:19 to take control. That capped off a 29-17 fourth quarter. The Lakers shot 45 percent from the field while holding the Jazz to 37 percent from the field and 26 percent from three-point range. In addition, Los Angeles outscored Utah in the paint, 44-36, and in fastbreak points, 19-8.
The Jazz (29-15) were led by Mike Conley, amassing 20 points and four assists. Donovan Mitchell collected 13 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Rudy Gobert registered 19 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks, while Royce O'Neale had 13 points, five rebounds and two assists. Rudy Gay led the bench with nine points and eight rebounds.
The Lakers (22-22) were led by LeBron James and his 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Russell Westbrook tallied 15 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Dwight Howard started and totaled four points, eight rebounds, three steals and two blocks, while Stanley Johnson led the bench with 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
These teams both return to action on Wednesday against struggling teams, with Los Angeles remaining home to face the Indiana Pacers and Utah returning home to play the Houston Rockets.
There were nine ties and 14 lead changes in this competitive game, with neither team leading by more than 11 points. With that said, Los Angeles finished the game on a 27-12 run across thre closing 8:19 to take control. That capped off a 29-17 fourth quarter. The Lakers shot 45 percent from the field while holding the Jazz to 37 percent from the field and 26 percent from three-point range. In addition, Los Angeles outscored Utah in the paint, 44-36, and in fastbreak points, 19-8.
The Jazz (29-15) were led by Mike Conley, amassing 20 points and four assists. Donovan Mitchell collected 13 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Rudy Gobert registered 19 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks, while Royce O'Neale had 13 points, five rebounds and two assists. Rudy Gay led the bench with nine points and eight rebounds.
The Lakers (22-22) were led by LeBron James and his 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Russell Westbrook tallied 15 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Dwight Howard started and totaled four points, eight rebounds, three steals and two blocks, while Stanley Johnson led the bench with 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
These teams both return to action on Wednesday against struggling teams, with Los Angeles remaining home to face the Indiana Pacers and Utah returning home to play the Houston Rockets.