Cavaliers Mount Comeback To Defeat Hawks
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 114-102, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Monday.
The Cavaliers (11-6) didn't have problems getting past the Hawks (10-7) in this game, and they quickly raced out to a comfortable 38-26 lead following the first 12 minutes of action, but the rest of the game wouldn't be easy. The Hawks bounced back in the second half and reduced the lead to just one point following a 33-26 score, and they were actually leading by one with 12 minutes left, but the Cavs turned things around down the stretch and outscored their rivals by nine points in the fourth quarter (29-20) to win in comeback fashion.
Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland led the way for the Cavaliers in this win. Garland paced the team and was close to a double-double with 26 points and nine assists, while Mitchell recorded 29 points, four rebounds and nine assists. Cedi Osman thrived off the bench, and he finished with 23 points and three rebounds across 28 minutes. Jarrett Allen and Lamar Stevens both finished with eight points, with Allen also adding 11 rebounds. Jarrett Allen came close to a double-double with 10 points, nine rebounds and three assists.
Trae Young led the way for the Hawks with a 25-point, 10-assist double-double, while John Collins scored 16 points. A.J. Griffin posted 17 points and two boards, and Dejounte Murray delivered 11 points, six assists and four rebounds. Onyeka Okongwu posted 18 points and 10 boards.
The Cavaliers (11-6) didn't have problems getting past the Hawks (10-7) in this game, and they quickly raced out to a comfortable 38-26 lead following the first 12 minutes of action, but the rest of the game wouldn't be easy. The Hawks bounced back in the second half and reduced the lead to just one point following a 33-26 score, and they were actually leading by one with 12 minutes left, but the Cavs turned things around down the stretch and outscored their rivals by nine points in the fourth quarter (29-20) to win in comeback fashion.
Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland led the way for the Cavaliers in this win. Garland paced the team and was close to a double-double with 26 points and nine assists, while Mitchell recorded 29 points, four rebounds and nine assists. Cedi Osman thrived off the bench, and he finished with 23 points and three rebounds across 28 minutes. Jarrett Allen and Lamar Stevens both finished with eight points, with Allen also adding 11 rebounds. Jarrett Allen came close to a double-double with 10 points, nine rebounds and three assists.
Trae Young led the way for the Hawks with a 25-point, 10-assist double-double, while John Collins scored 16 points. A.J. Griffin posted 17 points and two boards, and Dejounte Murray delivered 11 points, six assists and four rebounds. Onyeka Okongwu posted 18 points and 10 boards.
Pacers Secure Easy Win Over Magic
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Orlando Magic, 123-102, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Monday night.
The Pacers (10-6) have been one of the hottest teams in the league of late, and they pulled off another win against a struggling Magic (5-13) that was without their two best players, Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter. It wasn't an easy game for Indiana, and even though the Magic won the first quarter by a 28-27 score, the Pacers grabbed the lead and never let go after outscoring their rivals by a 27-17 score in the second half. Indiana bolstered its lead by a 32-22 score in the third quarter, and the Pacers close things out by also winning the fourth quarter as well. It was a great, dominant win for Indiana.
Tyrese Haliburton was the best player for the Pacers and recorded another double-double with 18 points and 14 assists, but the leading scorer was Bennedict Mathurin, who ended with 22 points and five assists. T.J. McConnell posted a double-double of 19 points and 10 assists off the bench. Myles Turner ended with 10 points and five rebounds. Oshae Brissett ended with 18 points and three rebounds coming off the bench. Isaiah Jackson had 10 points and eight boards off the bench.
Franz Wagner had 20 points to lead the Magic in scoring, and he added six boards and three assists. Mo Bamba had 15 points and four rebounds, and Jalen Suggs finished with 12 points. Admiral Schoefield finished with 10 points coming off the bench, and Gary Harris delivered 18 points and added three boards.
The Pacers (10-6) have been one of the hottest teams in the league of late, and they pulled off another win against a struggling Magic (5-13) that was without their two best players, Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter. It wasn't an easy game for Indiana, and even though the Magic won the first quarter by a 28-27 score, the Pacers grabbed the lead and never let go after outscoring their rivals by a 27-17 score in the second half. Indiana bolstered its lead by a 32-22 score in the third quarter, and the Pacers close things out by also winning the fourth quarter as well. It was a great, dominant win for Indiana.
Tyrese Haliburton was the best player for the Pacers and recorded another double-double with 18 points and 14 assists, but the leading scorer was Bennedict Mathurin, who ended with 22 points and five assists. T.J. McConnell posted a double-double of 19 points and 10 assists off the bench. Myles Turner ended with 10 points and five rebounds. Oshae Brissett ended with 18 points and three rebounds coming off the bench. Isaiah Jackson had 10 points and eight boards off the bench.
Franz Wagner had 20 points to lead the Magic in scoring, and he added six boards and three assists. Mo Bamba had 15 points and four rebounds, and Jalen Suggs finished with 12 points. Admiral Schoefield finished with 10 points coming off the bench, and Gary Harris delivered 18 points and added three boards.
Pelicans Blast Warriors, 128-83
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Golden State Warriors, 128-83, at Smoothie King Center on Monday night.
The Pelicans (10-7) entered the game with a significant advantage since the Warriors (8-10) opted to rest every starter except Kevon Looney, and the personnel imbalance was immediately noticeable during a first quarter from which New Orleans emerged with a 35-16 advantage. That essentially set the tone for the contest, as the hosts continued to progressively add to their edge in every subsequent period on their way to the lopsided victory.
Jordan Poole led the Warriors with 26 points, adding one steal and one block. Jonathan Kuminga compiled 18 points, three rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. JaMychal Green and Marcus Moody posted matching 10-point tallies while pulling down eight and four rebounds, respectively.
Brandon Ingram paced the Pelicans with 34 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, three assists and three steals. Devonte Graham furnished 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal. CJ McCollum generated 15 points, three boards and two assists. Jonas Valanciunas and Jose Alvarado contributed matching 10-point efforts, with Valanciunas also pulling down 13 boards.
The Warriors return home to face the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night, while the Pelicans hit the road and visit the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night as well.
The Pelicans (10-7) entered the game with a significant advantage since the Warriors (8-10) opted to rest every starter except Kevon Looney, and the personnel imbalance was immediately noticeable during a first quarter from which New Orleans emerged with a 35-16 advantage. That essentially set the tone for the contest, as the hosts continued to progressively add to their edge in every subsequent period on their way to the lopsided victory.
Jordan Poole led the Warriors with 26 points, adding one steal and one block. Jonathan Kuminga compiled 18 points, three rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. JaMychal Green and Marcus Moody posted matching 10-point tallies while pulling down eight and four rebounds, respectively.
Brandon Ingram paced the Pelicans with 34 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, three assists and three steals. Devonte Graham furnished 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal. CJ McCollum generated 15 points, three boards and two assists. Jonas Valanciunas and Jose Alvarado contributed matching 10-point efforts, with Valanciunas also pulling down 13 boards.
The Warriors return home to face the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night, while the Pelicans hit the road and visit the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night as well.
Bulls Cool Off Celtics, 121-107
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Boston Celtics, 121-107, at United Center on Monday night.
The Celtics (13-4) came into the contest looking to both notch an NBA-high 14th victory and also extend their winning streak to 10 games in the process. However, the Bulls (7-10) served early notice that wouldn't be an easy proposition when they racked up 63 first-half points on the way to a 13-point halftime lead. Chicago extended its edge to 16 in the third quarter and then kept Boston at a comfortable distance throughout the final 12 minutes for the upset win.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 28 points, complementing them with 11 rebounds and seven assists. Jaylen Brown furnished 25 points, seven boards and two assists. Malcolm Brogdon delivered 23 points, six assists and one rebound. Grant Williams compiled 13 points, seven boards and one assist.
DeMar DeRozan paced the Bulls with 28 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, four assists and one steal. Zach LaVine totaled 22 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Patrick Williams registered 17 points, four boards and one steal. Nikola Vucevic generated a 12-point, 13-rebound double-double that included six assists. Alex Caruso and Ayo Dosunmu posted 10 points apiece, with Caruso also collecting four assists and four steals.
The Celtics return home to host the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, while the Bulls hit the road and take on the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night.
The Celtics (13-4) came into the contest looking to both notch an NBA-high 14th victory and also extend their winning streak to 10 games in the process. However, the Bulls (7-10) served early notice that wouldn't be an easy proposition when they racked up 63 first-half points on the way to a 13-point halftime lead. Chicago extended its edge to 16 in the third quarter and then kept Boston at a comfortable distance throughout the final 12 minutes for the upset win.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 28 points, complementing them with 11 rebounds and seven assists. Jaylen Brown furnished 25 points, seven boards and two assists. Malcolm Brogdon delivered 23 points, six assists and one rebound. Grant Williams compiled 13 points, seven boards and one assist.
DeMar DeRozan paced the Bulls with 28 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, four assists and one steal. Zach LaVine totaled 22 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Patrick Williams registered 17 points, four boards and one steal. Nikola Vucevic generated a 12-point, 13-rebound double-double that included six assists. Alex Caruso and Ayo Dosunmu posted 10 points apiece, with Caruso also collecting four assists and four steals.
The Celtics return home to host the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, while the Bulls hit the road and take on the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night.
Bucks Hold Off Trail Blazers
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Portland Trail Blazers 119-111, at Fiserv Forum on Monday evening.
The Bucks jumped out to a quick 11-2 lead, but the Trail Blazers rallied back to take a 32-30 lead after one quarter. The score stayed close in the second, while the Trail Blazers held the lead most of the way, but the Bucks made a push to close the quarter and grab a two-point edge by halftime. The Bucks carried the momentum into the third and outscored the hosts 30-18 in the period to amass a 14-point lead heading into the final frame. The Blazers put up a fight in the fourth, but it was not enough as the Bucks maintained control and closed out the home win.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 37 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals in 35 minutes. Jrue Holiday added 17 points, four rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Grayson Allen tallied 17 points, eight rebounds and two assists. The Bucks shot 54.7 percent from the field, including 9-of-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, Anfernee Simons led the Trail Blazers with 29 points, four rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 37 minutes. Jerami Grant followed up with 18 points, four rebounds, two assists and two blocks, while Josh Hart totaled 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Trail Blazers shot 47.3 percent from the field, including 8-of-30 from deep.
The Trail Blazers (10-7) will look to bounce back as they take on the Cavs in Cleveland on Wednesday. The Bucks (12-4) play host to the Bulls on Wednesday.
The Bucks jumped out to a quick 11-2 lead, but the Trail Blazers rallied back to take a 32-30 lead after one quarter. The score stayed close in the second, while the Trail Blazers held the lead most of the way, but the Bucks made a push to close the quarter and grab a two-point edge by halftime. The Bucks carried the momentum into the third and outscored the hosts 30-18 in the period to amass a 14-point lead heading into the final frame. The Blazers put up a fight in the fourth, but it was not enough as the Bucks maintained control and closed out the home win.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 37 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals in 35 minutes. Jrue Holiday added 17 points, four rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Grayson Allen tallied 17 points, eight rebounds and two assists. The Bucks shot 54.7 percent from the field, including 9-of-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, Anfernee Simons led the Trail Blazers with 29 points, four rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 37 minutes. Jerami Grant followed up with 18 points, four rebounds, two assists and two blocks, while Josh Hart totaled 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Trail Blazers shot 47.3 percent from the field, including 8-of-30 from deep.
The Trail Blazers (10-7) will look to bounce back as they take on the Cavs in Cleveland on Wednesday. The Bucks (12-4) play host to the Bulls on Wednesday.
Timberwolves Edge Heat
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Miami Heat, 105-101, at Target Center on Monday evening.
The game got out to a tight start and the Heat held a 33-30 lead after one quarter. The visitors turned up the defense in the second and outscored the Timberwolves 27-17, to push it to a 13-point game by halftime. The Timberwolves responded in the third and outscored the Heat 37-19 in the frame to pull ahead for a five-point lead heading into the fourth. The Heat kept up the fight and the score was tied at 99, with just under three minutes to go in the game. However, the Timberwolves came up clutch down the stretch to seal their fourth straight win. This marks the fourth straight loss for the Heat.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 25 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, a steal and a block, in 34 minutes. Anthony Edwards followed up with 22 points, seven rebounds, four assists, four steals and a block, while Jaden McDaniels totaled 18 points, four rebounds and three assists. The Timberwolves shot 43.5 percent from the field, including 14-of-47 from long range.
Meanwhile, Kyle Lowry led the Heat with 21 points, five rebounds, nine assists, three steals and two blocks, in 44 minutes. Max Strus followed up with 19 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Bam Adebayo totaled 17 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and a steal. The Heat shot 38.9 percent from the field, including 11-of-38 from deep.
The Heat (7-11) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Wizards on Wednesday. The Timberwolves (9-8) take on the Pacers in Indiana on Wednesday.
The game got out to a tight start and the Heat held a 33-30 lead after one quarter. The visitors turned up the defense in the second and outscored the Timberwolves 27-17, to push it to a 13-point game by halftime. The Timberwolves responded in the third and outscored the Heat 37-19 in the frame to pull ahead for a five-point lead heading into the fourth. The Heat kept up the fight and the score was tied at 99, with just under three minutes to go in the game. However, the Timberwolves came up clutch down the stretch to seal their fourth straight win. This marks the fourth straight loss for the Heat.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 25 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, a steal and a block, in 34 minutes. Anthony Edwards followed up with 22 points, seven rebounds, four assists, four steals and a block, while Jaden McDaniels totaled 18 points, four rebounds and three assists. The Timberwolves shot 43.5 percent from the field, including 14-of-47 from long range.
Meanwhile, Kyle Lowry led the Heat with 21 points, five rebounds, nine assists, three steals and two blocks, in 44 minutes. Max Strus followed up with 19 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Bam Adebayo totaled 17 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and a steal. The Heat shot 38.9 percent from the field, including 11-of-38 from deep.
The Heat (7-11) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Wizards on Wednesday. The Timberwolves (9-8) take on the Pacers in Indiana on Wednesday.
Knicks Defeat Thunder, 129-119
The New York Knicks defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder, 129-119, at Paycom Center on Monday.
A 69-58 first half carried New York to this road win, maintaining the lead for the final three quarters. The Knicks got their lead up to 17 points at times. New York shot 53 percent from the field while holding Oklahoma City below 49 percent shooting. The Knicks out-rebounded the Thunder, 55-47, while doubling them up in steals, 10-5. They also outscored them in the paint, 72-60.
The Knicks (9-9) were led by Jalen Brunson, collecting 34 points and nine assists on 14-of-20 from the field. Julius Randle registered 25 points and 11 rebounds. R.J. Barrett totaled 25 points, eight rebounds and two assists on 10-of-16 shooting. Immanuel Quickley led the bench with 18 points, three rebounds and four assists.
The Thunder (7-10) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, accruing 30 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Luguentz Dort amassed 24 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Josh Giddey tallied 18 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Jalen Williams led the bench with 14 points and four boards. No other player had more than eight points, three rebounds or two assists.
On deck for Oklahoma City is a home matchup with the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. As for New York, they're off until Friday, playing host to the Portland Trail Blazers.
A 69-58 first half carried New York to this road win, maintaining the lead for the final three quarters. The Knicks got their lead up to 17 points at times. New York shot 53 percent from the field while holding Oklahoma City below 49 percent shooting. The Knicks out-rebounded the Thunder, 55-47, while doubling them up in steals, 10-5. They also outscored them in the paint, 72-60.
The Knicks (9-9) were led by Jalen Brunson, collecting 34 points and nine assists on 14-of-20 from the field. Julius Randle registered 25 points and 11 rebounds. R.J. Barrett totaled 25 points, eight rebounds and two assists on 10-of-16 shooting. Immanuel Quickley led the bench with 18 points, three rebounds and four assists.
The Thunder (7-10) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, accruing 30 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Luguentz Dort amassed 24 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Josh Giddey tallied 18 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Jalen Williams led the bench with 14 points and four boards. No other player had more than eight points, three rebounds or two assists.
On deck for Oklahoma City is a home matchup with the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. As for New York, they're off until Friday, playing host to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Clippers Defeat Jazz, 121-114
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 121-114, at Crypto.com Arena on Monday.
It took eight ties and seven lead changes to determine a winner in this game, with three massive swings deciding things. The Clippers got out to a game-high 17-point lead in the second quarter, but Utah grabbed a 96-90 lead in the fourth, thanks to a 37-22 third quarter. The Clippers then responded with a 27-11 run to take control, capping off a 33-21 fourth quarter. Los Angeles shot 52 percent from the field and 38 percent from three-point range while holding Utah to 45 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range. The Clippers also outscored the Jazz in the paint, 60-52, and in fastbreak points, 22-13.
The Jazz (12-8) were led by Jordan Clarkson, collecting 26 points, four rebounds and four assists. Lauri Markkanen finished with 25 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Kelly Olynyk compiled 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Jarred Vanderbilt totaled six points, 10 rebounds and five assists, while Talen Horton-Tucker led the bench with 14 points, two rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Clippers (11-7) leading scorer came off the bench, with Norman Powell providing 30 points and four rebounds on 10-of-15 from the field. Reggie Jackson led the starters with 27 points, three rebounds and four assists. Ivica Zubac amassed 14 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and two blocks, while John Wall tallied 13 points, five rebounds and eight assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Los Angeles traveling to face the Golden State Warriors and Utah returning home to play the Detroit Pistons.
It took eight ties and seven lead changes to determine a winner in this game, with three massive swings deciding things. The Clippers got out to a game-high 17-point lead in the second quarter, but Utah grabbed a 96-90 lead in the fourth, thanks to a 37-22 third quarter. The Clippers then responded with a 27-11 run to take control, capping off a 33-21 fourth quarter. Los Angeles shot 52 percent from the field and 38 percent from three-point range while holding Utah to 45 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range. The Clippers also outscored the Jazz in the paint, 60-52, and in fastbreak points, 22-13.
The Jazz (12-8) were led by Jordan Clarkson, collecting 26 points, four rebounds and four assists. Lauri Markkanen finished with 25 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Kelly Olynyk compiled 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Jarred Vanderbilt totaled six points, 10 rebounds and five assists, while Talen Horton-Tucker led the bench with 14 points, two rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Clippers (11-7) leading scorer came off the bench, with Norman Powell providing 30 points and four rebounds on 10-of-15 from the field. Reggie Jackson led the starters with 27 points, three rebounds and four assists. Ivica Zubac amassed 14 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and two blocks, while John Wall tallied 13 points, five rebounds and eight assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Los Angeles traveling to face the Golden State Warriors and Utah returning home to play the Detroit Pistons.