Cavaliers Cruise Against Trail Blazers
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, 114-96, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Wednesday.
The Cavaliers (12-6) moved to 7-1 at home with another convincing performance, as they didn’t have problems getting past the Trail Blazers (10-8), who fell to 6-3 on the road after struggling through much of the game. Cleveland quickly jumped out to a 28-21 lead in the first half and never looked back, bolstering its lead in each of the subsequent quarters. A 29-27 made it a nine-point lead for the Cavs and they were already leading by double digits after three following a 30-27 score with 12 minutes to go. Up by 12, the Cavaliers didn’t have problems closing things out and cruised their way to victory in the final minutes.
Donovan Mitchell was the best player for the Cavaliers after posting 34 points, though he didn’t do much in other categories. Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen both posted double-doubles with 24 points, as Garland also chipped in with 12 assists while Allen recorded 13 rebounds, and he also notched two assists and a steal. Lamar Stevens delivered 12 points, and Evan Mobley had a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double with three assists. No other Cleveland player scored in double digits here.
Jusuf Nurkic was the best player for the Trail Blazers with 22 points and three steals, while Jerami Grant filled the stat sheet after posting 21 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals. Anfernee Simons notched 20 points, six assists and two rebounds, and Drew Eubanks delivered 10 points with six boards off the bench.
The Cavaliers (12-6) moved to 7-1 at home with another convincing performance, as they didn’t have problems getting past the Trail Blazers (10-8), who fell to 6-3 on the road after struggling through much of the game. Cleveland quickly jumped out to a 28-21 lead in the first half and never looked back, bolstering its lead in each of the subsequent quarters. A 29-27 made it a nine-point lead for the Cavs and they were already leading by double digits after three following a 30-27 score with 12 minutes to go. Up by 12, the Cavaliers didn’t have problems closing things out and cruised their way to victory in the final minutes.
Donovan Mitchell was the best player for the Cavaliers after posting 34 points, though he didn’t do much in other categories. Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen both posted double-doubles with 24 points, as Garland also chipped in with 12 assists while Allen recorded 13 rebounds, and he also notched two assists and a steal. Lamar Stevens delivered 12 points, and Evan Mobley had a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double with three assists. No other Cleveland player scored in double digits here.
Jusuf Nurkic was the best player for the Trail Blazers with 22 points and three steals, while Jerami Grant filled the stat sheet after posting 21 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals. Anfernee Simons notched 20 points, six assists and two rebounds, and Drew Eubanks delivered 10 points with six boards off the bench.
Timberwolves Dominate In Win Over Pacers
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Indiana Pacers, 115-101, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday.
The Timberwolves (10-8) moved over the .500 mark once again with a strong performance against the Pacers (10-7), but the win can’t be overlooked since Indiana had been one of the hottest teams in the league over the last few weeks. The Timberwolves got off to an impressive start and led by an eight-point margin following a 29-21 score, and while the Pacers reduced the lead following a 27-24 score in the second quarter, it was not enough to mount a comeback. Minnesota pulled away for good in the third quarter following a 34-29 score, and they’d close things out with a 28-24 score in the final 12 minutes of action. With the win, Minnesota moved to 4-3 on the road while the Pacers fell to 6-3 at home.
All five starters for the Timberwolves scored in double digits in this game, with Karl-Anthony Towns leading the way with a 23-point performance that also included 11 rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks. Rudy Gobert impressed on both ends of the court with a 21-point, 16-rebound double-double. D’Angelo Russell delivered 15 points, 11 assists and three boards. Anthony Edwards notched 19 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Jalen McDaniels had 18 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Myles Turner was the best player for the Pacers after posting 31 points and seven rebounds, while Tyrese Haliburton had another double-double with 10 points and 14 assists. Turner also had four steals. Buddy Hield ended with 13 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Bennedict Mathurin posted 21 points while coming off the bench.
The Timberwolves (10-8) moved over the .500 mark once again with a strong performance against the Pacers (10-7), but the win can’t be overlooked since Indiana had been one of the hottest teams in the league over the last few weeks. The Timberwolves got off to an impressive start and led by an eight-point margin following a 29-21 score, and while the Pacers reduced the lead following a 27-24 score in the second quarter, it was not enough to mount a comeback. Minnesota pulled away for good in the third quarter following a 34-29 score, and they’d close things out with a 28-24 score in the final 12 minutes of action. With the win, Minnesota moved to 4-3 on the road while the Pacers fell to 6-3 at home.
All five starters for the Timberwolves scored in double digits in this game, with Karl-Anthony Towns leading the way with a 23-point performance that also included 11 rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks. Rudy Gobert impressed on both ends of the court with a 21-point, 16-rebound double-double. D’Angelo Russell delivered 15 points, 11 assists and three boards. Anthony Edwards notched 19 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Jalen McDaniels had 18 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Myles Turner was the best player for the Pacers after posting 31 points and seven rebounds, while Tyrese Haliburton had another double-double with 10 points and 14 assists. Turner also had four steals. Buddy Hield ended with 13 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Bennedict Mathurin posted 21 points while coming off the bench.
Hornets Pull Upset, Get Past 76ers
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 107-101, at Spectrum Center on Wednesday.
The Hornets (5-14) were facing a shorthanded 76ers (9-9) team and took full advantage of that, as they managed to escape with a tight win in front of their fans. It wasn’t an easy win for the Hornets, though, as the 76ers built a comfortable double-digit lead after the opening 12 minutes (33-21), but the Hornets responded in the second quarter and reduced the deficit to just one point following a 32-21 score in that 12-minute span. The Hornets carried that momentum into the second half and outscored Philadelphia by a 26-21 score in the third quarter, grabbing a lead they’d never relinquish. Charlotte also won the final quarter by a 28-26 score, and even though the win looked complicated early on, they ended up securing the victory with ease.
Six Charlotte players scored in double digits in this game and Terry Rozier led the way with a 22-point performance that also included six assists, while Mason Plumlee recorded an 11-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included six assists. P.J. Washington delivered 19 points, six rebounds and three assists, and Kelly Oubre Jr. recorded 14 points and four rebounds. Nick Richards had a 13-point, 13-rebound double-double, and Jalen McDaniels notched 11 points with three boards off the bench.
Shake Milton took advantage of the opportunity to start and finished with a team-high 22 points, but he also added nine assists, seven rebounds and two steals. DeAnthony Melton delivered 20 points, six rebounds, four steals and three assists. Montrezl Harrell had 16 points and seven rebounds, and Tobias Harris ended up with 19 points and five rebounds.
The Hornets (5-14) were facing a shorthanded 76ers (9-9) team and took full advantage of that, as they managed to escape with a tight win in front of their fans. It wasn’t an easy win for the Hornets, though, as the 76ers built a comfortable double-digit lead after the opening 12 minutes (33-21), but the Hornets responded in the second quarter and reduced the deficit to just one point following a 32-21 score in that 12-minute span. The Hornets carried that momentum into the second half and outscored Philadelphia by a 26-21 score in the third quarter, grabbing a lead they’d never relinquish. Charlotte also won the final quarter by a 28-26 score, and even though the win looked complicated early on, they ended up securing the victory with ease.
Six Charlotte players scored in double digits in this game and Terry Rozier led the way with a 22-point performance that also included six assists, while Mason Plumlee recorded an 11-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included six assists. P.J. Washington delivered 19 points, six rebounds and three assists, and Kelly Oubre Jr. recorded 14 points and four rebounds. Nick Richards had a 13-point, 13-rebound double-double, and Jalen McDaniels notched 11 points with three boards off the bench.
Shake Milton took advantage of the opportunity to start and finished with a team-high 22 points, but he also added nine assists, seven rebounds and two steals. DeAnthony Melton delivered 20 points, six rebounds, four steals and three assists. Montrezl Harrell had 16 points and seven rebounds, and Tobias Harris ended up with 19 points and five rebounds.
Hawks Top Kings, 115-106
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Sacramento Kings, 115-106, at State Farm Arena on Wednesday night.
The Hawks (11-7) came into the contest knowing they'd have a tough assignment on their hands against the one of the hottest teams in the league in the Kings (10-7), but they set the right tone early with a 35-26 lead through one. Atlanta added to its advantage by another six points before halftime, and although Sacramento made that amount up during the third quarter, the hosts held them to only 18 points over the final 12 minutes to secure the big home victory.
Malik Monk led the Kings with 27 points, complementing them with four assists and two steals. De'Aaron Fox furnished 18 points, five rebounds and five assists. Domantas Sabonis generated a 15-point, 14-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one steal. Kevin Huerter turned in 13 points, five assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with 35 points, supplementing them with seven assists and one rebound. Dejounte Murray supplied 15 points, seven boards, four assists and three steals. De'Andre Hunter posted a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists, one steal and one block. A.J. Griffin poured in 12 points. Clint Capela compiled 11 points, 14 rebounds, one assist and three blocks.
The Kings remain on the road and visit the Boston Celtics on Friday night, while the Hawks hit the road and take on the Houston Rockets on Friday night as well.
The Hawks (11-7) came into the contest knowing they'd have a tough assignment on their hands against the one of the hottest teams in the league in the Kings (10-7), but they set the right tone early with a 35-26 lead through one. Atlanta added to its advantage by another six points before halftime, and although Sacramento made that amount up during the third quarter, the hosts held them to only 18 points over the final 12 minutes to secure the big home victory.
Malik Monk led the Kings with 27 points, complementing them with four assists and two steals. De'Aaron Fox furnished 18 points, five rebounds and five assists. Domantas Sabonis generated a 15-point, 14-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one steal. Kevin Huerter turned in 13 points, five assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with 35 points, supplementing them with seven assists and one rebound. Dejounte Murray supplied 15 points, seven boards, four assists and three steals. De'Andre Hunter posted a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists, one steal and one block. A.J. Griffin poured in 12 points. Clint Capela compiled 11 points, 14 rebounds, one assist and three blocks.
The Kings remain on the road and visit the Boston Celtics on Friday night, while the Hawks hit the road and take on the Houston Rockets on Friday night as well.
Celtics Topple Mavericks, 125-112
The Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 125-112, at TD Garden on Wednesday night.
The Celtics (14-4) got some good news shortly before tip-off, as it was announced Jayson Tatum would be able to overcome his questionable designation due to an ankle injury. That may have helped spur a hot start offensively, as Boston compiled 34 first-quarter points and owned a 70-49 lead over the Mavericks (9-8) by halftime. Dallas was only able to make a five-point dent in its deficit during the third quarter, and the hosts were able to keep the Mavs at a comfortable distance throughout the final 12 minutes.
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 42 points, complementing them with nine assists and eight rebounds. Christian Wood generated a 26-point, 12-rebound double-double that included two assists. Spencer Dinwiddie supplied 15 points, four boards, four assists and one steal. Dorian Finney-Smith registered 10 points, three rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal.
Tatum paced the Celtics with a 37-point, 13-rebound-double that included five assists and two blocks. Jaylen Brown delivered 31 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Al Horford furnished 14 points, five boards, four assists and one block. Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon posted matching 13-point tallies while recording nine assists and six rebounds, respectively. Derrick White posted 12 points, two rebounds and one assist.
The Mavericks remain on the road and tangle with the Toronto Raptors on Saturday afternoon, while the Celtics host the Sacramento Kings on Friday night.
The Celtics (14-4) got some good news shortly before tip-off, as it was announced Jayson Tatum would be able to overcome his questionable designation due to an ankle injury. That may have helped spur a hot start offensively, as Boston compiled 34 first-quarter points and owned a 70-49 lead over the Mavericks (9-8) by halftime. Dallas was only able to make a five-point dent in its deficit during the third quarter, and the hosts were able to keep the Mavs at a comfortable distance throughout the final 12 minutes.
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 42 points, complementing them with nine assists and eight rebounds. Christian Wood generated a 26-point, 12-rebound double-double that included two assists. Spencer Dinwiddie supplied 15 points, four boards, four assists and one steal. Dorian Finney-Smith registered 10 points, three rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal.
Tatum paced the Celtics with a 37-point, 13-rebound-double that included five assists and two blocks. Jaylen Brown delivered 31 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Al Horford furnished 14 points, five boards, four assists and one block. Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon posted matching 13-point tallies while recording nine assists and six rebounds, respectively. Derrick White posted 12 points, two rebounds and one assist.
The Mavericks remain on the road and tangle with the Toronto Raptors on Saturday afternoon, while the Celtics host the Sacramento Kings on Friday night.
Heat Topples Wizards, 113-105
The Miami Heat defeated the Washington Wizards, 113-105 at FTX Arena on Wednesday night.
The Heat (8-11) came into the game looking to for a bit of atonement after suffering an overtime loss to the Wizards (10-8) three games ago in the nation's capital, and after a tightly contested first quarter, Miami put together a dominant second quarter during which they forged a 32-17 advantage. The 17-point halftime lead nearly wasn't enough, however, as Washington took multiple leads in the final period before Miami finished the game with a 15-7 edge in the final 7:02.
Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 33 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, one assist and one steal. Kristaps Porzingis managed 21 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Will Barton supplied 13 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and one steal. Demi Avdija registered a 12-point, 10-assist double-double that included nine rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
Kyle Lowry paced the Heat with 28 points, adding six rebounds, three assists and one block. Caleb Martin delivered 24 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Tyler Herro delivered 17 points, five rebounds and three assists. Bam Adebayo generated a 15-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists, two steals and one block.
The two teams reconvene for a rematch in South Florida on Friday night.
The Heat (8-11) came into the game looking to for a bit of atonement after suffering an overtime loss to the Wizards (10-8) three games ago in the nation's capital, and after a tightly contested first quarter, Miami put together a dominant second quarter during which they forged a 32-17 advantage. The 17-point halftime lead nearly wasn't enough, however, as Washington took multiple leads in the final period before Miami finished the game with a 15-7 edge in the final 7:02.
Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 33 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, one assist and one steal. Kristaps Porzingis managed 21 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Will Barton supplied 13 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and one steal. Demi Avdija registered a 12-point, 10-assist double-double that included nine rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
Kyle Lowry paced the Heat with 28 points, adding six rebounds, three assists and one block. Caleb Martin delivered 24 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Tyler Herro delivered 17 points, five rebounds and three assists. Bam Adebayo generated a 15-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists, two steals and one block.
The two teams reconvene for a rematch in South Florida on Friday night.
Nets Roll Past Raptors In Toronto
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the host Toronto Raptors, 112-98, at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Nets jumped out to a great start with a, 38-26, lead after one quarter. The Raptors bounced back in the second and outscored the visitors by 11, to make it a one-point game by halftime. The Nets reclaimed dominance in the third, outscoring the Raptors, 39-25, to take a 15-point lead into the final frame. The Raptors kept up the fight in the fourth, but they could not make up the difference, as the Nets held on for the road win.
Kyrie Irving led the Nets with 29 points on 11-of-16 shooting, in 28 minutes of action. Royce O'Neal followed up with 15 points, four rebounds, seven assists and four steals, while Nicolas Claxton totaled 14 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, four blocks and a steal. The Nets shot 55 percent from the field, including 17-of-38 from long range.
Meanwhile, Gary Trent led the Raptors with 19 points on 6-of-19 shooting, three assists and three steals, in 31 minutes. O.G. Anunoby followed up with 15 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Chris Boucher logged 12 points, 16 rebounds, a steal and a block. The Raptors shot 35.6 percent from the field, including 7-of-29 from deep.
The Raptors (9-9) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Mavs on Saturday. The Nets (9-10) take on the Pacers in Indiana on Friday.
The Nets jumped out to a great start with a, 38-26, lead after one quarter. The Raptors bounced back in the second and outscored the visitors by 11, to make it a one-point game by halftime. The Nets reclaimed dominance in the third, outscoring the Raptors, 39-25, to take a 15-point lead into the final frame. The Raptors kept up the fight in the fourth, but they could not make up the difference, as the Nets held on for the road win.
Kyrie Irving led the Nets with 29 points on 11-of-16 shooting, in 28 minutes of action. Royce O'Neal followed up with 15 points, four rebounds, seven assists and four steals, while Nicolas Claxton totaled 14 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, four blocks and a steal. The Nets shot 55 percent from the field, including 17-of-38 from long range.
Meanwhile, Gary Trent led the Raptors with 19 points on 6-of-19 shooting, three assists and three steals, in 31 minutes. O.G. Anunoby followed up with 15 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Chris Boucher logged 12 points, 16 rebounds, a steal and a block. The Raptors shot 35.6 percent from the field, including 7-of-29 from deep.
The Raptors (9-9) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Mavs on Saturday. The Nets (9-10) take on the Pacers in Indiana on Friday.
Bulls Stun Bucks In Milwaukee
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls defeated the host Milwaukee Bucks, 118-113, at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday evening.
The Bucks jumped out to a quick nine-point lead, but the Bulls rallied back to cut it to a one-point game heading into the second. Both sides kept up the fight in the second and neither could break away as the Bucks maintained a one-point edge at halftime. The Bulls turned it up a notch in the third and rallied late in the quarter to open up a seven-point advantage heading into the final frame. The Bucks continued to battle and rallied to tie the game mid way through the fourth. The hosts grabbed a brief lead before the Bulls closed the game on a 12-4 run to secure their second straight win.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 36 points, four rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and a steal, in 38 minutes. Zach LaVine added 18 points, five rebounds, five assists and a steal, while Nikola Vucevic totaled 18 points, five rebounds, four assists and a block. The Bulls shot 49 percent from the field, including 18-of-42 from long range.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 36 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, in 34 minutes. Brook Lopez followed up with 20 points, seven rebounds, a steal and a block, while Jrue Holiday tallied 14 points, five rebounds, 11 assists and two steals. The Bucks shot 46 percent from the field, including 12-of-38 from deep.
The Bucks (12-5) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Cavs on Friday. The Bulls (8-10) take on the Thunder in OKC on Friday.
The Bucks jumped out to a quick nine-point lead, but the Bulls rallied back to cut it to a one-point game heading into the second. Both sides kept up the fight in the second and neither could break away as the Bucks maintained a one-point edge at halftime. The Bulls turned it up a notch in the third and rallied late in the quarter to open up a seven-point advantage heading into the final frame. The Bucks continued to battle and rallied to tie the game mid way through the fourth. The hosts grabbed a brief lead before the Bulls closed the game on a 12-4 run to secure their second straight win.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 36 points, four rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and a steal, in 38 minutes. Zach LaVine added 18 points, five rebounds, five assists and a steal, while Nikola Vucevic totaled 18 points, five rebounds, four assists and a block. The Bulls shot 49 percent from the field, including 18-of-42 from long range.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 36 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, in 34 minutes. Brook Lopez followed up with 20 points, seven rebounds, a steal and a block, while Jrue Holiday tallied 14 points, five rebounds, 11 assists and two steals. The Bucks shot 46 percent from the field, including 12-of-38 from deep.
The Bucks (12-5) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Cavs on Friday. The Bulls (8-10) take on the Thunder in OKC on Friday.
Pelicans Roll Past Spurs
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 129-110, at AT&T Center on Wednesday evening.
The Pelicans jumped out to a great start with a 29-19 lead after one quarter. They kept the pressure on in the second and outscored the hosts 37-28 in the quarter to build a 19-point lead by halftime. Both sides came out strong in the third and matched each other with 38 points each, as the Pelicans maintained their 19-point advantage heading into the final frame. The teams matched each other, point-for-point, again in the fourth, as the Pelicans cruised to their second straight win.
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 32 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and a block, in 27 minutes of action. Jonas Valanciunas followed up with 22 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and a block, while Devonte' Graham added 21 points, four rebounds, a steal and a block. The Pelicans shot 57 percent from the field, including 14-of-33 from deep.
Meanwhile, Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 26 points, four rebounds, eight assists and a steal, in 32 minutes. Doug McDermott followed up with 21 points and two assists, while Jeremy Sochan added 12 points and two rebounds. The Spurs shot 48 percent from the field, including 10-of-34 from long range.
The Spurs (6-13) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Spurs on Friday. The Pelicans (11-7) take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Friday.
The Pelicans jumped out to a great start with a 29-19 lead after one quarter. They kept the pressure on in the second and outscored the hosts 37-28 in the quarter to build a 19-point lead by halftime. Both sides came out strong in the third and matched each other with 38 points each, as the Pelicans maintained their 19-point advantage heading into the final frame. The teams matched each other, point-for-point, again in the fourth, as the Pelicans cruised to their second straight win.
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 32 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and a block, in 27 minutes of action. Jonas Valanciunas followed up with 22 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and a block, while Devonte' Graham added 21 points, four rebounds, a steal and a block. The Pelicans shot 57 percent from the field, including 14-of-33 from deep.
Meanwhile, Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 26 points, four rebounds, eight assists and a steal, in 32 minutes. Doug McDermott followed up with 21 points and two assists, while Jeremy Sochan added 12 points and two rebounds. The Spurs shot 48 percent from the field, including 10-of-34 from long range.
The Spurs (6-13) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Spurs on Friday. The Pelicans (11-7) take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Friday.
Nuggets Defeat Thunder in OT, 131-126
The Denver Nuggets defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder in OT, 131-126, at Paycom Center on Wednesday.
This was a true tale of four quarters, with every frame being decided by a double-digit margin. Denver got out to a game-high 19-point lead behind a 38-21 first quarter, but Oklahoma City responded with a 42-31 second quarter and 34-15 third quarter to take a 15-point lead. Denver then countered with a 36-23 fourth quarter to get the game into overtime. The Nuggets started the extra frame on a 7-2 run to grab their win. Denver shot 48 percent from the field while holding Oklahoma City to 43 percent shooting. In addition, the Nuggets out-rebounded the Thunder, 64-49, while outscoring them in the paint, 54-46.
The Nuggets (11-7) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 39 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. Aaron Gordon accrued 30 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Bruce Brown recorded his first triple-double, tallying 17 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists and four steals. Vlatko Cancar led the bench with 20 points, four rebounds, five assists and three blocks.
The Thunder (7-11) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, finishing with 31 points, seven rebounds, 11 assists and two steals. Luguentz Dort had 18 points and seven rebounds. Josh Giddey generated 12 points, four rebounds and six assists, while James Robinson-Earl totaled eight points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two steals. Isaiah Joe led the bench with 21 points.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Oklahoma City remaining home to play the Chicago Bulls and Denver staying on the road to face the Los Angeles Clippers.
This was a true tale of four quarters, with every frame being decided by a double-digit margin. Denver got out to a game-high 19-point lead behind a 38-21 first quarter, but Oklahoma City responded with a 42-31 second quarter and 34-15 third quarter to take a 15-point lead. Denver then countered with a 36-23 fourth quarter to get the game into overtime. The Nuggets started the extra frame on a 7-2 run to grab their win. Denver shot 48 percent from the field while holding Oklahoma City to 43 percent shooting. In addition, the Nuggets out-rebounded the Thunder, 64-49, while outscoring them in the paint, 54-46.
The Nuggets (11-7) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 39 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. Aaron Gordon accrued 30 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Bruce Brown recorded his first triple-double, tallying 17 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists and four steals. Vlatko Cancar led the bench with 20 points, four rebounds, five assists and three blocks.
The Thunder (7-11) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, finishing with 31 points, seven rebounds, 11 assists and two steals. Luguentz Dort had 18 points and seven rebounds. Josh Giddey generated 12 points, four rebounds and six assists, while James Robinson-Earl totaled eight points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two steals. Isaiah Joe led the bench with 21 points.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Oklahoma City remaining home to play the Chicago Bulls and Denver staying on the road to face the Los Angeles Clippers.
Pistons Defeat Jazz, 125-116
The Detroit Pistons defeated the host Utah Jazz, 125-116, at Vivint Arena on Wednesday.
Detroit held the lead for all but two minutes, thanks to a 30-25 first quarter and a 36-29 second quarter. They got their lead up to 14 points at times and finished on a 13-6 run in the final three minutes to cap off their victory. The Pistons had just seven turnovers while forcing 15 from the Jazz. Detroit also outscored Utah in the paint, 52-42, and in second-chance points, 22-8. The Pistons shot 25-of-27 from the free-throw line, while the Jazz connected on 16-of-19.
The Pistons (5-15) were led by Bojan Bogdanovic, tallying 23 points, five rebounds and three assists. Marvin Bagley amassed 19 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jaden Ivey finished with 16 points, five rebounds and six assists, while Kevin Knox led the bench with 21 points. Alec Burks also had 18 points and three boards.
The Jazz (12-8) were led by Malik Beasley, providing 29 points, 11 rebounds and five assists off the bench. Jordan Clarkson led the starters with 24 points, three rebounds and two assists. Collin Sexton compiled 17 points and 12 assists, while Lauri Markkanen collected 13 points, eight rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday against elite Western Conference teams, with Utah traveling to face the Golden State Warriors and Detroit staying on the road to play the Phoenix Suns.
Detroit held the lead for all but two minutes, thanks to a 30-25 first quarter and a 36-29 second quarter. They got their lead up to 14 points at times and finished on a 13-6 run in the final three minutes to cap off their victory. The Pistons had just seven turnovers while forcing 15 from the Jazz. Detroit also outscored Utah in the paint, 52-42, and in second-chance points, 22-8. The Pistons shot 25-of-27 from the free-throw line, while the Jazz connected on 16-of-19.
The Pistons (5-15) were led by Bojan Bogdanovic, tallying 23 points, five rebounds and three assists. Marvin Bagley amassed 19 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jaden Ivey finished with 16 points, five rebounds and six assists, while Kevin Knox led the bench with 21 points. Alec Burks also had 18 points and three boards.
The Jazz (12-8) were led by Malik Beasley, providing 29 points, 11 rebounds and five assists off the bench. Jordan Clarkson led the starters with 24 points, three rebounds and two assists. Collin Sexton compiled 17 points and 12 assists, while Lauri Markkanen collected 13 points, eight rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday against elite Western Conference teams, with Utah traveling to face the Golden State Warriors and Detroit staying on the road to play the Phoenix Suns.
Warriors Defeat Clippers, 124-107
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Los Angeles Clippers, 124-107, at Chase Center on Wednesday.
While there were eight lead changes through the opening 10 minutes, Golden State never relinquished the lead after a 32-29 first quarter. They actually closed the second quarter on an 18-2 run to take command, carrying a 19-point lead into the half. Golden State led by at least nine points for the entirety of the second half, getting their lead up to 29 points at times. The Warriors shot 50 percent from the field while holding the Clippers below 45 percent shooting. Golden State also out-assisted Los Angeles, 36-22.
The Clippers (11-8) were led by Marcus Morris, amassing 19 points, five rebounds and two steals. Terence Mann totaled 17 points, five rebounds and two assists. Amir Coffey had 13 points, three rebounds and seven assists, while Reggie Jackson registered 11 points and six assists. Norman Powell led the bench with 17 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
The Warriors (9-10) were led by Andrew Wiggins, accruing 31 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals. Stephen Curry collected 22 points, six rebounds and nine assists. Klay Thompson compiled 18 points and two steals. Draymond Green tallied nine points, seven rebounds, 12 assists and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Golden State remaining home to play the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles returning home to welcome the Denver Nuggets to LA.
While there were eight lead changes through the opening 10 minutes, Golden State never relinquished the lead after a 32-29 first quarter. They actually closed the second quarter on an 18-2 run to take command, carrying a 19-point lead into the half. Golden State led by at least nine points for the entirety of the second half, getting their lead up to 29 points at times. The Warriors shot 50 percent from the field while holding the Clippers below 45 percent shooting. Golden State also out-assisted Los Angeles, 36-22.
The Clippers (11-8) were led by Marcus Morris, amassing 19 points, five rebounds and two steals. Terence Mann totaled 17 points, five rebounds and two assists. Amir Coffey had 13 points, three rebounds and seven assists, while Reggie Jackson registered 11 points and six assists. Norman Powell led the bench with 17 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
The Warriors (9-10) were led by Andrew Wiggins, accruing 31 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals. Stephen Curry collected 22 points, six rebounds and nine assists. Klay Thompson compiled 18 points and two steals. Draymond Green tallied nine points, seven rebounds, 12 assists and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Golden State remaining home to play the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles returning home to welcome the Denver Nuggets to LA.