Nets Control Game To Defeat Trail Blazers
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, 111-97, at Barclays Center on Sunday.
The Nets (10-11) are inching closer to the .500 mark and delivered a strong performance against the Trail Blazers (11-9), and even though there were some ups and downs throughout the contest, ultimately Brooklyn looked in control from start to finish and didn’t have problems closing things out in the second quarter. The Nets quickly jumped out to a 31-24 score in the first quarter, but the Blazers remained in contention during the first half and reduced the deficit to one point following a 33-27 score in the second quarter. However, the Nets tightened things up in the second half and never looked back, bolstering their lead to a 26-23 score in the third quarter and pulling away late thanks to a 27-17 score during the final 12 minutes. With the win, the Nets have now gone 5-4 at home while the Blazers fell to 7-5 on the road.
Kevin Durant led the way for the Nets with 31 points, and he also added five rebounds and five assists across 37 minutes. Seth Curry looked impressive off the bench, and he finished with 29 points and three boards while shooting 11-for-15 from the field. Kyrie Irving ended with 22 points, six assists and five rebounds, while Nic Claxton delivered 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. Brooklyn shot 52.6 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from three-point range.
Jerami Grant led the way for the Blazers with 29 points, five assists and four rebounds, while Jusuf Nurkic posted a double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds while adding four assists. Justise Winslow posted 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Anfernee Simons delivered 15 points and six assists as well.
The Nets (10-11) are inching closer to the .500 mark and delivered a strong performance against the Trail Blazers (11-9), and even though there were some ups and downs throughout the contest, ultimately Brooklyn looked in control from start to finish and didn’t have problems closing things out in the second quarter. The Nets quickly jumped out to a 31-24 score in the first quarter, but the Blazers remained in contention during the first half and reduced the deficit to one point following a 33-27 score in the second quarter. However, the Nets tightened things up in the second half and never looked back, bolstering their lead to a 26-23 score in the third quarter and pulling away late thanks to a 27-17 score during the final 12 minutes. With the win, the Nets have now gone 5-4 at home while the Blazers fell to 7-5 on the road.
Kevin Durant led the way for the Nets with 31 points, and he also added five rebounds and five assists across 37 minutes. Seth Curry looked impressive off the bench, and he finished with 29 points and three boards while shooting 11-for-15 from the field. Kyrie Irving ended with 22 points, six assists and five rebounds, while Nic Claxton delivered 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. Brooklyn shot 52.6 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from three-point range.
Jerami Grant led the way for the Blazers with 29 points, five assists and four rebounds, while Jusuf Nurkic posted a double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds while adding four assists. Justise Winslow posted 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Anfernee Simons delivered 15 points and six assists as well.
Warriors Dominate To Defeat Timberwolves
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 137-114, at Target Center on Sunday.
The Warriors (10-10) finally moved to .500, but more importantly, they secured their first road win of the season (1-9) against a struggling Timberwolves (10-9) team that fell to 5-5 at home. Golden State looked impressive early on and got off to a rampant start, outscoring their rivals by a 47-27 score in the opening 12 minutes and setting the tone for the rest of the game. The subsequent two quarters ended in a tie by scores of 29-29 and 33-33, respectively, so the Warriors still held a 20-point lead with only 12 minutes left on the contest. The game was over by that time, but the Warriors didn’t slow down and they also won the final quarter by a 28-25 score, as Steve Kerr’s man delivered their best showing on the road in the current campaign.
Stephen Curry posted 25 points for the Warriors, and he also added 11 rebounds, eight assists and a steal. Klay Thompson notched 21 points, and he also added two boards, two assists and two steals. Draymond Green posted a 19-point, 11-assist double-double that also included four rebounds and two blocks, and Andrew Wiggins delivered 17 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jordan Poole thrived off the bench with a 24-point effort, and he also added six assists and four boards. Donte DiVincenzo had 14 points and six boards.
Anthony Edwards had 26 points to lead Minnesota, and he also added four rebounds and four assists. Karl-Anthony Towns posted 21 points, four rebounds and four assists. D’Angelo Russell notched 15 points with six dimes. Jaylen Nowell delivered 16 points, three rebounds and three assists.
The Warriors (10-10) finally moved to .500, but more importantly, they secured their first road win of the season (1-9) against a struggling Timberwolves (10-9) team that fell to 5-5 at home. Golden State looked impressive early on and got off to a rampant start, outscoring their rivals by a 47-27 score in the opening 12 minutes and setting the tone for the rest of the game. The subsequent two quarters ended in a tie by scores of 29-29 and 33-33, respectively, so the Warriors still held a 20-point lead with only 12 minutes left on the contest. The game was over by that time, but the Warriors didn’t slow down and they also won the final quarter by a 28-25 score, as Steve Kerr’s man delivered their best showing on the road in the current campaign.
Stephen Curry posted 25 points for the Warriors, and he also added 11 rebounds, eight assists and a steal. Klay Thompson notched 21 points, and he also added two boards, two assists and two steals. Draymond Green posted a 19-point, 11-assist double-double that also included four rebounds and two blocks, and Andrew Wiggins delivered 17 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jordan Poole thrived off the bench with a 24-point effort, and he also added six assists and four boards. Donte DiVincenzo had 14 points and six boards.
Anthony Edwards had 26 points to lead Minnesota, and he also added four rebounds and four assists. Karl-Anthony Towns posted 21 points, four rebounds and four assists. D’Angelo Russell notched 15 points with six dimes. Jaylen Nowell delivered 16 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Clippers Snap Two-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Indiana Pacers, 114-100, at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday.
The Clippers jumped out to a strong start with a 35-29 lead after one quarter. The Pacers picked up their play in the second and trimmed it to a two-point game at the break. The hosts reclaimed control in the third as they outscored the Pacers 23-12 to make it a 13-point game heading into the final quarter. The Pacers picked it up again in the fourth, but the Clippers stayed strong to maintain their cushion and close out the home win, ending a two-game slide.
Ivica Zubac led the Clippers with 31 points, 29 rebounds, three assists and three blocks, in 36 minutes. Norman Powell followed up with 19 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Terance Mann added 14 points, seven rebounds and five assists. The Clippers shot 45 percent from the field, including 6-of-32 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jalen Smith led the Pacers with 23 points, nine rebounds and a block, in 29 minutes. Tyrese Haliburton followed up with 15 points, five rebounds, 11 assists and two steals, while T.J. McConnell chipped in 14 points, three rebounds, five assists and two steals. The Pacers shot 38 percent from the field, including 9-of-42 from long range.
The Pacers (11-8) will look to bounce back as they take on the Lakers in L.A. on Monday. The Clippers (12-9) take on the Trail Blazers in Portland on Tuesday.
The Clippers jumped out to a strong start with a 35-29 lead after one quarter. The Pacers picked up their play in the second and trimmed it to a two-point game at the break. The hosts reclaimed control in the third as they outscored the Pacers 23-12 to make it a 13-point game heading into the final quarter. The Pacers picked it up again in the fourth, but the Clippers stayed strong to maintain their cushion and close out the home win, ending a two-game slide.
Ivica Zubac led the Clippers with 31 points, 29 rebounds, three assists and three blocks, in 36 minutes. Norman Powell followed up with 19 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Terance Mann added 14 points, seven rebounds and five assists. The Clippers shot 45 percent from the field, including 6-of-32 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jalen Smith led the Pacers with 23 points, nine rebounds and a block, in 29 minutes. Tyrese Haliburton followed up with 15 points, five rebounds, 11 assists and two steals, while T.J. McConnell chipped in 14 points, three rebounds, five assists and two steals. The Pacers shot 38 percent from the field, including 9-of-42 from long range.
The Pacers (11-8) will look to bounce back as they take on the Lakers in L.A. on Monday. The Clippers (12-9) take on the Trail Blazers in Portland on Tuesday.
Heat Pick Up Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat defeated the host Atlanta Hawks, 106-98, at State Farm Arena on Sunday.
The Hawks jumped out to a strong start and led 31-23 after one quarter. Both sides kept up the pace in the second, while the Hawks inreased their advantage to nine, by halftime. The Heat came out blazing in the third and outscored the hosts 34-21 to take a four-point lead into the final frame. The visitors kept the momentum going in the fourth and rallied to the impressive road win. This marks the third straight win for the Heat, and it marks the second straight loss for the Hawks.
Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 32 points, eight rebounds and a block, in 34 minutes. Caleb Martin followed up with 20 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, while Max Stus added 16 points and three rebounds. The Heat shot 49 percent from the field, including 9-of-33 from long range.
Meanwhile, John Collins led the Hawks with 23 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and a block, in 37 minutes. Trae Young followed up with 22 points, five rebounds, 14 assists and a steal, while De'Andre Hunter tallied 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Hawks shot 40 percent from the field, including 10-of-36 from deep.
The Hawks (11-9) will look to bounce back as they take on the 76ers in Philly on Monday. The Heat (10-11) take on the Celtics in Boston on Wednesday.
The Hawks jumped out to a strong start and led 31-23 after one quarter. Both sides kept up the pace in the second, while the Hawks inreased their advantage to nine, by halftime. The Heat came out blazing in the third and outscored the hosts 34-21 to take a four-point lead into the final frame. The visitors kept the momentum going in the fourth and rallied to the impressive road win. This marks the third straight win for the Heat, and it marks the second straight loss for the Hawks.
Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 32 points, eight rebounds and a block, in 34 minutes. Caleb Martin followed up with 20 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, while Max Stus added 16 points and three rebounds. The Heat shot 49 percent from the field, including 9-of-33 from long range.
Meanwhile, John Collins led the Hawks with 23 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and a block, in 37 minutes. Trae Young followed up with 22 points, five rebounds, 14 assists and a steal, while De'Andre Hunter tallied 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Hawks shot 40 percent from the field, including 10-of-36 from deep.
The Hawks (11-9) will look to bounce back as they take on the 76ers in Philly on Monday. The Heat (10-11) take on the Celtics in Boston on Wednesday.
Celtics Top Wizards, 130-121
The Boston Celtics defeated the Washington Wizards, 130-121, at TD Garden on Sunday evening.
The Celtics (16-4) opened the game in trademark dominant fashion despite being without Jayson Tatum (ankle), racing out to a 35-26 lead over the Wizards (10-10) through one and extending their advantage to 17 points by halftime. Given Boston's body of work this season, that already seemed to strongly prognosticate a comfortable win, but the hosts added another eight points to their edge in the third quarter courtesy of a 41-point haul during the period, giving them enough cushion to withstand Washington outscoring them by a 33-17 margin in the final 12 minutes.
Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 30 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kristaps Porzingis provided 21 points, four boards and two assists. Monte Morris delivered 16 points, eight assists and three rebounds. Taj Gibson poured in 12 points. Deni Avdija managed 10 points, three assists, one rebound and one steal.
Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 36 points, complementing them with five rebounds and two assists. Malcolm Brogdon supplied 17 points, six boards and four assists. Derrick White managed 15 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Marcus Smart, Al Horford and Sam Hauser all contributed 14 points while recording four, three and five rebounds, respectively, and Smart also dishing out seven assists.
The Wizards return home to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night, while the Celtics remain home and host the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night as well.
The Celtics (16-4) opened the game in trademark dominant fashion despite being without Jayson Tatum (ankle), racing out to a 35-26 lead over the Wizards (10-10) through one and extending their advantage to 17 points by halftime. Given Boston's body of work this season, that already seemed to strongly prognosticate a comfortable win, but the hosts added another eight points to their edge in the third quarter courtesy of a 41-point haul during the period, giving them enough cushion to withstand Washington outscoring them by a 33-17 margin in the final 12 minutes.
Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 30 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kristaps Porzingis provided 21 points, four boards and two assists. Monte Morris delivered 16 points, eight assists and three rebounds. Taj Gibson poured in 12 points. Deni Avdija managed 10 points, three assists, one rebound and one steal.
Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 36 points, complementing them with five rebounds and two assists. Malcolm Brogdon supplied 17 points, six boards and four assists. Derrick White managed 15 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Marcus Smart, Al Horford and Sam Hauser all contributed 14 points while recording four, three and five rebounds, respectively, and Smart also dishing out seven assists.
The Wizards return home to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night, while the Celtics remain home and host the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night as well.
Cavs Rally For Comeback Win In Detroit
By Dan Bruno
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the host Detroit Pistons, 102-94, at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday evening.
The Pistons jumped out to a quick 12-point lead, but the Cavs gained traction and cut it to a six-point game heading into the second. Both sides picked up the pace in the second quarter, but the Pistons retained the upper hand, with a five-point advantage at the break. Both sides came out evenly matched in the third, with the Pistons maintaining a five-point lead heading into the final frame. However, the Cavs turned it up a notch in the fourth and outscored the hosts 29-16 in the quarter to rally to the impressive road win, while this marks the second straight loss for the Pistons.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 32 points, five rebounds and a steal, in 39 minutes. Evan Mobley followed up with 20 points, 13 rebounds and a block, while Darius Garland finished with 19 points, three rebounds and 10 assists. The Cavaliers shot 43 percent from the field, including 8-of-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, Marvin Bagley led the Pistons with 19 points, 10 rebounds, three steals and a block, in 28 minutes. Alec Burks followed up with 17 points and two rebounds, while Killian Hayes added 16 points, three rebounds, eight assists, two steals and a block. The Pistons shot 46 percent from the field, including 8-of-28 from deep.
The Pistons (5-17) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Knicks on Tuesday. The Cavs (13-7) take on the Raptors in Toronto on Monday.
The Pistons jumped out to a quick 12-point lead, but the Cavs gained traction and cut it to a six-point game heading into the second. Both sides picked up the pace in the second quarter, but the Pistons retained the upper hand, with a five-point advantage at the break. Both sides came out evenly matched in the third, with the Pistons maintaining a five-point lead heading into the final frame. However, the Cavs turned it up a notch in the fourth and outscored the hosts 29-16 in the quarter to rally to the impressive road win, while this marks the second straight loss for the Pistons.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 32 points, five rebounds and a steal, in 39 minutes. Evan Mobley followed up with 20 points, 13 rebounds and a block, while Darius Garland finished with 19 points, three rebounds and 10 assists. The Cavaliers shot 43 percent from the field, including 8-of-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, Marvin Bagley led the Pistons with 19 points, 10 rebounds, three steals and a block, in 28 minutes. Alec Burks followed up with 17 points and two rebounds, while Killian Hayes added 16 points, three rebounds, eight assists, two steals and a block. The Pistons shot 46 percent from the field, including 8-of-28 from deep.
The Pistons (5-17) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Knicks on Tuesday. The Cavs (13-7) take on the Raptors in Toronto on Monday.
Grizzlies Outlast Knicks, 127-123
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the New York Knicks, 127-123, at Madison Square Garden on Sunday evening.
The Grizzlies (12-8) and Knicks (9-11) played a very competitive first half while nearly matching each other bucket for bucket, leading to a slim 54-52 halftime advantage for Memphis. The visitors then appeared to give themselves some much-needed breathing room with the help of a 39-point third quarter that allowed them to extend their advantage to 10 points, but New York would claw all the way back to take a 123-122 lead with 13.9 seconds remaining before Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson provided the final five points of the game to generate the close road win.
Morant led the Grizzlies with 27 points, complementing them with 14 assists, 10 rebounds and one steal. Dillon Brooks registered 23 points, five rebounds and four assists. Jackson delivered 21 points, five boards and one steal. Steven Adams generated a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block. John Konchar posted 10 points, eight rebounds and two assists.
Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with 30 points, nine assists, five rebounds and one steal. RJ Barrett turned in 22 points, seven boards and four assists. Mitchell Robinson compiled 16 points, seven rebounds and five blocks. Julius Randle generated a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that included nine assists. Cam Reddish netted 11 points.
The Grizzlies remain on the road and pay a visit to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night, while the Knicks visit the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night.
The Grizzlies (12-8) and Knicks (9-11) played a very competitive first half while nearly matching each other bucket for bucket, leading to a slim 54-52 halftime advantage for Memphis. The visitors then appeared to give themselves some much-needed breathing room with the help of a 39-point third quarter that allowed them to extend their advantage to 10 points, but New York would claw all the way back to take a 123-122 lead with 13.9 seconds remaining before Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson provided the final five points of the game to generate the close road win.
Morant led the Grizzlies with 27 points, complementing them with 14 assists, 10 rebounds and one steal. Dillon Brooks registered 23 points, five rebounds and four assists. Jackson delivered 21 points, five boards and one steal. Steven Adams generated a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block. John Konchar posted 10 points, eight rebounds and two assists.
Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with 30 points, nine assists, five rebounds and one steal. RJ Barrett turned in 22 points, seven boards and four assists. Mitchell Robinson compiled 16 points, seven rebounds and five blocks. Julius Randle generated a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that included nine assists. Cam Reddish netted 11 points.
The Grizzlies remain on the road and pay a visit to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night, while the Knicks visit the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night.
Sixers Defeat Magic, 133-103
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the host Orlando Magic, 133-103, at Amway Center on Sunday.
While there were 12 lead changes in the opening quarter, Philly never relinquished the lead after that. A 31-13 second quarter was the deicing stretch, riding a 32-26 third quarter to their blowout win. They got their lead up to 33 points at times and led by at least 18 points for the entirety of the second half. The Sixers shot 65 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range while holding the Magic to 46 percent from the field and 36 percent from long range. Philly also out-rebounded Orlando, 49-32, while out-assisting them, 32-21.
The Sixers (11-9) were led by Shake Milton, tallying 29 points, five rebounds and seven assists on 10-of-13 from the field. Tobias Harris shot 10-of-14 to finish with 25 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. De'Anthpony Melton amassed 11 points, three rebounds, two assists and three steals, while Danuel House led the bench with 19 points, two rebounds and two assists, Paul Reed also provided 12 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and two blocks off the bench.
The Magic (5-15) were led by Paolo Banchero, scoring 18 points. Franz Wagner had 17 points, three rebounds and two assists. Gary Harris generated 11 points, three rebounds and five assists, while Bol Bol accrued six points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals. Mo Wagner and Caleb Houstan led the bench with 12 points apiece.
Both teams play the second half of a back-to-back set on Monday, with Philly returning home to play the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando traveling to face the Brooklyn Nets.
While there were 12 lead changes in the opening quarter, Philly never relinquished the lead after that. A 31-13 second quarter was the deicing stretch, riding a 32-26 third quarter to their blowout win. They got their lead up to 33 points at times and led by at least 18 points for the entirety of the second half. The Sixers shot 65 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range while holding the Magic to 46 percent from the field and 36 percent from long range. Philly also out-rebounded Orlando, 49-32, while out-assisting them, 32-21.
The Sixers (11-9) were led by Shake Milton, tallying 29 points, five rebounds and seven assists on 10-of-13 from the field. Tobias Harris shot 10-of-14 to finish with 25 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. De'Anthpony Melton amassed 11 points, three rebounds, two assists and three steals, while Danuel House led the bench with 19 points, two rebounds and two assists, Paul Reed also provided 12 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and two blocks off the bench.
The Magic (5-15) were led by Paolo Banchero, scoring 18 points. Franz Wagner had 17 points, three rebounds and two assists. Gary Harris generated 11 points, three rebounds and five assists, while Bol Bol accrued six points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals. Mo Wagner and Caleb Houstan led the bench with 12 points apiece.
Both teams play the second half of a back-to-back set on Monday, with Philly returning home to play the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando traveling to face the Brooklyn Nets.
Bucks Defeat Mavericks, 124-115
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Dallas Mavericks, 124-115, at Fiserv Forum on Sunday.
A 41-33 first quarter set the tone for Milwaukee in this victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. It got close in the second half, but Milwaukee went on a 15-1 run spanning between the third and fourth quarters to take a game-high 19-point lead. The Bucks shot 56 percent from the field and 46 percent from three-point range while holding the Mavericks to 51 percent from the field and 42 percent from long range. Milwaukee also outscored Dallas in the paint, 52-38, and in fastbreak scoring, 20-6.
The Mavericks (9-10) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 27 points, five rebounds and 12 assists. Spencer Dinwiddie tallied 22 points, three rebounds and two assists. Dorian Finney-Smith finished with 13 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals, while Christian Wood led the bench with 21 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
The Bucks (14-5) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, totaling 30 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. Grayson Allen amassed 25 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals. Jrue Holiday had 16 points, six assists and three steals, while Jevon Carter compiled 14 points, three rebounds and six assists. Bobby Portis led the bench with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
On deck for Dallas is a home matchup with the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. As for Milwaukee, they return to action on Wednesday in a road matchup with the New York Knicks.
A 41-33 first quarter set the tone for Milwaukee in this victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. It got close in the second half, but Milwaukee went on a 15-1 run spanning between the third and fourth quarters to take a game-high 19-point lead. The Bucks shot 56 percent from the field and 46 percent from three-point range while holding the Mavericks to 51 percent from the field and 42 percent from long range. Milwaukee also outscored Dallas in the paint, 52-38, and in fastbreak scoring, 20-6.
The Mavericks (9-10) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 27 points, five rebounds and 12 assists. Spencer Dinwiddie tallied 22 points, three rebounds and two assists. Dorian Finney-Smith finished with 13 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals, while Christian Wood led the bench with 21 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
The Bucks (14-5) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, totaling 30 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. Grayson Allen amassed 25 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals. Jrue Holiday had 16 points, six assists and three steals, while Jevon Carter compiled 14 points, three rebounds and six assists. Bobby Portis led the bench with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
On deck for Dallas is a home matchup with the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. As for Milwaukee, they return to action on Wednesday in a road matchup with the New York Knicks.