Hornets Stay Alive To Get Past Wizards
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Washington Wizards, 117-116, at Spectrum Center on Friday.
The Hornets (7-15) remain one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference, but they got the job done here and escaped with a one-point win over the Wizards (11-12) in front of their own fans. Charlotte looked good as soon as the game started and jumped out to a 36-31 lead in the first quarter, but they would pull away for the good with a 38-28 score in the second quarter. Leading by 15 points should’ve been enough for the Hornets to cruise their way the rest of the game, and the difference was even bigger after the third quarter when Charlotte outscored their rivals by a 33-29 score. However, the Wizards tightened things up in the final 12 minutes, limiting the Hornets to 10 points and outscoring them by a 28-10 score. However, they fell just short of mounting the comeback. The final 2:30 minutes of the game were scoreless and the Wizards could’ve won it, but Daniel Gafford, Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis all missed what would’ve been the game-winning shot.
Terry Rozier was the best player for the Hornets in this game with a 25-point performance that included eight assists, five rebounds and two steals, while Kelly Oubre Jr. delivered 22 points, two boards, two dimes and two steals. P.J. Washington recorded 21 points, five assists and three rebounds, while Mason Plumlee posted a double-double of 17 points and 10 boards to go along with three assists. Nick Richards had 12 points off the bench.
Bradley Beal had 33 points to lead the Wizards, and he also added seven assists and six rebounds. Kristaps Porzingis had a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double, and Kyle Kuzma delivered 14 points, four rebounds and three assists to go along with one block. Monte Morris notched 12 points, six rebounds and six assists. Corey Kispert had 14 points off the bench, and Daniel Gafford recorded a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds.
The Hornets (7-15) remain one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference, but they got the job done here and escaped with a one-point win over the Wizards (11-12) in front of their own fans. Charlotte looked good as soon as the game started and jumped out to a 36-31 lead in the first quarter, but they would pull away for the good with a 38-28 score in the second quarter. Leading by 15 points should’ve been enough for the Hornets to cruise their way the rest of the game, and the difference was even bigger after the third quarter when Charlotte outscored their rivals by a 33-29 score. However, the Wizards tightened things up in the final 12 minutes, limiting the Hornets to 10 points and outscoring them by a 28-10 score. However, they fell just short of mounting the comeback. The final 2:30 minutes of the game were scoreless and the Wizards could’ve won it, but Daniel Gafford, Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis all missed what would’ve been the game-winning shot.
Terry Rozier was the best player for the Hornets in this game with a 25-point performance that included eight assists, five rebounds and two steals, while Kelly Oubre Jr. delivered 22 points, two boards, two dimes and two steals. P.J. Washington recorded 21 points, five assists and three rebounds, while Mason Plumlee posted a double-double of 17 points and 10 boards to go along with three assists. Nick Richards had 12 points off the bench.
Bradley Beal had 33 points to lead the Wizards, and he also added seven assists and six rebounds. Kristaps Porzingis had a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double, and Kyle Kuzma delivered 14 points, four rebounds and three assists to go along with one block. Monte Morris notched 12 points, six rebounds and six assists. Corey Kispert had 14 points off the bench, and Daniel Gafford recorded a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds.
Hawks Hold Off Comeback, Get Past Nuggets
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Denver Nuggets, 117-109, at StateFarm Arena on Friday.
The Hawks (13-10) moved two games over the .500 mark and secured a comfortable win over a Western Conference contender in the Nuggets (14-8), as the win moved Atlanta to an 8-4 record at home and the Nuggets fell to 8-6 on the road. Atlanta grabbed the lead early in the contest and outscored its rivals by a 28-25 score in the opening 12 minutes, but they looked even better in the second quarter as they bolstered their advantage to 14 points after a 32-21 score. The Nuggets showed signs of life in the third quarter and won that 12-minute period by a 35-30 score, and they also won the fourth period by a 28-27 score. Unfortunately for Denver, that was not enough to complete the comeback and the Hawks ended up winning the contest.
Dejounte Murray was key down the stretch for the Hawks and finished with a team-high 34 points and eight assists, while Clint Capela posted a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double. Jalen Johnson notched 10 points and 10 rebounds to go along with four assists, and Jarrett Culver also had 10 points. A.J. Griffin had another impressive performance and finished with 24 points, three rebounds and three steals. Aaron Holiday and Onyeka Okongwu both had 10 points off the bench.
Nikola Jokic was the best player for the Nuggets and finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, while Jalen Murray finished with 20 points and seven assists while also adding three boards. Aaron Gordon delivered 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Bones Hyland looked impressive off the bench and finished with 16 points.
The Hawks (13-10) moved two games over the .500 mark and secured a comfortable win over a Western Conference contender in the Nuggets (14-8), as the win moved Atlanta to an 8-4 record at home and the Nuggets fell to 8-6 on the road. Atlanta grabbed the lead early in the contest and outscored its rivals by a 28-25 score in the opening 12 minutes, but they looked even better in the second quarter as they bolstered their advantage to 14 points after a 32-21 score. The Nuggets showed signs of life in the third quarter and won that 12-minute period by a 35-30 score, and they also won the fourth period by a 28-27 score. Unfortunately for Denver, that was not enough to complete the comeback and the Hawks ended up winning the contest.
Dejounte Murray was key down the stretch for the Hawks and finished with a team-high 34 points and eight assists, while Clint Capela posted a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double. Jalen Johnson notched 10 points and 10 rebounds to go along with four assists, and Jarrett Culver also had 10 points. A.J. Griffin had another impressive performance and finished with 24 points, three rebounds and three steals. Aaron Holiday and Onyeka Okongwu both had 10 points off the bench.
Nikola Jokic was the best player for the Nuggets and finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, while Jalen Murray finished with 20 points and seven assists while also adding three boards. Aaron Gordon delivered 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Bones Hyland looked impressive off the bench and finished with 16 points.
Heat Mount Comeback To Defeat Celtics In OT
The Miami Heat defeated the Boston Celtics, 120-116, after overtime on Friday.
The Heat (11-12) are moving closer to .500 with a huge win, as they managed to escape with a big win over the Celtics (18-5) despite playing on the road. The game was tight right from the start and the numbers backed that up, as the opening 12 minutes ended with a 27-27 tie. The Celtics started to look better as the game progressed, however, and they managed to build a three-point lead at the break following a 35-32 score. The Celtics would extend that advantage to six points following a 25-22 score in the first 12 minutes of the second half, but the Heat woke up before it was too late and managed to force five more minutes of action following a 29-23 score in the final 12 minutes. The Heat carried the momentum from the fourth quarter and outscored Boston by a 10-6 score in overtime to escape with a huge win on the road against one of the best teams in the league.
Bam Adebayo was the leading scorer for the Heat in this game and finished with 28 points and seven rebounds, while Tyler Herro ended with 26 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals. Jimmy Butler had a double-double of 26 points and 15 rebounds that also included three assists, and Kyle Lowry also reached the 20-point mark with a 20-point effort that also added five boards and four dimes. Caleb Martin had 10 points too.
Jaylen Brown was the best player for the Celtics in this game, as he finished with 37 points, 14 rebounds and five assists, and he appeared when the team needed him the most since Jayson Tatum finished with 14 points while shooting 5-for-18 from the field. Marcus Smart had 18 points and nine assists. Derrick White notched 13 points.
The Heat (11-12) are moving closer to .500 with a huge win, as they managed to escape with a big win over the Celtics (18-5) despite playing on the road. The game was tight right from the start and the numbers backed that up, as the opening 12 minutes ended with a 27-27 tie. The Celtics started to look better as the game progressed, however, and they managed to build a three-point lead at the break following a 35-32 score. The Celtics would extend that advantage to six points following a 25-22 score in the first 12 minutes of the second half, but the Heat woke up before it was too late and managed to force five more minutes of action following a 29-23 score in the final 12 minutes. The Heat carried the momentum from the fourth quarter and outscored Boston by a 10-6 score in overtime to escape with a huge win on the road against one of the best teams in the league.
Bam Adebayo was the leading scorer for the Heat in this game and finished with 28 points and seven rebounds, while Tyler Herro ended with 26 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals. Jimmy Butler had a double-double of 26 points and 15 rebounds that also included three assists, and Kyle Lowry also reached the 20-point mark with a 20-point effort that also added five boards and four dimes. Caleb Martin had 10 points too.
Jaylen Brown was the best player for the Celtics in this game, as he finished with 37 points, 14 rebounds and five assists, and he appeared when the team needed him the most since Jayson Tatum finished with 14 points while shooting 5-for-18 from the field. Marcus Smart had 18 points and nine assists. Derrick White notched 13 points.
Cavaliers Best Magic, 107-96
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Orlando Magic, 107-96, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Friday night.
The Cavaliers (15-8) came into the contest looking to extend their recent strong run, but despite their heavy favorite status, they encountered a feisty Magic (5-18) team early that they only led by a modest seven points at halftime. However, Cleveland changed the dynamic of the game in the third quarter, dominating on both ends of the floor to outscore Orlando, 28-17, during the period on the way to the double-digit home victory.
Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 22 points, adding five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Cole Anthony totaled 19 points, six boards, three assists, three steals and one block. Moritz and Franz Wagner posted matching 16-point tallies while pulling down nine and two rebounds, respectively. Franz also dished out three assists. Markelle Fultz contributed 10 points, six rebounds and six assists.
Donovan Mitchell paced the Cavaliers with 34 points, supplementing them with two rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Evan Mobley generated a 19-point, 13-rebound double-double that included four assists, two blocks and one steal. Darius Garland supplied 18 points, six assists, one rebound and one steal. Kevin Love produced 11 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and one steal.
The Magic remains on the road and visits the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night, while the Cavaliers pay a visit to the New York Knicks on Sunday evening.
The Cavaliers (15-8) came into the contest looking to extend their recent strong run, but despite their heavy favorite status, they encountered a feisty Magic (5-18) team early that they only led by a modest seven points at halftime. However, Cleveland changed the dynamic of the game in the third quarter, dominating on both ends of the floor to outscore Orlando, 28-17, during the period on the way to the double-digit home victory.
Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 22 points, adding five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Cole Anthony totaled 19 points, six boards, three assists, three steals and one block. Moritz and Franz Wagner posted matching 16-point tallies while pulling down nine and two rebounds, respectively. Franz also dished out three assists. Markelle Fultz contributed 10 points, six rebounds and six assists.
Donovan Mitchell paced the Cavaliers with 34 points, supplementing them with two rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Evan Mobley generated a 19-point, 13-rebound double-double that included four assists, two blocks and one steal. Darius Garland supplied 18 points, six assists, one rebound and one steal. Kevin Love produced 11 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and one steal.
The Magic remains on the road and visits the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night, while the Cavaliers pay a visit to the New York Knicks on Sunday evening.
Lakers Upset Bucks, 133-129
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, 133-129, at Fiserv Forum on Friday night.
The Lakers (9-12) came into the game aiming to continue their recent resurgence, one that had seen them win six of the prior nine games. Los Angeles served notice early that it wouldn't be fazed by having to face the Bucks (15-6) in their extremely tough home environment and with the returning Khris Middleton, scoring 66 first-half points on the way to an eight-point lead at intermission. Milwaukee turned up its offense in the third, however, accruing 39 points and slicing its deficit in half in the process. That set up a thrilling fourth quarter that saw several ties, as well as both teams hold slim leads. However, the Lakers were able to keep the Bucks scoreless over the final 48.9 seconds, helping them offset a trio of missed free throws by Russell Westbrook (two) and Anthony Davis (one).
Davis led the Lakers with 44 points, complementing them with 10 rebounds, four assists and three blocks. LeBron James generated a 28-point, 11-assist double-double that included eight rebounds and two steals. Westbrook finished with a 15-point, 11-assist double-double that included seven rebounds. Lonnie Walker delivered 14 points, two rebounds and one block.
Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with 40 points, seven rebounds, five assists and one block. Jrue Holiday registered 28 points, nine assists, six rebounds and one steal. Middleton furnished 17 points, seven assists and two rebounds in his season debut. Bobby Portis contributed 15 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Brook Lopez pitched in 13 points, seven boards, one assist and three blocks.
The Lakers remain on the road and head further east to visit the Washington Wizards on Sunday evening, while the Bucks visit the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday evening.
The Lakers (9-12) came into the game aiming to continue their recent resurgence, one that had seen them win six of the prior nine games. Los Angeles served notice early that it wouldn't be fazed by having to face the Bucks (15-6) in their extremely tough home environment and with the returning Khris Middleton, scoring 66 first-half points on the way to an eight-point lead at intermission. Milwaukee turned up its offense in the third, however, accruing 39 points and slicing its deficit in half in the process. That set up a thrilling fourth quarter that saw several ties, as well as both teams hold slim leads. However, the Lakers were able to keep the Bucks scoreless over the final 48.9 seconds, helping them offset a trio of missed free throws by Russell Westbrook (two) and Anthony Davis (one).
Davis led the Lakers with 44 points, complementing them with 10 rebounds, four assists and three blocks. LeBron James generated a 28-point, 11-assist double-double that included eight rebounds and two steals. Westbrook finished with a 15-point, 11-assist double-double that included seven rebounds. Lonnie Walker delivered 14 points, two rebounds and one block.
Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with 40 points, seven rebounds, five assists and one block. Jrue Holiday registered 28 points, nine assists, six rebounds and one steal. Middleton furnished 17 points, seven assists and two rebounds in his season debut. Bobby Portis contributed 15 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Brook Lopez pitched in 13 points, seven boards, one assist and three blocks.
The Lakers remain on the road and head further east to visit the Washington Wizards on Sunday evening, while the Bucks visit the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday evening.
Nets Hold Off Raptors In Brooklyn
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the visiting Toronto Raptors, 114-105, at Barclays Center on Friday evening.
The Nets jumped out to a great start with a 41-17 lead after one quarter. The Raptors came out stronger in second, but they could only trim the deficit by one, as they trailed by 23, at the break. Both sides kept up the effort in the third, while the visitors trimmed another two points off the deficit to make it a 21-point game heading into the final frame. The Raptors turned up the heat in the fourth and outscored the hosts 33-21 in the quarter, but it was not enough as the Nets held on for their fourth straight win.
Kyrie Irving led the Nets with 27 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals, in 39 minutes. joe Harris added 17 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Kevin Durant finished with 17 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and two blocks.
Meanwhile, Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 24 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 32 minutes. O.G. Anunoby followed up with 21 points, six rebounds and two steals, while Scottie Barnes added 17 points, nine rebounds and three assists.
The Raptors (11-11) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Magic on Saturday. The Nets (13-11) take on the Celtics on Sunday.
The Nets jumped out to a great start with a 41-17 lead after one quarter. The Raptors came out stronger in second, but they could only trim the deficit by one, as they trailed by 23, at the break. Both sides kept up the effort in the third, while the visitors trimmed another two points off the deficit to make it a 21-point game heading into the final frame. The Raptors turned up the heat in the fourth and outscored the hosts 33-21 in the quarter, but it was not enough as the Nets held on for their fourth straight win.
Kyrie Irving led the Nets with 27 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals, in 39 minutes. joe Harris added 17 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Kevin Durant finished with 17 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and two blocks.
Meanwhile, Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 24 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 32 minutes. O.G. Anunoby followed up with 21 points, six rebounds and two steals, while Scottie Barnes added 17 points, nine rebounds and three assists.
The Raptors (11-11) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Magic on Saturday. The Nets (13-11) take on the Celtics on Sunday.
Pelicans Notch Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The New Orelans Pelicans defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 117-99, at AT&T Center on Friday evening.
The game got out to a tight start as the Pelicans led 26-24 after one quarter. The Spurs picked it up in the second and pulled ahead with a three-point advantage by halftime. The hosts came out much stronger in the third and outscored the Spurs 32-19 in the quarter to take a 10-point lead into the final frame. The Pelicans kept up the pace in the fourth and rallied to the finish to close out their third straight win. This marks the 10th straight loss for the Spurs.
Zion Williamson led thr Pelicans with 30 points, 15 rebounds, eight assists, two steals and a block, in 33 minutes. Jonas Valanciunas followed up with 21 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and a block, while Trey Murphy added 17 points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block.
Meanwhile, Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 25 points, four rebounds, three assists and a block, in 35 minutes. Keldon Johnson followed up with 15 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Charles Bassey tallied 11 points, nine rebounds, two blocks and a steal.
The Spurs (6-17) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Suns on Sunday. The Pelicans (14-8) play host to the Nuggets on Sunday.
The game got out to a tight start as the Pelicans led 26-24 after one quarter. The Spurs picked it up in the second and pulled ahead with a three-point advantage by halftime. The hosts came out much stronger in the third and outscored the Spurs 32-19 in the quarter to take a 10-point lead into the final frame. The Pelicans kept up the pace in the fourth and rallied to the finish to close out their third straight win. This marks the 10th straight loss for the Spurs.
Zion Williamson led thr Pelicans with 30 points, 15 rebounds, eight assists, two steals and a block, in 33 minutes. Jonas Valanciunas followed up with 21 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and a block, while Trey Murphy added 17 points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block.
Meanwhile, Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 25 points, four rebounds, three assists and a block, in 35 minutes. Keldon Johnson followed up with 15 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Charles Bassey tallied 11 points, nine rebounds, two blocks and a steal.
The Spurs (6-17) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Suns on Sunday. The Pelicans (14-8) play host to the Nuggets on Sunday.
Grizzlies Outlast Sixers In Memphis
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Philadelphia 76ers, 117-109, at FedEx Forum on Friday evening.
The game got out to a tight start as the Sixers led 30-29 after one quarter. The Grizzlies picked up the pace in the second and outscored the visitors by 11 points in the quarter to take a 10-point lead into the break. The hosts stayed in control through the third and pushed their lead to 16, heading into the final frame. The Sixers made a push in the fourth but it was not enough as the Grizzlies held on to close out the home win. This marks the second straight loss for the 76ers.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 28 points, eight rebounds and three assists, in 35 minutes. Jaren Jackson followed up with 22 points, nine rebounds and a steal, while Dillon Brooks added 17 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal. The Grizzlies shot 43 percent from the field, including 11-of-30 from long range.
Meanwhile, Joel Embiid led the Sixers with 35 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, three blocks and a steal, in 40 minutes. Tobias Harris followed up with 21 points, 11 rebounds and a steal, while Shake Milton added 17 points, five assists, a steal and a block. The Sixers shot 44 percent from the field, including 14-of-33 from deep.
The 76ers (12-11) will look to bounce back as they take on the Rockets Houston Monday. The Grizzlies (13-9) take on the Pistons in Detroit on Sunday.
The game got out to a tight start as the Sixers led 30-29 after one quarter. The Grizzlies picked up the pace in the second and outscored the visitors by 11 points in the quarter to take a 10-point lead into the break. The hosts stayed in control through the third and pushed their lead to 16, heading into the final frame. The Sixers made a push in the fourth but it was not enough as the Grizzlies held on to close out the home win. This marks the second straight loss for the 76ers.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 28 points, eight rebounds and three assists, in 35 minutes. Jaren Jackson followed up with 22 points, nine rebounds and a steal, while Dillon Brooks added 17 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal. The Grizzlies shot 43 percent from the field, including 11-of-30 from long range.
Meanwhile, Joel Embiid led the Sixers with 35 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, three blocks and a steal, in 40 minutes. Tobias Harris followed up with 21 points, 11 rebounds and a steal, while Shake Milton added 17 points, five assists, a steal and a block. The Sixers shot 44 percent from the field, including 14-of-33 from deep.
The 76ers (12-11) will look to bounce back as they take on the Rockets Houston Monday. The Grizzlies (13-9) take on the Pistons in Detroit on Sunday.
Rockets Defeat Suns, 122-121
The Houston Rockets defeated the host Phoenix Suns, 122-121, at Footprint Center on Friday.
There were only two lead changes in this game, with Phoenix leading for all but a handful of minutes. Houston's first lead was at 2-0, and they didn't recapture it until the 5:07 mark in the fourth quarter. They actually never relinquished the lead after that, despite Phoenix missing four game-winning shots in the closing 20 seconds. A 36-25 fourth quarter carries Houston to their comeback win. The Rockets shot 34-of-43 from the free-throw line, while the Suns hit 14-of-19. In addition, Houston outscored Phoenix in the paint, 62-40, and in second-chance points, 21-9.
The Rockets (6-16) were led by Jalen Green, tallying 30 points, three rebounds, two assists and three steals. Jabari Smith Jr amassed 17 points and six boards. Kevin Porter Jr provided 15 points, six rebounds and seven assists, while Alperen Sengun accrued 13 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Bruno Fernando led the bench with 14 points and seven boards.
The Suns (15-7) were led by Devin Booker, collecting 41 points, four rebounds and eight assists. Mikal Bridges had 22 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Cameron Payne compiled 20 points, 12 assists and four steals, while Deandre Ayton finished with eight points, six rebounds and two assists. Damion Lee led the bench with 10 points and five rebounds.
Houston has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, traveling to face the Golden State Warriors. As for Phoenix, they return to action on Sunday in a road matchup with the San Antonio Spurs.
There were only two lead changes in this game, with Phoenix leading for all but a handful of minutes. Houston's first lead was at 2-0, and they didn't recapture it until the 5:07 mark in the fourth quarter. They actually never relinquished the lead after that, despite Phoenix missing four game-winning shots in the closing 20 seconds. A 36-25 fourth quarter carries Houston to their comeback win. The Rockets shot 34-of-43 from the free-throw line, while the Suns hit 14-of-19. In addition, Houston outscored Phoenix in the paint, 62-40, and in second-chance points, 21-9.
The Rockets (6-16) were led by Jalen Green, tallying 30 points, three rebounds, two assists and three steals. Jabari Smith Jr amassed 17 points and six boards. Kevin Porter Jr provided 15 points, six rebounds and seven assists, while Alperen Sengun accrued 13 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Bruno Fernando led the bench with 14 points and seven boards.
The Suns (15-7) were led by Devin Booker, collecting 41 points, four rebounds and eight assists. Mikal Bridges had 22 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Cameron Payne compiled 20 points, 12 assists and four steals, while Deandre Ayton finished with eight points, six rebounds and two assists. Damion Lee led the bench with 10 points and five rebounds.
Houston has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, traveling to face the Golden State Warriors. As for Phoenix, they return to action on Sunday in a road matchup with the San Antonio Spurs.
Jazz Defeat Pacers, 139-119
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Indiana Pacers, 139-119. at Vivint Arena on Friday.
A 35-24 first quarter set the tone for Utah in this easy victory, holding a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. They got their lead up to 26 points at times in this blowout. The Jazz shot 55 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while holding the Pacers to 44 percent from the field and 35 percent from long range. Utah also out-rebounded Indiana, 57-43, while outscoring them in the paint, 60-46.
The Pacers (12-10) were led by Myles Turner, totaling 18 points and four rebounds. Jalen Smith amassed 14 points, three rebounds and two blocks. Tyrese Haliburton had 14 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Andrew Nembhard collected 13 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. Benedict Mathurin led the bench with 12 points, four rebounds and three assists.
The Jazz (14-11) were led by Lauri Markkanen, collecting 24 points, 13 rebounds and three assists. Jordan Clarkson compiled 19 points and three assists. Collin Sexton had 18 points and five assists, while Walker Kessler led the bench with 20 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks. Talen Horton-Tucker also provided six points, five rebounds and nine assists off the bench.
Utah has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, remaining home to play the Portland Trail Blazers. As for Indiana, they travel to face the Blazers on Sunday for their next game.
A 35-24 first quarter set the tone for Utah in this easy victory, holding a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. They got their lead up to 26 points at times in this blowout. The Jazz shot 55 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while holding the Pacers to 44 percent from the field and 35 percent from long range. Utah also out-rebounded Indiana, 57-43, while outscoring them in the paint, 60-46.
The Pacers (12-10) were led by Myles Turner, totaling 18 points and four rebounds. Jalen Smith amassed 14 points, three rebounds and two blocks. Tyrese Haliburton had 14 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Andrew Nembhard collected 13 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. Benedict Mathurin led the bench with 12 points, four rebounds and three assists.
The Jazz (14-11) were led by Lauri Markkanen, collecting 24 points, 13 rebounds and three assists. Jordan Clarkson compiled 19 points and three assists. Collin Sexton had 18 points and five assists, while Walker Kessler led the bench with 20 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks. Talen Horton-Tucker also provided six points, five rebounds and nine assists off the bench.
Utah has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, remaining home to play the Portland Trail Blazers. As for Indiana, they travel to face the Blazers on Sunday for their next game.
Warriors Defeat Bulls, 119-111
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls, 119-111, at Chase Center on Friday.
While there were eight lead changes in the first quarter, Golden State never relinquished the lead after that. They got their lead up to 19 points at times in the second half. The Warriors shot 48 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range (20-of-50) while holding the Bulls to 46 percent from the field and 33 percent from long range (9-of-27). Golden State also out-rebounded Chicago, 61-50, while out-blocking them, 5-1.
The Bulls (9-12) were led by Nikola Vucevic, collecting 23 points, 11 rebounds and three steals. Zach LaVine finished with 21 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. DeMar DeRozan tallied 16 points, six rebounds and seven assists, while Goran Dragic led the bench with 14 points, four rebounds and five assists.
The Warriors (12-11) were led by Jordan Poole, providing 30 points off the bench. Klay Thompson led the starters with 26 points, five rebounds and six assists. Stephen Curry compiled 19 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Draymond Green generated 13 points, nine rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks, while Kevon Looney had seven points, 12 rebounds and three assists.
Golden State has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, remaining home to face the Houston Rockets. As for Chicago, they play the Sacramento Kings on the road on Sunday for their next outing.
While there were eight lead changes in the first quarter, Golden State never relinquished the lead after that. They got their lead up to 19 points at times in the second half. The Warriors shot 48 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range (20-of-50) while holding the Bulls to 46 percent from the field and 33 percent from long range (9-of-27). Golden State also out-rebounded Chicago, 61-50, while out-blocking them, 5-1.
The Bulls (9-12) were led by Nikola Vucevic, collecting 23 points, 11 rebounds and three steals. Zach LaVine finished with 21 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. DeMar DeRozan tallied 16 points, six rebounds and seven assists, while Goran Dragic led the bench with 14 points, four rebounds and five assists.
The Warriors (12-11) were led by Jordan Poole, providing 30 points off the bench. Klay Thompson led the starters with 26 points, five rebounds and six assists. Stephen Curry compiled 19 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Draymond Green generated 13 points, nine rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks, while Kevon Looney had seven points, 12 rebounds and three assists.
Golden State has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, remaining home to face the Houston Rockets. As for Chicago, they play the Sacramento Kings on the road on Sunday for their next outing.