Pelicans Top Nuggets With Strong Second Half
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Denver Nuggets, 121-106, at Smoothie King Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Pelicans (15-8) got off to a slow start against the Nuggets (14-9), but in the end, they managed to turn things around and delivered a strong performance to come away with the win. Denver grabbed the lead in the early going and jumped out to a 31-27 lead in the first quarter, but New Orleans made it a one-point game after a 32-29 score in the second quarter. From there, though, it was all Pelicans the rest of the way. New Orleans outscored their rivals by 28-21 and 34-25 in the third and fourth quarters, respectively, and that was enough to close the game with absolute ease. The Pelicans made a difference with his long-range shooting, connecting on 42.3 percent of his threes against Denver’s 25.8 percent.
Zion Williamson had another impressive game and led the Pelicans with 25 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Jonas Valanciunas chipped in with 13 points and Trey Murphy III delivered 12 points with three steals. However, the star of the game was none other than Jose Alvarado, who exploded for a career-high 38 points (12-19 FG, 8-11 3Pt, 6-7 FT) while adding five assists and three rebounds across 27 minutes off the bench. CJ McCollum only scored seven points while going 3-for-11 from the field.
Nikola Jokic came up short of posting a triple-double but ended with 32 points, 16 rebounds and eight assists, while Jamal Murray finished with 18 points and five assists. Aaron Gordon delivered 19 points and eight boards, and Bruce Brown chipped in with 13 points and added six boards.
The Pelicans (15-8) got off to a slow start against the Nuggets (14-9), but in the end, they managed to turn things around and delivered a strong performance to come away with the win. Denver grabbed the lead in the early going and jumped out to a 31-27 lead in the first quarter, but New Orleans made it a one-point game after a 32-29 score in the second quarter. From there, though, it was all Pelicans the rest of the way. New Orleans outscored their rivals by 28-21 and 34-25 in the third and fourth quarters, respectively, and that was enough to close the game with absolute ease. The Pelicans made a difference with his long-range shooting, connecting on 42.3 percent of his threes against Denver’s 25.8 percent.
Zion Williamson had another impressive game and led the Pelicans with 25 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Jonas Valanciunas chipped in with 13 points and Trey Murphy III delivered 12 points with three steals. However, the star of the game was none other than Jose Alvarado, who exploded for a career-high 38 points (12-19 FG, 8-11 3Pt, 6-7 FT) while adding five assists and three rebounds across 27 minutes off the bench. CJ McCollum only scored seven points while going 3-for-11 from the field.
Nikola Jokic came up short of posting a triple-double but ended with 32 points, 16 rebounds and eight assists, while Jamal Murray finished with 18 points and five assists. Aaron Gordon delivered 19 points and eight boards, and Bruce Brown chipped in with 13 points and added six boards.
Suns Cruise To Victory Against Spurs
The Phoenix Suns defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 133-95, at AT&T Center on Sunday afternoon.
In what was a one-sided game between one of the best teams in the Western Conference and one of the youngest, most inexperienced teams in the league, the Suns (16-7) didn’t have problems getting past the Spurs (6-17) in a contest that was already over as soon as it started. The Suns quickly established dominance and raced out to a 35-30 lead in the first quarter, but the second quarter would expose the best and worst qualities of both teams, as Phoenix limited the Spurs to just 11 points while scoring 36 of their own. Up by 30 points at the break, the second half wasn’t needed to find a winner, but the Spurs deserve credit for hanging with the Suns… or at least trying to. Phoenix also won the final two quarters, 35-30 and 27-24, and cruised to a victory in which the coaching staff allowed the deepest of the bench to see action. All but two players logged at least 14 minutes of action in this huge win.
Deandre Ayton led the way for the Suns with 25 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, while Devin Booker looked good in his role as the main playmaker and finished with 20 points and eight assists. Mikal Bridges also had 20 points and added four boards with three dimes, and Dario Saric recorded 17 points. Jock Landale had 12 points off the bench, and Landry Shamet finished with 10 points and three assists. Josh Okogie delivered nine points, 11 boards, five assists and three steals.
Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 27 points and five rebounds, while Devin Vassell posted 14 points, five rebounds and four assists. Tre Jones finished with 10 points and three dimes, and Keita Bates-Diop notched 12 points. The Spurs only shot 19.4 percent from three-point range in this lopsided loss.
In what was a one-sided game between one of the best teams in the Western Conference and one of the youngest, most inexperienced teams in the league, the Suns (16-7) didn’t have problems getting past the Spurs (6-17) in a contest that was already over as soon as it started. The Suns quickly established dominance and raced out to a 35-30 lead in the first quarter, but the second quarter would expose the best and worst qualities of both teams, as Phoenix limited the Spurs to just 11 points while scoring 36 of their own. Up by 30 points at the break, the second half wasn’t needed to find a winner, but the Spurs deserve credit for hanging with the Suns… or at least trying to. Phoenix also won the final two quarters, 35-30 and 27-24, and cruised to a victory in which the coaching staff allowed the deepest of the bench to see action. All but two players logged at least 14 minutes of action in this huge win.
Deandre Ayton led the way for the Suns with 25 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, while Devin Booker looked good in his role as the main playmaker and finished with 20 points and eight assists. Mikal Bridges also had 20 points and added four boards with three dimes, and Dario Saric recorded 17 points. Jock Landale had 12 points off the bench, and Landry Shamet finished with 10 points and three assists. Josh Okogie delivered nine points, 11 boards, five assists and three steals.
Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 27 points and five rebounds, while Devin Vassell posted 14 points, five rebounds and four assists. Tre Jones finished with 10 points and three dimes, and Keita Bates-Diop notched 12 points. The Spurs only shot 19.4 percent from three-point range in this lopsided loss.
Grizzlies Topple Pistons, 122-112
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Detroit Pistons, 122-112, at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday evening.
The Grizzlies (14-9) came into the night looking to pile on the misery of a struggling Pistons (6-19) team, and matters got off to a good start when they forged a 40-26 lead through one. Detroit was only able to make a two-point dent into its deficit prior to halftime, and when Memphis added six points back to its advantage prior to the final period and then opened the fourth quarter hot, the stage was set for a double-digit win.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with a 33-point, 10-assist double-double that included five rebounds and one steal. Dillon Brooks and Jaren Jackson posted matching 22-point tallies while pulling down five and three rebounds, respectively. Brooks also dished out five assists and recorded two steals. Brandon Clarke generated a 14-point, 14-rebound double-double that included two assists. John Konchar furnished 11 points, five rebounds and four steals.
Saddiq Bey paced the Pistons with 24 points, complementing them with seven assists and six rebounds. Bojan Bogdanovic poured in 18 points. Killian Hayes supplied 13 points, six assists, two rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Jaden Ivey and Hamidou Diallo posted matching 10-point contributions, with Ivey also managing six rebounds, three assists and three steals.
The Grizzlies head home and visit the Miami Heat on Monday night, while the Pistons hit the road and tangle with the Miami Heat on Tuesday night.
The Grizzlies (14-9) came into the night looking to pile on the misery of a struggling Pistons (6-19) team, and matters got off to a good start when they forged a 40-26 lead through one. Detroit was only able to make a two-point dent into its deficit prior to halftime, and when Memphis added six points back to its advantage prior to the final period and then opened the fourth quarter hot, the stage was set for a double-digit win.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with a 33-point, 10-assist double-double that included five rebounds and one steal. Dillon Brooks and Jaren Jackson posted matching 22-point tallies while pulling down five and three rebounds, respectively. Brooks also dished out five assists and recorded two steals. Brandon Clarke generated a 14-point, 14-rebound double-double that included two assists. John Konchar furnished 11 points, five rebounds and four steals.
Saddiq Bey paced the Pistons with 24 points, complementing them with seven assists and six rebounds. Bojan Bogdanovic poured in 18 points. Killian Hayes supplied 13 points, six assists, two rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Jaden Ivey and Hamidou Diallo posted matching 10-point contributions, with Ivey also managing six rebounds, three assists and three steals.
The Grizzlies head home and visit the Miami Heat on Monday night, while the Pistons hit the road and tangle with the Miami Heat on Tuesday night.
Celtics Turn Back Nets, 103-92
The Boston Celtics defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 103-92, at Barclays Center on Sunday evening.
The Celtics (19-5) came into the game looking to add to their league-best win total, but they figured to have a tough task ahead of them against a Nets (13-12) team that had won six straight at home. However, Boston served early notice it was ready to take the fight to their hosts, outscoring Brooklyn by a 62-50 margin in the first two quarters. Both teams turned on the defense during a third quarter in which the two squads combined for only 32 points and the home team sliced its 12-point deficit in half, but the Celtics were able to keep the Nets at a comfortable distance in the final period before both coaches went to their benches.
Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 34 points -- 20 which came in the first quarter -- and added 10 rebounds, two assists, four blocks and two steals. Jayson Tatum generated a 29-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one assist and four steals. Malcolm Brogdon supplied 13 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and one steal. Grant Williams furnished 10 points, five points, one assist and three steals.
Kevin Durant paced the Nets with 31 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Kyrie Irving delivered 18 points, eight rebounds, five assists and one block. Joe Harris registered 13 points, six boards and two steals. Nicolas Claxton posted nine points, 14 rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal.
The Celtics remain on the road and visit the Toronto Raptors on Monday night, while the Nets remain home and welcome in the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night.
The Celtics (19-5) came into the game looking to add to their league-best win total, but they figured to have a tough task ahead of them against a Nets (13-12) team that had won six straight at home. However, Boston served early notice it was ready to take the fight to their hosts, outscoring Brooklyn by a 62-50 margin in the first two quarters. Both teams turned on the defense during a third quarter in which the two squads combined for only 32 points and the home team sliced its 12-point deficit in half, but the Celtics were able to keep the Nets at a comfortable distance in the final period before both coaches went to their benches.
Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 34 points -- 20 which came in the first quarter -- and added 10 rebounds, two assists, four blocks and two steals. Jayson Tatum generated a 29-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one assist and four steals. Malcolm Brogdon supplied 13 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and one steal. Grant Williams furnished 10 points, five points, one assist and three steals.
Kevin Durant paced the Nets with 31 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Kyrie Irving delivered 18 points, eight rebounds, five assists and one block. Joe Harris registered 13 points, six boards and two steals. Nicolas Claxton posted nine points, 14 rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal.
The Celtics remain on the road and visit the Toronto Raptors on Monday night, while the Nets remain home and welcome in the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night.
Knicks Suppress Cavs In New York
By Dan Bruno
The New York Knicks defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, 92-81, at Madison Square Garden on Sunday evening.
The Knicks got out to a strong start and led 23-16 after quarter. They pushed their lead to 16 points mid way through the second, but the Cavs rallied back to make it a three-point game at the break. The Knicks reclaimed control in the third and amassed a double-digit lead, before settling on an eight-point advantage heading into the final frame. They kept the pressure on in the fourth and stayed in control the rest of the way, ending a two-game slide.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 23 points, two rebounds, four assists and a block, in 32 minutes. Julius Randle followed up with 18 points, eight rebounds and four assists, while RJ Barrett tallied 15 points, eight rebounds and a steal. The Knicks shot 41 percent from the field, including 5-of-29 from long range.
Meanwhile, Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 23 points, four rebounds, five assists and a block, in 40 minutes. Darius Garland followed up with 17 points, two rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Evan Mobley totaled 11 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and four blocks. The Cavaliers shot 35 percent from the field, including 8-of-35 from deep.
The Cavs (15-9) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Lakers on Tuesday. The Knicks (10-13) play host to the Hawks on Wednesday.
The Knicks got out to a strong start and led 23-16 after quarter. They pushed their lead to 16 points mid way through the second, but the Cavs rallied back to make it a three-point game at the break. The Knicks reclaimed control in the third and amassed a double-digit lead, before settling on an eight-point advantage heading into the final frame. They kept the pressure on in the fourth and stayed in control the rest of the way, ending a two-game slide.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 23 points, two rebounds, four assists and a block, in 32 minutes. Julius Randle followed up with 18 points, eight rebounds and four assists, while RJ Barrett tallied 15 points, eight rebounds and a steal. The Knicks shot 41 percent from the field, including 5-of-29 from long range.
Meanwhile, Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 23 points, four rebounds, five assists and a block, in 40 minutes. Darius Garland followed up with 17 points, two rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Evan Mobley totaled 11 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and four blocks. The Cavaliers shot 35 percent from the field, including 8-of-35 from deep.
The Cavs (15-9) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Lakers on Tuesday. The Knicks (10-13) play host to the Hawks on Wednesday.
Kings Notch Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls, 110-101, at Golden 1 Center on Sunday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Kings led 29-27 after one quarter. The hosts picked up the pace in the second and outscored the Bulls by 13, to take a 15-point lead into the break. However, the Bulls bounced back in the third, outscoring the hosts 31-20, to cut it back to a four-point game heading into to the final frame. The Kings reclaimed dominance in the fourth and quickly rallied to a double-digit lead, which they were able to maintain most of the way until the final buzzer. This marks the third straight win for the Kings and the third straight loss for the Bulls.
Malik Monk was the high-point man for the Kings, with 20 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals, in 24 minutes off the bench. Harrison Barnes followed up with 17 points, six rebounds and a steal, while Domantas Sabonis totaled 11 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists. The Kings shot 46.5 percent from the field, including 13-of-43 from long range.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 41 points, eight rebounds, two assists and four steals, in 36 minutes. DeMar DeRozan followed up with 18 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Nikola Vucevic added 12 points, six rebounds and a block. The Bulls shot 44 percent from the field, including 9-of-25 from deep.
The Bulls (9-14) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Wizards on Wednesday. The Kings (13-9) take on the Bucks in Milwaukee on Wednesday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Kings led 29-27 after one quarter. The hosts picked up the pace in the second and outscored the Bulls by 13, to take a 15-point lead into the break. However, the Bulls bounced back in the third, outscoring the hosts 31-20, to cut it back to a four-point game heading into to the final frame. The Kings reclaimed dominance in the fourth and quickly rallied to a double-digit lead, which they were able to maintain most of the way until the final buzzer. This marks the third straight win for the Kings and the third straight loss for the Bulls.
Malik Monk was the high-point man for the Kings, with 20 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals, in 24 minutes off the bench. Harrison Barnes followed up with 17 points, six rebounds and a steal, while Domantas Sabonis totaled 11 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists. The Kings shot 46.5 percent from the field, including 13-of-43 from long range.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 41 points, eight rebounds, two assists and four steals, in 36 minutes. DeMar DeRozan followed up with 18 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Nikola Vucevic added 12 points, six rebounds and a block. The Bulls shot 44 percent from the field, including 9-of-25 from deep.
The Bulls (9-14) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Wizards on Wednesday. The Kings (13-9) take on the Bucks in Milwaukee on Wednesday.
Lakers Defeat Wizards, 130-119
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the host Washington Wizards, 130-119, at Capital One Arena on Sunday.
Los Angeles scored at least 33 points in each of the first three quarters, riding a 35-23 second quarter to their victory. They won all of those by at least six points apiece, getting their lead up to 29 points at times. They led by at least nine points for the final 30 minutes of this game. The Lakers shot 54 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range while holding the Wizards to 47 percent from the field and 26 percent from long range. Los Angeles also out-assisted Washington, 34-24, while outscoring them in the paint, 72-62.
The Lakers (10-12) were led by Anthony Davis, collecting 55 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks on 22-of-30 from the field. LeBron James tallied 29 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Lonnie Walker had 20 points and two boards, while Dennis Schroder compiled four points, two rebounds, eight assists and two steals.
The Wizards (11-12) were led by Kristaps Porzingis, providing 27 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kyle Kuzma finished with 26 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Monte Morris amassed 14 points and four assists, while Daniel Gafford led the bench with 19 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Bradley Beal played just three minutes before departing with an injury.
On deck for Los Angeles is a road matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday. As for Washington, they return to action on Wednesday in a road meeting with the Chicago Bulls.
Los Angeles scored at least 33 points in each of the first three quarters, riding a 35-23 second quarter to their victory. They won all of those by at least six points apiece, getting their lead up to 29 points at times. They led by at least nine points for the final 30 minutes of this game. The Lakers shot 54 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range while holding the Wizards to 47 percent from the field and 26 percent from long range. Los Angeles also out-assisted Washington, 34-24, while outscoring them in the paint, 72-62.
The Lakers (10-12) were led by Anthony Davis, collecting 55 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks on 22-of-30 from the field. LeBron James tallied 29 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Lonnie Walker had 20 points and two boards, while Dennis Schroder compiled four points, two rebounds, eight assists and two steals.
The Wizards (11-12) were led by Kristaps Porzingis, providing 27 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kyle Kuzma finished with 26 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Monte Morris amassed 14 points and four assists, while Daniel Gafford led the bench with 19 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Bradley Beal played just three minutes before departing with an injury.
On deck for Los Angeles is a road matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday. As for Washington, they return to action on Wednesday in a road meeting with the Chicago Bulls.
Blazers Defeat Pacers, 116-100
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Indiana Pacers, 116-100, at Moda Center on Sunday.
While there were 10 lead changes in the opening 20 minutes, Portland cruised to a win. They started the third quarter on a 15-4 run and outscored the Pacers in that frame, 39-25. That gave them a game-high 22-point lead, holding a double-digit lead for the final 20 minutes. The Trail Blazers shot 48 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while holding the Pacers to 44 percent from the field and 30 percent from long range. Portland also out-assisted Indiana, 32-22, while out-rebonding them, 56-48.
The Pacers (12-11) were led by Myles Turner, tallying 24 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Buddy Hield had 22 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Andrew Nembhard amassed 16 points, six rebounds and eight assists, while Aaron Nesmith accrued 10 points, three rebounds and three steals. Benedict Mathurin led the bench with 10 points, three rebounds and two steals.
The Trail Blazers (13-11) were led by Jerami Grant, generating 28 points, five rebounds and three assists. Anfernee Simons accumulated 22 points, three rebounds and six assists. Damian Lillard collected 21 points, four rebounds and six assists, while Jusuf Nurkic compiled 19 points, six rebounds and four assists. Josh Hart rounded out the starting unit with 11 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Indiana has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Monday, staying on the road to play the Golden State Warriors. As for Portland, they return to action on Thursday in a home meeting with the Denver Nuggets.
While there were 10 lead changes in the opening 20 minutes, Portland cruised to a win. They started the third quarter on a 15-4 run and outscored the Pacers in that frame, 39-25. That gave them a game-high 22-point lead, holding a double-digit lead for the final 20 minutes. The Trail Blazers shot 48 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while holding the Pacers to 44 percent from the field and 30 percent from long range. Portland also out-assisted Indiana, 32-22, while out-rebonding them, 56-48.
The Pacers (12-11) were led by Myles Turner, tallying 24 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Buddy Hield had 22 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Andrew Nembhard amassed 16 points, six rebounds and eight assists, while Aaron Nesmith accrued 10 points, three rebounds and three steals. Benedict Mathurin led the bench with 10 points, three rebounds and two steals.
The Trail Blazers (13-11) were led by Jerami Grant, generating 28 points, five rebounds and three assists. Anfernee Simons accumulated 22 points, three rebounds and six assists. Damian Lillard collected 21 points, four rebounds and six assists, while Jusuf Nurkic compiled 19 points, six rebounds and four assists. Josh Hart rounded out the starting unit with 11 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Indiana has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Monday, staying on the road to play the Golden State Warriors. As for Portland, they return to action on Thursday in a home meeting with the Denver Nuggets.