Bucks Secure Easy Win Over Magic
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Orlando Magic, 109-102, at Amway Center on Monday.
The Bucks (17-6) didn’t have problems to defeat the Magic (5-20) in a game where the visitors looked in control right from the start. Milwaukee looked dominant in the early going and jumped out to a 30-21 lead in the first quarter and established a double-digit lead by halftime after the second quarter ended with a 26-24 score. Leading by a 56-45 score at the break, the Bucks bolstered their advantage even further with a 32-27 score in the third quarter. The game was all but decided ahead of the final quarter, and even though the Magic won the final 12 minutes by a 30-21 score, the Bucks didn’t have problems to get the victory. With the win, the Bucks moved to 6-3 on the road while the Magic moved to 4-9 at home.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was the leading scorer for the Bucks and finished with 34 points while also adding 13 rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Bobby Portis had an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double, and Jrue Holiday also finished with a double-double after recording 17 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds. A.J. Green delivered 12 points off the bench. Milwaukee shot 44.7 percent from the field and 32.5 percent from three.
Franz Wagner led the way for the Magic with 25 points and six rebounds, while Paolo Banchero sniffed a triple-double after posting 20 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists. Markelle Fultz recorded 20 points, but he also added four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Moritz Wagner finished with 19 points and 12 rebounds. The Magic shot 36.6 percent from the field and 25 percent from deep.
The Bucks (17-6) didn’t have problems to defeat the Magic (5-20) in a game where the visitors looked in control right from the start. Milwaukee looked dominant in the early going and jumped out to a 30-21 lead in the first quarter and established a double-digit lead by halftime after the second quarter ended with a 26-24 score. Leading by a 56-45 score at the break, the Bucks bolstered their advantage even further with a 32-27 score in the third quarter. The game was all but decided ahead of the final quarter, and even though the Magic won the final 12 minutes by a 30-21 score, the Bucks didn’t have problems to get the victory. With the win, the Bucks moved to 6-3 on the road while the Magic moved to 4-9 at home.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was the leading scorer for the Bucks and finished with 34 points while also adding 13 rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Bobby Portis had an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double, and Jrue Holiday also finished with a double-double after recording 17 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds. A.J. Green delivered 12 points off the bench. Milwaukee shot 44.7 percent from the field and 32.5 percent from three.
Franz Wagner led the way for the Magic with 25 points and six rebounds, while Paolo Banchero sniffed a triple-double after posting 20 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists. Markelle Fultz recorded 20 points, but he also added four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Moritz Wagner finished with 19 points and 12 rebounds. The Magic shot 36.6 percent from the field and 25 percent from deep.
Clippers Work Hard To Get Past Hornets
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 119-117, at Spectrum Center on Monday.
The Clippers (14-11) had to work harder than expected to get past a struggling Hornets (7-17) team while playing on the road, and in fact, the Clippers had to mount a late comeback in the final minutes to get the job done. Los Angeles enjoyed a better start and jumped out to a 28-26 score in the first quarter and bolstered their lead to a nine-point lead following a 35-28 score in the third quarter. However, the Hornets played better in the second half and outscored their rivals by a 36-21 score in the third quarter, so they went from being down by nine to go up by six points with only 12 minutes left. The Clippers responded down the stretch, and they outscored Charlotte by a 35-27 score to secure the victory. The Clippers were down by two with less than a minute to go, but Kawhi Leonard made two late shots to seal the deal.
Paul George scored 19 points to carry the Clippers in this win, and he also added seven assists with three rebounds. Kawhi Leonard had 16 points and six rebounds, while Reggie Jackson finished with 13 points, two boards and two assists. Marcus Morris Sr. posted 12 points, five boards and three assists, and John Wall finished with a 12-point, 12-assist double-double. Nicolas Batum had 13 points, five rebounds and two steals.
Kelly Oubre Jr. led the Hornets with a game-high 28 points, and he also added seven rebounds. P.J. Washington delivered 26 points, four rebounds and four assists, and Terry Rozier recorded 22 points, eight assists, five rebounds and two steals. Naz Richards had 11 points and 10 rebounds while coming off the bench. Mason Plumlee had eight points but he also added 12 rebounds.
The Clippers (14-11) had to work harder than expected to get past a struggling Hornets (7-17) team while playing on the road, and in fact, the Clippers had to mount a late comeback in the final minutes to get the job done. Los Angeles enjoyed a better start and jumped out to a 28-26 score in the first quarter and bolstered their lead to a nine-point lead following a 35-28 score in the third quarter. However, the Hornets played better in the second half and outscored their rivals by a 36-21 score in the third quarter, so they went from being down by nine to go up by six points with only 12 minutes left. The Clippers responded down the stretch, and they outscored Charlotte by a 35-27 score to secure the victory. The Clippers were down by two with less than a minute to go, but Kawhi Leonard made two late shots to seal the deal.
Paul George scored 19 points to carry the Clippers in this win, and he also added seven assists with three rebounds. Kawhi Leonard had 16 points and six rebounds, while Reggie Jackson finished with 13 points, two boards and two assists. Marcus Morris Sr. posted 12 points, five boards and three assists, and John Wall finished with a 12-point, 12-assist double-double. Nicolas Batum had 13 points, five rebounds and two steals.
Kelly Oubre Jr. led the Hornets with a game-high 28 points, and he also added seven rebounds. P.J. Washington delivered 26 points, four rebounds and four assists, and Terry Rozier recorded 22 points, eight assists, five rebounds and two steals. Naz Richards had 11 points and 10 rebounds while coming off the bench. Mason Plumlee had eight points but he also added 12 rebounds.
Thunder Topples Hawks, 121-114
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 121-114, at State Farm Arena on Monday night.
The Thunder (11-13) came into the contest as clear road underdogs, but a competitive first half that ended with them trailing by just five points kept them within striking distance. That set the stage for a second-half comeback in which the visitors outscored the Hawks (13-11) by a 67-55 margin, including by a 37-26 over the final 12 minutes.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 35 points, adding six boards, five assists and two steals. Josh Giddey furnished 17 points, five rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Ousmane Dieng delivered 15 points, five boards, one assist and one steal. Jalen Williams posted 12 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one block. Luguentz Dort generated an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl compiled 10 points and six rebounds.
Dejounte Murray paced the Hawks with 24 points, complementing them with six rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Trae Young pitched in a 23-point, 10-assist double-double that included three rebounds. Bogdan Bogdanovic supplied 17 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Clint Capela managed a 14-point, 16-rebound double-double that included two blocks. A.J. Griffin registered 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals.
The Thunder remains on the road and visits the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night, while the Hawks visit the New York Knicks on Wednesday night as well.
The Thunder (11-13) came into the contest as clear road underdogs, but a competitive first half that ended with them trailing by just five points kept them within striking distance. That set the stage for a second-half comeback in which the visitors outscored the Hawks (13-11) by a 67-55 margin, including by a 37-26 over the final 12 minutes.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 35 points, adding six boards, five assists and two steals. Josh Giddey furnished 17 points, five rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Ousmane Dieng delivered 15 points, five boards, one assist and one steal. Jalen Williams posted 12 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one block. Luguentz Dort generated an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl compiled 10 points and six rebounds.
Dejounte Murray paced the Hawks with 24 points, complementing them with six rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Trae Young pitched in a 23-point, 10-assist double-double that included three rebounds. Bogdan Bogdanovic supplied 17 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Clint Capela managed a 14-point, 16-rebound double-double that included two blocks. A.J. Griffin registered 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals.
The Thunder remains on the road and visits the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night, while the Hawks visit the New York Knicks on Wednesday night as well.
Celtics Topple Raptors, 116-110
The Boston Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors, 116-110, at Scotiabank Arena on Monday night.
The Celtics (20-5) came into the contest as underdogs despite their superior record, as they were playing their third game in four nights. That status looked prescient going into halftime, as the Raptors (12-12) had jumped out to a six-point lead with a big second quarter. However, Boston changed the dynamic of the game in the third quarter, outscoring Toronto by a 35-18 margin to take an 11-point advantage into the final period. The hosts would eventually get as close as within five points with 12.7 seconds remaining before the visitors sealed the win with the help of a Blake Griffin free throw.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 31 points, adding 12 rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Jaylen Brown furnished 22 points, eight boards and eight assists. Marcus Smart supplied 18 points, seven assists, three rebounds and two steals. Griffin totaled 13 points, eight boards, two assists and one steal. Luke Kornet delivered 11 points, seven rebounds and one block.
Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with 29 points, adding eight rebounds and seven assists. Scottie Barnes registered 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Gary Trent netted 20 points, while O.G. Anunoby contributed 13 points, five rebounds, three steals and one block.
The Celtics remain on the road and visit the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night, while the Raptors remain home and tangle with the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night as well.
The Celtics (20-5) came into the contest as underdogs despite their superior record, as they were playing their third game in four nights. That status looked prescient going into halftime, as the Raptors (12-12) had jumped out to a six-point lead with a big second quarter. However, Boston changed the dynamic of the game in the third quarter, outscoring Toronto by a 35-18 margin to take an 11-point advantage into the final period. The hosts would eventually get as close as within five points with 12.7 seconds remaining before the visitors sealed the win with the help of a Blake Griffin free throw.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 31 points, adding 12 rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Jaylen Brown furnished 22 points, eight boards and eight assists. Marcus Smart supplied 18 points, seven assists, three rebounds and two steals. Griffin totaled 13 points, eight boards, two assists and one steal. Luke Kornet delivered 11 points, seven rebounds and one block.
Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with 29 points, adding eight rebounds and seven assists. Scottie Barnes registered 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Gary Trent netted 20 points, while O.G. Anunoby contributed 13 points, five rebounds, three steals and one block.
The Celtics remain on the road and visit the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night, while the Raptors remain home and tangle with the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night as well.
Rockets Topple Sixers In Double OT
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets defeated the visiting Philadelphia 76ers, 132-123, at Toyota Center on Monday evening.
The Sixers jumped out to a quick 10-0 lead, but the Rockets rallied back to make it a three-point game heading into the second. The hosts kept the momentum going and managed to grab a one-point advantage by halftime. The Rockets kept the pressure on in the third and pushed their lead to six, heading into the fourth quarter. However, the 76ers chipped away down the stretch and forced a tie at the end of regulation. Both sides were equal through one extra frame, but the Rockets broke away in the second overtime period, outscoring the visitors, 15-6, to secure the impressive home win. This marks the third straight loss for the 76ers.
Jalen Green led the Rockets with 27 points, four rebounds, seven assists and a steal, in 44 minutes. Kevin Porter followed up with 24 points, six rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, while Jabari Smith logged 16 points, 11 rebounds and a block. The Rockets shot 45 percent from the field, including 14-of-39 from deep.
Meanwhile, Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 39 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks, in 35 minutes. Tobias Harris followed up with 27 points, four rebounds, three steals and a block, while James Harden totaled 21 points, four rebounds, seven assists and two steals. The Sixers shot 45 percent from the field, including 17-of-36 from long range.
The 76ers (12-11) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Lakers on Friday. The Rockets (7-17) take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Thursday.
The Sixers jumped out to a quick 10-0 lead, but the Rockets rallied back to make it a three-point game heading into the second. The hosts kept the momentum going and managed to grab a one-point advantage by halftime. The Rockets kept the pressure on in the third and pushed their lead to six, heading into the fourth quarter. However, the 76ers chipped away down the stretch and forced a tie at the end of regulation. Both sides were equal through one extra frame, but the Rockets broke away in the second overtime period, outscoring the visitors, 15-6, to secure the impressive home win. This marks the third straight loss for the 76ers.
Jalen Green led the Rockets with 27 points, four rebounds, seven assists and a steal, in 44 minutes. Kevin Porter followed up with 24 points, six rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, while Jabari Smith logged 16 points, 11 rebounds and a block. The Rockets shot 45 percent from the field, including 14-of-39 from deep.
Meanwhile, Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 39 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks, in 35 minutes. Tobias Harris followed up with 27 points, four rebounds, three steals and a block, while James Harden totaled 21 points, four rebounds, seven assists and two steals. The Sixers shot 45 percent from the field, including 17-of-36 from long range.
The 76ers (12-11) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Lakers on Friday. The Rockets (7-17) take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Thursday.
Grizzlies Rally Late For Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Miami Heat, 101-93. at FedEx Forum on Monday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Heat held a 32-27 lead after one quarter. The hosts picked up the pace in the second and outscored the Heat 31-19 in the quarter to take a seven-point lead into the break. Both sides came out strong in the third and after a few lead changes, the Grizzlies carried a five-point lead into the final frame. The Grizz kept their focus in the fourth and rallied to a double-digit lead late in the quarter, which was enough to close out their third straight win.
Tyus Jones led the Grizzlies with 28 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and two steals, in 36 minutes. Santi Aldama followed up with 18 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Dillon Brooks logged 17 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Grizzlies shot 47 percent from the field, including 8-of-32 from deep.
Meanwhile, Tyler Herro led the Heat with 23 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 40 minutes. Jimmy Butler followed up with 18 points, six rebounds, eight assists and a steal, while Caleb Martin added 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting. The Heat shot 39 percent from the field, including 14-of-40 from long range.
The Heat (11-13) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Piston on Tuesday. The Grizzlies (15-9) play host to the Thunder on Wednesday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Heat held a 32-27 lead after one quarter. The hosts picked up the pace in the second and outscored the Heat 31-19 in the quarter to take a seven-point lead into the break. Both sides came out strong in the third and after a few lead changes, the Grizzlies carried a five-point lead into the final frame. The Grizz kept their focus in the fourth and rallied to a double-digit lead late in the quarter, which was enough to close out their third straight win.
Tyus Jones led the Grizzlies with 28 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and two steals, in 36 minutes. Santi Aldama followed up with 18 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Dillon Brooks logged 17 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Grizzlies shot 47 percent from the field, including 8-of-32 from deep.
Meanwhile, Tyler Herro led the Heat with 23 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 40 minutes. Jimmy Butler followed up with 18 points, six rebounds, eight assists and a steal, while Caleb Martin added 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting. The Heat shot 39 percent from the field, including 14-of-40 from long range.
The Heat (11-13) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Piston on Tuesday. The Grizzlies (15-9) play host to the Thunder on Wednesday.
Mavericks Defeat Suns, 130-111
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns, 130-111, at American Airlines Center on Monday.
A 33-15 first quarter set the tone for Dallas in this blowout win, putting the game to bed behind a 34-26 second quarter. They got their lead up to 27 points at times, maintaining a double-digit lead for the final three quarters. The Mavericks shot 52 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range while holding the Suns to 44 percent from the field and 34 percent from long range.
The Suns (16-8) were led by Deandre Ayton, amassing 20 points, eight rebounds and three blocks on 9-of-11 from the field. Cameron Payne collected 14 points, six rebounds and 10 assists. Mikal Bridges generated 13 points, two rebounds and two assists. Devin Booker had 11 points, two rebounds and five assists, while Damion Lee and Landry Shamet led the bench with 13 points apiece.
The Mavericks (12-11) were led by Luka Doncic, tallying 33 points, six rebounds, eight assists and two blocks. Spencer Dinwiddie totaled 21 points, four rebounds and two assists. Tim Hardaway Jr had 17 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Christian Wood led the bench with 18 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Josh Green also accumulated 16 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Dallas has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Tuesday, traveling to face the Denver Nuggets. As for Phoenix, they return to action on Wednesday in a home matchup with the Boston Celtics.
A 33-15 first quarter set the tone for Dallas in this blowout win, putting the game to bed behind a 34-26 second quarter. They got their lead up to 27 points at times, maintaining a double-digit lead for the final three quarters. The Mavericks shot 52 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range while holding the Suns to 44 percent from the field and 34 percent from long range.
The Suns (16-8) were led by Deandre Ayton, amassing 20 points, eight rebounds and three blocks on 9-of-11 from the field. Cameron Payne collected 14 points, six rebounds and 10 assists. Mikal Bridges generated 13 points, two rebounds and two assists. Devin Booker had 11 points, two rebounds and five assists, while Damion Lee and Landry Shamet led the bench with 13 points apiece.
The Mavericks (12-11) were led by Luka Doncic, tallying 33 points, six rebounds, eight assists and two blocks. Spencer Dinwiddie totaled 21 points, four rebounds and two assists. Tim Hardaway Jr had 17 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Christian Wood led the bench with 18 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Josh Green also accumulated 16 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Dallas has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Tuesday, traveling to face the Denver Nuggets. As for Phoenix, they return to action on Wednesday in a home matchup with the Boston Celtics.
Pacers Defeat Warriors, 112-104
The Indiana Pacers defeated the host Golden State Warriors, 112-104, at Chase Center on Monday.
A 34-21 first quarter carried Indiana to their win, holding the lead for all but a few minutes. In fact, the Warriors never led by more than two points, with the Pacers getting their lead up to 16 points at times. Indiana shot 48 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range while holding Golden State to 40 percent from the field and 30 percent from long distance. The Pacers also out-rebounded the Warriors, 62-52, while outscoring them in the paint, 54-46.
The Pacers (13-11) were led by Andrew Nembhard, amassing 31 points, eight rebounds and 13 assists. Buddy Hield had 17 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Jalen Smith totaled 15 points, nine rebounds, two assists and three blocks, while Benedict Mathurin generated 14 points and two boards. Oshae Brissett led the bench with 14 points, eight rebounds and two assists.
The Warriors (13-12) were led by Klay Thompson, collecting 28 points, two rebounds and four assists. Jordan Poole provided 23 points, five rebounds and four assists. Stephen Curry missed 14 of his 17 shots to finish with 12 points, four rebounds and six assists. Donte DiVincenzo and Jonathan Kuminga led the bench with 10 points apiece.
Golden State returns to action on Wednesday, traveling to face the Utah Jazz. As for Indiana, they stay on the road to play the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday as well.
A 34-21 first quarter carried Indiana to their win, holding the lead for all but a few minutes. In fact, the Warriors never led by more than two points, with the Pacers getting their lead up to 16 points at times. Indiana shot 48 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range while holding Golden State to 40 percent from the field and 30 percent from long distance. The Pacers also out-rebounded the Warriors, 62-52, while outscoring them in the paint, 54-46.
The Pacers (13-11) were led by Andrew Nembhard, amassing 31 points, eight rebounds and 13 assists. Buddy Hield had 17 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Jalen Smith totaled 15 points, nine rebounds, two assists and three blocks, while Benedict Mathurin generated 14 points and two boards. Oshae Brissett led the bench with 14 points, eight rebounds and two assists.
The Warriors (13-12) were led by Klay Thompson, collecting 28 points, two rebounds and four assists. Jordan Poole provided 23 points, five rebounds and four assists. Stephen Curry missed 14 of his 17 shots to finish with 12 points, four rebounds and six assists. Donte DiVincenzo and Jonathan Kuminga led the bench with 10 points apiece.
Golden State returns to action on Wednesday, traveling to face the Utah Jazz. As for Indiana, they stay on the road to play the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday as well.