Magic Top Clippers In Overtime
The Orlando Magic defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, 116-111 on overtime, at Amway Center on Wednesday night.
The Magic (6-20) and the Clippers (14-12) had to play more than 48 minutes to find a winner, but in the end, Orlando managed to escape with the win while also overcoming a slow start. The Clippers jumped out to a massive 32-14 score in the first quarter and it seemed as if they were going to dominate the contest from start to finish, but the Magic responded with a 26-17 score in the second quarter. They were still down by double digits, but Orlando didn’t step its foot out of the gas and also won the two quarters of the second half, 31-29 and 28-21, respectively, finding the way to force overtime. The Magic carried the momentum of three straight quarters won and also outscored the Clippers in the extra five minutes, 17-12, to secure the win and snap a nine-game losing streak. The Magic improved to 5-9 at home while the Clippers fell to 7-6 on the road.
Paolo Banchero was the leading scorer for the Magic and finished with 23 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Moritz Wagner and Bol Bol produced matching 20-point, three-assist, two-steals tallies. Wagner also notched 13 rebounds, while Bol pulled down nine boards and swatted two shots. Franz Wagner finished with 15 points, and Cole Anthony contributed 13 points, four rebounds and four assists off the bench.
Seven Clippers scored in double digits here but neither surpassed the 20-point mark, with Terance Mann recording 19 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Kawhi Leonard had 14 points and seven rebounds, while Ivica Zubac had a 16-point, 13-rebound double-double. Paul George ended with 11 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Nicolas Batum finished with 16 points and five assists, and Reggie Jackson ended with 15 points.
The Magic (6-20) and the Clippers (14-12) had to play more than 48 minutes to find a winner, but in the end, Orlando managed to escape with the win while also overcoming a slow start. The Clippers jumped out to a massive 32-14 score in the first quarter and it seemed as if they were going to dominate the contest from start to finish, but the Magic responded with a 26-17 score in the second quarter. They were still down by double digits, but Orlando didn’t step its foot out of the gas and also won the two quarters of the second half, 31-29 and 28-21, respectively, finding the way to force overtime. The Magic carried the momentum of three straight quarters won and also outscored the Clippers in the extra five minutes, 17-12, to secure the win and snap a nine-game losing streak. The Magic improved to 5-9 at home while the Clippers fell to 7-6 on the road.
Paolo Banchero was the leading scorer for the Magic and finished with 23 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Moritz Wagner and Bol Bol produced matching 20-point, three-assist, two-steals tallies. Wagner also notched 13 rebounds, while Bol pulled down nine boards and swatted two shots. Franz Wagner finished with 15 points, and Cole Anthony contributed 13 points, four rebounds and four assists off the bench.
Seven Clippers scored in double digits here but neither surpassed the 20-point mark, with Terance Mann recording 19 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Kawhi Leonard had 14 points and seven rebounds, while Ivica Zubac had a 16-point, 13-rebound double-double. Paul George ended with 11 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Nicolas Batum finished with 16 points and five assists, and Reggie Jackson ended with 15 points.
Nets Work Hard To Get Past Hornets
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 122-118, at Barclays Center on Wednesday.
The Nets (14-12) continue their turnaround and delivered another win at home, although they had to work harder than expected to get past a struggling Hornets (7-18) team. With the win, Brooklyn improved to 9-5 at home while the Hornets fell to 3-10 on the road. Brooklyn looked good in the early going and quickly established a 38-28 score following the first quarter, and they bolstered their advantage following a 35-27 score in the second. Up by 18 points at the break, it seemed as if the Nets were going to win this game with absolute ease, but such wasn’t the case. Instead, the Hornets looked impressive in the final two quarters and won both periods, 32-23 and 31-26, respectively. Unfortunately for the Hornets, they fell short to complete the comeback and the Nets grinded out the victory in the final seconds.
Kyrie Irving led the way for the Nets with a 33-point, nine-assist effort that also included five rebounds and four blocks, while Kevin Durant recorded 29 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Nicolas Claxton was the only other starter who finished with double-digit points thanks to a 14-point, seven-rebound effort. Seth Curry finished with 20 points, five rebounds and six assists across 28 minutes off the bench.
Kelly Oubre Jr. led the way for Charlotte with 30 points and eight rebounds, while Terry Rozier notched 29 points, five assists and two boards. Mason Plumlee had a strong double-double after posting 13 points and 11 rebounds to go along with five assists, while Jalen McDaniels finished with 19 points, seven boards and three assists. P.J. Washington had 12 points, seven assists and five rebounds as well.
The Nets (14-12) continue their turnaround and delivered another win at home, although they had to work harder than expected to get past a struggling Hornets (7-18) team. With the win, Brooklyn improved to 9-5 at home while the Hornets fell to 3-10 on the road. Brooklyn looked good in the early going and quickly established a 38-28 score following the first quarter, and they bolstered their advantage following a 35-27 score in the second. Up by 18 points at the break, it seemed as if the Nets were going to win this game with absolute ease, but such wasn’t the case. Instead, the Hornets looked impressive in the final two quarters and won both periods, 32-23 and 31-26, respectively. Unfortunately for the Hornets, they fell short to complete the comeback and the Nets grinded out the victory in the final seconds.
Kyrie Irving led the way for the Nets with a 33-point, nine-assist effort that also included five rebounds and four blocks, while Kevin Durant recorded 29 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Nicolas Claxton was the only other starter who finished with double-digit points thanks to a 14-point, seven-rebound effort. Seth Curry finished with 20 points, five rebounds and six assists across 28 minutes off the bench.
Kelly Oubre Jr. led the way for Charlotte with 30 points and eight rebounds, while Terry Rozier notched 29 points, five assists and two boards. Mason Plumlee had a strong double-double after posting 13 points and 11 rebounds to go along with five assists, while Jalen McDaniels finished with 19 points, seven boards and three assists. P.J. Washington had 12 points, seven assists and five rebounds as well.
Knicks Rout Hawks With Dominant Effort
The New York Knicks defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 113-89, at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night.
The Knicks (12-13) are moving closer to .500 and took another step in the right direction thaknks to an impressive win here against a would-be Eastern Conference in the Hawks (13-12). With the win, the Knicks improved to 6-7 at home while the Hawks fell to 5-7 on the road. The Knicks looked impressive in the early going and established dominance as soon as the game started, racing out to a 31-20 score in the first 12 minutes and setting the tone of the contest. The Knicks never looked back, and they also won each of the other remaining quarters by scores of 22-21, 36-26 and 24-22, respectively. The Knicks were impressive on both ends of the court and posted one of their best performances of the entire campaign, while the Hawks looked a step or two slow on offense and paid a steep price for it.
Julius Randle looked impressive for the Knicks and led the team with 34 points, but he also added 17 rebounds and five assists, while Mitchell Robinson pulled down 10 boards while scoring eight points. Quentin Grimes finished with 23 points and four boards, while RJ Barrett finished with 15 points and seven rebounds. No other New York player scored in double digits. The Knicks shot 44.6 percent from the field and 47.2 percent from three-point range in the win.
Only three Atlanta players scored in double digits here, with Trae Young leading the way with 19 points, six assists and four rebounds while going 9-for-20 from the field. Clint Capela recorded a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds, and no other Atlanta started had 10 or more points. Onyeka Okongwu recorded 10 points and six boards coming off the bench. The Hawks shot 37.6 percent from the field and a meager 16.7 percent from three.
The Knicks (12-13) are moving closer to .500 and took another step in the right direction thaknks to an impressive win here against a would-be Eastern Conference in the Hawks (13-12). With the win, the Knicks improved to 6-7 at home while the Hawks fell to 5-7 on the road. The Knicks looked impressive in the early going and established dominance as soon as the game started, racing out to a 31-20 score in the first 12 minutes and setting the tone of the contest. The Knicks never looked back, and they also won each of the other remaining quarters by scores of 22-21, 36-26 and 24-22, respectively. The Knicks were impressive on both ends of the court and posted one of their best performances of the entire campaign, while the Hawks looked a step or two slow on offense and paid a steep price for it.
Julius Randle looked impressive for the Knicks and led the team with 34 points, but he also added 17 rebounds and five assists, while Mitchell Robinson pulled down 10 boards while scoring eight points. Quentin Grimes finished with 23 points and four boards, while RJ Barrett finished with 15 points and seven rebounds. No other New York player scored in double digits. The Knicks shot 44.6 percent from the field and 47.2 percent from three-point range in the win.
Only three Atlanta players scored in double digits here, with Trae Young leading the way with 19 points, six assists and four rebounds while going 9-for-20 from the field. Clint Capela recorded a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds, and no other Atlanta started had 10 or more points. Onyeka Okongwu recorded 10 points and six boards coming off the bench. The Hawks shot 37.6 percent from the field and a meager 16.7 percent from three.
Raptors Thump Short-Handed Lakers, 126-113
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 126-113, at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night.
The Lakers (10-14) checked into the contest with the odds stacked against them, as both LeBron James (ankle) and Anthony Davis (illness) were both ruled out ahead of tip-off. The Raptors (13-12) wasted no time maximizing their advantage, scoring 70 first-half points on their way to a 23-point lead at intermission. Los Angeles then turned in its best quarter of play in the third quarter and shaved a point from its deficit in the process, but that still left the visitors with an insurmountable hole.
Dennis Schroder led the Lakers with 18 points, adding five rebounds and three assists. Russell Westbrook and Thomas Bryant generated matching 16-point tallies while pulling down nine and five rebounds, respectively. Bryant also added two steals and two blocks. Kendrick Nunn furnished 15 points, two boards, one assist and three steals. Lonnie Walker turned in 12 points and three rebounds. Damian Jones and Austin Reaves posted matching 10-point efforts, with Jones adding 10 rebounds.
Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet co-led the Raptors with matching 25-point, seven-assist contributions. Siakam added 10 rebounds and two steals, while VanVleet also recorded four boards. O.G. Anunoby supplied 23 points, six boards, one assist, one steal and one block. Gary Trent Jr. netted 18 points. Chris Boucher compiled 16 points and seven rebounds. Scottie Barnes managed a 13-point, 17-rebound double-double that included four assists.
The Lakers remain on the road and visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night, while the Raptors visit the Orlando Magic on Friday night as well.
The Lakers (10-14) checked into the contest with the odds stacked against them, as both LeBron James (ankle) and Anthony Davis (illness) were both ruled out ahead of tip-off. The Raptors (13-12) wasted no time maximizing their advantage, scoring 70 first-half points on their way to a 23-point lead at intermission. Los Angeles then turned in its best quarter of play in the third quarter and shaved a point from its deficit in the process, but that still left the visitors with an insurmountable hole.
Dennis Schroder led the Lakers with 18 points, adding five rebounds and three assists. Russell Westbrook and Thomas Bryant generated matching 16-point tallies while pulling down nine and five rebounds, respectively. Bryant also added two steals and two blocks. Kendrick Nunn furnished 15 points, two boards, one assist and three steals. Lonnie Walker turned in 12 points and three rebounds. Damian Jones and Austin Reaves posted matching 10-point efforts, with Jones adding 10 rebounds.
Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet co-led the Raptors with matching 25-point, seven-assist contributions. Siakam added 10 rebounds and two steals, while VanVleet also recorded four boards. O.G. Anunoby supplied 23 points, six boards, one assist, one steal and one block. Gary Trent Jr. netted 18 points. Chris Boucher compiled 16 points and seven rebounds. Scottie Barnes managed a 13-point, 17-rebound double-double that included four assists.
The Lakers remain on the road and visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night, while the Raptors visit the Orlando Magic on Friday night as well.
Pelicans Get Past Pistons, 104-98
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Detroit Pistons, 104-98, at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday night.
The Pistons (7-19) came into the contest riding high from a shocking 20-point win over the Miami Heat in South Florida 24 hours earlier, and early on, there seemed to be no letdown. Detroit owned a 28-27 lead through one, but the Pelicans (16-8) changed the tenor of the contest in the second quarter by forging a 29-15 lead during the period to take a 13-point advantage into halftime. The visitors kept fighting by knocking seven points from their deficit in the third and remaining within striking distance all the way to the closing seconds, when a pair of Trey Murphy free throws with 7.9 seconds remaining sealed the win for New Orleans.
Saddiq Bey led the Pistons with 25 points, adding four rebounds and one steal. Killian Hayes generated a 17-point, 12-assist double-double that included six rebounds and two steals. Alec Burks supplied 14 points, two rebounds and one assist. Jalen Duren and Jaden Ivey posted matching 12-point efforts, with Duren also pulling down 13 rebounds. Isaiah Stewart collected 10 points, four boards and one assist.
Zion Williamson paced the Pelicans with a 29-point, 10-rebound double-double that included five assists, one steal and one block. Murphy registered 20 points, five rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Naji Marshall furnished 17 points, five rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double that included two assists.
The Pistons remain on the road and visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night, while the Pelicans remain home and host the Phoenix Suns on Friday night as well.
The Pistons (7-19) came into the contest riding high from a shocking 20-point win over the Miami Heat in South Florida 24 hours earlier, and early on, there seemed to be no letdown. Detroit owned a 28-27 lead through one, but the Pelicans (16-8) changed the tenor of the contest in the second quarter by forging a 29-15 lead during the period to take a 13-point advantage into halftime. The visitors kept fighting by knocking seven points from their deficit in the third and remaining within striking distance all the way to the closing seconds, when a pair of Trey Murphy free throws with 7.9 seconds remaining sealed the win for New Orleans.
Saddiq Bey led the Pistons with 25 points, adding four rebounds and one steal. Killian Hayes generated a 17-point, 12-assist double-double that included six rebounds and two steals. Alec Burks supplied 14 points, two rebounds and one assist. Jalen Duren and Jaden Ivey posted matching 12-point efforts, with Duren also pulling down 13 rebounds. Isaiah Stewart collected 10 points, four boards and one assist.
Zion Williamson paced the Pelicans with a 29-point, 10-rebound double-double that included five assists, one steal and one block. Murphy registered 20 points, five rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Naji Marshall furnished 17 points, five rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double that included two assists.
The Pistons remain on the road and visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night, while the Pelicans remain home and host the Phoenix Suns on Friday night as well.
Bulls Best Wizards, 115-111
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Washington Wizards, 115-111, at United Center on Wednesday night.
The Bulls (10-14) came into the contest with the advantage of not having to face Bradley Beal (hamstring), and the Wizards' (11-14) reduced firepower was evident during a first quarter in which they scored just 22 points. However, Washington was able to eliminate its deficit altogether during the middle quarters to take a one-point advantage into the final period, and the visitors had as much as a six-point lead with eight minutes remaining before Chicago finished on a 31-21 run over the final 7:50, including an 11-6 stretch in the final 2:48.
Kristaps Porzingis led the Wizards with 28 points, adding nine rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Kyle Kuzma supplied 21 points, five rebounds, one assist and two steals. Monte Morris delivered 17 points, eight assists, two rebounds and one block. Corey Kispert and Daniel Gafford generated matching 10-point, three-rebound tallies while also recording two and one steal, respectively. Deni Avdija provided 10 points as well while complementing them with six assists, five rebounds and four steals.
DeMar DeRozan paced the Raptors with 27 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, four assists and one block. Nikola Vucevic generated a 25-point, 11-rebound double-double that he complemented with three assists, two steals and two blocks. Zach LaVine matched Vucevic's scoring and added seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Patrick Williams registered 11 points, three rebounds and one assist.
The Wizards remain on the road and visit the Indiana Pacers on Friday night, while the Bulls remain home and welcome in the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night.
The Bulls (10-14) came into the contest with the advantage of not having to face Bradley Beal (hamstring), and the Wizards' (11-14) reduced firepower was evident during a first quarter in which they scored just 22 points. However, Washington was able to eliminate its deficit altogether during the middle quarters to take a one-point advantage into the final period, and the visitors had as much as a six-point lead with eight minutes remaining before Chicago finished on a 31-21 run over the final 7:50, including an 11-6 stretch in the final 2:48.
Kristaps Porzingis led the Wizards with 28 points, adding nine rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Kyle Kuzma supplied 21 points, five rebounds, one assist and two steals. Monte Morris delivered 17 points, eight assists, two rebounds and one block. Corey Kispert and Daniel Gafford generated matching 10-point, three-rebound tallies while also recording two and one steal, respectively. Deni Avdija provided 10 points as well while complementing them with six assists, five rebounds and four steals.
DeMar DeRozan paced the Raptors with 27 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, four assists and one block. Nikola Vucevic generated a 25-point, 11-rebound double-double that he complemented with three assists, two steals and two blocks. Zach LaVine matched Vucevic's scoring and added seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Patrick Williams registered 11 points, three rebounds and one assist.
The Wizards remain on the road and visit the Indiana Pacers on Friday night, while the Bulls remain home and welcome in the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night.
Bucks Top Kings, 126-113
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Sacramento Kings, 126-113, at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday night.
The Bucks (18-6) came into the contest with a dominant home record and proceeded to rack up 68 first-half points, but the Kings (13-10) still trailed by only seven points going into halftime. Sacramento then whittled four points from its deficit during the third period, but Milwaukee ultimately snuffed out the comeback attempt with a 29-19 advantage over the final 12 minutes.
Domantas Sabonis led the Kings with a 23-point, 12-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one steal. Harrison Barnes supplied 20 points, three boards and two assists. Malik Monk delivered 16 points, six rebounds and one assist. Keegan Murray and De'Aaron Fox posted matching 15-point tallies while recording four and two rebounds, respectively. Kevin Huerter netted 13 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with 35 points, supplementing them with seven assists, six rebounds and one steal. Jrue Holiday turned in 31 points, six assists and five rebounds. Brook Lopez posted 17 points, nine rebounds, three assists and one block. Khris Middleton tallied 14 points, six boards, six assists and one steal. Grayson Allen contributed 10 points, six rebounds and four assists.
The Kings remain on the road and visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night, while the Bucks hit the road and visit the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night as well.
The Bucks (18-6) came into the contest with a dominant home record and proceeded to rack up 68 first-half points, but the Kings (13-10) still trailed by only seven points going into halftime. Sacramento then whittled four points from its deficit during the third period, but Milwaukee ultimately snuffed out the comeback attempt with a 29-19 advantage over the final 12 minutes.
Domantas Sabonis led the Kings with a 23-point, 12-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one steal. Harrison Barnes supplied 20 points, three boards and two assists. Malik Monk delivered 16 points, six rebounds and one assist. Keegan Murray and De'Aaron Fox posted matching 15-point tallies while recording four and two rebounds, respectively. Kevin Huerter netted 13 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with 35 points, supplementing them with seven assists, six rebounds and one steal. Jrue Holiday turned in 31 points, six assists and five rebounds. Brook Lopez posted 17 points, nine rebounds, three assists and one block. Khris Middleton tallied 14 points, six boards, six assists and one steal. Grayson Allen contributed 10 points, six rebounds and four assists.
The Kings remain on the road and visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night, while the Bucks hit the road and visit the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night as well.
T'Wolves Defeat Pacers, 121-115
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Indiana Pacers, 121-115, at Target Center on Wednesday.
While Minnesota got out to a 35-17 lead after the first quarter, this game stayed close throughout. It was actually tied at 115-115 with 53 seconds remaining, but Minnesota scored six unanswered points to grab their win. There were six ties in total, with the T'Wolves leading by 23 points at times. Minnesota shot 25-of-27 from the free-throw line, while Indiana connected on just 18-of-24. In addition, the Timberwolves out-rebounded the Pacers, 62-37, while outscoring them in the paint, 64-36.
The Pacers (13-12) were led by Buddy Hield, totaling 26 points and three rebounds. Tyrese Haliburton tallied 26 points, two rebounds, 15 assists and three steals. Myles Turner amassed 23 points, eight rebounds and four blocks, while Benedict Mathurin led the bench with 14 points and five rebounds. No other player had more than nine points, four rebounds or three assists.
The Timberwolves (12-12) were led by D'Angelo Russell, collecting 28 points and four assists. Anthony Edwards accrued 26 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and six steals. Rudy Gobert generated 16 points, 20 rebounds, three steals and two blocks, while Jaylen Nowell led the bench with 14 points, four rebounds and four assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Minnesota traveling to face the Utah Jazz and Indiana returning home to play the Washington Wizards.
While Minnesota got out to a 35-17 lead after the first quarter, this game stayed close throughout. It was actually tied at 115-115 with 53 seconds remaining, but Minnesota scored six unanswered points to grab their win. There were six ties in total, with the T'Wolves leading by 23 points at times. Minnesota shot 25-of-27 from the free-throw line, while Indiana connected on just 18-of-24. In addition, the Timberwolves out-rebounded the Pacers, 62-37, while outscoring them in the paint, 64-36.
The Pacers (13-12) were led by Buddy Hield, totaling 26 points and three rebounds. Tyrese Haliburton tallied 26 points, two rebounds, 15 assists and three steals. Myles Turner amassed 23 points, eight rebounds and four blocks, while Benedict Mathurin led the bench with 14 points and five rebounds. No other player had more than nine points, four rebounds or three assists.
The Timberwolves (12-12) were led by D'Angelo Russell, collecting 28 points and four assists. Anthony Edwards accrued 26 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and six steals. Rudy Gobert generated 16 points, 20 rebounds, three steals and two blocks, while Jaylen Nowell led the bench with 14 points, four rebounds and four assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Minnesota traveling to face the Utah Jazz and Indiana returning home to play the Washington Wizards.
Grizzlies Defeat Thunder, 123-102
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 123-102, at FedEx Forum on Wednesday.
There were only four ties and six lead changes in this game, with Memphis winning all four individual quarters. A 29-15 fourth quarter carried them to this blowout, getting their lead up to 23 points at times. The Grizzlies ended up shooting 51 percent from the field while holding the Thunder to 37 percent shooting. In addition, Memphis had 31 assists to 14 turnovers, while Oklahoma City had 25 assists to 18 turnovers. They also outscored the Thunder in fastbreak points, 18-9, and in the paint, 62-38.
The Thunder (11-14) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, collecting 26 points, three rebounds and seven assists. Aleksej Pokusevski amassed 10 points, two rebounds, and four assists. Josh Giddey generated 10 points, 10 rebounds and four assists, while Terrence Mann led the bench with 12 points and two rebounds.
The Grizzlies (16-9) were led by Ja Morant, tallying 26 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists and two steals. Dillon Brooks totaled 24 points, three rebounds and two assists. Jaren Jackson Jr finished with 12 points, three rebounds, two steals and five blocks. Brandon Clarke led the bench with 17 points and eight rebounds, while Santi Aldama accrued 14 points, five rebounds and three assists.
On deck for Memphis is a home matchup with the Detroit Pistons on Friday. As for Oklahoma City, they return to action on Saturday in a road matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
There were only four ties and six lead changes in this game, with Memphis winning all four individual quarters. A 29-15 fourth quarter carried them to this blowout, getting their lead up to 23 points at times. The Grizzlies ended up shooting 51 percent from the field while holding the Thunder to 37 percent shooting. In addition, Memphis had 31 assists to 14 turnovers, while Oklahoma City had 25 assists to 18 turnovers. They also outscored the Thunder in fastbreak points, 18-9, and in the paint, 62-38.
The Thunder (11-14) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, collecting 26 points, three rebounds and seven assists. Aleksej Pokusevski amassed 10 points, two rebounds, and four assists. Josh Giddey generated 10 points, 10 rebounds and four assists, while Terrence Mann led the bench with 12 points and two rebounds.
The Grizzlies (16-9) were led by Ja Morant, tallying 26 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists and two steals. Dillon Brooks totaled 24 points, three rebounds and two assists. Jaren Jackson Jr finished with 12 points, three rebounds, two steals and five blocks. Brandon Clarke led the bench with 17 points and eight rebounds, while Santi Aldama accrued 14 points, five rebounds and three assists.
On deck for Memphis is a home matchup with the Detroit Pistons on Friday. As for Oklahoma City, they return to action on Saturday in a road matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Jazz Defeat Warriors, 124-123
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Golden State Warriors, 124-123, at Vivint Arena on Wednesday.
There were 10 ties and six lead changes in this game, with Utah scoring the final five points in the closing 7.8 seconds to prevail. The Warriors had two turnovers and two missed free throws in the closing 20 seconds, with Utah hitting a fastbreak lay-up off a turnover with 1.4 seconds left to take a 124-123 lead. The Jazz shot 54 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while holding the Warriors to 46 percent from the field and 33 percent from long range. Utah also outscored Golden State in the paint, 60-50.
The Warriors (13-13) were led by Jordan Poole, providing 36 points, four rebounds and eight assists. Klay Thompson collected 22 points, two rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Jonathan Kuminga led the bench with 24 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Donte DiVincenzo amassed seven points, nine rebounds, seven assists and three steals.
The Jazz (15-12) were led by Jordan Clarkson, collecting 22 points, four rebounds and nine assists before an ejection in the final minute. Malik Beasley totaled 18 points and three rebounds. Collin Sexton departed with a hamstring injury but still finished with 17 points and three assists. Walker Kessler compiled 10 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks, while Simone Fontecchio led the bench with 18 points. He also hit that game-winning lay-up.
On deck for Utah is a home matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. As for Golden State, they return to action on Saturday when they play host to the Boston Celtics.
There were 10 ties and six lead changes in this game, with Utah scoring the final five points in the closing 7.8 seconds to prevail. The Warriors had two turnovers and two missed free throws in the closing 20 seconds, with Utah hitting a fastbreak lay-up off a turnover with 1.4 seconds left to take a 124-123 lead. The Jazz shot 54 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while holding the Warriors to 46 percent from the field and 33 percent from long range. Utah also outscored Golden State in the paint, 60-50.
The Warriors (13-13) were led by Jordan Poole, providing 36 points, four rebounds and eight assists. Klay Thompson collected 22 points, two rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Jonathan Kuminga led the bench with 24 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Donte DiVincenzo amassed seven points, nine rebounds, seven assists and three steals.
The Jazz (15-12) were led by Jordan Clarkson, collecting 22 points, four rebounds and nine assists before an ejection in the final minute. Malik Beasley totaled 18 points and three rebounds. Collin Sexton departed with a hamstring injury but still finished with 17 points and three assists. Walker Kessler compiled 10 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks, while Simone Fontecchio led the bench with 18 points. He also hit that game-winning lay-up.
On deck for Utah is a home matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. As for Golden State, they return to action on Saturday when they play host to the Boston Celtics.
Celtics Smash Suns, 125-98
The Boston Celtics defeated the host Phoenix Suns, 125-98, at Footprint Center on Wednesday.
While there were nine lead changes in the opening eight minutes, Boston won each of the first three quarters by double-digit margins. They led by 45 points at times in their blowout win, leading by at least 25 points for the entirety of the second half. The Celtics shot 49 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range while holding the Suns to 40 percent from the field and 25 percent from long range. Boston out-assisted Phoenix, 29-19. They also had 14 steals, while the Suns had just five steals.
The Celtics (21-5) were led by Jaylen Brown, collecting 25 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Jayson Tatum tallied 25 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Grant Williams amassed 14 points and six rebounds, while Marcus Smart collected four points, four rebounds, six assists and four steals. Malcolm Brogdon led the bench with 16 points, three rebounds and five assists.
The Suns (16-9) were led by Devin Booker, finishing with 17 points, five rebounds and three assists. Torrey Craig totaled 11 points and three boards. Deandre Ayton accrued eight points, seven rebounds and two assists, while Chris Paul compiled four points, four rebounds and four assists. Josh Okogie led the bench with 28 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
On deck for Phoenix is a road matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. As for Boston, they return to action on Saturday in a road meeting with the Golden State Warriors.
While there were nine lead changes in the opening eight minutes, Boston won each of the first three quarters by double-digit margins. They led by 45 points at times in their blowout win, leading by at least 25 points for the entirety of the second half. The Celtics shot 49 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range while holding the Suns to 40 percent from the field and 25 percent from long range. Boston out-assisted Phoenix, 29-19. They also had 14 steals, while the Suns had just five steals.
The Celtics (21-5) were led by Jaylen Brown, collecting 25 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Jayson Tatum tallied 25 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Grant Williams amassed 14 points and six rebounds, while Marcus Smart collected four points, four rebounds, six assists and four steals. Malcolm Brogdon led the bench with 16 points, three rebounds and five assists.
The Suns (16-9) were led by Devin Booker, finishing with 17 points, five rebounds and three assists. Torrey Craig totaled 11 points and three boards. Deandre Ayton accrued eight points, seven rebounds and two assists, while Chris Paul compiled four points, four rebounds and four assists. Josh Okogie led the bench with 28 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
On deck for Phoenix is a road matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. As for Boston, they return to action on Saturday in a road meeting with the Golden State Warriors.