Spurs Win Second Straight, Top Heat
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Miami Heat, 115-111, at FTX Arena on Saturday.
The Spurs (8-18) had to work quite hard and had to bounce back from an early start, but they managed to secure the victory against the Heat (12-15) despite playing on rival court. Miami looked good in the early going and raced out to a 29-25 lead in the first quarter, but the Spurs bounced back and secure the halftime advantage by posting a 34-28 score in the second quarter. The third quarter ended with a 27-27 tie, and while the Heat work quite hard in the final minutes, ultimately the Spurs closed the game out with a 24-27 score in the fourth quarter. With the win, the Spurs moved to 4-8 on the road while the Heat fell to 9-6 at home.
Kelvin Johnson led the way for the Spurs with 21 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Romeo Langford finished with 19 points and six rebounds. Zach Collins delivered 16 points and eight rebounds, while Tre Jones ended with 10 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals. Devin Vassell had 18 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals off the bench. Doug McDermott recorded 13 points and five assists.
Jimmy Butler had 30 points and four assists for the Heat, while Tyler Herro ended with 23 points, five rebounds and five assists. Bam Adebayo had 12 points, nine rebounds and four assists, while Kyle Lowry ended with 12 points, seven assists, three rebounds and two steals. Caleb Martin had 14 points, and Victor Oladipo ended with 11 points, three rebounds and three assists.
The Spurs (8-18) had to work quite hard and had to bounce back from an early start, but they managed to secure the victory against the Heat (12-15) despite playing on rival court. Miami looked good in the early going and raced out to a 29-25 lead in the first quarter, but the Spurs bounced back and secure the halftime advantage by posting a 34-28 score in the second quarter. The third quarter ended with a 27-27 tie, and while the Heat work quite hard in the final minutes, ultimately the Spurs closed the game out with a 24-27 score in the fourth quarter. With the win, the Spurs moved to 4-8 on the road while the Heat fell to 9-6 at home.
Kelvin Johnson led the way for the Spurs with 21 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Romeo Langford finished with 19 points and six rebounds. Zach Collins delivered 16 points and eight rebounds, while Tre Jones ended with 10 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals. Devin Vassell had 18 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals off the bench. Doug McDermott recorded 13 points and five assists.
Jimmy Butler had 30 points and four assists for the Heat, while Tyler Herro ended with 23 points, five rebounds and five assists. Bam Adebayo had 12 points, nine rebounds and four assists, while Kyle Lowry ended with 12 points, seven assists, three rebounds and two steals. Caleb Martin had 14 points, and Victor Oladipo ended with 11 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Nets Defeat Pacers, 136-133
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the host Indiana Pacers, 136-133, at Gainbridge Life Fieldhouse on Saturday.
While Brooklyn played without eight players and their whole starting lineup, they were able to grab this upset win in Indiana. They rode a 41-33 fourth quarter to their comeback win, finishing the game on a 26-16 run over the closing 6:28. The Nets ended up winning the rebounding battle, 59-30, while out-rebounding the Pacers on the offensive end, 29-7. Brooklyn also outscored Indiana in the paint, 72-42, and in second-chance points, 37-12. Both clubs shot over 50 percent from the field, taking 10 ties and 11 lead changes to determine a winner.
The Pacers (14-13) were led by Tyrese Haliburton, tallying 35 points, nine assists and three steals on 12-of-15 from the field. Buddy Hield had 17 points, four rebounds and two assists. Myles Turner generated 16 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Oshae Brissett led the bench with 14 points and three boards. Benedict Mathurin accrued 13 points, seven rebounds and three assists off the bench as well.
The Nets (16-12) were led by Cam Thomas, providing 33 points and three rebounds off the bench. Patty Mills led the starters with 24 points, six rebounds and six assists. Edmond Sumner amassed 21 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Day'Ron Sharpe totaled 20 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks. Markieff Morris finished with 15 points, 11 rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Indiana remaining home to play the Miami Heat and Brooklyn staying on the road to face the Washington Wizards.
While Brooklyn played without eight players and their whole starting lineup, they were able to grab this upset win in Indiana. They rode a 41-33 fourth quarter to their comeback win, finishing the game on a 26-16 run over the closing 6:28. The Nets ended up winning the rebounding battle, 59-30, while out-rebounding the Pacers on the offensive end, 29-7. Brooklyn also outscored Indiana in the paint, 72-42, and in second-chance points, 37-12. Both clubs shot over 50 percent from the field, taking 10 ties and 11 lead changes to determine a winner.
The Pacers (14-13) were led by Tyrese Haliburton, tallying 35 points, nine assists and three steals on 12-of-15 from the field. Buddy Hield had 17 points, four rebounds and two assists. Myles Turner generated 16 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Oshae Brissett led the bench with 14 points and three boards. Benedict Mathurin accrued 13 points, seven rebounds and three assists off the bench as well.
The Nets (16-12) were led by Cam Thomas, providing 33 points and three rebounds off the bench. Patty Mills led the starters with 24 points, six rebounds and six assists. Edmond Sumner amassed 21 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Day'Ron Sharpe totaled 20 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks. Markieff Morris finished with 15 points, 11 rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Indiana remaining home to play the Miami Heat and Brooklyn staying on the road to face the Washington Wizards.
Clippers End Two-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the host Washington Wizards, 114-107, at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday evening.
The game got out to a tight start as the Wizards led 29-28 after one quarter. The hosts kept up the pressure and extended their lead to three points at the break. The Clippers came out stronger in the fourth and rallied to take a two-point lead heading into the final frame. The visitors kept up the fight in the fourth and took control down the stretch to close out the road win and end a two-game slide. This marks the sixth straight loss for the Wizards.
Paul George led the Clippers with 36 points, eight rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks, in 40 minutes. Marcus Morris followed up with 19 points, five rebounds, a steal and a block, while Nicolas Batum added 12 points, six rebounds and two blocks. The Clippers shot 42 percent from the field, including 19-of-48 from deep.
Meanwhile, Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 35 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and a block, in 38 minutes. Kristaps Porzingis followed up with 30 points, 1t rebounds, six assists and two blocks, while Jordan Goodwin tallied 17 points, four rebounds, six assists and six steals. The Wizards shot 43 percent from the field, including 16-of-34 from long range.
The Wizards (11-16) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nets on Monday. The Clippers (15-13) play host to the Celtics on Monday.
The game got out to a tight start as the Wizards led 29-28 after one quarter. The hosts kept up the pressure and extended their lead to three points at the break. The Clippers came out stronger in the fourth and rallied to take a two-point lead heading into the final frame. The visitors kept up the fight in the fourth and took control down the stretch to close out the road win and end a two-game slide. This marks the sixth straight loss for the Wizards.
Paul George led the Clippers with 36 points, eight rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks, in 40 minutes. Marcus Morris followed up with 19 points, five rebounds, a steal and a block, while Nicolas Batum added 12 points, six rebounds and two blocks. The Clippers shot 42 percent from the field, including 19-of-48 from deep.
Meanwhile, Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 35 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and a block, in 38 minutes. Kristaps Porzingis followed up with 30 points, 1t rebounds, six assists and two blocks, while Jordan Goodwin tallied 17 points, four rebounds, six assists and six steals. The Wizards shot 43 percent from the field, including 16-of-34 from long range.
The Wizards (11-16) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nets on Monday. The Clippers (15-13) play host to the Celtics on Monday.
Cavs Hold Off Thunder In Cleveland
By Dan Bruno
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the visitng Oklahoma City Thunder, 110-102, at Rocket Mortgage Fielhouse on Saturday.
The Cavs got out to a strong start and led 28-22 after one quarter. They maintained control in the second and added another seven points to their advantage, making it a 13-point game at the break. The Thunder came out stronger in the third and trimmed it to a 10-point game heading into the fourth, but the hosts stayed strong in crunch time and closed out the win. This marks the second straight loss for the Thunder.
Caris LeVert led the Cavs woth 22 points, four rebounds and four assists, in 37 minutes. Evan Mobley totaled 21 points, 12 rebounds and three assists, while Jarrett Allen finished with 21 points, 11 rebounds, a steal and a block. The Cavs shot 47 percent from the field, including 12-of-32 from deep.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 23 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals. Josh Giddey followed up with 17 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block, while Aleksej Pokusevski logged 16 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. The Thunder shot 45 percent from the field, including 10-of-29 from long range.
The Thunder (11-15) will look to bounce back as they face the Mavericks in Dallas on Monday. The Cavs (17-10) take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Mondsy.
The Cavs got out to a strong start and led 28-22 after one quarter. They maintained control in the second and added another seven points to their advantage, making it a 13-point game at the break. The Thunder came out stronger in the third and trimmed it to a 10-point game heading into the fourth, but the hosts stayed strong in crunch time and closed out the win. This marks the second straight loss for the Thunder.
Caris LeVert led the Cavs woth 22 points, four rebounds and four assists, in 37 minutes. Evan Mobley totaled 21 points, 12 rebounds and three assists, while Jarrett Allen finished with 21 points, 11 rebounds, a steal and a block. The Cavs shot 47 percent from the field, including 12-of-32 from deep.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 23 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals. Josh Giddey followed up with 17 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block, while Aleksej Pokusevski logged 16 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. The Thunder shot 45 percent from the field, including 10-of-29 from long range.
The Thunder (11-15) will look to bounce back as they face the Mavericks in Dallas on Monday. The Cavs (17-10) take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Mondsy.
Bulls Roll Past Mavs
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls defeated the visiting Dallas Mavericks, 144-115, at United Center on Saturday.
The Bulls jumped out to a great start with a 40-30 lead after one quarter. They doubled down in the second, outscoring the visitors 42-23 in the quarter to take a 29-point cushion into the break. The Mavs came out better in the third but could only trim the deficit by one. They made an effort in the fourth, but it was too little, too late, as the Bulls closed out their second straight win. This marks the second straight loss for the Mavericks.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 28 points, nine rebounds and five assists, in 31 minutes. Nikola Vucevic followed up with 20 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal, while Ayo Dosunmu added 17 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Bulls shot 63 percent from the field, including 19-of-34 from deep.
Spencer Dinwiddie led the Mavs with 27 points, four rebounds, nine assists and a steal, in 29 minutes. Christian Wood followed up with 21 points, nine rebounds, two assists and a block, while JaVale McGee totaled 18 points and four rebounds. The Mavs shot 45 percent from the field, including 11-of-24 from long range.
The Mavs (13-13) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Thunder on Monday. The Bulls (11-14) take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Sunday.
The Bulls jumped out to a great start with a 40-30 lead after one quarter. They doubled down in the second, outscoring the visitors 42-23 in the quarter to take a 29-point cushion into the break. The Mavs came out better in the third but could only trim the deficit by one. They made an effort in the fourth, but it was too little, too late, as the Bulls closed out their second straight win. This marks the second straight loss for the Mavericks.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 28 points, nine rebounds and five assists, in 31 minutes. Nikola Vucevic followed up with 20 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal, while Ayo Dosunmu added 17 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Bulls shot 63 percent from the field, including 19-of-34 from deep.
Spencer Dinwiddie led the Mavs with 27 points, four rebounds, nine assists and a steal, in 29 minutes. Christian Wood followed up with 21 points, nine rebounds, two assists and a block, while JaVale McGee totaled 18 points and four rebounds. The Mavs shot 45 percent from the field, including 11-of-24 from long range.
The Mavs (13-13) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Thunder on Monday. The Bulls (11-14) take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Sunday.
Warriors Defeat Celtics, 123-107
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Boston Celtics, 123-107, at Chase Center on Saturday.
A 33-25 first quarter set the foundation for Golden State in this blowout win, riding a 55-44 second half to their victory. They got their lead up to 20 points at times, maintaining the lead for the final three quarters. The Warriors shot 51 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range while holding the Celtics to 44 percent from the field and 30 percent from long range. Golden State also out-assisted Boston, 26-17, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 23-7.
The Celtics (21-6) were led by Jaylen Brown, tallying 31 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Jayson Tatum totaled 18 points, seven rebounds, two assists and three steals. Blake Griffin generated 13 points and seven boards, while Marcus Smart collected 13 points, four rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks. Malcolm Brogdon led the bench with 16 points, five rebounds and four assists.
The Warriors (14-13) were led by Klay Thompson, compiling 34 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Stephen Curry accrued 32 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Jordan Poole provided 20 points, three rebounds and four assists, while Kevon Looney finished with seven points, 15 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Jonathan Kuminga led the bench with 14 points, five rebounds and three assists.
On deck for Boston is a road game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday. As for Golden State, they return to action on Tuesday in a road matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks.
A 33-25 first quarter set the foundation for Golden State in this blowout win, riding a 55-44 second half to their victory. They got their lead up to 20 points at times, maintaining the lead for the final three quarters. The Warriors shot 51 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range while holding the Celtics to 44 percent from the field and 30 percent from long range. Golden State also out-assisted Boston, 26-17, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 23-7.
The Celtics (21-6) were led by Jaylen Brown, tallying 31 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Jayson Tatum totaled 18 points, seven rebounds, two assists and three steals. Blake Griffin generated 13 points and seven boards, while Marcus Smart collected 13 points, four rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks. Malcolm Brogdon led the bench with 16 points, five rebounds and four assists.
The Warriors (14-13) were led by Klay Thompson, compiling 34 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Stephen Curry accrued 32 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Jordan Poole provided 20 points, three rebounds and four assists, while Kevon Looney finished with seven points, 15 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Jonathan Kuminga led the bench with 14 points, five rebounds and three assists.
On deck for Boston is a road game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday. As for Golden State, they return to action on Tuesday in a road matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Nuggets Defeat Jazz, 115-110
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 115-110, at Ball Arena on Saturday.
While Utah played without five key players, there were seven ties and 10 lead changes in this close-fought battle. Neither team led by more than 11 points, with Denver finishing on a 5-0 run across the closing 80 seconds to prevail. Utah missed their final four shots in that span. The Nuggets shot 55 percent from the field while holding the Jazz below 46 percent shooting. Denver also had 28 assists to eight turnovers, while Utah had 20 assists to 13 turnovers. The Nugs also outscored the Jazz in the paint, 66-44.
The Jazz (15-14) were led by Nickeil Alexander-Walker, collecting 27 points, three rebounds and two assists. Malik Beasley amassed 19 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Talen Horton-Tucker tallied 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks, while Kelly Olynyk totaled 18 points, nine rebounds and three assists.
The Nuggets (16-10) were led by Nikola Jokic, accruing 31 points, 12 rebounds, 15 assists and four blocks. Jamal Murray generated 30 points, four rebounds and five assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope provided 17 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Aaron Gordon finished with 15 points and two steals. All of those guys shot above 50 percent from the field.
On deck for Utah is a home matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday. As for Denver, they return to action on Wednesday in a home meeting with the Washington Wizards.
While Utah played without five key players, there were seven ties and 10 lead changes in this close-fought battle. Neither team led by more than 11 points, with Denver finishing on a 5-0 run across the closing 80 seconds to prevail. Utah missed their final four shots in that span. The Nuggets shot 55 percent from the field while holding the Jazz below 46 percent shooting. Denver also had 28 assists to eight turnovers, while Utah had 20 assists to 13 turnovers. The Nugs also outscored the Jazz in the paint, 66-44.
The Jazz (15-14) were led by Nickeil Alexander-Walker, collecting 27 points, three rebounds and two assists. Malik Beasley amassed 19 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Talen Horton-Tucker tallied 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks, while Kelly Olynyk totaled 18 points, nine rebounds and three assists.
The Nuggets (16-10) were led by Nikola Jokic, accruing 31 points, 12 rebounds, 15 assists and four blocks. Jamal Murray generated 30 points, four rebounds and five assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope provided 17 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Aaron Gordon finished with 15 points and two steals. All of those guys shot above 50 percent from the field.
On deck for Utah is a home matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday. As for Denver, they return to action on Wednesday in a home meeting with the Washington Wizards.
Trail Blazers Defeat T'Wolves, 124-118
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 124-118, at Moda Center on Saturday.
There were 12 ties and 14 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 10 points. That was Minnesota midway through the third quarter, but Portland rode a 59-52 second half to their comeback victory. That allowed the Blazers to maintain the lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. Portland ended up shooting 25-of-28 from the free-throw line, while Minnesota connected on just 18-of-24. In addition, the Blazers out-rebounded the Timberwolves, 51-36, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 22-4.
The Timberwolves (13-13) were led by Anthony Edwards, accruing 26 points, six rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Rudy Gobert generated 24 points, nine rebounds, two assists and four steals. D'Angelo Russell registered 24 points, three assists and three steals. Kyle Anderson collected 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
The Trail Blazers (14-12) were led by Damian Lillard, tallying 36 points, three rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Anfernee Simons amassed 31 points and three rebounds. Jerami Grant finished with 17 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while Josh Hart had 11 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Jusuf Nurkic also accumulated eight points, 15 rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
These teams will have a rematch on Tuesday for their next outing.
There were 12 ties and 14 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 10 points. That was Minnesota midway through the third quarter, but Portland rode a 59-52 second half to their comeback victory. That allowed the Blazers to maintain the lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. Portland ended up shooting 25-of-28 from the free-throw line, while Minnesota connected on just 18-of-24. In addition, the Blazers out-rebounded the Timberwolves, 51-36, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 22-4.
The Timberwolves (13-13) were led by Anthony Edwards, accruing 26 points, six rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Rudy Gobert generated 24 points, nine rebounds, two assists and four steals. D'Angelo Russell registered 24 points, three assists and three steals. Kyle Anderson collected 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
The Trail Blazers (14-12) were led by Damian Lillard, tallying 36 points, three rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Anfernee Simons amassed 31 points and three rebounds. Jerami Grant finished with 17 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while Josh Hart had 11 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Jusuf Nurkic also accumulated eight points, 15 rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
These teams will have a rematch on Tuesday for their next outing.