Wizards Defeat Pistons With Ease
The Washington Wizards defeated the Detroit Pistons, 117-97, at Capital One Arena on Tuesday.
The Wizards (32-37) delivered a dominant performance and didn’t have problems getting past the Pistons (16-54) at home. Washington didn’t waste time to establish their terms and raced out to a 38-20 lead in the opening 12 minutes. Even though the Pistons put up a fight and won the second quarter by just two points (25-23), they didn’t look as if they were ready to mount a comeback. The Wizards closed things out in the third quarter with a 33-27 score, meaning the final 12 minutes were nothing more than garbage time. The Pistons won the final quarter by two points, but the Wizards cruised their way to victory with ease. The Wizards moved to 16-17 at home with the win, while the Pistons fell to 7-27 on the road.
Bradley Beal led the way for the Wizards with 36 points, six rebounds, seven assists and two steals across 33 minutes. Kristaps Porzingis recorded 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists, three steals and four blocks. Corey Kispert had 16 points and two boards. Monte Morris notched 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Deni Avdija delivered 13 points and six rebounds off the bench. Washington shot 51.8 percent from the field.
Killian Hayes led the way for the Pistons with 20 points, seven assists, three rebounds and three steals. Rodney McGruder delivered 16 points and six rebounds as a starter. James Wiseman had a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double. Corey Joseph recorded 12 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals off the bench. Jalen Duren had nine points. The Pistons shot 38.4 percent from the field.
The Wizards (32-37) delivered a dominant performance and didn’t have problems getting past the Pistons (16-54) at home. Washington didn’t waste time to establish their terms and raced out to a 38-20 lead in the opening 12 minutes. Even though the Pistons put up a fight and won the second quarter by just two points (25-23), they didn’t look as if they were ready to mount a comeback. The Wizards closed things out in the third quarter with a 33-27 score, meaning the final 12 minutes were nothing more than garbage time. The Pistons won the final quarter by two points, but the Wizards cruised their way to victory with ease. The Wizards moved to 16-17 at home with the win, while the Pistons fell to 7-27 on the road.
Bradley Beal led the way for the Wizards with 36 points, six rebounds, seven assists and two steals across 33 minutes. Kristaps Porzingis recorded 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists, three steals and four blocks. Corey Kispert had 16 points and two boards. Monte Morris notched 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Deni Avdija delivered 13 points and six rebounds off the bench. Washington shot 51.8 percent from the field.
Killian Hayes led the way for the Pistons with 20 points, seven assists, three rebounds and three steals. Rodney McGruder delivered 16 points and six rebounds as a starter. James Wiseman had a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double. Corey Joseph recorded 12 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals off the bench. Jalen Duren had nine points. The Pistons shot 38.4 percent from the field.
Cavaliers Dominate To Defeat Hornets
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 120-104, at Spectrum Center on Tuesday.
The Cavaliers (44-27) used a strong start and didn’t have problems to defeat the Hornets (22-49) despite playing on the road. The Cavaliers jumped out to a 30-27 score in the first quarter and bolstered that lead to a double-digit advantage following a 33-21 score in the second 12 minutes of action. Cleveland didn’t step the foot off the gas in the second half and kept building that lead following a 35-28 score in the third quarter. The Hornets won the final 12 minutes with a 28-22 score, but that was not enough to mount a comeback in a game that was decided by the time the second half started. The Cavaliers moved to 16-20 on the road with the win, while the Hornets fell to 11-23 at home.
Evan Mobley was the leading scorer for the Cavaliers with 26 points, six rebounds and two assists. Darius Garland posted 19 points, seven assists and three rebounds, and Caris LeVert finished with 22 points, seven assists, four rebounds and four steals. Lamar Stevens notched 11 points and four boards. Cedi Osman recorded 24 points while adding two boards and three assists. Ricky Rubio notched 11 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Kelly Oubre Jr. had 28 points and six rebounds to lead the Hornets. Terry Rozier posted 22 points and 10 assists while adding three rebounds. Gordon Hayward had 10 points, six assists and three boards. P.J. Washington had nine points and five rebounds. JT Thor had 11 points off the bench.
The Cavaliers (44-27) used a strong start and didn’t have problems to defeat the Hornets (22-49) despite playing on the road. The Cavaliers jumped out to a 30-27 score in the first quarter and bolstered that lead to a double-digit advantage following a 33-21 score in the second 12 minutes of action. Cleveland didn’t step the foot off the gas in the second half and kept building that lead following a 35-28 score in the third quarter. The Hornets won the final 12 minutes with a 28-22 score, but that was not enough to mount a comeback in a game that was decided by the time the second half started. The Cavaliers moved to 16-20 on the road with the win, while the Hornets fell to 11-23 at home.
Evan Mobley was the leading scorer for the Cavaliers with 26 points, six rebounds and two assists. Darius Garland posted 19 points, seven assists and three rebounds, and Caris LeVert finished with 22 points, seven assists, four rebounds and four steals. Lamar Stevens notched 11 points and four boards. Cedi Osman recorded 24 points while adding two boards and three assists. Ricky Rubio notched 11 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Kelly Oubre Jr. had 28 points and six rebounds to lead the Hornets. Terry Rozier posted 22 points and 10 assists while adding three rebounds. Gordon Hayward had 10 points, six assists and three boards. P.J. Washington had nine points and five rebounds. JT Thor had 11 points off the bench.
Raptors Throttle Nuggets, 125-110
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Denver Nuggets, 125-110, at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday night.
The Raptors (33-36) came into the contest with a rather bleak outlook considering their three consecutive losses and the matchup, but they set a dominant tone right out of the gate. Toronto racked up a jaw-dropping 49 first-quarter points and still owned a six-point lead heading into the final period despite the Nuggets (46-23) compiling 62 points over the middle quarters. However, Toronto ensured they'd emerge with a much-needed victory with a 27-18 advantage over the last 12 minutes.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 28 points, adding eight rebounds, seven assists and one steal. Michael Porter supplied 23 points, six boards, two assists and two steals. Aaron Gordon posted 18 points, three assists, one rebound, two steals and one block. Jamal Murray registered 14 points, nine assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Bruce Brown registered 12 points, four rebounds and one assist.
Fred VanVleet paced the Raptors with 36 points, supplementing them with seven assists, three rebounds and three steals. O.G. Anunoby totaled 24 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Scottie Barnes delivered 18 points, seven boards, five assists and one steal. Jakob Poeltl generated a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double that included five assists, two blocks and one steal. Pascal Siakam finished with 12 points as well while adding eight rebounds, four assists and one steal. Gary Trent Jr. netted 11 points.
The Nuggets remain on the road and visit the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night, while the Raptors remain home and take on the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night as well.
The Raptors (33-36) came into the contest with a rather bleak outlook considering their three consecutive losses and the matchup, but they set a dominant tone right out of the gate. Toronto racked up a jaw-dropping 49 first-quarter points and still owned a six-point lead heading into the final period despite the Nuggets (46-23) compiling 62 points over the middle quarters. However, Toronto ensured they'd emerge with a much-needed victory with a 27-18 advantage over the last 12 minutes.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 28 points, adding eight rebounds, seven assists and one steal. Michael Porter supplied 23 points, six boards, two assists and two steals. Aaron Gordon posted 18 points, three assists, one rebound, two steals and one block. Jamal Murray registered 14 points, nine assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Bruce Brown registered 12 points, four rebounds and one assist.
Fred VanVleet paced the Raptors with 36 points, supplementing them with seven assists, three rebounds and three steals. O.G. Anunoby totaled 24 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Scottie Barnes delivered 18 points, seven boards, five assists and one steal. Jakob Poeltl generated a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double that included five assists, two blocks and one steal. Pascal Siakam finished with 12 points as well while adding eight rebounds, four assists and one steal. Gary Trent Jr. netted 11 points.
The Nuggets remain on the road and visit the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night, while the Raptors remain home and take on the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night as well.
Lakers Thump Pelicans, 123-108
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 123-108, at Smoothie King Center on Tuesday night.
The Lakers (34-35) checked into the game trying to jump back into the win column after seeing a three-game victory streak snapped the last time out, and their first-half performance indicated they were up for the task. Los Angeles exploded for 75 points on the strength of 15 three-pointers over the first 24 minutes, leading to a massive 35-point halftime lead over the Pelicans (33-36). That made the second half a mere formality, even with New Orleans making the final margin of defeat a bit more palatable with a much better second-half effort.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with a 35-point, 17-rebound double-double that included one assist. Malik Beasley supplied 24 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. D'Angelo Russell furnished 17 points, five boards, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Austin Reaves registered 14 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal. Rui Hachimura poured in 12 points.
Brandon Ingram paced the Pelicans with 22 points, complementing them with six rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block. Herbert Jones and Trey Murphy generated matching 20-point contributions, with Jones also recording seven rebounds and Murphy tallying three steals. C.J. McCollum totaled 13 points, nine assists and three rebounds. Jonas Valanciunas managed 10 points, six rebounds and one block.
The Lakers remain on the road and visit the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night, while the Pelicans visit the Rockets as well on Friday night.
The Lakers (34-35) checked into the game trying to jump back into the win column after seeing a three-game victory streak snapped the last time out, and their first-half performance indicated they were up for the task. Los Angeles exploded for 75 points on the strength of 15 three-pointers over the first 24 minutes, leading to a massive 35-point halftime lead over the Pelicans (33-36). That made the second half a mere formality, even with New Orleans making the final margin of defeat a bit more palatable with a much better second-half effort.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with a 35-point, 17-rebound double-double that included one assist. Malik Beasley supplied 24 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. D'Angelo Russell furnished 17 points, five boards, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Austin Reaves registered 14 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal. Rui Hachimura poured in 12 points.
Brandon Ingram paced the Pelicans with 22 points, complementing them with six rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block. Herbert Jones and Trey Murphy generated matching 20-point contributions, with Jones also recording seven rebounds and Murphy tallying three steals. C.J. McCollum totaled 13 points, nine assists and three rebounds. Jonas Valanciunas managed 10 points, six rebounds and one block.
The Lakers remain on the road and visit the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night, while the Pelicans visit the Rockets as well on Friday night.
Spurs Confident In Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 132-114, at AT-and-T Center on Tuesday evening.
The Spurs got out to a strong start with a nine-point lead after one quarter. They stayed in front through the second, but the Magic cut it to a six-point game by halftime. The hosts came out strong again in the third and charged to a 17-point advantage, but the Magic managed to bring it back to a nine-point deficit heading into the final frame. The Spurs kept the pressure going in the fourth and confidently closed out the home win.
Jeremy Sochan led the Spurs with 29 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 32 minutes. Zach Collins followed up with 25 points, six rebounds, five assists, three blocks and a steal, while Devonte' Graham tallied 15 points, four rebounds, nine assists and a steal. The Spurs shot 56.5 percent from the field, including 22-of-41 from long range.
Meanwhile, Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 27 points, six rebounds and a block, in 32 minutes. Wendell Carter followed up with 16 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, while Cole Anthony added 14 points, five rebounds and four assists. The Magic shot 45.4 percent from the field, including 10-of-29 from long range.
The Magic (28-41) will look to bounce back as they take on the Suns in Phoenix on Thursday. The Spurs (18-50) play host to the Mavericks on Wednesday.
The Spurs got out to a strong start with a nine-point lead after one quarter. They stayed in front through the second, but the Magic cut it to a six-point game by halftime. The hosts came out strong again in the third and charged to a 17-point advantage, but the Magic managed to bring it back to a nine-point deficit heading into the final frame. The Spurs kept the pressure going in the fourth and confidently closed out the home win.
Jeremy Sochan led the Spurs with 29 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 32 minutes. Zach Collins followed up with 25 points, six rebounds, five assists, three blocks and a steal, while Devonte' Graham tallied 15 points, four rebounds, nine assists and a steal. The Spurs shot 56.5 percent from the field, including 22-of-41 from long range.
Meanwhile, Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 27 points, six rebounds and a block, in 32 minutes. Wendell Carter followed up with 16 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, while Cole Anthony added 14 points, five rebounds and four assists. The Magic shot 45.4 percent from the field, including 10-of-29 from long range.
The Magic (28-41) will look to bounce back as they take on the Suns in Phoenix on Thursday. The Spurs (18-50) play host to the Mavericks on Wednesday.
Thunder Bounce Back To Close Out Nets
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Brooklyn Nets, 121-107, at Paycom Center on Tuesday evening.
The Nets got out to a strong start and held a nine-point lead after one quarter. The visitors kept the momentum going in the second and rallied to a 16-point advantage, but the Thunder closed the half on a 6-0 run to cut it to 10, at the break. The hosts carried the pressure into the third and outscored the Nets, 38-20, in the quarter to claim an eight-point advantage heading into the final frame. The Thunder did not let up in the fourth and held the upper hand the rest of the way to earn their third straight win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 35 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Jalen Williams followed up with 23 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Josh Giddey totaled 15 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. The Thunder shot 45.5 percent from the field, including 11-of-33 from long range.
Meanwhile, Mikal Bridges led the Nets with 34 points, four rebounds, two assists and four blocks, in 38 minutes. Cameron Johnson followed up with 23 points, nine rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Spencer Dinwiddie added 16 points, six rebounds, 11 assists and two steals. The Nets shot 42.7 percent from the field, including 12-of-41 from deep.
The Nets (39-30) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Kings on Thursday. The Thunder (34-35) take on the Raptors in Toronto on Thursday.
The Nets got out to a strong start and held a nine-point lead after one quarter. The visitors kept the momentum going in the second and rallied to a 16-point advantage, but the Thunder closed the half on a 6-0 run to cut it to 10, at the break. The hosts carried the pressure into the third and outscored the Nets, 38-20, in the quarter to claim an eight-point advantage heading into the final frame. The Thunder did not let up in the fourth and held the upper hand the rest of the way to earn their third straight win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 35 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Jalen Williams followed up with 23 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Josh Giddey totaled 15 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. The Thunder shot 45.5 percent from the field, including 11-of-33 from long range.
Meanwhile, Mikal Bridges led the Nets with 34 points, four rebounds, two assists and four blocks, in 38 minutes. Cameron Johnson followed up with 23 points, nine rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Spencer Dinwiddie added 16 points, six rebounds, 11 assists and two steals. The Nets shot 42.7 percent from the field, including 12-of-41 from deep.
The Nets (39-30) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Kings on Thursday. The Thunder (34-35) take on the Raptors in Toronto on Thursday.
Bucks Defeat Suns, 116-104
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the host Phoenix Suns, 116-104, at Footprint Center on Tuesday.
While this game was tied 97-97 with 6:48 remaining, Milwaukee finished the game on a 19-7 run to complete their win. They held the lead for all but a handful of minutes, getting their lead up to 16 points multiple times in this game. That late run capped off a 31-20 fourth quarter. The Bucks shot 47 percent from the field while holding the Suns to 43 percent shooting. Milwaukee's free-throw shooting was much worse than Phoenix, but they had 37 attempts to the Suns' 16. In addition, Milwaukee out-rebounded Phoenix, 63-51, while outscoring them in the paint, 54-36. The Bucks tripled up the Suns in second-chance points. 21-7, as well
The Bucks (50-19) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, accruing 36 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. Brook Lopez had 21 points, 10 rebounds and two steals. Jrue Holiday finished with 12 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Jae Crowder and Bobby Portis had 11 points apiece to lead the bench.
The Suns (37-32) were led by Devin Booker, providing 30 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Deandre Ayton amassed 19 points and eight rebounds. Chris Paul compiled 11 points, four rebounds, eight assists and two steals, while Josh Okogie generated eight points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Cameron Payne led the bench with 13 points, two rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Thursday, with Phoenix remaining home to play the Orlando Magic and Milwaukee returning home to face the Indiana Pacers.
While this game was tied 97-97 with 6:48 remaining, Milwaukee finished the game on a 19-7 run to complete their win. They held the lead for all but a handful of minutes, getting their lead up to 16 points multiple times in this game. That late run capped off a 31-20 fourth quarter. The Bucks shot 47 percent from the field while holding the Suns to 43 percent shooting. Milwaukee's free-throw shooting was much worse than Phoenix, but they had 37 attempts to the Suns' 16. In addition, Milwaukee out-rebounded Phoenix, 63-51, while outscoring them in the paint, 54-36. The Bucks tripled up the Suns in second-chance points. 21-7, as well
The Bucks (50-19) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, accruing 36 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. Brook Lopez had 21 points, 10 rebounds and two steals. Jrue Holiday finished with 12 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Jae Crowder and Bobby Portis had 11 points apiece to lead the bench.
The Suns (37-32) were led by Devin Booker, providing 30 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Deandre Ayton amassed 19 points and eight rebounds. Chris Paul compiled 11 points, four rebounds, eight assists and two steals, while Josh Okogie generated eight points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Cameron Payne led the bench with 13 points, two rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Thursday, with Phoenix remaining home to play the Orlando Magic and Milwaukee returning home to face the Indiana Pacers.
Knicks Defeat Blazers, 123-107
The New York Knicks defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 123-107, at Moda Center on Tuesday.
While Portland got out to a 33-20 lead after the first quarter, New York dominated the final three quarters to complete a blowout win, A 42-26 third quarter was the deciding stretch, with NY maintaining a double-digit lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. They also got their lead up to 19 points at times. The Knicks bench outscored the Trail Blazers bench, 45-12. In addition, New York shot 52 percent from the field while holding Portland to 38 percent shooting. The Knicks also out-rebounded the Blazers, 63-51, while outscoring them in the paint, 50-34.
The Knicks (41-31) were led by Immanuel Quickley, collecting 26 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Julius Randle registered 24 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. RJ Barrett generated 22 points and five rebounds. Miles McBride led the bench with 18 points, three assists and two blocks, while Josh Hart had 16 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and three steals.
The Trail Blazers (31-38) were led by Damian Lillard, finishing with 38 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Anfernee Simons amassed 22 points. Jusuf Nurkic totaled 10 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, while Trendon Watford accrued 10 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals. Matisse Thybulle tallied 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals.
On deck for Portland is a home matchup with the Boston Celtics on Friday. As for New York, they return to action on Saturday in a home meeting with the Denver Nuggets.
While Portland got out to a 33-20 lead after the first quarter, New York dominated the final three quarters to complete a blowout win, A 42-26 third quarter was the deciding stretch, with NY maintaining a double-digit lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. They also got their lead up to 19 points at times. The Knicks bench outscored the Trail Blazers bench, 45-12. In addition, New York shot 52 percent from the field while holding Portland to 38 percent shooting. The Knicks also out-rebounded the Blazers, 63-51, while outscoring them in the paint, 50-34.
The Knicks (41-31) were led by Immanuel Quickley, collecting 26 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Julius Randle registered 24 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. RJ Barrett generated 22 points and five rebounds. Miles McBride led the bench with 18 points, three assists and two blocks, while Josh Hart had 16 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and three steals.
The Trail Blazers (31-38) were led by Damian Lillard, finishing with 38 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Anfernee Simons amassed 22 points. Jusuf Nurkic totaled 10 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, while Trendon Watford accrued 10 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals. Matisse Thybulle tallied 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals.
On deck for Portland is a home matchup with the Boston Celtics on Friday. As for New York, they return to action on Saturday in a home meeting with the Denver Nuggets.