Nuggets Come From Behind To Defeat Pistons
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Detroit Pistons, 119-100, at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday.
The Nuggets (47-23) hard to work harder than expected to get past the Pistons (16-55) on Thursday. Denver looked sluggish in the first half and showed signs of life in the third quarter, but they would have to wait until the final 12 minutes to pull away for good. The first quarter ended with a 29-28 lead for the Nuggets, and Detroit grabbed the lead at the halftime break following a 36-29 score in the second quarter. Denver played the second half with a different attitude and came from behind with a 28-22 score in the third quarter. The Nuggets looked dominant in the final 12 minutes and tightened things up on both ends of the court while racing out to a 33-14 lead, ultimately securing a 19-point victory. The Nuggets moved to 17-17 on the road with the win, while the Pistons fell to 9-28 at home.
Nikola Jokic came close to a triple-double and finished with 30 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, while Jamal Murray contributed 19 points, 10 assists and six boards. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope recorded 20 points, three steals and two assists. Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. each had 15 points, and Gordon also added eight rebounds.
Rodney McGruder led the way for the Pistons with 20 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals. James Wiseman and Jaden Ivey each chipped in with 14 points, with Wiseman also adding nine rebounds and Ivey also posting six assists. Killian Hayes recorded 10 points, seven assists and two blocks. Eugene Omoruyi ended with 11 points and three rebounds. Jalen Duren had a 15-point, 13-rebound double-double off the bench.
The Nuggets (47-23) hard to work harder than expected to get past the Pistons (16-55) on Thursday. Denver looked sluggish in the first half and showed signs of life in the third quarter, but they would have to wait until the final 12 minutes to pull away for good. The first quarter ended with a 29-28 lead for the Nuggets, and Detroit grabbed the lead at the halftime break following a 36-29 score in the second quarter. Denver played the second half with a different attitude and came from behind with a 28-22 score in the third quarter. The Nuggets looked dominant in the final 12 minutes and tightened things up on both ends of the court while racing out to a 33-14 lead, ultimately securing a 19-point victory. The Nuggets moved to 17-17 on the road with the win, while the Pistons fell to 9-28 at home.
Nikola Jokic came close to a triple-double and finished with 30 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, while Jamal Murray contributed 19 points, 10 assists and six boards. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope recorded 20 points, three steals and two assists. Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. each had 15 points, and Gordon also added eight rebounds.
Rodney McGruder led the way for the Pistons with 20 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals. James Wiseman and Jaden Ivey each chipped in with 14 points, with Wiseman also adding nine rebounds and Ivey also posting six assists. Killian Hayes recorded 10 points, seven assists and two blocks. Eugene Omoruyi ended with 11 points and three rebounds. Jalen Duren had a 15-point, 13-rebound double-double off the bench.
Kings Edge Nets, 101-96
The Sacramento Kings defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 101-96, at Barclays Center on Thursday night.
The Kings (42-27) were playing the second game of a back-to-back set and third game in four nights overall Thursday, but they impressively matched the Nets (39-31) bucket for bucket in a first quarter that finished with the teams knotted at 24. Sacramento then impressively dominated the second quarter to the tune of a 30-17 advantage, sending Mike Brown's squad into halftime with a comfortable lead. Brooklyn mounted a spirited comeback in the second half that saw them get as close as within five points with 45.1 seconds remaining, but the visitors turned up the defense to close out the victory.
Domantas Sabonis led the Kings with a 24-point, 21-rebound double-double that included five assists and four blocks. De'Aaron Fox delivered 18 points, six rebounds and five assists. Malik Monk totaled 12 points, six assists and five rebounds. Harrison Barnes and Trey Lyles posted matching 11-point, six-assist tallies. Keegan Murray matched his teammates' scoring totals and also pulled down four rebounds and one steal.
Mikal Bridges paced the Nets with 23 points, complementing them with four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Spencer Dinwiddie registered 18 points, seven assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Nic Claxton and Seth Curry contributed matching 14-point efforts, with Claxton adding 14 boards. Cameron Johnson offered 10 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.
The Kings remain on the road and visit the Washington Wizards on Saturday night, while the Nets remain home and host the Denver Nuggets on Sunday afternoon.
The Kings (42-27) were playing the second game of a back-to-back set and third game in four nights overall Thursday, but they impressively matched the Nets (39-31) bucket for bucket in a first quarter that finished with the teams knotted at 24. Sacramento then impressively dominated the second quarter to the tune of a 30-17 advantage, sending Mike Brown's squad into halftime with a comfortable lead. Brooklyn mounted a spirited comeback in the second half that saw them get as close as within five points with 45.1 seconds remaining, but the visitors turned up the defense to close out the victory.
Domantas Sabonis led the Kings with a 24-point, 21-rebound double-double that included five assists and four blocks. De'Aaron Fox delivered 18 points, six rebounds and five assists. Malik Monk totaled 12 points, six assists and five rebounds. Harrison Barnes and Trey Lyles posted matching 11-point, six-assist tallies. Keegan Murray matched his teammates' scoring totals and also pulled down four rebounds and one steal.
Mikal Bridges paced the Nets with 23 points, complementing them with four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Spencer Dinwiddie registered 18 points, seven assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Nic Claxton and Seth Curry contributed matching 14-point efforts, with Claxton adding 14 boards. Cameron Johnson offered 10 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.
The Kings remain on the road and visit the Washington Wizards on Saturday night, while the Nets remain home and host the Denver Nuggets on Sunday afternoon.
Thunder Blasts Raptors, 128-111
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Toronto Raptors, 128-111, at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday night.
The Thunder (34-36) came into the contest with a chance to finally reach the .500 mark and potentially improve its playoff positioning, and for most of the game, they appeared to have a fighting chance of accomplishing both. Oklahoma City trailed the Raptors (34-36) by just a point after one quarter and a manageable six going into the final period, but Toronto ultimately exerted its will to prevail by a 35-24 margin over the last 12 minutes and win going away.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 29 points, adding three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Jalen Williams furnished 15 points, seven boards, three assists and one steal. Josh Giddey supplied 13 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal. Tre Mann and Isaiah Joe managed 12 points apiece, while Luguentz Dort provided 10 points, eight rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block.
Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with a 25-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included eight assists. Gary Trent pitched in 23 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Scottie Barnes and Fred VanVleet mustered matching 19-point, six-assist tallies while pulling down eight and six rebounds, respectively. VanVleet added four steals. O.G. Anunoby posted 17 points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks.
The Thunder return home to host the Phoenix Suns on Sunday afternoon, while the Raptors remain home and host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night.
The Thunder (34-36) came into the contest with a chance to finally reach the .500 mark and potentially improve its playoff positioning, and for most of the game, they appeared to have a fighting chance of accomplishing both. Oklahoma City trailed the Raptors (34-36) by just a point after one quarter and a manageable six going into the final period, but Toronto ultimately exerted its will to prevail by a 35-24 margin over the last 12 minutes and win going away.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 29 points, adding three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Jalen Williams furnished 15 points, seven boards, three assists and one steal. Josh Giddey supplied 13 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal. Tre Mann and Isaiah Joe managed 12 points apiece, while Luguentz Dort provided 10 points, eight rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block.
Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with a 25-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included eight assists. Gary Trent pitched in 23 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Scottie Barnes and Fred VanVleet mustered matching 19-point, six-assist tallies while pulling down eight and six rebounds, respectively. VanVleet added four steals. O.G. Anunoby posted 17 points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks.
The Thunder return home to host the Phoenix Suns on Sunday afternoon, while the Raptors remain home and host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night.
Pacers Stun Bucks In Milwaukee
By Dan Bruno
The Indiana Pacers defeated the host Milwaukee Bucks, 139-123, at Fiserv Forum on Thursday evening.
The Bucks jumped out to a solid start with a, 40-30, lead after one quarter. The Pacers rallied to tie it up at 44, early in the second, but the Bucks charged back to a nine-point advantage at the break. The visitors carried the momentum into the third and outscored the Bucks, 49-37, to claim a three-point edge heading into the final frame. The hosts had no answers in the fourth, as the Pacers rallied through the quarter to close out their third win in the last four games.
Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers with 24 points and five assists, in 28 minutes of action. Aaron Nesmith followed up with 22 points, five rebounds and a block, while Buddy Hield added 20 points, four rebounds, six assists and two steals. The Pacers shot 55.7 percent from the field, including 22-of-46 from long range.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 25 points, nine rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 27 minutes. Jrue Holiday followed up with 19 points, seven rebounds, 11 assists, a steal and a block, while Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis added 16 points each. The Bucks shot 52.8 percent from the field, including 11-of-32 from deep.
The Bucks (50-20) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Raptors on Sunday. The Pacers (32-38) play host to the 76ers on Saturday.
The Bucks jumped out to a solid start with a, 40-30, lead after one quarter. The Pacers rallied to tie it up at 44, early in the second, but the Bucks charged back to a nine-point advantage at the break. The visitors carried the momentum into the third and outscored the Bucks, 49-37, to claim a three-point edge heading into the final frame. The hosts had no answers in the fourth, as the Pacers rallied through the quarter to close out their third win in the last four games.
Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers with 24 points and five assists, in 28 minutes of action. Aaron Nesmith followed up with 22 points, five rebounds and a block, while Buddy Hield added 20 points, four rebounds, six assists and two steals. The Pacers shot 55.7 percent from the field, including 22-of-46 from long range.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 25 points, nine rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 27 minutes. Jrue Holiday followed up with 19 points, seven rebounds, 11 assists, a steal and a block, while Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis added 16 points each. The Bucks shot 52.8 percent from the field, including 11-of-32 from deep.
The Bucks (50-20) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Raptors on Sunday. The Pacers (32-38) play host to the 76ers on Saturday.
Suns Defeat Magic, 116-113
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 116-113, at Footprint Center on Thursday.
While there were only nine ties and six lead changes in this game, no team led by more than 12 points. That was Phoenix, outscoring Orlando in the second and third quarters, 64-54. They never relinquished the lead in the second half, despite the Magic tying the game multiple times in the fourth quarter. Orlando also had a game-tying attempt at the buzzer, but Josh Okogie had a game-saving block for the Suns. Phoenix shot 13-of-35 from three-point range and 17-of-17 from the free-throw line while Orlando hit just 8-of-28 from long range and 19-of-23 from the charity stripe.
The Magic (28-42) were led by Markelle Fultz, collecting 25 points, seven rebounds, nine assists and two steals on 11-of-17 shooting. Paolo Banchero provided 18 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Wendell Carter tallied 16 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Franz Wagner had 16 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Cole Anthony led the bench with 17 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Suns (38-32) were led by Cameron Payne, providing 21 points, two rebounds and five assists off the bench. Devin Booker led the starters with 19 points, five rebounds and two assists. Chris Paul accrued 16 points, two rebounds and seven assists, while Deandre Ayton amassed 16 points and seven rebounds. Okogie finished with 15 points, four rebounds, four assists, three steals and three blocks.
On deck for Orlando is a road matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday. As for Phoenix, they return to action on Sunday in a road matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
While there were only nine ties and six lead changes in this game, no team led by more than 12 points. That was Phoenix, outscoring Orlando in the second and third quarters, 64-54. They never relinquished the lead in the second half, despite the Magic tying the game multiple times in the fourth quarter. Orlando also had a game-tying attempt at the buzzer, but Josh Okogie had a game-saving block for the Suns. Phoenix shot 13-of-35 from three-point range and 17-of-17 from the free-throw line while Orlando hit just 8-of-28 from long range and 19-of-23 from the charity stripe.
The Magic (28-42) were led by Markelle Fultz, collecting 25 points, seven rebounds, nine assists and two steals on 11-of-17 shooting. Paolo Banchero provided 18 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Wendell Carter tallied 16 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Franz Wagner had 16 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Cole Anthony led the bench with 17 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Suns (38-32) were led by Cameron Payne, providing 21 points, two rebounds and five assists off the bench. Devin Booker led the starters with 19 points, five rebounds and two assists. Chris Paul accrued 16 points, two rebounds and seven assists, while Deandre Ayton amassed 16 points and seven rebounds. Okogie finished with 15 points, four rebounds, four assists, three steals and three blocks.
On deck for Orlando is a road matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday. As for Phoenix, they return to action on Sunday in a road matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder.