Nuggets Secure Road Win Over Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Washington Wizards, 118-104, at Capital One Arena on Wednesday.
The Nuggets (49-24) hold off a late comeback from the Wizards (32-41) to secure the win on the road. Denver looked good in the early stages and secured a 31-29 lead in the first quarter. However, the Wizards responded with a 28-24 score in the second quarter and held a two-point advantage heading into the break. The Nuggets played the second half with a higher intensity, however, and they blew the Wizards out following a 39-16 score in the third quarter. Much like it happened in the first half, Washington tried to mount a comeback, but it was not successful. The Wizards won the final 12 minutes by a 31-24 score, but they fell short from pulling the upset. The Nuggets moved to 19-18 on the road with the win. Meanwhile, the Wizards fell to 16-19 at home.
Nikola Jokic led the way for the Nuggets with 31 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Michael Porter Jr. delivered 21 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jamal Murray finished with 17 points, six rebounds and eight assists. Aaron Gordon recorded 12 points. Bruce Brown added 14 points and six rebounds coming off the bench. Denver shot 50.6 percent from the field and 46.9 percent from three-point range.
Kristaps Porzingis posted 25 points, three rebounds and two assists to lead the Wizards. Deni Avdija delivered 16 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Jordan Goodwin posted 12 points and four rebounds. Corey Kispert delivered nine points and three rebounds. Monte Morris notched eight points, five assists and two rebounds. Washington shot 50.6 percent from the field and 15.4 percent from three-point range.
The Nuggets (49-24) hold off a late comeback from the Wizards (32-41) to secure the win on the road. Denver looked good in the early stages and secured a 31-29 lead in the first quarter. However, the Wizards responded with a 28-24 score in the second quarter and held a two-point advantage heading into the break. The Nuggets played the second half with a higher intensity, however, and they blew the Wizards out following a 39-16 score in the third quarter. Much like it happened in the first half, Washington tried to mount a comeback, but it was not successful. The Wizards won the final 12 minutes by a 31-24 score, but they fell short from pulling the upset. The Nuggets moved to 19-18 on the road with the win. Meanwhile, the Wizards fell to 16-19 at home.
Nikola Jokic led the way for the Nuggets with 31 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Michael Porter Jr. delivered 21 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jamal Murray finished with 17 points, six rebounds and eight assists. Aaron Gordon recorded 12 points. Bruce Brown added 14 points and six rebounds coming off the bench. Denver shot 50.6 percent from the field and 46.9 percent from three-point range.
Kristaps Porzingis posted 25 points, three rebounds and two assists to lead the Wizards. Deni Avdija delivered 16 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Jordan Goodwin posted 12 points and four rebounds. Corey Kispert delivered nine points and three rebounds. Monte Morris notched eight points, five assists and two rebounds. Washington shot 50.6 percent from the field and 15.4 percent from three-point range.
Warriors Hold On To Defeat Mavericks
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 127-125, at American Airlines Center on Wednesday.
The Warriors (38-36) have been struggling on the road all season long, but they did just enough to get past the Mavericks (36-37) away from home. Golden State got off to a slow start and Dallas grabbed the lead with a 33-30 score, but the Warriors woke up just in time and posted a 35-30 score in the second quarter. Golden State remained in control in the second half and bolstered their lead to three points after a 31-30 score in the third quarter. Dallas tried to comeback and won the fourth quarter, but that was not enough. Luka Doncic missed a late lay-up and Kevon Looney iced the game with two clutch free throws. The Warriors moved to 9-29 on the road with the win, while the Mavericks fell to 22-15 at home.
Jonathan Kuminga led the way for the Warriors with 22 points off the bench, and he also added three rebounds and two steals. Stephen Curry had a 20-point, 13-assist double-double. Donte DiVincenzo delivered 14 points and three rebounds. Kevon Looney also had a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds while adding two assists. Draymond Green finished with 14 points, eight assists, four rebounds, four blocks and three steals. Jordan Poole delivered 16 points and six assists.
Luka Doncic delivered 30 points, 17 assists and seven rebounds. Reggie Bullock posted 15 points. Dwight Powell notched 13 points and two boards. Josh Green recorded 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jaden Hardy had 27 points and five rebounds coming off the bench. Christian Wood ended with 19 points, four rebounds and four assists.
The Warriors (38-36) have been struggling on the road all season long, but they did just enough to get past the Mavericks (36-37) away from home. Golden State got off to a slow start and Dallas grabbed the lead with a 33-30 score, but the Warriors woke up just in time and posted a 35-30 score in the second quarter. Golden State remained in control in the second half and bolstered their lead to three points after a 31-30 score in the third quarter. Dallas tried to comeback and won the fourth quarter, but that was not enough. Luka Doncic missed a late lay-up and Kevon Looney iced the game with two clutch free throws. The Warriors moved to 9-29 on the road with the win, while the Mavericks fell to 22-15 at home.
Jonathan Kuminga led the way for the Warriors with 22 points off the bench, and he also added three rebounds and two steals. Stephen Curry had a 20-point, 13-assist double-double. Donte DiVincenzo delivered 14 points and three rebounds. Kevon Looney also had a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds while adding two assists. Draymond Green finished with 14 points, eight assists, four rebounds, four blocks and three steals. Jordan Poole delivered 16 points and six assists.
Luka Doncic delivered 30 points, 17 assists and seven rebounds. Reggie Bullock posted 15 points. Dwight Powell notched 13 points and two boards. Josh Green recorded 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jaden Hardy had 27 points and five rebounds coming off the bench. Christian Wood ended with 19 points, four rebounds and four assists.
Heat Outlasts Knicks, 127-120
The Miami Heat defeated the New York Knicks, 127-120, at Miami-Dade Arena on Wednesday night.
The Heat (40-34) came into the contest aiming to protect its playoff positioning and also atone for a two-point loss to the Knicks (42-32) earlier in the month, but it was New York that emerged from the first quarter with a 32-31 lead. However, Miami would go on to prevail in each of the three remaining quarters, and Erik Spoelstra's squad was one point better than the visitors over the final 12 minutes to secure the hard-fought win.
R.J. Barrett led the Knicks with 26 points, adding six rebounds and five assists. Jalen Brunson turned in 25 points, six boards, six assists and one steal. Quentin Grimes furnished 22 points, two rebounds and one assist. Julius Randle managed 15 points, nine assists, six rebounds and one steal. Josh Hart supplied 12 points, four boards, three assists, two steals and one block. Mitchell Robinson registered 10 points, eight rebounds, one assist and three blocks.
Jimmy Butler paced the Heat with 35 points, supplementing them with nine assists, four rebounds and four steals. Tyler Herro delivered 22 points, four assists and three rebounds. Gabe Vincent posted 19 points and three assists. Bam Adebayo compiled 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Kyle Lowry collected 14 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal.
The Knicks remain on the road and visit the Orlando Magic on Thursday night, while the Heat remain home and tangle with the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night.
The Heat (40-34) came into the contest aiming to protect its playoff positioning and also atone for a two-point loss to the Knicks (42-32) earlier in the month, but it was New York that emerged from the first quarter with a 32-31 lead. However, Miami would go on to prevail in each of the three remaining quarters, and Erik Spoelstra's squad was one point better than the visitors over the final 12 minutes to secure the hard-fought win.
R.J. Barrett led the Knicks with 26 points, adding six rebounds and five assists. Jalen Brunson turned in 25 points, six boards, six assists and one steal. Quentin Grimes furnished 22 points, two rebounds and one assist. Julius Randle managed 15 points, nine assists, six rebounds and one steal. Josh Hart supplied 12 points, four boards, three assists, two steals and one block. Mitchell Robinson registered 10 points, eight rebounds, one assist and three blocks.
Jimmy Butler paced the Heat with 35 points, supplementing them with nine assists, four rebounds and four steals. Tyler Herro delivered 22 points, four assists and three rebounds. Gabe Vincent posted 19 points and three assists. Bam Adebayo compiled 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Kyle Lowry collected 14 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal.
The Knicks remain on the road and visit the Orlando Magic on Thursday night, while the Heat remain home and tangle with the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night.
Pacers Edge Raptors, 118-114
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Toronto Raptors, 118-114, at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night.
The Pacers (33-40) came into the contest as unsurprising road underdogs, but they played like clear favorites during a first quarter from which they emerged with a 36-26 lead over the Raptors (35-38). Toronto managed to shave five points from its deficit during the middle periods, and although the hosts got as close as within two on multiple occasions in the fourth quarter, four late T.J. McConnell free throws helped seal the victory.
Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers with a 25-point, 10-assist double-double that included two rebounds. Myles Turner furnished 16 points, seven boards, three assists and one block. Bennedict Mathurin supplied 15 points, two rebounds, one steal and one block. McConnell compiled 14 points, seven assists, one rebound, two steals and one block. Buddy Hield went for 13 points, six rebounds, three assists and one block.
Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with a 31-point, 10-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one block. Fred VanVleet mustered a 28-point, 11-assist double-double that included two rebounds and two steals. Jakob Poeltl delivered 23 points, eight rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Chris Boucher registered 11 points, six rebounds, three blocks and one steal.
The Pacers remain on the road and visit the Boston Celtics on Friday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the Detroit Pistons on Friday night as well.
The Pacers (33-40) came into the contest as unsurprising road underdogs, but they played like clear favorites during a first quarter from which they emerged with a 36-26 lead over the Raptors (35-38). Toronto managed to shave five points from its deficit during the middle periods, and although the hosts got as close as within two on multiple occasions in the fourth quarter, four late T.J. McConnell free throws helped seal the victory.
Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers with a 25-point, 10-assist double-double that included two rebounds. Myles Turner furnished 16 points, seven boards, three assists and one block. Bennedict Mathurin supplied 15 points, two rebounds, one steal and one block. McConnell compiled 14 points, seven assists, one rebound, two steals and one block. Buddy Hield went for 13 points, six rebounds, three assists and one block.
Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with a 31-point, 10-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one block. Fred VanVleet mustered a 28-point, 11-assist double-double that included two rebounds and two steals. Jakob Poeltl delivered 23 points, eight rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Chris Boucher registered 11 points, six rebounds, three blocks and one steal.
The Pacers remain on the road and visit the Boston Celtics on Friday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the Detroit Pistons on Friday night as well.
76ers Dominate Bulls, 116-91
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Chicago Bulls, 116-91, at United Center on Wednesday night.
The 76ers (49-23) came into the night hoping to avenge an upset double-overtime loss to the Bulls (34-38) on Monday night, and they left little doubt they were up to the task early by jumping out to a 76-48 first-half lead. Chicago was able to make an eight-point dent in its deficit during the third, but any possibilities of a comeback were squashed by Philadelphia limiting its hosts to a meager 15 points in the final 12 minutes.
De'Anthony Melton led the 76ers with 25 points, complementing them with four rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Tyrese Maxey registered 21 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Tobias Harris supplied 20 points, nine boards and eight assists. Joel Embiid totaled 12 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block across 16 minutes before sitting out the second half due to the lopsided score and because of right calf pain. Georges Niang netted 11 points.
Coby White paced the Bulls with 19 points, supplementing three rebounds and three assists. Zach LaVine supplied 16 points and four assists. Ayo Dosunmu recorded 14 points, four assists, two rebounds and two steals. Andre Drummond generated a 13-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist and two blocks. Derrick Jones offered 10 points, three rebounds, one steal and one block.
The 76ers remain on the road and visit the Golden State Warriors on Friday night, while the Bulls visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night as well.
The 76ers (49-23) came into the night hoping to avenge an upset double-overtime loss to the Bulls (34-38) on Monday night, and they left little doubt they were up to the task early by jumping out to a 76-48 first-half lead. Chicago was able to make an eight-point dent in its deficit during the third, but any possibilities of a comeback were squashed by Philadelphia limiting its hosts to a meager 15 points in the final 12 minutes.
De'Anthony Melton led the 76ers with 25 points, complementing them with four rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Tyrese Maxey registered 21 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Tobias Harris supplied 20 points, nine boards and eight assists. Joel Embiid totaled 12 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block across 16 minutes before sitting out the second half due to the lopsided score and because of right calf pain. Georges Niang netted 11 points.
Coby White paced the Bulls with 19 points, supplementing three rebounds and three assists. Zach LaVine supplied 16 points and four assists. Ayo Dosunmu recorded 14 points, four assists, two rebounds and two steals. Andre Drummond generated a 13-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist and two blocks. Derrick Jones offered 10 points, three rebounds, one steal and one block.
The 76ers remain on the road and visit the Golden State Warriors on Friday night, while the Bulls visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night as well.
Bucks Roll Past Spurs In Milwaukee
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 130-94, at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday evening.
The Bucks got out to a strong start and led through the first quarter, with a five-point edge heading into the second. They kept the momentum going in the second and scored 14 points in the final minutes of the frame to take a 15-point advantage into the break. The Spurs had no answers in the third and the Bucks added another 13 points to their lead to make it a 28-point margin heading into the final quarter. The Bucks cruised through the fourth and closed out their fourth win in the last five games.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 31 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and a block, in 24 minutes. Khris Middleton finished with 19 points, three rebounds, 10 assists and a steal, while Bobby Portis totaled 19 points, 10 rebounds and a steal. The Bucks shot 52 percent from the field, including 15-of-43 from long range.
Meanwhile, Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 16 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, in 31 minutes. Keita Bates-Diop followed up with 14 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Jeremy Sochan added 13 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Spurs shot 38.7 percent from the field, including 9-of-39 from deep.
The Spurs (19-54) will look to bounce back as they face the Wizards in Washington on Friday. The Bucks (52-20) take on the Jazz in Utah on Friday.
The Bucks got out to a strong start and led through the first quarter, with a five-point edge heading into the second. They kept the momentum going in the second and scored 14 points in the final minutes of the frame to take a 15-point advantage into the break. The Spurs had no answers in the third and the Bucks added another 13 points to their lead to make it a 28-point margin heading into the final quarter. The Bucks cruised through the fourth and closed out their fourth win in the last five games.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 31 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and a block, in 24 minutes. Khris Middleton finished with 19 points, three rebounds, 10 assists and a steal, while Bobby Portis totaled 19 points, 10 rebounds and a steal. The Bucks shot 52 percent from the field, including 15-of-43 from long range.
Meanwhile, Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 16 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, in 31 minutes. Keita Bates-Diop followed up with 14 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Jeremy Sochan added 13 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Spurs shot 38.7 percent from the field, including 9-of-39 from deep.
The Spurs (19-54) will look to bounce back as they face the Wizards in Washington on Friday. The Bucks (52-20) take on the Jazz in Utah on Friday.
Towns Sinks Hawks In Minnesota
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Atlanta Hawks, 125-124, at Target Center on Wednesday evening.
Karl-Anthony Towns hit two clutch free throws to close out the Timberwolves' win. The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Hawks led, 40-39, after one quarter. The pace slowed down in the second, where the hosts made a push late in the quarter to gain a five-point edge by halftime. The Timberwolves stayed strong to start the third, but the visitors rallied to earn a three-point advantage heading into the final frame. The Hawks kept the momentum going and charged to an 11-point lead early in the quarter. The Timberwolves responded quickly and tied the score at 113, with five minutes left on the clock. After a back-and-forth battle in crunch time, the hosts came out on top for their second straight win.
Naz Reid led the Timberwolves with 26 points, eight rebounds and two steals, in 26 minutes. Jaden McDaniels followed up with 25 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks, while Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 22 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. The Timberwolves shot 48.9 percent from the field, including 11-of-26 from deep.
Meanwhile, Trae Young led the Hawks with 29 points, two rebounds, eight assists and a steal, in 32 minutes. John Collins added 16 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Saddiq Bey tallied 16 points, six rebounds and two assists. The Hawks shot 52.9 percent from the field, including 12-of-26 from long range.
The Hawks (36-37) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pacers on Saturday. The Timberwolves (37-37) take on the Warriors in Golden State on Sunday.
Karl-Anthony Towns hit two clutch free throws to close out the Timberwolves' win. The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Hawks led, 40-39, after one quarter. The pace slowed down in the second, where the hosts made a push late in the quarter to gain a five-point edge by halftime. The Timberwolves stayed strong to start the third, but the visitors rallied to earn a three-point advantage heading into the final frame. The Hawks kept the momentum going and charged to an 11-point lead early in the quarter. The Timberwolves responded quickly and tied the score at 113, with five minutes left on the clock. After a back-and-forth battle in crunch time, the hosts came out on top for their second straight win.
Naz Reid led the Timberwolves with 26 points, eight rebounds and two steals, in 26 minutes. Jaden McDaniels followed up with 25 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks, while Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 22 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. The Timberwolves shot 48.9 percent from the field, including 11-of-26 from deep.
Meanwhile, Trae Young led the Hawks with 29 points, two rebounds, eight assists and a steal, in 32 minutes. John Collins added 16 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Saddiq Bey tallied 16 points, six rebounds and two assists. The Hawks shot 52.9 percent from the field, including 12-of-26 from long range.
The Hawks (36-37) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pacers on Saturday. The Timberwolves (37-37) take on the Warriors in Golden State on Sunday.
Grizzlies Edge Rockets In Memphis
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 130-125, at FedEx Forum on Wednesday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Grizzlies led, 37-34, after one quarter. The hosts gained momentum in the second and rallied to an 11-point advantage by halftime. The Rockets came out strong in the third and tied the score at 85, mid way through the quarter, but the Grizzlies reclaimed a five-point edge heading into the final frame. The visitors kept up the fight and rallied to a brief lead, before the Grizzlies came up clutch to close out their fourth straight win. This marks the third consecutive loss for the Rockets.
Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies with 37 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal, in 35 minutes. Desmond Bane followed up with 20 points, three rebounds, seven assists and a steal, while Ja Morant totaled 17 points, four rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block. The Grizzlies shot 51.7 percent from the field, including 12-of-36 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jalen Green led the Rockets with 32 points, three rebounds and three assists, in 37 minutes, Kenyon Martin followed up with 31 points, six rebounds and two blocks, while Alperen Sengun totaled 25 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. The Rockets shot 51.6 percent from the field, including 12-of-33 from long range.
The Grizzlies (45-27) and Rockets (18-55) clash again in Memphis on Friday
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Grizzlies led, 37-34, after one quarter. The hosts gained momentum in the second and rallied to an 11-point advantage by halftime. The Rockets came out strong in the third and tied the score at 85, mid way through the quarter, but the Grizzlies reclaimed a five-point edge heading into the final frame. The visitors kept up the fight and rallied to a brief lead, before the Grizzlies came up clutch to close out their fourth straight win. This marks the third consecutive loss for the Rockets.
Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies with 37 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal, in 35 minutes. Desmond Bane followed up with 20 points, three rebounds, seven assists and a steal, while Ja Morant totaled 17 points, four rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block. The Grizzlies shot 51.7 percent from the field, including 12-of-36 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jalen Green led the Rockets with 32 points, three rebounds and three assists, in 37 minutes, Kenyon Martin followed up with 31 points, six rebounds and two blocks, while Alperen Sengun totaled 25 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. The Rockets shot 51.6 percent from the field, including 12-of-33 from long range.
The Grizzlies (45-27) and Rockets (18-55) clash again in Memphis on Friday
Blazers Defeat Jazz, 127-115
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the host Utah Jazz, 127-115, at Vivint Arena on Wednesday.
There were only three ties and two lead changes in this game, with Portland riding a 39-22 second quarter to their easy road win. They got their lead up to 15 points at times, closing the game behind a 36-27 fourth quarter. The Trail Blazers recorded nine steals to the Jazz' four, winning the turnover battle, 17-8. Portland also outscored Utah in the paint, 62-52, and in fastbreak scoring, 18-11.
The Trail Blazers (32-40) were led by Damian Lillard, finishing with 30 points, seven rebounds and 12 assists. Shaedon Sharpe amassed 24 points, nine rebounds, three assists and four steals. Trendon Watford totaled 21 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two blocks, while Jusuf Nurkic had 20 points, four rebounds and four assists.
The Jazz (35-37) were led by Lauri Markkanen, collecting 40 points, 12 rebounds and three assists. Kelly Olynyk accrued 12 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Talen Horton-Tucker totaled 11 points, four rebounds and seven assists, while Kris Dunn led the bench with 15 points, six rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Utah remaining home to play the Milwaukee Bucks and Portland returning home to face the Chicago Bulls.
There were only three ties and two lead changes in this game, with Portland riding a 39-22 second quarter to their easy road win. They got their lead up to 15 points at times, closing the game behind a 36-27 fourth quarter. The Trail Blazers recorded nine steals to the Jazz' four, winning the turnover battle, 17-8. Portland also outscored Utah in the paint, 62-52, and in fastbreak scoring, 18-11.
The Trail Blazers (32-40) were led by Damian Lillard, finishing with 30 points, seven rebounds and 12 assists. Shaedon Sharpe amassed 24 points, nine rebounds, three assists and four steals. Trendon Watford totaled 21 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two blocks, while Jusuf Nurkic had 20 points, four rebounds and four assists.
The Jazz (35-37) were led by Lauri Markkanen, collecting 40 points, 12 rebounds and three assists. Kelly Olynyk accrued 12 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Talen Horton-Tucker totaled 11 points, four rebounds and seven assists, while Kris Dunn led the bench with 15 points, six rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Utah remaining home to play the Milwaukee Bucks and Portland returning home to face the Chicago Bulls.
Lakers Defeat Suns, 122-111
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns, 122-111, at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday.
While there were seven ties and six lead changes in the first half, Los Angeles never relinquished the lead in the second half. The Lakers outscored the Suns in the second quarter, 36-26, and closed things behind a 34-26 fourth quarter. The Lakers shot 56 percent from the field and 47 percent from three-point range while holding the Suns to 47 percent from the field and 39 percent from long range. Los Angeles also forced 17 turnovers from Phoenix while out-assisting them, 27-23.
The Suns (38-34) were led by Devin Booker, collecting 33 points, six rebounds and five assists on 11-of-16 shooting. Chris Paul tallied 18 points, four rebounds and four assists. Torrey Craig scored 14 points, while Landry Shamet led the bench with 15 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Lakers (36-37) were led by Anthony Davis, accruing 27 points, nine rebounds and five assists. D'Angelo Russell shot 9-of-13 from the field to finish with 26 points, six assists and two blocks. Austin Reaves registered 25 points, four rebounds and 11 assists, while Dennis Schroder led the bench with 13 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Phoenix staying in Cali to face the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles remaining home to play the Oklahoma City Thunder.
While there were seven ties and six lead changes in the first half, Los Angeles never relinquished the lead in the second half. The Lakers outscored the Suns in the second quarter, 36-26, and closed things behind a 34-26 fourth quarter. The Lakers shot 56 percent from the field and 47 percent from three-point range while holding the Suns to 47 percent from the field and 39 percent from long range. Los Angeles also forced 17 turnovers from Phoenix while out-assisting them, 27-23.
The Suns (38-34) were led by Devin Booker, collecting 33 points, six rebounds and five assists on 11-of-16 shooting. Chris Paul tallied 18 points, four rebounds and four assists. Torrey Craig scored 14 points, while Landry Shamet led the bench with 15 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Lakers (36-37) were led by Anthony Davis, accruing 27 points, nine rebounds and five assists. D'Angelo Russell shot 9-of-13 from the field to finish with 26 points, six assists and two blocks. Austin Reaves registered 25 points, four rebounds and 11 assists, while Dennis Schroder led the bench with 13 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Phoenix staying in Cali to face the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles remaining home to play the Oklahoma City Thunder.