Celtics Dominate, Secure Win Over Pacers
The Boston Celtics defeated the Indiana Pacers, 120-95, at TD Garden on Friday.
The Celtics (51-23) didn’t have problems getting past the Pacers (33-41) and dominated the contest en route to an easy win. The first half was slow, but Boston cruised its way to victory in the second half. The Celtics secured a 34-32 lead in the first quarter and made it a five-point game at the halftime break (26-23). The game was not as tight in the second half, though. The Celtics pulled away for good following a 32-21 score in the third quarter, and the was seemingly over by the time the fourth quarter started. Boston also won the fourth quarter by a 28-19 score, and the team won easily as a result. The Celtics moved to 27-9 at home following this win. Meanwhile, the Pacers fell to 14-24 away from home.
Jayson Tatum was the star of the game for the Celtics with a 34-point performance that also included seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jaylen Brown finished with 27 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Derrick White added 22 points while dishing out nine dimes and grabbing four boards. Al Horford pulled down nine rebounds and scored six points. Grant Williams finished with 12 points and six rebounds coming off the bench.
Tyrese Haliburton notched 20 points and nine assists to lead the Pacers. The star floor general also grabbed six rebounds. Myles Turner posted 20 points and six rebounds across 24 minutes. Isaiah Jackson posted 12 points and six rebounds coming off the bench. T.J. McConnell had 10 points and four boards. Bennedict Mathurin ended with two points while playing as a starter.
The Celtics (51-23) didn’t have problems getting past the Pacers (33-41) and dominated the contest en route to an easy win. The first half was slow, but Boston cruised its way to victory in the second half. The Celtics secured a 34-32 lead in the first quarter and made it a five-point game at the halftime break (26-23). The game was not as tight in the second half, though. The Celtics pulled away for good following a 32-21 score in the third quarter, and the was seemingly over by the time the fourth quarter started. Boston also won the fourth quarter by a 28-19 score, and the team won easily as a result. The Celtics moved to 27-9 at home following this win. Meanwhile, the Pacers fell to 14-24 away from home.
Jayson Tatum was the star of the game for the Celtics with a 34-point performance that also included seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jaylen Brown finished with 27 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Derrick White added 22 points while dishing out nine dimes and grabbing four boards. Al Horford pulled down nine rebounds and scored six points. Grant Williams finished with 12 points and six rebounds coming off the bench.
Tyrese Haliburton notched 20 points and nine assists to lead the Pacers. The star floor general also grabbed six rebounds. Myles Turner posted 20 points and six rebounds across 24 minutes. Isaiah Jackson posted 12 points and six rebounds coming off the bench. T.J. McConnell had 10 points and four boards. Bennedict Mathurin ended with two points while playing as a starter.
Wizards Enjoy Strong Finish To Defeat Spurs
The Washington Wizards defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 136-124, at Capital One Arena on Friday.
The Wizards (33-41) didn’t have problems and secured an easy win against the Spurs (19-55), one of the worst teams in the league throughout the season. Washington grabbed control of the game after a 33-26 score in the first quarter. However, the Spurs fought back and made it a four-point game at the halftime break following a 36-33 score. San Antonio repeated the 36-33 score in the third quarter, and the differential was just one point with 12 minutes left in the contest. However, the Wizards managed to close things out with a 37-26 score in the fourth quarter. The Wizards moved to 17-19 at home with the win, while the Spurs fell to 6-30 on the road.
Corey Kispert led the way for the Wizards with 26 points, five rebounds and two assists. Deni Avdija had a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double while also adding six assists. Kristaps Porzingis recorded 23 points, nine boards, five assists and three blocks. Monte Morris posted 10 points and four assists. Delon Wright had 24 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Jordan Goodwin finished with 17 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Keldon Johnson led the way for the Spurs with 30 points and 10 rebounds while also adding four assists. Keita Bates-Diop notched 20 points and seven rebounds. Tre Jones had a double-double of 10 points and 12 assists, but he also recorded two rebounds and two steals. Malaki Branham recorded 15 points and five rebounds. Doug McDermott finished with 18 points off the bench.
The Wizards (33-41) didn’t have problems and secured an easy win against the Spurs (19-55), one of the worst teams in the league throughout the season. Washington grabbed control of the game after a 33-26 score in the first quarter. However, the Spurs fought back and made it a four-point game at the halftime break following a 36-33 score. San Antonio repeated the 36-33 score in the third quarter, and the differential was just one point with 12 minutes left in the contest. However, the Wizards managed to close things out with a 37-26 score in the fourth quarter. The Wizards moved to 17-19 at home with the win, while the Spurs fell to 6-30 on the road.
Corey Kispert led the way for the Wizards with 26 points, five rebounds and two assists. Deni Avdija had a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double while also adding six assists. Kristaps Porzingis recorded 23 points, nine boards, five assists and three blocks. Monte Morris posted 10 points and four assists. Delon Wright had 24 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Jordan Goodwin finished with 17 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Keldon Johnson led the way for the Spurs with 30 points and 10 rebounds while also adding four assists. Keita Bates-Diop notched 20 points and seven rebounds. Tre Jones had a double-double of 10 points and 12 assists, but he also recorded two rebounds and two steals. Malaki Branham recorded 15 points and five rebounds. Doug McDermott finished with 18 points off the bench.
Raptors Use Strong First Half To Defeat Pistons
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Detroit Pistons, 118-97, at Scotiabank Arena on Friday.
The Raptors (36-38) keep moving closer to the .500 mark and secured a comfortable win over the Pistons (16-58). Toronto dominated the game from start to finish and raced out to a 38-26 lead in the first quarter. The dominance continued in the second quarter and Toronto was up by 20 points (72-52) by the time the halftime break arrived. Detroit showed signs of life in the second half, but a 21-20 score in the third quarter was not enough to think about a potential comeback. The Raptors closed the game out with a 26-24 score in the fourth quarter. The Raptors moved to 24-14 at home with the win, while the Pistons fell to 7-29 on the road.
Pascal Siakam led the way for the Raptors with 32 points, nine assists and five rebounds across 38 minutes. Fred VanVleet delivered 18 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. O.G. Anunoby recorded 17 points, three rebounds and two assists. Jakob Poeltl delivered 11 rebounds, two steals and two blocks while scoring four points. Chris Boucher recorded a double-double off the bench after posting 19 points and 13 rebounds across 29 minutes.
Jaden Ivey was the leading scorer for the Pistons with 20 points, eight assists and three rebounds. James Wiseman finished with 14 points and four rebounds. Marvin Bagley III also had 14 points, but he pulled down nine boards as well. Isaiah Livers had 12 points, and he added four rebounds and two assists. R.J. Hampton recorded 13 points off the bench.
The Raptors (36-38) keep moving closer to the .500 mark and secured a comfortable win over the Pistons (16-58). Toronto dominated the game from start to finish and raced out to a 38-26 lead in the first quarter. The dominance continued in the second quarter and Toronto was up by 20 points (72-52) by the time the halftime break arrived. Detroit showed signs of life in the second half, but a 21-20 score in the third quarter was not enough to think about a potential comeback. The Raptors closed the game out with a 26-24 score in the fourth quarter. The Raptors moved to 24-14 at home with the win, while the Pistons fell to 7-29 on the road.
Pascal Siakam led the way for the Raptors with 32 points, nine assists and five rebounds across 38 minutes. Fred VanVleet delivered 18 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. O.G. Anunoby recorded 17 points, three rebounds and two assists. Jakob Poeltl delivered 11 rebounds, two steals and two blocks while scoring four points. Chris Boucher recorded a double-double off the bench after posting 19 points and 13 rebounds across 29 minutes.
Jaden Ivey was the leading scorer for the Pistons with 20 points, eight assists and three rebounds. James Wiseman finished with 14 points and four rebounds. Marvin Bagley III also had 14 points, but he pulled down nine boards as well. Isaiah Livers had 12 points, and he added four rebounds and two assists. R.J. Hampton recorded 13 points off the bench.
Grizzlies Blast Rockets, 151-114
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Houston Rockets, 151-114, at FedEx Forum on Friday night.
The Grizzlies (46-27) came into the contest looking to continue building late-season momentum against an inferior opponent in the Rockets (18-56), and they left no doubt about their ability to do just that by jumping out to an 83-52 halftime lead. The game was over for all practical purposes at that point, but Memphis didn't let its foot off the gas and added 68 points over the final two quarters.
Tari Eason led the Rockets with 21 points, complementing them with four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Kevin Porter and Jabari Smith posted 20 points each, with Porter adding seven rebounds and six assists and Smith tallying eight boards and one block. Jalen Green supplied 13 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Kenyon Martin registered 10 points, three rebounds, two assists and one block.
Luke Kennard paced the Grizzlies with 30 points, adding three assists and one steal. Desmond Bane furnished 25 points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson generated matching 18-point tallies while recording eight assists and seven rebounds, respectively. Tyus Jones, Dillon Brooks and Kenneth Lofton all contributed 11 points, with Jones also dishing out nine assists.
The Rockets remain on the road and visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday evening, while the Grizzlies visit the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday evening as well.
The Grizzlies (46-27) came into the contest looking to continue building late-season momentum against an inferior opponent in the Rockets (18-56), and they left no doubt about their ability to do just that by jumping out to an 83-52 halftime lead. The game was over for all practical purposes at that point, but Memphis didn't let its foot off the gas and added 68 points over the final two quarters.
Tari Eason led the Rockets with 21 points, complementing them with four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Kevin Porter and Jabari Smith posted 20 points each, with Porter adding seven rebounds and six assists and Smith tallying eight boards and one block. Jalen Green supplied 13 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Kenyon Martin registered 10 points, three rebounds, two assists and one block.
Luke Kennard paced the Grizzlies with 30 points, adding three assists and one steal. Desmond Bane furnished 25 points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson generated matching 18-point tallies while recording eight assists and seven rebounds, respectively. Tyus Jones, Dillon Brooks and Kenneth Lofton all contributed 11 points, with Jones also dishing out nine assists.
The Rockets remain on the road and visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday evening, while the Grizzlies visit the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday evening as well.
Hornets Upset Mavericks, 117-109
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 117-109, at American Airlines Center on Friday night.
The Hornets (24-51) unsurprisingly came into the contest as sizable underdogs, but they served notice early they had a spoiler mindset by jumping out to a 69-55 halftime lead. The Mavericks (36-38), which had plenty of postseason-related incentive coming in, made a six-point dent in their deficit during the third quarter, but Charlotte matched Dallas bucket for bucket during the last 12 minutes to record the upset victory.
P.J. Washington led the Hornets with 28 points, adding six rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Gordon Hayward furnished 25 points, nine assists and three rebounds. Dennis Smith and Mark Williams provided matching 13-point contributions while nine assists and eight rebounds, respectively. Smith also posted five boards. Svi Mykhailiuk matched his teammates' scoring tally and also turned in three rebounds and three assists. JT Thor offered 12 points, three rebounds, one assist, three steals and two blocks. Nick Richards generated a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one assist.
Luka Doncic paced the Mavericks with a 34-point, 10-rebound double-double that included eight assists and one block. Kyrie Irving registered 18 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block. Christian Wood and Dwight Powell offered matching 14-point, two-assist efforts while posting six and five rebounds, respectively.
The two squads reconvene at Spectrum Center for a rematch Sunday afternoon.
The Hornets (24-51) unsurprisingly came into the contest as sizable underdogs, but they served notice early they had a spoiler mindset by jumping out to a 69-55 halftime lead. The Mavericks (36-38), which had plenty of postseason-related incentive coming in, made a six-point dent in their deficit during the third quarter, but Charlotte matched Dallas bucket for bucket during the last 12 minutes to record the upset victory.
P.J. Washington led the Hornets with 28 points, adding six rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Gordon Hayward furnished 25 points, nine assists and three rebounds. Dennis Smith and Mark Williams provided matching 13-point contributions while nine assists and eight rebounds, respectively. Smith also posted five boards. Svi Mykhailiuk matched his teammates' scoring tally and also turned in three rebounds and three assists. JT Thor offered 12 points, three rebounds, one assist, three steals and two blocks. Nick Richards generated a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one assist.
Luka Doncic paced the Mavericks with a 34-point, 10-rebound double-double that included eight assists and one block. Kyrie Irving registered 18 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block. Christian Wood and Dwight Powell offered matching 14-point, two-assist efforts while posting six and five rebounds, respectively.
The two squads reconvene at Spectrum Center for a rematch Sunday afternoon.
Bucks Roll Past Jazz In Utah
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the host Utah Jazz, 144-116, at Vivint Arena on Friday evening.
The Bucks jumped out to a great start with a, 40-25, lead after one quarter. Both sides came out strong in the second, but the visitors carried a 16-point lead into the break. The Jazz had no answers in the third, as the Bucks added another 16 points to their advantage, to make it a 32-point deficit heading into the final frame. The hosts put up a decent effort in the fourth, but it was too little, too late, as the Bucks closed out their third straight win. This marks the second straight loss for the Jazz.
Grayson Allen led the Bucks with 25 points, four rebounds and two steals, in 22 minutes. Giannis Antetokounmpo followed up with 24 points, six rebounds, 11 assists and two steals, while Pat Connaughton added 22 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks. The Bucks shot 55.6 percent from the field, including 22-of-50 from deep.
Meanwhile, Simone Fontecchio led the Jazz with 26 points on 9-of-16 shooting, in 25 minutes. Kelly Olynyk followed up with 16 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Talen Horton-Tucker tallied 13 points, five rebounds, eight assists and a steal. The Jazz shot 38.5 percent from the field, including 11-of-40 from long range.
The Jazz (35-38) will look to bounce back as they take on the Kings in Sacramento on Saturday. The Bucks (53-20) clash with the Nuggets in Denver on Saturday.
The Bucks jumped out to a great start with a, 40-25, lead after one quarter. Both sides came out strong in the second, but the visitors carried a 16-point lead into the break. The Jazz had no answers in the third, as the Bucks added another 16 points to their advantage, to make it a 32-point deficit heading into the final frame. The hosts put up a decent effort in the fourth, but it was too little, too late, as the Bucks closed out their third straight win. This marks the second straight loss for the Jazz.
Grayson Allen led the Bucks with 25 points, four rebounds and two steals, in 22 minutes. Giannis Antetokounmpo followed up with 24 points, six rebounds, 11 assists and two steals, while Pat Connaughton added 22 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks. The Bucks shot 55.6 percent from the field, including 22-of-50 from deep.
Meanwhile, Simone Fontecchio led the Jazz with 26 points on 9-of-16 shooting, in 25 minutes. Kelly Olynyk followed up with 16 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Talen Horton-Tucker tallied 13 points, five rebounds, eight assists and a steal. The Jazz shot 38.5 percent from the field, including 11-of-40 from long range.
The Jazz (35-38) will look to bounce back as they take on the Kings in Sacramento on Saturday. The Bucks (53-20) clash with the Nuggets in Denver on Saturday.
Warriors Rally To Top 76ers
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Philadelphia 76ers, 120-112, at Chase Center on Friday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the visitors held a four-point lead after one quarter. The Warriors came out stronger in the second and pushed ahead to claim a, 55-53, lead at the break. The 76ers reclaimed the momentum in the third and outscored the hosts, 35-24, to take a nine-point cushion into the final frame. However, the Warriors bounced back in the fourth and outscored the Sixers, 41-24, in the quarter to rally to their third straight win.
Jordan Poole led the Warriors with 33 points, three rebound and three assists, in 32 minutes. Stephen Curry followed up with 29 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and a steal, while Klay Thompson totaled 21 points, six rebounds and two assists. The Warriors shot 47.7 percent from the field, including 18-of-50 from long range.
Meanwhile, Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 46 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, two steals and a block, in 38 minutes. Tobias Harris followed up with 23 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Tyrese Maxey added 21 points, four rebounds, five assists and a steal. The 76ers shot 48.7 percent from the field, including 8-of-29 from deep.
The 76ers (49-23) will look to bounce back as they take on the Suns in Phoenix on Saturday. The Warriors (38-36) play host to the Timberwolves on Sunday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the visitors held a four-point lead after one quarter. The Warriors came out stronger in the second and pushed ahead to claim a, 55-53, lead at the break. The 76ers reclaimed the momentum in the third and outscored the hosts, 35-24, to take a nine-point cushion into the final frame. However, the Warriors bounced back in the fourth and outscored the Sixers, 41-24, in the quarter to rally to their third straight win.
Jordan Poole led the Warriors with 33 points, three rebound and three assists, in 32 minutes. Stephen Curry followed up with 29 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and a steal, while Klay Thompson totaled 21 points, six rebounds and two assists. The Warriors shot 47.7 percent from the field, including 18-of-50 from long range.
Meanwhile, Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 46 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, two steals and a block, in 38 minutes. Tobias Harris followed up with 23 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Tyrese Maxey added 21 points, four rebounds, five assists and a steal. The 76ers shot 48.7 percent from the field, including 8-of-29 from deep.
The 76ers (49-23) will look to bounce back as they take on the Suns in Phoenix on Saturday. The Warriors (38-36) play host to the Timberwolves on Sunday.
Bulls Defeat Blazers, 124-96
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 124-96, at Moda Center on Friday.
While there were five ties and seven lead changes through the opening 15 minutes, Chicago never relinquished the lead after a 35-19 second quarter. They also outscored Portland in the second half, 63-51, getting their lead up to 29 points at times. They maintained a 20-point lead for the final 15 minutes. The Bulls shot 57 percent from the field and 61 percent from three-point range (17-of-28) while holding the Trail Blazers to 43 percent from the field and 19 percent from long range (6-of-31). Chicago also out-assisted Portland, 32-22, while out-rebounding them, 47-34.
The Bulls (35-38) were led by Zach Lavine, finishing with 33 points, four rebounds and eight assists. Nikola Vucevic collected 23 points, 15 rebounds and four assists on 10-of-13 from the field. Patrick Williams amassed 10 points, three rebounds and three blocks, while Coby White led the bench with 19 points, four rebounds, nine assists and two steals.
The Trail Blazers (32-41) were led by Shaedon Sharpe, tallying 24 points, four rebounds and two assists. Trendon Watford totaled 15 points, six rebounds and three assists. Drew Eubanks had 12 points, seven rebounds and two steals, while Jabari Walker led the bench with 14 points and three boards. Keon Johnson also generated 12 points, two rebounds, six assists and four steals.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Chicago staying on the road to face the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland remaining home to play the Oklahoma City Thunder.
While there were five ties and seven lead changes through the opening 15 minutes, Chicago never relinquished the lead after a 35-19 second quarter. They also outscored Portland in the second half, 63-51, getting their lead up to 29 points at times. They maintained a 20-point lead for the final 15 minutes. The Bulls shot 57 percent from the field and 61 percent from three-point range (17-of-28) while holding the Trail Blazers to 43 percent from the field and 19 percent from long range (6-of-31). Chicago also out-assisted Portland, 32-22, while out-rebounding them, 47-34.
The Bulls (35-38) were led by Zach Lavine, finishing with 33 points, four rebounds and eight assists. Nikola Vucevic collected 23 points, 15 rebounds and four assists on 10-of-13 from the field. Patrick Williams amassed 10 points, three rebounds and three blocks, while Coby White led the bench with 19 points, four rebounds, nine assists and two steals.
The Trail Blazers (32-41) were led by Shaedon Sharpe, tallying 24 points, four rebounds and two assists. Trendon Watford totaled 15 points, six rebounds and three assists. Drew Eubanks had 12 points, seven rebounds and two steals, while Jabari Walker led the bench with 14 points and three boards. Keon Johnson also generated 12 points, two rebounds, six assists and four steals.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Chicago staying on the road to face the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland remaining home to play the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Kings Defeat Suns, 135-127
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns, 135-127, at Golden 1 Center on Friday.
There was a 27-point swing in a 15-minute span in this game, with Sacramento riding a 45-26 third quarter to their win. That allowed them to maintain the lead for the final 18 minutes. The Kings starters dominated the Suns starters, outscoring them, 111-59. Sacramento shot 13-of-39 from three-point range and 28-of-32 from the free-throw line, while Phoenix connected on 9-of-20 from long range and 22-of-29 from the charity stripe. The Kings also won the turnover battle, 12-4.
The Suns (38-35) were led by Devin Booker, tallying 32 points, eight rebounds and five assists on 10-of-16 from the field. Chris Paul collected 15 points, six rebounds and 13 assists. No other starter had more than six points, four rebounds or two assists. Terrence Ross led the bench with 30 points and five rebounds on 11-of-16 shooting. Jock Landale also provided 17 points, six rebounds and three assists.
The Kings (44-29) were led by Kevin Huerter, finishing with 29 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Domantas Sabonis compiled 27 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. Harrison Barnes scored 23 points, while De'Aaron Fox generated 19 points and two assists before leaving due to a hammy issue. Keegan Murray rounded out the starting lineup with 13 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Phoenix has to play a B2B on Saturday, returning home to play the Philadelphia 76ers. As for Sacramento, they also play on Saturday, staying home to play the Utah Jazz.
There was a 27-point swing in a 15-minute span in this game, with Sacramento riding a 45-26 third quarter to their win. That allowed them to maintain the lead for the final 18 minutes. The Kings starters dominated the Suns starters, outscoring them, 111-59. Sacramento shot 13-of-39 from three-point range and 28-of-32 from the free-throw line, while Phoenix connected on 9-of-20 from long range and 22-of-29 from the charity stripe. The Kings also won the turnover battle, 12-4.
The Suns (38-35) were led by Devin Booker, tallying 32 points, eight rebounds and five assists on 10-of-16 from the field. Chris Paul collected 15 points, six rebounds and 13 assists. No other starter had more than six points, four rebounds or two assists. Terrence Ross led the bench with 30 points and five rebounds on 11-of-16 shooting. Jock Landale also provided 17 points, six rebounds and three assists.
The Kings (44-29) were led by Kevin Huerter, finishing with 29 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Domantas Sabonis compiled 27 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. Harrison Barnes scored 23 points, while De'Aaron Fox generated 19 points and two assists before leaving due to a hammy issue. Keegan Murray rounded out the starting lineup with 13 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Phoenix has to play a B2B on Saturday, returning home to play the Philadelphia 76ers. As for Sacramento, they also play on Saturday, staying home to play the Utah Jazz.
Lakers Defeat Thunder, 116-111
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 116-111, at Crypto.com Arena on Friday.
A 41-25 first quarter carried Los Angeles to their win, holding the lead for the final 47 minutes of this 48-minute game. Oklahoma City's first made shot was actually their only lead, even though they tied the game twice in the final 10 minutes. The Lakers shot 47 percent from the field while holding the Thunder below 44 percent shooting. Los Angeles out-rebounded Oklahoma City, 59-51, while outscoring them in the paint, 54-48. Their bench outscored OKC's bench, 40-28, as well.
The Thunder (36-38) were led by Josh Giddey, tallying 27 points, 18 rebounds and seven assists. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 27 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Luguentz Dort amassed 15 points, six rebounds and two blocks, while James Robinson-Earl led the bench with 14 points and three rebounds.
The Lakers (37-37) were led by Anthony Davis, accruing 37 points and 14 rebounds on 15-of-21 shooting. Dennis Schroder started and collected 21 points, three rebounds, six assists and two steals. Austin Reaves amassed 11 points, six rebounds and nine assists, while Lonnie Walker led the bench with 20 points, four rebounds and three steals.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Los Angeles remaining home to face the Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City staying on the road to play the Portland Trail Blazers.
A 41-25 first quarter carried Los Angeles to their win, holding the lead for the final 47 minutes of this 48-minute game. Oklahoma City's first made shot was actually their only lead, even though they tied the game twice in the final 10 minutes. The Lakers shot 47 percent from the field while holding the Thunder below 44 percent shooting. Los Angeles out-rebounded Oklahoma City, 59-51, while outscoring them in the paint, 54-48. Their bench outscored OKC's bench, 40-28, as well.
The Thunder (36-38) were led by Josh Giddey, tallying 27 points, 18 rebounds and seven assists. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 27 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Luguentz Dort amassed 15 points, six rebounds and two blocks, while James Robinson-Earl led the bench with 14 points and three rebounds.
The Lakers (37-37) were led by Anthony Davis, accruing 37 points and 14 rebounds on 15-of-21 shooting. Dennis Schroder started and collected 21 points, three rebounds, six assists and two steals. Austin Reaves amassed 11 points, six rebounds and nine assists, while Lonnie Walker led the bench with 20 points, four rebounds and three steals.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Los Angeles remaining home to face the Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City staying on the road to play the Portland Trail Blazers.