Hornets Come Through In Clutch, Defeat Mavericks
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 110-104, at Spectrum Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Hornets (25-51) enjoyed a strong start and tightened things up when they needed to, as they used a strong performance in the fourth quarter to get past the Mavericks (36-39) in the game that opened Sunday’s slate. Charlotte looked dominant in the first quarter and raced out to a 30-16 lead following the opening 12 minutes. However, Dallas responded with a 32-25 score to make it a seven-point game at halftime. The Hornets won the third quarter by a 26-24 score and seemed in control, but the Mavs had other plans. Led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks grabbed the lead in the fourth quarter and seemed poised to mount a comeback. The Hornets responded when it mattered the most, though, and Charlotte secured the win thanks to his better execution -- comparatively -- in the final minutes. The Hornets moved to 13-24 at home with the win, while the Mavericks fell to 14-24 on the road.
Gordon Hayward scored 22 points while adding six rebounds and four assists for the Hornets. P.J. Washington had a 21-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included four assists and a block. Mark Williams returned to the starting lineup with a double-double of 15 points and 16 rebounds. Dennis Smith Jr. recorded 14 points, six assists and five rebounds. JT Thor and Bryce McGowens both had nine points off the bench.
Luka Doncic dazzled despite the loss, ending with 40 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and two steals. Kyrie Irving had 18 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. No other Dallas starter had double-digit points in this loss. Tim Hardaway Jr. delivered 15 points and five rebounds off the bench. Christian Wood chipped in with 14 points, four boards and two blocks.
The Hornets (25-51) enjoyed a strong start and tightened things up when they needed to, as they used a strong performance in the fourth quarter to get past the Mavericks (36-39) in the game that opened Sunday’s slate. Charlotte looked dominant in the first quarter and raced out to a 30-16 lead following the opening 12 minutes. However, Dallas responded with a 32-25 score to make it a seven-point game at halftime. The Hornets won the third quarter by a 26-24 score and seemed in control, but the Mavs had other plans. Led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks grabbed the lead in the fourth quarter and seemed poised to mount a comeback. The Hornets responded when it mattered the most, though, and Charlotte secured the win thanks to his better execution -- comparatively -- in the final minutes. The Hornets moved to 13-24 at home with the win, while the Mavericks fell to 14-24 on the road.
Gordon Hayward scored 22 points while adding six rebounds and four assists for the Hornets. P.J. Washington had a 21-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included four assists and a block. Mark Williams returned to the starting lineup with a double-double of 15 points and 16 rebounds. Dennis Smith Jr. recorded 14 points, six assists and five rebounds. JT Thor and Bryce McGowens both had nine points off the bench.
Luka Doncic dazzled despite the loss, ending with 40 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and two steals. Kyrie Irving had 18 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. No other Dallas starter had double-digit points in this loss. Tim Hardaway Jr. delivered 15 points and five rebounds off the bench. Christian Wood chipped in with 14 points, four boards and two blocks.
Bulls Slow Down Lakers, Secure Road Win
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 118-108, at crypto.com Arena on Sunday.
The Bulls (36-38) remain alive on the race for a play-in berth and secured a huge road win over a Lakers (37-38) that was carrying decent momentum ahead of this contest. Chicago looked good early on and quickly established the lead following a 29-26 score in the first quarter. The Bulls didn't step the foot off the gas and bolstered their lead to eight points by halftime following a 34-29 score. Chicago kept increasing its advantage and was up by 11 points by the time the third quarter ended. Los Angeles fought back in the fourth and attempted a comeback. However, the Lakers came up short and the Bulls ended up securing the win while spoiling LeBron James' return to action after several weeks sidelined with injury.
Zach LaVine posted 32 points and four assists to lead the Bulls. DeMar ReRozan finished with a double-double of 17 points and 10 assists, and he also notched six rebounds. Patrick Beverley delivered 10 points, five assists and four boards. Nikola Vucevic only had four points while adding two boards in 15 minutes. Coby White notched 13 points, seven rebounds and six assists off the bench. Andre Drummond notched 12 points (5-6 FG) and eight boards off the bench.
LeBron James came off the bench and finished with 19 points, eight rebounds ans three assists in his return. Anthony Davis had 15 points, nine boards and five assists. Malik Beasley had 18 points off the bench. Troy Brown Jr. also had 18 points while adding six rebounds. Dennis Schroder had 15 points and five dimes.
The Bulls (36-38) remain alive on the race for a play-in berth and secured a huge road win over a Lakers (37-38) that was carrying decent momentum ahead of this contest. Chicago looked good early on and quickly established the lead following a 29-26 score in the first quarter. The Bulls didn't step the foot off the gas and bolstered their lead to eight points by halftime following a 34-29 score. Chicago kept increasing its advantage and was up by 11 points by the time the third quarter ended. Los Angeles fought back in the fourth and attempted a comeback. However, the Lakers came up short and the Bulls ended up securing the win while spoiling LeBron James' return to action after several weeks sidelined with injury.
Zach LaVine posted 32 points and four assists to lead the Bulls. DeMar ReRozan finished with a double-double of 17 points and 10 assists, and he also notched six rebounds. Patrick Beverley delivered 10 points, five assists and four boards. Nikola Vucevic only had four points while adding two boards in 15 minutes. Coby White notched 13 points, seven rebounds and six assists off the bench. Andre Drummond notched 12 points (5-6 FG) and eight boards off the bench.
LeBron James came off the bench and finished with 19 points, eight rebounds ans three assists in his return. Anthony Davis had 15 points, nine boards and five assists. Malik Beasley had 18 points off the bench. Troy Brown Jr. also had 18 points while adding six rebounds. Dennis Schroder had 15 points and five dimes.
Grizzlies Topple Hawks, 123-119
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Atlanta Hawks,123-119, at State Farm Arena on Sunday evening.
The Grizzlies (47-27) checked into the contest looking to extend their winning streak to six games and continue to inch closer to the top-seeded Denver Nuggets, and they got off to an excellent start in that regard by establishing a 34-27 lead through one. The Hawks (37-38) were able to put a two-point dent in their deficit prior to halftime, and although they were subsequently within three with 23 seconds left, missed shots by Trae Young and Bogdan Bogdanovic sealed the road victory for Memphis.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 27 points, adding six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Desmond Bane delivered 25 points, five assists and three rebounds. Xavier Tillman and Jaren Jackson posted matching 15-point, eight rebound, three-steal tallies while adding two and five blocks, respectively. Luke Kennard supplied 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal. Tyus Jones managed 13 points, five assists and two rebounds.
Young paced the Hawks with a 28-point, 10-assist double-double that included two rebounds. Clint Capela generated an 18-point, 16-rebound double-double that included one assist, four blocks and one steal. De'Andre Hunter registered 17 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Dejounte Murray and Onyeka Okongwu posted 13 points apiece while recording nine assists and seven rebounds, respectively. Bogdanovic netted 10 points.
The Grizzlies return home and host the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night, while the Hawks remain home and host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night as well.
The Grizzlies (47-27) checked into the contest looking to extend their winning streak to six games and continue to inch closer to the top-seeded Denver Nuggets, and they got off to an excellent start in that regard by establishing a 34-27 lead through one. The Hawks (37-38) were able to put a two-point dent in their deficit prior to halftime, and although they were subsequently within three with 23 seconds left, missed shots by Trae Young and Bogdan Bogdanovic sealed the road victory for Memphis.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 27 points, adding six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Desmond Bane delivered 25 points, five assists and three rebounds. Xavier Tillman and Jaren Jackson posted matching 15-point, eight rebound, three-steal tallies while adding two and five blocks, respectively. Luke Kennard supplied 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal. Tyus Jones managed 13 points, five assists and two rebounds.
Young paced the Hawks with a 28-point, 10-assist double-double that included two rebounds. Clint Capela generated an 18-point, 16-rebound double-double that included one assist, four blocks and one steal. De'Andre Hunter registered 17 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Dejounte Murray and Onyeka Okongwu posted 13 points apiece while recording nine assists and seven rebounds, respectively. Bogdanovic netted 10 points.
The Grizzlies return home and host the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night, while the Hawks remain home and host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night as well.
Celtics Blast Spurs, 137-93
The Boston Celtics defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 137-93, at TD Garden on Sunday evening.
The Spurs (19-56) gave the host Celtics (52-23) more than they likely bargained for early, jumping to a 32-30 lead through one. However, that only seemed to wake the proverbial sleeping giant, as Boston outscored San Antonio by a 66-45 margin over the middle periods to take a 19-point advantage into the fourth quarter. The home squad then put any illusions of a potential comeback to rest by going on an 11-0 run over the first 2:15 of the final period on the way to the lopsided victory.
Zach Collins led the Spurs with 21 points, adding seven rebounds and four assists. Malaki Branham delivered 15 points, three boards and one assist. Sandro Mamukelashvili provided 13 points, five rebounds and three assists. Tre Jones registered 11 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals.
Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 41 points, supplementing them with 13 rebounds, three assists and one steal. Malcolm Brogdon supplied 20 points, nine assists, five rebounds, one steal and one block. Derrick White furnished 19 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Marcus Smart went for 13 points, four assists, three rebounds and two blocks. Robert Williams turned in 11 points, eight rebounds and one block.
The Spurs return home to host the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night, while the Celtics visit the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night.
The Spurs (19-56) gave the host Celtics (52-23) more than they likely bargained for early, jumping to a 32-30 lead through one. However, that only seemed to wake the proverbial sleeping giant, as Boston outscored San Antonio by a 66-45 margin over the middle periods to take a 19-point advantage into the fourth quarter. The home squad then put any illusions of a potential comeback to rest by going on an 11-0 run over the first 2:15 of the final period on the way to the lopsided victory.
Zach Collins led the Spurs with 21 points, adding seven rebounds and four assists. Malaki Branham delivered 15 points, three boards and one assist. Sandro Mamukelashvili provided 13 points, five rebounds and three assists. Tre Jones registered 11 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals.
Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 41 points, supplementing them with 13 rebounds, three assists and one steal. Malcolm Brogdon supplied 20 points, nine assists, five rebounds, one steal and one block. Derrick White furnished 19 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Marcus Smart went for 13 points, four assists, three rebounds and two blocks. Robert Williams turned in 11 points, eight rebounds and one block.
The Spurs return home to host the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night, while the Celtics visit the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night.
Cavs Hold Off Rockets In Cleveland
By Dan Bruno
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 108-91, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Sunday evening.
The hosts jumped out to a strong start with a, 33-22, lead after one quarter and stayed in control through the second to take a 17-point lead into halftime. The Rockets came up much better in the third and outscored the hosts, 37-25, to cut it down to a five-point game heading into the final quarter. The Cavs did not lose their grip and stayed in front the rest of the way to secure their fourth straight win. This marks the fifth straight loss for the Rockets.
Jarrett Allen led the way for the Cavs with 24 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, three blocks and a steal, in 36 minutes. Donovan Mitchell followed up with 22 points, five rebounds, a steal and a block, while Evan Mobley added 19 points, five assists, three blocks and a steal. The Cavs shot 47.0 percent from the field, including 9-of-30 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jalen Green led the Rockets with 30 points, four assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. Alperen Sengun followed up with 14 points, eight rebounds, four assists and a block, while Kenyon Martin totaled 13 points, four rebounds and two assists. The Rockets shot 43.8 percent from the field, including 6-of-25 from long range.
The Rockets (18-57) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Knicks in New York on Monday. The Cavs (48-28) take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Tuesday.
The hosts jumped out to a strong start with a, 33-22, lead after one quarter and stayed in control through the second to take a 17-point lead into halftime. The Rockets came up much better in the third and outscored the hosts, 37-25, to cut it down to a five-point game heading into the final quarter. The Cavs did not lose their grip and stayed in front the rest of the way to secure their fourth straight win. This marks the fifth straight loss for the Rockets.
Jarrett Allen led the way for the Cavs with 24 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, three blocks and a steal, in 36 minutes. Donovan Mitchell followed up with 22 points, five rebounds, a steal and a block, while Evan Mobley added 19 points, five assists, three blocks and a steal. The Cavs shot 47.0 percent from the field, including 9-of-30 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jalen Green led the Rockets with 30 points, four assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. Alperen Sengun followed up with 14 points, eight rebounds, four assists and a block, while Kenyon Martin totaled 13 points, four rebounds and two assists. The Rockets shot 43.8 percent from the field, including 6-of-25 from long range.
The Rockets (18-57) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Knicks in New York on Monday. The Cavs (48-28) take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Tuesday.
Magic Top Nets In Orlando
By Dan Bruno
The Orlando Magic defeated the visiting Brooklyn Nets, 119-106, at Amway Center on Sunday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Nets led by one, heading into the second quarter, but the hosts turned it up a notch and rallied to a nine-point lead by halftime. The Magic kept the momentum going in the third and outscored the visitors, 32-23, to make it an 18-point deficit going into the final frame. The Nets had no answers down the stretch and the Magic held on for their third straight win.
Cole Anthony led the Magic with 21 points, six rebounds and three assists, in 31 minutes off the bench. Franz Wagner followed up with 19 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Wendell Carter totaled 18 points, six rebounds and two assists. The Magic shot 52.9 percent from the field, including 7-of-22 from long range.
Meanwhile, Mikal Bridges led the Nets with 44 points, six rebounds, a steal and a block, in 34 minutes. Cam Thomas followed up with 18 points and two assists, while Nicolas Claxton tallied nine points, nine rebounds, two assists, four blocks and a steal. The Nets shot 40.7 percent from the field, including 8-of-35 from deep.
The Nets (40-35) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Rockets on Wednesday. The Magic (32-43) take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Tuesday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Nets led by one, heading into the second quarter, but the hosts turned it up a notch and rallied to a nine-point lead by halftime. The Magic kept the momentum going in the third and outscored the visitors, 32-23, to make it an 18-point deficit going into the final frame. The Nets had no answers down the stretch and the Magic held on for their third straight win.
Cole Anthony led the Magic with 21 points, six rebounds and three assists, in 31 minutes off the bench. Franz Wagner followed up with 19 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Wendell Carter totaled 18 points, six rebounds and two assists. The Magic shot 52.9 percent from the field, including 7-of-22 from long range.
Meanwhile, Mikal Bridges led the Nets with 44 points, six rebounds, a steal and a block, in 34 minutes. Cam Thomas followed up with 18 points and two assists, while Nicolas Claxton tallied nine points, nine rebounds, two assists, four blocks and a steal. The Nets shot 40.7 percent from the field, including 8-of-35 from deep.
The Nets (40-35) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Rockets on Wednesday. The Magic (32-43) take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Tuesday.
Raptors Defeat Wizards, 114-104
The Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Washington Wizards, 114-104, at Scotiabank Arena on Sunday.
Toronto started this game in a 17-5 run, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. That carried them to a 37-21 first quarter, getting their lead up to 21 points at times. The Raptors shot 46 percent from the field and 81 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Wizards to 44 percent from the field and 60 percent from the charity stripe. The Raptors out-rebounded the Wizards, 53-45, while recording 13 steals to Washington's six. They also outscored the Wiz in the paint, 54-36, and in second-chance points, 27-11.
The Wizards (33-42) were led by Kristaps Porzingis, providing 26 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Corey Kispert amassed 19 points and three rebounds. Deni Avdija accrued 15 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Daniel Gafford generated 10 points, eight rebounds and three assists, while Delon Wright had five points, seven rebounds, eight assists and two steals.
The Raptors (37-38) were led by OG Anunoby, finishing with 29 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Fred VanVleet tallied 28 points, four rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Pascal Siakam accumulated 19 points, 11 rebounds and two assists, while Scottie Barnes compiled 13 points, five rebounds, six assists and three steals. Jakob Poeltl had a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Toronto staying home to play the Miami Heat and Washington returning home to face the Boston Celtics.
Toronto started this game in a 17-5 run, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. That carried them to a 37-21 first quarter, getting their lead up to 21 points at times. The Raptors shot 46 percent from the field and 81 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Wizards to 44 percent from the field and 60 percent from the charity stripe. The Raptors out-rebounded the Wizards, 53-45, while recording 13 steals to Washington's six. They also outscored the Wiz in the paint, 54-36, and in second-chance points, 27-11.
The Wizards (33-42) were led by Kristaps Porzingis, providing 26 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Corey Kispert amassed 19 points and three rebounds. Deni Avdija accrued 15 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Daniel Gafford generated 10 points, eight rebounds and three assists, while Delon Wright had five points, seven rebounds, eight assists and two steals.
The Raptors (37-38) were led by OG Anunoby, finishing with 29 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Fred VanVleet tallied 28 points, four rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Pascal Siakam accumulated 19 points, 11 rebounds and two assists, while Scottie Barnes compiled 13 points, five rebounds, six assists and three steals. Jakob Poeltl had a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Toronto staying home to play the Miami Heat and Washington returning home to face the Boston Celtics.
Thunder Defeat Blazers, 118-112
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder, 118-112, at Moda Center on Sunday.
There were 12 ties and 11 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 12 points. With that said, Oklahoma City went on an 11-1 run in the middle of the fourth quarter to take control of this game. The Thunder recorded 13 steals to the Trail Blazers five, winning the turnover battle, 18-11. That turnover differential allowed the Thunder to take 12 more shots than the Blazers. Oklahoma City also outscored Portland in the paint, 56-42, and in second-chance points, 21-11.
The Thunder (37-38) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, collecting 31 points, two rebounds, three assists and four steals. Jalen Williams totaled 23 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Josh Giddey generated 17 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and two blocks, while Isaiah Joe led the bench with 20 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals.
The Trail Blazers (32-42) were led by Shaedon Sharpe, tallying 29 points, five rebounds and three assists. He was the only starter in double figures. Drew Eubanks totaled seven points, 10 rebounds, four assists and six blocks. Nassir Little led the bench with 28 points and six rebounds. Keon Johnson compiled 14 points and five assists.
Portland has to play again on Monday, playing host to the New Orleans Pelicans. As for Oklahoma City, they return to action on Tuesday in a home matchup with the Charlotte Hornets.
There were 12 ties and 11 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 12 points. With that said, Oklahoma City went on an 11-1 run in the middle of the fourth quarter to take control of this game. The Thunder recorded 13 steals to the Trail Blazers five, winning the turnover battle, 18-11. That turnover differential allowed the Thunder to take 12 more shots than the Blazers. Oklahoma City also outscored Portland in the paint, 56-42, and in second-chance points, 21-11.
The Thunder (37-38) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, collecting 31 points, two rebounds, three assists and four steals. Jalen Williams totaled 23 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Josh Giddey generated 17 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and two blocks, while Isaiah Joe led the bench with 20 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals.
The Trail Blazers (32-42) were led by Shaedon Sharpe, tallying 29 points, five rebounds and three assists. He was the only starter in double figures. Drew Eubanks totaled seven points, 10 rebounds, four assists and six blocks. Nassir Little led the bench with 28 points and six rebounds. Keon Johnson compiled 14 points and five assists.
Portland has to play again on Monday, playing host to the New Orleans Pelicans. As for Oklahoma City, they return to action on Tuesday in a home matchup with the Charlotte Hornets.
T'Wolves Defeat Warriors, 99-96
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the host Golden State Warriors, 99-96, at Chase Center on Sunday.
There were six ties and 11 lead changes in this game, with the decisive lead change happening with just 11 seconds remaining. That was a game-winning three from Karl-Anthony Towns, with the Timberwolves closing the game on a 5-0 run over the closing 28 seconds. Golden State committed two turnovers in the final 15 seconds while missing their only two shots. Minnesota out-rebounded Golden State, 61-48, while doubling them up in second-chance points, 12-6.
The Timberwolves (38-37) were led by Naz Reid, providing 23 points and six rebounds off the bench. Karl-Anthony Towns led the starters with 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Anthony Edwards accrued 13 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Rudy Gobert generated 10 points, 18 rebounds and two assists. Kyle Anderson provided 12 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and five steals off the bench as well.
The Warriors (39-37) were led by Jordan Poole, coming off the bench to score 27 points. Stephen Curry led the starters with 20 points, six rebounds and nine assists. Klay Thompson tallied 15 points, four rebounds and two assists. Those two combined to shoot 13-of-40 from the field. Draymond Green collected 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
Minnesota has to play again on Monday, staying in Cali to face the Sacramento Kings. As for Golden State, they return to action on Tuesday in a home matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans.
There were six ties and 11 lead changes in this game, with the decisive lead change happening with just 11 seconds remaining. That was a game-winning three from Karl-Anthony Towns, with the Timberwolves closing the game on a 5-0 run over the closing 28 seconds. Golden State committed two turnovers in the final 15 seconds while missing their only two shots. Minnesota out-rebounded Golden State, 61-48, while doubling them up in second-chance points, 12-6.
The Timberwolves (38-37) were led by Naz Reid, providing 23 points and six rebounds off the bench. Karl-Anthony Towns led the starters with 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Anthony Edwards accrued 13 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Rudy Gobert generated 10 points, 18 rebounds and two assists. Kyle Anderson provided 12 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and five steals off the bench as well.
The Warriors (39-37) were led by Jordan Poole, coming off the bench to score 27 points. Stephen Curry led the starters with 20 points, six rebounds and nine assists. Klay Thompson tallied 15 points, four rebounds and two assists. Those two combined to shoot 13-of-40 from the field. Draymond Green collected 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
Minnesota has to play again on Monday, staying in Cali to face the Sacramento Kings. As for Golden State, they return to action on Tuesday in a home matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans.