Bucks Cruise To Win Over Pistons
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Detroit Pistons, 126-117, at Little Caesars Arena on Monday.
The Bucks (54-21) moved to 24-14 on the road with a comfortable win over a Pistons (16-59) team that suffered their 30th defeat at home. Detroit now owns a 9-30 mark when playing in front of their crowd. The Bucks dominated the game right from the tip-off and easily secured a 31-27 lead after the first quarter. Milwaukee bolstered its advantage in the second quarter as well (26-24) and entered the final quarter with an eight-point advantage after a 39-37 score in the first 12 minutes of the second half. The Pistons tried to fight back, but Milwaukee closed the game out after winning the final quarter by a 32-27 score. The Bucks shot better from the field, 47.4 percent to Detroit’s 44.6. They were more accurate from deep as well (31.8 percent vs. Detroit’s 29.2 percent) and won the turnover battle 10-9.
Khris Middleton led the way for the Bucks with 34 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Brook Lopez had 24 points and 14 rebounds while also adding two assists and two blocks. Jevon Carter finished with 22 points and two assists. Bobby Portis delivered 21 points, 14 rebounds and two assists. No other Milwaukee player scored in double digits in this one.
Jaden Ivey led the way for the Pistons with 32 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Marvin Bagley III finished with 16 points, nine rebounds and two assists. James Wiseman delivered 14 points and six boards. Killian Hayes had 14 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals. Jalen Duren finished with 18 points, 10 rebounds and three assists off the bench.
The Bucks (54-21) moved to 24-14 on the road with a comfortable win over a Pistons (16-59) team that suffered their 30th defeat at home. Detroit now owns a 9-30 mark when playing in front of their crowd. The Bucks dominated the game right from the tip-off and easily secured a 31-27 lead after the first quarter. Milwaukee bolstered its advantage in the second quarter as well (26-24) and entered the final quarter with an eight-point advantage after a 39-37 score in the first 12 minutes of the second half. The Pistons tried to fight back, but Milwaukee closed the game out after winning the final quarter by a 32-27 score. The Bucks shot better from the field, 47.4 percent to Detroit’s 44.6. They were more accurate from deep as well (31.8 percent vs. Detroit’s 29.2 percent) and won the turnover battle 10-9.
Khris Middleton led the way for the Bucks with 34 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Brook Lopez had 24 points and 14 rebounds while also adding two assists and two blocks. Jevon Carter finished with 22 points and two assists. Bobby Portis delivered 21 points, 14 rebounds and two assists. No other Milwaukee player scored in double digits in this one.
Jaden Ivey led the way for the Pistons with 32 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Marvin Bagley III finished with 16 points, nine rebounds and two assists. James Wiseman delivered 14 points and six boards. Killian Hayes had 14 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals. Jalen Duren finished with 18 points, 10 rebounds and three assists off the bench.
Mavericks Secure Big Road Win Over Pacers
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Indiana Pacers, 127-104, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Monday.
The Mavericks (37-39) moved closer to the .500 mark with a much-needed win over a struggling Pacers (33-43) team despite playing on the road. Dallas jumped to a 29-27 lead in the first quarter and bolstered its lead to double digits following a 30-20 score in the second quarter. The Mavericks didn’t step the foot off the gas and recorded a 40-27 score in the third quarter, pushing their advantage to 25 points with only 12 minutes left on the clock. The backups played the final 12 minutes and Indiana won the final quarter by a 30-28 score, but that was not enough to mount a comeback. The Mavericks moved to 15-23 on the road with the win. The Pacers fell to 19-18 at home.
Luka Doncic finished with 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists and a steal. Kyrie Irving ended with 16 points, six assists, three rebounds, two steals and three blocks. Tim Hardaway finished with 13 points, two rebounds and two assists. Reggie Bullock ended with 11 points. Jaden Hardy posted 20 points, four assists, four rebounds and three steals off the bench. JaVale McGee had 10 points.
Bennedict Mathurin posted 26 points, four rebounds and two assists. Andrew Nembhard delivered 17 points, five rebounds and five assists. Jalen Smith had 11 points and six rebounds. Jordan Nwora recorded 13 points and nine rebounds. T.J. McConnell registered 15 points, five rebounds, seven assists and two steals coming off the bench. Oshae Brissett had 10 points.
The Mavericks (37-39) moved closer to the .500 mark with a much-needed win over a struggling Pacers (33-43) team despite playing on the road. Dallas jumped to a 29-27 lead in the first quarter and bolstered its lead to double digits following a 30-20 score in the second quarter. The Mavericks didn’t step the foot off the gas and recorded a 40-27 score in the third quarter, pushing their advantage to 25 points with only 12 minutes left on the clock. The backups played the final 12 minutes and Indiana won the final quarter by a 30-28 score, but that was not enough to mount a comeback. The Mavericks moved to 15-23 on the road with the win. The Pacers fell to 19-18 at home.
Luka Doncic finished with 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists and a steal. Kyrie Irving ended with 16 points, six assists, three rebounds, two steals and three blocks. Tim Hardaway finished with 13 points, two rebounds and two assists. Reggie Bullock ended with 11 points. Jaden Hardy posted 20 points, four assists, four rebounds and three steals off the bench. JaVale McGee had 10 points.
Bennedict Mathurin posted 26 points, four rebounds and two assists. Andrew Nembhard delivered 17 points, five rebounds and five assists. Jalen Smith had 11 points and six rebounds. Jordan Nwora recorded 13 points and nine rebounds. T.J. McConnell registered 15 points, five rebounds, seven assists and two steals coming off the bench. Oshae Brissett had 10 points.
Knicks Pull Away from Rockets, 137-115
The New York Knicks defeated the Houston Rockets, 137-115, at Madison Square Garden on Monday night.
The Rockets (18-58) came into the contest having suffered two particularly lopsided defeats in recent days, but to their credit, they fought hard during a high-scoring first half that ended with them facing a manageable 66-61 deficit. The Knicks (43-33) then began to exert their superiority in the third quarter by expanding their lead to 12 points, and New York then sealed the victory with a 35-25 advantage in the final 12 minutes.
Kevin Porter led the Rockets with 26 points, adding four assists and one block. Jalen Green delivered 19 points, four assists, three boards and one steal. Kenyon Martin supplied 18 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Jabari Smith generated a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double that included six assists, one steal and one block. Tari Eason registered 13 points, eight boards, one assist and two steals. Josh Christopher netted 12 points, while Alperen Sengun managed 11 points, five rebounds, one assist and one block.
Immanuel Quickley paced the Knicks with 40 points, complementing them with nine assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Julius Randle posted 26 points, four boards, three assists and one steal. R.J. Barrett provided 19 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal. Obi Toppin turned in 15 points, two boards and one block. Quentin Grimes turned in 14 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals.
The Rockets remain in the Empire State and face the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night, while the Knicks remain home and host the Miami Heat on Wednesday night as well.
The Rockets (18-58) came into the contest having suffered two particularly lopsided defeats in recent days, but to their credit, they fought hard during a high-scoring first half that ended with them facing a manageable 66-61 deficit. The Knicks (43-33) then began to exert their superiority in the third quarter by expanding their lead to 12 points, and New York then sealed the victory with a 35-25 advantage in the final 12 minutes.
Kevin Porter led the Rockets with 26 points, adding four assists and one block. Jalen Green delivered 19 points, four assists, three boards and one steal. Kenyon Martin supplied 18 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Jabari Smith generated a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double that included six assists, one steal and one block. Tari Eason registered 13 points, eight boards, one assist and two steals. Josh Christopher netted 12 points, while Alperen Sengun managed 11 points, five rebounds, one assist and one block.
Immanuel Quickley paced the Knicks with 40 points, complementing them with nine assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Julius Randle posted 26 points, four boards, three assists and one steal. R.J. Barrett provided 19 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal. Obi Toppin turned in 15 points, two boards and one block. Quentin Grimes turned in 14 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals.
The Rockets remain in the Empire State and face the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night, while the Knicks remain home and host the Miami Heat on Wednesday night as well.
Suns Top Jazz, 117-103
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Utah Jazz, 117-103, at Vivint Arena on Monday night.
Both squads came into the night with something to gain with respect to the postseason, but the game was particularly important for a Jazz (35-40) team trying to inch closer to the play-in level. However, it was the Suns (40-35) that appeared to have more urgency early, jumping out to a 37-26 lead through one. Utah was able to lop eight points from its deficit during the middle periods, however, yet Phoenix roared back with an 11-2 run over the first 3:01 of the fourth quarter to lay the groundwork for a relatively comfortable victory.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 24 points, adding seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Deandre Ayton provided 14 points and eight boards. Terrence Ross supplied 13 points, five rebounds and one assist. Cameron Payne registered 12 points, five assists and three boards. Bismack Biyombo totaled 11 points, five boards, two assists, one steal and one block.
Lauri Markkanen paced the Jazz with 25 points, supplementing them with nine rebounds and two assists. Walker Kessler compiled 18 points, eight rebounds, one assist, seven blocks and one steal. Talen Horton-Tucker recorded 16 points, eight boards, eight assists and one steal. Kelly Olynyk finished with 10 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.
The Suns return home to host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night, while the Jazz hit the road and visit the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night.
Both squads came into the night with something to gain with respect to the postseason, but the game was particularly important for a Jazz (35-40) team trying to inch closer to the play-in level. However, it was the Suns (40-35) that appeared to have more urgency early, jumping out to a 37-26 lead through one. Utah was able to lop eight points from its deficit during the middle periods, however, yet Phoenix roared back with an 11-2 run over the first 3:01 of the fourth quarter to lay the groundwork for a relatively comfortable victory.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 24 points, adding seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Deandre Ayton provided 14 points and eight boards. Terrence Ross supplied 13 points, five rebounds and one assist. Cameron Payne registered 12 points, five assists and three boards. Bismack Biyombo totaled 11 points, five boards, two assists, one steal and one block.
Lauri Markkanen paced the Jazz with 25 points, supplementing them with nine rebounds and two assists. Walker Kessler compiled 18 points, eight rebounds, one assist, seven blocks and one steal. Talen Horton-Tucker recorded 16 points, eight boards, eight assists and one steal. Kelly Olynyk finished with 10 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.
The Suns return home to host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night, while the Jazz hit the road and visit the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night.
Nuggets Hold Off 76ers In Denver
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Philadelphia 76ers, 116-111, at Ball Arena on Monday evening.
The Nuggets jumped out to a great start and led 25-18, after one quarter. Both sides picked up the pace in the second, while the 76ers outscored the hosts, 39-36, to cut it to a four-point game by halftime. The Nuggets reclaimed control in the third, where they outscored the visitors by 10, to make it a 14-point deficit heading into the final frame. The Nuggets stayed in front through the fourth and held off the 76ers, who cut it as close as a three-point game in the final minute. This marks the fourth straight win for the Nuggets, and the third straight loss for the Sixers.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 25 points, 17 rebounds, 12 assists and two blocks, in 35 minutes. Jamal Murray followed up with 19 points, five rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while Bruce Brown tallied 18 points, four rebounds, five assists and a steal. The Nuggets shot 50.6 percent from the field, including 11-of-32 from deep.
Meanwhile, Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 29 points, four rebounds, five assists and three steals, in 34 minutes. Tobias Harris followed up with 16 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Paul Reed added 16 points, nine rebounds, two steals and a block. The 76ers shot 48.3 percent from the field, including 8-of-30 from long range.
The 76ers (49-26) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Mavericks on Wednesday. The Nuggets (51-24) play host to the Pelicans on Thursday.
The Nuggets jumped out to a great start and led 25-18, after one quarter. Both sides picked up the pace in the second, while the 76ers outscored the hosts, 39-36, to cut it to a four-point game by halftime. The Nuggets reclaimed control in the third, where they outscored the visitors by 10, to make it a 14-point deficit heading into the final frame. The Nuggets stayed in front through the fourth and held off the 76ers, who cut it as close as a three-point game in the final minute. This marks the fourth straight win for the Nuggets, and the third straight loss for the Sixers.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 25 points, 17 rebounds, 12 assists and two blocks, in 35 minutes. Jamal Murray followed up with 19 points, five rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while Bruce Brown tallied 18 points, four rebounds, five assists and a steal. The Nuggets shot 50.6 percent from the field, including 11-of-32 from deep.
Meanwhile, Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 29 points, four rebounds, five assists and three steals, in 34 minutes. Tobias Harris followed up with 16 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Paul Reed added 16 points, nine rebounds, two steals and a block. The 76ers shot 48.3 percent from the field, including 8-of-30 from long range.
The 76ers (49-26) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Mavericks on Wednesday. The Nuggets (51-24) play host to the Pelicans on Thursday.
Pelicans Cruise To Fifth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 124-90, at Moda Center on Monday evening.
The Pelicans jumped out to a great start and led by 20 points after one quarter. The Trail Blazers had no answers in the second, as the visitors carried a 23-point lead at the break. The Pelicans picked up where they left off and outscored the hosts by 11 points in the quarter, to make it a 34-point deficit heading into the final frame. They had no trouble the rest of the way and hung on for their fifth straight win, while this marks the third straight loss for the Trail Blazers.
Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 29 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 31 minutes. CJ McCollum followed up with 17 points, eight assists, two steals and two blocks, while Trey Murphy tallied 16 points, two rebounds and a steal. The Pelicans shot 57 percent from the field, including 12-of-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, Keon Johnson led the Trail Blazers with 20 points, three rebounds and six assists, in 31 minutes. Kevin Knox followed up with 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Drew Eubanks added 12 points, three rebounds, a steal and a block. The Trail Blazers shot 38.9 percent from the field, including 7-of-33 from deep.
The Trail Blazers (32-43) look ahead to a home matchup against the Kings on Wednesday. The Pelicans (38-37) take on the Warriors in Golden State on Tuesday.
The Pelicans jumped out to a great start and led by 20 points after one quarter. The Trail Blazers had no answers in the second, as the visitors carried a 23-point lead at the break. The Pelicans picked up where they left off and outscored the hosts by 11 points in the quarter, to make it a 34-point deficit heading into the final frame. They had no trouble the rest of the way and hung on for their fifth straight win, while this marks the third straight loss for the Trail Blazers.
Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 29 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 31 minutes. CJ McCollum followed up with 17 points, eight assists, two steals and two blocks, while Trey Murphy tallied 16 points, two rebounds and a steal. The Pelicans shot 57 percent from the field, including 12-of-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, Keon Johnson led the Trail Blazers with 20 points, three rebounds and six assists, in 31 minutes. Kevin Knox followed up with 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Drew Eubanks added 12 points, three rebounds, a steal and a block. The Trail Blazers shot 38.9 percent from the field, including 7-of-33 from deep.
The Trail Blazers (32-43) look ahead to a home matchup against the Kings on Wednesday. The Pelicans (38-37) take on the Warriors in Golden State on Tuesday.
T'Wolves Defeat Kings, 119-115
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the host Sacramento Kings, 119-115, at Golden 1 Center on Monday.
There were seven ties and 22 lead changes in this game, with Minnesota riding a 34-25 first quarter to their win. Sacramento never led by more than three points and never led for longer than two minutes, with Minnesota closing the game with a 33-30 fourth quarter. The Timberwolves shot 51 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range while holding the Kings to 46 percent from the field and 19 percent from long range (5-of-27). Minnesota also out-assisted Sacramento, 33-17.
The Timberwolves (39-37) had seven players score at least 14 points, with Jaden McDaniels leading the way with 20 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Mike Conley collected 16 points, two rebounds and three assists. Rudy Gobert amassed 16 points, 16 rebounds, four assists and two blocks, while Kyle Anderson accrued 15 points, four rebounds, 11 assists and two steals. Anthony Edwards had 17 points, five rebounds and seven assists, while Naz Reid led the bench with 18 points.
The Kings (45-30) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 29 points, four rebounds and six assists. Domantas Sabonis made 11 of his 14 shots to tally 24 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Harrison Barnes totaled 19 points and five rebounds, while Kevin Huerter generated 13 points and three boards.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Minnesota staying on the road to play the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento traveling to face the freefalling Portland Trail Blazers.
There were seven ties and 22 lead changes in this game, with Minnesota riding a 34-25 first quarter to their win. Sacramento never led by more than three points and never led for longer than two minutes, with Minnesota closing the game with a 33-30 fourth quarter. The Timberwolves shot 51 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range while holding the Kings to 46 percent from the field and 19 percent from long range (5-of-27). Minnesota also out-assisted Sacramento, 33-17.
The Timberwolves (39-37) had seven players score at least 14 points, with Jaden McDaniels leading the way with 20 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Mike Conley collected 16 points, two rebounds and three assists. Rudy Gobert amassed 16 points, 16 rebounds, four assists and two blocks, while Kyle Anderson accrued 15 points, four rebounds, 11 assists and two steals. Anthony Edwards had 17 points, five rebounds and seven assists, while Naz Reid led the bench with 18 points.
The Kings (45-30) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 29 points, four rebounds and six assists. Domantas Sabonis made 11 of his 14 shots to tally 24 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Harrison Barnes totaled 19 points and five rebounds, while Kevin Huerter generated 13 points and three boards.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Minnesota staying on the road to play the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento traveling to face the freefalling Portland Trail Blazers.
Clippers Clobber Bulls, 124-112
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls, 124-112, at Crypto.com Arena on Monday.
While there were nine ties and nine lead changes through the opening 20 minutes, Los Angeles rode a 35-23 second quarter to their win. They put the game to bed behind a 37-22 third quarter, getting their lead up to 25 points at times. They held a double-digit lead for the final 20 minutes of this game. Los Angeles shot 59 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range, while Chicago shot 54 percent from the field and 39 percent from long range. The Clippers also out-assisted them, 41-26.
The Bulls (36-39) were led by Zach LaVine, tallying 23 points, five rebounds and three assists. DeMar DeRozan finished with 21 points, five rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Nikola Vucevic collected 20 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Patrick Williams provided 16 points and two rebounds. All of those guys shot 50 percent or higher. Andre Drummond led the bench with 11 points and eight boards.
The Clippers (40-36) were led by Nicolas Batum, compiling 24 points, three rebounds, five assists and two steals. Eric Gordon totaled 22 points and three assists. Kawhi Leonard had 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Russell Westbrook accumulated 12 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and three steals. All of those guys shot above 50 percent. Bones Hyland led the bench with 13 points, two rebounds, eight assists and three steals.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Los Angeles traveling to face the Memphis Grizzlies and Chicago returning home to play the Los Angeles Lakers.
While there were nine ties and nine lead changes through the opening 20 minutes, Los Angeles rode a 35-23 second quarter to their win. They put the game to bed behind a 37-22 third quarter, getting their lead up to 25 points at times. They held a double-digit lead for the final 20 minutes of this game. Los Angeles shot 59 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range, while Chicago shot 54 percent from the field and 39 percent from long range. The Clippers also out-assisted them, 41-26.
The Bulls (36-39) were led by Zach LaVine, tallying 23 points, five rebounds and three assists. DeMar DeRozan finished with 21 points, five rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Nikola Vucevic collected 20 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Patrick Williams provided 16 points and two rebounds. All of those guys shot 50 percent or higher. Andre Drummond led the bench with 11 points and eight boards.
The Clippers (40-36) were led by Nicolas Batum, compiling 24 points, three rebounds, five assists and two steals. Eric Gordon totaled 22 points and three assists. Kawhi Leonard had 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Russell Westbrook accumulated 12 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and three steals. All of those guys shot above 50 percent. Bones Hyland led the bench with 13 points, two rebounds, eight assists and three steals.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Los Angeles traveling to face the Memphis Grizzlies and Chicago returning home to play the Los Angeles Lakers.