Holiday, Antetokounmpo Shine As Bucks Top Pacers
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Indiana Pacers, 149-136, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday.
The Bucks (54-21) took another step toward clinching the top seed in the Eastern Conference with a comfortable win over a struggling Pacers (33-43) on the road. Milwaukee established its terms early and raced out to a 34-30 lead after the first quarter, and the Bucks would hold on to that four-point advantage at the halftime break. The Bucks didn’t step off the gas in the second half and pulled away for good following a 46-38 score in the third quarter, bolstering their advantage to 12 points. Milwaukee later closed the game out with a 30-29 score in the final 12 minutes. The Bucks moved to 24-14 on the road with the win, while the Pacers fell to 19-18 at home.
Jrue Holiday stole the show after exploding for 51 points while shooting 20-for-30 from the field, including 3-for-6 from deep. Giannis Antetokounmpo also made his presence felt for the Bucks with an impressive triple-double of 38 points, 17 rebounds and 12 assists across 32 minutes. Brook Lopez ended with 21 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Bobby Portis had 12 points and eight rebounds off the bench.
Bennedict Mathurin recorded 29 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals for Indiana. Andrew Nembhard thrived as a playmaker and dished out 15 assists and added 15 points. Aaron Nesmith posted 22 points, three assists and three steals. Jordan Nwora recorded 18 points, two rebounds and two assists. Jalen Smith had 17 points coming off the bench. Oshae Brissett and T.J. McConnell posted 12 points each.
The Bucks (54-21) took another step toward clinching the top seed in the Eastern Conference with a comfortable win over a struggling Pacers (33-43) on the road. Milwaukee established its terms early and raced out to a 34-30 lead after the first quarter, and the Bucks would hold on to that four-point advantage at the halftime break. The Bucks didn’t step off the gas in the second half and pulled away for good following a 46-38 score in the third quarter, bolstering their advantage to 12 points. Milwaukee later closed the game out with a 30-29 score in the final 12 minutes. The Bucks moved to 24-14 on the road with the win, while the Pacers fell to 19-18 at home.
Jrue Holiday stole the show after exploding for 51 points while shooting 20-for-30 from the field, including 3-for-6 from deep. Giannis Antetokounmpo also made his presence felt for the Bucks with an impressive triple-double of 38 points, 17 rebounds and 12 assists across 32 minutes. Brook Lopez ended with 21 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Bobby Portis had 12 points and eight rebounds off the bench.
Bennedict Mathurin recorded 29 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals for Indiana. Andrew Nembhard thrived as a playmaker and dished out 15 assists and added 15 points. Aaron Nesmith posted 22 points, three assists and three steals. Jordan Nwora recorded 18 points, two rebounds and two assists. Jalen Smith had 17 points coming off the bench. Oshae Brissett and T.J. McConnell posted 12 points each.
Nets Rally Back To Defeat Rockets
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Houston Rockets, 123-114, at Barclays Center on Wednesday.
The Nets (41-35) took another giant step toward reaching the playoffs with a comeback win over the Rockets (18-59) in front of a 17,074 crowd at Barclays Center. Brooklyn looked good in the first quarter and raced to a 30-25 score in the first quarter. However, Houston recovered and grabbed a one-point lead at halftime following a 30-24 score in the second quarter. The Nets struggled to get things going and were down one point after three quarters (87-86 after a 32-32 score), but they rallied back to win the final quarter. The Nets outscored the Rockets 37-27 in the final 12 minutes, and that was enough to get the victory here. Brooklyn moved to 20-16 at home with the win. Meanwhile, the Rockets fell to 6-33 on the road.
Cameron Johnson was the best player for the Nets and finished with 31 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Mikal Bridges delivered 27 points, six rebounds and six assists. Nic Claxton posted a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds while also adding three blocks and two assists. Spencer Dinwiddie notched 20 points and 11 assists while adding four rebounds. The Nets shot 53.7 percent from the field and 48.6 percent from deep.
Kevin Porter Jr. had 31 points, nine rebounds and six assists for the Rockets. Jalen Green struggled and only scored 14 points (5-13 FG) while adding five assists. Alperen Sengun had a 21-point, 12-rebound double-double. Kenyon Martin Jr. posted 15 points and seven rebounds. Jabari Smith delivered 12 points and 12 rebounds. Josh Christopher had 14 points off the bench.
The Nets (41-35) took another giant step toward reaching the playoffs with a comeback win over the Rockets (18-59) in front of a 17,074 crowd at Barclays Center. Brooklyn looked good in the first quarter and raced to a 30-25 score in the first quarter. However, Houston recovered and grabbed a one-point lead at halftime following a 30-24 score in the second quarter. The Nets struggled to get things going and were down one point after three quarters (87-86 after a 32-32 score), but they rallied back to win the final quarter. The Nets outscored the Rockets 37-27 in the final 12 minutes, and that was enough to get the victory here. Brooklyn moved to 20-16 at home with the win. Meanwhile, the Rockets fell to 6-33 on the road.
Cameron Johnson was the best player for the Nets and finished with 31 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Mikal Bridges delivered 27 points, six rebounds and six assists. Nic Claxton posted a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds while also adding three blocks and two assists. Spencer Dinwiddie notched 20 points and 11 assists while adding four rebounds. The Nets shot 53.7 percent from the field and 48.6 percent from deep.
Kevin Porter Jr. had 31 points, nine rebounds and six assists for the Rockets. Jalen Green struggled and only scored 14 points (5-13 FG) while adding five assists. Alperen Sengun had a 21-point, 12-rebound double-double. Kenyon Martin Jr. posted 15 points and seven rebounds. Jabari Smith delivered 12 points and 12 rebounds. Josh Christopher had 14 points off the bench.
Knicks Come Through Late, Top Heat
The New York Knicks defeated the Miami Heat, 101-92, at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday.
The Knicks (44-33) are inching closer and closer to secure a postseason berth and took care of business against another playoff hopeful, the Heat (40-37), in front of a sellout crowd at MSG. The Knicks endured a slow start and only scored 19 points in the first quarter (23-19), but New York responded just in time to grab a two-point lead at the break following a 29-23 score in the second quarter. The Heat kept fighting and won the third quarter by a 30-28 score, meaning the game was tied with only 12 minutes left on the clock. The Knicks were better down the stretch, however, and won the game after a 25-16 score in the final quarter. New York moved to 22-17 at home with the win, while the Heat fell to 15-23 on the road.
Quentin Grimes led the way for the Knicks with 23 points, eight rebounds and four assists across 36 minutes. RJ Barrett and Jalen Brunson each had 12 points for the Knicks, with Brunson also adding three assists and Barrett posting five boards. Julius Randle had three points and five rebounds across 15 minutes but exited the team in the second quarter due to a sprained left ankle. Immanuel Quickley notched 24 points. Josh Hart delivered 13 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Gabe Vincent had 21 points, three rebounds and three assists for the Heat. Bam Adebayo notched nine points and 11 rebounds. Jimmy Butler recorded 12 points, six assists and three rebounds. Duncan Robinson had 12 points.
The Knicks (44-33) are inching closer and closer to secure a postseason berth and took care of business against another playoff hopeful, the Heat (40-37), in front of a sellout crowd at MSG. The Knicks endured a slow start and only scored 19 points in the first quarter (23-19), but New York responded just in time to grab a two-point lead at the break following a 29-23 score in the second quarter. The Heat kept fighting and won the third quarter by a 30-28 score, meaning the game was tied with only 12 minutes left on the clock. The Knicks were better down the stretch, however, and won the game after a 25-16 score in the final quarter. New York moved to 22-17 at home with the win, while the Heat fell to 15-23 on the road.
Quentin Grimes led the way for the Knicks with 23 points, eight rebounds and four assists across 36 minutes. RJ Barrett and Jalen Brunson each had 12 points for the Knicks, with Brunson also adding three assists and Barrett posting five boards. Julius Randle had three points and five rebounds across 15 minutes but exited the team in the second quarter due to a sprained left ankle. Immanuel Quickley notched 24 points. Josh Hart delivered 13 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Gabe Vincent had 21 points, three rebounds and three assists for the Heat. Bam Adebayo notched nine points and 11 rebounds. Jimmy Butler recorded 12 points, six assists and three rebounds. Duncan Robinson had 12 points.
76ers Top Mavericks, 116-108
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 116-108, at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday night.
The Mavericks (37-40) came into the night already facing an uphill battle after both Joel Embiid and James Harden were announced as available for the 76ers (50-26), but they still emerged from the first quarter with a 37-28 lead. However, Philadelphia progressively chipped away at its deficit and went into the final period only two points back of Dallas, and the hosts ultimately sealed the comeback victory by outscoring the Mavs, 27-17, in the final 12 minutes.
Luka Doncic led the way for the Mavericks with a 24-point, 10-rebound double-double that included eight assists and one block. Kyrie Irving furnished 23 points, six boards, five assists and two steals. Tim Hardaway provided 21 points, two boards and two assists. Christian Wood supplied nine points, four rebounds and one steal.
Embiid paced the 76ers with 25 points, supplementing them with nine rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Tyrese Maxey managed 22 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. De'Anthony Melton contributed 17 points, six rebounds and one assist. Harden generated a 15-point, 12-assist double-double that included four rebounds and three steals. Georges Niang offered 14 points, two rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Tobias Harris finished with 13 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Mavericks remain on the road and visit the Miami Heat on Saturday night, while the 76ers host the Toronto Raptors on Friday night.
The Mavericks (37-40) came into the night already facing an uphill battle after both Joel Embiid and James Harden were announced as available for the 76ers (50-26), but they still emerged from the first quarter with a 37-28 lead. However, Philadelphia progressively chipped away at its deficit and went into the final period only two points back of Dallas, and the hosts ultimately sealed the comeback victory by outscoring the Mavs, 27-17, in the final 12 minutes.
Luka Doncic led the way for the Mavericks with a 24-point, 10-rebound double-double that included eight assists and one block. Kyrie Irving furnished 23 points, six boards, five assists and two steals. Tim Hardaway provided 21 points, two boards and two assists. Christian Wood supplied nine points, four rebounds and one steal.
Embiid paced the 76ers with 25 points, supplementing them with nine rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Tyrese Maxey managed 22 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. De'Anthony Melton contributed 17 points, six rebounds and one assist. Harden generated a 15-point, 12-assist double-double that included four rebounds and three steals. Georges Niang offered 14 points, two rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Tobias Harris finished with 13 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Mavericks remain on the road and visit the Miami Heat on Saturday night, while the 76ers host the Toronto Raptors on Friday night.
Lakers Best Bulls, 121-110
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Chicago Bulls, 121-110, at United Center on Wednesday night.
The Bulls shaved just a modest two points from their early 11-point deficit ahead of the fourth quarter, and the Lakers' 36-34 edge in the final 12 minutes facilitated a double-digit victory. Both teams shot over 50.0 percent, yet Los Angeles enjoyed a 45-32 rebounding edge.
Anthony Davis' 38-point, 10-rebound double-double, which included four assists, led the Lakers. LeBron James delivered 25 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Austin Reaves' line included 19 points and five assists. D'Angelo Russell supplied 17 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal.
Nikola Vucevic's 29-point, 12-rebound double-double, which included six assists, led the Bulls. DeMar DeRozan's contributions included 22 points, five assists and four rebounds. Coby White's night included 17 points and nine assists. Zach LaVine registered 16 points, six assists, three rebounds and three steals.
The Lakers remain on the road and visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night, while the Bulls hit the road and visit the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night as well.
The Bulls shaved just a modest two points from their early 11-point deficit ahead of the fourth quarter, and the Lakers' 36-34 edge in the final 12 minutes facilitated a double-digit victory. Both teams shot over 50.0 percent, yet Los Angeles enjoyed a 45-32 rebounding edge.
Anthony Davis' 38-point, 10-rebound double-double, which included four assists, led the Lakers. LeBron James delivered 25 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Austin Reaves' line included 19 points and five assists. D'Angelo Russell supplied 17 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal.
Nikola Vucevic's 29-point, 12-rebound double-double, which included six assists, led the Bulls. DeMar DeRozan's contributions included 22 points, five assists and four rebounds. Coby White's night included 17 points and nine assists. Zach LaVine registered 16 points, six assists, three rebounds and three steals.
The Lakers remain on the road and visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night, while the Bulls hit the road and visit the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night as well.
Jazz Outlast Spurs, 128-117
The Utah Jazz defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 128-117, at AT and T Center on Wednesday night.
The Jazz (36-40) and Spurs (19-57) both started the game hot on the offensive end, with Utah holding a slim 64-62 edge at halftime. Will Hardy's squad then added another three points to its lead in the third, and its 15-2 run over the first 3:48 of the final period helped lay the groundwork for the double-digit win.
Talen Horton-Tucker paced the Jazz with 41 points, adding five assists, four rebounds and one steal. Kris Dunn totaled 17 points, five assists, four rebounds and two steals. Udoka Azubuike posted 12 points, five rebounds and one assist. Johnny Juzang and Ochai Agbaji generated matching 10-point tallies while recording four rebounds and three assists, respectively.
Malaki Branham led the Spurs with 21 points, supplementing them with two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Tre Jones and Devonte Graham mustered matching 17-point, six-assist contributions while posting three steals and four boards, respectively. Sandro Mamukelashvili supplied 17 points as well while also furnishing eight rebounds and five assists. Keita Bates-Diop turned in 15 points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.
The Jazz remains on the road and visits the Boston Celtics on Friday night, while the Spurs pay the Golden State Warriors a visit on Friday night as well.
The Jazz (36-40) and Spurs (19-57) both started the game hot on the offensive end, with Utah holding a slim 64-62 edge at halftime. Will Hardy's squad then added another three points to its lead in the third, and its 15-2 run over the first 3:48 of the final period helped lay the groundwork for the double-digit win.
Talen Horton-Tucker paced the Jazz with 41 points, adding five assists, four rebounds and one steal. Kris Dunn totaled 17 points, five assists, four rebounds and two steals. Udoka Azubuike posted 12 points, five rebounds and one assist. Johnny Juzang and Ochai Agbaji generated matching 10-point tallies while recording four rebounds and three assists, respectively.
Malaki Branham led the Spurs with 21 points, supplementing them with two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Tre Jones and Devonte Graham mustered matching 17-point, six-assist contributions while posting three steals and four boards, respectively. Sandro Mamukelashvili supplied 17 points as well while also furnishing eight rebounds and five assists. Keita Bates-Diop turned in 15 points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.
The Jazz remains on the road and visits the Boston Celtics on Friday night, while the Spurs pay the Golden State Warriors a visit on Friday night as well.
Thunder Edge Pistons In OKC
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Detroit Pistons, 107-106 at Paycom Center on Wednesday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start and was tied at 26, after one quarter. The score stayed tight through the second, and the visitors held a two-point edge at the break. The Thunder came out stronger in the third and led for most of the quarter, before taking a four-point lead into the final frame. They maintained the upper hand through most of the fourth, but the Pistons fought down to the wire and grabbed a one-point lead in the final seconds. The Thunder had one more chance and made it count, thanks to Jalen Williams who came up with a tip-in basket to earn the win.
Jalen Williams led the Thunder with 27 points, eight rebounds, six assists and a block, in 37 minutes. Luguentz Dort followed up with 20 points, six rebounds and three steals, while Josh Giddey added 18 points, five rebounds, seven assists and a steal. The Thunder shot 44.8 percent from the field, including 10-of-29 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jaden Ivey led the Pistons with 24 points, two rebounds and nine assists, in 31 minutes. James Wiseman totaled 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Eugene Omoruyi added 14 points, five rebounds and two assists. The Pistons shot 50 percent from the field, including 16-of-33 from long range.
The Pistons (16-60) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Rockets in Houston on Friday. The Thunder (38-39) take on the Pacers in Indiana on Friday.
The game got out to a competitive start and was tied at 26, after one quarter. The score stayed tight through the second, and the visitors held a two-point edge at the break. The Thunder came out stronger in the third and led for most of the quarter, before taking a four-point lead into the final frame. They maintained the upper hand through most of the fourth, but the Pistons fought down to the wire and grabbed a one-point lead in the final seconds. The Thunder had one more chance and made it count, thanks to Jalen Williams who came up with a tip-in basket to earn the win.
Jalen Williams led the Thunder with 27 points, eight rebounds, six assists and a block, in 37 minutes. Luguentz Dort followed up with 20 points, six rebounds and three steals, while Josh Giddey added 18 points, five rebounds, seven assists and a steal. The Thunder shot 44.8 percent from the field, including 10-of-29 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jaden Ivey led the Pistons with 24 points, two rebounds and nine assists, in 31 minutes. James Wiseman totaled 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Eugene Omoruyi added 14 points, five rebounds and two assists. The Pistons shot 50 percent from the field, including 16-of-33 from long range.
The Pistons (16-60) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Rockets in Houston on Friday. The Thunder (38-39) take on the Pacers in Indiana on Friday.
Westbrook Leads Clippers Past Grizzlies In Memphis
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the host Memphis Grizzlies, 141-132, at FedEx Forum on Wednesday evening.
In the absence of Kawhi Leonard (personal) and Paul George (knee), Russell Westbrook poured in 36 points to lead the way for the Clippers. The Grizzlies jumped out to a quick 13-point lead, but the Clippers cut it to a one-point game after one quarter. The visitors kept the momentum going and rallied to a six-point advantage by halftime. The Grizzlies bounced back in the third and brought the score to a tie at 105, heading into the final frame. The Clippers reclaimed control mid way through the fourth and held on the clutch to close out their second straight win.
Westbrook tallied four rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks to go with his game-high 36 points. Robert Covington followed up with 27 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals, while Bones Hyland added 20 points, five rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block. The Clippers shot 61.5 percent from the field, including 22-of-37 from deep.
Meanwhile, Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 36 points, four rebounds, nine assists and three steals, in 35 minutes. Dillon Brooks followed up with 30 points, six rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, while Santi Aldama added 17 points, eight rebounds, a steal and a block. The Grizzlies shot 51.6 percent from the field, including 11-of-32 from long range.
The Clippers (41-36) and Grizzlies (48-28) clash again in Memphis on Friday.
In the absence of Kawhi Leonard (personal) and Paul George (knee), Russell Westbrook poured in 36 points to lead the way for the Clippers. The Grizzlies jumped out to a quick 13-point lead, but the Clippers cut it to a one-point game after one quarter. The visitors kept the momentum going and rallied to a six-point advantage by halftime. The Grizzlies bounced back in the third and brought the score to a tie at 105, heading into the final frame. The Clippers reclaimed control mid way through the fourth and held on the clutch to close out their second straight win.
Westbrook tallied four rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks to go with his game-high 36 points. Robert Covington followed up with 27 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals, while Bones Hyland added 20 points, five rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block. The Clippers shot 61.5 percent from the field, including 22-of-37 from deep.
Meanwhile, Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 36 points, four rebounds, nine assists and three steals, in 35 minutes. Dillon Brooks followed up with 30 points, six rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, while Santi Aldama added 17 points, eight rebounds, a steal and a block. The Grizzlies shot 51.6 percent from the field, including 11-of-32 from long range.
The Clippers (41-36) and Grizzlies (48-28) clash again in Memphis on Friday.
Suns Defeat T'Wolves, 107-100
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 107-100, at Footprint Center on Wednesday.
There were 16 ties and 18 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 10 points. Phoenix rode a 33-23 third quarter to their win, maintaining the lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. The Suns shot 21-of-27 from the free-throw line, while the Timberwolves connected on just 8-of-12. Phoenix recorded 11 steals and eight blocks, while the T'Wolves had just four apiece. That allowed the Suns to win the turnover battle, 21-8. They also outscored them in the paint, 54-44.
The Timberwolves (39-38) were led by Anthony Edwards, accruing 31 points and six assists. Karl-Anthony Towns tallied 25 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Mike Conley collected seven points, nine rebounds and four assists, while Rudy Gobert gobbled up seven points, 15 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Naz Reid led the bench with 15 points, six rebounds and two assists.
The Suns (41-35) were led by Devin Booker, compiling 29 points, three rebounds, five assists and four steals. Chris Paul generated 19 points, three rebounds, six assists and two steals. Kevin Durant had 16 points, eight rebounds and four assists in his return to action. Cameron Payne led the bench with 11 points and two assists.
On deck for Phoenix is a home matchup with the Denver Nuggets on Friday. As for Minnesota, they return home to play the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday as well.
There were 16 ties and 18 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 10 points. Phoenix rode a 33-23 third quarter to their win, maintaining the lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. The Suns shot 21-of-27 from the free-throw line, while the Timberwolves connected on just 8-of-12. Phoenix recorded 11 steals and eight blocks, while the T'Wolves had just four apiece. That allowed the Suns to win the turnover battle, 21-8. They also outscored them in the paint, 54-44.
The Timberwolves (39-38) were led by Anthony Edwards, accruing 31 points and six assists. Karl-Anthony Towns tallied 25 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Mike Conley collected seven points, nine rebounds and four assists, while Rudy Gobert gobbled up seven points, 15 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Naz Reid led the bench with 15 points, six rebounds and two assists.
The Suns (41-35) were led by Devin Booker, compiling 29 points, three rebounds, five assists and four steals. Chris Paul generated 19 points, three rebounds, six assists and two steals. Kevin Durant had 16 points, eight rebounds and four assists in his return to action. Cameron Payne led the bench with 11 points and two assists.
On deck for Phoenix is a home matchup with the Denver Nuggets on Friday. As for Minnesota, they return home to play the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday as well.
Kings Defeat Blazers, 120-80
The Sacramento Kings defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 120-80, at Moda Center on Wednesday.
Sacramento never relinquished the lead after the opening minute of the second quarter, outscoring Portland in the second half, 70-34. The final margin was the largest lead in this game, and they held a double-digit lead for the closing 20 minutes of this blowout. Sacramento shot 46 percent from the field and 38 percent from three-point range while holding Portland to 33 percent from the field and 24 percent from long range. The Kings also out-rebounded the Blazers, 69-50, while out-assisting them, 30-18.
The Kings (46-30) were led by Malik Monk, providing 19 points, six rebounds and six assists off the bench. De'Aaron Fox led the starters with 18 points, three rebounds, six assists and two steals. Kevin Huerter had 17 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Domantas Sabonis totaled 15 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. Keeegan Murray scored 13 points and now holds the record for most threes in a season by a rookie.
The Trail Blazers (32-44) were led by Shaedon Sharpe, tallying 30 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Kevin Knox amassed 12 points and 12 rebounds. Drew Eubanks collected five points, 11 rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Jabari Walker led the bench with 12 points and five rebounds.
These teams will have a rematch on Friday for their next outing.
Sacramento never relinquished the lead after the opening minute of the second quarter, outscoring Portland in the second half, 70-34. The final margin was the largest lead in this game, and they held a double-digit lead for the closing 20 minutes of this blowout. Sacramento shot 46 percent from the field and 38 percent from three-point range while holding Portland to 33 percent from the field and 24 percent from long range. The Kings also out-rebounded the Blazers, 69-50, while out-assisting them, 30-18.
The Kings (46-30) were led by Malik Monk, providing 19 points, six rebounds and six assists off the bench. De'Aaron Fox led the starters with 18 points, three rebounds, six assists and two steals. Kevin Huerter had 17 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Domantas Sabonis totaled 15 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. Keeegan Murray scored 13 points and now holds the record for most threes in a season by a rookie.
The Trail Blazers (32-44) were led by Shaedon Sharpe, tallying 30 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Kevin Knox amassed 12 points and 12 rebounds. Drew Eubanks collected five points, 11 rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Jabari Walker led the bench with 12 points and five rebounds.
These teams will have a rematch on Friday for their next outing.