Nets Hold On, Secure Win Over Nuggets
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Denver Nuggets, 105-102, at Barclays Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Nets (13-10) and the Nuggets (14-7) engaged in quite a battle in Sunday's early game, as things were back-and-forth until the very last play of regulation. Brooklyn jumped to a 25-21 lead in the first quarter, but Denver erased it an grabbed a one-point lead at the break following a 33-28 second quarter score. The Nets were once again on top following the third quarter following a 29-23 score over that 12-minute span, and as a result, they were up by one point entering the final quarter of the contest. Denver and Brooklyn traded buckets in the final quarter, but the Nets came through when it mattered the most. Will Barton missed a floater when Denver was down by one and, after a foul, Taurean Prince made two clutch free throws to put the Nets up by three. A last-second three-pointer from Jamal Murray went wide off the mark, and the Nets sealed a huge win in front of their fans. With the win, Brooklyn moved to 7-4 at home while the Nuggets fell to 6-4 on the road.
Spencer Dinwiddie was Brooklyna™s top scorer since he finished with 24 points and eight assists. Jarrett Allen had 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Garrett Temple contributed 15 points, six rebounds and three dimes. Joe Harris chipped in with 13 points. Taurean Prince only had nine points, but he added 11 rebounds and four assists. All five starters featured for at least 30 minutes, while no bench player reached the 20-minute mark of playing time.
Nikola Jokic was the best player for the Nuggets, and he delivered his second strong effort on a row, as he ended with 24 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Jamal Murray finished with 21 points despite shooting 7-from-17 from the field. Gary Harris had another game to forget, and only had nine points while making just three of his 10 field-goal attempts. Jerami Grant added 15 points coming off the bench.
The Nets (13-10) and the Nuggets (14-7) engaged in quite a battle in Sunday's early game, as things were back-and-forth until the very last play of regulation. Brooklyn jumped to a 25-21 lead in the first quarter, but Denver erased it an grabbed a one-point lead at the break following a 33-28 second quarter score. The Nets were once again on top following the third quarter following a 29-23 score over that 12-minute span, and as a result, they were up by one point entering the final quarter of the contest. Denver and Brooklyn traded buckets in the final quarter, but the Nets came through when it mattered the most. Will Barton missed a floater when Denver was down by one and, after a foul, Taurean Prince made two clutch free throws to put the Nets up by three. A last-second three-pointer from Jamal Murray went wide off the mark, and the Nets sealed a huge win in front of their fans. With the win, Brooklyn moved to 7-4 at home while the Nuggets fell to 6-4 on the road.
Spencer Dinwiddie was Brooklyna™s top scorer since he finished with 24 points and eight assists. Jarrett Allen had 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Garrett Temple contributed 15 points, six rebounds and three dimes. Joe Harris chipped in with 13 points. Taurean Prince only had nine points, but he added 11 rebounds and four assists. All five starters featured for at least 30 minutes, while no bench player reached the 20-minute mark of playing time.
Nikola Jokic was the best player for the Nuggets, and he delivered his second strong effort on a row, as he ended with 24 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Jamal Murray finished with 21 points despite shooting 7-from-17 from the field. Gary Harris had another game to forget, and only had nine points while making just three of his 10 field-goal attempts. Jerami Grant added 15 points coming off the bench.
Hawks Dominate, Defeat Hornets On The Road
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 122-107, at Spectrum Center on Sunday evening.
The Hawks (6-17) entered this game having lost 11 of their last 12 games, but they turned things around with a solid performance as they didn't give the Hornets (9-16) a single chance to get back into the game once they reached top gear. Charlotte started the game stronger, however, and they jumped to a 27-24 lead in the first quarter. Atlanta would win the second quarter 27-26 to make it a two-point deficit, but that would be a sign of things to come after the break. The Hawks won the third quarter 37-30, and the fourth one by an even more expressive 34-24, as they put the game out of reach in the final 24 minutes of action. With the win, Atlanta improved to 3-9 on the road while the Hornets fell to 5-8 at home.
Trae Young was one of the best players for Atlanta since he finished with 30 points, nine assists and six rebounds, but he struggled from the field since he made just nine of his 20 field-goal attempts. Jabari Parker delivered a strong effort and ended with 19 points and seven boards. Most of the damage was done by substitutes, however, as four Hawks scored 10-plus points while coming off the bench. These were Vince Carter (17 points), Alex Len (13 points, 10 rebounds), Allen Crabbe (11 points) and DeAndre Hunter (10 points).
P.J. Washington and Miles Bridges led the way for the Hornets, as both ended with 20 points each. Devonte Graham filled the stat sheet nicely since he ended with 12 points, eight assists, six rebounds and two steals. Bismack Biyombo and Cody Zeller had 11 points each. Terry Rozier struggled, and only scored eight points while shooting 3-13 from the field.
The Hawks (6-17) entered this game having lost 11 of their last 12 games, but they turned things around with a solid performance as they didn't give the Hornets (9-16) a single chance to get back into the game once they reached top gear. Charlotte started the game stronger, however, and they jumped to a 27-24 lead in the first quarter. Atlanta would win the second quarter 27-26 to make it a two-point deficit, but that would be a sign of things to come after the break. The Hawks won the third quarter 37-30, and the fourth one by an even more expressive 34-24, as they put the game out of reach in the final 24 minutes of action. With the win, Atlanta improved to 3-9 on the road while the Hornets fell to 5-8 at home.
Trae Young was one of the best players for Atlanta since he finished with 30 points, nine assists and six rebounds, but he struggled from the field since he made just nine of his 20 field-goal attempts. Jabari Parker delivered a strong effort and ended with 19 points and seven boards. Most of the damage was done by substitutes, however, as four Hawks scored 10-plus points while coming off the bench. These were Vince Carter (17 points), Alex Len (13 points, 10 rebounds), Allen Crabbe (11 points) and DeAndre Hunter (10 points).
P.J. Washington and Miles Bridges led the way for the Hornets, as both ended with 20 points each. Devonte Graham filled the stat sheet nicely since he ended with 12 points, eight assists, six rebounds and two steals. Bismack Biyombo and Cody Zeller had 11 points each. Terry Rozier struggled, and only scored eight points while shooting 3-13 from the field.
Heat Top Bulls in OT, 110-105
The Miami Heat defeated the Chicago Bulls in overtime, 110-105, at American Airlines Arena on Sunday evening.
The Heat (17-6) came into the contest trying to preserve an unblemished home record, but the Bulls (8-16) started very strong on both ends of the floor. After taking a 25-16 lead through one, Chicago lost all but two points of their advantage during the second period. The two squads then played a spirited second half, and Zach LaVine's two free throws with 2.8 seconds remaining pushed the game into overtime. In the extra period, Tyler Herro's go-ahead three-pointer with 38.2 seconds remaining snapped a 105-105 tie and gave Miami a lead for good.
Lauri Markkanen paced the Bulls with 22 points, adding seven rebounds, two assists and one steal. LaVine provided 18 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kris Dunn delivered 16 points, five boards, two assists and three steals. Thaddeus Young registered 12 points and four boards. Coby White and Denzel Valentine had 11 points apiece, with White adding eight assists and four rebounds.
Herro led the Heat with 27 points and added six rebounds, three assists and one steal. Jimmy Butler furnished 23 points, seven assists, six rebounds, one steal and one block. Bam Adebayo generated a 21-point, 13-rebound double-double that also featured six assists, three steals and one block. Kris Nunn poured in 18 points off the bench.
The Bulls head back home to face the Toronto Raptors on Monday night, while the Heat are home against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday evening.
The Heat (17-6) came into the contest trying to preserve an unblemished home record, but the Bulls (8-16) started very strong on both ends of the floor. After taking a 25-16 lead through one, Chicago lost all but two points of their advantage during the second period. The two squads then played a spirited second half, and Zach LaVine's two free throws with 2.8 seconds remaining pushed the game into overtime. In the extra period, Tyler Herro's go-ahead three-pointer with 38.2 seconds remaining snapped a 105-105 tie and gave Miami a lead for good.
Lauri Markkanen paced the Bulls with 22 points, adding seven rebounds, two assists and one steal. LaVine provided 18 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kris Dunn delivered 16 points, five boards, two assists and three steals. Thaddeus Young registered 12 points and four boards. Coby White and Denzel Valentine had 11 points apiece, with White adding eight assists and four rebounds.
Herro led the Heat with 27 points and added six rebounds, three assists and one steal. Jimmy Butler furnished 23 points, seven assists, six rebounds, one steal and one block. Bam Adebayo generated a 21-point, 13-rebound double-double that also featured six assists, three steals and one block. Kris Nunn poured in 18 points off the bench.
The Bulls head back home to face the Toronto Raptors on Monday night, while the Heat are home against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday evening.
76ers Edge Raptors, 114-110
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Toronto Raptors, 114-110, at Wells Fargo Center on Sunday evening.
The 76ers (17-7) came out hot on both ends of the floor, building a 57-42 lead in the first half with the help of a 10-point advantage in the second quarter. Ultimately, Philadelphia headed into the final period with an 18-point edge, and although the Raptors got as close as 109-104 with 14 seconds remaining, they were never able to cut any further into their deficit.
Kyle Lowry led the way for the Raptors with 26 points, adding six rebounds, five assists and two steals. OG Anunoby furnished 19 points, 10 boards, two assists, four steals and one block. Pascal Siakam delivered 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal. Serge Ibaka and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson generated 12 points each, with Ibaka also pulling down seven rebounds.
Tobias Harris paced the 76ers with 26 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, three assists and one block. Matisse Thybulle followed with 20 points, three assists, two rebounds, three steals and one block. Ben Simmons posted a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included nine assists. Al Horford delivered 11 points, five assists, four rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Joel Embiid totaled 10 points, eight rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block.
The Raptors remain on the road and next take on the Chicago Bulls on Monday night, while the 76ers remain home and tangle with the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night.
The 76ers (17-7) came out hot on both ends of the floor, building a 57-42 lead in the first half with the help of a 10-point advantage in the second quarter. Ultimately, Philadelphia headed into the final period with an 18-point edge, and although the Raptors got as close as 109-104 with 14 seconds remaining, they were never able to cut any further into their deficit.
Kyle Lowry led the way for the Raptors with 26 points, adding six rebounds, five assists and two steals. OG Anunoby furnished 19 points, 10 boards, two assists, four steals and one block. Pascal Siakam delivered 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal. Serge Ibaka and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson generated 12 points each, with Ibaka also pulling down seven rebounds.
Tobias Harris paced the 76ers with 26 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, three assists and one block. Matisse Thybulle followed with 20 points, three assists, two rebounds, three steals and one block. Ben Simmons posted a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included nine assists. Al Horford delivered 11 points, five assists, four rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Joel Embiid totaled 10 points, eight rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block.
The Raptors remain on the road and next take on the Chicago Bulls on Monday night, while the 76ers remain home and tangle with the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night.
Clippers Hold Off Wizards In Washington
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the host Washington Wizards, 135-119, at Capital One Arena on Sunday evening.
The Clippers got out to a good start, as they took a 35-25 lead after one quarter. The Wizards picked up the pace in the second, where they outscored the Clippers by nine points in the quarter to make it a one-point game by halftime. The Clippers pulled ahead by 16, halfway through the third, but the Wizards made a push to make it a seven-point game heading into to fourth. The Clippers made no mistake in the fourth, as they led the rest of the way to earn their fifth home win of the season.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 34 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, in 32 minutes. Paul George finished with 27 points, six rebounds and six assists. Montrezl Harrell added 20 points and five rebounds, while Lou Williams added 18 points and six assists. The Clippers shot 52 percent from long range, including 15-of-40 from long range.
Davis Bertans led the Wizards with 25 points on 7-of-13 shooting, in 28 minutes of action. Troy Brown tallied 22 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Bradley Beal finished with 20 points and five assists. The Wizards shot 46 percent from the field, including 14-of-33 from long range.
The Wizards (7-of-15) will look to bounce back as they take on the Hornets in Charlotte on Tuesday. The Clippers (17-7) take on the Pacers in Indiana on Monday.
The Clippers got out to a good start, as they took a 35-25 lead after one quarter. The Wizards picked up the pace in the second, where they outscored the Clippers by nine points in the quarter to make it a one-point game by halftime. The Clippers pulled ahead by 16, halfway through the third, but the Wizards made a push to make it a seven-point game heading into to fourth. The Clippers made no mistake in the fourth, as they led the rest of the way to earn their fifth home win of the season.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 34 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, in 32 minutes. Paul George finished with 27 points, six rebounds and six assists. Montrezl Harrell added 20 points and five rebounds, while Lou Williams added 18 points and six assists. The Clippers shot 52 percent from long range, including 15-of-40 from long range.
Davis Bertans led the Wizards with 25 points on 7-of-13 shooting, in 28 minutes of action. Troy Brown tallied 22 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Bradley Beal finished with 20 points and five assists. The Wizards shot 46 percent from the field, including 14-of-33 from long range.
The Wizards (7-of-15) will look to bounce back as they take on the Hornets in Charlotte on Tuesday. The Clippers (17-7) take on the Pacers in Indiana on Monday.
Kings Stun Host Mavs
By Dan Bruno
The Sacramento Kings defeated the host Dallas Mavericks, 110-106, at American Airlines Center on Sunday evening.
The Kings got out to a great start on the road, with a nine-point lead after one quarter. They turned it up in the second and outscored the hosts by 11, to take a 20-point lead into halftime. The Kings stayed ahead through the third, but the Cavs made a run in the final few minutes of the quarter to make it a 14-point game heading into the final frame. The Mavs kept the momentum going through the fourth and cut it to a two-point game with 33 seconds left. After a Kings' miss, the Mavs had a chance to tie or go ahead, but they could not convert, leading to free throws for the Kings to seal the deal.
Nemanja Bjelica led the Kings with 30 points on 13-of-18 shooting, seven rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, in 34 minutes. Buddy Hield followed up with 26 points, five assists and four rebounds, while Richaun Holmes added 12 points and nine rebounds. The Kings shot 52 percent from the field, including 13-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Tim Hardaway Jr. led the Mavericks with 29 points on 10-of-13 shooting, in 36 minutes. Luka Doncic added 27 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. Kristaps Porzingis and Dorian Finney-Smith chipped in 13 points each. The Mavs shot 48 percent from the field, including 17-of-44 from long range.
The Mavs (16-7) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pistons in Detroit on Thursday. The Kings (9-13) take on the Rockets in Houston on Monday.
The Kings got out to a great start on the road, with a nine-point lead after one quarter. They turned it up in the second and outscored the hosts by 11, to take a 20-point lead into halftime. The Kings stayed ahead through the third, but the Cavs made a run in the final few minutes of the quarter to make it a 14-point game heading into the final frame. The Mavs kept the momentum going through the fourth and cut it to a two-point game with 33 seconds left. After a Kings' miss, the Mavs had a chance to tie or go ahead, but they could not convert, leading to free throws for the Kings to seal the deal.
Nemanja Bjelica led the Kings with 30 points on 13-of-18 shooting, seven rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, in 34 minutes. Buddy Hield followed up with 26 points, five assists and four rebounds, while Richaun Holmes added 12 points and nine rebounds. The Kings shot 52 percent from the field, including 13-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Tim Hardaway Jr. led the Mavericks with 29 points on 10-of-13 shooting, in 36 minutes. Luka Doncic added 27 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. Kristaps Porzingis and Dorian Finney-Smith chipped in 13 points each. The Mavs shot 48 percent from the field, including 17-of-44 from long range.
The Mavs (16-7) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pistons in Detroit on Thursday. The Kings (9-13) take on the Rockets in Houston on Monday.
Thunder Defeat Trail Blazers, 108-96
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 108-96, at Moda Center on Sunday.
While there were seven ties and 15 lead changes in this game, Oklahoma City led throughout. In fact, Portland never led by more than two points and never held those leads for longer than a single minute. The key for the Thunder was their defense, holding the Blazers to 36 percent from the field and 27 percent from three-point range while winning the defensive rebounding battle, 41-33. In addition, Oklahoma City went 27-of-34 from the free-throw line while Portland hit just 15-of-18.
The Thunder (10-12) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who tallied 21 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Chris Paul accrued 20 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals. Danilo Gallinari amassed 12 points and seven boards while Dennis Schroder led the bench with 21 points, two rebounds and two assists. Nerlens Noel also recorded a double-double off the bench.
The Trail Blazers (9-15) were led by Damian Lillard, who collected 26 points, three rebounds and seven assists. C.J. McCollum accumulated 20 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Hassan Whiteside generated 14 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and five blocks. Carmelo Anthony accrued nine points, eight rebounds and three steals.
Oklahoma City has to play again on Monday, staying on the road to face the Utah Jazz. As for Portland, they remain home to face the New York Knicks on Tuesday for their next fixture.
While there were seven ties and 15 lead changes in this game, Oklahoma City led throughout. In fact, Portland never led by more than two points and never held those leads for longer than a single minute. The key for the Thunder was their defense, holding the Blazers to 36 percent from the field and 27 percent from three-point range while winning the defensive rebounding battle, 41-33. In addition, Oklahoma City went 27-of-34 from the free-throw line while Portland hit just 15-of-18.
The Thunder (10-12) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who tallied 21 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Chris Paul accrued 20 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals. Danilo Gallinari amassed 12 points and seven boards while Dennis Schroder led the bench with 21 points, two rebounds and two assists. Nerlens Noel also recorded a double-double off the bench.
The Trail Blazers (9-15) were led by Damian Lillard, who collected 26 points, three rebounds and seven assists. C.J. McCollum accumulated 20 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Hassan Whiteside generated 14 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and five blocks. Carmelo Anthony accrued nine points, eight rebounds and three steals.
Oklahoma City has to play again on Monday, staying on the road to face the Utah Jazz. As for Portland, they remain home to face the New York Knicks on Tuesday for their next fixture.
Lakers Defeat T'Wolves, 142-125
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 142-125, at Staples Center on Sunday.
A 39-31 first quarter really set the tone for Los Angeles in this game, leading for all but a handful of minutes. In fact, the Lakers led by 19 points at times in the third quarter and the T'Wolves never got the game within five points in the second half. Los Angeles offense was unstoppable, shooting 59 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range. In addition, they out-assisted the Timberwolves, 32-27, while winning the turnover battle, 15-10.
The Timberwolves (10-12) were led by Andrew Wiggins, who amassed 19 points, two rebounds and three assists. Karl Antony Towns finished with 19 points, four rebounds and eight assists. Josh Okogie totaled 18 points and four rebounds while Jarrett Culver generated 12 points, two rebounds and four assists. Robert Covington provided 16 points, two rebounds and three steals.
The Lakers (21-3) got a gem from Antony Davis, who led the way with 50 points, seven rebounds, six assists and four steals. LeBron James accrued 32 points, four rebounds and 13 assists. Danny Green totaled 12 points, eight rebounds and two steals while Alex Caruso led the bench with 16 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals.
On deck for Minnesota is a road matchup versus the Pheonix Suns on Monday. As for Los Angeles, they're off until Wednesday when they face the Orlando Magic on the road.
A 39-31 first quarter really set the tone for Los Angeles in this game, leading for all but a handful of minutes. In fact, the Lakers led by 19 points at times in the third quarter and the T'Wolves never got the game within five points in the second half. Los Angeles offense was unstoppable, shooting 59 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range. In addition, they out-assisted the Timberwolves, 32-27, while winning the turnover battle, 15-10.
The Timberwolves (10-12) were led by Andrew Wiggins, who amassed 19 points, two rebounds and three assists. Karl Antony Towns finished with 19 points, four rebounds and eight assists. Josh Okogie totaled 18 points and four rebounds while Jarrett Culver generated 12 points, two rebounds and four assists. Robert Covington provided 16 points, two rebounds and three steals.
The Lakers (21-3) got a gem from Antony Davis, who led the way with 50 points, seven rebounds, six assists and four steals. LeBron James accrued 32 points, four rebounds and 13 assists. Danny Green totaled 12 points, eight rebounds and two steals while Alex Caruso led the bench with 16 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals.
On deck for Minnesota is a road matchup versus the Pheonix Suns on Monday. As for Los Angeles, they're off until Wednesday when they face the Orlando Magic on the road.