Heat Complete Comeback, Defeat Nets In Thriller
The Miami Heat defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 109-106, at Barclays Center on Sunday.
The Heat (14-5) and the Nets (10-10) played a thrilling encounter between two aspiring, on-the-rise teams in the Eastern Conference and as such, things were decided down the stretch and in the final seconds of the contest. Miami grabbed a two-point lead following a 32-30 first quarter, but the Nets turned things around and went ahead at the break by seven points following a 35-26 second quarter. Miami, however, flipped the script once again in the third quarter and won that 12-minute period by nine points (25-16), meaning they were up two points entering the final 12 minutes of action. Brooklyn fought hard and even had the lead late on the game, but Miami sealed the deal and ended winning deservedly. With the win, Miami improved to 6-5 away from home while the Nets fell to 6-4 at home.
Despite coming off the bench, Goran Dragic was the best player for the Heat since he ended with 24 points and six assists in 31 minutes of action. Jimmy Butler filled the stat sheet admirably and aside from scoring 20 points, he also added seven rebounds and two assists. Bam Adebayo had 17 points with 16 rebounds, while Duncan Robinson had 10 points and 10 rebounds. Kendrick Nunn added 11 points in 25 minutes.
Spencer Dinwiddie had a great performance for the Nets once again, and he ended with 29 points, six rebounds, four assists and one steal. Joe Harris also contributed 25 points after going 5-9 from three-point range. DeAndre Jordan had 15 points, eight rebounds and two assists as a substitute. David Nwaba added 10 points in 18 minutes coming off the bench.
The Heat (14-5) and the Nets (10-10) played a thrilling encounter between two aspiring, on-the-rise teams in the Eastern Conference and as such, things were decided down the stretch and in the final seconds of the contest. Miami grabbed a two-point lead following a 32-30 first quarter, but the Nets turned things around and went ahead at the break by seven points following a 35-26 second quarter. Miami, however, flipped the script once again in the third quarter and won that 12-minute period by nine points (25-16), meaning they were up two points entering the final 12 minutes of action. Brooklyn fought hard and even had the lead late on the game, but Miami sealed the deal and ended winning deservedly. With the win, Miami improved to 6-5 away from home while the Nets fell to 6-4 at home.
Despite coming off the bench, Goran Dragic was the best player for the Heat since he ended with 24 points and six assists in 31 minutes of action. Jimmy Butler filled the stat sheet admirably and aside from scoring 20 points, he also added seven rebounds and two assists. Bam Adebayo had 17 points with 16 rebounds, while Duncan Robinson had 10 points and 10 rebounds. Kendrick Nunn added 11 points in 25 minutes.
Spencer Dinwiddie had a great performance for the Nets once again, and he ended with 29 points, six rebounds, four assists and one steal. Joe Harris also contributed 25 points after going 5-9 from three-point range. DeAndre Jordan had 15 points, eight rebounds and two assists as a substitute. David Nwaba added 10 points in 18 minutes coming off the bench.
Grizzlies Battle, Top Timberwolves Away From Home
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 115-107, at Target Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Grizzlies (6-13) entered this game on a six-game losing streak and without star point guard Ja Morant on their roster due to a back injury, but they defied the odds and won a tough away matchup against the Timberwolves (10-9). The game was quite tight, however, but Memphis grabbed the lead following the first quarter with a 25-21 score. Minnesota made things close in the second quarter, and the first 24 minutes of action ended with a one-point lead for the visitors (48-47). Memphis didn't allow Minnesota to turn things around in the second half, however, and won both remaining quarters. The Grizzlies won 38-32 and 29-28, respectively, and that huge win on the road snapped their losing run. Memphis also moved to 3-4 away from home, while the Timberwolves fell to 3-7 in front of their own fans.
Dillon Brooks made the most of Ja Morant’s absence due to injury and led the Grizzlies with 26 points. Jaren Jackson Jr., Jae Crowder and former Timberwolves player Tyus Jones had 12 points each, although Crowder also added 10 boards. Grayson Allen scored 13 points, Bruno Caboclo had 12 points and 13 rebounds, and Solomon Hill chipped in with 11 points and five boards coming off the bench.
Karl-Anthony Towns was the better player for the Timberwolves here since he ended with 21 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. Andrew Wiggins scored 18 points, but he shot 6-17 from the field. Robert Covington chipped in with 13 points, while Jarrett Culver added 14 points and seven rebounds. Jeff Teague came off the bench and contributed 13 points, six assists and four rebounds in 26 minutes.
The Grizzlies (6-13) entered this game on a six-game losing streak and without star point guard Ja Morant on their roster due to a back injury, but they defied the odds and won a tough away matchup against the Timberwolves (10-9). The game was quite tight, however, but Memphis grabbed the lead following the first quarter with a 25-21 score. Minnesota made things close in the second quarter, and the first 24 minutes of action ended with a one-point lead for the visitors (48-47). Memphis didn't allow Minnesota to turn things around in the second half, however, and won both remaining quarters. The Grizzlies won 38-32 and 29-28, respectively, and that huge win on the road snapped their losing run. Memphis also moved to 3-4 away from home, while the Timberwolves fell to 3-7 in front of their own fans.
Dillon Brooks made the most of Ja Morant’s absence due to injury and led the Grizzlies with 26 points. Jaren Jackson Jr., Jae Crowder and former Timberwolves player Tyus Jones had 12 points each, although Crowder also added 10 boards. Grayson Allen scored 13 points, Bruno Caboclo had 12 points and 13 rebounds, and Solomon Hill chipped in with 11 points and five boards coming off the bench.
Karl-Anthony Towns was the better player for the Timberwolves here since he ended with 21 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. Andrew Wiggins scored 18 points, but he shot 6-17 from the field. Robert Covington chipped in with 13 points, while Jarrett Culver added 14 points and seven rebounds. Jeff Teague came off the bench and contributed 13 points, six assists and four rebounds in 26 minutes.
Celtics Topple Knicks, 113-104
The Boston Celtics defeated the New York Knicks, 113-104, at Madison Square Garden on Sunday afternoon.
The Celtics (14-5) may have come into the contest with a bit of overconfidence against the lowly Knicks (4-16), but they had to battle to forge a 58-58 halftime tie. Boston then actually fell behind by four points during the third before mounting a furious comeback in the final period that consisted of a 32-point outburst. Both teams shot well, but the visitors outpaced New York, 36.6 percent-30.8 percent, from three-point range.
Jayson Tatum led the way for the Celtics with 30 points, adding seven assists, six rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Jaylen Brown poured in 28 points and complemented them with five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Kemba Walker generated a 16-point, 10-assist double-double that also included five rebounds and one steal. Enes Kanter and Brad Wanamaker posted matching 11-point tallies, with Kanter also pulling down 11 boards.
Julius Randle paced the Knicks with 26 points and supplemented them with five rebounds and two assists. Dennis Smith, Jr. followed with 17 points, seven assists, one rebound and two blocks. R.J. Barrett furnished 16 points, seven boards, one steal and one block. Kevin Knox contributed 11 points, five rebounds and two blocks.
The Celtics head back home to visit the Miami Heat on Wednesday night, while the Knicks pay a visit to the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night.
The Celtics (14-5) may have come into the contest with a bit of overconfidence against the lowly Knicks (4-16), but they had to battle to forge a 58-58 halftime tie. Boston then actually fell behind by four points during the third before mounting a furious comeback in the final period that consisted of a 32-point outburst. Both teams shot well, but the visitors outpaced New York, 36.6 percent-30.8 percent, from three-point range.
Jayson Tatum led the way for the Celtics with 30 points, adding seven assists, six rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Jaylen Brown poured in 28 points and complemented them with five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Kemba Walker generated a 16-point, 10-assist double-double that also included five rebounds and one steal. Enes Kanter and Brad Wanamaker posted matching 11-point tallies, with Kanter also pulling down 11 boards.
Julius Randle paced the Knicks with 26 points and supplemented them with five rebounds and two assists. Dennis Smith, Jr. followed with 17 points, seven assists, one rebound and two blocks. R.J. Barrett furnished 16 points, seven boards, one steal and one block. Kevin Knox contributed 11 points, five rebounds and two blocks.
The Celtics head back home to visit the Miami Heat on Wednesday night, while the Knicks pay a visit to the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night.
Mavericks Best Lakers, 114-100
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 114-100, at Staples Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Mavericks (13-6) have been providing glimpses of their legitimate improvement throughout the early portion of the season, but the test they faced against the Lakers (17-3) on Sunday shaped up as their stiffest yet, especially considering the 10-game winning streak Los Angeles walked into the contest with. Dallas hung tough in the first half trailing by just three points at intermission. However, it was the third quarter that changed the entire dynamic of the contest with Dallas outscoring Los Angeles by a 35-17 margin during the period to establish a lead it wouldn't relinquish.
Luka Doncic led the way for the Mavericks with 27 points, adding 10 assists, nine rebounds and three steals. Delon Wright supplied 17 points, nine assists, five boards and four steals. Dwight Powell, Kristaps Porzingis and Justin Jackson each posted 15 points, with Powell and Porzingis pulling down nine and six rebounds, respectively.
Anthony Davis paced the Lakers with a 27-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists, two blocks and one steal. LeBron James delivered 25 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and four steals. Alex Caruso led the bench with 10 points and also pulled down four boards. Danny Green poured in eight points, while JaVale McGee registered just four points but also recorded 10 rebounds.
The Mavericks remain on the road and next visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night, while the Lakers pay a visit to the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night as well.
The Mavericks (13-6) have been providing glimpses of their legitimate improvement throughout the early portion of the season, but the test they faced against the Lakers (17-3) on Sunday shaped up as their stiffest yet, especially considering the 10-game winning streak Los Angeles walked into the contest with. Dallas hung tough in the first half trailing by just three points at intermission. However, it was the third quarter that changed the entire dynamic of the contest with Dallas outscoring Los Angeles by a 35-17 margin during the period to establish a lead it wouldn't relinquish.
Luka Doncic led the way for the Mavericks with 27 points, adding 10 assists, nine rebounds and three steals. Delon Wright supplied 17 points, nine assists, five boards and four steals. Dwight Powell, Kristaps Porzingis and Justin Jackson each posted 15 points, with Powell and Porzingis pulling down nine and six rebounds, respectively.
Anthony Davis paced the Lakers with a 27-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists, two blocks and one steal. LeBron James delivered 25 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and four steals. Alex Caruso led the bench with 10 points and also pulled down four boards. Danny Green poured in eight points, while JaVale McGee registered just four points but also recorded 10 rebounds.
The Mavericks remain on the road and next visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night, while the Lakers pay a visit to the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night as well.
Thunder Topples Pelicans, 107-104
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 107-104, at Smoothie King Center on Sunday evening.
The Thunder (8-11) and Pelicans (6-14) engaged in a spirited first half, one Oklahoma City emerged from with a slim 56-55 lead. Although the visitors managed to add four points to their edge in the third, it ultimately took a late 12-0 fourth-quarter run to seal the win.
Danilo Gallinari paced the Thunder with a 23-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Steven Adams managed a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double and also recorded two assists, one steal and two blocks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dennis Schroder both contributed 17 points as well, with Gilgeous-Alexander also pulling down nine rebounds. Chris Paul delivered 16 points, eight assists and four rebounds.
The Pelicans were led by Jrue Holiday, who totaled 26 points and added four assists and three rebounds. Brandon Ingram contributed 20 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Lonzo Ball supplied 14 points, seven assists, four rebounds and one block. J.J. Redick managed 13 points, three boards, one assist and one steal. Josh Hart provided an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double off the bench.
The Thunder head back home to take on the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night, while the Pelicans remain home and take on the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night.
The Thunder (8-11) and Pelicans (6-14) engaged in a spirited first half, one Oklahoma City emerged from with a slim 56-55 lead. Although the visitors managed to add four points to their edge in the third, it ultimately took a late 12-0 fourth-quarter run to seal the win.
Danilo Gallinari paced the Thunder with a 23-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Steven Adams managed a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double and also recorded two assists, one steal and two blocks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dennis Schroder both contributed 17 points as well, with Gilgeous-Alexander also pulling down nine rebounds. Chris Paul delivered 16 points, eight assists and four rebounds.
The Pelicans were led by Jrue Holiday, who totaled 26 points and added four assists and three rebounds. Brandon Ingram contributed 20 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Lonzo Ball supplied 14 points, seven assists, four rebounds and one block. J.J. Redick managed 13 points, three boards, one assist and one steal. Josh Hart provided an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double off the bench.
The Thunder head back home to take on the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night, while the Pelicans remain home and take on the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night.
Pistons Blow Out Spurs
By Dan Bruno
The Detroit Pistons defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 132-98, at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday.
The Pistons got out to a confident start at home, as they never trailed in the first quarter and took a 32-27 lead into the second. They pushed their lead to 15, mid way through the second, before the Spurs clawed back to make it an eight-point game by halftime. The Pistons came out strong in the third and outscored the visitors by 17 in the quarter, to take a 25-point lead into the final frame. The Spurs had no answer in the fourth, as the Pistons charged their way to the finish, ending a two-game slide and earning their sixth home win of the season.
Seven players scored in double digits for Detroit, led by Christian Wood, who finished with 28 points and 10 rebounds, in 22 minutes off the bench. Luke Kennard followed up with 20 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Derrick Rose tallied 10 points, 10 assists, two steals and a block.
Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan led the Spurs with 20 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 25 minutes. Lonnie Walker IV added 13 points, while the only other player to score in double digits for San Antonio was Rudy Gay, who added 12 points, in 23 minutes.
The Spurs (7-14) will look to bounce back as they play hose to the Rockets on Tuesday. The Pistons (7-13) head to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers on Tuesday.
The Pistons got out to a confident start at home, as they never trailed in the first quarter and took a 32-27 lead into the second. They pushed their lead to 15, mid way through the second, before the Spurs clawed back to make it an eight-point game by halftime. The Pistons came out strong in the third and outscored the visitors by 17 in the quarter, to take a 25-point lead into the final frame. The Spurs had no answer in the fourth, as the Pistons charged their way to the finish, ending a two-game slide and earning their sixth home win of the season.
Seven players scored in double digits for Detroit, led by Christian Wood, who finished with 28 points and 10 rebounds, in 22 minutes off the bench. Luke Kennard followed up with 20 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Derrick Rose tallied 10 points, 10 assists, two steals and a block.
Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan led the Spurs with 20 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 25 minutes. Lonnie Walker IV added 13 points, while the only other player to score in double digits for San Antonio was Rudy Gay, who added 12 points, in 23 minutes.
The Spurs (7-14) will look to bounce back as they play hose to the Rockets on Tuesday. The Pistons (7-13) head to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers on Tuesday.
Magic Defeat Warriors, 100-96
The Orlando Magic defeated the visiting Golden State Warriors, 100-96, at Amway Center on Sunday,
There were seven ties and 15 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 12 points. In fact, Golden State had an opportunity to tie the game with three seconds left after a five-second violation by Orlando but they missed that shot. The key for the Magic was their defense, holding the Warriors to 40 percent from the field and 26 percent from three-point range. In addition, Orlando won the offensive rebounding battle, 15-12, while out-blocking them, 8-5.
The Warriors (4-17) were led by Glenn Robinson III, who finished with 19 points and three rebounds. Eric Paschall accumulated 17 points, six rebounds and two assists. Alec Burks generated 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals. Ky Bowman led the bench with 12 points, three rebounds and four assists.
The Magic (8-11) were led by Evan Fournier, who tallied a career-high with 32 points on 13-of-21 from the field. Markelle Fultz accrued 14 points, four rebounds and nine assists. Jonathan Isaac amassed 14 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks while Aaron Gordon totaled eight points, seven rebounds and four assists. Terrence Ross led the bench with 19 points and four boards.
Golden State has to play again on Monday, staying on the road to face the Atlanta Hawks. As for Orlando, they play the Washington Wizards on Tuesday for their next fixture.
There were seven ties and 15 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 12 points. In fact, Golden State had an opportunity to tie the game with three seconds left after a five-second violation by Orlando but they missed that shot. The key for the Magic was their defense, holding the Warriors to 40 percent from the field and 26 percent from three-point range. In addition, Orlando won the offensive rebounding battle, 15-12, while out-blocking them, 8-5.
The Warriors (4-17) were led by Glenn Robinson III, who finished with 19 points and three rebounds. Eric Paschall accumulated 17 points, six rebounds and two assists. Alec Burks generated 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals. Ky Bowman led the bench with 12 points, three rebounds and four assists.
The Magic (8-11) were led by Evan Fournier, who tallied a career-high with 32 points on 13-of-21 from the field. Markelle Fultz accrued 14 points, four rebounds and nine assists. Jonathan Isaac amassed 14 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks while Aaron Gordon totaled eight points, seven rebounds and four assists. Terrence Ross led the bench with 19 points and four boards.
Golden State has to play again on Monday, staying on the road to face the Atlanta Hawks. As for Orlando, they play the Washington Wizards on Tuesday for their next fixture.
Raptors Dominate Jazz
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 130-110, at Scotiabank Arena on Sunday.
The Raptors got straight to business at home, as they pulled ahead to a 37-20 lead through one quarter. They blew the game wide open in the second, where they outscored the Jazz 40-17 to take a 40-point lead into halftime. However, the Jazz came out with some life in the third and poured in 49 points in the quarter, cutting the deficit to 21, heading into the final frame. The Raptors made no mistake in the fourth and closed out the contest while maintaining a comfortable lead through until the end. This marks their seventh straight win, while they move to 9-0 at home.
Pascal Siakam led the way for Toronto with 35 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals, in 34 minutes. Fred VanVleet followed up with 21 points, 11 assists, five rebounds and a steal, while Norman Powell added 15 points, five rebounds, four steals and three assists. The Raptors shot 52 percent from the field, including 19-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, Mike Conley led the Jazz with 20 points, three rebounds and two assists, in 25 minutes. Donovan Mitchell finished with 16 points and four assists, while Jeff Green totalled 19 points, in 14 minutes off the bench. The Jazz shot 42 percent from the field, including 13-of-35 from long range.
The Jazz (12-8) will look to bounce back as they take on the 76ers in Philadelphia on Monday. The Raptors (15-4) play host to the Heat on Tuesday.
The Raptors got straight to business at home, as they pulled ahead to a 37-20 lead through one quarter. They blew the game wide open in the second, where they outscored the Jazz 40-17 to take a 40-point lead into halftime. However, the Jazz came out with some life in the third and poured in 49 points in the quarter, cutting the deficit to 21, heading into the final frame. The Raptors made no mistake in the fourth and closed out the contest while maintaining a comfortable lead through until the end. This marks their seventh straight win, while they move to 9-0 at home.
Pascal Siakam led the way for Toronto with 35 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals, in 34 minutes. Fred VanVleet followed up with 21 points, 11 assists, five rebounds and a steal, while Norman Powell added 15 points, five rebounds, four steals and three assists. The Raptors shot 52 percent from the field, including 19-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, Mike Conley led the Jazz with 20 points, three rebounds and two assists, in 25 minutes. Donovan Mitchell finished with 16 points and four assists, while Jeff Green totalled 19 points, in 14 minutes off the bench. The Jazz shot 42 percent from the field, including 13-of-35 from long range.
The Jazz (12-8) will look to bounce back as they take on the 76ers in Philadelphia on Monday. The Raptors (15-4) play host to the Heat on Tuesday.
Clippers Destroy Wizards, 150-125
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Washington Wizards, 150-125, at Staples Center on Sunday.
A 43-22 second quarter really set the foundation in this game, with the Clippers winning in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, they held a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. The shooting disparity was critical, with Los Angeles shooting 55 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while holding Washington to 46 percent from the field and 37 percent from three-point range. In addition, the Clippers out-rebounded the Wizards, 52-43, while out-blocking them, 5-1.
The Wizards (6-12) were led by Bradley Beal, who tallied 23 points, five rebounds, 11 assists and two steals. Rui Hachimura led them in scoring, providing 30 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Isaiah Thomas tallied 16 points, four rebounds and four assists. Davis Bertans led the bench with 20 points, four rebounds and two steals.
The Clippers (15-6) were led by Kawhi Leonard, who accrued 34 points, six rebounds and three assists on 14-of-21 shooting. Paul George accumulated 31 points, eight rebounds and one assist. Montrezl Harrell led the bench with 23 points and 16 boards while Lou Williams generated 22 points and eight assists off the bench as well.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Washington playing host to the Orlando Magic and Los Angeles remaining home to play the Portland Trail Blazers.
A 43-22 second quarter really set the foundation in this game, with the Clippers winning in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, they held a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. The shooting disparity was critical, with Los Angeles shooting 55 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while holding Washington to 46 percent from the field and 37 percent from three-point range. In addition, the Clippers out-rebounded the Wizards, 52-43, while out-blocking them, 5-1.
The Wizards (6-12) were led by Bradley Beal, who tallied 23 points, five rebounds, 11 assists and two steals. Rui Hachimura led them in scoring, providing 30 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Isaiah Thomas tallied 16 points, four rebounds and four assists. Davis Bertans led the bench with 20 points, four rebounds and two steals.
The Clippers (15-6) were led by Kawhi Leonard, who accrued 34 points, six rebounds and three assists on 14-of-21 shooting. Paul George accumulated 31 points, eight rebounds and one assist. Montrezl Harrell led the bench with 23 points and 16 boards while Lou Williams generated 22 points and eight assists off the bench as well.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Washington playing host to the Orlando Magic and Los Angeles remaining home to play the Portland Trail Blazers.