Pistons Dominate, Secure Huge Win Over Cavaliers
The Detroit Pistons defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 127-94, at Rocket Mortgage FIeldhouse on Tuesday night.
This was undoubtedly one of the best performances of the Pistons (8-13) during this season, as they won all four quarters and didn't give the Cavaliers (5-15) a single chance to make this a competitive game. Detroit jumped to a 32-28 lead in the first quarter and it seemed things would be tight early on, but the Pistons pulled away for good with a 30-18 second quarter, and a 35-22 third quarter. By that point, the game was over and the Pistons had sent most of their bench players to the floor on garbage time, but it didn't seem to matter. Detroit won the final 12 minutes of action by a 30-26 score, and on the process they clinched one of their biggest wins of the season. With the win, Detroit moved to 2-9 on the road, while Cleveland fell to 3-8 at home.
Blake Griffin was Detroit's top scorer with 24 points and four rebounds; he was one of six Pistons to score in double digits here. Andre Drummond filled the stat sheet admirably since he finished the game with 17 points, 14 rebounds, five steals, four assists and four blocks. Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk ended with 15 points, Derrick Rose came close to a double-double with 12 points and nine dimes, and Langston Galloway had 14 points. Markieff Morris had 12 points as well.
Collin Sexton was the top scoring threat for the Cavaliers since he ended with 22 points, but he was the only Cleveland player who ended with more than 15 points. Cedi Osman and Tristan Thompson had 10 points each, and they were the only two starters who scored in double digits. Jordan Clarkson (10 points) and Kevin Porter Jr. (12 points) had decent efforts off the bench.
This was undoubtedly one of the best performances of the Pistons (8-13) during this season, as they won all four quarters and didn't give the Cavaliers (5-15) a single chance to make this a competitive game. Detroit jumped to a 32-28 lead in the first quarter and it seemed things would be tight early on, but the Pistons pulled away for good with a 30-18 second quarter, and a 35-22 third quarter. By that point, the game was over and the Pistons had sent most of their bench players to the floor on garbage time, but it didn't seem to matter. Detroit won the final 12 minutes of action by a 30-26 score, and on the process they clinched one of their biggest wins of the season. With the win, Detroit moved to 2-9 on the road, while Cleveland fell to 3-8 at home.
Blake Griffin was Detroit's top scorer with 24 points and four rebounds; he was one of six Pistons to score in double digits here. Andre Drummond filled the stat sheet admirably since he finished the game with 17 points, 14 rebounds, five steals, four assists and four blocks. Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk ended with 15 points, Derrick Rose came close to a double-double with 12 points and nine dimes, and Langston Galloway had 14 points. Markieff Morris had 12 points as well.
Collin Sexton was the top scoring threat for the Cavaliers since he ended with 22 points, but he was the only Cleveland player who ended with more than 15 points. Cedi Osman and Tristan Thompson had 10 points each, and they were the only two starters who scored in double digits. Jordan Clarkson (10 points) and Kevin Porter Jr. (12 points) had decent efforts off the bench.
Magic Use Strong First Half To Top Wizards
The Orlando Magic defeated the Washington Wizards, 127-120, at Capital One Arena on Tuesday night.
The Magic (9-11) were on a negative run of results before this contest, but they certainly bounced back with a strong effort against a Wizards (6-13) team that keeps piling losses night after night. Orlando quickly jumped ahead after a 32-26 first quarter, and they extended that advantage with a 36-28 second quarter that put them on the driving seat for good. Washington tried to turn things around in the second half, but their efforts were not enough. They won the remaining two quarters, 34-29 and 32-30 respectively, but the Magic held on and secured a huge victory on the road. With the win, Orlando moved to 2-7 on the road while the Wizards fell to 3-5 at home.
Six of Orlando’s eight players scored in double digits here. Evan Fournier led the way with 31 points, while Aaron Gordon had a double-double since he ended with 18 points and 11 boards. Jonathan Isaac had 11 points with six boards, and Markelle Fultz chipped in with 20 points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals. D.J. Augustin impressed with 24 points off the bench, and Terrence Ross added 14 as a substitute.
Bradley Beal had 42 points, six rebounds and four assists, but those impressive numbers weren’t enough to lead Washington to a win. Isaiah Thomas had 20 points with seven assists, while Davis Bertans had 21 points in a spot start. Rui Hachimura added 15 points with six rebounds and four assists. Jordan McRae chipped in with 10 points coming off the bench.
The Magic (9-11) were on a negative run of results before this contest, but they certainly bounced back with a strong effort against a Wizards (6-13) team that keeps piling losses night after night. Orlando quickly jumped ahead after a 32-26 first quarter, and they extended that advantage with a 36-28 second quarter that put them on the driving seat for good. Washington tried to turn things around in the second half, but their efforts were not enough. They won the remaining two quarters, 34-29 and 32-30 respectively, but the Magic held on and secured a huge victory on the road. With the win, Orlando moved to 2-7 on the road while the Wizards fell to 3-5 at home.
Six of Orlando’s eight players scored in double digits here. Evan Fournier led the way with 31 points, while Aaron Gordon had a double-double since he ended with 18 points and 11 boards. Jonathan Isaac had 11 points with six boards, and Markelle Fultz chipped in with 20 points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals. D.J. Augustin impressed with 24 points off the bench, and Terrence Ross added 14 as a substitute.
Bradley Beal had 42 points, six rebounds and four assists, but those impressive numbers weren’t enough to lead Washington to a win. Isaiah Thomas had 20 points with seven assists, while Davis Bertans had 21 points in a spot start. Rui Hachimura added 15 points with six rebounds and four assists. Jordan McRae chipped in with 10 points coming off the bench.
Mavericks Trample Pelicans, 118-97
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 118-97, at Smoothie King Center on Tuesday night.
The Mavericks (14-6) and Pelicans (6-15) matched it each other bucket for bucket in the first quarter before Dallas managed to gain six points' worth of separation heading into halftime, courtesy of a 35-point second quarter. They ultimately entered the final period with a nine-point advantage and set the tone with a quarter-opening 6-0 run to cruise to the easy victory.
Luka Doncic led the way for the Mavericks with a 33-point, 18-rebound double-double that also included five assists. Seth Curry followed with a bench-leading 19 points, adding four boards and one assist. Tim Hardaway, Jr. and Maxi Kleber generated matching 12-point tallies while pulling down three and four rebounds, respectively. Kristaps Porzingis mustered just seven points on 2-for-11 shooting, although he also posted six rebounds, one assist and five blocks.
Brandon Ingram paced the Pelicans with 24 points, supplementing them with six assists, five rebounds, three steals and one block. Jrue Holiday furnished 18 points, four rebounds, four assists and two blocks. J.J. Redick poured in 12 points and added six rebounds and four assists. Josh Hart contributed 11 points and six boards off the bench.
The Mavericks head back home to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night, while the Pelicans remain home to face the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night.
The Mavericks (14-6) and Pelicans (6-15) matched it each other bucket for bucket in the first quarter before Dallas managed to gain six points' worth of separation heading into halftime, courtesy of a 35-point second quarter. They ultimately entered the final period with a nine-point advantage and set the tone with a quarter-opening 6-0 run to cruise to the easy victory.
Luka Doncic led the way for the Mavericks with a 33-point, 18-rebound double-double that also included five assists. Seth Curry followed with a bench-leading 19 points, adding four boards and one assist. Tim Hardaway, Jr. and Maxi Kleber generated matching 12-point tallies while pulling down three and four rebounds, respectively. Kristaps Porzingis mustered just seven points on 2-for-11 shooting, although he also posted six rebounds, one assist and five blocks.
Brandon Ingram paced the Pelicans with 24 points, supplementing them with six assists, five rebounds, three steals and one block. Jrue Holiday furnished 18 points, four rebounds, four assists and two blocks. J.J. Redick poured in 12 points and added six rebounds and four assists. Josh Hart contributed 11 points and six boards off the bench.
The Mavericks head back home to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night, while the Pelicans remain home to face the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night.
Heat Sink Raptors In Toronto
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat defeated the host Toronto Raptors, 121-110, at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday evening.
The Heat got out to a good start on the road, as they took a 32-23 lead after one quarter. The Raptors closed in on the deficit in the second but the Heat managed to keep the edge and take a five-point lead into halftime. The Raptors kept fighting in the third quarter and were able to cut it to a two-point game heading into the final frame. The Heat got out to a good start in the fourth, as they pushed their lead to eight, but the Raptors closed the quarter on an 18-10 run, to send the contest to overtime. The Heat made no mistakes in overtime, as they outscored the Raptors 13-2 in the period, to run away with their third straight win. This marks the Raptors' first loss at home and the end of their seven-game winning streak.
Jimmy Butler tallied a triple-double with 22 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists, in 41 minutes. Duncan Robinson added 22 points on 8-of-11 shooting, while Justise Winslow finished with 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists and a block. The Heat shot 46 percent from the field, including 15-of-38 from long range.
Meanwhile, Norman Powell led the Raptors with 23 points and eight rebounds, in 34 minutes. Fred VanVleet followed up with 19 points, six assists and three steals, while Pascal Siakam tallied 15 points and 12 rebounds.
The Raptors (15-5) will look to get back on track as they play host to the Rockets on Thursday. The Heat (15-5) take on the Celtics in Boston on Wednesday.
The Heat got out to a good start on the road, as they took a 32-23 lead after one quarter. The Raptors closed in on the deficit in the second but the Heat managed to keep the edge and take a five-point lead into halftime. The Raptors kept fighting in the third quarter and were able to cut it to a two-point game heading into the final frame. The Heat got out to a good start in the fourth, as they pushed their lead to eight, but the Raptors closed the quarter on an 18-10 run, to send the contest to overtime. The Heat made no mistakes in overtime, as they outscored the Raptors 13-2 in the period, to run away with their third straight win. This marks the Raptors' first loss at home and the end of their seven-game winning streak.
Jimmy Butler tallied a triple-double with 22 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists, in 41 minutes. Duncan Robinson added 22 points on 8-of-11 shooting, while Justise Winslow finished with 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists and a block. The Heat shot 46 percent from the field, including 15-of-38 from long range.
Meanwhile, Norman Powell led the Raptors with 23 points and eight rebounds, in 34 minutes. Fred VanVleet followed up with 19 points, six assists and three steals, while Pascal Siakam tallied 15 points and 12 rebounds.
The Raptors (15-5) will look to get back on track as they play host to the Rockets on Thursday. The Heat (15-5) take on the Celtics in Boston on Wednesday.
Spurs Outlast Rockets in Double OT, 135-133
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Houston Rockets, 135-133, in double overtime at AT & T Center on Tuesday night.
The in-state rivals engaged in a regular-season classic, but the game actually was in danger of slipping away from the Spurs (8-14) after a competitive first quarter. The Rockets (13-7) outscored San Antonio by a 72-54 margin during the middle periods to take a 16-point lead into the fourth quarter. The home squad would then outpace their visitors by a 34-18 margin over the final 12 minutes to force the first overtime, and an offensive charge call on James Harden, who scored 50 points with the help of a record 24-for-24 tally from the free-throw line, with 0.8 seconds left sealed the win for the Spurs.
Harden added nine rebounds, six assists and four steals to his game-high scoring total. Clint Capela followed with a 22-point, 21-rebound double-double that also included two assists, two blocks and one steal. Russell Westbrook generated a 19-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included two steals and one block. Austin Rivers matched Westbrook's scoring total and also pulled down four boards. Ben McLemore poured in 11 points, while P.J. Tucker stuffed the stat sheet with 10 points, nine rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks.
Lonnie Walker IV led the Spurs with a career-high 28 points and complemented them with four rebounds and three steals. Bryn Forbes supplied 25 points, four assists and two rebounds. DeMar DeRozan registered 23 points, nine assists, five rebounds and one block. Rudy Gay contributed 14 points, five boards, two assists, one steal and one block. Derrick White pitched in 12 points.
The Rockets remain on the road and head north of the border to face the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night, while the Spurs remain home and take on the Sacramento Kings on Friday night.
The in-state rivals engaged in a regular-season classic, but the game actually was in danger of slipping away from the Spurs (8-14) after a competitive first quarter. The Rockets (13-7) outscored San Antonio by a 72-54 margin during the middle periods to take a 16-point lead into the fourth quarter. The home squad would then outpace their visitors by a 34-18 margin over the final 12 minutes to force the first overtime, and an offensive charge call on James Harden, who scored 50 points with the help of a record 24-for-24 tally from the free-throw line, with 0.8 seconds left sealed the win for the Spurs.
Harden added nine rebounds, six assists and four steals to his game-high scoring total. Clint Capela followed with a 22-point, 21-rebound double-double that also included two assists, two blocks and one steal. Russell Westbrook generated a 19-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included two steals and one block. Austin Rivers matched Westbrook's scoring total and also pulled down four boards. Ben McLemore poured in 11 points, while P.J. Tucker stuffed the stat sheet with 10 points, nine rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks.
Lonnie Walker IV led the Spurs with a career-high 28 points and complemented them with four rebounds and three steals. Bryn Forbes supplied 25 points, four assists and two rebounds. DeMar DeRozan registered 23 points, nine assists, five rebounds and one block. Rudy Gay contributed 14 points, five boards, two assists, one steal and one block. Derrick White pitched in 12 points.
The Rockets remain on the road and head north of the border to face the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night, while the Spurs remain home and take on the Sacramento Kings on Friday night.
Lakers Upend Nuggets, 105-96
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Denver Nuggets, 105-96, at Pepsi Center on Tuesday night.
The Lakers (18-3) came into the contest looking to bounce back from a rare defeat, and they got off to a strong start in that regard by building a 60-49 halftime lead. However, the home-court Nuggets (13-5) were more competitive coming out of intermission and managed to shave three points off their deficit during the third quarter. Ultimately, Denver would get as close as 97-96 with 2:23 remaining before Los Angeles finished the game on an 8-0 run.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis paced the Lakers with matching 25-point efforts, with James adding nine assists and six rebounds and Davis pulling down 10 boards. Dwight Howard furnished 13 points, six boards and two blocks. Rajon Rondo delivered 11 points, six points, six assists and one steal.
Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 22 points, which he supplemented with five rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Paul Millsap produced 21 points, eight boards, two assists, one steal and one block. Nikola Jokic tallied 13 points, eight assists, five rebounds and three steals. Gary Harris poured in nine points.
The Lakers remain on the road and face the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night, while the Nuggets travel to the Big Apple and tangle with the New York Knicks on Thursday night.
The Lakers (18-3) came into the contest looking to bounce back from a rare defeat, and they got off to a strong start in that regard by building a 60-49 halftime lead. However, the home-court Nuggets (13-5) were more competitive coming out of intermission and managed to shave three points off their deficit during the third quarter. Ultimately, Denver would get as close as 97-96 with 2:23 remaining before Los Angeles finished the game on an 8-0 run.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis paced the Lakers with matching 25-point efforts, with James adding nine assists and six rebounds and Davis pulling down 10 boards. Dwight Howard furnished 13 points, six boards and two blocks. Rajon Rondo delivered 11 points, six points, six assists and one steal.
Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 22 points, which he supplemented with five rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Paul Millsap produced 21 points, eight boards, two assists, one steal and one block. Nikola Jokic tallied 13 points, eight assists, five rebounds and three steals. Gary Harris poured in nine points.
The Lakers remain on the road and face the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night, while the Nuggets travel to the Big Apple and tangle with the New York Knicks on Thursday night.
Clippers Defeat Trail Blazers, 117-97
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Portland Trail Blazers, 117-97, at Staples Center on Tuesday.
While there were 10 ties and six lead changes in the first half, Los Angeles won this game in dominating fashion. In fact, the Clippers took control with a 27-17 third quarter and put the game to bed thanks to a 28-21 fourth quarter, leading for the entirety of the second half. Three-point shooting was the difference in the game, with Los Angeles hitting 17-of-34 and Portland connecting on just 7-of-27.
The Trail Blazers (8-13) were led by C.J. McCollum, who amassed 20 points, three rebounds and three assists. Damian Lillard finished with 16 points, two rebounds and seven assists. Hassan Whiteside totaled 18 points and 13 rebounds while Anfernee Simons led the bench with 11 points, two rebounds and six assists.
The Clippers (16-6) were led by Paul George, who tallied 25 points, four rebounds and three assists. Patrick Beverley generated 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Kawhi Leonard went just 3-of-15 from the field to finish with 11 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals. Montrezl Harrell led the bench with 26 points and nine boards.
On deck for Portland is a home matchup versus the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. As for Los Angeles, they return to action on Friday in a showcase matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks.
While there were 10 ties and six lead changes in the first half, Los Angeles won this game in dominating fashion. In fact, the Clippers took control with a 27-17 third quarter and put the game to bed thanks to a 28-21 fourth quarter, leading for the entirety of the second half. Three-point shooting was the difference in the game, with Los Angeles hitting 17-of-34 and Portland connecting on just 7-of-27.
The Trail Blazers (8-13) were led by C.J. McCollum, who amassed 20 points, three rebounds and three assists. Damian Lillard finished with 16 points, two rebounds and seven assists. Hassan Whiteside totaled 18 points and 13 rebounds while Anfernee Simons led the bench with 11 points, two rebounds and six assists.
The Clippers (16-6) were led by Paul George, who tallied 25 points, four rebounds and three assists. Patrick Beverley generated 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Kawhi Leonard went just 3-of-15 from the field to finish with 11 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals. Montrezl Harrell led the bench with 26 points and nine boards.
On deck for Portland is a home matchup versus the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. As for Los Angeles, they return to action on Friday in a showcase matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks.