Bucks Defeat Pistons, 127-103
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the host Detroit Pistons, 127-103, at Little Cesar's Arena on Wednesday.
This marked Milwaukee's 13th-straight win, as a 37-24 second quarter really decided the game. In fact, that allowed the Bucks to lead for the entirety of the second half, putting the game to bed thanks to a 33-24 third quarter. Milwaukee ended up shooting 49 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range while holding Detroit to 40 percent from the field and 30 percent from long range. In addition, the Bucks went 25-of-27 from the free-throw line while the Pistons hit just 14-of-22. Milwaukee also won the rebounding battle, 55-40.
The Bucks (19-3) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who tallied 35 points, nine rebounds and two blocks. Khris Middleton accrued 17 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Eric Bledsoe totaled 13 points, six rebounds and six assists while Brook Lopez totaled five points, six boards and three blocks. Ersan Ilyasova led the bench with 10 points, four rebounds and two steals.
The Pistons (8-14) were led by Andre Drummond, who collected 23 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, two steals and three blocks. Blake Griffin generated 16 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. No other starter had more than seven points. Langston Galloway led the bench with 20 points while Derrick Rose provided 14 points and five assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Milwaukee playing host to the Los Angeles Clippers and Detroit facing off with the Indiana Pacers at home.
This marked Milwaukee's 13th-straight win, as a 37-24 second quarter really decided the game. In fact, that allowed the Bucks to lead for the entirety of the second half, putting the game to bed thanks to a 33-24 third quarter. Milwaukee ended up shooting 49 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range while holding Detroit to 40 percent from the field and 30 percent from long range. In addition, the Bucks went 25-of-27 from the free-throw line while the Pistons hit just 14-of-22. Milwaukee also won the rebounding battle, 55-40.
The Bucks (19-3) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who tallied 35 points, nine rebounds and two blocks. Khris Middleton accrued 17 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Eric Bledsoe totaled 13 points, six rebounds and six assists while Brook Lopez totaled five points, six boards and three blocks. Ersan Ilyasova led the bench with 10 points, four rebounds and two steals.
The Pistons (8-14) were led by Andre Drummond, who collected 23 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, two steals and three blocks. Blake Griffin generated 16 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. No other starter had more than seven points. Langston Galloway led the bench with 20 points while Derrick Rose provided 14 points and five assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Milwaukee playing host to the Los Angeles Clippers and Detroit facing off with the Indiana Pacers at home.
Magic Earn Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Orlando Magic defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns, 128-114, at Amway Center on Wednesday evening.
The Suns got out to a good start on the road and held a 37-31 lead after one quarter. The Magic turned it up in the second and outscored the Suns by 13 points in the quarter to take a seven-point lead into halftime. They carried the momentum over into the second half, as they poured in 38 points in the third quarter, to lead by 17 heading into the final frame. The Magic held control through the fourth and cruised to their third straight win.
Aaron Gordon led the Magic with 32 points, five rebounds and five assists, in 33 minutes. Terrence Ross added 22 points on 7-of-14 shooting, in 22 minutes off the bench. Evan Fournier finished with 21 points and four assists, while Markelle Fultz added 13 points, five assists and four rebounds. The Magic shot 57 percent from the field, including 14-of-25 from long range.
Meanwhile, Frank Kaminsky led the Suns with 23 points, five rebounds and three assists, in 26 minutes. Devin Booker followed up with 17 points on 7-of-16 shooting, while Mikal Bridges added 15 points, in 25 minutes off the bench. The Suns shot 49 percent from the field, including 15-of-32 from long range.
The Suns (9-11) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Thursday. The Magic (10-11) head to Cleveland to face the Cavs on Friday.
The Suns got out to a good start on the road and held a 37-31 lead after one quarter. The Magic turned it up in the second and outscored the Suns by 13 points in the quarter to take a seven-point lead into halftime. They carried the momentum over into the second half, as they poured in 38 points in the third quarter, to lead by 17 heading into the final frame. The Magic held control through the fourth and cruised to their third straight win.
Aaron Gordon led the Magic with 32 points, five rebounds and five assists, in 33 minutes. Terrence Ross added 22 points on 7-of-14 shooting, in 22 minutes off the bench. Evan Fournier finished with 21 points and four assists, while Markelle Fultz added 13 points, five assists and four rebounds. The Magic shot 57 percent from the field, including 14-of-25 from long range.
Meanwhile, Frank Kaminsky led the Suns with 23 points, five rebounds and three assists, in 26 minutes. Devin Booker followed up with 17 points on 7-of-16 shooting, while Mikal Bridges added 15 points, in 25 minutes off the bench. The Suns shot 49 percent from the field, including 15-of-32 from long range.
The Suns (9-11) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Thursday. The Magic (10-11) head to Cleveland to face the Cavs on Friday.
Hornets Dominate, Top Warriors With Ease
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Golden State Warriors, 106-91, at Spectrum Center on Wednesday.
The Hornets (9-14) were favorites ahead of this contest against the Warriors (4-19) – something that would have been unthinkable one season ago – and they delivered here, as they were in complete control of the contest practically from start to finish. Charlotte quickly jumped to a 28-20 lead in the first quarter, but the Warriors shortened the gap in the second quarter (34-30) so the Hornets had a four-point lead entering the half time break. The Hornets pulled away for good in the third quarter with a 28-22 lead, and they ended closing things out with a 20-15 fourth quarter. With the win, Charlotte moved to 5-6 at home while the Warriors fell to 2-12 on the road.
Devonte Graham was Charlotte’s best player once again, as he finished with 33 points (made 10 of 16 shots from three-point range), nine assists, seven rebounds and two steals. Terry Rozier had a strong performance as well since he had 25 points, seven boards and seven dimes. Miles Bridges had 10 points. They were the only three Hornets to score 10 or more points, but all 10 players that played for Charlotte scored at least three points.
D’Angelo Russell was the top scorer for the Warriors since he ended with 18 points. Eric Paschall continued his strong season, and he ended with 16 points and six rebounds in a team-high 36 minutes. Alec Burks had a strong performance off the bench since he ended with 15 points while making six of his seven field-goal attempts.
The Hornets (9-14) were favorites ahead of this contest against the Warriors (4-19) – something that would have been unthinkable one season ago – and they delivered here, as they were in complete control of the contest practically from start to finish. Charlotte quickly jumped to a 28-20 lead in the first quarter, but the Warriors shortened the gap in the second quarter (34-30) so the Hornets had a four-point lead entering the half time break. The Hornets pulled away for good in the third quarter with a 28-22 lead, and they ended closing things out with a 20-15 fourth quarter. With the win, Charlotte moved to 5-6 at home while the Warriors fell to 2-12 on the road.
Devonte Graham was Charlotte’s best player once again, as he finished with 33 points (made 10 of 16 shots from three-point range), nine assists, seven rebounds and two steals. Terry Rozier had a strong performance as well since he had 25 points, seven boards and seven dimes. Miles Bridges had 10 points. They were the only three Hornets to score 10 or more points, but all 10 players that played for Charlotte scored at least three points.
D’Angelo Russell was the top scorer for the Warriors since he ended with 18 points. Eric Paschall continued his strong season, and he ended with 16 points and six rebounds in a team-high 36 minutes. Alec Burks had a strong performance off the bench since he ended with 15 points while making six of his seven field-goal attempts.
Nets Outlast Hawks, 130-118
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 130-118, at State Farm Arena on Wednesday night.
The downtrodden Hawks (5-17) got the game off on the right foot, taking a 26-22 lead through the first 12 minutes. However, the Nets (11-10) managed to erase that deficit and build a nine-point lead going into halftime courtesy of a 34-point second quarter. They then matched Atlanta's intensity coming out of intermission, playing to a 35-35 deadlock in the third period before putting up another 39 points in the fourth for the final 12-point margin of victory.
Garrett Temple led the Nets with 27 points, adding four rebounds and three assists. Spencer Dinwiddie provided 24 points, six boards, five assists and two steals. Taurean Prince touched up his old squad for 23 points, six boards, four assists and two steals. Jarrett Allen generated a 20-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included two assists, three blocks and two steals. Joe Harris poured in 13 points and complemented them with four assists, three rebounds and one steal.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with 39 points while also dishing out 10 assists, pulling down three rebounds and recording one steal. Cam Reddish delivered 25 points, six boards, three steals and one block. Damian Jones turned in 20 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one block. Alex Len went for 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block off the bench. Jabari Parker furnished 10 points and three boards.
The Nets remain on the road and pay a visit to the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night, while the Hawks also hit the road to face the Hornets on Sunday afternoon.
The downtrodden Hawks (5-17) got the game off on the right foot, taking a 26-22 lead through the first 12 minutes. However, the Nets (11-10) managed to erase that deficit and build a nine-point lead going into halftime courtesy of a 34-point second quarter. They then matched Atlanta's intensity coming out of intermission, playing to a 35-35 deadlock in the third period before putting up another 39 points in the fourth for the final 12-point margin of victory.
Garrett Temple led the Nets with 27 points, adding four rebounds and three assists. Spencer Dinwiddie provided 24 points, six boards, five assists and two steals. Taurean Prince touched up his old squad for 23 points, six boards, four assists and two steals. Jarrett Allen generated a 20-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included two assists, three blocks and two steals. Joe Harris poured in 13 points and complemented them with four assists, three rebounds and one steal.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with 39 points while also dishing out 10 assists, pulling down three rebounds and recording one steal. Cam Reddish delivered 25 points, six boards, three steals and one block. Damian Jones turned in 20 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one block. Alex Len went for 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block off the bench. Jabari Parker furnished 10 points and three boards.
The Nets remain on the road and pay a visit to the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night, while the Hawks also hit the road to face the Hornets on Sunday afternoon.
Celtics Come From Behind, Defeat Heat To Remain Perfect At Home
The Boston Celtics defeated the Miami Heat, 112-93, at TD Garden on Wednesday.
The Celtics (15-5) have been one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference this season, but the Heat (15-6) could fall in the same category as well so this game was expected to be quite tight. Such wasn’t the case, though, as the Celtics dominated the entire contest and didn’t have problems to cruise their way towards a comfortable victory. Things didn’t start well for Boston, however, as Miami jumped to a 28-20 lead following the first quarter. The Celtics turned things around quickly after the break, though, with a 32-16 second quarter that pulled them away for good. Boston won the remaining two quarters as well, 30-25 and 30-24 respectively, and ended sealing the win quite comfortably. With the win, the Celtics remain perfect at home with an 8-0 mark while the Heat fell to 7-6 on the road.
Jaylen Brown was the best scorer for the Celtics since he ended with 31 points and four rebounds, but Kemba Walker came quite close with a 28-point performance. The star point guard also added seven assists, four rebounds and two steals. Jayson Tatum had 19 points, five rebounds and three assists. No other Boston reached the 10-point mark, but every player excepting Javonte Green scored at least two points.
Jimmy Butler scored a game-high 37 points, but his scoring outputs didn’t help Miami to get a win; the All-Star forward chipped in with six rebounds, four assists and two steals as well. Duncan Robinson had 10 points, five rebounds and three steals. Kelly Olynyk (12 points, four boards) and Justise Winslow (10 points, seven rebounds) looked impressive despite the fact they came off the bench.
The Celtics (15-5) have been one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference this season, but the Heat (15-6) could fall in the same category as well so this game was expected to be quite tight. Such wasn’t the case, though, as the Celtics dominated the entire contest and didn’t have problems to cruise their way towards a comfortable victory. Things didn’t start well for Boston, however, as Miami jumped to a 28-20 lead following the first quarter. The Celtics turned things around quickly after the break, though, with a 32-16 second quarter that pulled them away for good. Boston won the remaining two quarters as well, 30-25 and 30-24 respectively, and ended sealing the win quite comfortably. With the win, the Celtics remain perfect at home with an 8-0 mark while the Heat fell to 7-6 on the road.
Jaylen Brown was the best scorer for the Celtics since he ended with 31 points and four rebounds, but Kemba Walker came quite close with a 28-point performance. The star point guard also added seven assists, four rebounds and two steals. Jayson Tatum had 19 points, five rebounds and three assists. No other Boston reached the 10-point mark, but every player excepting Javonte Green scored at least two points.
Jimmy Butler scored a game-high 37 points, but his scoring outputs didn’t help Miami to get a win; the All-Star forward chipped in with six rebounds, four assists and two steals as well. Duncan Robinson had 10 points, five rebounds and three steals. Kelly Olynyk (12 points, four boards) and Justise Winslow (10 points, seven rebounds) looked impressive despite the fact they came off the bench.
Bulls Best Grizzlies, 106-99
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 106-99, at United Center on Wednesday night.
The Bulls (8-14) came out of the gates hot versus the undermanned Grizzlies (6-15), building a 50-35 lead that gave the impression a dominant home win was in the works for Chicago. However, Memphis had other plans, battling back after being down by as much as 22 in the second half to get to get as close as 88-87 with 4:29 remaining. The Bulls would manage to finish on an 18-12 run from that point forward, with Zach LaVine scoring seven of his squad's next 10 points to help regain separation.
Jonas Valanciunas led the Grizzlies with 32 points and added 13 rebounds, one assist, three steals and one block. Jaren Jackson, Jr. and Jae Crowder had matching 15-point tallies while pulling down seven and six rebounds, respectively. Grayson Allen supplied 12 points, seven boards, one assist and one steal.
LaVine led the Bulls with 25 points and complemented them with six rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Wendell Carter, Jr. posted a 16-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included four blocks. Lauri Markkanen registered 15 points, five boards, one assist and two blocks. Tomas Satoransky filled out the stat sheet with 13 points, eight assists, six rebounds and three steals. Kris Dunn contributed 10 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal.
The Grizzlies continue on the road to take on the Utah Jazz on Saturday night, while the Bulls remain home to take on the Golden State Warriors on Friday night.
The Bulls (8-14) came out of the gates hot versus the undermanned Grizzlies (6-15), building a 50-35 lead that gave the impression a dominant home win was in the works for Chicago. However, Memphis had other plans, battling back after being down by as much as 22 in the second half to get to get as close as 88-87 with 4:29 remaining. The Bulls would manage to finish on an 18-12 run from that point forward, with Zach LaVine scoring seven of his squad's next 10 points to help regain separation.
Jonas Valanciunas led the Grizzlies with 32 points and added 13 rebounds, one assist, three steals and one block. Jaren Jackson, Jr. and Jae Crowder had matching 15-point tallies while pulling down seven and six rebounds, respectively. Grayson Allen supplied 12 points, seven boards, one assist and one steal.
LaVine led the Bulls with 25 points and complemented them with six rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Wendell Carter, Jr. posted a 16-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included four blocks. Lauri Markkanen registered 15 points, five boards, one assist and two blocks. Tomas Satoransky filled out the stat sheet with 13 points, eight assists, six rebounds and three steals. Kris Dunn contributed 10 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal.
The Grizzlies continue on the road to take on the Utah Jazz on Saturday night, while the Bulls remain home to take on the Golden State Warriors on Friday night.
Pacers Edge Out Thunder In OKC
By Dan Bruno
The Indiana Pacers defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder, 107-100, at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Wednesday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start, with the Thunder holding a three-point lead after one quarter. The score stayed close though the second, and the Thunder took a 50-49 lead into the half. The Pacers and Thunder traded baskets through the third, until the Thunder pulled ahead by five late in the quarter, but the Pacers closed the quarter on an 11-5 run, to take a one-point lead into the final frame. The Pacers stayed sharp in the fourth and held an edge the rest of the way, earning their second straight win, and ending the Thunder's two-game winning streak.
Seven players scored in double digits for the Pacers, led by T.J. Warren, who tallied 24 points on 9-of-15 shooting. Domantas Sabonis followed up with 17 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Malcolm Brogdon finished with 11 points, six assists, four rebounds and a steal. The Pacers shot 48 percent from the field, including 9-of-24 from deep.
Meanwhile, Steven Adams led the Thunder with 20 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks, in 29 minutes. Danilo Gallinari and Dennis Schroder added 18 points each, while Chris Paul tallied 10 assists and four points. The Thunder shot 49 percent from the field, including 9-of-26 from long range.
The Thunder (8-12) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Timberwolves on Friday. The Pacers (14-7) take on the Pistons in Detroit on Friday.
The contest got out to a competitive start, with the Thunder holding a three-point lead after one quarter. The score stayed close though the second, and the Thunder took a 50-49 lead into the half. The Pacers and Thunder traded baskets through the third, until the Thunder pulled ahead by five late in the quarter, but the Pacers closed the quarter on an 11-5 run, to take a one-point lead into the final frame. The Pacers stayed sharp in the fourth and held an edge the rest of the way, earning their second straight win, and ending the Thunder's two-game winning streak.
Seven players scored in double digits for the Pacers, led by T.J. Warren, who tallied 24 points on 9-of-15 shooting. Domantas Sabonis followed up with 17 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Malcolm Brogdon finished with 11 points, six assists, four rebounds and a steal. The Pacers shot 48 percent from the field, including 9-of-24 from deep.
Meanwhile, Steven Adams led the Thunder with 20 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks, in 29 minutes. Danilo Gallinari and Dennis Schroder added 18 points each, while Chris Paul tallied 10 assists and four points. The Thunder shot 49 percent from the field, including 9-of-26 from long range.
The Thunder (8-12) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Timberwolves on Friday. The Pacers (14-7) take on the Pistons in Detroit on Friday.
Mavericks Defeat T'Wolves, 121-114
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 121-114, at American Airlines Center on Wednesday.
While there were only three ties and four lead changes in this game, it came down to the wire. In fact, neither team ever led by more than 13 points, as it stayed within a single-digit margin for all but a few minutes. Dallas made their run late, outscoring Minnesota in the fourth quarter, 41-30. The Mavericks ended up shooting 50 percent from the field while holding the Timberwolves to just 42 percent. In addition, Dallas won the defensive rebounding battle, 32-29, while winning the turnover differential, 12-8.
The Timberwolves (10-10) were led by Andrew Wiggins, who amassed 26 points, five rebounds and three blocks. Karl-Anthony Towns collected 26 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Robert Covington generated 22 points and six rebounds while Jarrett Culver accumulated 11 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two blocks.
The Mavericks (15-6) were led by Dwight Powell, who totaled 24 points, five rebounds, four assists anf two blocks on 9-of-9 shooting. Luka Doncic accrued 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Kristaps Porzingis totaled 19 points and six boards while Jalen Brunson led the bench with 16 points, four rebounds and three assists.
On deck for Minnesota is a road matchup versus the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday. As for Dallas, they return to action on Saturday versus the New Orleans Pelicans.
While there were only three ties and four lead changes in this game, it came down to the wire. In fact, neither team ever led by more than 13 points, as it stayed within a single-digit margin for all but a few minutes. Dallas made their run late, outscoring Minnesota in the fourth quarter, 41-30. The Mavericks ended up shooting 50 percent from the field while holding the Timberwolves to just 42 percent. In addition, Dallas won the defensive rebounding battle, 32-29, while winning the turnover differential, 12-8.
The Timberwolves (10-10) were led by Andrew Wiggins, who amassed 26 points, five rebounds and three blocks. Karl-Anthony Towns collected 26 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Robert Covington generated 22 points and six rebounds while Jarrett Culver accumulated 11 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two blocks.
The Mavericks (15-6) were led by Dwight Powell, who totaled 24 points, five rebounds, four assists anf two blocks on 9-of-9 shooting. Luka Doncic accrued 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Kristaps Porzingis totaled 19 points and six boards while Jalen Brunson led the bench with 16 points, four rebounds and three assists.
On deck for Minnesota is a road matchup versus the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday. As for Dallas, they return to action on Saturday versus the New Orleans Pelicans.
Lakers Roll Jazz, 121-96
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the host Utah Jazz, 121-96, at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Wednesday.
Los Angeles has just two losses over their last 20 games and that surely appeared to be the case here in an easy win. In fact, the Lakers got out to a big lead thanks to a 34-26 first quarter and then took control with a 31-21 second quarter. That allowed Los Angeles to hold a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. The Lakers ended up shooting 51 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range while out-assisting the Jazz, 27-20. In addition, the Lakers won the turnover differential, 18-7, while outscoring Utah in fastbreak points, 32-5. Not to mention, the Lakers won the points in the paint battle, 52-34.
The Lakers (19-3) were led by Anthony Davis, who tallied 26 points, six rebounds and three blocks on 9-of-11 shooting. LeBron James collected 20 points, four rebounds and 12 assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope dropped 14 points. Rajon Rondo flirted with a triple-double off the bench, accumulating 14 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists. Kyle Kuzma had 13 points, four steals and three blocks off the bench as well.
The Jazz (12-10) were led by Donovan Mitchell, who amassed 29 points, four rebounds and five assists. Bojan Bogdanovic generated 22 points, two rebounds and three assists. Rudy Gobert totaled 13 points, 10 boards and two assists. No other player had more than eight points, five rebounds or five assists.
On deck for Los Angeles is a road matchup versus the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday. As for Utah, they play host to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday for their next outing.
Los Angeles has just two losses over their last 20 games and that surely appeared to be the case here in an easy win. In fact, the Lakers got out to a big lead thanks to a 34-26 first quarter and then took control with a 31-21 second quarter. That allowed Los Angeles to hold a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. The Lakers ended up shooting 51 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range while out-assisting the Jazz, 27-20. In addition, the Lakers won the turnover differential, 18-7, while outscoring Utah in fastbreak points, 32-5. Not to mention, the Lakers won the points in the paint battle, 52-34.
The Lakers (19-3) were led by Anthony Davis, who tallied 26 points, six rebounds and three blocks on 9-of-11 shooting. LeBron James collected 20 points, four rebounds and 12 assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope dropped 14 points. Rajon Rondo flirted with a triple-double off the bench, accumulating 14 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists. Kyle Kuzma had 13 points, four steals and three blocks off the bench as well.
The Jazz (12-10) were led by Donovan Mitchell, who amassed 29 points, four rebounds and five assists. Bojan Bogdanovic generated 22 points, two rebounds and three assists. Rudy Gobert totaled 13 points, 10 boards and two assists. No other player had more than eight points, five rebounds or five assists.
On deck for Los Angeles is a road matchup versus the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday. As for Utah, they play host to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday for their next outing.
Trail Blazers Handle Kings, 127-116
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Sacramento Kings, 127-116, at Moda Center on Wednesday night.
Both teams came out of the gate hot offensively, but the Kings (8-12)) held a modest 35-30 lead after one quarter. However, the Trail Blazers (9-13) would win each of the subsequent three quarters, outscoring Sacramento by a 97-81 margin the rest of the way. Portland's shooting efficiency spearheaded the victory, as the Blazers drained 56.0 percent of their attempts, including 50.0 percent from three-point range.
Richaun Holmes led the way for the Kings with 28 points, adding 10 rebounds and one steal. Buddy Hield delivered 23 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Nemanja Bjelica totaled 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Yogi Ferrell managed 13 points, three assists, one rebound and one steal. Cory Joseph and Trevor Ariza contributed 11 points apiece, with Joseph also dishing out seven assists and Ariza pulling down six rebounds.
C.J. McCollum paced the Trail Blazers with 33 points, adding four rebounds, four assists, four blocks and one steal. Damian Lillard managed 24 points, 10 dimes, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Hassan Whiteside pitched in a 22-point, 16-rebound double-double that also included seven assists and three blocks. Carmelo Anthony supplied 20 points, five boards and one block, while Kent Bazemore led the bench with 15 points.
The Kings remain on the road and pay a visit to the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night, while the Trail Blazers remain home and face the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night as well.
Both teams came out of the gate hot offensively, but the Kings (8-12)) held a modest 35-30 lead after one quarter. However, the Trail Blazers (9-13) would win each of the subsequent three quarters, outscoring Sacramento by a 97-81 margin the rest of the way. Portland's shooting efficiency spearheaded the victory, as the Blazers drained 56.0 percent of their attempts, including 50.0 percent from three-point range.
Richaun Holmes led the way for the Kings with 28 points, adding 10 rebounds and one steal. Buddy Hield delivered 23 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Nemanja Bjelica totaled 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Yogi Ferrell managed 13 points, three assists, one rebound and one steal. Cory Joseph and Trevor Ariza contributed 11 points apiece, with Joseph also dishing out seven assists and Ariza pulling down six rebounds.
C.J. McCollum paced the Trail Blazers with 33 points, adding four rebounds, four assists, four blocks and one steal. Damian Lillard managed 24 points, 10 dimes, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Hassan Whiteside pitched in a 22-point, 16-rebound double-double that also included seven assists and three blocks. Carmelo Anthony supplied 20 points, five boards and one block, while Kent Bazemore led the bench with 15 points.
The Kings remain on the road and pay a visit to the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night, while the Trail Blazers remain home and face the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night as well.