Magic Bests Cavaliers, 93-87
The Orlando Magic defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 93-87, to Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Friday night.
The Magic (11-11), already purveyors of above-average defense, were ultimately able to capitalize on a suspect Cavaliers (5-16) squad that was missing Kevin Love (illness). Orlando erased a slim one-point deficit after one quarter to build a five-point lead by halftime, but they promptly saw that evaporate during a third quarter during which they were limited to 16 points. The visitors were able to turn the tables on Cleveland in the fourth, outscoring their hosts by a 25-17 margin in the final 12 minutes to notch the road victory.
Terrance Ross led the Magic with 21 points, adding three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Evan Fournier registered 18 points, two rebounds, two assists and one block. Aaron Gordon delivered 14 points, five boards, two assists, one steal and one block. D.J. Augustin checked in with 10 points, seven assists, three rebounds and three steals.
Collin Sexton paced the Cavaliers with 19 points and also posted three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Cedi Osman furnished 14 points, five rebounds, four assists, four steals and one block. Kevin Porter, Jr. poured in 12 points and posted four rebounds, while Tristan Thompson pitched in 10 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks.
The Magic get the weekend off before taking on the Milwaukee Bucks on the road Monday night, while the Cavaliers also hit the road and tangle with the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night.
The Magic (11-11), already purveyors of above-average defense, were ultimately able to capitalize on a suspect Cavaliers (5-16) squad that was missing Kevin Love (illness). Orlando erased a slim one-point deficit after one quarter to build a five-point lead by halftime, but they promptly saw that evaporate during a third quarter during which they were limited to 16 points. The visitors were able to turn the tables on Cleveland in the fourth, outscoring their hosts by a 25-17 margin in the final 12 minutes to notch the road victory.
Terrance Ross led the Magic with 21 points, adding three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Evan Fournier registered 18 points, two rebounds, two assists and one block. Aaron Gordon delivered 14 points, five boards, two assists, one steal and one block. D.J. Augustin checked in with 10 points, seven assists, three rebounds and three steals.
Collin Sexton paced the Cavaliers with 19 points and also posted three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Cedi Osman furnished 14 points, five rebounds, four assists, four steals and one block. Kevin Porter, Jr. poured in 12 points and posted four rebounds, while Tristan Thompson pitched in 10 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks.
The Magic get the weekend off before taking on the Milwaukee Bucks on the road Monday night, while the Cavaliers also hit the road and tangle with the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night.
Pistons Outlast Pacers At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Detroit Pistons defeated the visiting Indiana Pacers, 108-101, at Little Caesars Arena on Friday evening.
The Pistons got out to a great start at home as they took a 32-19 lead after one quarter. The Pacers picked it up in the second and cut the deficit by two, to make it a nine-point game at halftime. The Pacers carried the momentum into the second, where they outscored the Pistons 31-16, to take a 75-71 lead in the final frame. The Pistons rallied in the fourth and outscored the Pacers by 11 points in the quarter, to earn their third win in their last four games. The Pistons move to 7-5 at home, while the Pacers fall to 5-6 on the road.
Andre Drummond led the Pistons with 25 points, 22 rebounds , three steals and two blocks, in 41 minutes of action. Blake Griffin added 25 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals and a block, while Luke Kennard chipped in 15 points and four assists. The Pistons shot 45 percent from the field, including 11-of-25 from long range.
Meanwhile, T.J. Warren led the Pacers with 26 points on 11-of-18 shooting, in 30 minutes. Malcolm Brogdon totalled 21 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Domantas Sabonis added 18 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block. The Pacers shot 46 percent from the field, including 9-of-25 form long range.
The Pacers (14-8) will look to bounce back as they take on the Knicks in New York on Saturday. The Pistons (15-7) will look to keep rolling as they take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Monday.
The Pistons got out to a great start at home as they took a 32-19 lead after one quarter. The Pacers picked it up in the second and cut the deficit by two, to make it a nine-point game at halftime. The Pacers carried the momentum into the second, where they outscored the Pistons 31-16, to take a 75-71 lead in the final frame. The Pistons rallied in the fourth and outscored the Pacers by 11 points in the quarter, to earn their third win in their last four games. The Pistons move to 7-5 at home, while the Pacers fall to 5-6 on the road.
Andre Drummond led the Pistons with 25 points, 22 rebounds , three steals and two blocks, in 41 minutes of action. Blake Griffin added 25 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals and a block, while Luke Kennard chipped in 15 points and four assists. The Pistons shot 45 percent from the field, including 11-of-25 from long range.
Meanwhile, T.J. Warren led the Pacers with 26 points on 11-of-18 shooting, in 30 minutes. Malcolm Brogdon totalled 21 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Domantas Sabonis added 18 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block. The Pacers shot 46 percent from the field, including 9-of-25 form long range.
The Pacers (14-8) will look to bounce back as they take on the Knicks in New York on Saturday. The Pistons (15-7) will look to keep rolling as they take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Monday.
Nets Defeat Hornets, 111-104
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the host Charlotte Hornets, 111-104, at Spectrum Center on Friday.
While there were seven ties and nine lead changes in the first 30 minutes of this game, that's the only time the lead changed hands. In fact, the Nets outscored the Hornets, 56-47, in the second half, leading by at least five points for the final 10 minutes. The key for Brooklyn was controlling the boards, out-rebounding Charlotte, 49-34. Ball movement was also critical, out-assisting Charlotte, 35-23. In addition, the Nets doubled up the Hornets in steals, 12-6 while forcing 19 turnovers.
The Nets (12-10) were led by Joe Harris, who amassed 22 points and five assists on 8-of-13 shooting. Taurean Prince totaled 16 points, five rebounds and five assists. Jarrett Allen accrued 14 points, 10 rebounds, two steals and two blocks while Spencer Dinwiddie generated 13 points, 12 assists and two steals. DeAndre Jordan led the bench with 16 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
The Hornets (9-15) were led by DeVonte' Graham, as he tallied 29 points, three rebounds and eight assists. Terry Rozier accumulated 24 points, six rebounds and four assists. P.J. Washington finished with 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks while Cody Zeller led the bench with 17 points, six rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Charlotte playing host to the struggling Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn returning home to play the Denver Nuggets.
While there were seven ties and nine lead changes in the first 30 minutes of this game, that's the only time the lead changed hands. In fact, the Nets outscored the Hornets, 56-47, in the second half, leading by at least five points for the final 10 minutes. The key for Brooklyn was controlling the boards, out-rebounding Charlotte, 49-34. Ball movement was also critical, out-assisting Charlotte, 35-23. In addition, the Nets doubled up the Hornets in steals, 12-6 while forcing 19 turnovers.
The Nets (12-10) were led by Joe Harris, who amassed 22 points and five assists on 8-of-13 shooting. Taurean Prince totaled 16 points, five rebounds and five assists. Jarrett Allen accrued 14 points, 10 rebounds, two steals and two blocks while Spencer Dinwiddie generated 13 points, 12 assists and two steals. DeAndre Jordan led the bench with 16 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
The Hornets (9-15) were led by DeVonte' Graham, as he tallied 29 points, three rebounds and eight assists. Terry Rozier accumulated 24 points, six rebounds and four assists. P.J. Washington finished with 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks while Cody Zeller led the bench with 17 points, six rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Charlotte playing host to the struggling Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn returning home to play the Denver Nuggets.
Celtics Dominate Nuggets, 108-95
The Boston Celtics defeated the Denver Nuggets, 108-95, at TD Garden on Friday night.
The Celtics (16-5) faced a stiff Western Conference challenge in the Nuggets (14-6), but they proved capable of meeting it by establishing a 33-26 lead through one quarter. Boston added another point to their advantage heading into halftime, and they ultimately put the game away with a 32-point third quarter that gave them all the separation they needed.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 30 points, adding 10 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Jamal Murray provided 10 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Michael Porter, Jr. supplied nine points and three rebounds in just eight minutes. Monte Morris matched Porter's scoring, while Will Barton, Gary Harris and Juancho Hernangomez all contributed seven points apiece.
Jayson Tatum paced the Celtics with 26 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, five assists and one steal. Jaylen Brown delivered 21 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Kemba Walker tallied 19 points, three assists, two rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Marcus Smart posted nine points, two rebounds and two assists.
The Nuggets remain on their Eastern Conference swing and tangle with the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, the Celtics remain home and face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night.
The Celtics (16-5) faced a stiff Western Conference challenge in the Nuggets (14-6), but they proved capable of meeting it by establishing a 33-26 lead through one quarter. Boston added another point to their advantage heading into halftime, and they ultimately put the game away with a 32-point third quarter that gave them all the separation they needed.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 30 points, adding 10 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Jamal Murray provided 10 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Michael Porter, Jr. supplied nine points and three rebounds in just eight minutes. Monte Morris matched Porter's scoring, while Will Barton, Gary Harris and Juancho Hernangomez all contributed seven points apiece.
Jayson Tatum paced the Celtics with 26 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, five assists and one steal. Jaylen Brown delivered 21 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Kemba Walker tallied 19 points, three assists, two rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Marcus Smart posted nine points, two rebounds and two assists.
The Nuggets remain on their Eastern Conference swing and tangle with the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, the Celtics remain home and face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night.
Warriors Steal One In Chicago
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors defeated the host Chicago Bulls, 100-98, at United Center on Friday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start, but the Bulls closed the first quarter strong and took a five-point lead into the second. The Warriors came out strong in the second with a 14-4 run, to take a six-point lead. They held the lead for the rest of the quarter, until the Bulls pulled ahead by one point just before halftime. The Bulls picked up the momentum in the third and took a six-point lead halfway through the quarter and carried it over to lead 83-77 at the start of the fourth. The Bulls held the edge to start the fourth, but the Warriors managed to tie it up at 92 halfway through the quarter. The teams stayed neck-and-neck down the stretch, but the Warriors went up by two with 1:03 left on the clock and held on to snap a four-game slide.
Glenn Robinson III led the Warriors with 20 points, including the game-winning dunk. Alec Burks added 14 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Eric Paschall chipped in 13 points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. Willie Cauley-Stein totalled 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a block. The Warriors shot 54 percent from the field, including 9-of-24 from deep.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 22 points, six rebounds and six assists. Lauri Markkanen added 20 points on 8-of-17 shooting, while Coby White added 14 points, three rebounds and two assists. The Bulls shot 44 percent, including 17-of-41 from long range.
The Bulls (8-15) will look to bounce back as they take on the Heat in Miami on Sunday. The Warriors (5-19) play host to the Grizzlies on Monday.
The contest got out to a competitive start, but the Bulls closed the first quarter strong and took a five-point lead into the second. The Warriors came out strong in the second with a 14-4 run, to take a six-point lead. They held the lead for the rest of the quarter, until the Bulls pulled ahead by one point just before halftime. The Bulls picked up the momentum in the third and took a six-point lead halfway through the quarter and carried it over to lead 83-77 at the start of the fourth. The Bulls held the edge to start the fourth, but the Warriors managed to tie it up at 92 halfway through the quarter. The teams stayed neck-and-neck down the stretch, but the Warriors went up by two with 1:03 left on the clock and held on to snap a four-game slide.
Glenn Robinson III led the Warriors with 20 points, including the game-winning dunk. Alec Burks added 14 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Eric Paschall chipped in 13 points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. Willie Cauley-Stein totalled 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a block. The Warriors shot 54 percent from the field, including 9-of-24 from deep.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 22 points, six rebounds and six assists. Lauri Markkanen added 20 points on 8-of-17 shooting, while Coby White added 14 points, three rebounds and two assists. The Bulls shot 44 percent, including 17-of-41 from long range.
The Bulls (8-15) will look to bounce back as they take on the Heat in Miami on Sunday. The Warriors (5-19) play host to the Grizzlies on Monday.
Heat Gets Past Wizards, 112-103
The Miami Heat defeated the Washington Wizards, 112-103, at American Airlines Arena on Friday night.
The Wizards (7-14) came out on the second night of a back-to-back ready to give the home-court Heat (16-6) a fight, as Washington used some crisp shooting in the first half to jump out to a 65-61 halftime lead. However, Miami came out of intermission strong on both sides of the floor, outscoring the visitors by a 51-38 margin over the final two quarters. The Heat ultimately outperformed the Wizards in both shooting (48.8 percent to 42.9 percent) and rebounds (50-39).
Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 23 points, adding eight assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Moritz Wagner furnished 19 points, nine boards, one assist and two steals. Davis Bertans matched Wagner's scoring total and pulled down 10 rebounds, dished out one assist and recorded two blocks. Ish Smith delivered 15 points, eight rebounds, two rebounds and one steal. Rui Hachimura totaled 14 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Jimmy Butler paced the Heat with 28 points and complemented them with 11 rebounds, 11 assists, two blocks and one steal. Bam Adebayo generated a 24-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included four assists and two blocks. Tyler Herro delivered 22 points, seven boards, two assists and two steals. Kris Nunn registered 14 points, four assists, three rebounds and one block. Kelly Olynyk poured in 10 points off the bench.
The Wizards head back home to face the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday evening, while the Heat remains home and tangles with the Chicago Bulls on Sunday evening.
The Wizards (7-14) came out on the second night of a back-to-back ready to give the home-court Heat (16-6) a fight, as Washington used some crisp shooting in the first half to jump out to a 65-61 halftime lead. However, Miami came out of intermission strong on both sides of the floor, outscoring the visitors by a 51-38 margin over the final two quarters. The Heat ultimately outperformed the Wizards in both shooting (48.8 percent to 42.9 percent) and rebounds (50-39).
Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 23 points, adding eight assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Moritz Wagner furnished 19 points, nine boards, one assist and two steals. Davis Bertans matched Wagner's scoring total and pulled down 10 rebounds, dished out one assist and recorded two blocks. Ish Smith delivered 15 points, eight rebounds, two rebounds and one steal. Rui Hachimura totaled 14 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Jimmy Butler paced the Heat with 28 points and complemented them with 11 rebounds, 11 assists, two blocks and one steal. Bam Adebayo generated a 24-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included four assists and two blocks. Tyler Herro delivered 22 points, seven boards, two assists and two steals. Kris Nunn registered 14 points, four assists, three rebounds and one block. Kelly Olynyk poured in 10 points off the bench.
The Wizards head back home to face the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday evening, while the Heat remains home and tangles with the Chicago Bulls on Sunday evening.
Thunder Defeat T'Wolves in OT, 139-127
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 139-127, at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Friday.
There were 11 ties and seven lead changes in this game, as it wasn't decided until the final seconds. In fact, Oklahoma City got out to a game-high 10-point lead with a 19-6 run to start the fourth quarter but Minnesota ended the game on a 19-9 run to send the game into overtime. Oklahoma City dominated the overtime though, outscoring Minnesota, 17-5. Neither team led by more than 10 points until the lopsided overtime. Free-throw shooting was the difference, with the Thunder connecting on 36-of-40 while the T'Wolves hit just 14-of-20. In addition, OKC tripled them up in blocks, 9-3.
The Timberwolves (10-11) were led by Jeff Teague, who tallied 32 points, five rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Karl-Anthony Towns amassed 30 points, five rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks. Robert Covington generated 15 points, seven rebounds and two assists while Shabazz Napier led the bench with 13 points.
The Thunder (9-12) were led by Chris Paul, who collected 30 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 11 of his 29 points in overtime, also adding five rebounds and two assists to his tally. Steven Adams totaled 22 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals and four blocks. Danilo Gallinari generated 21 points, seven rebounds and three assists while Dennis Schroder led the bench with 25 points, two rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Minnesota remaining on the road to face the Portland Trail Blazers while Minnesota faces the Los Angeles Lakers on the road too.
There were 11 ties and seven lead changes in this game, as it wasn't decided until the final seconds. In fact, Oklahoma City got out to a game-high 10-point lead with a 19-6 run to start the fourth quarter but Minnesota ended the game on a 19-9 run to send the game into overtime. Oklahoma City dominated the overtime though, outscoring Minnesota, 17-5. Neither team led by more than 10 points until the lopsided overtime. Free-throw shooting was the difference, with the Thunder connecting on 36-of-40 while the T'Wolves hit just 14-of-20. In addition, OKC tripled them up in blocks, 9-3.
The Timberwolves (10-11) were led by Jeff Teague, who tallied 32 points, five rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Karl-Anthony Towns amassed 30 points, five rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks. Robert Covington generated 15 points, seven rebounds and two assists while Shabazz Napier led the bench with 13 points.
The Thunder (9-12) were led by Chris Paul, who collected 30 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 11 of his 29 points in overtime, also adding five rebounds and two assists to his tally. Steven Adams totaled 22 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals and four blocks. Danilo Gallinari generated 21 points, seven rebounds and three assists while Dennis Schroder led the bench with 25 points, two rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Minnesota remaining on the road to face the Portland Trail Blazers while Minnesota faces the Los Angeles Lakers on the road too.
Bucks Dominate Clippers In Milwaukee
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Los Angeles Clippers, 119-91, at Fiserv Forum on Friday evening.
The Bucks got out to a great start at home, with a 30-15 lead after one quarter. They held a comfortable advantage through the second, but the Clippers managed to trim it to a nine-point game by halftime. The Bucks came out on fire in the third quarter and outscored the visitors by 16 points, to take a 25-point lead into the final frame. The Clippers continued to fight though the fourth but could not do any damage, as the Bucks held control and cruised to their 14th straight win.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 27 points, 11 rebounds and four assists, in 26 minutes. Khris Middleton followed up with 17 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Ersan Ilyasova and Pat Connaughton chipped in 13 points each. The Bucks shot 47 percent from the field, including 14-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard was the high-point man for the Clippers, with 17 points, along with five rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks, in 29 minutes. Ivica Zubac added 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Paul George totalled 13 points and seven rebounds. The Clippers shot 35 percent from the field, including 8-of-32 from deep.
The Clippers (16-7) will look to bounce back as they take on the Wizards in Los Angeles on Sunday. The Bucks (20-3) play host to the Magic on Monday
The Bucks got out to a great start at home, with a 30-15 lead after one quarter. They held a comfortable advantage through the second, but the Clippers managed to trim it to a nine-point game by halftime. The Bucks came out on fire in the third quarter and outscored the visitors by 16 points, to take a 25-point lead into the final frame. The Clippers continued to fight though the fourth but could not do any damage, as the Bucks held control and cruised to their 14th straight win.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 27 points, 11 rebounds and four assists, in 26 minutes. Khris Middleton followed up with 17 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Ersan Ilyasova and Pat Connaughton chipped in 13 points each. The Bucks shot 47 percent from the field, including 14-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard was the high-point man for the Clippers, with 17 points, along with five rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks, in 29 minutes. Ivica Zubac added 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Paul George totalled 13 points and seven rebounds. The Clippers shot 35 percent from the field, including 8-of-32 from deep.
The Clippers (16-7) will look to bounce back as they take on the Wizards in Los Angeles on Sunday. The Bucks (20-3) play host to the Magic on Monday
Spurs Defeat Kings in OT, 105-104
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings, 105-104, at AT&T Center on Friday.
While San Antonio trailed by nine points with 1:41 minutes remaining in regulation, this game wasn't decided until an overtime session. In fact, the Spurs finished regulation on an 11-2 run to send the game into that extra session. The overtime was extremely tight, as there were three lead changes in the final minute, with Sacramento missing the final four shots in the final 15 seconds which would have all taken the lead. San Antonio's bench was critical, as they had four bench players reach double figures while Sacramento had just one. The Spurs held the Kings to 39 percent from the field and 27 percent from three-point range while out-assisting them, 25-19.
The Kings (8-12) were led by Buddy Hield, who totaled 23 points and seven rebounds. Harrison Barnes accrued 21 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Richaun Holmes accumulated 13 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks. Yogi Ferrell led the bench with 17 points and three assists.
The Spurs (8-14) were led by LaMarcus Aldridge, who generated 19 points and 13 rebounds. DeMar DeRozan finished with 15 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Dejounte Murray led the bench with 14 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals while Marco Belinelli, Patty Mills and Jakob Poeltl all reached double figures off the bench too.
On deck for Sacramento is a road matchup versus the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday. As for San Antonio, they're off until Thursday, when they play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
While San Antonio trailed by nine points with 1:41 minutes remaining in regulation, this game wasn't decided until an overtime session. In fact, the Spurs finished regulation on an 11-2 run to send the game into that extra session. The overtime was extremely tight, as there were three lead changes in the final minute, with Sacramento missing the final four shots in the final 15 seconds which would have all taken the lead. San Antonio's bench was critical, as they had four bench players reach double figures while Sacramento had just one. The Spurs held the Kings to 39 percent from the field and 27 percent from three-point range while out-assisting them, 25-19.
The Kings (8-12) were led by Buddy Hield, who totaled 23 points and seven rebounds. Harrison Barnes accrued 21 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Richaun Holmes accumulated 13 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks. Yogi Ferrell led the bench with 17 points and three assists.
The Spurs (8-14) were led by LaMarcus Aldridge, who generated 19 points and 13 rebounds. DeMar DeRozan finished with 15 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Dejounte Murray led the bench with 14 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals while Marco Belinelli, Patty Mills and Jakob Poeltl all reached double figures off the bench too.
On deck for Sacramento is a road matchup versus the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday. As for San Antonio, they're off until Thursday, when they play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Lakers Defeat Trail Blazers, 136-113
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 136-113, at Moda Center on Friday.
Los Angeles scored a season-high 77 points in the first half of this game, as that was too much for Portland to overcome. In fact, the Lakers shot 62 percent from the field, 69 percent from three-point range and 89 percent from the free-throw line in that opening half. A 38-28 second quarter was the real difference, with Los Angeles holding a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. In addition, they won all four individual quarters. In total, Los Angeles shot 54 percent from the field and 47 percent from three-point range en route to a season-high 136 points. They also won the rebounding battle, 45-34, while out-assisting the Trail Blazers, 26-20.
The Lakers (20-3) were led by Anthony Davis, who tallied 39 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two steals and three blocks. LeBron James collected 31 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. JaVale McGee amassed 13 points, three rebounds and two blocks while Kyle Kuzma led the bench with 15 points and six rebounds.
The Trail Blazers (9-14) were led by Damian Lillard, who generated 29 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Hassan Whiteside accrued 17 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and three steals. C.J. McCollum totaled 15 points, three rebounds and five assists while Carmelo Anthony accumulated 15 points, three rebounds and three steals. Rodney Hood suffered a torn Achilles in the second quarter.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with the Lakers playing host to the Minnesota Timberwolves and Portland remaining home to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Los Angeles scored a season-high 77 points in the first half of this game, as that was too much for Portland to overcome. In fact, the Lakers shot 62 percent from the field, 69 percent from three-point range and 89 percent from the free-throw line in that opening half. A 38-28 second quarter was the real difference, with Los Angeles holding a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. In addition, they won all four individual quarters. In total, Los Angeles shot 54 percent from the field and 47 percent from three-point range en route to a season-high 136 points. They also won the rebounding battle, 45-34, while out-assisting the Trail Blazers, 26-20.
The Lakers (20-3) were led by Anthony Davis, who tallied 39 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two steals and three blocks. LeBron James collected 31 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. JaVale McGee amassed 13 points, three rebounds and two blocks while Kyle Kuzma led the bench with 15 points and six rebounds.
The Trail Blazers (9-14) were led by Damian Lillard, who generated 29 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Hassan Whiteside accrued 17 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and three steals. C.J. McCollum totaled 15 points, three rebounds and five assists while Carmelo Anthony accumulated 15 points, three rebounds and three steals. Rodney Hood suffered a torn Achilles in the second quarter.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with the Lakers playing host to the Minnesota Timberwolves and Portland remaining home to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.