Pistons Hand Kings Sixth Straight Loss
By Dan Bruno
The Detroit Pistons defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings, 127-106, at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start, as the Kings held a one-point lead after one quarter. The score was tied at 42 late in the second, but the Pistons closed the quarter on 15-8 run, to take seven-point lead by halftime. The Pistons carried the momentum into the third and outscored the visitors by 11 points in the quarter, to push their lead to 18, heading into the final frame. They kept their focus through the fourth and held on for the decisive home win, while this marks the sixth consecutive loss for the Kings.
Three players topped 20 points for Detroit, including Derrick Rose, who totalled 22 points, 11 assists and six rebounds, in 30 minutes. Christian Wood added 23 points, three rebounds and a steal, while Reggie Jackson finished with 22 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. The Pistons shot 53 percent from the field, including 12-of-29 from deep.
Meanwhile, De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 22 points, three assists, three rebounds and three steals, in 30 minutes. Bogdan Bogdanovic added 19 points, three assists and two rebounds, while Nemanja Bjelica tallied 14 points, nine rebounds, five assists and a steal. The Kings shot 43 percent from the field, including 10-of-35 from long range.
The Kings (15-29) will look to bounce back as they take on the Bulls in Chicago on Friday. The Pistons (17-28) play host to the Grizzlies on Friday.
The contest got out to a competitive start, as the Kings held a one-point lead after one quarter. The score was tied at 42 late in the second, but the Pistons closed the quarter on 15-8 run, to take seven-point lead by halftime. The Pistons carried the momentum into the third and outscored the visitors by 11 points in the quarter, to push their lead to 18, heading into the final frame. They kept their focus through the fourth and held on for the decisive home win, while this marks the sixth consecutive loss for the Kings.
Three players topped 20 points for Detroit, including Derrick Rose, who totalled 22 points, 11 assists and six rebounds, in 30 minutes. Christian Wood added 23 points, three rebounds and a steal, while Reggie Jackson finished with 22 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. The Pistons shot 53 percent from the field, including 12-of-29 from deep.
Meanwhile, De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 22 points, three assists, three rebounds and three steals, in 30 minutes. Bogdan Bogdanovic added 19 points, three assists and two rebounds, while Nemanja Bjelica tallied 14 points, nine rebounds, five assists and a steal. The Kings shot 43 percent from the field, including 10-of-35 from long range.
The Kings (15-29) will look to bounce back as they take on the Bulls in Chicago on Friday. The Pistons (17-28) play host to the Grizzlies on Friday.
Thunder Outlasts Magic, 120-114
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Orlando Magic, 120-114, at Amway Center on Wednesday night.
The Thunder (26-19) opened the game with an impressive level of efficiency, racking up 60 first-half points to take a nine-point lead into intermission. However, the Magic (21-24) made its biggest move in the third quarter, wiping out all but three points of their deficit and getting as close as 113-111 with 1:49 remaining before Oklahoma City finished on a 7-3 run to close out the road win.
Dennis Schroder paced the Thunder with 31 points, adding nine assists and three rebounds. Chris Paul furnished 19 points, six assists, three rebounds and three steals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander generated an 18-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included one assist, three steals and three blocks. Nerlens Noel and Mike Muscala posted 14 points apiece, with Noel also pulling down seven boards. Danilo Gallinari provided 12 points, six rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Terrence Ross paced the Magic with 26 points, complementing them with three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Nikola Vucevic followed with 24 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block. Michael Carter-Williams supplied 15 points, three assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Aaron Gordon registered 14 points, eight boards, three assists and one steal. Evan Fournier and Markelle Fultz contributed 12 and 11 points, respectively, while dishing out six assists apiece.
The Thunder heads back home to take on the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night, while the Magic remains home to face the Boston Celtics on Friday night as well.
The Thunder (26-19) opened the game with an impressive level of efficiency, racking up 60 first-half points to take a nine-point lead into intermission. However, the Magic (21-24) made its biggest move in the third quarter, wiping out all but three points of their deficit and getting as close as 113-111 with 1:49 remaining before Oklahoma City finished on a 7-3 run to close out the road win.
Dennis Schroder paced the Thunder with 31 points, adding nine assists and three rebounds. Chris Paul furnished 19 points, six assists, three rebounds and three steals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander generated an 18-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included one assist, three steals and three blocks. Nerlens Noel and Mike Muscala posted 14 points apiece, with Noel also pulling down seven boards. Danilo Gallinari provided 12 points, six rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Terrence Ross paced the Magic with 26 points, complementing them with three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Nikola Vucevic followed with 24 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block. Michael Carter-Williams supplied 15 points, three assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Aaron Gordon registered 14 points, eight boards, three assists and one steal. Evan Fournier and Markelle Fultz contributed 12 and 11 points, respectively, while dishing out six assists apiece.
The Thunder heads back home to take on the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night, while the Magic remains home to face the Boston Celtics on Friday night as well.
Raptors Get Past 76ers, 107-95
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 107-95, at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night.
The 76ers (29-17) got off to an impressively efficient start, pouring in 35 points during the first quarter on their way to a nine-point lead. However, the Raptors (30-14) bounced back in the second quarter to eliminate their deficit altogether and forge a 50-50 halftime tie. Toronto followed up its surge by then outscoring Philadelphia, 57-45 margin in the second half to notch the relatively comfortable home victory.
Tobias Harris led the 76ers with 22 points, complementing them with six rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Ben Simmons generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included eight assists and two steals. Furkan Korkmaz matched Simmons' point tally and also posted two rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Matisse Thybulle compiled 13 points, two rebounds and two steals. Al Horford mustered just seven points but also pulled in 10 rebounds, dished out seven assists and recorded two steals.
Fred VanVleet paced the Raptors with 22 points and also posted eight assists, five rebounds and one steal. Pascal Siakam and Norman Powell poured in 18 points apiece while compiling 15 and eight rebounds, respectively. Marc Gasol delivered 17 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal. Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka managed 16 points apiece, with Ibaka also hauling in seven rebounds among his other contributions.
The 76ers head back home to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night, while the Raptors take on the New York Knicks in the Big Apple on Friday night.
The 76ers (29-17) got off to an impressively efficient start, pouring in 35 points during the first quarter on their way to a nine-point lead. However, the Raptors (30-14) bounced back in the second quarter to eliminate their deficit altogether and forge a 50-50 halftime tie. Toronto followed up its surge by then outscoring Philadelphia, 57-45 margin in the second half to notch the relatively comfortable home victory.
Tobias Harris led the 76ers with 22 points, complementing them with six rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Ben Simmons generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included eight assists and two steals. Furkan Korkmaz matched Simmons' point tally and also posted two rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Matisse Thybulle compiled 13 points, two rebounds and two steals. Al Horford mustered just seven points but also pulled in 10 rebounds, dished out seven assists and recorded two steals.
Fred VanVleet paced the Raptors with 22 points and also posted eight assists, five rebounds and one steal. Pascal Siakam and Norman Powell poured in 18 points apiece while compiling 15 and eight rebounds, respectively. Marc Gasol delivered 17 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal. Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka managed 16 points apiece, with Ibaka also hauling in seven rebounds among his other contributions.
The 76ers head back home to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night, while the Raptors take on the New York Knicks in the Big Apple on Friday night.
Hawks Defeat Clippers, 102-95
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the visiting Los Angeles Clippers, 102-95, at Philips Arena on Wednesday.
While Los Angeles got out to a 32-16 lead after the first quarter, Atlanta rode a monster second half to a victory. In fact, the Hawks outscored the Clippers, 61-35, in the second half. Atlanta's only leads were in the first five minutes and in the final five minutes. Rebounding was the difference for the Hawks, out-rebounding the Clippers, 63-45. In addition, Atlanta shot 31 percent from three-point range and 83 percent from the free-throw line while Los Angeles hit just 19 percent from long range and 64 percent from the charity stripe.
The Clippers (31-14) were led by Montrezl Harrell, who provided 30 points, seven rebounds and three blocks off the bench. Lou Williams amassed 18 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Landry Shamet totaled 13 points, two rebounds and two steals while Ivica Zubac amassed 11 points, six rebounds and two assists.
The Hawks (11-34) were led by John Collins and his 33 points, 16 rebounds, two assists and three steals. Kevin Huerter generated 12 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Brandon Goodwin led the bench with 19 points, three rebounds and three assists. DeAndre' Hunter went just 3-of-16 from the field to accrue eight points and four boards.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Los Angeles traveling to face a simmering Miami Heat team and Atlanta staying on the road to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.
While Los Angeles got out to a 32-16 lead after the first quarter, Atlanta rode a monster second half to a victory. In fact, the Hawks outscored the Clippers, 61-35, in the second half. Atlanta's only leads were in the first five minutes and in the final five minutes. Rebounding was the difference for the Hawks, out-rebounding the Clippers, 63-45. In addition, Atlanta shot 31 percent from three-point range and 83 percent from the free-throw line while Los Angeles hit just 19 percent from long range and 64 percent from the charity stripe.
The Clippers (31-14) were led by Montrezl Harrell, who provided 30 points, seven rebounds and three blocks off the bench. Lou Williams amassed 18 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Landry Shamet totaled 13 points, two rebounds and two steals while Ivica Zubac amassed 11 points, six rebounds and two assists.
The Hawks (11-34) were led by John Collins and his 33 points, 16 rebounds, two assists and three steals. Kevin Huerter generated 12 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Brandon Goodwin led the bench with 19 points, three rebounds and three assists. DeAndre' Hunter went just 3-of-16 from the field to accrue eight points and four boards.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Los Angeles traveling to face a simmering Miami Heat team and Atlanta staying on the road to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Celtics Dominate Grizzlies
By Dan Bruno
The Boston Celtics defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, 119-95, at TD Garden on Wednesday evening.
The Celtics blew the game open in the second quarter, where they outscored the visitors by 16 points, to take a 14-point lead into halftime. They brought the same energy in the third quarter, where they outscored the Grizzlies, 41-19, to push their lead to 36 points, heading into the final frame. The Grizzlies kept fighting and put up 32 points in the fourth, but it was too little, too late, as the Celtics cruised to their second straight win and handed the Grizzlies their second straight loss.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, in 26 minutes, but was forced to leave the game in the third quarter, after suffering a groin strain. Daniel Theis added 14 points, four rebounds, two assists, three blocks and two steals, while Marcus Smart finished with 12 points, six rebounds, six assists and a steal. The Celtics shot 51 percent from the field, including 14-of-32 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jonas Valanciunas led the Grizzlies with 16 points on 7-of-13 shooting, 13 rebounds, two blocks and two steals, in 26 minutes. Jaren Jackson Jr. finished with 13 points, five rebounds and four blocks, while Solomon Hill added 13 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal, off the bench. Ja Morant had a very quiet night, with just two points on 1-of-5 shooting.
The Grizzlies (20-24) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pistons in Detroit on Friday. The Celtics (29-14) take on the Magic in Orlando on Friday.
The Celtics blew the game open in the second quarter, where they outscored the visitors by 16 points, to take a 14-point lead into halftime. They brought the same energy in the third quarter, where they outscored the Grizzlies, 41-19, to push their lead to 36 points, heading into the final frame. The Grizzlies kept fighting and put up 32 points in the fourth, but it was too little, too late, as the Celtics cruised to their second straight win and handed the Grizzlies their second straight loss.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, in 26 minutes, but was forced to leave the game in the third quarter, after suffering a groin strain. Daniel Theis added 14 points, four rebounds, two assists, three blocks and two steals, while Marcus Smart finished with 12 points, six rebounds, six assists and a steal. The Celtics shot 51 percent from the field, including 14-of-32 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jonas Valanciunas led the Grizzlies with 16 points on 7-of-13 shooting, 13 rebounds, two blocks and two steals, in 26 minutes. Jaren Jackson Jr. finished with 13 points, five rebounds and four blocks, while Solomon Hill added 13 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal, off the bench. Ja Morant had a very quiet night, with just two points on 1-of-5 shooting.
The Grizzlies (20-24) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pistons in Detroit on Friday. The Celtics (29-14) take on the Magic in Orlando on Friday.
Heat Gets Past Wizards In OT, 134-129
The Miami Heat defeated the Washington Wizards in overtime, 134-129, at American Airlines Arena on Wednesday night.
After a highly competitive first quarter, the Heat (31-13) seemingly took control in the second by extending their advantage to 19 points by halftime. Undeterred, the Wizards (14-29) chipped away in the third by shaving 12 points off their deficit, and following Bradley Beal's bucket with 1:35 remaining in regulation, Washington owned a 118-115 lead. However, James Johnson's 24-footer with 35.7 seconds left knotted the game back up and ultimately sent it to overtime, when Miami quickly opened on a 5-0 run that gave them a lead they wouldn't relinquish.
Beal led the way for the Wizards with 38 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, five assists and one steal. Davis Bertans provided 24 points, complementing them with four assists, one rebound, one steal and one block. Jordan McRae and Isaiah Thomas posted 14 points apiece, with McRae dishing out five assists and Thomas pulling in four rebounds. Ian Mahinmi generated a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included four assists, two blocks and one steal.
Tyler Herro paced the Heat with 25 points, adding three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Jimmy Butler delivered 24 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds and one block. Goran Dragic posted 22 points, 10 assists, six rebounds and one steal. Kelly Olynyk and Kendrick Nunn turned in 14 points apiece while hauling in five and four rebounds, respectively. Duncan Robinson poured in 13 points.
The Wizards remain on the road and next take on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night, while the Heat hosts the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night.
After a highly competitive first quarter, the Heat (31-13) seemingly took control in the second by extending their advantage to 19 points by halftime. Undeterred, the Wizards (14-29) chipped away in the third by shaving 12 points off their deficit, and following Bradley Beal's bucket with 1:35 remaining in regulation, Washington owned a 118-115 lead. However, James Johnson's 24-footer with 35.7 seconds left knotted the game back up and ultimately sent it to overtime, when Miami quickly opened on a 5-0 run that gave them a lead they wouldn't relinquish.
Beal led the way for the Wizards with 38 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, five assists and one steal. Davis Bertans provided 24 points, complementing them with four assists, one rebound, one steal and one block. Jordan McRae and Isaiah Thomas posted 14 points apiece, with McRae dishing out five assists and Thomas pulling in four rebounds. Ian Mahinmi generated a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included four assists, two blocks and one steal.
Tyler Herro paced the Heat with 25 points, adding three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Jimmy Butler delivered 24 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds and one block. Goran Dragic posted 22 points, 10 assists, six rebounds and one steal. Kelly Olynyk and Kendrick Nunn turned in 14 points apiece while hauling in five and four rebounds, respectively. Duncan Robinson poured in 13 points.
The Wizards remain on the road and next take on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night, while the Heat hosts the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night.
Lakers Hang On In New York
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the host New York Knicks, 100-92, at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday evening.
The Knicks came out strong at home and put up a competitive first quarter, although the Lakers managed to grab a three-point lead, heading into the second. The Knicks kept up the fight in the second and rallied to tie the game at 48, by halftime. The Lakers came out stronger in the third and built a seven-point lead mid way through the quarter, before the Knicks trimmed it to a six-point game, heading into the final frame. The Lakers pushed their lead to 13, early in the fourth, and they kept their focus the rest of the way to hold on for their 19th road win.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 28 points, five rebounds, five assists, two blocks and a steal, in 30 minutes. LeBron James added 21 points, six rebounds, five assists and five steals, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope chipped in 13 points, four rebounds and two assists, off the bench. The Lakers shot 44 percent from the field, including 9-of-27 from long range.
Meanwhile, Marcus Morris Sr. led the Knicks with 20 points on 7-of-16 shooting and six rebounds, in 37 minutes. Damyean Dotson chipped in 17 points, off the bench, while Julius Randle tallied 16 points, eight rebounds, six assists and a steal. The Knicks shot 41 percent from the field, including 11-of-34 from deep.
The Knicks (12-33) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Raptors on Friday. The Lakers (35-9) take on the Nets in Brooklyn on Thursday.
The Knicks came out strong at home and put up a competitive first quarter, although the Lakers managed to grab a three-point lead, heading into the second. The Knicks kept up the fight in the second and rallied to tie the game at 48, by halftime. The Lakers came out stronger in the third and built a seven-point lead mid way through the quarter, before the Knicks trimmed it to a six-point game, heading into the final frame. The Lakers pushed their lead to 13, early in the fourth, and they kept their focus the rest of the way to hold on for their 19th road win.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 28 points, five rebounds, five assists, two blocks and a steal, in 30 minutes. LeBron James added 21 points, six rebounds, five assists and five steals, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope chipped in 13 points, four rebounds and two assists, off the bench. The Lakers shot 44 percent from the field, including 9-of-27 from long range.
Meanwhile, Marcus Morris Sr. led the Knicks with 20 points on 7-of-16 shooting and six rebounds, in 37 minutes. Damyean Dotson chipped in 17 points, off the bench, while Julius Randle tallied 16 points, eight rebounds, six assists and a steal. The Knicks shot 41 percent from the field, including 11-of-34 from deep.
The Knicks (12-33) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Raptors on Friday. The Lakers (35-9) take on the Nets in Brooklyn on Thursday.
Bulls Hang On To Top Timberwolves
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls defeated the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 117-110, at United Center on Wednesday evening.
The Bulls got out to a great start at home and held a 35-26 lead after one quarter. They carried the momentum into the second and pushed their lead to 19, halfway through the quarter, before the Timberwolves rallied to cut it to a nine-point game by halftime. The Timberwolves carried the momentum into the third and chipped away through the quarter to make it a two-point game, heading into the final frame. They kept pushing and tied the game at 93, with seven minutes to go. The Bulls responded with a three-pointer and pulled ahead, but the Timberwolves stayed with it and grabbed a two-point lead with two minutes left in the contest. However, the Bulls went into clutch mode in crunch time, and they hit six straight free throws, to close out the hard-fought home win.
Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 25 points, five rebounds and a block, in 33 minutes. Lauri Markkanen added 21 points, six rebounds and a steal, while Cristiano Felicio chipped in 12 points and 10 rebounds, off the bench. The Bulls shot 46 percent from the field, including 9-of-30 from deep.
Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 40 points, six rebounds and two assists, in 31 minutes. Andrew Wiggins added 25 points, nine assists, five rebounds and a steal, while Shabazz Napier chipped in 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. The Timberwolves shot 48 percent from the field, including 15-of-44 from deep.
The Timberwolves (15-29) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Rockets on Friday. The Bulls (17-29) play host to the Kings on Friday.
The Bulls got out to a great start at home and held a 35-26 lead after one quarter. They carried the momentum into the second and pushed their lead to 19, halfway through the quarter, before the Timberwolves rallied to cut it to a nine-point game by halftime. The Timberwolves carried the momentum into the third and chipped away through the quarter to make it a two-point game, heading into the final frame. They kept pushing and tied the game at 93, with seven minutes to go. The Bulls responded with a three-pointer and pulled ahead, but the Timberwolves stayed with it and grabbed a two-point lead with two minutes left in the contest. However, the Bulls went into clutch mode in crunch time, and they hit six straight free throws, to close out the hard-fought home win.
Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 25 points, five rebounds and a block, in 33 minutes. Lauri Markkanen added 21 points, six rebounds and a steal, while Cristiano Felicio chipped in 12 points and 10 rebounds, off the bench. The Bulls shot 46 percent from the field, including 9-of-30 from deep.
Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 40 points, six rebounds and two assists, in 31 minutes. Andrew Wiggins added 25 points, nine assists, five rebounds and a steal, while Shabazz Napier chipped in 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. The Timberwolves shot 48 percent from the field, including 15-of-44 from deep.
The Timberwolves (15-29) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Rockets on Friday. The Bulls (17-29) play host to the Kings on Friday.
Rockets Throttle Nuggets, 121-105
The Houston Rockets defeated the Denver Nuggets, 121-105, at Toyota Center on Wednesday night.
Both teams opened the game with some efficient shooting, with the Rockets (27-16) emerging from the first quarter having established a 35-28 lead. However, Houston upped its defensive efforts in the second, extending their advantage to 17 points by limiting the Nuggets (30-14) to just 15 during the period. Ultimately, the hosts took a 21-point edge into the final period, leading to a comfortable home win.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with a 19-point, 12-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that also included one steal and one block. Jerami Grant delivered 17 points, seven boards, one assist, three steals and two blocks. P.J. Dozier turned in 15 points, three rebounds and two assists. Torrey Craig supplied 14 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Malik Beasley posted 12 points, while Monte Morris managed 11 points, three assists, two rebounds and three steals.
Russell Westbrook paced the Rockets with a 28-point, 16-rebound double-double that also included eight assists, four steals and one block. James Harden followed with 27 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Eric Gordon poured in 25 points. Clint Capela pitched in with a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two assists and five blocks. Austin Rivers registered 11 points, four rebounds, one assist and two steals.
The Nuggets pay a visit to the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night, while the Rockets travel to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night as well.
Both teams opened the game with some efficient shooting, with the Rockets (27-16) emerging from the first quarter having established a 35-28 lead. However, Houston upped its defensive efforts in the second, extending their advantage to 17 points by limiting the Nuggets (30-14) to just 15 during the period. Ultimately, the hosts took a 21-point edge into the final period, leading to a comfortable home win.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with a 19-point, 12-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that also included one steal and one block. Jerami Grant delivered 17 points, seven boards, one assist, three steals and two blocks. P.J. Dozier turned in 15 points, three rebounds and two assists. Torrey Craig supplied 14 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Malik Beasley posted 12 points, while Monte Morris managed 11 points, three assists, two rebounds and three steals.
Russell Westbrook paced the Rockets with a 28-point, 16-rebound double-double that also included eight assists, four steals and one block. James Harden followed with 27 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Eric Gordon poured in 25 points. Clint Capela pitched in with a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two assists and five blocks. Austin Rivers registered 11 points, four rebounds, one assist and two steals.
The Nuggets pay a visit to the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night, while the Rockets travel to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night as well.
Pacers Defeat Suns, 112-87
The Indiana Pacers defeated the host Phoenix Suns, 112-87, at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Wednesday.
Indiana won three of the four quarters by at least six points apiece, with the second quarter being decided in a tie. That allowed Indiana to dominate, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, the Pacers held a double-digit lead for the final 20 minutes of play while riding a 29-17 third quarter to that 25-point spread. The Pacers shot 54 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range while holding the Suns to 36 percent from the field and 20 percent from long range. They did that while doubling up Phoenix in assists, 26-13.
The Pacers (29-16) were led by T.J. Warren, who provided 25 points, three rebounds and three steals. Domantas Sabonis generated 24 points, 13 rebounds and four assists. Myles Turner amassed nine points, seven rebounds and four blocks. T.J. McConnell led the bench with 10 points, four rebounds, 11 assists and three steals.
The Suns (18-26) had no player score more than 17 points, with Kelly Oubre collecting 17 points and nine rebounds. Devin Booker totaled 16 points, two rebounds and three assists. DeAndre Ayton tallied 10 points, eight rebounds and two assists while Elie Okobo led the bench with 11 points, five rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Phoenix traveling to face the San Antonio Spurs and Indiana remaining on the road to face the struggling Golden State Warriors.
Indiana won three of the four quarters by at least six points apiece, with the second quarter being decided in a tie. That allowed Indiana to dominate, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, the Pacers held a double-digit lead for the final 20 minutes of play while riding a 29-17 third quarter to that 25-point spread. The Pacers shot 54 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range while holding the Suns to 36 percent from the field and 20 percent from long range. They did that while doubling up Phoenix in assists, 26-13.
The Pacers (29-16) were led by T.J. Warren, who provided 25 points, three rebounds and three steals. Domantas Sabonis generated 24 points, 13 rebounds and four assists. Myles Turner amassed nine points, seven rebounds and four blocks. T.J. McConnell led the bench with 10 points, four rebounds, 11 assists and three steals.
The Suns (18-26) had no player score more than 17 points, with Kelly Oubre collecting 17 points and nine rebounds. Devin Booker totaled 16 points, two rebounds and three assists. DeAndre Ayton tallied 10 points, eight rebounds and two assists while Elie Okobo led the bench with 11 points, five rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Phoenix traveling to face the San Antonio Spurs and Indiana remaining on the road to face the struggling Golden State Warriors.
Spurs defeat Pelicans, 121-117
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the host New Orleans Pelicans, 121-117, at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday.
While there were only four ties and five lead changes in this game, it came down to the wire. With that said, the Spurs led for all but one minute over the final three quarters, with the Pelicans keeping it within a five-point margin across the final eight minutes of play. San Antonio ended up shooting 51 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range while winning the turnover battle, 14-10.
The Spurs (19-23) were led by LaMarcus Aldridge and his 32 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and two blocks. DeMar DeRozan accrued 20 points, five rebounds and one assist. Dejounte Murray amassed 13 points, five rebounds and two assists. Derrick White led the bench with 12 points, four rebounds and seven assists.
The Pelicans (17-27) were led by Brandon Ingram, who collected 22 points, three rebounds and two assists. Zion Williamson made his NBA debut and finished with 22 points, seven rebounds and three assists on 8-of-11 shooting across just 18 minutes of action. Lonzo Ball accumulated 14 points, eight rebounds, 12 assists and three steals while Derrick Favors recorded a double-double.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with San Antonio playing host to the Phoenix Suns and New Orleans welcoming the injured Denver Nuggets to The Big Easy.
While there were only four ties and five lead changes in this game, it came down to the wire. With that said, the Spurs led for all but one minute over the final three quarters, with the Pelicans keeping it within a five-point margin across the final eight minutes of play. San Antonio ended up shooting 51 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range while winning the turnover battle, 14-10.
The Spurs (19-23) were led by LaMarcus Aldridge and his 32 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and two blocks. DeMar DeRozan accrued 20 points, five rebounds and one assist. Dejounte Murray amassed 13 points, five rebounds and two assists. Derrick White led the bench with 12 points, four rebounds and seven assists.
The Pelicans (17-27) were led by Brandon Ingram, who collected 22 points, three rebounds and two assists. Zion Williamson made his NBA debut and finished with 22 points, seven rebounds and three assists on 8-of-11 shooting across just 18 minutes of action. Lonzo Ball accumulated 14 points, eight rebounds, 12 assists and three steals while Derrick Favors recorded a double-double.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with San Antonio playing host to the Phoenix Suns and New Orleans welcoming the injured Denver Nuggets to The Big Easy.
Jazz Roll Warriors, 129-96
The Utah Jazz defeated the host Golden State Warriors, 129-96, at Chase Center on Wednesday.
While Utah didn't win this game in wire-to-wire fashion, it was a dominant performance. In fact, they got out to a 31-17 lead after the first quarter and held a double-digit lead for the final three quarters. They actually won all four individual quarters, winning the first three by at least eight points apiece. Utah ended up shooting 54 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while holding Golden State to 40 percent from the field and 26 percent from long range. In addition, they out-rebounded the Warriors, 56-37, while out-assisting them, 31-20.
The Jazz (31-13) were led by Donovan Mitchell, who amassed 23 points, four rebounds and three assists. Rudy Gobert totaled 22 points, 15 rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Bojan Bogdanovic accrued 18 points, four rebounds and three assists. Georges Niang led the bench with 11 points, two rebounds and three assists.
The Warriors (10-36) were led by D'Angelo Russell and his 26 points, three rebounds and three assists. Glenn Robinson III was the only other starter in double figures, generating 10 points and three boards. Omari Spellman led the bench with 12 points and two rebounds. Eric Paschall and Marquese Chriss scored 11 points apiece off the bench as well.
Golden State returns to action on Friday, playing host to the Indiana Pacers. As for Utah, they play again on Saturday, remaining home to face the Dallas Mavericks.
While Utah didn't win this game in wire-to-wire fashion, it was a dominant performance. In fact, they got out to a 31-17 lead after the first quarter and held a double-digit lead for the final three quarters. They actually won all four individual quarters, winning the first three by at least eight points apiece. Utah ended up shooting 54 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while holding Golden State to 40 percent from the field and 26 percent from long range. In addition, they out-rebounded the Warriors, 56-37, while out-assisting them, 31-20.
The Jazz (31-13) were led by Donovan Mitchell, who amassed 23 points, four rebounds and three assists. Rudy Gobert totaled 22 points, 15 rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Bojan Bogdanovic accrued 18 points, four rebounds and three assists. Georges Niang led the bench with 11 points, two rebounds and three assists.
The Warriors (10-36) were led by D'Angelo Russell and his 26 points, three rebounds and three assists. Glenn Robinson III was the only other starter in double figures, generating 10 points and three boards. Omari Spellman led the bench with 12 points and two rebounds. Eric Paschall and Marquese Chriss scored 11 points apiece off the bench as well.
Golden State returns to action on Friday, playing host to the Indiana Pacers. As for Utah, they play again on Saturday, remaining home to face the Dallas Mavericks.