Bucks Defeat Hornets, 116-103
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 116-103, at AccorHotels Arena on Friday.
This marked the annual NBA Paris Game for the 2020 season, as Milwaukee showed why they own the best record in the NBA. With that said, Charlotte got out to a 31-24 lead after the first quarter and held the lead for the first three quarters. Milwaukee then tied the game on the final shot of the third quarter and rode a 38-25 fourth quarter to their comeback victory. The Bucks ended up shooting 51 percent from the field while holding the Hornets to just 37 percent shooting. They did that while out-rebounding them, 53-39.
The Bucks (40-6) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who tallied 30 points, 16 rebounds and six assists. Eric Bledsoe generated 20 points, three rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Khris Middleton amassed 14 points, nine rebounds and four assists while George Hill led the bench with 16 points, three rebounds and two assists.
The Hornets (15-31) starters were led by Devonte; Graham and his 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Terry Rozier collected 13 points, six rebounds and five assists. Nicolas Batum totaled five points, six rebounds and five assists. Malik Monk was the team's best player, providing 31 points, five rebounds and five assists off the bench.
Milwaukee's next game won't be until Tuesday when they return home to face the Washington Wizards. As for Charlotte, they're also off until Tuesday, playing host to the New York Knicks.
This marked the annual NBA Paris Game for the 2020 season, as Milwaukee showed why they own the best record in the NBA. With that said, Charlotte got out to a 31-24 lead after the first quarter and held the lead for the first three quarters. Milwaukee then tied the game on the final shot of the third quarter and rode a 38-25 fourth quarter to their comeback victory. The Bucks ended up shooting 51 percent from the field while holding the Hornets to just 37 percent shooting. They did that while out-rebounding them, 53-39.
The Bucks (40-6) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who tallied 30 points, 16 rebounds and six assists. Eric Bledsoe generated 20 points, three rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Khris Middleton amassed 14 points, nine rebounds and four assists while George Hill led the bench with 16 points, three rebounds and two assists.
The Hornets (15-31) starters were led by Devonte; Graham and his 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Terry Rozier collected 13 points, six rebounds and five assists. Nicolas Batum totaled five points, six rebounds and five assists. Malik Monk was the team's best player, providing 31 points, five rebounds and five assists off the bench.
Milwaukee's next game won't be until Tuesday when they return home to face the Washington Wizards. As for Charlotte, they're also off until Tuesday, playing host to the New York Knicks.
Grizzlies Outscore Pistons, 125-112
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Detroit Pistons, 125-112, at Little Caesars Arena on Friday night.
The Grizzlies (21-24) opened up the game in fine fashion by taking a 35-23 lead through one, but the Pistons (17-29) bounced back to erase all but five points from their deficit prior to halftime. Memphis was able to stay step ahead heading into the fourth quarter by adding two more points to their edge in the third, and after Detroit repeatedly battled back and knotted the game at 105 with just 4:43 remaining, the visitors finished on a 20-7 run for the road win.
Jaren Jackson, Jr. paced the Grizzlies with 29 points, adding six rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Dillon Brooks finished with 27 points, three boards, one assist and one steal. Ja Morant managed 16 points, 12 assists and two rebounds. Brandon Clarke delivered 15 points, 11 rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. De'Anthony Melton furnished 14 points, five assists and four rebounds. Jonas Valanciunas totaled eight points, 10 rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Derrick Rose led the Pistons with 22 points, complementing them with eight assists, three rebounds and one steal. Christian Wood compiled 20 points, six rebounds, one assist and one block. Reggie Jackson and Langston Galloway contributed 14 points apiece while dishing out six assists and pulling down four rebounds, respectively. Sviatlov Mykhailiuk matched their scoring total. Thon Maker supplied 11 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Grizzlies return home to face the Phoenix Suns on Sunday evening, while the Pistons remain home and face the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night.
The Grizzlies (21-24) opened up the game in fine fashion by taking a 35-23 lead through one, but the Pistons (17-29) bounced back to erase all but five points from their deficit prior to halftime. Memphis was able to stay step ahead heading into the fourth quarter by adding two more points to their edge in the third, and after Detroit repeatedly battled back and knotted the game at 105 with just 4:43 remaining, the visitors finished on a 20-7 run for the road win.
Jaren Jackson, Jr. paced the Grizzlies with 29 points, adding six rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Dillon Brooks finished with 27 points, three boards, one assist and one steal. Ja Morant managed 16 points, 12 assists and two rebounds. Brandon Clarke delivered 15 points, 11 rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. De'Anthony Melton furnished 14 points, five assists and four rebounds. Jonas Valanciunas totaled eight points, 10 rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Derrick Rose led the Pistons with 22 points, complementing them with eight assists, three rebounds and one steal. Christian Wood compiled 20 points, six rebounds, one assist and one block. Reggie Jackson and Langston Galloway contributed 14 points apiece while dishing out six assists and pulling down four rebounds, respectively. Sviatlov Mykhailiuk matched their scoring total. Thon Maker supplied 11 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Grizzlies return home to face the Phoenix Suns on Sunday evening, while the Pistons remain home and face the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night.
Celtics Hold On For Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Boston Celtics defeated the host Orlando Magic, 109-98, at Amway Center on Friday evening.
Despite missing Jayson Tatum (groin) and Jaylen Brown (ankle) the Celtics hung on for their third straight win. The Celtics got out to a good start, but the Magic closed the first quarter on a 16-6 run, to take a six-point lead into the second. The Magic kept up the momentum and pushed their lead to 16, early in the second, but the Celtics rallied back to make a four-point game by halftime. The Magic held the lead for most of the third quarter, but the Celtics kept chipping away and finally pulled ahead to take a five-point lead into the final frame. They kept the pressure on and increased their lead to 14, early in the fourth. The Celtics held on for the road win, while this marks the second straight loss for the Magic.
Kemba Walker led the Celtics with 37 points, six assists, four steals and two rebounds, in 36 minutes. Gordon Hayward added 22 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and a steal, while Daniel Theis added 16 points, six rebounds, four assists and a block. The Celtics shot 46 percent from the field, including 14-of-35 from long range.
Evan Fournier led the Magic with 30 points, five rebounds and a steal, in 36 minutes. Nikola Vucevic followed up with 17 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Aaron Gordon added 12 points, four rebounds and two assists. The Magic shot 40 percent from the field, including 12-of-37 from long range.
The Magic (21-25) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Clippers on Sunday. The Celtics (30-14) take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Sunday.
Despite missing Jayson Tatum (groin) and Jaylen Brown (ankle) the Celtics hung on for their third straight win. The Celtics got out to a good start, but the Magic closed the first quarter on a 16-6 run, to take a six-point lead into the second. The Magic kept up the momentum and pushed their lead to 16, early in the second, but the Celtics rallied back to make a four-point game by halftime. The Magic held the lead for most of the third quarter, but the Celtics kept chipping away and finally pulled ahead to take a five-point lead into the final frame. They kept the pressure on and increased their lead to 14, early in the fourth. The Celtics held on for the road win, while this marks the second straight loss for the Magic.
Kemba Walker led the Celtics with 37 points, six assists, four steals and two rebounds, in 36 minutes. Gordon Hayward added 22 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and a steal, while Daniel Theis added 16 points, six rebounds, four assists and a block. The Celtics shot 46 percent from the field, including 14-of-35 from long range.
Evan Fournier led the Magic with 30 points, five rebounds and a steal, in 36 minutes. Nikola Vucevic followed up with 17 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Aaron Gordon added 12 points, four rebounds and two assists. The Magic shot 40 percent from the field, including 12-of-37 from long range.
The Magic (21-25) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Clippers on Sunday. The Celtics (30-14) take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Sunday.
Raptors Best Knicks, 118-112
The Toronto Raptors defeated the New York Knicks, 118-112, at Madison Square Garden on Friday night.
The Knicks (12-34) got off to a surprisingly fast start versus the heavily favored Raptors (31-14), which had proven to be a proficient road team thus far this season. New York established a 28-20 lead through one before Toronto surged back to erase that deficit and take a three-point lead into halftime. After entering the final period with a six-point advantage, the visitors had to withstand a late-game surge from their hosts. Ultimately, Pascal Siakam's three-pointer with 21 seconds remaining after the Knicks had come within three points helped seal the road win.
Kyle Lowry paced the Raptors with 26 points, complementing them with six rebounds, three assists, four steals and one block. Siakam followed with 23 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one block. Fred VanVleet managed 16 points, nine assists and one steal. Norman Powell matched VanVleet's scoring tally, while Serge Ibaka posted 14 points and two blocks.
Marcus Morris and Dewayne Dotson co-led the Knicks with 21-point contributions, with Morris adding 10 rebounds and two assists. Julius Randle generated a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists, three blocks and one steal. Elfrid Payton supplied 13 points, 11 assists, four rebounds and two steals. Bobby Portis registered 12 points, four boards and three assists. Reggie Bullock finished with 11 points, three rebounds and one assist.
The Raptors remain on the road and pay a visit to the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday afternoon, while the Knicks remain home to face the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday evening.
The Knicks (12-34) got off to a surprisingly fast start versus the heavily favored Raptors (31-14), which had proven to be a proficient road team thus far this season. New York established a 28-20 lead through one before Toronto surged back to erase that deficit and take a three-point lead into halftime. After entering the final period with a six-point advantage, the visitors had to withstand a late-game surge from their hosts. Ultimately, Pascal Siakam's three-pointer with 21 seconds remaining after the Knicks had come within three points helped seal the road win.
Kyle Lowry paced the Raptors with 26 points, complementing them with six rebounds, three assists, four steals and one block. Siakam followed with 23 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one block. Fred VanVleet managed 16 points, nine assists and one steal. Norman Powell matched VanVleet's scoring tally, while Serge Ibaka posted 14 points and two blocks.
Marcus Morris and Dewayne Dotson co-led the Knicks with 21-point contributions, with Morris adding 10 rebounds and two assists. Julius Randle generated a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists, three blocks and one steal. Elfrid Payton supplied 13 points, 11 assists, four rebounds and two steals. Bobby Portis registered 12 points, four boards and three assists. Reggie Bullock finished with 11 points, three rebounds and one assist.
The Raptors remain on the road and pay a visit to the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday afternoon, while the Knicks remain home to face the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday evening.
Nuggets Defeat Pelicans, 113-106
The Denver Nuggets defeated the host New Orleans Pelicans, 113-106, at Smoothie King Center on Friday.
A 37-28 first quarter really set the tone for the Nuggets in this game, leading for all but two minutes. With that said, it stayed within a single-digit margin for all but three minutes, with New Orleans getting it to a three-point margin late in the fourth quarter. Denver dominated the boards, out-rebounding New Orleans, 56-45. Much of that came on the offensive end, with the Nuggets winning that battle, 24-12. In addition, Denver went 20-of-20 from the free-throw line while New Orleans hit just 18-of-30.
The Nuggets (31-14) were led by Nikola Jokic, who tallied 27 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and four steals. Torrey Craig started and totaled 15 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Jerami Grant collected 14 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Michael Porter Jr led the bench with 15 points and 10 rebounds. All five starters had at least one block.
The Pelicans (17-29) were led by J.J. Redick, who dropped 18 points off the bench. Josh Hart also played well off the bench, providing 15 points and 13 rebounds. Zion Williamson generated 15 points and six rebounds in 20 minutes of action. Brandon Ingram tallied 13 points, two rebounds and five assists while Jrue Holiday amassed 12 points, six rebounds, nine assists and three steals.
Both teams return to action on Sunday against tough teams, with Denver playing host to the Houston Rockets and New Orleans remaining home to face the Boston Celtics.
A 37-28 first quarter really set the tone for the Nuggets in this game, leading for all but two minutes. With that said, it stayed within a single-digit margin for all but three minutes, with New Orleans getting it to a three-point margin late in the fourth quarter. Denver dominated the boards, out-rebounding New Orleans, 56-45. Much of that came on the offensive end, with the Nuggets winning that battle, 24-12. In addition, Denver went 20-of-20 from the free-throw line while New Orleans hit just 18-of-30.
The Nuggets (31-14) were led by Nikola Jokic, who tallied 27 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and four steals. Torrey Craig started and totaled 15 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Jerami Grant collected 14 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Michael Porter Jr led the bench with 15 points and 10 rebounds. All five starters had at least one block.
The Pelicans (17-29) were led by J.J. Redick, who dropped 18 points off the bench. Josh Hart also played well off the bench, providing 15 points and 13 rebounds. Zion Williamson generated 15 points and six rebounds in 20 minutes of action. Brandon Ingram tallied 13 points, two rebounds and five assists while Jrue Holiday amassed 12 points, six rebounds, nine assists and three steals.
Both teams return to action on Sunday against tough teams, with Denver playing host to the Houston Rockets and New Orleans remaining home to face the Boston Celtics.
Kings Dispose of Bulls, 98-81
The Sacramento Kings defeated the Chicago Bulls, 98-81, at United Center on Friday night.
The Kings (16-29) made some changes to their starting five in an attempt to stem a losing tide, and early on, the strategy appeared to be a success. Sacramento took a 29-21 lead through one, and although the Bulls (17-30) were more competitive in the second quarter, the visitors still held a 10-point advantage at halftime. Chicago was able to put a four-point dent in its deficit during the third, but ultimately, the visitors were stellar on the defensive end during the final period while limiting their hosts to just 12 points.
Buddy Hield, one of the displaced members of the first unit, paced the Kings with 21 points, adding eight rebounds, one assist and one block. Harrison Barnes turned in 19 points, complementing them with three boards, one assist and one steal. De'Aaron Fox supplied 18 points, seven assists, six rebounds and three steals. Nemanja Bjelica totaled 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Bogdan Bogdanovic poured in 12 points.
Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 21 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, two assists and one block. Chandler Hutchison went for 11 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Thaddeus Young and Kris Dunn generated matching 10-point tallies while hauling in eight and six rebounds, respectively. Dunn also dished out six assists.
The Kings next pay a visit to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night, while the Bulls pay a visit to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night.
The Kings (16-29) made some changes to their starting five in an attempt to stem a losing tide, and early on, the strategy appeared to be a success. Sacramento took a 29-21 lead through one, and although the Bulls (17-30) were more competitive in the second quarter, the visitors still held a 10-point advantage at halftime. Chicago was able to put a four-point dent in its deficit during the third, but ultimately, the visitors were stellar on the defensive end during the final period while limiting their hosts to just 12 points.
Buddy Hield, one of the displaced members of the first unit, paced the Kings with 21 points, adding eight rebounds, one assist and one block. Harrison Barnes turned in 19 points, complementing them with three boards, one assist and one steal. De'Aaron Fox supplied 18 points, seven assists, six rebounds and three steals. Nemanja Bjelica totaled 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Bogdan Bogdanovic poured in 12 points.
Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 21 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, two assists and one block. Chandler Hutchison went for 11 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Thaddeus Young and Kris Dunn generated matching 10-point tallies while hauling in eight and six rebounds, respectively. Dunn also dished out six assists.
The Kings next pay a visit to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night, while the Bulls pay a visit to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night.
Clippers Defeat Heat, 122-117
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the host Miami Heat, 122-117, at American Airlines Arena on Friday.
While Miami got out to a 15-point lead early in the first quarter, Los Angeles was able to prevail. A 38-20 third quarter was the difference, giving the Clippers an 18-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. Miami was able to get it to a three-point margin with 13 seconds remaining thanks to a 32-21 fourth quarter but they couldn't complete the comeback. Los Angeles ended up shooting 46 percent from the field and 46 percent from three-point range while holding Miami to 43 percent from the field and 30 percent from long range. In addition, the Clippers out-assisted the Heat, 33-25.
The Clippers (32-14) got a triple-double from Kawhi Leonard, who collected 33 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Landry Shamet was the only other starter in double figures, amassing 22 points and six assists. Lou Williams led the bench with 16 points and seven assists. Montrezl Harrell and JaMychal Green each recorded double-doubles off the bench as well.
The Heat (31-14) were led by Jimmy Butler, who tallied 20 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Bam Adebayo accumulated 18 points, eight rebounds and nine assists. Tyler Herro totaled 19 points and four boards while Duncan Robinson finished with 16 points, three rebounds and five assists. Kelly Olynyk led the bench with 19 points and nine rebounds.
On deck for Los Angeles is a road matchup versus the Orlando Magic on Sunday. As for Miami, they return to action on Monday, staying home to face the Magic as well.
While Miami got out to a 15-point lead early in the first quarter, Los Angeles was able to prevail. A 38-20 third quarter was the difference, giving the Clippers an 18-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. Miami was able to get it to a three-point margin with 13 seconds remaining thanks to a 32-21 fourth quarter but they couldn't complete the comeback. Los Angeles ended up shooting 46 percent from the field and 46 percent from three-point range while holding Miami to 43 percent from the field and 30 percent from long range. In addition, the Clippers out-assisted the Heat, 33-25.
The Clippers (32-14) got a triple-double from Kawhi Leonard, who collected 33 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Landry Shamet was the only other starter in double figures, amassing 22 points and six assists. Lou Williams led the bench with 16 points and seven assists. Montrezl Harrell and JaMychal Green each recorded double-doubles off the bench as well.
The Heat (31-14) were led by Jimmy Butler, who tallied 20 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Bam Adebayo accumulated 18 points, eight rebounds and nine assists. Tyler Herro totaled 19 points and four boards while Duncan Robinson finished with 16 points, three rebounds and five assists. Kelly Olynyk led the bench with 19 points and nine rebounds.
On deck for Los Angeles is a road matchup versus the Orlando Magic on Sunday. As for Miami, they return to action on Monday, staying home to face the Magic as well.
Rockets Hang On For Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets defeated the host Minnesota Timberwolves, 131-124, at Target Center on Friday evening.
The Rockets got out to a great start on the road, with a 36-26 lead after one quarter. The Timberwolves came out stronger in the second and cut it to a three-point game by halftime. They carried the momentum into the third quarter and rallied ahead to a six-point lead, four minutes into the quarter. However, the Rockets outscored the hosts 27-11 through the rest of the quarter, to take a 10-point lead into the final frame. The Timberwolves did not back down and managed to cut it back to a two-point game early in the fourth. They kept it close the rest of the way, but the Rockets stayed a step ahead and held on for their second straight win, while this marks the eighth straight loss for the Timberwolves.
Russell Westbrook led the Rockets with 45 points, 10 assists, six rebounds and a steal. James Harden was quiet, with 12 points, five assists, four rebounds and three blocks, while Eric Gordon totalled 27 points, five rebounds and three assists. The Rockets shot 52 percent from the field, including 11-of-32 from long range.
Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 30 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and two blocks, in 27 minutes. Andrew Wiggins added 28 points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Josh Okogie chipped in 17 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals. The Timberwolves shot 49 percent from the field, including 11-of-32 from deep.
The Timberwolves (15-30) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Thunder on Saturday. The Rockets (28-16) take on the Nuggets in Denver on Sunday.
The Rockets got out to a great start on the road, with a 36-26 lead after one quarter. The Timberwolves came out stronger in the second and cut it to a three-point game by halftime. They carried the momentum into the third quarter and rallied ahead to a six-point lead, four minutes into the quarter. However, the Rockets outscored the hosts 27-11 through the rest of the quarter, to take a 10-point lead into the final frame. The Timberwolves did not back down and managed to cut it back to a two-point game early in the fourth. They kept it close the rest of the way, but the Rockets stayed a step ahead and held on for their second straight win, while this marks the eighth straight loss for the Timberwolves.
Russell Westbrook led the Rockets with 45 points, 10 assists, six rebounds and a steal. James Harden was quiet, with 12 points, five assists, four rebounds and three blocks, while Eric Gordon totalled 27 points, five rebounds and three assists. The Rockets shot 52 percent from the field, including 11-of-32 from long range.
Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 30 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and two blocks, in 27 minutes. Andrew Wiggins added 28 points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Josh Okogie chipped in 17 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals. The Timberwolves shot 49 percent from the field, including 11-of-32 from deep.
The Timberwolves (15-30) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Thunder on Saturday. The Rockets (28-16) take on the Nuggets in Denver on Sunday.
Thunder Blow Out Visiting Hawks
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Atlanta Hawks, 140-111, at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Friday evening.
The Thunder got out to a great start, with an early 10-2 lead and held on to lead 33-30 after one quarter. They stayed a step ahead to start the second and pushed their lead to 12, mid way through the quarter, before settling on a an eight-point lead at halftime. The Hawks came out strong in the third and cut it to a one-point game, mid way through the quarter, however, the Thunder outscored the Hawks 27-14 through the rest of the quarter, to take a 14-point lead into the final frame. The Thunder carried the momentum into the fourth, where they outscored the visitors 36-21, to complete the blowout at home, for their fourth straight win.
Danilo Gallinari led the Thunder with 25 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 28 minutes. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 24 points, six assists, three rebounds, three blocks and a steal, while Dennis Schroder added 21 points, eight assists and three rebounds, off the bench. The Thunder shot 58 percent from the field, including 14-of-25 from long range.
Meanwhile, Trae Young led the Hawks with 28 points, 16 assists, two rebounds and a steal, in 33 minutes. John Collins tallied 28 points, six rebounds and a steal, while Cam Reddish added 20 points and six rebounds, off the bench. The Hawks shot 46 percent from the field, including 11-of-36 from deep.
The Hawks (11-35) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Wizards on Sunday. The Thunder (27-19) take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Saturday.
The Thunder got out to a great start, with an early 10-2 lead and held on to lead 33-30 after one quarter. They stayed a step ahead to start the second and pushed their lead to 12, mid way through the quarter, before settling on a an eight-point lead at halftime. The Hawks came out strong in the third and cut it to a one-point game, mid way through the quarter, however, the Thunder outscored the Hawks 27-14 through the rest of the quarter, to take a 14-point lead into the final frame. The Thunder carried the momentum into the fourth, where they outscored the visitors 36-21, to complete the blowout at home, for their fourth straight win.
Danilo Gallinari led the Thunder with 25 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 28 minutes. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 24 points, six assists, three rebounds, three blocks and a steal, while Dennis Schroder added 21 points, eight assists and three rebounds, off the bench. The Thunder shot 58 percent from the field, including 14-of-25 from long range.
Meanwhile, Trae Young led the Hawks with 28 points, 16 assists, two rebounds and a steal, in 33 minutes. John Collins tallied 28 points, six rebounds and a steal, while Cam Reddish added 20 points and six rebounds, off the bench. The Hawks shot 46 percent from the field, including 11-of-36 from deep.
The Hawks (11-35) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Wizards on Sunday. The Thunder (27-19) take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Saturday.
Suns Hold On For Hard-Fought Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The Phoenix Suns defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 103-99, at AT&T Center on Friday evening.
The Spurs got out to a solid start at home, with a 28-22 lead after one quarter. The Suns turned the tables in the second and outscored the Spurs 34-16 in the quarter, to take 12-point lead at halftime. The Spurs chipped away through the third quarter and brought to a one-point game, before the Suns closed the quarter on a 9-4 run, to take six-point lead into the final frame. The Spurs cut it back to a one-point game early in the fourth, but once again, the Suns pushed ahead. The Spurs got it back to a two-point game with two minutes to go, but the Suns executed down the stretch, to hold on for the road win.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 35 points, 10 assists, four rebounds and a block, in 41 minutes. Dario Saric added 20 points, four rebounds and a steal, while Kelly Oubre Jr. tallied 16 points, nine rebounds, two assists, three blocks and two steals. The Suns shot 46 percent from the field, including 8-of-29 from deep.
Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan led the Spurs with 30 points, eight rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. LaMarcus Aldridge added 16 points, six rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal, while Derrick White chipped in 13 points, six rebounds, four assists, four blocks and three steals. The Spurs shot 42 percent from the field, including 5-of-25 from long range.
The Spurs (20-24) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Raptors on Sunday. The Suns (19-26) take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Sunday.
The Spurs got out to a solid start at home, with a 28-22 lead after one quarter. The Suns turned the tables in the second and outscored the Spurs 34-16 in the quarter, to take 12-point lead at halftime. The Spurs chipped away through the third quarter and brought to a one-point game, before the Suns closed the quarter on a 9-4 run, to take six-point lead into the final frame. The Spurs cut it back to a one-point game early in the fourth, but once again, the Suns pushed ahead. The Spurs got it back to a two-point game with two minutes to go, but the Suns executed down the stretch, to hold on for the road win.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 35 points, 10 assists, four rebounds and a block, in 41 minutes. Dario Saric added 20 points, four rebounds and a steal, while Kelly Oubre Jr. tallied 16 points, nine rebounds, two assists, three blocks and two steals. The Suns shot 46 percent from the field, including 8-of-29 from deep.
Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan led the Spurs with 30 points, eight rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. LaMarcus Aldridge added 16 points, six rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal, while Derrick White chipped in 13 points, six rebounds, four assists, four blocks and three steals. The Spurs shot 42 percent from the field, including 5-of-25 from long range.
The Spurs (20-24) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Raptors on Sunday. The Suns (19-26) take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Sunday.
Pacers Topple Warriors, 129-118
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Golden State Warriors, 129-118, at Chase Center on Friday night.
The Pacers (30-16) hit the ground running against the overmatched Warriors (10-37), building a 16-point halftime lead. Golden State then enjoyed its best quarter coming out of intermission, as they compiled 35 points in the third quarter to shave four points off their deficit. It wasn't nearly enough, however, with Indiana still managing a comfortable road victory.
T.J. Warren led the Pacers with 33 points, complementing with five rebounds, two assists, four steals and one block. Doug McDermott supplied 24 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal. Domantas Sabonis generated a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included eight assists and three steals. Jeremy Lamb matched Sabonis' scoring tally and also pulled down four rebounds, dished out four assists, posted one steal and recorded one block. T.J. McConnell and Aaron Holiday poured in 12 points apiece while handing out eight and seven assists, respectively.
D'Angelo Russell paced the Warriors with 37 points, supplementing them with five assists and four rebounds. Glenn Robinson III turned in 18 points, seven boards, one assist and one block. Marquese Chriss registered 13 points, three rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Alec Burks furnished 11 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Draymond Green contributed a 10-point, 11-assist double-double that also featured six rebounds, one steal and one block.
The Pacers remain on the road and visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night, while the Warriors visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night.
The Pacers (30-16) hit the ground running against the overmatched Warriors (10-37), building a 16-point halftime lead. Golden State then enjoyed its best quarter coming out of intermission, as they compiled 35 points in the third quarter to shave four points off their deficit. It wasn't nearly enough, however, with Indiana still managing a comfortable road victory.
T.J. Warren led the Pacers with 33 points, complementing with five rebounds, two assists, four steals and one block. Doug McDermott supplied 24 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal. Domantas Sabonis generated a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included eight assists and three steals. Jeremy Lamb matched Sabonis' scoring tally and also pulled down four rebounds, dished out four assists, posted one steal and recorded one block. T.J. McConnell and Aaron Holiday poured in 12 points apiece while handing out eight and seven assists, respectively.
D'Angelo Russell paced the Warriors with 37 points, supplementing them with five assists and four rebounds. Glenn Robinson III turned in 18 points, seven boards, one assist and one block. Marquese Chriss registered 13 points, three rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Alec Burks furnished 11 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Draymond Green contributed a 10-point, 11-assist double-double that also featured six rebounds, one steal and one block.
The Pacers remain on the road and visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night, while the Warriors visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night.