Nuggets Defeat Rockets At Pepsi Center
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Houston Rockets, 117-110, at Pepsi Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Rockets (28-17) didn't have James Harden in this game and it showed, so the Nuggets (32-14) took advantage of that to secure a big win at home on Sunday afternoon. Houston managed to jump to a 36-27 lead following the first quarter, but Denver would storm back and reduce the deficit as the game went on. Denver won 30-23 in the second quarter, and they would take the lead for good thanks to a 33-30 score in the third quarter. Houston tried to turn things around down the stretch, but the Nuggets sealed the deal with a 27-21 score in the final 12 minutes of action. It was a huge win for Denver, as they keep climbing in the Western Conference standings. With the win, Denver moved to 18-6 at home while the Rockets fell to 13-10 on the road.
Jerami Grant came out of nowhere to lead the Nuggets in scoring here, as he finished with 25 points while shooting 8-12 from the field. Nikola Jokic delivered another impressive performance and ended with 24 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists. Michael Porter Jr. had a strong performance off the bench since he ended with 17 points and nine boards in 24 minutes. Monte Morris chipped in with 17 points, seven rebounds and four assists off the bench.
Russell Westbrook led the way for the Rockets offensively since he ended with 32 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Eric Gordon had 19 points, and Ben McLemore chipped in with 15 points. Austin Rivers and Danuel House Jr. both scored in double digits off the bench, tallying 13 and 11 points, respectively.
The Rockets (28-17) didn't have James Harden in this game and it showed, so the Nuggets (32-14) took advantage of that to secure a big win at home on Sunday afternoon. Houston managed to jump to a 36-27 lead following the first quarter, but Denver would storm back and reduce the deficit as the game went on. Denver won 30-23 in the second quarter, and they would take the lead for good thanks to a 33-30 score in the third quarter. Houston tried to turn things around down the stretch, but the Nuggets sealed the deal with a 27-21 score in the final 12 minutes of action. It was a huge win for Denver, as they keep climbing in the Western Conference standings. With the win, Denver moved to 18-6 at home while the Rockets fell to 13-10 on the road.
Jerami Grant came out of nowhere to lead the Nuggets in scoring here, as he finished with 25 points while shooting 8-12 from the field. Nikola Jokic delivered another impressive performance and ended with 24 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists. Michael Porter Jr. had a strong performance off the bench since he ended with 17 points and nine boards in 24 minutes. Monte Morris chipped in with 17 points, seven rebounds and four assists off the bench.
Russell Westbrook led the way for the Rockets offensively since he ended with 32 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Eric Gordon had 19 points, and Ben McLemore chipped in with 15 points. Austin Rivers and Danuel House Jr. both scored in double digits off the bench, tallying 13 and 11 points, respectively.
Raptors Hold Off Spurs, Secure Road Win
The Toronto Raptors defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 110-106, at AT&T Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Spurs (20-25) and the Raptors (32-14) both paid tribute to Kobe Bryant by letting the shot clock expire in each team's first possession but things were quite intense after that. The Raptors jumped ahead with an impressive performance in the first quarter (37-21), but San Antonio turned things and made things closer after winning both the second (30-26) and third (34-23) quarters. The Spurs shrinked the deficit to only one point entering the final 12 minutes of action, but Toronto held their won and ended winning after securing a 24-21 score in the final quarter. With the win, Toronto moved to 16-7 on the road while the Spurs fell to 12-12 at home.
Pascal Siakam was the top scoring threat for the Raptors since he finished the contest with 35 points and eight rebounds. OG Anunoby had 10 points and five boards, while Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet also delivered strong perfomances -- Lowry had 16 points, while VanVleet ended with 13 points, seven assists, four rebounds and four steals. Serge Ibaka chipped in with 12 points, 10 rebounds and four assists off the bench.
Seven Spurs players scored in double digits, but neither topped the 15-point mark. DeMar DeRozan led the way with 14 points, and Derrick White also chipped in with 14 off the bench. Dejounte Murray and Bryn Forbes each had 13 points, although Murray also had six boards. Marco Belinelli had 12 points and Jakob Poeltl added 11, both coming off the bench. LaMarcus Aldridge had 10 points and 10 rebounds.
The Spurs (20-25) and the Raptors (32-14) both paid tribute to Kobe Bryant by letting the shot clock expire in each team's first possession but things were quite intense after that. The Raptors jumped ahead with an impressive performance in the first quarter (37-21), but San Antonio turned things and made things closer after winning both the second (30-26) and third (34-23) quarters. The Spurs shrinked the deficit to only one point entering the final 12 minutes of action, but Toronto held their won and ended winning after securing a 24-21 score in the final quarter. With the win, Toronto moved to 16-7 on the road while the Spurs fell to 12-12 at home.
Pascal Siakam was the top scoring threat for the Raptors since he finished the contest with 35 points and eight rebounds. OG Anunoby had 10 points and five boards, while Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet also delivered strong perfomances -- Lowry had 16 points, while VanVleet ended with 13 points, seven assists, four rebounds and four steals. Serge Ibaka chipped in with 12 points, 10 rebounds and four assists off the bench.
Seven Spurs players scored in double digits, but neither topped the 15-point mark. DeMar DeRozan led the way with 14 points, and Derrick White also chipped in with 14 off the bench. Dejounte Murray and Bryn Forbes each had 13 points, although Murray also had six boards. Marco Belinelli had 12 points and Jakob Poeltl added 11, both coming off the bench. LaMarcus Aldridge had 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Hawks Outlast Wizards, 152-133
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Washington Wizards, 152-133, at State Farm Arena on Sunday evening.
The Wizards (15-30) and Hawks (12-35) came into the contest with elevated scoring expectations due to their respective defensive deficiencies, but it was clear from early that the game could see even more fireworks than expected. Washington and Atlanta combined for 150 points in the first half alone, one that saw the hosts head to the halftime locker room with a 78-72 lead. The Hawks then took control in the third quarter, as they added 11 points to their edge to set up a decisive fourth quarter.
Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 40 points, adding six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Troy Brown, Jr. delivered 19 points, three rebounds and two assists. Jordan McRae and Davis Bertans turned in 12 points apiece while adding seven and five rebounds, respectively. Thomas Bryant provided 11 points and five boards. Isaiah Thomas and Ish Smith poured in 10 points each while posting three rebounds and three assists, respectively.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with a 45-point, 14-assist double-double that also included six rebounds and one steal. De'Andre Hunter contributed 25 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Kevin Huerter put up 18 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. John Collins collected 16 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one block. Bruno Fernando generated a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included one block. Cam Reddish offered 13 points.
The Wizards next pay a visit to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night, while the Hawks visit the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night as well.
The Wizards (15-30) and Hawks (12-35) came into the contest with elevated scoring expectations due to their respective defensive deficiencies, but it was clear from early that the game could see even more fireworks than expected. Washington and Atlanta combined for 150 points in the first half alone, one that saw the hosts head to the halftime locker room with a 78-72 lead. The Hawks then took control in the third quarter, as they added 11 points to their edge to set up a decisive fourth quarter.
Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 40 points, adding six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Troy Brown, Jr. delivered 19 points, three rebounds and two assists. Jordan McRae and Davis Bertans turned in 12 points apiece while adding seven and five rebounds, respectively. Thomas Bryant provided 11 points and five boards. Isaiah Thomas and Ish Smith poured in 10 points each while posting three rebounds and three assists, respectively.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with a 45-point, 14-assist double-double that also included six rebounds and one steal. De'Andre Hunter contributed 25 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Kevin Huerter put up 18 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. John Collins collected 16 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one block. Bruno Fernando generated a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included one block. Cam Reddish offered 13 points.
The Wizards next pay a visit to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night, while the Hawks visit the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night as well.
Pelicans Defeat Celtics, 123-108
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the visiting Boston Celtics, 123-108, at Smoothie King Center on Sunday.
While Boston snagged the first lead in this game, that was the only time they led. In fact, New Orleans rode s 32-20 first quarter to a monster lead and then put it away with a 30-22 second quarter. That 20-point halftime allowed the Pelicans to lead by at least five points for the entirety of the second half. Rebounding was key, with New Orleans out-rebounding Boston, 54-37. In addition, they out-assisted them, 31-21, while out-scoring their bench, 38-8. In addition, the Pelicans went 16-of-36 from three-point range while the Celtics hit just 8-of-33.
The Celtics (30-15) were led by Kemba Walker and his 35 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Gordon Hayward amassed 23 points, six rebounds and two assists. Jaylen Brown totaled 20 points and two boards. Daniel Theis generated 15 points, nine rebounds and two blocks while Marcus Smart finished with seven points, four rebounds and seven assists.
The Pelicans (18-29) were led by Jrue Holiday, who tallied 25 points, six rebounds and five assists. Zion Williamson collected 21 points, 11 rebounds and two assists. Derrick Favors accumulated 15 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. Lonzo Ball provided eight points, six rebounds and 15 assists. Brandon Ingram also finished with 16 points, three rebounds and three assists while J.J. Redick led the bench with 17 points.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Boston traveling to face a tough Miami Heat team and New Orleans hopping on a plane to face the Cleveland Cavaliers.
While Boston snagged the first lead in this game, that was the only time they led. In fact, New Orleans rode s 32-20 first quarter to a monster lead and then put it away with a 30-22 second quarter. That 20-point halftime allowed the Pelicans to lead by at least five points for the entirety of the second half. Rebounding was key, with New Orleans out-rebounding Boston, 54-37. In addition, they out-assisted them, 31-21, while out-scoring their bench, 38-8. In addition, the Pelicans went 16-of-36 from three-point range while the Celtics hit just 8-of-33.
The Celtics (30-15) were led by Kemba Walker and his 35 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Gordon Hayward amassed 23 points, six rebounds and two assists. Jaylen Brown totaled 20 points and two boards. Daniel Theis generated 15 points, nine rebounds and two blocks while Marcus Smart finished with seven points, four rebounds and seven assists.
The Pelicans (18-29) were led by Jrue Holiday, who tallied 25 points, six rebounds and five assists. Zion Williamson collected 21 points, 11 rebounds and two assists. Derrick Favors accumulated 15 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. Lonzo Ball provided eight points, six rebounds and 15 assists. Brandon Ingram also finished with 16 points, three rebounds and three assists while J.J. Redick led the bench with 17 points.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Boston traveling to face a tough Miami Heat team and New Orleans hopping on a plane to face the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Knicks Topple Nets, 110-97
The New York Knicks defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 110-97, at Madison Square Garden on Sunday evening.
The Knicks (13-34) and Nets (19-26) played a highly competitive first half despite the absence of Kyrie Irving (personal) for Brooklyn, with New York holding a slim 55-52 halftime advantage. Then, after the visitors took a 63-59 lead with under nine minutes left in the third quarter, New York finished the period on a 26-13 run to essentially seal the win.
Spencer Dinwiddie led the Nets with 23 points, complementing them with five assists, four rebounds and one block. Taurean Prince supplied 14 points, four assists and three rebounds. Rodions Kurucs furnished 12 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Joe Harris and Garrett Temple poured in 11 points apiece while pulling down four and three rebounds, respectively.
Julius Randle paced the Knicks with a 22-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included one assist and one block. Marcus Morris totaled 21 points, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Mitchell Robinson compiled 12 points, five boards, one assist and two blocks. Taj Gibson managed 11 points, seven boards and two blocks. Frank Ntilikina matched Gibson's scoring tally and also posted three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Reggie Bullock netted 10 points and also offered five rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The Nets head back home to take on the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night, while the Knicks pay a visit to the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night.
The Knicks (13-34) and Nets (19-26) played a highly competitive first half despite the absence of Kyrie Irving (personal) for Brooklyn, with New York holding a slim 55-52 halftime advantage. Then, after the visitors took a 63-59 lead with under nine minutes left in the third quarter, New York finished the period on a 26-13 run to essentially seal the win.
Spencer Dinwiddie led the Nets with 23 points, complementing them with five assists, four rebounds and one block. Taurean Prince supplied 14 points, four assists and three rebounds. Rodions Kurucs furnished 12 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Joe Harris and Garrett Temple poured in 11 points apiece while pulling down four and three rebounds, respectively.
Julius Randle paced the Knicks with a 22-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included one assist and one block. Marcus Morris totaled 21 points, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Mitchell Robinson compiled 12 points, five boards, one assist and two blocks. Taj Gibson managed 11 points, seven boards and two blocks. Frank Ntilikina matched Gibson's scoring tally and also posted three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Reggie Bullock netted 10 points and also offered five rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The Nets head back home to take on the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night, while the Knicks pay a visit to the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night.
Clippers Top Magic For Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the host Orlando Magic, 112-97, at Amway Center on Sunday evening.
The contest got out to a tight start, with the Magic holding a two-point lead after the first quarter. The Magic carried the momentum into the second and build a 10-point lead early in the quarter, but the Clippers rallied back to take a 54-52 lead by halftime. The Clippers continued their push in the third and tallied an 11-point lead just three minutes into the quarter. They outscored the Magic by 11 points in the quarter, to take a 13-point lead into the final frame. The Magic managed to briefly cut the lead to single digits but the Clippers stayed in control the rest of the way, to earn their second straight win, while this marks the third straight loss for the Magic.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 31 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block, in 34 minutes. Landry Shamet finished with 19 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Montrezl Harrell tallied 19 points, five rebounds, two assists and three blocks. The Clippers shot 47 percent from the field, including 13-of-30 from long range
Michael Carter-Williams led the Magic with 15 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, in 23 minutes off the bench. Nikola Vucevic added 13 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Aaron Gordon tallied 10 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and a steal. The Magic shot 35 percent from the field, including 7-of-32 from long range.
The Magic (21-26) look to bounce back as they take on the Heat in Miami on Monday. The Clippers (33-14) take on the Lakers in L.A. on Tuesday.
The contest got out to a tight start, with the Magic holding a two-point lead after the first quarter. The Magic carried the momentum into the second and build a 10-point lead early in the quarter, but the Clippers rallied back to take a 54-52 lead by halftime. The Clippers continued their push in the third and tallied an 11-point lead just three minutes into the quarter. They outscored the Magic by 11 points in the quarter, to take a 13-point lead into the final frame. The Magic managed to briefly cut the lead to single digits but the Clippers stayed in control the rest of the way, to earn their second straight win, while this marks the third straight loss for the Magic.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 31 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block, in 34 minutes. Landry Shamet finished with 19 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Montrezl Harrell tallied 19 points, five rebounds, two assists and three blocks. The Clippers shot 47 percent from the field, including 13-of-30 from long range
Michael Carter-Williams led the Magic with 15 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, in 23 minutes off the bench. Nikola Vucevic added 13 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Aaron Gordon tallied 10 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and a steal. The Magic shot 35 percent from the field, including 7-of-32 from long range.
The Magic (21-26) look to bounce back as they take on the Heat in Miami on Monday. The Clippers (33-14) take on the Lakers in L.A. on Tuesday.
Grizzlies Hold On For Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns, 114-109, at FedEx Forum on Sunday evening.
The Grizzlies got out to a great start at home, with a 30-18 lead after one quarter. The Grizzlies stayed in control through the second and led by as many as 15 points, before settling on an 11-point lead at halftime. The Grizzlies maintained a 13-point lead mid way though the third quarter, but the Suns closed the quarter on a 21-11 run, to cut it to a three-point game heading into the final frame. The Suns kept the pressure on and tied it up at 82, early in the fourth. The Grizzlies responded immediately to reclaim the lead, and they did not slip up again, as they stayed a step ahead the rest of the way, to earn their second straight win.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 23 points, eight assists, five rebounds and a steal, in 34 minutes. Jaren Jackson Jr. added 20 points, three rebounds, two blocks and a steal, while Dillon Brooks tallied 20 points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks. The Grizzlies shot 52 percent from the field, including 8-of-19 from long range.
Meanwhile, Devin Booker led the Suns with 36 points, five assists, two rebounds and a block, in 39 minutes. Kelly Oubre Jr. added 27 points, nine rebounds and three assists, while Deandre Ayton totalled 17 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks. The Suns shot 38 percent from the field, including 11-of-29 from long range.
The Suns (19-27) will look to bounce back as they take on the Mavericks on Tuesday. The Grizzlies (22-24) play host to the Nuggets on Tuesday.
The Grizzlies got out to a great start at home, with a 30-18 lead after one quarter. The Grizzlies stayed in control through the second and led by as many as 15 points, before settling on an 11-point lead at halftime. The Grizzlies maintained a 13-point lead mid way though the third quarter, but the Suns closed the quarter on a 21-11 run, to cut it to a three-point game heading into the final frame. The Suns kept the pressure on and tied it up at 82, early in the fourth. The Grizzlies responded immediately to reclaim the lead, and they did not slip up again, as they stayed a step ahead the rest of the way, to earn their second straight win.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 23 points, eight assists, five rebounds and a steal, in 34 minutes. Jaren Jackson Jr. added 20 points, three rebounds, two blocks and a steal, while Dillon Brooks tallied 20 points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks. The Grizzlies shot 52 percent from the field, including 8-of-19 from long range.
Meanwhile, Devin Booker led the Suns with 36 points, five assists, two rebounds and a block, in 39 minutes. Kelly Oubre Jr. added 27 points, nine rebounds and three assists, while Deandre Ayton totalled 17 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks. The Suns shot 38 percent from the field, including 11-of-29 from long range.
The Suns (19-27) will look to bounce back as they take on the Mavericks on Tuesday. The Grizzlies (22-24) play host to the Nuggets on Tuesday.
Trail Blazers Defeat Pacers, 139-129
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Indiana Pacers, 139-129, at Moda Center on Sunday.
While this wasn't a wire-to-wire win, Portland held the lead for the final 45 minutes of this game. A 36-27 first quarter in favor of the Trail Blazers really set the tone, leading by at least seven points for the entirety of the second half. Portland ended up out-rebounding Indiana, 43-31, while out-blocking them, 7-2. In addition, the Trail Blazers shot 54 percent from the field and 57 percent from three-point range.
The Pacers (30-17) got a triple-double from Domantas Sabonis, who tallied 27 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists. Jeremy Lamb amassed 28 points, two rebounds and two steals. T.J. Warren amassed 14 points, two rebounds and four assists. T.J. McConnell totaled seven points, three rebounds and eight assists. Doug McDermott led the bench with 19 points.
The Trail Blazers (20-27) got another gem from Damian Lillard, who collected 50 points, six rebounds and 13 assists. C.J. McCollum generated 28 points and five assists. Hassan Whiteside accumulated 21 points, 14 rebounds and six blocks. Carmelo Anthony provided 14 points and eight rebounds. No other player had more than seven points, four rebounds or three assists.
Both teams are off until Wednesday, with Portland remaining home to face the struggling Houston Rockets and Indiana playing host to an even worse Chicago Bulls team.
While this wasn't a wire-to-wire win, Portland held the lead for the final 45 minutes of this game. A 36-27 first quarter in favor of the Trail Blazers really set the tone, leading by at least seven points for the entirety of the second half. Portland ended up out-rebounding Indiana, 43-31, while out-blocking them, 7-2. In addition, the Trail Blazers shot 54 percent from the field and 57 percent from three-point range.
The Pacers (30-17) got a triple-double from Domantas Sabonis, who tallied 27 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists. Jeremy Lamb amassed 28 points, two rebounds and two steals. T.J. Warren amassed 14 points, two rebounds and four assists. T.J. McConnell totaled seven points, three rebounds and eight assists. Doug McDermott led the bench with 19 points.
The Trail Blazers (20-27) got another gem from Damian Lillard, who collected 50 points, six rebounds and 13 assists. C.J. McCollum generated 28 points and five assists. Hassan Whiteside accumulated 21 points, 14 rebounds and six blocks. Carmelo Anthony provided 14 points and eight rebounds. No other player had more than seven points, four rebounds or three assists.
Both teams are off until Wednesday, with Portland remaining home to face the struggling Houston Rockets and Indiana playing host to an even worse Chicago Bulls team.