Cavaliers Decimate Hawks, 127-105
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 127-105, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Wednesday night.
The Cavaliers (14-40) wasted no time in taking advantage of their opponent's vast defensive deficiencies, as they jumped out to a 33-19 lead through the first 12 minutes. The Hawks (15-41) were considerably more competitive through the middle quarters, but they still saw three more points added to their deficit over that span, which essentially sealed their fate. Cleveland enjoyed particularly big advantages in shooting and rebounding, draining 51.1 percent of their attempts while limiting Atlanta to a 42.2 percent success rate, and winning the battle of the boards, 55-38.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with a 27-point ,12-assist double-double that also included three rebounds and two steals. John Collins provided 23 points, four rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Cam Reddish poured in 16 points, complementing them with four rebounds, two assists and one steal. De'Andre Hunter registered 12 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kevin Huerter netted 11 points.
Tristan Thompson led the Cavaliers despite coming off the bench, posting 27 points and adding 11 rebounds, one assist and one steal. Collin Sexton and Larry Nance, Jr. posted matching 23-point efforts, with Nance adding 12 rebounds among his other contributions. Kevin Porter, Jr. tallied 18 points, four boards, three assists and one steal. Andre Drummond generated a 14-point, 15-rebound double-double that also featured one assist and two blocks. Darius Garland delivered 12 points, seven assists and one block.
The Hawks are off until Thursday, Feb. 20, when they'll resume play after the All-Star break with a home date against the Miami Heat. The Cavaliers are off until Friday, Feb. 21, when they tangle with the Washington Wizards on the road.
The Cavaliers (14-40) wasted no time in taking advantage of their opponent's vast defensive deficiencies, as they jumped out to a 33-19 lead through the first 12 minutes. The Hawks (15-41) were considerably more competitive through the middle quarters, but they still saw three more points added to their deficit over that span, which essentially sealed their fate. Cleveland enjoyed particularly big advantages in shooting and rebounding, draining 51.1 percent of their attempts while limiting Atlanta to a 42.2 percent success rate, and winning the battle of the boards, 55-38.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with a 27-point ,12-assist double-double that also included three rebounds and two steals. John Collins provided 23 points, four rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Cam Reddish poured in 16 points, complementing them with four rebounds, two assists and one steal. De'Andre Hunter registered 12 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kevin Huerter netted 11 points.
Tristan Thompson led the Cavaliers despite coming off the bench, posting 27 points and adding 11 rebounds, one assist and one steal. Collin Sexton and Larry Nance, Jr. posted matching 23-point efforts, with Nance adding 12 rebounds among his other contributions. Kevin Porter, Jr. tallied 18 points, four boards, three assists and one steal. Andre Drummond generated a 14-point, 15-rebound double-double that also featured one assist and two blocks. Darius Garland delivered 12 points, seven assists and one block.
The Hawks are off until Thursday, Feb. 20, when they'll resume play after the All-Star break with a home date against the Miami Heat. The Cavaliers are off until Friday, Feb. 21, when they tangle with the Washington Wizards on the road.
Magic Hang On For Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Orlando Magic defeated visiting Detroit Pistons, 116-112, in overtime at Amway Center on Wednesday evening.
The Magic got out to a great start at home, with a 32-20 lead after one quarter. The Pistons responded in the second quarter and rallied back to make it a four-point game by halftime. The Magic held the edge for most of the third and pulled ahead late in the quarter to take a six-point lead into the fourth. The Pistons came out strong in the fourth and grabbed a six-point lead with 3:40 to go, but the Magic rallied back and held a three-point lead with five seconds left in regulation. The Pistons hit a last-second three to send the game to overtime, however, the Magic jumped a step ahead in overtime and held the edge the rest of their way, to earn their second straight win, while this marks the fourth straight loss for the Pistons.
Aaron Gordon led the Magic with 25 points, nine rebounds, nine assists, a steal and a block, in 43 minutes. Markelle Fultz finished with 22 points, 10 assists, five rebounds and two steals, while Nikola Vucevic added 19 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and a block. The Magic shot 46 percent from the field, including 12-of-36 from deep.
Meanwhile, Christian Wood led the Pistons with 26 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks, in 38 minutes. Thon Maker added 18 points, two rebounds, a steal and a block, while Tony Snell added 16 points, five assists and three rebounds. The Pistons shot 44 percent from the field, including 18-of-45 from long range.
The Pistons (19-38) and the Magic (24-31) will be back in action after the All-Star break.
The Magic got out to a great start at home, with a 32-20 lead after one quarter. The Pistons responded in the second quarter and rallied back to make it a four-point game by halftime. The Magic held the edge for most of the third and pulled ahead late in the quarter to take a six-point lead into the fourth. The Pistons came out strong in the fourth and grabbed a six-point lead with 3:40 to go, but the Magic rallied back and held a three-point lead with five seconds left in regulation. The Pistons hit a last-second three to send the game to overtime, however, the Magic jumped a step ahead in overtime and held the edge the rest of their way, to earn their second straight win, while this marks the fourth straight loss for the Pistons.
Aaron Gordon led the Magic with 25 points, nine rebounds, nine assists, a steal and a block, in 43 minutes. Markelle Fultz finished with 22 points, 10 assists, five rebounds and two steals, while Nikola Vucevic added 19 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and a block. The Magic shot 46 percent from the field, including 12-of-36 from deep.
Meanwhile, Christian Wood led the Pistons with 26 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks, in 38 minutes. Thon Maker added 18 points, two rebounds, a steal and a block, while Tony Snell added 16 points, five assists and three rebounds. The Pistons shot 44 percent from the field, including 18-of-45 from long range.
The Pistons (19-38) and the Magic (24-31) will be back in action after the All-Star break.
Pacers Topple Bucks In Indiana
By Dan Bruno
The Indiana Pacers defeated the visiting Milwaukee Bucks, 118-111, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Wednesday evening.
The Pacers got out to a great start at home, as they took a 14-point lead after one quarter. The kept the pressure on in the second and doubled their scoring total from the first quarter, to take a 68-45 lead into halftime. The Bucks came out stronger in the third and outscored the hosts by 12 points in the quarter, to cut it to an 11-point game heading into the final frame. The Pacers stayed in control through a high scoring fourth quarter and held on to snap a five-game losing streak at home.
T.J. Warren led the Pacers with 35 points, seven rebounds and four steals, in 39 minutes. Malcolm Brogdon added 17 points, 13 assists and five rebounds, while Myles Turner finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks and a steal. The Pacers shot 52 percent from the field, including 9-of-27 from long range.
Meanwhile, Donte DiVincenzo led the Bucks with 19 points, eight rebounds, a steal and a block, in 30 minutes. Khris Middleton added 17 points, five rebounds, five assists and a steal, while Sterling Brown chipped in 14 points and eight rebounds, off the bench. The Bucks shot 41 percent from the field, including 13-of-37 from long range.
The Bucks (46-8) and the Pacers (32-23) will be back in action after the All-Star break.
The Pacers got out to a great start at home, as they took a 14-point lead after one quarter. The kept the pressure on in the second and doubled their scoring total from the first quarter, to take a 68-45 lead into halftime. The Bucks came out stronger in the third and outscored the hosts by 12 points in the quarter, to cut it to an 11-point game heading into the final frame. The Pacers stayed in control through a high scoring fourth quarter and held on to snap a five-game losing streak at home.
T.J. Warren led the Pacers with 35 points, seven rebounds and four steals, in 39 minutes. Malcolm Brogdon added 17 points, 13 assists and five rebounds, while Myles Turner finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks and a steal. The Pacers shot 52 percent from the field, including 9-of-27 from long range.
Meanwhile, Donte DiVincenzo led the Bucks with 19 points, eight rebounds, a steal and a block, in 30 minutes. Khris Middleton added 17 points, five rebounds, five assists and a steal, while Sterling Brown chipped in 14 points and eight rebounds, off the bench. The Bucks shot 41 percent from the field, including 13-of-37 from long range.
The Bucks (46-8) and the Pacers (32-23) will be back in action after the All-Star break.
Nets Upend Raptors, 101-91
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Toronto Raptors, 101-91, at Barclays Center on Wednesday night.
The Nets (25-28) knew they'd have an uphill battle against the red-hot Raptors (40-15), which came into the contest with a 15-game winning streak. Brooklyn managed what would prove to be essential against that caliber of opponent, namely, get off to a fast start. The hosts owned a 52-40 lead by halftime, and they followed it up by falling just one basket short of Toronto's tally in the second half. The Nets' work on defense and the boards was exceptional, as they limited the visitors to 37.8 percent shooting and won the rebounding battle by a 55-42 margin.
Serge Ibaka led the way for the Raptors with 28 points, supplementing them with nine rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Fred VanVleet poured in 22 points, adding two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Pascal Siakam furnished 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists and one steal. Kyle Lowry contributed a 12-point, 12-assist, 11-rebound triple-double that also included one steal.
Caris LeVert paced the Nets with 20 points, adding seven rebounds, four assists, four steals and one block. Joe Harris managed 19 points, six boards, two assists, one steal and one block. Spencer Dinwiddie compiled 17 points, nine assists and six rebounds. Jarrett Allen and Garrett Temple posted 10 points apiece, with Allen also pulling down 13 rebounds, dishing out three assists and recording a block.
The Raptors are back in action Friday, Feb. 21, when they'll kick off their post-All-Star-break ledger at home against the Phoenix Suns. The Nets return to action Thursday, Feb. 20, when they visit the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Nets (25-28) knew they'd have an uphill battle against the red-hot Raptors (40-15), which came into the contest with a 15-game winning streak. Brooklyn managed what would prove to be essential against that caliber of opponent, namely, get off to a fast start. The hosts owned a 52-40 lead by halftime, and they followed it up by falling just one basket short of Toronto's tally in the second half. The Nets' work on defense and the boards was exceptional, as they limited the visitors to 37.8 percent shooting and won the rebounding battle by a 55-42 margin.
Serge Ibaka led the way for the Raptors with 28 points, supplementing them with nine rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Fred VanVleet poured in 22 points, adding two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Pascal Siakam furnished 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists and one steal. Kyle Lowry contributed a 12-point, 12-assist, 11-rebound triple-double that also included one steal.
Caris LeVert paced the Nets with 20 points, adding seven rebounds, four assists, four steals and one block. Joe Harris managed 19 points, six boards, two assists, one steal and one block. Spencer Dinwiddie compiled 17 points, nine assists and six rebounds. Jarrett Allen and Garrett Temple posted 10 points apiece, with Allen also pulling down 13 rebounds, dishing out three assists and recording a block.
The Raptors are back in action Friday, Feb. 21, when they'll kick off their post-All-Star-break ledger at home against the Phoenix Suns. The Nets return to action Thursday, Feb. 20, when they visit the Philadelphia 76ers.
Wizards Dominate Fourth Quarter For Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The Washington Wizards defeated the host New York Knicks, 114-96, at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night.
The contest got out to a competitive start, as the Wizards held a one-point lead after one quarter. The Wizards led for most of the second, but the Knicks closed the quarter on a 10-0 run, to take a four-point lead by halftime. The Wizards came out strong in the third and quickly gained the lead. They held the edge for most of the quarter and took a four-point lead into the final frame. They carried the momentum into the fourth and left nothing to chance, as they outscored the hosts by 14 points in the quarter, to complete the road win.
Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 30 points, three assists, two rebounds, two steals and a block, in 34 minutes. Davis Bertans added 16 points, two assists, two steals and a block, in 30 minutes off the bench, while Isaac Bonga chipped in 13 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. The Wizards shot 48 percent from the field, including 10-of-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, Julius Randle led the Knicks with 21 points and 13 rebounds, in 37 minutes. Elfrid Payton added 19 points, eight assists, five steals and four rebounds, while R.J. Barrett chipped in 16 points and five rebounds. The Knicks shot 41 percent from the field, including 3-of-23 from long range.
The Knicks (17-38) and the Wizards (20-33) will be back in action after the All-Star break.
The contest got out to a competitive start, as the Wizards held a one-point lead after one quarter. The Wizards led for most of the second, but the Knicks closed the quarter on a 10-0 run, to take a four-point lead by halftime. The Wizards came out strong in the third and quickly gained the lead. They held the edge for most of the quarter and took a four-point lead into the final frame. They carried the momentum into the fourth and left nothing to chance, as they outscored the hosts by 14 points in the quarter, to complete the road win.
Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 30 points, three assists, two rebounds, two steals and a block, in 34 minutes. Davis Bertans added 16 points, two assists, two steals and a block, in 30 minutes off the bench, while Isaac Bonga chipped in 13 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. The Wizards shot 48 percent from the field, including 10-of-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, Julius Randle led the Knicks with 21 points and 13 rebounds, in 37 minutes. Elfrid Payton added 19 points, eight assists, five steals and four rebounds, while R.J. Barrett chipped in 16 points and five rebounds. The Knicks shot 41 percent from the field, including 3-of-23 from long range.
The Knicks (17-38) and the Wizards (20-33) will be back in action after the All-Star break.
Hornets Comeback For Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the host Minnesota Timberwolves, 115-108, at Target Center on Wednesday evening.
The Timberwolves got out to a great start at home with a 36-28 lead, after one quarter. They stayed in control in the second and pushed their lead to 16, by halftime. The Hornets came out refocused in the third and outscored the visitors by 10 in the quarter, to cut it to a six-point game heading into the final frame. The Hornets kept attacking in the fourth and tied it up early in the quarter. They kept the pressure on and outscored the hosts by 13 points in the quarter, to walk away with their second straight win.
Devonte' Graham led the Hornets with 28 points, eight assists and four rebounds, in 35 minutes. Malik Monk added 25 points, four rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal, while Miles Bridges finished with 20 points, three rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The Hornets shot 47 percent from the field, including 14-of-34 from deep.
Meanwhile, Malik Beasley led the Timberwolves with 28 points, six rebounds and three assists, in 38 minutes. D'Angelo Russell added 26 points, 11 assists, six rebounds, two steals and a block while Juancho Hernangomez totaled 16 points, 12 rebounds, a steal and a block. The Timberwolves shot 39 percent from the field, including 14-of-49 from long range.
The Timberwolves (16-37) and the Hornets (18-36) will be back in action after the All-Star break.
The Timberwolves got out to a great start at home with a 36-28 lead, after one quarter. They stayed in control in the second and pushed their lead to 16, by halftime. The Hornets came out refocused in the third and outscored the visitors by 10 in the quarter, to cut it to a six-point game heading into the final frame. The Hornets kept attacking in the fourth and tied it up early in the quarter. They kept the pressure on and outscored the hosts by 13 points in the quarter, to walk away with their second straight win.
Devonte' Graham led the Hornets with 28 points, eight assists and four rebounds, in 35 minutes. Malik Monk added 25 points, four rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal, while Miles Bridges finished with 20 points, three rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The Hornets shot 47 percent from the field, including 14-of-34 from deep.
Meanwhile, Malik Beasley led the Timberwolves with 28 points, six rebounds and three assists, in 38 minutes. D'Angelo Russell added 26 points, 11 assists, six rebounds, two steals and a block while Juancho Hernangomez totaled 16 points, 12 rebounds, a steal and a block. The Timberwolves shot 39 percent from the field, including 14-of-49 from long range.
The Timberwolves (16-37) and the Hornets (18-36) will be back in action after the All-Star break.
Grizzlies Get Past Trail Blazers, 111-104
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, 111-104, at FedEx Forum on Wednesday night.
The Grizzlies (28-26) and Trail Blazers (25-31) played a highly competitive first quarter, with Memphis forging a 31-26 lead through the first 12 minutes. After a second period during which each team matched other bucket for bucket while combining for 72 points, the hosts took a 10-point lead into the final period. Although the margin of victory was only seven points, the outcome was never in doubt in the fourth quarter.
C.J. McCollum led the Trail Blazers with 23 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal. Anfernee Simons provided 22 points, seven rebounds and one assist. Damian Lillard generated a 20-point, 10-assist double-double that also included five rebounds and one steal, but he exited the game with a groin strain. Hassan Whiteside posted 16 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and one steal before getting ejected for two technical fouls. Trevor Ariza supplied 12 points, six boards, one assist, two steals and one block.
Brandon Clarke led the Grizzlies with 27 points, supplementing them with six boards, one assist, two steals and one block. Ja Morant totaled 20 points, nine assists, five boards and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas contributed a 12-point, 18-rebound double-double that also included two assists and three blocks. De'Anthony Melton matched Valanciunas' scoring and also collected four boards and four assists. Dillon Brooks poured in 11 points.
The Trail Blazers are now off until Friday, Feb. 21, when they'll resume post-All-Star-break play at home against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Grizzlies visit the Sacramento Kings on Thursday, Feb. 20 for their first game after the extended layoff.
The Grizzlies (28-26) and Trail Blazers (25-31) played a highly competitive first quarter, with Memphis forging a 31-26 lead through the first 12 minutes. After a second period during which each team matched other bucket for bucket while combining for 72 points, the hosts took a 10-point lead into the final period. Although the margin of victory was only seven points, the outcome was never in doubt in the fourth quarter.
C.J. McCollum led the Trail Blazers with 23 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal. Anfernee Simons provided 22 points, seven rebounds and one assist. Damian Lillard generated a 20-point, 10-assist double-double that also included five rebounds and one steal, but he exited the game with a groin strain. Hassan Whiteside posted 16 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and one steal before getting ejected for two technical fouls. Trevor Ariza supplied 12 points, six boards, one assist, two steals and one block.
Brandon Clarke led the Grizzlies with 27 points, supplementing them with six boards, one assist, two steals and one block. Ja Morant totaled 20 points, nine assists, five boards and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas contributed a 12-point, 18-rebound double-double that also included two assists and three blocks. De'Anthony Melton matched Valanciunas' scoring and also collected four boards and four assists. Dillon Brooks poured in 11 points.
The Trail Blazers are now off until Friday, Feb. 21, when they'll resume post-All-Star-break play at home against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Grizzlies visit the Sacramento Kings on Thursday, Feb. 20 for their first game after the extended layoff.
Mavericks Blast Kings, 130-111
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Sacramento Kings, 130-111, at American Airlines Center on Wednesday night.
The Mavericks (32-22) opened the game unable to shake the Kings (21-32), as they held a modest 32-28 lead through the first 12 minutes. However, Dallas began to separate in the second quarter, leading to an 11-point halftime lead. When the hosts added another eight points to their advantage in the third quarter, the outcome was a foregone conclusion. The Mavs were especially efficient on the offensive end, draining 56.5 percent of their attempts, including 42.5 percent from three-point range.
Buddy Hield led the Kings with 22 points, adding nine assists, one rebound and one steal. De'Aaron Fox followed with 16 points, four assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Kent Bazemore supplied 15 points, seven boards, one assist and one steal. Harry Giles III turned in 11 points and five rebounds. Nemanja Bjelica delivered 10 points and seven rebounds.
Luka Doncic made a triumphant return from an ankle injury, pacing the Mavericks with 33 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists. Kristaps Porzingis generated a 27-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included five assists and three blocks. Tim Hardaway, Jr. netted 19 points, six assists, three boards and one steal. Seth Curry registered 18 points, six assists and three rebounds.
The Kings return to action after the All-Star break when they take on the Memphis Grizzlies at home on Thursday, Feb. 20, while the Mavericks next take the court Friday, Feb. 21 against the Orlando Magic on Friday night.
The Mavericks (32-22) opened the game unable to shake the Kings (21-32), as they held a modest 32-28 lead through the first 12 minutes. However, Dallas began to separate in the second quarter, leading to an 11-point halftime lead. When the hosts added another eight points to their advantage in the third quarter, the outcome was a foregone conclusion. The Mavs were especially efficient on the offensive end, draining 56.5 percent of their attempts, including 42.5 percent from three-point range.
Buddy Hield led the Kings with 22 points, adding nine assists, one rebound and one steal. De'Aaron Fox followed with 16 points, four assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Kent Bazemore supplied 15 points, seven boards, one assist and one steal. Harry Giles III turned in 11 points and five rebounds. Nemanja Bjelica delivered 10 points and seven rebounds.
Luka Doncic made a triumphant return from an ankle injury, pacing the Mavericks with 33 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists. Kristaps Porzingis generated a 27-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included five assists and three blocks. Tim Hardaway, Jr. netted 19 points, six assists, three boards and one steal. Seth Curry registered 18 points, six assists and three rebounds.
The Kings return to action after the All-Star break when they take on the Memphis Grizzlies at home on Thursday, Feb. 20, while the Mavericks next take the court Friday, Feb. 21 against the Orlando Magic on Friday night.
Suns Defeat Warriors, 112-106
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Golden State Warriors, 112-106, at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Wednesday.
Phoenix got out to a 34-24 first quarter lead and held the lead for the final three quarters after that. Their defense was the difference, recording 14 steals while winning the turnover differential, 22-14. With that said, Golden State shot 51 percent from the field while holding Phoenix to just 47 percent shooting. The Suns also doubled up the Warriors in offensive rebounds, 8-4.
The Warriors (12-43) were led by Andrew Wiggins, who tallied 27 points, four rebounds, five assists, two steals and four blocks. Marquese Chriss generated 18 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Jordan Poole amassed 12 points, three rebounds and three assists. Draymond Green finished with six points, six rebounds and nine assists.
The Suns (22-33) were led by Devin Booker, who provided 27 points, five rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Kelly Oubre Jr amassed 15 points and six rebounds. Mikal Bridges totaled 14 points, two rebounds and three steals. Elie Okobo led the bench with 12 points, two rebounds and three assists. Ricky Rubio accumulated nine points, five rebounds and nine assists.
Both teams will be off for at least a week because of the All-Star break. Golden State returns to action on February 20 against the Houston Rockets while Phoenix laces up again on February 21 versus the Toronto Raptors.
Phoenix got out to a 34-24 first quarter lead and held the lead for the final three quarters after that. Their defense was the difference, recording 14 steals while winning the turnover differential, 22-14. With that said, Golden State shot 51 percent from the field while holding Phoenix to just 47 percent shooting. The Suns also doubled up the Warriors in offensive rebounds, 8-4.
The Warriors (12-43) were led by Andrew Wiggins, who tallied 27 points, four rebounds, five assists, two steals and four blocks. Marquese Chriss generated 18 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Jordan Poole amassed 12 points, three rebounds and three assists. Draymond Green finished with six points, six rebounds and nine assists.
The Suns (22-33) were led by Devin Booker, who provided 27 points, five rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Kelly Oubre Jr amassed 15 points and six rebounds. Mikal Bridges totaled 14 points, two rebounds and three steals. Elie Okobo led the bench with 12 points, two rebounds and three assists. Ricky Rubio accumulated nine points, five rebounds and nine assists.
Both teams will be off for at least a week because of the All-Star break. Golden State returns to action on February 20 against the Houston Rockets while Phoenix laces up again on February 21 versus the Toronto Raptors.
Jazz Defeat Heat, 116-101
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Miami Heat, 116-101, at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Wednesday.
While there were eight ties and 10 lead changes in the first three quarters, Utah rode a monster second half to victory. In fact, they carried a 32-22 third quarter to a five-point lead and then took control with a 37-27 fourth quarter. The key for the Jazz was their defense, holding the Heat to 43 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range. In addition, they won the rebounding battle, 53-37.
The Heat (35-19) were led by Jimmy Butler and his 25 points and eight rebounds. Duncan Robinson amassed 18 points and three assists. Bam Adebayo collected nine points, 11 rebounds, five assists, four steals and two blocks. Jae Crowder led the bench with 15 points and three boards while Goran Dragic accrued 13 points, three rebounds and five assists.
The Jazz (36-18) were led by Donovan Mitchell and his 26 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Bojan Bogdanovic generated 22 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Rudy Gobert finished with 16 points, 20 rebounds and two blocks. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 21 points, four rebounds and three assists.
Both teams will be off for at least a week because of the All-Star break. Miami's next game is on February 20 against the Atlanta Hawks. As for Utah, they return to action on February 21 against the San Antonio Spurs.
While there were eight ties and 10 lead changes in the first three quarters, Utah rode a monster second half to victory. In fact, they carried a 32-22 third quarter to a five-point lead and then took control with a 37-27 fourth quarter. The key for the Jazz was their defense, holding the Heat to 43 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range. In addition, they won the rebounding battle, 53-37.
The Heat (35-19) were led by Jimmy Butler and his 25 points and eight rebounds. Duncan Robinson amassed 18 points and three assists. Bam Adebayo collected nine points, 11 rebounds, five assists, four steals and two blocks. Jae Crowder led the bench with 15 points and three boards while Goran Dragic accrued 13 points, three rebounds and five assists.
The Jazz (36-18) were led by Donovan Mitchell and his 26 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Bojan Bogdanovic generated 22 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Rudy Gobert finished with 16 points, 20 rebounds and two blocks. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 21 points, four rebounds and three assists.
Both teams will be off for at least a week because of the All-Star break. Miami's next game is on February 20 against the Atlanta Hawks. As for Utah, they return to action on February 21 against the San Antonio Spurs.
Lakers Outlast Nuggets in OT, 120-116
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Denver Nuggets in overtime, 120-116, at Pepsi Center on Wednesday night.
The Lakers (41-12) fell into an early hole, as the Nuggets (38-17) jumped out to a 31-23 lead through the first 12 minutes. However, Los Angeles erased its deficit altogether in the second quarter and forged a six-point lead by halftime. After the tide turned again during a third quarter in which Denver regained a three-point advantage, clutch baskets by Jerami Grant and Gary Harris over the final minute and a missed jumper by LeBron James with 1.5 seconds remaining forced overtime. In the extra period, the Nuggets were held scoreless over the final 3:06, with Nikola Jokic's missed three-pointer with 12.7 seconds remaining essentially sealing the home squad's fate.
Anthony Davis led the way for the Lakers with 33 points, adding 10 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. James furnished a 32-point, 14-assist, 12-rebound triple-double. Dwight Howard produced a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two assists. Alex Caruso and Avery Bradley poured in 10 points apiece, with Caruso adding six rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block.
Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 32 points, complementing them with 10 assists and three rebounds. Jokic produced a 22-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included six assists, three steals and one block. Grant produced 15 points, seven boards, one assist and one steal. Harris netted 13 points, while Monte Morris supplied 12 points, four assists, two rebounds and two steals. Paul Millsap chipped in 10 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals.
The Lakers return to action after the All-Star break on Friday, Feb. 21 at home against the Memphis Grizzlies, while the Nuggets will visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on that same night to begin their play after the extended layoff.
The Lakers (41-12) fell into an early hole, as the Nuggets (38-17) jumped out to a 31-23 lead through the first 12 minutes. However, Los Angeles erased its deficit altogether in the second quarter and forged a six-point lead by halftime. After the tide turned again during a third quarter in which Denver regained a three-point advantage, clutch baskets by Jerami Grant and Gary Harris over the final minute and a missed jumper by LeBron James with 1.5 seconds remaining forced overtime. In the extra period, the Nuggets were held scoreless over the final 3:06, with Nikola Jokic's missed three-pointer with 12.7 seconds remaining essentially sealing the home squad's fate.
Anthony Davis led the way for the Lakers with 33 points, adding 10 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. James furnished a 32-point, 14-assist, 12-rebound triple-double. Dwight Howard produced a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two assists. Alex Caruso and Avery Bradley poured in 10 points apiece, with Caruso adding six rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block.
Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 32 points, complementing them with 10 assists and three rebounds. Jokic produced a 22-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included six assists, three steals and one block. Grant produced 15 points, seven boards, one assist and one steal. Harris netted 13 points, while Monte Morris supplied 12 points, four assists, two rebounds and two steals. Paul Millsap chipped in 10 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals.
The Lakers return to action after the All-Star break on Friday, Feb. 21 at home against the Memphis Grizzlies, while the Nuggets will visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on that same night to begin their play after the extended layoff.