Pacers Dominate, Secure Impressive Win Over Hornets
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 119-80, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Tuesday night.
The Pacers (34-24) improved to 20-10 at home with this win, while the Hornets (19-38) fell to 11-20 on the road. Indiana didn't waste time to move on top in this game, and quickly grabbed control of the score when they established a 10-point lead following the first quarter (35-25), but the Pacers wouldn't stop there and they didn't let the foot off the gas. A 34-19 second quarter pushed their lead even further and, as if the game wasn't out of reach already, Indiana increased their advantage with a 25-11 third quarter. The final 12 minutes were absolute garbage time and while the score over that frame ended 25-25, there was no way Charlotte would be able to turn things around. The Pacers shot 57 percent from the field and 43.5 percent from three-point range, while the Hornets only made 33.0 percent of their buckets and 30.3 of their long-distance shots.
Six Indiana players scored in double figures and the biggest performer was none other than All-Star Domantas Sabonis, who came just one assist short of a triple-double after posting 21 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists. T.J. Warren notched 19 points, while Malcolm Brogdon filled the stat sheet and contributed 15 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Justin Holiday had 16 points off the bench, while JaKarr Simpson and Doug McDermott each had 10 points as substitutes. Myles Turner might have ended with six points, but he compensated that after posting 10 rebounds and eight blocks.
On the other hand, there's not much to tell about the Hornets since only two players surpassed the 10-point mark -- Miles Bridges led the way with 17 points and six rebounds, while Caleb Martin added 11 off the bench. Terry Rozier and Malik Monk were particularly disappointing, as they finished with five points (2-13 FG) and eight points (4-13 FG), respectively.
The Pacers (34-24) improved to 20-10 at home with this win, while the Hornets (19-38) fell to 11-20 on the road. Indiana didn't waste time to move on top in this game, and quickly grabbed control of the score when they established a 10-point lead following the first quarter (35-25), but the Pacers wouldn't stop there and they didn't let the foot off the gas. A 34-19 second quarter pushed their lead even further and, as if the game wasn't out of reach already, Indiana increased their advantage with a 25-11 third quarter. The final 12 minutes were absolute garbage time and while the score over that frame ended 25-25, there was no way Charlotte would be able to turn things around. The Pacers shot 57 percent from the field and 43.5 percent from three-point range, while the Hornets only made 33.0 percent of their buckets and 30.3 of their long-distance shots.
Six Indiana players scored in double figures and the biggest performer was none other than All-Star Domantas Sabonis, who came just one assist short of a triple-double after posting 21 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists. T.J. Warren notched 19 points, while Malcolm Brogdon filled the stat sheet and contributed 15 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Justin Holiday had 16 points off the bench, while JaKarr Simpson and Doug McDermott each had 10 points as substitutes. Myles Turner might have ended with six points, but he compensated that after posting 10 rebounds and eight blocks.
On the other hand, there's not much to tell about the Hornets since only two players surpassed the 10-point mark -- Miles Bridges led the way with 17 points and six rebounds, while Caleb Martin added 11 off the bench. Terry Rozier and Malik Monk were particularly disappointing, as they finished with five points (2-13 FG) and eight points (4-13 FG), respectively.
Bucks Best Raptors, 108-97
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Toronto Raptors, 108-97, at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday night.
The Bucks (50-8) came into Tuesday's game in the midst of one of their trademark surges, but this time, they were facing a team just as hot in the Raptors (42-16), which also had been very difficult to topple at home. Accordingly, the first half culminated with Toronto holding a slim 52-50 lead, but Milwaukee bounced back eradicate that deficit altogether in the third quarter and carry a 13-point advantage into the final period. While the home squad had its moments in that fourth quarter, a Giannis Antetokounmpo three-point jumper with 1:57 remaining after the Raptors had closed to within seven sealed the win.
Khris Middleton led the Bucks with 22 points, complementing them with eight rebounds and three assists. Antetokounmpo finished with a 19-point, 19-rebound double-double that also included eight assists and three blocks. Eric Bledsoe supplied 17 points, seven boards, four assists, one steal and one block. Brook Lopez furnished 15 points, three rebounds, five blocks and two steals. Marvin Williams and George Hill had matching nine-point efforts off the bench.
Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with 22 points, supplementing them with six boards, three assists and one block. Fred VanVleet poured in 14 points. OG Anunoby delivered 11 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kyle Lowry and Terence Davis had matching 10-point, four-rebound efforts, with Lowry adding six assists. Chris Boucher matched his teammates' scoring tally and added seven rebounds and one block.
The Bucks head back home to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night, while the Raptors remain home and tangle with the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night as well.
The Bucks (50-8) came into Tuesday's game in the midst of one of their trademark surges, but this time, they were facing a team just as hot in the Raptors (42-16), which also had been very difficult to topple at home. Accordingly, the first half culminated with Toronto holding a slim 52-50 lead, but Milwaukee bounced back eradicate that deficit altogether in the third quarter and carry a 13-point advantage into the final period. While the home squad had its moments in that fourth quarter, a Giannis Antetokounmpo three-point jumper with 1:57 remaining after the Raptors had closed to within seven sealed the win.
Khris Middleton led the Bucks with 22 points, complementing them with eight rebounds and three assists. Antetokounmpo finished with a 19-point, 19-rebound double-double that also included eight assists and three blocks. Eric Bledsoe supplied 17 points, seven boards, four assists, one steal and one block. Brook Lopez furnished 15 points, three rebounds, five blocks and two steals. Marvin Williams and George Hill had matching nine-point efforts off the bench.
Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with 22 points, supplementing them with six boards, three assists and one block. Fred VanVleet poured in 14 points. OG Anunoby delivered 11 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kyle Lowry and Terence Davis had matching 10-point, four-rebound efforts, with Lowry adding six assists. Chris Boucher matched his teammates' scoring tally and added seven rebounds and one block.
The Bucks head back home to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night, while the Raptors remain home and tangle with the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night as well.
Thunder Edges Bulls, 124-122
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Chicago Bulls, 124-122, at United Center on Tuesday night.
The Thunder (36-22), which have been one of the pleasant surprises in the league, were unsurprisingly clear road favorites against the struggling Bulls (20-39) coming in, and they lived up to their status during a productive first half. OKC jumped out to a 72-55 halftime lead with some highly efficient shooting, but Chicago shocked the visitors by erasing their deficit during the third quarter and building a slim two-point advantage going into the final period. Ultimately, the rollercoaster battle came down to the hosts' last possession, which ended with Zach LaVine missing a would-be game-winning 29-foot three-pointer at the buzzer.
Danilo Gallinari paced the Thunder with 24 points, adding four rebounds and one steal. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dennis Schroder followed with matching 21-point tallies, with Gilgeous-Alexander also pulling down 11 rebounds. Chris Paul checked in with 19 points, nine assists, three rebounds and one steal. Steven Adams collected 16 points, nine boards, two assists, three steals and three blocks. Terrance Ferguson poured in 11 points.
LaVine led the Bulls with 41 points, complementing them with five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Coby White delivered 35 points, seven boards and three assists. Shaquille Harrison totaled 11 points, three boards, two steals and two blocks. Tomas Satoransky managed 10 points, seven assists and five rebounds.
The Thunder returns home and takes on the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night, while the Bulls hit the road and visit the New York Knicks on Saturday afternoon.
The Thunder (36-22), which have been one of the pleasant surprises in the league, were unsurprisingly clear road favorites against the struggling Bulls (20-39) coming in, and they lived up to their status during a productive first half. OKC jumped out to a 72-55 halftime lead with some highly efficient shooting, but Chicago shocked the visitors by erasing their deficit during the third quarter and building a slim two-point advantage going into the final period. Ultimately, the rollercoaster battle came down to the hosts' last possession, which ended with Zach LaVine missing a would-be game-winning 29-foot three-pointer at the buzzer.
Danilo Gallinari paced the Thunder with 24 points, adding four rebounds and one steal. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dennis Schroder followed with matching 21-point tallies, with Gilgeous-Alexander also pulling down 11 rebounds. Chris Paul checked in with 19 points, nine assists, three rebounds and one steal. Steven Adams collected 16 points, nine boards, two assists, three steals and three blocks. Terrance Ferguson poured in 11 points.
LaVine led the Bulls with 41 points, complementing them with five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Coby White delivered 35 points, seven boards and three assists. Shaquille Harrison totaled 11 points, three boards, two steals and two blocks. Tomas Satoransky managed 10 points, seven assists and five rebounds.
The Thunder returns home and takes on the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night, while the Bulls hit the road and visit the New York Knicks on Saturday afternoon.
Nuggets Confident In Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Detroit Pistons, 115-98, at Pepsi Center on Tuesday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start, but the Nuggets held the edge for most of the quarter and took a 29-23 lead into the second. They retained control through the second quarter and pushed their way to a 13-point advantage by halftime. The Pistons brought the effort in the third quarter and managed to trim the deficit to 10, heading into the final frame. The Nuggets sealed the deal in the fourth, as they pushed their lead as high as 20, before settling on the 17-point home win.
Jerami Grant led the Nuggets with 29 points and four rebounds, in 29 minutes. Nikola Jokic added 16 points, five rebounds, four assists and four steals, while Jamal Murray tallied 16 points, eight assists, five rebounds, a steal and a block. The Nuggets shot 58 percent from the field, including 9-of-19 from long range.
Meanwhile, Derrick Rose led the Pistons with 20 points, five assists, two rebounds and two steals, in 27 minutes. Christian Wood tallied 20 points, 10 rebounds, a steal and a block, while Brandon Knight chipped in 14 points, six assists and a steal. The Pistons shot 41 percent from the field, including 14-of-41 from long range.
The Pistons (19-41) will look to bounce back as they take on the Suns in Phoenix on Friday. The Nuggets (40-18) take on the Clippers in L.A. on Friday.
The contest got out to a competitive start, but the Nuggets held the edge for most of the quarter and took a 29-23 lead into the second. They retained control through the second quarter and pushed their way to a 13-point advantage by halftime. The Pistons brought the effort in the third quarter and managed to trim the deficit to 10, heading into the final frame. The Nuggets sealed the deal in the fourth, as they pushed their lead as high as 20, before settling on the 17-point home win.
Jerami Grant led the Nuggets with 29 points and four rebounds, in 29 minutes. Nikola Jokic added 16 points, five rebounds, four assists and four steals, while Jamal Murray tallied 16 points, eight assists, five rebounds, a steal and a block. The Nuggets shot 58 percent from the field, including 9-of-19 from long range.
Meanwhile, Derrick Rose led the Pistons with 20 points, five assists, two rebounds and two steals, in 27 minutes. Christian Wood tallied 20 points, 10 rebounds, a steal and a block, while Brandon Knight chipped in 14 points, six assists and a steal. The Pistons shot 41 percent from the field, including 14-of-41 from long range.
The Pistons (19-41) will look to bounce back as they take on the Suns in Phoenix on Friday. The Nuggets (40-18) take on the Clippers in L.A. on Friday.
Lakers Defeat Pelicans, 118-109
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting New Orleans Pelicans, 118-109, at Staples Center on Tuesday.
While Los Angeles led for 45 minutes of this 48-minute game, it stayed close throughout. In fact, there were 10 lead changes in total with Los Angeles holding a double-digit lead for only a handful of minutes. With that said, the Lakers held the lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. The Lakers ended up recording 12 blocks to the Pelicans two blocks. In addition, Los Angeles won the offensive rebounding battle, 14-6, and the turnover differential, 19-16.
The Pelicans (25-33) were led by Brandon Ingram, who tallied 34 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Zion Williamson collected 29 points, six rebounds and three assists. Jrue Holiday generated 11 points, five rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Lonzo Ball amassed 10 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.
The Lakers (44-12) were led by LeBron James and his season-high 40 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Anthony Davis totaled 21 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and six blocks. Danny Green accrued 17 points, five rebounds and four assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope led the bench with 15 points and two steals.
On deck for Los Angeles is a road matchup versus the Golden State Warriors on Thursday. As for New Orleans, they're off until Friday when they play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
While Los Angeles led for 45 minutes of this 48-minute game, it stayed close throughout. In fact, there were 10 lead changes in total with Los Angeles holding a double-digit lead for only a handful of minutes. With that said, the Lakers held the lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. The Lakers ended up recording 12 blocks to the Pelicans two blocks. In addition, Los Angeles won the offensive rebounding battle, 14-6, and the turnover differential, 19-16.
The Pelicans (25-33) were led by Brandon Ingram, who tallied 34 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Zion Williamson collected 29 points, six rebounds and three assists. Jrue Holiday generated 11 points, five rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Lonzo Ball amassed 10 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.
The Lakers (44-12) were led by LeBron James and his season-high 40 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Anthony Davis totaled 21 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and six blocks. Danny Green accrued 17 points, five rebounds and four assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope led the bench with 15 points and two steals.
On deck for Los Angeles is a road matchup versus the Golden State Warriors on Thursday. As for New Orleans, they're off until Friday when they play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Tatum Leads Celtics In Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The Boston Celtics defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 118-106, at Moda Center on Tuesday evening.
Jayson Tatum knocked down a career-high eight three-pointers to help lift the Celtics on the road. The Blazers jumped out to a quick 7-0 run, but the Celtics rallied to take a 28-24 lead after one quarter. The Celtics maintained the lead through the second and built an eight-point lead by halftime. The Celtics carried the momentum into the second half, as they outscored the hosts by seven points in the third quarter to take a 15-point lead into the final frame. The Trail Blazers had no answers in the fourth, as they trialed by double digits the rest of the way.
Six players scored in double digits for the Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum, who finished with 36 points, five rebounds and two blocks, in 34 minutes. Jaylen Brown added 24 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Gordon Hayward and Marcus Smart tallied 12 points each. The Celtics shot 48 percent from the field, including 19-of-39 from long range.
Meanwhile, C.J. McCollum led the Trail Blazers with 28 points, 10 assists, four rebounds and three blocks, in 37 minutes. Hassan Whiteside added 18 points, 19 rebounds, three assists and a block, while Trevor Ariza chipped in 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Blazers shot 45 percent from the field, including 13-of-31 from long range.
The Trail Blazers (26-33) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pacers in Indiana on Thursday. The Celtics (40-17) take on the Jazz in Utah on Wednesday.
Jayson Tatum knocked down a career-high eight three-pointers to help lift the Celtics on the road. The Blazers jumped out to a quick 7-0 run, but the Celtics rallied to take a 28-24 lead after one quarter. The Celtics maintained the lead through the second and built an eight-point lead by halftime. The Celtics carried the momentum into the second half, as they outscored the hosts by seven points in the third quarter to take a 15-point lead into the final frame. The Trail Blazers had no answers in the fourth, as they trialed by double digits the rest of the way.
Six players scored in double digits for the Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum, who finished with 36 points, five rebounds and two blocks, in 34 minutes. Jaylen Brown added 24 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Gordon Hayward and Marcus Smart tallied 12 points each. The Celtics shot 48 percent from the field, including 19-of-39 from long range.
Meanwhile, C.J. McCollum led the Trail Blazers with 28 points, 10 assists, four rebounds and three blocks, in 37 minutes. Hassan Whiteside added 18 points, 19 rebounds, three assists and a block, while Trevor Ariza chipped in 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Blazers shot 45 percent from the field, including 13-of-31 from long range.
The Trail Blazers (26-33) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pacers in Indiana on Thursday. The Celtics (40-17) take on the Jazz in Utah on Wednesday.
Kings Defeat Warriors, 112-94
The Sacramento Kings defeated the host Golden State Warriors, 112-94, at Chase Center on Tuesday.
A 33-22 first quarter really set the tone for the Kings in this game, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, the Warriors never had a shot to tie the game after that first quarter, with Sacramento leading by at least four points for the final 42 minutes of play. They really put the game to bed with a 31-21 fourth quarter. The Kings ended up shooting 53 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while holding the Warriors to 44 percent from the field and 13 percent from long range (4-of-28). In addition, Sacramento out-rebounded Golden State on the defensive end, 38-29, while winning the turnover battle, 16-10.
The Kings (24-33) were led by De'Aaron Fox, who tallied 21 points, two rebounds and five assists. Harrison Barnes matched those 21 points in an otherwise empty line. Bogdan Bogdanovic accrued 17 points, three assists and two steals. Harry Giles III totaled 13 points, nine rebounds and four assists while Buddy Hield led the bench with 19 points, six rebounds and two assists. Kent Bazemore also provided nine points and 11 boards off the bench.
The Warriors (12-46) were led by Marquese Chriss and his 21 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Andrew Wiggins generated 16 points and one assist. Damion Lee totaled 14 points, six rebounds and four assists. Jordan Poole accrued 13 points and four assists while Ky Bowman led the bench with 10 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Thursday, with Golden State playing host to the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento traveling to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.
A 33-22 first quarter really set the tone for the Kings in this game, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, the Warriors never had a shot to tie the game after that first quarter, with Sacramento leading by at least four points for the final 42 minutes of play. They really put the game to bed with a 31-21 fourth quarter. The Kings ended up shooting 53 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while holding the Warriors to 44 percent from the field and 13 percent from long range (4-of-28). In addition, Sacramento out-rebounded Golden State on the defensive end, 38-29, while winning the turnover battle, 16-10.
The Kings (24-33) were led by De'Aaron Fox, who tallied 21 points, two rebounds and five assists. Harrison Barnes matched those 21 points in an otherwise empty line. Bogdan Bogdanovic accrued 17 points, three assists and two steals. Harry Giles III totaled 13 points, nine rebounds and four assists while Buddy Hield led the bench with 19 points, six rebounds and two assists. Kent Bazemore also provided nine points and 11 boards off the bench.
The Warriors (12-46) were led by Marquese Chriss and his 21 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Andrew Wiggins generated 16 points and one assist. Damion Lee totaled 14 points, six rebounds and four assists. Jordan Poole accrued 13 points and four assists while Ky Bowman led the bench with 10 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Thursday, with Golden State playing host to the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento traveling to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.