Bucks Dominate, Dismantle Hornets To Extend Winning Run
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 93-85, at Spectrum Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Bucks (52-8) improved to 25-5 away from home this season with an impressive performance on both ends of the court, as they didn't have problems to defeat the Hornets (21-39), who fell to 9-19 at home in what has been another disappointed campaign for the Eastern Conference franchise. The game was a low-scoring affair as neither side topped the 100-point plateau, but Milwaukee didn't have to work very hard to steal the win from Spectrum Center. The Bucks quickly jumped to a 26-20 lead in the first quarter, and they wouldn't let go the advantage the rest of the way. Charlotte won the second quarter by a 23-19 score and the third quarter ended 25-25, however, so Milwaukee had a slim two-point lead entering the final 12 minutes of action. The Bucks closed the game out, however, with a 23-17 fourth quarter.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for the Bucks in a game where he scored nearly half of Milwaukee's points -- the reigning MVP finished with 41 points (17-28 FG) while adding 20 rebounds, six assists and one steal. Brook Lopez notched 16 points with seven rebounds, and veteran point guard George Hill chipped in with 11 points off the bench. Eric Bledsoe struggled, though, and only finished with four points on 2-8 shooting.
Five Hornets players scored in double digits here despite the loss. Devonte' Graham led the way with 17 points and three assists, while Terry Rozier chipped in with 13 points, four assists and three rebounds. Rookie P.J. Washington added 12 points and six boards, and Cody Martin notched 10 points coming off the bench. Willy Hernangomez posted 10 points and grabbed 13 rebounds.
The Bucks (52-8) improved to 25-5 away from home this season with an impressive performance on both ends of the court, as they didn't have problems to defeat the Hornets (21-39), who fell to 9-19 at home in what has been another disappointed campaign for the Eastern Conference franchise. The game was a low-scoring affair as neither side topped the 100-point plateau, but Milwaukee didn't have to work very hard to steal the win from Spectrum Center. The Bucks quickly jumped to a 26-20 lead in the first quarter, and they wouldn't let go the advantage the rest of the way. Charlotte won the second quarter by a 23-19 score and the third quarter ended 25-25, however, so Milwaukee had a slim two-point lead entering the final 12 minutes of action. The Bucks closed the game out, however, with a 23-17 fourth quarter.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for the Bucks in a game where he scored nearly half of Milwaukee's points -- the reigning MVP finished with 41 points (17-28 FG) while adding 20 rebounds, six assists and one steal. Brook Lopez notched 16 points with seven rebounds, and veteran point guard George Hill chipped in with 11 points off the bench. Eric Bledsoe struggled, though, and only finished with four points on 2-8 shooting.
Five Hornets players scored in double digits here despite the loss. Devonte' Graham led the way with 17 points and three assists, while Terry Rozier chipped in with 13 points, four assists and three rebounds. Rookie P.J. Washington added 12 points and six boards, and Cody Martin notched 10 points coming off the bench. Willy Hernangomez posted 10 points and grabbed 13 rebounds.
Clippers Defeat Sixers, 136-130
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Philadelphia 76ers, 136-130, at Staples Center on Sunday,
While there were 14 ties in this game, Los Angeles rode a 38-24 third quarter to their victory. In fact, they trailed 87-80 with seven minutes remaining in that quarter but finished on a 28-8 run to take a 12-point leading headed into the final quarter. Philly could never recapture the lead after that and never even had a shot to tie the game. The Clippers shot 59 percent from the field, 54 percent from three-point range and 81 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Sixers to 51 percent from the field, 49 percent from long range and 65 percent from the charity stripe. In addition, Los Angeles' bench outscored Philly's bench, 69-43.
The Sixers (37-24) got a career performance from Shake Milton, who collected 39 points, three rebounds and five assists on 14-of-20 from the field. Tobias Harris accrued 25 points, four rebounds and four assists. Al Horford accumulated 12 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two blocks. Alec Burks led the bench with 15 points, six rebounds and three assists.
The Clippers (41-19) were led by Kawhi Leonard and his 30 points, six rebounds and three assists. Paul George accrued 24 points, four rebounds and two steals. Lou Williams led the bench with 24 points, two rebounds and eight assists. Montrezl Harrell also had 24 points off the bench, adding nine rebounds to his line.
Both teams are off until Tuesday, with Philly remaining on the road to face the Los Angeles Lakers and the Clippers traveling to play the Oklahoma City Thunder.
While there were 14 ties in this game, Los Angeles rode a 38-24 third quarter to their victory. In fact, they trailed 87-80 with seven minutes remaining in that quarter but finished on a 28-8 run to take a 12-point leading headed into the final quarter. Philly could never recapture the lead after that and never even had a shot to tie the game. The Clippers shot 59 percent from the field, 54 percent from three-point range and 81 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Sixers to 51 percent from the field, 49 percent from long range and 65 percent from the charity stripe. In addition, Los Angeles' bench outscored Philly's bench, 69-43.
The Sixers (37-24) got a career performance from Shake Milton, who collected 39 points, three rebounds and five assists on 14-of-20 from the field. Tobias Harris accrued 25 points, four rebounds and four assists. Al Horford accumulated 12 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two blocks. Alec Burks led the bench with 15 points, six rebounds and three assists.
The Clippers (41-19) were led by Kawhi Leonard and his 30 points, six rebounds and three assists. Paul George accrued 24 points, four rebounds and two steals. Lou Williams led the bench with 24 points, two rebounds and eight assists. Montrezl Harrell also had 24 points off the bench, adding nine rebounds to his line.
Both teams are off until Tuesday, with Philly remaining on the road to face the Los Angeles Lakers and the Clippers traveling to play the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Mavericks Defeat T'Wolves, 111-91
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the host Minnesota Timberwolves, 111-91, at Target Center on Sunday.
Dallas got out to a 28-24 lead after the first quarter and cruised to a victory after a 35-20 second quarter. That allowed the Mavericks to win in wire-to-wire fashion, holding a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. Dallas ended up shooting 47 percent from the field while holding Minnesota to just 36 percent shooting. In addition, the Mavericks out-assisted the Timberwolves, 28-19, while out-rebounding them on the defensive end, 50-43. Dallas also went 12-of-19 from the free-throw line while Minnesota connected on just 6-of-15.
The Mavericks (37-24) were led by Kristaps Porzingis, who tallied 38 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and five blocks. Seth Curry generated 27 points and four assists. Tim Hardaway Jr amassed 19 points, six rebounds and two steals. Dorian Finney-Smith collected nine points, 11 rebounds and four assists while Delon Wright accumulated four points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals.
The Timberwolves (17-42) were led by D'Angelo Russell and his 16 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Malik Beasley totaled 14 points and three boards. Juancho Hernangomez finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Naz Reid provided nine points, 12 rebounds and two assists while Jarrett Culver led the bench with 12 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Dallas has to play again on Monday, staying on the road to face the Chicago Bulls. As for Minnesota, they travel to play the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday for their next fixture.
Dallas got out to a 28-24 lead after the first quarter and cruised to a victory after a 35-20 second quarter. That allowed the Mavericks to win in wire-to-wire fashion, holding a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. Dallas ended up shooting 47 percent from the field while holding Minnesota to just 36 percent shooting. In addition, the Mavericks out-assisted the Timberwolves, 28-19, while out-rebounding them on the defensive end, 50-43. Dallas also went 12-of-19 from the free-throw line while Minnesota connected on just 6-of-15.
The Mavericks (37-24) were led by Kristaps Porzingis, who tallied 38 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and five blocks. Seth Curry generated 27 points and four assists. Tim Hardaway Jr amassed 19 points, six rebounds and two steals. Dorian Finney-Smith collected nine points, 11 rebounds and four assists while Delon Wright accumulated four points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals.
The Timberwolves (17-42) were led by D'Angelo Russell and his 16 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Malik Beasley totaled 14 points and three boards. Juancho Hernangomez finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Naz Reid provided nine points, 12 rebounds and two assists while Jarrett Culver led the bench with 12 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Dallas has to play again on Monday, staying on the road to face the Chicago Bulls. As for Minnesota, they travel to play the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday for their next fixture.
Nuggets Hold Off Shorthanded Raptors
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Toronto Raptors, 133-118, at Pepsi Center on Sunday evening.
The Nuggets had eight players score in double digits, as they held off the shorthanded Raptors. The contest got out to a high-scoring start, but the Nuggets took control with a 40-32 lead after one quarter. The Raptors picked up the intensity in the second and chipped away until they made it a four-point game by halftime. The Nuggets held the edge through the third, but they could not create any more separation, as the Raptors matched them through the quarter, to keep it at a four-point game, heading into the final frame. The Nuggets took care of business in the fourth, as they pushed their lead to double digits and despite a continued push from the Raptors, the Nuggets closed out the home win.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 23 points, 18 rebounds, 11 assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. Jamal Murray added 22 points and five rebounds, while Jerami Grant chipped in 16 points, six assists and three rebounds. The Nuggets shot 57 percent from the field, including 18-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, O.G. Anunoby led the Raptors with 32 points, seven rebounds, seven steals and three assists, in 40 minutes. Norman Powell added 24 points, six rebounds and a block, while Kyle Lowry added 17 points, eight assists and five rebounds. The Raptors shot 46 percent from the field, including 10-of-38 from long range.
The Raptors (42-18) will look to bounce back as they take on the Suns in Phoenix on Tuesday. The Nuggets (41-19) host the Warriors on Tuesday.
The Nuggets had eight players score in double digits, as they held off the shorthanded Raptors. The contest got out to a high-scoring start, but the Nuggets took control with a 40-32 lead after one quarter. The Raptors picked up the intensity in the second and chipped away until they made it a four-point game by halftime. The Nuggets held the edge through the third, but they could not create any more separation, as the Raptors matched them through the quarter, to keep it at a four-point game, heading into the final frame. The Nuggets took care of business in the fourth, as they pushed their lead to double digits and despite a continued push from the Raptors, the Nuggets closed out the home win.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 23 points, 18 rebounds, 11 assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. Jamal Murray added 22 points and five rebounds, while Jerami Grant chipped in 16 points, six assists and three rebounds. The Nuggets shot 57 percent from the field, including 18-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, O.G. Anunoby led the Raptors with 32 points, seven rebounds, seven steals and three assists, in 40 minutes. Norman Powell added 24 points, six rebounds and a block, while Kyle Lowry added 17 points, eight assists and five rebounds. The Raptors shot 46 percent from the field, including 10-of-38 from long range.
The Raptors (42-18) will look to bounce back as they take on the Suns in Phoenix on Tuesday. The Nuggets (41-19) host the Warriors on Tuesday.
Kings Hold Off Pistons
By Dan Bruno
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Detroit Pistons, 106-100, at Golden 1 Center on Sunday evening.
The Pistons got out to a great start on the road, with a 31-16 lead after one quarter. The Kings responded in the second and outscored the visitors by 14 points in the quarter, to cut it to a one-point game by halftime. The Kings carried the momentum into the third and pushed to a 10-point lead mid way through the quarter and held on to take a six-point advantage into the final frame. They pushed their lead back up to 10 early in the fourth and managed to maintain control the rest of the way, to earn their second straight win.
De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 23 points, seven assists, three rebounds and a block, in 32 minutes. Buddy Hield followed up with 19 points, six rebounds and two assists, off the bench, while Harry Giles III tallied 12 points, seven rebounds, a blocks and a steal. The Kings shot 41 percent from the field, including 9-of-35 from long range.
Meanwhile, Christian Wood led the Pistons with 20 points, 12 rebounds and a block, in 35 minutes. Brandon Knight tallied 16 points, seven assists and three rebounds, while Svi Mykhailiuk added 14 points, six rebounds and two assists. The Pistons shot 41 percent from the field, including 18-of-42 from long range.
The Pistons (20-42) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Thunder on Wednesday. The Kings (26-34) play host to the Wizards on Tuesday.
The Pistons got out to a great start on the road, with a 31-16 lead after one quarter. The Kings responded in the second and outscored the visitors by 14 points in the quarter, to cut it to a one-point game by halftime. The Kings carried the momentum into the third and pushed to a 10-point lead mid way through the quarter and held on to take a six-point advantage into the final frame. They pushed their lead back up to 10 early in the fourth and managed to maintain control the rest of the way, to earn their second straight win.
De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 23 points, seven assists, three rebounds and a block, in 32 minutes. Buddy Hield followed up with 19 points, six rebounds and two assists, off the bench, while Harry Giles III tallied 12 points, seven rebounds, a blocks and a steal. The Kings shot 41 percent from the field, including 9-of-35 from long range.
Meanwhile, Christian Wood led the Pistons with 20 points, 12 rebounds and a block, in 35 minutes. Brandon Knight tallied 16 points, seven assists and three rebounds, while Svi Mykhailiuk added 14 points, six rebounds and two assists. The Pistons shot 41 percent from the field, including 18-of-42 from long range.
The Pistons (20-42) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Thunder on Wednesday. The Kings (26-34) play host to the Wizards on Tuesday.
Lakers Get Past Pelicans, 122-114
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 122-114, at Smoothie King Center on Sunday night.
The Lakers (46-13) bounced back from a first-quarter four-point deficit to take a two-point lead into halftime, but the Pelicans (26-34) were right back on top by two heading into the final period. That set up a competitive fourth quarter that saw Los Angeles go on an 11-0 run early to take a lead they wouldn't relinquish, even though New Orleans got as close as within two with 3:18 left before fading.
LeBron James led the way for the Lakers with a 34-point, 13-assist, 12-rebound triple-double that also included two steals. Kyle Kuzma delivered 20 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope followed with 13 points, two assists and three steals. Avery Bradley and Danny Green generated matching 10-point tallies while recording three assists and three rebounds, respectively. Markieff Morris supplied 10 points, four boards, one assist and one steal.
Zion Williamson paced the Pelicans with 35 points, complementing them with seven rebounds. Lonzo Ball registered 19 points, nine assists, nine rebounds, three steals and one block. Brandon Ingram checked in with 15 points, four boards, two assists and one steal. Derrick Favors mustered a 12-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included one steal and one block. Jrue Holiday furnished 11 points, six assists, five rebounds and one steal.
The Lakers return home to tangle with the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night, while the Pelicans remain home versus the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night as well.
The Lakers (46-13) bounced back from a first-quarter four-point deficit to take a two-point lead into halftime, but the Pelicans (26-34) were right back on top by two heading into the final period. That set up a competitive fourth quarter that saw Los Angeles go on an 11-0 run early to take a lead they wouldn't relinquish, even though New Orleans got as close as within two with 3:18 left before fading.
LeBron James led the way for the Lakers with a 34-point, 13-assist, 12-rebound triple-double that also included two steals. Kyle Kuzma delivered 20 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope followed with 13 points, two assists and three steals. Avery Bradley and Danny Green generated matching 10-point tallies while recording three assists and three rebounds, respectively. Markieff Morris supplied 10 points, four boards, one assist and one steal.
Zion Williamson paced the Pelicans with 35 points, complementing them with seven rebounds. Lonzo Ball registered 19 points, nine assists, nine rebounds, three steals and one block. Brandon Ingram checked in with 15 points, four boards, two assists and one steal. Derrick Favors mustered a 12-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included one steal and one block. Jrue Holiday furnished 11 points, six assists, five rebounds and one steal.
The Lakers return home to tangle with the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night, while the Pelicans remain home versus the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night as well.
Wizards Blast Warriors, 124-110
The Washington Wizards defeated the Golden State Warriors, 124-110, at Chase Center on Sunday night.
The Wizards (22-37) jumped out to a fast start, taking a 35-28 lead over the Warriors (13-48) over the first 12 minutes. Washington still held a six-point advantage at halftime and then put the game away for all practical purposes by adding another 12 points to their edge heading into the final period. Golden State would never seriously threaten in the fourth and lost by double digits despite shooting a solid 47.2 percent and winning the rebounding battle, 52-34. Turnovers were a major culprit, with the hosts giving the ball away on 21 occasions.
Bradley Beal paced the Wizards with 34 points, adding eight assists, two rebounds and five steals. Davis Bertans followed with 29 points and complemented them with four rebounds and one block. Rui Hachimura provided 15 points, eight boards and one assist. Thomas Bryant totaled 12 points, two rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Shabazz Napier supplied nine points, five assists, three rebounds and three steals.
Andrew Wiggins led the Warriors with 27 points, supplementing them with six boards, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Eric Paschall finished with 17 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Jordan Poole and Mychal Mulder matched Paschall's scoring total, with Poole also dishing out seven assists. Marquese Chriss generated a 12-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included two assists and two blocks. Damion Lee went for 10 points, six boards, two assists, two steals and one block.
The Wizards remain on their Western Conference swing and next visit the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night, while the Warriors visit the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night.
The Wizards (22-37) jumped out to a fast start, taking a 35-28 lead over the Warriors (13-48) over the first 12 minutes. Washington still held a six-point advantage at halftime and then put the game away for all practical purposes by adding another 12 points to their edge heading into the final period. Golden State would never seriously threaten in the fourth and lost by double digits despite shooting a solid 47.2 percent and winning the rebounding battle, 52-34. Turnovers were a major culprit, with the hosts giving the ball away on 21 occasions.
Bradley Beal paced the Wizards with 34 points, adding eight assists, two rebounds and five steals. Davis Bertans followed with 29 points and complemented them with four rebounds and one block. Rui Hachimura provided 15 points, eight boards and one assist. Thomas Bryant totaled 12 points, two rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Shabazz Napier supplied nine points, five assists, three rebounds and three steals.
Andrew Wiggins led the Warriors with 27 points, supplementing them with six boards, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Eric Paschall finished with 17 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Jordan Poole and Mychal Mulder matched Paschall's scoring total, with Poole also dishing out seven assists. Marquese Chriss generated a 12-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included two assists and two blocks. Damion Lee went for 10 points, six boards, two assists, two steals and one block.
The Wizards remain on their Western Conference swing and next visit the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night, while the Warriors visit the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night.