Bucks Come From Behind, Defeat Nets In Thrilling Affair
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 117-114, at Fiserv Forum on Sunday afternoon.
The Bucks (40-24) and the Nets (43-22) collided in what could easily be a preview of a potential Eastern Conference Finals matchup, and the game was as good as advertised with two star players leading the way for each side -- this contest turned out to be an impressive duel between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant, but the former came through and carried Milwaukee to a three-point victory. Brooklyn got off to a stronger start, however, and they jumped out to a comfortable 37-28 lead following the first quarter. The Bucks responded just before halftime, however, and they grabbed a three-point lead after outscoring Brooklyn, 34-22, in the second 12 minutes of action. The Nets flipped the script once again and made it a tied game with just one quarter to go after winning the third frame, 31-28, and the final quarter was a back-and-forth contest. In the end, Kevin Durant missed a potential game-tying three with time expiring and Milwaukee ended winning a contest that could've easily gone in a different direction.
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored a season-high 49 points to go along with eight rebounds, four assists, three blocks and a steal to carry the Bucks to victory. Khris Middleton chipped in with a 26-point, 11-rebound double-double, and he also added six assists with two steals. Jrue Holiday had 18 points with five rebounds and four assists. Bryn Forbes made his presence felt off the bench and contributed 12 points in 19 minutes.
Kevin Durant led the Nets with 42 points, 10 rebounds and two assists, while Kyrie Irving notched 20 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals. DeAndre Jordan had a double-double since he ended with 10 points and 11 rebounds, while Landry Shamet added 17 points coming off the bench. Another second-unit player, Blake Griffin, posted 11 points to go along with seven rebounds.
The Bucks (40-24) and the Nets (43-22) collided in what could easily be a preview of a potential Eastern Conference Finals matchup, and the game was as good as advertised with two star players leading the way for each side -- this contest turned out to be an impressive duel between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant, but the former came through and carried Milwaukee to a three-point victory. Brooklyn got off to a stronger start, however, and they jumped out to a comfortable 37-28 lead following the first quarter. The Bucks responded just before halftime, however, and they grabbed a three-point lead after outscoring Brooklyn, 34-22, in the second 12 minutes of action. The Nets flipped the script once again and made it a tied game with just one quarter to go after winning the third frame, 31-28, and the final quarter was a back-and-forth contest. In the end, Kevin Durant missed a potential game-tying three with time expiring and Milwaukee ended winning a contest that could've easily gone in a different direction.
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored a season-high 49 points to go along with eight rebounds, four assists, three blocks and a steal to carry the Bucks to victory. Khris Middleton chipped in with a 26-point, 11-rebound double-double, and he also added six assists with two steals. Jrue Holiday had 18 points with five rebounds and four assists. Bryn Forbes made his presence felt off the bench and contributed 12 points in 19 minutes.
Kevin Durant led the Nets with 42 points, 10 rebounds and two assists, while Kyrie Irving notched 20 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals. DeAndre Jordan had a double-double since he ended with 10 points and 11 rebounds, while Landry Shamet added 17 points coming off the bench. Another second-unit player, Blake Griffin, posted 11 points to go along with seven rebounds.
Trail Blazers Best Celtics, 129-119
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Boston Celtics, 129-119, at TD Garden on Sunday night.
The Trail Blazers (36-28) came into the contest looking to avenge a home-court loss to the Celtics (34-31) last month, and the first half played out exactly as one would expect in a battle between two teams still battling for playoff positioning. Portland and Boston were deadlocked at 71 at intermission before the visitors managed to forge a five-point lead going into the final period. The contest remained very tight until late, when the hosts were hurt by an ejection of Marcus Smart for a flagrant foul on Jusuf Nurkic and a collision between Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum with less than a minute remaining that led to the exit of both players.
C.J. McCollum led the Trail Blazers with 33 points, adding five rebounds, five assists and one block. Damian Lillard delivered a 26-point, 13-assist double-double that also included six rebounds, one steal and one block. Norman Powell supplied 23 points, three assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Nurkic totaled 14 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and two steals. Carmelo Anthony netted 13 points, while Robert Covington registered 10 points, four boards, one assist, two blocks and one steal.
Tatum led the Celtics with 33 points, supplementing them with five assists and two rebounds. Evan Fournier compiled 21 points, five boards, three assists and two steals. Brown and Aaron Nesmith had matching 16-point tallies while pulling down 11 and four rebounds, respectively. Payton Pritchard managed 13 points and six rebounds, while Smart offered 11 points, eight boards and eight assists before getting tossed.
The Trail Blazers remain on the road and visit the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night, while the Celtics also hit the road and visit the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night.
The Trail Blazers (36-28) came into the contest looking to avenge a home-court loss to the Celtics (34-31) last month, and the first half played out exactly as one would expect in a battle between two teams still battling for playoff positioning. Portland and Boston were deadlocked at 71 at intermission before the visitors managed to forge a five-point lead going into the final period. The contest remained very tight until late, when the hosts were hurt by an ejection of Marcus Smart for a flagrant foul on Jusuf Nurkic and a collision between Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum with less than a minute remaining that led to the exit of both players.
C.J. McCollum led the Trail Blazers with 33 points, adding five rebounds, five assists and one block. Damian Lillard delivered a 26-point, 13-assist double-double that also included six rebounds, one steal and one block. Norman Powell supplied 23 points, three assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Nurkic totaled 14 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and two steals. Carmelo Anthony netted 13 points, while Robert Covington registered 10 points, four boards, one assist, two blocks and one steal.
Tatum led the Celtics with 33 points, supplementing them with five assists and two rebounds. Evan Fournier compiled 21 points, five boards, three assists and two steals. Brown and Aaron Nesmith had matching 16-point tallies while pulling down 11 and four rebounds, respectively. Payton Pritchard managed 13 points and six rebounds, while Smart offered 11 points, eight boards and eight assists before getting tossed.
The Trail Blazers remain on the road and visit the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night, while the Celtics also hit the road and visit the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night.
Kings Topple Mavericks, 111-99
The Sacramento Kings defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 111-99, at American Airlines Center on Sunday night.
The Mavericks (36-28) came into the contest off a grueling Saturday night win over the Wizards, and they unsurprisingly appeared a bit sluggish during the first 12 minutes while falling behind to the Kings (27-37) by a 36-26 margin. However, Dallas appeared to get its collective legs under it a bit in the second, whittling three points from its deficit prior to halftime. Sacramento came out of intermission a refocused team, however, and they took a commanding 15-point lead into the fourth quarter thanks to outscoring their hosts, 26-18, during an impressive all-around third quarter.
Buddy Hield led the Kings with 27 points, adding six rebounds, three assists and one block. Marvin Bagley totaled 23 points, nine boards, three assists and one steal. Richaun Holmes posted 17 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Delon Wright offered 14 points, five assists, two rebounds and two steals. Tyrese Haliburton contributed 11 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal.
Luka Doncic paced the Mavericks with 30 points, complementing them with six rebounds, six assists and two steals. Jalen Brunson supplied 17 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Dwight Powell furnished 13 points, seven rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Josh Richardson went for 11 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Kings remain on the road and visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night, while the Mavericks visit the Miami Heat on Tuesday night as well.
The Mavericks (36-28) came into the contest off a grueling Saturday night win over the Wizards, and they unsurprisingly appeared a bit sluggish during the first 12 minutes while falling behind to the Kings (27-37) by a 36-26 margin. However, Dallas appeared to get its collective legs under it a bit in the second, whittling three points from its deficit prior to halftime. Sacramento came out of intermission a refocused team, however, and they took a commanding 15-point lead into the fourth quarter thanks to outscoring their hosts, 26-18, during an impressive all-around third quarter.
Buddy Hield led the Kings with 27 points, adding six rebounds, three assists and one block. Marvin Bagley totaled 23 points, nine boards, three assists and one steal. Richaun Holmes posted 17 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Delon Wright offered 14 points, five assists, two rebounds and two steals. Tyrese Haliburton contributed 11 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal.
Luka Doncic paced the Mavericks with 30 points, complementing them with six rebounds, six assists and two steals. Jalen Brunson supplied 17 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Dwight Powell furnished 13 points, seven rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Josh Richardson went for 11 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Kings remain on the road and visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night, while the Mavericks visit the Miami Heat on Tuesday night as well.
Knicks Dispose of Rockets, 122-97
The New York Knicks defeated the Houston Rockets, 122-97, at Toyota Center on Sunday night.
The Knicks (36-28) came into the contest with plenty more incentive than their opponent and played liked it in the first half, already building a commanding 59-44 lead by intermission. New York didn't get complacent at halftime, either, adding another seven points to its advantage over the Rockets (16-49) during the third quarter to set up the comfortable win.
Julius Randle led the Knicks with 31 points, adding seven rebounds, six assists and one steal. Derrick Rose supplied 24 points, six boards, four assists and one steal. RJ Barrett managed 21 points, seven boards, five assists and two steals. Immanuel Quickley registered 13 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal. Reggie Bullock furnished 11 points, three boards, one assist and one steal.
Christian Wood paced the Rockets with 19 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, three assists and one block. Kelly Olynyk generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included seven assists, three steals and one block. Kevin Porter, Jr. turned in 14 points, six rebounds, six assists and one steal. Kenyon Martin, Jr. finished with 13 points, six rebounds and one block.
The Knicks remain on the road and next visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night, while the Rockets remain home and host the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night.
The Knicks (36-28) came into the contest with plenty more incentive than their opponent and played liked it in the first half, already building a commanding 59-44 lead by intermission. New York didn't get complacent at halftime, either, adding another seven points to its advantage over the Rockets (16-49) during the third quarter to set up the comfortable win.
Julius Randle led the Knicks with 31 points, adding seven rebounds, six assists and one steal. Derrick Rose supplied 24 points, six boards, four assists and one steal. RJ Barrett managed 21 points, seven boards, five assists and two steals. Immanuel Quickley registered 13 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal. Reggie Bullock furnished 11 points, three boards, one assist and one steal.
Christian Wood paced the Rockets with 19 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, three assists and one block. Kelly Olynyk generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included seven assists, three steals and one block. Kevin Porter, Jr. turned in 14 points, six rebounds, six assists and one steal. Kenyon Martin, Jr. finished with 13 points, six rebounds and one block.
The Knicks remain on the road and next visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night, while the Rockets remain home and host the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night.
Sixers Close Out Fourth Straight Win In Overtime
By Dan Bruno
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 113-111, in overtime, at AT&T Center on Sunday evening.
The Sixers got out to a great start with a, 37-27, lead after one quarter. They stayed strong and held the advantage through the second, while the Spurs managed to trim it to a nine-point game by halftime. Both teams came out strong in the third and after a back-and-forth quarter, the Sixers reclaimed a 10-point lead heading into the final frame. The Spurs turned it up a notch in the fourth and chipped away through the quarter to tie it up at 107, with a minute left, and after neither team could convert their final attempts, the contest went to overtime. The Sixers scored the first points of overtime and managed to stay one step ahead through the low-scoring period to close out their fourth straight win, while this marks the third straight loss for the Spurs.
Joel Embiid led the way for the 76ers with 34 points and 12 rebounds, in 34 minutes of action. Seth Curry followed up with 22 points, five rebounds and two steals, while Dwight Howard totaled 14 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks, off the bench. The 76ers shot 44 percent from the field, including 11-of-30 from long range.
Meanwhile, Lonnie Walker led the Spurs with 23 points, two assists and a block, in 31 minutes off the bench. Rudy Gay totaled 18 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Keldon Johnson finished with 19 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. The Spurs shot 44 percent from the field, including 12-of-31 from deep.
The Spurs (31-32) will look to bounce back as they take on the Jazz in Utah on Monday. The 76ers (43-21) take on the Bulls in Chicago on Monday.
The Sixers got out to a great start with a, 37-27, lead after one quarter. They stayed strong and held the advantage through the second, while the Spurs managed to trim it to a nine-point game by halftime. Both teams came out strong in the third and after a back-and-forth quarter, the Sixers reclaimed a 10-point lead heading into the final frame. The Spurs turned it up a notch in the fourth and chipped away through the quarter to tie it up at 107, with a minute left, and after neither team could convert their final attempts, the contest went to overtime. The Sixers scored the first points of overtime and managed to stay one step ahead through the low-scoring period to close out their fourth straight win, while this marks the third straight loss for the Spurs.
Joel Embiid led the way for the 76ers with 34 points and 12 rebounds, in 34 minutes of action. Seth Curry followed up with 22 points, five rebounds and two steals, while Dwight Howard totaled 14 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks, off the bench. The 76ers shot 44 percent from the field, including 11-of-30 from long range.
Meanwhile, Lonnie Walker led the Spurs with 23 points, two assists and a block, in 31 minutes off the bench. Rudy Gay totaled 18 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Keldon Johnson finished with 19 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. The Spurs shot 44 percent from the field, including 12-of-31 from deep.
The Spurs (31-32) will look to bounce back as they take on the Jazz in Utah on Monday. The 76ers (43-21) take on the Bulls in Chicago on Monday.
Suns Hold On For Fourth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Phoenix Suns defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder, 123-120, at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Sunday evening.
The Thunder got out to a good start with a, 33-27, lead after one quarter. The Suns responded in the second and outscored the hosts by 13 points in the quarter, to take a seven-point lead into halftime. They carried the momentum into the third and pushed their lead to 13 points, heading into the final frame. The Suns stayed strong to start the fourth, but the Thunder made a push in crunch time, as they went on a, 14-2, run to cut it to a four-point game with 36 seconds left. However, the Suns managed to hold on thanks to a couple clutch free throws from Mikal Bridges, which was just enough for them to walk away with a fourth straight win.
Devin Booker led the way for the Suns with 32 points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals, in 36 minutes. Chris Paul totaled 18 points and 11 assists, while Torrey Craig added 18 points, 10 rebounds, a steal and a block. The Suns shot 53 percent from the field, including 12-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile, seven players scored in double digits for the Thunder, led by Darius Bazley, who totaled 19 points, nine rebounds and three assists, in 35 minutes. Theo Maledon followed up with 18 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Kenrich Williams and Ty Jerome chipped in 15 points each. The Thunder shot 48 percent from the field, including 13-of-30 from long range.
The Thunder (21-44) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Kings on Tuesday. The Suns (46-18) take on the Cavs in Cleveland on Tuesday.
The Thunder got out to a good start with a, 33-27, lead after one quarter. The Suns responded in the second and outscored the hosts by 13 points in the quarter, to take a seven-point lead into halftime. They carried the momentum into the third and pushed their lead to 13 points, heading into the final frame. The Suns stayed strong to start the fourth, but the Thunder made a push in crunch time, as they went on a, 14-2, run to cut it to a four-point game with 36 seconds left. However, the Suns managed to hold on thanks to a couple clutch free throws from Mikal Bridges, which was just enough for them to walk away with a fourth straight win.
Devin Booker led the way for the Suns with 32 points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals, in 36 minutes. Chris Paul totaled 18 points and 11 assists, while Torrey Craig added 18 points, 10 rebounds, a steal and a block. The Suns shot 53 percent from the field, including 12-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile, seven players scored in double digits for the Thunder, led by Darius Bazley, who totaled 19 points, nine rebounds and three assists, in 35 minutes. Theo Maledon followed up with 18 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Kenrich Williams and Ty Jerome chipped in 15 points each. The Thunder shot 48 percent from the field, including 13-of-30 from long range.
The Thunder (21-44) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Kings on Tuesday. The Suns (46-18) take on the Cavs in Cleveland on Tuesday.
Heat Defeat Hornets, 121-111
The Miami Heat defeated the host Charlotte Hornets, 121-111, at Spectrum Center on Sunday.
Miami got out to a 35-32 lead after the first quarter and never relinquished the lead from there. In fact, they led by 20 points going into the fourth quarter, thanks to a 35-22 third quartet to take control. The final 10-point margin was the closest it got since the middle of the third quarter. Miami shot 51 percent from the field while holding Charlotte to 49 percent shooting. In addition, the Heat out-blocked the Hornets, 6-1, while winning the turnover battle, 14-11. Miami also outscored Charlotte in the paint, 64-50, and in fastbreak points, 22-9.
The Heat (35-30) were led by Bam Adebayo, tallying 20 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists. Kendrick Nunn amassed 19 points and two assists. Jimmy Butler tallied 18 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Trevor Ariza accrued nine points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals while Goran Dragic led the bench with 18 points.
The Hornets (31-33) were led by P.J. Washington, generating 21 points, six rebounds and three steals. Miles Bridges totaled 15 points, four rebounds and five assists. Terry Rozier had 14 points, three rebounds and three assists while LaMelo Ball finished with 14 points, six rebounds, five assists and four steals. Jalen McDaniels led the bench with 12 points and nine boards.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Miami returning home to face the surging Dallas Mavericks and Charlotte traveling to face the struggling Detroit Pistons.
Miami got out to a 35-32 lead after the first quarter and never relinquished the lead from there. In fact, they led by 20 points going into the fourth quarter, thanks to a 35-22 third quartet to take control. The final 10-point margin was the closest it got since the middle of the third quarter. Miami shot 51 percent from the field while holding Charlotte to 49 percent shooting. In addition, the Heat out-blocked the Hornets, 6-1, while winning the turnover battle, 14-11. Miami also outscored Charlotte in the paint, 64-50, and in fastbreak points, 22-9.
The Heat (35-30) were led by Bam Adebayo, tallying 20 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists. Kendrick Nunn amassed 19 points and two assists. Jimmy Butler tallied 18 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Trevor Ariza accrued nine points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals while Goran Dragic led the bench with 18 points.
The Hornets (31-33) were led by P.J. Washington, generating 21 points, six rebounds and three steals. Miles Bridges totaled 15 points, four rebounds and five assists. Terry Rozier had 14 points, three rebounds and three assists while LaMelo Ball finished with 14 points, six rebounds, five assists and four steals. Jalen McDaniels led the bench with 12 points and nine boards.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Miami returning home to face the surging Dallas Mavericks and Charlotte traveling to face the struggling Detroit Pistons.
Raptors Defeat Lakers, 121-114
The Toronto Raptors defeated the host Los Angeles Lakers, 121-114, at Staples Center on Sunday.
A 40-22 second quarter carried Toronto to their win here, holding the lead for the entirety of the second half after that lopsided second frame. They actually held a double-digit lead for most of the second half, with the Lakers never getting within six points. The Raptors ended up recording 11 steals while winning the turnover battle, 14-12. Toronto also out-rebounded Los Angeles, 49-44.
The Raptors (27-38) were led by Pascal Siakam, tallying 39 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Kyle Lowry collected 37 points, two rebounds and 11 assists. Khem Birch amassed four points and nine rebounds. The other two starters went scoreless. De'Andre Bembry led the bench with 14 points, eight rebounds and three steals.
The Lakers (36-28) were led by LeBron James and his 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Andre Drummond generated 19 points and 11 rebounds. Anthony Davis finished with 12 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Kyle Kuzma led the bench with 24 points, three rebounds and two blocks.
Los Angeles has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Monday, playing host to the Denver Nuggets. Toronto returns to action on Tuesday, playing the other Los Angeles team on the road.
A 40-22 second quarter carried Toronto to their win here, holding the lead for the entirety of the second half after that lopsided second frame. They actually held a double-digit lead for most of the second half, with the Lakers never getting within six points. The Raptors ended up recording 11 steals while winning the turnover battle, 14-12. Toronto also out-rebounded Los Angeles, 49-44.
The Raptors (27-38) were led by Pascal Siakam, tallying 39 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Kyle Lowry collected 37 points, two rebounds and 11 assists. Khem Birch amassed four points and nine rebounds. The other two starters went scoreless. De'Andre Bembry led the bench with 14 points, eight rebounds and three steals.
The Lakers (36-28) were led by LeBron James and his 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Andre Drummond generated 19 points and 11 rebounds. Anthony Davis finished with 12 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Kyle Kuzma led the bench with 24 points, three rebounds and two blocks.
Los Angeles has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Monday, playing host to the Denver Nuggets. Toronto returns to action on Tuesday, playing the other Los Angeles team on the road.