Wizards Edge Pacers in OT, 133-132
The Washington Wizards defeated the Indiana Pacers in overtime, 133-132, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Saturday night.
The Wizards (32-36) and Pacers (31-36) had already combined for two astronomical point totals and instant classics in their two previous meetings this season, and with both teams still jostling for final playoff positioning, there was certainly expectation that Saturday's game would be no different. The first two quarters fully validated that theory, as Washington held just a one-point lead at the end of a first half in which 125 total points were scored. Indiana then created some much-needed space in the third quarter and built a nine-point edge going into the final period, but the visitors clawed back and eventually forced overtime, nearly winning the game in regulation on a Russell Westbrook buzzer-beating attempt that narrowly missed. In the extra period, the hosts held a five-point lead late, but key fouls on either end called against Domantas Sabonis and Caris Levert -- the latter on a Westbrook shot attempt with one second remaining -- facilitated a one-point lead for the Wizards they preserved when Westbrook blocked LeVert's last-gasp three-point try.
Bradley Beal, who left the game late in regulation with an ankle injury, paced the Wizards with 50 points, adding five rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Westbrook finished with a 33-point, 19-rebound, 15-assist triple-double that also included two blocks and one steal. It was the 181st career triple-double for the future Hall of Famer, tying him with Oscar Robertson for first all-time. Rui Hachimura totaled 13 points, six boards, one assist and one block. Davis Bertans netted 10 points, while Alex Len mustered eight points, 10 rebounds, one assist and three blocks.
LeVert led the Pacers with 35 points, supplementing them with 14 rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Sabonis followed with a 30-point, 13-rebound, 13-assist triple double that also included three steals. Edmond Sumner delivered 13 points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals. Oshae Brissett managed 12 points, four boards and one steal. Doug McDermott poured in 11 points.
The Wizards remain on the road and pay a visit to the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night, while the Pacers hit the road and face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night as well.
The Wizards (32-36) and Pacers (31-36) had already combined for two astronomical point totals and instant classics in their two previous meetings this season, and with both teams still jostling for final playoff positioning, there was certainly expectation that Saturday's game would be no different. The first two quarters fully validated that theory, as Washington held just a one-point lead at the end of a first half in which 125 total points were scored. Indiana then created some much-needed space in the third quarter and built a nine-point edge going into the final period, but the visitors clawed back and eventually forced overtime, nearly winning the game in regulation on a Russell Westbrook buzzer-beating attempt that narrowly missed. In the extra period, the hosts held a five-point lead late, but key fouls on either end called against Domantas Sabonis and Caris Levert -- the latter on a Westbrook shot attempt with one second remaining -- facilitated a one-point lead for the Wizards they preserved when Westbrook blocked LeVert's last-gasp three-point try.
Bradley Beal, who left the game late in regulation with an ankle injury, paced the Wizards with 50 points, adding five rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Westbrook finished with a 33-point, 19-rebound, 15-assist triple-double that also included two blocks and one steal. It was the 181st career triple-double for the future Hall of Famer, tying him with Oscar Robertson for first all-time. Rui Hachimura totaled 13 points, six boards, one assist and one block. Davis Bertans netted 10 points, while Alex Len mustered eight points, 10 rebounds, one assist and three blocks.
LeVert led the Pacers with 35 points, supplementing them with 14 rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Sabonis followed with a 30-point, 13-rebound, 13-assist triple double that also included three steals. Edmond Sumner delivered 13 points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals. Oshae Brissett managed 12 points, four boards and one steal. Doug McDermott poured in 11 points.
The Wizards remain on the road and pay a visit to the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night, while the Pacers hit the road and face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night as well.
Sixers Extend Winning Streak After Defeating Pistons
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Detroit Pistons, 118-104, at Wells Fargo Center on Saturday evening.
The 76ers (47-21) have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA over the last few weeks and they've managed to extend their winning streak to eight contests with a huge win over the Pistons (20-48) on Saturday. Philadelphia got off to a huge advantage in the first quarter and established a 17-point edge following the first 12 minutes (34-17), and they would never relinquish that lead the rest of the way. The Pistons reduced the advantage to "only" 13 points after winning the second quarter by a 26-22 score, but that wasn't enough to even mount the possibility of a comeback. The Sixers would pull away even further following a 33-30 score in the third quarter, and while Detroit won the final quarter by two points (31-29), the game was over way before the final 12 minutes of action. The Sixers took advantage of their impressive start to walk away with a commanding victory at home.
Joel Embiid was the best player on the court and finished with 29 points while adding six rebounds, and Tyrese Maxey added 22 points in a spot start. Tobias Harris had 18 points with six rebounds and four assists, while Danny Green added 11 points. Dwight Howard scored 19 points and added 14 rebounds while coming off the bench.
Six Detroit players scored in double digits during the loss against the 76ers, but no player reached the 15-point mark. Jerami Grant and Saddiq Bey each had 14 points, though it's worth noting Bey also pulled down seven rebounds while Grant added four boards and two blocks. Mason Plumlee had 12 points with six rebounds and five assists, while Sekou Doumbouya notched 12 points. Frank Jackson had 11 points and Killian Hayes added 10 as well.
The 76ers (47-21) have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA over the last few weeks and they've managed to extend their winning streak to eight contests with a huge win over the Pistons (20-48) on Saturday. Philadelphia got off to a huge advantage in the first quarter and established a 17-point edge following the first 12 minutes (34-17), and they would never relinquish that lead the rest of the way. The Pistons reduced the advantage to "only" 13 points after winning the second quarter by a 26-22 score, but that wasn't enough to even mount the possibility of a comeback. The Sixers would pull away even further following a 33-30 score in the third quarter, and while Detroit won the final quarter by two points (31-29), the game was over way before the final 12 minutes of action. The Sixers took advantage of their impressive start to walk away with a commanding victory at home.
Joel Embiid was the best player on the court and finished with 29 points while adding six rebounds, and Tyrese Maxey added 22 points in a spot start. Tobias Harris had 18 points with six rebounds and four assists, while Danny Green added 11 points. Dwight Howard scored 19 points and added 14 rebounds while coming off the bench.
Six Detroit players scored in double digits during the loss against the 76ers, but no player reached the 15-point mark. Jerami Grant and Saddiq Bey each had 14 points, though it's worth noting Bey also pulled down seven rebounds while Grant added four boards and two blocks. Mason Plumlee had 12 points with six rebounds and five assists, while Sekou Doumbouya notched 12 points. Frank Jackson had 11 points and Killian Hayes added 10 as well.
Grizzlies Best Short-Handed Raptors, 109-99
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Toronto Raptors, 109-99, at Amalie Arena on Saturday night.
The Grizzlies (34-33) came into the contest knowing they'd face a Raptors (27-41) squad down three starters, but they encountered a prepared and feisty unit in the first half that came just a point short of matching them bucket for bucket. However, Memphis was able to add eight points to its advantage heading into the final period courtesy of a 34-point third quarter, yet Toronto managed to claw back and forge multiple one-point leads in the first half of the fourth quarter before the visitors outscored them, 23-12, over the final 6:28.
Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies with 20 points, adding four rebounds, two assists, three steals and one block. Jonas Valanciunas posted an 18-point, 21-rebound double-double that also included one assist, four blocks and one steal. Kyle Anderson turned in 16 points, five rebounds and five assists. De'Anthony Melton netted 15 points, while Dillon Brooks supplied 14 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Ja Morant offered 12 points, seven rebounds, six assists and one steal.
Pascal Siakam and Gary Trent co-led the Raptors with 18 points, with Siakam also dishing out four assists and Trent pulling down seven rebounds. Jalen Harris delivered 16 points, six boards, four assists and one steal. Malachi Flynn managed 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. Yuta Watanbe furnished 11 points, four rebounds and one steal. Khem Birch totaled 10 points, six rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block.
The Grizzlies return home to host the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night, while the Raptors host the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night.
The Grizzlies (34-33) came into the contest knowing they'd face a Raptors (27-41) squad down three starters, but they encountered a prepared and feisty unit in the first half that came just a point short of matching them bucket for bucket. However, Memphis was able to add eight points to its advantage heading into the final period courtesy of a 34-point third quarter, yet Toronto managed to claw back and forge multiple one-point leads in the first half of the fourth quarter before the visitors outscored them, 23-12, over the final 6:28.
Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies with 20 points, adding four rebounds, two assists, three steals and one block. Jonas Valanciunas posted an 18-point, 21-rebound double-double that also included one assist, four blocks and one steal. Kyle Anderson turned in 16 points, five rebounds and five assists. De'Anthony Melton netted 15 points, while Dillon Brooks supplied 14 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Ja Morant offered 12 points, seven rebounds, six assists and one steal.
Pascal Siakam and Gary Trent co-led the Raptors with 18 points, with Siakam also dishing out four assists and Trent pulling down seven rebounds. Jalen Harris delivered 16 points, six boards, four assists and one steal. Malachi Flynn managed 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. Yuta Watanbe furnished 11 points, four rebounds and one steal. Khem Birch totaled 10 points, six rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block.
The Grizzlies return home to host the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night, while the Raptors host the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night.
Nets Rally For Much-Needed Win
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the host Denver Nuggets, 125-119, at Ball Arena on Saturday evening.
The Nuggets got out to a great start with a, 37-24, lead after one quarter. The game tightened up in the second, but the Nuggets managed to add another two points to their advantage, heading into halftime. The Nets picked up the pace in the third and poured in 41 points, cutting it to a seven-point game, heading into the final frame. They carried the momentum into the fourth and locked down on the defensive end to edge out the Nuggets and earn a much-needed win, ending a four-game slide.
Kevin Durant led the way for the Nets with 33 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks, in 40 minutes. Kyrie Irving added 31 points on 11-of-17 shooting, while Blake Griffin added 20 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. The Nets shot 62 percent from the field, including 16-of-31 from deep.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 29 points, seven rebounds and six assists in 36 minutes. Michael Porter Jr. followed up with 28 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Facundo Campazzo totaled 19 points, five assists, two rebounds and three steals. The Nuggets shot 46 percent from the field, including 14-of-41 from long range.
The Nuggets (44-24) will look to bounce back as they take on the Hornets in Charlotte on Tuesday. The Nets (44-24) take on the Bulls in Chicago on Tuesday.
The Nuggets got out to a great start with a, 37-24, lead after one quarter. The game tightened up in the second, but the Nuggets managed to add another two points to their advantage, heading into halftime. The Nets picked up the pace in the third and poured in 41 points, cutting it to a seven-point game, heading into the final frame. They carried the momentum into the fourth and locked down on the defensive end to edge out the Nuggets and earn a much-needed win, ending a four-game slide.
Kevin Durant led the way for the Nets with 33 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks, in 40 minutes. Kyrie Irving added 31 points on 11-of-17 shooting, while Blake Griffin added 20 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. The Nets shot 62 percent from the field, including 16-of-31 from deep.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 29 points, seven rebounds and six assists in 36 minutes. Michael Porter Jr. followed up with 28 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Facundo Campazzo totaled 19 points, five assists, two rebounds and three steals. The Nuggets shot 46 percent from the field, including 14-of-41 from long range.
The Nuggets (44-24) will look to bounce back as they take on the Hornets in Charlotte on Tuesday. The Nets (44-24) take on the Bulls in Chicago on Tuesday.
Warriors Dominant In Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 136-97, at Chase Center on Saturday evening.
The Warriors got out to a strong start and led, 37-25, after one quarter. They doubled down in the second, where they outscored the visitors, 36-23, to take a 25-point lead into halftime. The Thunder had no answers in the third, as the Warriors added another 14 points to their lead and took total control into the final frame. They cruised to their second straight win, while this marks the sixth straight loss for the Thunder.
Stephen Curry led the way for the Warriors with, 49 points on 14-of-26 shooting, in just 29 minutes of action. Andrew Wiggins followed up with 18 points, four assists, three rebounds and a block, while Jordan Poole chipped in 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting. The Warriors shot 58 percent from the field, including 27-of-54 from deep.
Meanwhile, Svi Mykhailiuk led the Thunder with 17 points, four rebounds, three steals and two assists, in 25 minutes. Luguentz Dort followed up with 16 points and four rebounds, while Jaylen Hoard and Kenrich Williams added 13 points each. The Thunder shot 40 percent from the field, including 9-of-37 from long range.
The Thunder (21-47) will look to bounce back as they take on the Kings in Sacramento on Sunday. The Warriors (35-33) play host to the Jazz on Monday.
The Warriors got out to a strong start and led, 37-25, after one quarter. They doubled down in the second, where they outscored the visitors, 36-23, to take a 25-point lead into halftime. The Thunder had no answers in the third, as the Warriors added another 14 points to their lead and took total control into the final frame. They cruised to their second straight win, while this marks the sixth straight loss for the Thunder.
Stephen Curry led the way for the Warriors with, 49 points on 14-of-26 shooting, in just 29 minutes of action. Andrew Wiggins followed up with 18 points, four assists, three rebounds and a block, while Jordan Poole chipped in 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting. The Warriors shot 58 percent from the field, including 27-of-54 from deep.
Meanwhile, Svi Mykhailiuk led the Thunder with 17 points, four rebounds, three steals and two assists, in 25 minutes. Luguentz Dort followed up with 16 points and four rebounds, while Jaylen Hoard and Kenrich Williams added 13 points each. The Thunder shot 40 percent from the field, including 9-of-37 from long range.
The Thunder (21-47) will look to bounce back as they take on the Kings in Sacramento on Sunday. The Warriors (35-33) play host to the Jazz on Monday.
Trail Blazers Defeat Spurs, 124-102
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 124-102, at Moda Center on Saturday.
While there were seven lead changes in the first 15 minutes of this game. Portland dominated from there. In fact, they won all four individual quarters, leading by 10 points at the half and holding a double-digit lead for the final 20 minutes of play. The Trail Blazers shot 46 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range while holding the Spurs to 40 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range. Portland out-rebounded San Antonio, 63-40, while out-assisting them, 24-17.
The Spurs (32-35) were led by DeMar DeRozan, tallying 20 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals. Lonnie Walker started and amassed 18 points and eight rebounds. Dejounte Murray collected 15 points, four rebounds and five assists. Rudy Gay led the bench with 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
The Trail Blazers (39-29) were led by Damian Lillard and his 30 points, four rebounds and eight assists. C.J. McCollum totaled 27 points, five rebounds and two assists. Norman Powell had 18 points and six rebounds while Jusuf Nurkic accumulated 17 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Robert Covington also had 11 rebounds.
Portland returns to action on Monday in a home matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers. As for San Antonio, they return to action on Wednesday in a road matchup with the Brooklyn Nets.
While there were seven lead changes in the first 15 minutes of this game. Portland dominated from there. In fact, they won all four individual quarters, leading by 10 points at the half and holding a double-digit lead for the final 20 minutes of play. The Trail Blazers shot 46 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range while holding the Spurs to 40 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range. Portland out-rebounded San Antonio, 63-40, while out-assisting them, 24-17.
The Spurs (32-35) were led by DeMar DeRozan, tallying 20 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals. Lonnie Walker started and amassed 18 points and eight rebounds. Dejounte Murray collected 15 points, four rebounds and five assists. Rudy Gay led the bench with 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
The Trail Blazers (39-29) were led by Damian Lillard and his 30 points, four rebounds and eight assists. C.J. McCollum totaled 27 points, five rebounds and two assists. Norman Powell had 18 points and six rebounds while Jusuf Nurkic accumulated 17 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Robert Covington also had 11 rebounds.
Portland returns to action on Monday in a home matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers. As for San Antonio, they return to action on Wednesday in a road matchup with the Brooklyn Nets.
Jazz Defeat Rockets, 124-116
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 124-116, at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Saturday.
While there were five ties and seven lead changes in the first half. Utah never relinquished their lead in the second half. That can be attributed to a 34-28 second quarter and then a 30-23 third quarter. The Jazz actually got their lead up to 22 points at times in the second half, leading by eight points for the final 20 minutes of action. The Jazz outscored the Rockets, in the paint, 56-46, while out-rebounding them, 49-40. Utah shot 53 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range while holding Houston to 44 percent from the field and 35 percent from long range.
The Rockets (16-52) were led by Kenyon Martin Jr and his 27 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals. DaQuan Jeffries amassed 17 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Jae'Sean Tate accrued 13 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists. Khyri Thomas led the bench with 27 points, five rebounds, three assists and five steals.
The Jazz (50-18) were led by Georges Niang, totaling 24 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Bojan Bogdanovic generated 20 points, five rebounds and two assists. Joe Ingles accrued 14 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Rudy Gobert finished with 13 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 21 points, three rebounds and four assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Utah traveling to face the Golden State Warriors and Houston remaining on the road to play the Portland Trail Blazers.
While there were five ties and seven lead changes in the first half. Utah never relinquished their lead in the second half. That can be attributed to a 34-28 second quarter and then a 30-23 third quarter. The Jazz actually got their lead up to 22 points at times in the second half, leading by eight points for the final 20 minutes of action. The Jazz outscored the Rockets, in the paint, 56-46, while out-rebounding them, 49-40. Utah shot 53 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range while holding Houston to 44 percent from the field and 35 percent from long range.
The Rockets (16-52) were led by Kenyon Martin Jr and his 27 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals. DaQuan Jeffries amassed 17 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Jae'Sean Tate accrued 13 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists. Khyri Thomas led the bench with 27 points, five rebounds, three assists and five steals.
The Jazz (50-18) were led by Georges Niang, totaling 24 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Bojan Bogdanovic generated 20 points, five rebounds and two assists. Joe Ingles accrued 14 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Rudy Gobert finished with 13 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 21 points, three rebounds and four assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Utah traveling to face the Golden State Warriors and Houston remaining on the road to play the Portland Trail Blazers.